A survey of customer satisfaction, expectations and perceptions as a measure of service quality in SANBS
- Authors: Mququ, Mpumzi H
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: South African National Blood Service Consumer satisfaction Customer services -- Quality control Customer services -- Rating of Blood banks -- Quality control -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:767 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003888
- Description: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the service quality that the SANBS provides to its customers, by measuring customers’ perceptions and their expectations of service quality provided by the supplier of blood transfusion services. The organization that is used for this study is the South African National Blood Service (SANBS). Specifically the study seeks to: 1. Determine the extent to which customers are satisfied or not satisfied with the service they receive from the SANBS using the ten-dimensional format of SERVQUAL model, modified to the specific service quality requirements of the blood transfusion service industry. 2. Establish customers’ perceptions of the service they receive using a multiple-item scale (SERVQUAL) for measuring consumer perceptions of service quality. 3. Establish customers’ expectations of the service, and compare them to their perceptions of the service they currently receive. The comparison is made along each service quality dimension, across different parts of same service on a geographical basis, and across different customer groups on a customer category (or type) basis. 4. Recommend implementation of appropriate service quality performance improvement procedures where necessary. Study design and methods: The data for the study came from the SANBS’ customer perception and expectation survey conducted in 2005. Questionnaires were sent out to hospitals that use products and services provided by the SANBS in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces of South Africa. The questionnaire was based on the multiple-item SERVQUAL model for measuring consumer perceptions of service quality, modified and tailored to specific service quality requirements of the blood transfusion service industry. Questionnaires were sent out to 113 (69.3%) hospitals out of a total of 163 blood-utilizing hospitals in the two provinces. Of the 113 hospitals, 92 (81.4%) responded, with questionnaires rendered unusable. The final sample size is 88 and is included in the final study database. The data is analyzed by comparing different parts of the service on a geographical basis namely KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape zones. The data is also analyzed by comparing different customer groups namely the Rural State Hospitals, the Urban State Hospitals and Private Hospitals. Results: The result confirms the research (alternative) hypothesis (H1 : μ1 ≠ μ2), and rejects Ho. The overall expectations ratings are higher than the perceptions ratings, and the KwaZulu-Natal expectations ratings are higher than the Eastern Cape ratings. The expectations of private hospitals and rural state hospitals have a higher rating than that of urban state hospitals and the perceptions of private and urban state hospitals have a higher rating than that of rural state hospitals. The largest service quality gap is the accessibility dimension which relates specifically to approachability and ease with which customers can access staff at different levels of the organization by e-mail, and includes accessing of knowledgeable blood bank personnel and medical staff of SANBS, but may also relate to the distance of hospitals from the nearest blood bank, all of which are situated in urban state hospitals. The mean difference for accessibility is the highest followed by the understanding customer mean difference. The mean differences for the other dimension categories are significantly less than that of the largest two dimensions, but not significantly different amongst themselves. The mean difference for rural state hospitals is the largest followed by private hospitals and urban state hospitals. The mean difference for rural state hospitals is greater than that for urban state hospitals in both zones, but the mean difference for private hospitals is greater in KwaZulu-Natal than in the Eastern Cape. The dimension means of differences for rural state hospitals are greater than that for urban state hospitals. According to the correlations between expectations and perceptions for different dimensions, there is a weak or no linear relationship between expectations and perceptions. Conclusion: This empirical study supports the literature on the provision of service quality, and concludes that there is a statistically significant difference or gap between the services offered by the SANBS as perceived by its customers, and the expectations of its customers. The study substantiates the need for management of blood transfusion services to take into account customer perceptions of service quality and their expectations, and upon identification of gaps, to implement appropriate service quality improvement processes, rather than take a one sided view of their (SANBS’) own perception of service quality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Mququ, Mpumzi H
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: South African National Blood Service Consumer satisfaction Customer services -- Quality control Customer services -- Rating of Blood banks -- Quality control -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:767 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003888
- Description: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the service quality that the SANBS provides to its customers, by measuring customers’ perceptions and their expectations of service quality provided by the supplier of blood transfusion services. The organization that is used for this study is the South African National Blood Service (SANBS). Specifically the study seeks to: 1. Determine the extent to which customers are satisfied or not satisfied with the service they receive from the SANBS using the ten-dimensional format of SERVQUAL model, modified to the specific service quality requirements of the blood transfusion service industry. 2. Establish customers’ perceptions of the service they receive using a multiple-item scale (SERVQUAL) for measuring consumer perceptions of service quality. 3. Establish customers’ expectations of the service, and compare them to their perceptions of the service they currently receive. The comparison is made along each service quality dimension, across different parts of same service on a geographical basis, and across different customer groups on a customer category (or type) basis. 4. Recommend implementation of appropriate service quality performance improvement procedures where necessary. Study design and methods: The data for the study came from the SANBS’ customer perception and expectation survey conducted in 2005. Questionnaires were sent out to hospitals that use products and services provided by the SANBS in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces of South Africa. The questionnaire was based on the multiple-item SERVQUAL model for measuring consumer perceptions of service quality, modified and tailored to specific service quality requirements of the blood transfusion service industry. Questionnaires were sent out to 113 (69.3%) hospitals out of a total of 163 blood-utilizing hospitals in the two provinces. Of the 113 hospitals, 92 (81.4%) responded, with questionnaires rendered unusable. The final sample size is 88 and is included in the final study database. The data is analyzed by comparing different parts of the service on a geographical basis namely KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape zones. The data is also analyzed by comparing different customer groups namely the Rural State Hospitals, the Urban State Hospitals and Private Hospitals. Results: The result confirms the research (alternative) hypothesis (H1 : μ1 ≠ μ2), and rejects Ho. The overall expectations ratings are higher than the perceptions ratings, and the KwaZulu-Natal expectations ratings are higher than the Eastern Cape ratings. The expectations of private hospitals and rural state hospitals have a higher rating than that of urban state hospitals and the perceptions of private and urban state hospitals have a higher rating than that of rural state hospitals. The largest service quality gap is the accessibility dimension which relates specifically to approachability and ease with which customers can access staff at different levels of the organization by e-mail, and includes accessing of knowledgeable blood bank personnel and medical staff of SANBS, but may also relate to the distance of hospitals from the nearest blood bank, all of which are situated in urban state hospitals. The mean difference for accessibility is the highest followed by the understanding customer mean difference. The mean differences for the other dimension categories are significantly less than that of the largest two dimensions, but not significantly different amongst themselves. The mean difference for rural state hospitals is the largest followed by private hospitals and urban state hospitals. The mean difference for rural state hospitals is greater than that for urban state hospitals in both zones, but the mean difference for private hospitals is greater in KwaZulu-Natal than in the Eastern Cape. The dimension means of differences for rural state hospitals are greater than that for urban state hospitals. According to the correlations between expectations and perceptions for different dimensions, there is a weak or no linear relationship between expectations and perceptions. Conclusion: This empirical study supports the literature on the provision of service quality, and concludes that there is a statistically significant difference or gap between the services offered by the SANBS as perceived by its customers, and the expectations of its customers. The study substantiates the need for management of blood transfusion services to take into account customer perceptions of service quality and their expectations, and upon identification of gaps, to implement appropriate service quality improvement processes, rather than take a one sided view of their (SANBS’) own perception of service quality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Blogging, journalism and the public sphere: assessing the value of the 'blogosphere' as a new form of the public sphere : a case study of the Mail & Guardian Online's Blogmark
- Authors: Sibanda, Fortune
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Habermas, Jürgen -- Criticism and interpretation , Mail & Guardian , Blogs -- South Africa , Online journalism -- South Africa , Electronic newspapers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002938 , Habermas, Jürgen -- Criticism and interpretation , Mail & Guardian , Blogs -- South Africa , Online journalism -- South Africa , Electronic newspapers -- South Africa
- Description: The study seeks to investigate whether weblogs can act as virtual public spheres, where people can meet to discuss issues of interest to them. It uses the Mail & Guardian Online’s Blogmark as a case study. Weblogs – highly interactive online journals comprised of links and postings in reverse chronological order – are fast becoming an avenue of choice for many internet users wanting to share opinions and news with others online. Because of their unique read-and-write characteristics, some have equated them to the 18th century coffeehouses, around which the early forms of citizen involvement in public affairs began in early capitalist Europe. Despite their growing popularity, however, not much scholarly work has been dedicated to the practice of blogging in Africa, and particularly in South Africa. The study’s theoretical framework is drawn from Jürgen Habermas’s concept of the public sphere. While noting some of the criticisms of the Habermasian model, it is argued that the concept is instrumental in our understanding of the relationship between the media and democracy. The study, however, adopted a re-worked model of the concept of the public sphere. This model argues for the need to have a multiplicity of public sphericules (instead of one single public sphere as advocated by Habermas), around which individuals can congregate to discuss issues of common concern to them. Using a combination of qualitative content analysis, self-completion questionnaires and a semi-structured interview, the study found Blogmark to be an example of how emerging internet genres such as weblogs can be vehicles of citizen involvement in public life. A range of issues were discussed in the blog, from politics, race and ii i gender issues, to personal anecdotes, relationships, and sex. However, while some posts exhibited high levels of interactivity, with many bloggers joining in to offer their opinions, some read like online monologues. The study argues that although blogging is a practice that is still limited to a few privileged individuals, with the everrising size of the ‘blogosphere’, weblogs such as Blogmark are making a small but not insignificant contribution to the number of voices that can be heard in the public realm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Sibanda, Fortune
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Habermas, Jürgen -- Criticism and interpretation , Mail & Guardian , Blogs -- South Africa , Online journalism -- South Africa , Electronic newspapers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002938 , Habermas, Jürgen -- Criticism and interpretation , Mail & Guardian , Blogs -- South Africa , Online journalism -- South Africa , Electronic newspapers -- South Africa
- Description: The study seeks to investigate whether weblogs can act as virtual public spheres, where people can meet to discuss issues of interest to them. It uses the Mail & Guardian Online’s Blogmark as a case study. Weblogs – highly interactive online journals comprised of links and postings in reverse chronological order – are fast becoming an avenue of choice for many internet users wanting to share opinions and news with others online. Because of their unique read-and-write characteristics, some have equated them to the 18th century coffeehouses, around which the early forms of citizen involvement in public affairs began in early capitalist Europe. Despite their growing popularity, however, not much scholarly work has been dedicated to the practice of blogging in Africa, and particularly in South Africa. The study’s theoretical framework is drawn from Jürgen Habermas’s concept of the public sphere. While noting some of the criticisms of the Habermasian model, it is argued that the concept is instrumental in our understanding of the relationship between the media and democracy. The study, however, adopted a re-worked model of the concept of the public sphere. This model argues for the need to have a multiplicity of public sphericules (instead of one single public sphere as advocated by Habermas), around which individuals can congregate to discuss issues of common concern to them. Using a combination of qualitative content analysis, self-completion questionnaires and a semi-structured interview, the study found Blogmark to be an example of how emerging internet genres such as weblogs can be vehicles of citizen involvement in public life. A range of issues were discussed in the blog, from politics, race and ii i gender issues, to personal anecdotes, relationships, and sex. However, while some posts exhibited high levels of interactivity, with many bloggers joining in to offer their opinions, some read like online monologues. The study argues that although blogging is a practice that is still limited to a few privileged individuals, with the everrising size of the ‘blogosphere’, weblogs such as Blogmark are making a small but not insignificant contribution to the number of voices that can be heard in the public realm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A detailed investigation of interoperability for web services
- Authors: Wright, Madeleine
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Firefox , Web services , World Wide Web , Computer architecture , C# (Computer program language) , PHP (Computer program language) , Java (Computer program language)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4592 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004832 , Firefox , Web services , World Wide Web , Computer architecture , C# (Computer program language) , PHP (Computer program language) , Java (Computer program language)
- Description: The thesis presents a qualitative survey of web services' interoperability, offering a snapshot of development and trends at the end of 2005. It starts by examining the beginnings of web services in earlier distributed computing and middleware technologies, determining the distance from these approaches evident in current web-services architectures. It establishes a working definition of web services, examining the protocols that now seek to define it and the extent to which they contribute to its most crucial feature, interoperability. The thesis then considers the REST approach to web services as being in a class of its own, concluding that this approach to interoperable distributed computing is not only the simplest but also the most interoperable. It looks briefly at interoperability issues raised by technologies in the wider arena of Service Oriented Architecture. The chapter on protocols is complemented by a chapter that validates the qualitative findings by examining web services in practice. These have been implemented by a variety of toolkits and on different platforms. Included in the study is a preliminary examination of JAX-WS, the replacement for JAX-RPC, which is still under development. Although the main language of implementation is Java, the study includes services in C# and PHP and one implementation of a client using a Firefox extension. The study concludes that different forms of web service may co-exist with earlier middleware technologies. While remaining aware that there are still pitfalls that might yet derail the movement towards greater interoperability, the conclusion sounds an optimistic note that recent cooperation between different vendors may yet result in a solution that achieves interoperability through core web-service standards.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Wright, Madeleine
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Firefox , Web services , World Wide Web , Computer architecture , C# (Computer program language) , PHP (Computer program language) , Java (Computer program language)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4592 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004832 , Firefox , Web services , World Wide Web , Computer architecture , C# (Computer program language) , PHP (Computer program language) , Java (Computer program language)
- Description: The thesis presents a qualitative survey of web services' interoperability, offering a snapshot of development and trends at the end of 2005. It starts by examining the beginnings of web services in earlier distributed computing and middleware technologies, determining the distance from these approaches evident in current web-services architectures. It establishes a working definition of web services, examining the protocols that now seek to define it and the extent to which they contribute to its most crucial feature, interoperability. The thesis then considers the REST approach to web services as being in a class of its own, concluding that this approach to interoperable distributed computing is not only the simplest but also the most interoperable. It looks briefly at interoperability issues raised by technologies in the wider arena of Service Oriented Architecture. The chapter on protocols is complemented by a chapter that validates the qualitative findings by examining web services in practice. These have been implemented by a variety of toolkits and on different platforms. Included in the study is a preliminary examination of JAX-WS, the replacement for JAX-RPC, which is still under development. Although the main language of implementation is Java, the study includes services in C# and PHP and one implementation of a client using a Firefox extension. The study concludes that different forms of web service may co-exist with earlier middleware technologies. While remaining aware that there are still pitfalls that might yet derail the movement towards greater interoperability, the conclusion sounds an optimistic note that recent cooperation between different vendors may yet result in a solution that achieves interoperability through core web-service standards.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Raging in service of the self: exploring a five-year old boy's aggression within his play therapy
- Authors: Smith, Austin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Play therapy , Aggressiveness in children , Self-perception in children , Child development , Child psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3057 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002566 , Play therapy , Aggressiveness in children , Self-perception in children , Child development , Child psychology
- Description: This thesis takes the form of an in-depth case study within which the play therapy process of an aggressive 5-year-old boy was explored. The aim of the research was to examine the abundant expressions of aggression that were present within his therapy, and in so doing reflect their rich communicative content and their relevance and purpose in the development of his Self. Object relations theory formed the lens and theoretical context for this research with Winnicott’s contributions and Parens' model of aggression being considered in particular. A detailed data resource of the therapy process was compiled and transposed into narrative form. These narratives were reviewed with a reading guide as a means to facilitate a hermeneutic exploration of the data. The emergent themes were considered against the case data and the current theory, which allowed for their further analysis and development. From this the value of using Parens’ model was considered and deemed useful although limited in its contribution. The analysis and the themes which emerged conveyed how within this case the child’s aggression presented as: a significant feature of his ambivalence towards relationships; a powerful and pervasive protective fantasy of omnipotence; inherently linked to his sense of self and self expression; and as actively involved in his True Self’s hope-filled attempts for an alternative experience. This thesis provides a descriptive account of a challenging case, offering insights into the value and meaningful content of aggressive behaviours, with the intention being to reflect that which is often not easily appreciated or readily observable within such a therapy process, a trace of hope.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Smith, Austin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Play therapy , Aggressiveness in children , Self-perception in children , Child development , Child psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3057 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002566 , Play therapy , Aggressiveness in children , Self-perception in children , Child development , Child psychology
- Description: This thesis takes the form of an in-depth case study within which the play therapy process of an aggressive 5-year-old boy was explored. The aim of the research was to examine the abundant expressions of aggression that were present within his therapy, and in so doing reflect their rich communicative content and their relevance and purpose in the development of his Self. Object relations theory formed the lens and theoretical context for this research with Winnicott’s contributions and Parens' model of aggression being considered in particular. A detailed data resource of the therapy process was compiled and transposed into narrative form. These narratives were reviewed with a reading guide as a means to facilitate a hermeneutic exploration of the data. The emergent themes were considered against the case data and the current theory, which allowed for their further analysis and development. From this the value of using Parens’ model was considered and deemed useful although limited in its contribution. The analysis and the themes which emerged conveyed how within this case the child’s aggression presented as: a significant feature of his ambivalence towards relationships; a powerful and pervasive protective fantasy of omnipotence; inherently linked to his sense of self and self expression; and as actively involved in his True Self’s hope-filled attempts for an alternative experience. This thesis provides a descriptive account of a challenging case, offering insights into the value and meaningful content of aggressive behaviours, with the intention being to reflect that which is often not easily appreciated or readily observable within such a therapy process, a trace of hope.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An insight into magma supply to the Karoo Igneous Province a geochemical investigation of Karoo dykes adjacent to the Northwestern sector of the Lesotho volcanic remnant
- Authors: Mitha, Vindina Ramesh
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Flood basalts -- Lesotho , Volcanism -- Lesotho , Magmatism -- Lesotho , Dikes (Geology) -- Lesotho , Geochemistry -- Lesotho , Lava -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4973 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005585 , Flood basalts -- Lesotho , Volcanism -- Lesotho , Magmatism -- Lesotho , Dikes (Geology) -- Lesotho , Geochemistry -- Lesotho , Lava -- Lesotho
- Description: The emplacement of continental flood basalt provinces is often ascribed to fissure eruption. However, in many provinces the locations of actual vent complexes remains illusive. In southern Africa, the Karoo continental flood basalt province was erupted during the Jurassic between 183 and 179 Ma. The southernmost outcrop of the Karoo continental flood basalt lavas is the Lesotho remnant; and is comprised of the Drakensberg Group which forms the uppermost portion of the Karoo Supergroup. The geochemical stratigraphy for the Drakensberg Group is well established. At the base, there are a number of small volume compositionally diverse units, which form the Barkly East Formation, overlying which, there are larger volume, compositionally less variable units of the Lesotho Formation, which form the bulk of the volcanic sequence. The Lesotho remnant is associated with an abundance of dykes in the adjacent vicinity. This suggests that the lavas were fed from local rather than distal eruption sites. This study presents whole rock major and trace element data for 94 dykes and three sills from the northern Lesotho - northeastern Free State region and demonstrates that on the basis of geochemistry, all 97 intrusions can be correlated with various units of the northern Barkly East and Lesotho Formations. In addition, the petrographical; characteristics, orientation and distribution of the dykes do not correlate with geochemistry. Geochemical discrimination diagrams have been used to identify five compositionally diverse dykes, which are similar to the northern Barkly East Formation units. Three dykes are characteristic of the Letele unit and two are compositionally similar to the Wonderkop unit. Although the geochemical characteristics of the Lesotho Formation units are rather well constrained, the composition of these units is typified by considerable overlap in composition. Therefore, since unambiguous classification of dykes with geochemical similarities to the various units of the Lesotho Formation is unachievable using an empirical approach, the multivariate forward-stepwise discriminant function analysis (DFA) technique was used to facilitate the classification of the remaining 89 dykes and three sills. Forward-stepwise DFA classified 23 dykes as having compositional similarities to the Mafika Lisiu unit, 29 as having compositions of the Maloti or Senqu types; and 32 as having the composition of the Mothae type. In addition, eight dykes are compositionally similar to the Oxbow dykes, which intrude the Senqu unit in northern Lesotho. These results suggest that that the Lesotho remnant was fed from local eruption sites and that long distance magma transport for the bulk of the Lesotho remnant basalt lavas is unlikely.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Mitha, Vindina Ramesh
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Flood basalts -- Lesotho , Volcanism -- Lesotho , Magmatism -- Lesotho , Dikes (Geology) -- Lesotho , Geochemistry -- Lesotho , Lava -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4973 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005585 , Flood basalts -- Lesotho , Volcanism -- Lesotho , Magmatism -- Lesotho , Dikes (Geology) -- Lesotho , Geochemistry -- Lesotho , Lava -- Lesotho
- Description: The emplacement of continental flood basalt provinces is often ascribed to fissure eruption. However, in many provinces the locations of actual vent complexes remains illusive. In southern Africa, the Karoo continental flood basalt province was erupted during the Jurassic between 183 and 179 Ma. The southernmost outcrop of the Karoo continental flood basalt lavas is the Lesotho remnant; and is comprised of the Drakensberg Group which forms the uppermost portion of the Karoo Supergroup. The geochemical stratigraphy for the Drakensberg Group is well established. At the base, there are a number of small volume compositionally diverse units, which form the Barkly East Formation, overlying which, there are larger volume, compositionally less variable units of the Lesotho Formation, which form the bulk of the volcanic sequence. The Lesotho remnant is associated with an abundance of dykes in the adjacent vicinity. This suggests that the lavas were fed from local rather than distal eruption sites. This study presents whole rock major and trace element data for 94 dykes and three sills from the northern Lesotho - northeastern Free State region and demonstrates that on the basis of geochemistry, all 97 intrusions can be correlated with various units of the northern Barkly East and Lesotho Formations. In addition, the petrographical; characteristics, orientation and distribution of the dykes do not correlate with geochemistry. Geochemical discrimination diagrams have been used to identify five compositionally diverse dykes, which are similar to the northern Barkly East Formation units. Three dykes are characteristic of the Letele unit and two are compositionally similar to the Wonderkop unit. Although the geochemical characteristics of the Lesotho Formation units are rather well constrained, the composition of these units is typified by considerable overlap in composition. Therefore, since unambiguous classification of dykes with geochemical similarities to the various units of the Lesotho Formation is unachievable using an empirical approach, the multivariate forward-stepwise discriminant function analysis (DFA) technique was used to facilitate the classification of the remaining 89 dykes and three sills. Forward-stepwise DFA classified 23 dykes as having compositional similarities to the Mafika Lisiu unit, 29 as having compositions of the Maloti or Senqu types; and 32 as having the composition of the Mothae type. In addition, eight dykes are compositionally similar to the Oxbow dykes, which intrude the Senqu unit in northern Lesotho. These results suggest that that the Lesotho remnant was fed from local eruption sites and that long distance magma transport for the bulk of the Lesotho remnant basalt lavas is unlikely.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Patient education : the effect on patient behaviour
- Authors: Shiri, Clarris
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Patient education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Patient compliance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Hypertension -- Treatment -- South Africa Health care services -- South Africa Community health services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:3790 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003268
- Description: Evidence suggests that the prevalence of certain non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, is increasing rapidly, and that patients with these diseases are making significant demands on the health services of the nations in sub-Saharan Africa. However, these countries also face other health-related challenges such as communicable diseases and underdevelopmentrelated diseases. Developing countries like South Africa have limited resources, in terms of man power and financial capital, to address the challenges that they are facing. Non-communicable diseases cannot be ignored and since health care providers cannot meet the challenges, it is worthwhile to empower patients to be involved in the management of their conditions. Patient education is a tool that can be used to enable patients to manage their chronic conditions and thereby reduce the morbidity and mortality rates of these conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a patient education intervention on participants’ levels of knowledge about hypertension and its therapy, beliefs about medicines and adherence to anti-hypertensive therapy. The intervention consisted of talks and discussions with all the participants as one group and as individuals. There was also written information given to the participants. Their levels of knowledge about hypertension and its therapy were measured using one-on-one interviews and self-administered questionnaires. Beliefs about medicines were measured using the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) whilst adherence levels were measured using pill counts, elf-reports and prescription refill records. The participants’ blood pressure readings and body mass indices were also recorded throughout the study. The parameters before and after the educational intervention were compared using statistical analyses. The participants’ levels of knowledge about hypertension and its therapy significantly increased whilst their beliefs about medicines were positively modified after the educational intervention. There were also increases, though not statistically significant, in the participants’ levels of adherence to anti-hypertensive therapy. Unexpectedly, the blood pressure readings and body mass indices increased significantly. The participants gave positive feedback regarding the educational intervention and indicated a desire for similar programmes to be run continuously. They also suggested that such programmes be implemented for other common chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes. This study proved that patient education programmes can be implemented to modify patients’ levels of knowledge about their conditions and the therapy, beliefs about medicines and adherence to therapy. However, such programmes need to be conducted over a long period of time since changes involving behaviour take a long time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Shiri, Clarris
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Patient education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Patient compliance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Hypertension -- Treatment -- South Africa Health care services -- South Africa Community health services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:3790 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003268
- Description: Evidence suggests that the prevalence of certain non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, is increasing rapidly, and that patients with these diseases are making significant demands on the health services of the nations in sub-Saharan Africa. However, these countries also face other health-related challenges such as communicable diseases and underdevelopmentrelated diseases. Developing countries like South Africa have limited resources, in terms of man power and financial capital, to address the challenges that they are facing. Non-communicable diseases cannot be ignored and since health care providers cannot meet the challenges, it is worthwhile to empower patients to be involved in the management of their conditions. Patient education is a tool that can be used to enable patients to manage their chronic conditions and thereby reduce the morbidity and mortality rates of these conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a patient education intervention on participants’ levels of knowledge about hypertension and its therapy, beliefs about medicines and adherence to anti-hypertensive therapy. The intervention consisted of talks and discussions with all the participants as one group and as individuals. There was also written information given to the participants. Their levels of knowledge about hypertension and its therapy were measured using one-on-one interviews and self-administered questionnaires. Beliefs about medicines were measured using the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) whilst adherence levels were measured using pill counts, elf-reports and prescription refill records. The participants’ blood pressure readings and body mass indices were also recorded throughout the study. The parameters before and after the educational intervention were compared using statistical analyses. The participants’ levels of knowledge about hypertension and its therapy significantly increased whilst their beliefs about medicines were positively modified after the educational intervention. There were also increases, though not statistically significant, in the participants’ levels of adherence to anti-hypertensive therapy. Unexpectedly, the blood pressure readings and body mass indices increased significantly. The participants gave positive feedback regarding the educational intervention and indicated a desire for similar programmes to be run continuously. They also suggested that such programmes be implemented for other common chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes. This study proved that patient education programmes can be implemented to modify patients’ levels of knowledge about their conditions and the therapy, beliefs about medicines and adherence to therapy. However, such programmes need to be conducted over a long period of time since changes involving behaviour take a long time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A study of fuzzy sets and systems with applications to group theory and decision making
- Authors: Gideon, Frednard
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Fuzzy sets , Fuzzy systems , Abelian groups , Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5417 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005231 , Fuzzy sets , Fuzzy systems , Abelian groups , Decision making
- Description: In this study we apply the knowledge of fuzzy sets to group structures and also to decision-making implications. We study fuzzy subgroups of finite abelian groups. We set G = Z[subscript p[superscript n]] + Z[subscript q[superscript m]]. The classification of fuzzy subgroups of G using equivalence classes is introduced. First, we present equivalence relations on fuzzy subsets of X, and then extend it to the study of equivalence relations of fuzzy subgroups of a group G. This is then followed by the notion of flags and keychains projected as tools for enumerating fuzzy subgroups of G. In addition to this, we use linear ordering of the lattice of subgroups to characterize the maximal chains of G. Then we narrow the gap between group theory and decision-making using relations. Finally, a theory of the decision-making process in a fuzzy environment leads to a fuzzy version of capital budgeting. We define the goal, constraints and decision and show how they conflict with each other using membership function implications. We establish sets of intervals for projecting decision boundaries in general. We use the knowledge of triangular fuzzy numbers which are restricted field of fuzzy logic to evaluate investment projections.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Gideon, Frednard
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Fuzzy sets , Fuzzy systems , Abelian groups , Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5417 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005231 , Fuzzy sets , Fuzzy systems , Abelian groups , Decision making
- Description: In this study we apply the knowledge of fuzzy sets to group structures and also to decision-making implications. We study fuzzy subgroups of finite abelian groups. We set G = Z[subscript p[superscript n]] + Z[subscript q[superscript m]]. The classification of fuzzy subgroups of G using equivalence classes is introduced. First, we present equivalence relations on fuzzy subsets of X, and then extend it to the study of equivalence relations of fuzzy subgroups of a group G. This is then followed by the notion of flags and keychains projected as tools for enumerating fuzzy subgroups of G. In addition to this, we use linear ordering of the lattice of subgroups to characterize the maximal chains of G. Then we narrow the gap between group theory and decision-making using relations. Finally, a theory of the decision-making process in a fuzzy environment leads to a fuzzy version of capital budgeting. We define the goal, constraints and decision and show how they conflict with each other using membership function implications. We establish sets of intervals for projecting decision boundaries in general. We use the knowledge of triangular fuzzy numbers which are restricted field of fuzzy logic to evaluate investment projections.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
The evaluation of Phenrica sp.2 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticinae), as a possible biological control agent for Madeira vine, Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis in South Africa
- Authors: Van der Westhuizen, Liamé
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa , Biological pest control agents -- South Africa , Invasive plants -- Biological control -- South Africa , Chrysomelidae , Beetles , Flea beetles , Anredera cordifolia -- Biological control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5689 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005375 , Weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa , Biological pest control agents -- South Africa , Invasive plants -- Biological control -- South Africa , Chrysomelidae , Beetles , Flea beetles , Anredera cordifolia -- Biological control
- Description: Anredera cordifolia (Basellaceae), Madeira vine, is a perennial, semi- succulent climber native from Paraguay to southern Brazil and northern Argentina. It has a history of weediness and difficulty of control once established. In South Africa Madeira vine has a wide range and distribution with altitudes ranging from 10-1800m above sea level. Described as a transformer species, its sheer weight is capable of breaking branches off trees, causing the potential collapse of forest canopies. Chemical and mechanical control methods are expensive, labour intensive and may provide only temporary relief. A biological control programme was therefore initiated in 2003. Cf Phenrica sp. 2 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticinae), was field collected from A. cordifolia in Brazil, SSW of Cascavel in the Paraná Province during a survey in November 2003. Eggs are laid in groups of 16 with the average fertility rate being 89%. After going though three larval instars, the larvae pupate in the soil with the adults eclosing after a period of 17 days. The total developmental time for a generation from egg to egg ranges between 7-8 weeks. Biological traits that favour the flea beetle as a possible biological control agent include long-lived adults (up to 5 months) and multiple generations during the summer period. Both adults and larvae feed extensively on leaves and stems and although developmental rates will slow down during the winter period, no indication of a definite diapause was found under the prevailing laboratory conditions. After completing the larval no-choice trials with twenty-six plant species from 14 plant families Phenrica sp. 2 proved to be adequately host specific, as larval development was only supported by 3 Basellaceae species (including the control A. cordifolia) and one Portulacaceae species. All of these are introduced species in South Africa. The only indigenous Basella species could not be tested as it has a very marginal distribution, and because it’s inconspicuous nature, it is seldom seen or collected. Adult multi-choice trials were restricted to species that could sustain larval development to give some indication of the acceptability of these species for adult feeding and oviposition. Although adult feeding was initially concentrated on B. alba, the oviposition preference was clear-cut as females only oviposited on A. cordifolia. In order to quantify the impact of Phenrica sp. 2 on plant biomass and to assess the incidence and intensity of foliar damage, a pair of adults was confined to the host plant, for 2 generations, with different levels of larval densities. The results indicated that the host plant, due to both larval and adult feeding, suffered leaf losses of up to 55%. Anredera cordifolia was however still capable of enlarging the root mass despite suffering huge leaf losses. This would imply that A. cordifolia has an effective re-growth capacity and it will only be vulnerable to attack of the storage organs that enable re-growth, or to repeated attack of other plant parts through which reserves are exhausted. Unfortunately the period of exposure (24 days) was too short to prove that Phenrica sp. 2 impacts on the below ground dry mass, but should the plant be completely defoliated, as was observed in the field, the host plant would be forced to deplete stored resources. Phenrica sp.2 has shown to be very host specific and although A.cordifoia loses its leaves during the winter period in most provinces in South Africa, the adults are long-lived and should be able to survive the leafless periods. Further more the relatively short life cycle, high fecundity and 3 generations per year should theoretically insure a strong population build-up that would improve the chances of establishment in the field. All indications are that Phenrica sp. 2 is an agent well worth considering for the biological control of A. cordifolia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Van der Westhuizen, Liamé
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa , Biological pest control agents -- South Africa , Invasive plants -- Biological control -- South Africa , Chrysomelidae , Beetles , Flea beetles , Anredera cordifolia -- Biological control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5689 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005375 , Weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa , Biological pest control agents -- South Africa , Invasive plants -- Biological control -- South Africa , Chrysomelidae , Beetles , Flea beetles , Anredera cordifolia -- Biological control
- Description: Anredera cordifolia (Basellaceae), Madeira vine, is a perennial, semi- succulent climber native from Paraguay to southern Brazil and northern Argentina. It has a history of weediness and difficulty of control once established. In South Africa Madeira vine has a wide range and distribution with altitudes ranging from 10-1800m above sea level. Described as a transformer species, its sheer weight is capable of breaking branches off trees, causing the potential collapse of forest canopies. Chemical and mechanical control methods are expensive, labour intensive and may provide only temporary relief. A biological control programme was therefore initiated in 2003. Cf Phenrica sp. 2 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticinae), was field collected from A. cordifolia in Brazil, SSW of Cascavel in the Paraná Province during a survey in November 2003. Eggs are laid in groups of 16 with the average fertility rate being 89%. After going though three larval instars, the larvae pupate in the soil with the adults eclosing after a period of 17 days. The total developmental time for a generation from egg to egg ranges between 7-8 weeks. Biological traits that favour the flea beetle as a possible biological control agent include long-lived adults (up to 5 months) and multiple generations during the summer period. Both adults and larvae feed extensively on leaves and stems and although developmental rates will slow down during the winter period, no indication of a definite diapause was found under the prevailing laboratory conditions. After completing the larval no-choice trials with twenty-six plant species from 14 plant families Phenrica sp. 2 proved to be adequately host specific, as larval development was only supported by 3 Basellaceae species (including the control A. cordifolia) and one Portulacaceae species. All of these are introduced species in South Africa. The only indigenous Basella species could not be tested as it has a very marginal distribution, and because it’s inconspicuous nature, it is seldom seen or collected. Adult multi-choice trials were restricted to species that could sustain larval development to give some indication of the acceptability of these species for adult feeding and oviposition. Although adult feeding was initially concentrated on B. alba, the oviposition preference was clear-cut as females only oviposited on A. cordifolia. In order to quantify the impact of Phenrica sp. 2 on plant biomass and to assess the incidence and intensity of foliar damage, a pair of adults was confined to the host plant, for 2 generations, with different levels of larval densities. The results indicated that the host plant, due to both larval and adult feeding, suffered leaf losses of up to 55%. Anredera cordifolia was however still capable of enlarging the root mass despite suffering huge leaf losses. This would imply that A. cordifolia has an effective re-growth capacity and it will only be vulnerable to attack of the storage organs that enable re-growth, or to repeated attack of other plant parts through which reserves are exhausted. Unfortunately the period of exposure (24 days) was too short to prove that Phenrica sp. 2 impacts on the below ground dry mass, but should the plant be completely defoliated, as was observed in the field, the host plant would be forced to deplete stored resources. Phenrica sp.2 has shown to be very host specific and although A.cordifoia loses its leaves during the winter period in most provinces in South Africa, the adults are long-lived and should be able to survive the leafless periods. Further more the relatively short life cycle, high fecundity and 3 generations per year should theoretically insure a strong population build-up that would improve the chances of establishment in the field. All indications are that Phenrica sp. 2 is an agent well worth considering for the biological control of A. cordifolia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Unstable ironies: narrative instability in Herman Charles Bosman's "Oom Schalk Lourens" series
- Authors: Davis, Rebecca
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Bosman, Herman Charles, 1905-1951 -- Criticism and interpretation , Irony in literature , Narration (Rhetoric)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2215 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002258 , Bosman, Herman Charles, 1905-1951 -- Criticism and interpretation , Irony in literature , Narration (Rhetoric)
- Description: This thesis examines the narrative situation within Herman Charles Bosman’s “Oom Schalk Lourens” series of stories, focussing on the nature of the relationship between author and narrator. In particular, it seeks to trace the source of the multiple ironies at work in the texts. It has been customary for critics in the past to claim that the irony within the stories stems from Bosman, operating authorially ‘above’ Oom Schalk. In terms of this theory, Oom Schalk is read as being largely unaware of the inconsistencies and contradictions within his narrative. It is the claim of this thesis, however, that Oom Schalk is the self-aware creator of the texts’ ironies much of the time. Chapter 1 commences with an attempt at defining irony, and provides a brief overview of the history of its deployment within South African literature before discussing the literary genre which Bosman was to exploit as his ironic vehicle: the “oral-style” short story. Chapter 2 examines Wayne C. Booth’s notions of “stable” and “unstable” irony: the irony of the Oom Schalk stories has, in the past, been classified as belonging to the former category, but this thesis attempts to show that its inconsistent deployment within the stories consigns it more accurately to the latter. Chapter 3 offers an assessment of the extrinsic contexts relevant to the analysis: the context of the stories’ publication, and the likely composition of Bosman’s reading public. Chapter 4 begins to examine the distance between implied author and implied narrator in the stories. Chapters 5, 6 and 7 subject stories dealing with the themes of art, race and land to detailed analysis in order to examine the shifting – and progressively, though unevenly, diminishing – distance between Bosman and Oom Schalk. The thesis concludes that the degree to which the ironic distance between author and narrator fluctuates within, and between, the stories, results in a narrative situation which must be classified as fundamentally unstable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Davis, Rebecca
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Bosman, Herman Charles, 1905-1951 -- Criticism and interpretation , Irony in literature , Narration (Rhetoric)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2215 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002258 , Bosman, Herman Charles, 1905-1951 -- Criticism and interpretation , Irony in literature , Narration (Rhetoric)
- Description: This thesis examines the narrative situation within Herman Charles Bosman’s “Oom Schalk Lourens” series of stories, focussing on the nature of the relationship between author and narrator. In particular, it seeks to trace the source of the multiple ironies at work in the texts. It has been customary for critics in the past to claim that the irony within the stories stems from Bosman, operating authorially ‘above’ Oom Schalk. In terms of this theory, Oom Schalk is read as being largely unaware of the inconsistencies and contradictions within his narrative. It is the claim of this thesis, however, that Oom Schalk is the self-aware creator of the texts’ ironies much of the time. Chapter 1 commences with an attempt at defining irony, and provides a brief overview of the history of its deployment within South African literature before discussing the literary genre which Bosman was to exploit as his ironic vehicle: the “oral-style” short story. Chapter 2 examines Wayne C. Booth’s notions of “stable” and “unstable” irony: the irony of the Oom Schalk stories has, in the past, been classified as belonging to the former category, but this thesis attempts to show that its inconsistent deployment within the stories consigns it more accurately to the latter. Chapter 3 offers an assessment of the extrinsic contexts relevant to the analysis: the context of the stories’ publication, and the likely composition of Bosman’s reading public. Chapter 4 begins to examine the distance between implied author and implied narrator in the stories. Chapters 5, 6 and 7 subject stories dealing with the themes of art, race and land to detailed analysis in order to examine the shifting – and progressively, though unevenly, diminishing – distance between Bosman and Oom Schalk. The thesis concludes that the degree to which the ironic distance between author and narrator fluctuates within, and between, the stories, results in a narrative situation which must be classified as fundamentally unstable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Externalism, self-knowledge and explanation
- Authors: Flockemann, Richard
- Date: 2013-06-11
- Subjects: Burge, Tyler Externalism (Philosophy of mind) Self-knowledge, Theory of Philosophy of mind
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008060
- Description: In recent years, much attention has been given to the question of whether content externalism is compatible with an account of self-knowledge maintaining that we have an epistemically privileged access to the content of our propositional mental states. Philosophers who maintain the two are incompatible (incompatibilists) have put forward two majors types of challenge, which I call - following Martin Davies - the Achievement and Consequence Problems, which aim to demonstrate that self-knowledge cannot be reconciled with externalism. These challenges have spawned a great deal of literature, and a diverse range of arguments and positions have emerged in response. In this dissertation, I intend to focus on examples of these different avenues of response, and show how none of them are adequate. In the first chapter, I lay the groundwork for the debate, setting up how externalism and self-knowledge are to be understood, and outlining both the incompatibilist challenges as well as the available responses to them. In the second chapter I examine these responses in more detail, concluding finally that the best available response is Tyler Burge's. Burge has two arguments that together establish his compatibilist position. First, he shows that even if externalism is true, our judgements about our occurrent thoughts are immunejrom error. This establishes that our judgements about our thoughts must be true. Second, he offers a transcendental argument for self-knowledge, arguing that our access to our mental states must be not only true, but non-accidentally true, in a way sufficient for genuine knowledge. This establishes that we possess the correct epistemic entitlement to our thoughts. In the third chapter, I argue Burge's arguments do not, in fact, give us good reason to suppose externalism and self-knowledge to be compatible. This, I argue, is because B urge relies upon a transcendental argument, which, in this context, cannot establish that we have self-knowledge if externalism is true. All it establishes, I argue, is that we do possess self-knowledge. And this is insufficient to establish that externalism and self-knowledge are compatible. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Authors: Flockemann, Richard
- Date: 2013-06-11
- Subjects: Burge, Tyler Externalism (Philosophy of mind) Self-knowledge, Theory of Philosophy of mind
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008060
- Description: In recent years, much attention has been given to the question of whether content externalism is compatible with an account of self-knowledge maintaining that we have an epistemically privileged access to the content of our propositional mental states. Philosophers who maintain the two are incompatible (incompatibilists) have put forward two majors types of challenge, which I call - following Martin Davies - the Achievement and Consequence Problems, which aim to demonstrate that self-knowledge cannot be reconciled with externalism. These challenges have spawned a great deal of literature, and a diverse range of arguments and positions have emerged in response. In this dissertation, I intend to focus on examples of these different avenues of response, and show how none of them are adequate. In the first chapter, I lay the groundwork for the debate, setting up how externalism and self-knowledge are to be understood, and outlining both the incompatibilist challenges as well as the available responses to them. In the second chapter I examine these responses in more detail, concluding finally that the best available response is Tyler Burge's. Burge has two arguments that together establish his compatibilist position. First, he shows that even if externalism is true, our judgements about our occurrent thoughts are immunejrom error. This establishes that our judgements about our thoughts must be true. Second, he offers a transcendental argument for self-knowledge, arguing that our access to our mental states must be not only true, but non-accidentally true, in a way sufficient for genuine knowledge. This establishes that we possess the correct epistemic entitlement to our thoughts. In the third chapter, I argue Burge's arguments do not, in fact, give us good reason to suppose externalism and self-knowledge to be compatible. This, I argue, is because B urge relies upon a transcendental argument, which, in this context, cannot establish that we have self-knowledge if externalism is true. All it establishes, I argue, is that we do possess self-knowledge. And this is insufficient to establish that externalism and self-knowledge are compatible. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
Towards a new approach for coastal governance with an assessment of the Plettenberg Bay shore-based linefishery
- Authors: King, Claire Margaret
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Fishery management -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay , Fisheries -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay , Coastal zone management -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5326 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005172 , Fishery management -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay , Fisheries -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay , Coastal zone management -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay
- Description: The overall aim of this thesis, as required by the funders, was to provide research that would contribute towards the development of a bay management plan, specifically information on the local fisheries. The thesis therefore includes an assessment of the local shore-based linefishery in terms of catch and effort and socio-economics, and the development of indicators from this information with which to assess the sustainability of the fishery. Finally an implementation strategy for an integrated coastal management approach for local resource governance is proposed The shore-based linefishery of Plettenberg Bay was assessed through a combination of roving creel and access point surveys which included questions aimed at the quantification of total effort, total catch and cpue, as well as the spatial trends in catch and effort. Angler demographics as well as opinions and knowledge of current fisheries regulations were obtained and the efficiency of the fishery inspectorate was assessed. The survey period extended from August 2003 to September 2004 during which 1189 angler interviews were conducted. Catch data obtained during this study was compared to catch data gathered during a research tagging program conducted in an area closed to fishing (Tsitsikamma National Park) and a semi-open area (Rebelsrus – Cape St. Francis), thereby highlighting differences in species composition, abundance and size distribution of certain species between areas of differing fishing pressures. The fishery surveys revealed that the shore-based fishery is primarily recreational (99%) and dominated by white males. Most anglers agreed with the current fisheries regulations (60%) and admitted to abiding by them, however when tested on the regulations of their target species, their knowledge was poor. Effort in the fishery was highly seasonal with peaks coinciding with major school holidays. Total annual effort was estimated at 102 566 angler-hours, with distinct spatial patterns in effort. Total annual catch for the Plettenberg Bay shore-based linefishery was estimated at 31 217 fish.year⁻¹ with a total mass of 13.6 tons. Thirty-six fish species (26 teleost species and 10 elasmobranchs species) were identified during the survey period with Blacktail Diplodus capensis, Strepie Sarpa salpa, Red tjor-tjor Pagellus natalensis, Shad Pomatomus saltatrix and Sand steenbras Lithognathus mormyrus being the five most commonly caught species. Only 32% of interviewed anglers were successful in catching a fish with just 22% catching their primary target species. In addition, a large proportion of the anglers (69%) reported a decline in catch rate, with most blaming the commercial sector as a reason for the decline. The overall catch rate was (cpue) 0.374 fish.angler.hour⁻¹ or 170 grams.angler.hour⁻¹, considerably lower than that obtained from the fishery exempt area (TNP = 1. 02 fish.angler.hour⁻¹) and the partially exploited area (Rebelsrus = 0.91 fish.angler.hour⁻¹). In terms of species composition the most obvious difference between the three areas was the low proportion of non-migratory reef-associated species like red roman, poenskop, John brown, santer and bronze bream in Plettenberg Bay. Size comparisons revealed that the majority of species (particularly reef-associated species) were larger in the TNP than both the semi-exploited (Rebelsrus) and exploited area (Plettenberg Bay). Collectively theses findings suggest that certain species have been locally depleted, that recreational fishing has impacted heavily on the fish stocks and that even partial closure or limited access to an area can offer protection. From the results key issues were identified and sustainability indicators proposed according to the three sustainability domains (ecological, institutional and social) proposed by Pajak (2000). Within the ecological domain the most pertinent issue was the low catch rate, particularly for reef-associated species. Indicators to track these issues included: percentage of successful trips (where fish were caught), percentage of anglers that reached their daily bag limits and the proportion of the overall catch that comprised larger, more desirable species. Institutionally the most pertinent issue was the apparent inability of management institutions to manage effectively marine resources within Plettenberg Bay. Indicators within this domain included the proportion of anglers who were inspected, the existence of a localised management plan and an associated monitoring programme. Socially the fishery proved to be fairly sustainable. Indicators included in this domain were the proportion of subsistence anglers in the local fishing community, the percentage of correct answers pertaining to current fishery regulations, the level of noncompliance and the percentage of undersize fish retained. Aggregation of all the indicators within a sustainability matrix revealed that the Plettenberg Bay shore-based linefishery was unsustainable and thus requires increased local management effort. Since there is no local management strategy in place, an integrated coastal management approach for the governance of the coastal resources in Plettenberg Bay has been proposed. The development of a Coastal Management Plan and a subsidiary Bay Management Plan provide the frameworks within which management strategies can be put into operation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: King, Claire Margaret
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Fishery management -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay , Fisheries -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay , Coastal zone management -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5326 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005172 , Fishery management -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay , Fisheries -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay , Coastal zone management -- South Africa -- Plettenberg Bay
- Description: The overall aim of this thesis, as required by the funders, was to provide research that would contribute towards the development of a bay management plan, specifically information on the local fisheries. The thesis therefore includes an assessment of the local shore-based linefishery in terms of catch and effort and socio-economics, and the development of indicators from this information with which to assess the sustainability of the fishery. Finally an implementation strategy for an integrated coastal management approach for local resource governance is proposed The shore-based linefishery of Plettenberg Bay was assessed through a combination of roving creel and access point surveys which included questions aimed at the quantification of total effort, total catch and cpue, as well as the spatial trends in catch and effort. Angler demographics as well as opinions and knowledge of current fisheries regulations were obtained and the efficiency of the fishery inspectorate was assessed. The survey period extended from August 2003 to September 2004 during which 1189 angler interviews were conducted. Catch data obtained during this study was compared to catch data gathered during a research tagging program conducted in an area closed to fishing (Tsitsikamma National Park) and a semi-open area (Rebelsrus – Cape St. Francis), thereby highlighting differences in species composition, abundance and size distribution of certain species between areas of differing fishing pressures. The fishery surveys revealed that the shore-based fishery is primarily recreational (99%) and dominated by white males. Most anglers agreed with the current fisheries regulations (60%) and admitted to abiding by them, however when tested on the regulations of their target species, their knowledge was poor. Effort in the fishery was highly seasonal with peaks coinciding with major school holidays. Total annual effort was estimated at 102 566 angler-hours, with distinct spatial patterns in effort. Total annual catch for the Plettenberg Bay shore-based linefishery was estimated at 31 217 fish.year⁻¹ with a total mass of 13.6 tons. Thirty-six fish species (26 teleost species and 10 elasmobranchs species) were identified during the survey period with Blacktail Diplodus capensis, Strepie Sarpa salpa, Red tjor-tjor Pagellus natalensis, Shad Pomatomus saltatrix and Sand steenbras Lithognathus mormyrus being the five most commonly caught species. Only 32% of interviewed anglers were successful in catching a fish with just 22% catching their primary target species. In addition, a large proportion of the anglers (69%) reported a decline in catch rate, with most blaming the commercial sector as a reason for the decline. The overall catch rate was (cpue) 0.374 fish.angler.hour⁻¹ or 170 grams.angler.hour⁻¹, considerably lower than that obtained from the fishery exempt area (TNP = 1. 02 fish.angler.hour⁻¹) and the partially exploited area (Rebelsrus = 0.91 fish.angler.hour⁻¹). In terms of species composition the most obvious difference between the three areas was the low proportion of non-migratory reef-associated species like red roman, poenskop, John brown, santer and bronze bream in Plettenberg Bay. Size comparisons revealed that the majority of species (particularly reef-associated species) were larger in the TNP than both the semi-exploited (Rebelsrus) and exploited area (Plettenberg Bay). Collectively theses findings suggest that certain species have been locally depleted, that recreational fishing has impacted heavily on the fish stocks and that even partial closure or limited access to an area can offer protection. From the results key issues were identified and sustainability indicators proposed according to the three sustainability domains (ecological, institutional and social) proposed by Pajak (2000). Within the ecological domain the most pertinent issue was the low catch rate, particularly for reef-associated species. Indicators to track these issues included: percentage of successful trips (where fish were caught), percentage of anglers that reached their daily bag limits and the proportion of the overall catch that comprised larger, more desirable species. Institutionally the most pertinent issue was the apparent inability of management institutions to manage effectively marine resources within Plettenberg Bay. Indicators within this domain included the proportion of anglers who were inspected, the existence of a localised management plan and an associated monitoring programme. Socially the fishery proved to be fairly sustainable. Indicators included in this domain were the proportion of subsistence anglers in the local fishing community, the percentage of correct answers pertaining to current fishery regulations, the level of noncompliance and the percentage of undersize fish retained. Aggregation of all the indicators within a sustainability matrix revealed that the Plettenberg Bay shore-based linefishery was unsustainable and thus requires increased local management effort. Since there is no local management strategy in place, an integrated coastal management approach for the governance of the coastal resources in Plettenberg Bay has been proposed. The development of a Coastal Management Plan and a subsidiary Bay Management Plan provide the frameworks within which management strategies can be put into operation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
The population structure of two estuarine fish species, atherina breviceps (Pisces: Atherinidae) and gilchristella aestuaria (Pisces: Clupeidae), along the Southern African coastline
- Authors: Norton, Olivia Bridget
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Estuarine fishes -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Clupeidae -- South Africa , Silversides -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5745 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005431 , Estuarine fishes -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Clupeidae -- South Africa , Silversides -- South Africa
- Description: Phylogeographic patterns of coastal organisms with different life histories and breeding strategies may reveal patterns not consistent with the current delineation of the biogeographic provinces around South Africa. The subdivision of the South African coastline into these three main climatological or biogeographic regions: namely the cool temperate west coast, the warm temperate south coast and the subtropical east coast, is based on average seawater temperatures and hydrological conditions. Genealogies of two estuarine fish species Atherina breviceps, a marine breeder, and Gilchristella aestuaria, an estuarine spawner, were reconstructed using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences. The study comprised two components, an assessment of a small dataset of both fish species to compare their population structure along the South African coastline and a more comprehensive investigation of the phylogeography of G. aestuaria collected from 21 estuaries around the coast. The comparative study of A. breviceps and G. aestuaria indicate different population distribution patterns along the South African coastline. Results of the A. breviceps analysis demonstrate substantial gene flow due to the random mixing of alleles, while the comparative G. aestuaria dataset indicates a more structured population and considerably less gene flow. The G. aestuaria population demonstrates geographic separation into four groups, namely the west coast (Great Berg), Bot (south coast), Seekoei (south coast) and east coast (Bushmans, Kasouga and Cefane). Results from the larger G. aestuaria dataset indicate that the phylogeographic patterns observed during this study do not conform to existing biogeographic boundaries along the southern African coastline. The delineation identified during this study between the warm temperate and subtropical regions is further south than originally perceived and this southward extension can be ascribed to the prevailing hydrology. The life history patterns and ecology of these two estuarine fish species appears key to understanding their population structure. These factors interact with environmental characteristics such as physical oceanography and the distribution of estuaries (along the coastline) to explain the observed distribution patterns and population structure of A. breviceps and G. aestuaria.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Norton, Olivia Bridget
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Estuarine fishes -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Clupeidae -- South Africa , Silversides -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5745 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005431 , Estuarine fishes -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Clupeidae -- South Africa , Silversides -- South Africa
- Description: Phylogeographic patterns of coastal organisms with different life histories and breeding strategies may reveal patterns not consistent with the current delineation of the biogeographic provinces around South Africa. The subdivision of the South African coastline into these three main climatological or biogeographic regions: namely the cool temperate west coast, the warm temperate south coast and the subtropical east coast, is based on average seawater temperatures and hydrological conditions. Genealogies of two estuarine fish species Atherina breviceps, a marine breeder, and Gilchristella aestuaria, an estuarine spawner, were reconstructed using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences. The study comprised two components, an assessment of a small dataset of both fish species to compare their population structure along the South African coastline and a more comprehensive investigation of the phylogeography of G. aestuaria collected from 21 estuaries around the coast. The comparative study of A. breviceps and G. aestuaria indicate different population distribution patterns along the South African coastline. Results of the A. breviceps analysis demonstrate substantial gene flow due to the random mixing of alleles, while the comparative G. aestuaria dataset indicates a more structured population and considerably less gene flow. The G. aestuaria population demonstrates geographic separation into four groups, namely the west coast (Great Berg), Bot (south coast), Seekoei (south coast) and east coast (Bushmans, Kasouga and Cefane). Results from the larger G. aestuaria dataset indicate that the phylogeographic patterns observed during this study do not conform to existing biogeographic boundaries along the southern African coastline. The delineation identified during this study between the warm temperate and subtropical regions is further south than originally perceived and this southward extension can be ascribed to the prevailing hydrology. The life history patterns and ecology of these two estuarine fish species appears key to understanding their population structure. These factors interact with environmental characteristics such as physical oceanography and the distribution of estuaries (along the coastline) to explain the observed distribution patterns and population structure of A. breviceps and G. aestuaria.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
"Is rugby bad for your intellect": the effect of repetitive mild head injuries on the cognitive functioning of university level rugby players
- Authors: Smith, Ian Patrick
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Rugby football injuries Brain damage Neuropsychological tests Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications Sports injuries -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3058 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002567
- Description: The study sought to determine whether there is evidence for the presence of residual (chronic) deleterious effects on cognition due to repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in top team university level rugby players, using ImPACT 3.0, Trail Making Test (TMT) and Digit Span. The initial sample of 48 participants was divided into groups; Rugby (n = 30) and Controls (n = 18), Rugby Forwards (n = 14) and Rugby Backs (n = 16). A reduced sample (N = 31) comprised of Rugby (n = 20) and Controls (n = 11), Rugby Forwards (n = 9) and Rugby Backs (n = 11). Comparative subgroups were equivalent for estimated IQ but not for age and educational level in the full sample; in the reduced sample there was equivalence for all three variables of age, education and estimated IQ. All cognitive test measures were subjected to independent t-test analyses between groups at the pre- and post-season, and dependent t-test analyses for Rugby and Controls at pre- versus post-season. Overall, the results implicated the presence of deleterious effects of concussive events on Rugby players in the areas of speed of information processing, working memory and impulse control. Significant practice effects were found on the TMT and Digit Span for controls, but not on ImPACT 3.0, supporting the use of this computer-based programme in the sports management context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Smith, Ian Patrick
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Rugby football injuries Brain damage Neuropsychological tests Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications Sports injuries -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3058 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002567
- Description: The study sought to determine whether there is evidence for the presence of residual (chronic) deleterious effects on cognition due to repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in top team university level rugby players, using ImPACT 3.0, Trail Making Test (TMT) and Digit Span. The initial sample of 48 participants was divided into groups; Rugby (n = 30) and Controls (n = 18), Rugby Forwards (n = 14) and Rugby Backs (n = 16). A reduced sample (N = 31) comprised of Rugby (n = 20) and Controls (n = 11), Rugby Forwards (n = 9) and Rugby Backs (n = 11). Comparative subgroups were equivalent for estimated IQ but not for age and educational level in the full sample; in the reduced sample there was equivalence for all three variables of age, education and estimated IQ. All cognitive test measures were subjected to independent t-test analyses between groups at the pre- and post-season, and dependent t-test analyses for Rugby and Controls at pre- versus post-season. Overall, the results implicated the presence of deleterious effects of concussive events on Rugby players in the areas of speed of information processing, working memory and impulse control. Significant practice effects were found on the TMT and Digit Span for controls, but not on ImPACT 3.0, supporting the use of this computer-based programme in the sports management context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A review of lessons learned to inform capacity-building for sustainable nature-based tourism development in the European Union funded ʺSupport to the Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programmeʺ
- Authors: Wright, Brian Bradley
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Sustainable development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Conservation and natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- International cooperation , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic development , South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- European Union countries , European Union countries -- Foreign economic relations -- South Africa , Ecotourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1744 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003628 , Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Sustainable development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Conservation and natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- International cooperation , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic development , South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- European Union countries , European Union countries -- Foreign economic relations -- South Africa , Ecotourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This case-study establishes the influences of power-knowledge relationships on capacity-building for sustainability in the European Union Funded ‘Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme’ (EU Programme). It aims to capture the lessons learned for capacitybuilding to support nature-based tourism initiatives on the Wild Coast. The EU Programme aimed to achieve economic and social development of previously disadvantaged communities through nature-based tourism enterprises, and to develop capacity of local authorities and communities to support environmental management. The study discusses common trends in thematic categories emerging from the research data, and contextualises research findings in a broader development landscape. This study indicates that power-knowledge relations were reflected in the EU Programme’s development ideology by an exclusionary development approach, which lacked a participatory ethos. This exclusionary approach did not support an enabling environment for capacity-building. This development approach, guiding the programme conceptualization, design and implementation processes, resulted in a programme with unrealistic objectives, time-frames and resource allocations; a programme resisted by provincial and local government. The study provides a causal link between participation, programme relevance, programme ownership, commitment of stakeholders, effective management and capacity-building for sustainable programme implementation. The study argues that the underlying motivation for the exclusionary EU development ideology in the programme is driven by a risk management strategy. This approach allows the EU to hold power in the development process, whereas, an inclusionary participative development methodology would require a more in-depth negotiation with stakeholders, thereby requiring the EU to relinquish existing levels of power and control. This may increase the risk of an unexpected programme design outcome and associated exposure to financial risk. It may also have a significant financial effect on donor countries' consultancies and consultants currently driving the development industry. This study recommends an interactive-participative methodology for programme design and implementation, if an enabling environment for capacity-building is to be created. In addition, all programme stakeholders must share contractual accountability for programme outcomes. This requires a paradigm shift in the EU development ideology to an inclusionary methodology. However, this research suggests that the current EU development approach will not voluntarily change. I, therefore, argue that South Africa needs to develop a legislative framework that will guide donor-funded development programme methodology, to support an enabling environment for capacity-building.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Wright, Brian Bradley
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Sustainable development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Conservation and natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- International cooperation , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic development , South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- European Union countries , European Union countries -- Foreign economic relations -- South Africa , Ecotourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1744 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003628 , Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Sustainable development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Conservation and natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- International cooperation , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic development , South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- European Union countries , European Union countries -- Foreign economic relations -- South Africa , Ecotourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This case-study establishes the influences of power-knowledge relationships on capacity-building for sustainability in the European Union Funded ‘Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme’ (EU Programme). It aims to capture the lessons learned for capacitybuilding to support nature-based tourism initiatives on the Wild Coast. The EU Programme aimed to achieve economic and social development of previously disadvantaged communities through nature-based tourism enterprises, and to develop capacity of local authorities and communities to support environmental management. The study discusses common trends in thematic categories emerging from the research data, and contextualises research findings in a broader development landscape. This study indicates that power-knowledge relations were reflected in the EU Programme’s development ideology by an exclusionary development approach, which lacked a participatory ethos. This exclusionary approach did not support an enabling environment for capacity-building. This development approach, guiding the programme conceptualization, design and implementation processes, resulted in a programme with unrealistic objectives, time-frames and resource allocations; a programme resisted by provincial and local government. The study provides a causal link between participation, programme relevance, programme ownership, commitment of stakeholders, effective management and capacity-building for sustainable programme implementation. The study argues that the underlying motivation for the exclusionary EU development ideology in the programme is driven by a risk management strategy. This approach allows the EU to hold power in the development process, whereas, an inclusionary participative development methodology would require a more in-depth negotiation with stakeholders, thereby requiring the EU to relinquish existing levels of power and control. This may increase the risk of an unexpected programme design outcome and associated exposure to financial risk. It may also have a significant financial effect on donor countries' consultancies and consultants currently driving the development industry. This study recommends an interactive-participative methodology for programme design and implementation, if an enabling environment for capacity-building is to be created. In addition, all programme stakeholders must share contractual accountability for programme outcomes. This requires a paradigm shift in the EU development ideology to an inclusionary methodology. However, this research suggests that the current EU development approach will not voluntarily change. I, therefore, argue that South Africa needs to develop a legislative framework that will guide donor-funded development programme methodology, to support an enabling environment for capacity-building.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A model for the development of service agreements in the Information and Communication Technology sector
- Authors: Johnston, Robert
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Information technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Service industries -- Management , Service -- Level agreements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002772 , Information technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Service industries -- Management , Service -- Level agreements
- Description: SAs are documents that specify the business relationship between stakeholders to an outsourcing agreement. SAs specify this relationship in a legally binding manner that assists in managing expectations of the stakeholders about the service provision. According to Verma (1999), an SA is a precise statement of the expectations and obligations that exist in a business relationship between two organisation: the service provider and the client. In order for organizations to have successful outsourcing partnerships, they need well crafted methods of developing Service Agreements (SAs). Successful methods will produce a conclusive contract that will act as a working document that details the spirit of cooperation between the service provider and the service recipient. This research investigates the development of SAs in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, and proposes a model for their development. A number of models for SA development have been analysed. Models are analysed from leading researchers in the area, from software houses such as Microsoft and from international standards organisations such as the BS15000 which stipulates the ITIL framework. Eight development principles are identified and explored. An investigation into SAs and their development is conducted. A model is proposed that is composed of the development principles. The development of SAs was explored in an empirical study by means of a survey administered to industry practitioners and a series of interviews with managers in the ICT industry. The results of the study indicate varying levels of support for the development principles and limited relationship between the development principles and the success of the SA, as defined by the number of changes made to the SA after it is completed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Johnston, Robert
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Information technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Service industries -- Management , Service -- Level agreements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002772 , Information technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Service industries -- Management , Service -- Level agreements
- Description: SAs are documents that specify the business relationship between stakeholders to an outsourcing agreement. SAs specify this relationship in a legally binding manner that assists in managing expectations of the stakeholders about the service provision. According to Verma (1999), an SA is a precise statement of the expectations and obligations that exist in a business relationship between two organisation: the service provider and the client. In order for organizations to have successful outsourcing partnerships, they need well crafted methods of developing Service Agreements (SAs). Successful methods will produce a conclusive contract that will act as a working document that details the spirit of cooperation between the service provider and the service recipient. This research investigates the development of SAs in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, and proposes a model for their development. A number of models for SA development have been analysed. Models are analysed from leading researchers in the area, from software houses such as Microsoft and from international standards organisations such as the BS15000 which stipulates the ITIL framework. Eight development principles are identified and explored. An investigation into SAs and their development is conducted. A model is proposed that is composed of the development principles. The development of SAs was explored in an empirical study by means of a survey administered to industry practitioners and a series of interviews with managers in the ICT industry. The results of the study indicate varying levels of support for the development principles and limited relationship between the development principles and the success of the SA, as defined by the number of changes made to the SA after it is completed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Investigating the viability of a framework for small scale, easily deployable and extensible hotspot management systems
- Authors: Thinyane, Mamello P
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer networks -- Management , Computer network architectures , Computer network protocols , Wireless communication systems , XML (Document markup language)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4638 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006553
- Description: The proliferation of PALs (Public Access Locations) is fuelling the development of new standards, protocols, services, and applications for WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks). PALs are set up at public locations to meet continually changing, multiservice, multi-protocol user requirements. This research investigates the essential infrastructural requirements that will enable further proliferation of PALs, and consequently facilitate ubiquitous computing. Based on these requirements, an extensible architectural framework for PAL management systems that inherently facilitates the provisioning of multiple services and multiple protocols on PALs is derived. The ensuing framework, which is called Xobogel, is based on the microkernel architectural pattern, and the IPDR (Internet Protocol Data Record) specification. Xobogel takes into consideration and supports the implementation of diverse business models for PALs, in respect of distinct environmental factors. It also facilitates next-generation network service usage accounting through a simple, flexible, and extensible XML based usage record. The framework is subsequently validated for service element extensibility and simplicity through the design, implementation, and experimental deployment of SEHS (Small Extensible Hotspot System), a system based on the framework. The robustness and scalability of the framework is observed to be sufficient for SMME deployment, withstanding the stress testing experiments performed on SEHS. The range of service element and charging modules implemented confirm an acceptable level of flexibility and extensibility within the framework.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Thinyane, Mamello P
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer networks -- Management , Computer network architectures , Computer network protocols , Wireless communication systems , XML (Document markup language)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4638 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006553
- Description: The proliferation of PALs (Public Access Locations) is fuelling the development of new standards, protocols, services, and applications for WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks). PALs are set up at public locations to meet continually changing, multiservice, multi-protocol user requirements. This research investigates the essential infrastructural requirements that will enable further proliferation of PALs, and consequently facilitate ubiquitous computing. Based on these requirements, an extensible architectural framework for PAL management systems that inherently facilitates the provisioning of multiple services and multiple protocols on PALs is derived. The ensuing framework, which is called Xobogel, is based on the microkernel architectural pattern, and the IPDR (Internet Protocol Data Record) specification. Xobogel takes into consideration and supports the implementation of diverse business models for PALs, in respect of distinct environmental factors. It also facilitates next-generation network service usage accounting through a simple, flexible, and extensible XML based usage record. The framework is subsequently validated for service element extensibility and simplicity through the design, implementation, and experimental deployment of SEHS (Small Extensible Hotspot System), a system based on the framework. The robustness and scalability of the framework is observed to be sufficient for SMME deployment, withstanding the stress testing experiments performed on SEHS. The range of service element and charging modules implemented confirm an acceptable level of flexibility and extensibility within the framework.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Message to Goedgedacht Forum
- Authors: Badat, Saleem
- Date: 2006 , 2014-06-12
- Subjects: Goedgedact Forum for Social Reflection
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:7605 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011800
- Description: Message from Dr Saleem Badat to the Goedgedacht Forum for Social Development in regards to the forum's 10th annivisary celebrations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Badat, Saleem
- Date: 2006 , 2014-06-12
- Subjects: Goedgedact Forum for Social Reflection
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:7605 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011800
- Description: Message from Dr Saleem Badat to the Goedgedacht Forum for Social Development in regards to the forum's 10th annivisary celebrations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
The dynamics of difference: oppression, cross-cultural liberation and the problems of imperialism and paternalism
- Oelofsen, Marianna Christina
- Authors: Oelofsen, Marianna Christina
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Oppression (Psychology) , Culture conflict , Multiculturalism , Political ethics , Imperialism , Paternalism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002846 , Oppression (Psychology) , Culture conflict , Multiculturalism , Political ethics , Imperialism , Paternalism
- Description: This dissertation defends an account of oppression and supports a specific means of engaging with oppression cross-culturally. The project examines whether it is defensible to interfere in other cultures at all. Both the cultural relativist and the neo-imperialist approaches are argued to be an inadequate response to the question of whether it is defensible to interfere in other cultures, as both these approaches neglect the autonomy of the agents concerned. This project has two related goals. It first advances an answer to the question ‘what is oppression?’ An account of oppression is developed which will enable oppression to be identified cross-culturally. In order to start constructing an approach which will be adequate to respond to the question of interference, it is necessary to consider a means of identifying oppression crossculturally. The second objective is to examine the possibility of non-imperialistic and nonpaternalistic cross-cultural liberation projects. The first aim (advancing an account of oppression), is executed through arguing for an ethical framework which will be helpful in this context, and arguing for an account of oppression derived from this framework. The second aim (examining the possibility of non-imperialistic and non-paternalistic liberation), is carried out in two parts. The first part responds to two standard objections from cultural relativism, which would accuse a universal account such as mine of imperialism and paternalism. The first objection claims that a universalist account neglects historical and cultural difference, while the second objection claims that it neglects autonomy. In responding to these objections, it is noted that while my responses prove, theoretically, that a universal account of oppression need not lead to imperialism or paternalism, there is a danger that the account could become imperialistic and paternalistic in its application. With the intention of dealing with this problem, I advance a methodology of cross-cultural understanding which would reduce the likelihood of imperialism and paternalism in liberation projects. This notion of cross-cultural understanding is the most important contribution of this project. The objective is not to give practical judgments on when a specific liberation project is in fact paternalistic or imperialistic, but rather to propose guidelines which would need to be applied to each particular instance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Oelofsen, Marianna Christina
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Oppression (Psychology) , Culture conflict , Multiculturalism , Political ethics , Imperialism , Paternalism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002846 , Oppression (Psychology) , Culture conflict , Multiculturalism , Political ethics , Imperialism , Paternalism
- Description: This dissertation defends an account of oppression and supports a specific means of engaging with oppression cross-culturally. The project examines whether it is defensible to interfere in other cultures at all. Both the cultural relativist and the neo-imperialist approaches are argued to be an inadequate response to the question of whether it is defensible to interfere in other cultures, as both these approaches neglect the autonomy of the agents concerned. This project has two related goals. It first advances an answer to the question ‘what is oppression?’ An account of oppression is developed which will enable oppression to be identified cross-culturally. In order to start constructing an approach which will be adequate to respond to the question of interference, it is necessary to consider a means of identifying oppression crossculturally. The second objective is to examine the possibility of non-imperialistic and nonpaternalistic cross-cultural liberation projects. The first aim (advancing an account of oppression), is executed through arguing for an ethical framework which will be helpful in this context, and arguing for an account of oppression derived from this framework. The second aim (examining the possibility of non-imperialistic and non-paternalistic liberation), is carried out in two parts. The first part responds to two standard objections from cultural relativism, which would accuse a universal account such as mine of imperialism and paternalism. The first objection claims that a universalist account neglects historical and cultural difference, while the second objection claims that it neglects autonomy. In responding to these objections, it is noted that while my responses prove, theoretically, that a universal account of oppression need not lead to imperialism or paternalism, there is a danger that the account could become imperialistic and paternalistic in its application. With the intention of dealing with this problem, I advance a methodology of cross-cultural understanding which would reduce the likelihood of imperialism and paternalism in liberation projects. This notion of cross-cultural understanding is the most important contribution of this project. The objective is not to give practical judgments on when a specific liberation project is in fact paternalistic or imperialistic, but rather to propose guidelines which would need to be applied to each particular instance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
The extent to which review for unreasonableness is meaningfully incorporated in the promotion of Administrative Justice Act no. 3 of 2000
- Authors: Bednar, Jeannine
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Administrative law Administrative law -- South Africa Judicial review of administrative acts -- South Africa Law reform -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006515
- Description: Prior to the current constitutional dispensation, the development of South African administrative law was restricted by the doctrine of Parliamentary Sovereignty. Even in that comparatively 'hostile' environment, review for unreasonableness developed as an aspect of judicial review, and was applied as a check on the exercise of administrative power in certain circumstances. The principle of proportionality as an aspect of review for unreasonableness also developed during this period. With the advent of the new Constitutional dispensation, the framework within which administrative law in South Africa operates became one governed by Constitutional Supremacy. The Rights to Just Administrative Action, including a right to reasonable administrative action, were entrenched in the Constitution. Review for unreasonableness is an important aspect of administrative law in the present Constitutional dispensation as the mechanism for protecting the Constitutional right to reasonable administrative action. Proportionality is an important principle underlying the Bill of Rights as a whole, and it is an important aspect of the right to reasonable administrative action, and of review for unreasonableness. In early 2000, the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act No. 3 of 2000 ("the PAJA"), was passed by Parliament in fulfillment of the Constitutional requirement to pass legislation to give effect to the constitutional rights to Just Administrative Action. This thesis examines whether or not review for unreasonableness, and proportionality as an aspect of review for unreasonableness, have been meaningfully incorporated in the PAJA, and if they have not been, what potential remedies there might be. This is done by examining the basis of judicial review both before and under the current constitutional dispensation; defining unreasonableness, and proportionality; examining the content of the right to administrative action which is "justifiable in relation to the reasons given" in section 24(d) of the Interim Constitution and the right to reasonable administrative action in terms of section 33(1) of the Final Constitution; examining the application of review for unreasonableness and proportionality by the Courts both before and under the current constitutional dispensation; examining the content of judicial review incorporated in the PAJA and the drafting history of section 6(2) of the PAJA which relates to review for unreasonableness; drawing conclusions regarding whether or not review for unreasonableness and proportionality were meaningfully incorporated in the PAJA; and finally making recommendations with regard to review for unreasonableness and proportionality in light of the provisions of the PAJA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Bednar, Jeannine
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Administrative law Administrative law -- South Africa Judicial review of administrative acts -- South Africa Law reform -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006515
- Description: Prior to the current constitutional dispensation, the development of South African administrative law was restricted by the doctrine of Parliamentary Sovereignty. Even in that comparatively 'hostile' environment, review for unreasonableness developed as an aspect of judicial review, and was applied as a check on the exercise of administrative power in certain circumstances. The principle of proportionality as an aspect of review for unreasonableness also developed during this period. With the advent of the new Constitutional dispensation, the framework within which administrative law in South Africa operates became one governed by Constitutional Supremacy. The Rights to Just Administrative Action, including a right to reasonable administrative action, were entrenched in the Constitution. Review for unreasonableness is an important aspect of administrative law in the present Constitutional dispensation as the mechanism for protecting the Constitutional right to reasonable administrative action. Proportionality is an important principle underlying the Bill of Rights as a whole, and it is an important aspect of the right to reasonable administrative action, and of review for unreasonableness. In early 2000, the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act No. 3 of 2000 ("the PAJA"), was passed by Parliament in fulfillment of the Constitutional requirement to pass legislation to give effect to the constitutional rights to Just Administrative Action. This thesis examines whether or not review for unreasonableness, and proportionality as an aspect of review for unreasonableness, have been meaningfully incorporated in the PAJA, and if they have not been, what potential remedies there might be. This is done by examining the basis of judicial review both before and under the current constitutional dispensation; defining unreasonableness, and proportionality; examining the content of the right to administrative action which is "justifiable in relation to the reasons given" in section 24(d) of the Interim Constitution and the right to reasonable administrative action in terms of section 33(1) of the Final Constitution; examining the application of review for unreasonableness and proportionality by the Courts both before and under the current constitutional dispensation; examining the content of judicial review incorporated in the PAJA and the drafting history of section 6(2) of the PAJA which relates to review for unreasonableness; drawing conclusions regarding whether or not review for unreasonableness and proportionality were meaningfully incorporated in the PAJA; and finally making recommendations with regard to review for unreasonableness and proportionality in light of the provisions of the PAJA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Financial reforms and interest rate spreads in the commercial banking sector in Kenya
- Authors: Munene, Daniel
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Finance -- Kenya , Banks and banking -- Kenya , Economics -- Kenya , Interest rates -- Kenya , Economic development -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1070 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007711 , Finance -- Kenya , Banks and banking -- Kenya , Economics -- Kenya , Interest rates -- Kenya , Economic development -- Kenya
- Description: Financial reforms were a major component of structural adjustment programs deemed necessary for developing countries in the mid 1980s. These were not only meant to improve the sector, but would ultimately enhance economic growth and help in poverty alleviation. At the top of these reforms was financial liberalisation. Kenya, like many other sub-Saharan African countries, undertook financial liberalisation in 1991, one of the measures was decontrolling interest rates. With market driven interest rates in place it was assumed that there would be increased efficiency in bank lending, as well as growth in credit availability as deposits increased. A key indicator of this improved intermediation process would be a narrowing interest rates spread, that is, the margin between the deposit and lending rate. Paradoxically, however, the expected benefits of these reforms did not accrue to Kenya's banking sector. This study focuses on financial reforms and the spread of interest rates in Kenya's banking sector. Using a trend analysis, spanning the period before and after liberalisation, interest rates spread are shown to have escalated dramatically upwards after liberalisation. An analysis of three macroeconomic variables, namely, the exchange rate, inflation rate and economic growth offer little, or inconclusive evidence, that they were the main causes of the wide interest rate spread. In fact, the spread is closely linked to institutional/structural factors such as non-competitiveness in the banking sector, imprudent lending practices and poor and/or inadequate banking supervision. Policies for improving the institutional infrastructure and thus moderating the spreads are highlighted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Munene, Daniel
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Finance -- Kenya , Banks and banking -- Kenya , Economics -- Kenya , Interest rates -- Kenya , Economic development -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1070 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007711 , Finance -- Kenya , Banks and banking -- Kenya , Economics -- Kenya , Interest rates -- Kenya , Economic development -- Kenya
- Description: Financial reforms were a major component of structural adjustment programs deemed necessary for developing countries in the mid 1980s. These were not only meant to improve the sector, but would ultimately enhance economic growth and help in poverty alleviation. At the top of these reforms was financial liberalisation. Kenya, like many other sub-Saharan African countries, undertook financial liberalisation in 1991, one of the measures was decontrolling interest rates. With market driven interest rates in place it was assumed that there would be increased efficiency in bank lending, as well as growth in credit availability as deposits increased. A key indicator of this improved intermediation process would be a narrowing interest rates spread, that is, the margin between the deposit and lending rate. Paradoxically, however, the expected benefits of these reforms did not accrue to Kenya's banking sector. This study focuses on financial reforms and the spread of interest rates in Kenya's banking sector. Using a trend analysis, spanning the period before and after liberalisation, interest rates spread are shown to have escalated dramatically upwards after liberalisation. An analysis of three macroeconomic variables, namely, the exchange rate, inflation rate and economic growth offer little, or inconclusive evidence, that they were the main causes of the wide interest rate spread. In fact, the spread is closely linked to institutional/structural factors such as non-competitiveness in the banking sector, imprudent lending practices and poor and/or inadequate banking supervision. Policies for improving the institutional infrastructure and thus moderating the spreads are highlighted.
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- Date Issued: 2006