The design of a ritual precinct for the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) in the Swartkops Nature Reserve, Gqeberha:
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Lee Vicky
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Church buildings --South Africa --Port Elizabeth-- Designs and plans , Zionist Christian Church
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57425 , vital:57758
- Description: Man and nature have become disconnected over the years, as man relies more on the advances of the technical age and less on connections to the natural world. Through this disconnect, nature is bearing the consequences and is in a state of decay. As part of the cosmos, the natural envi-ronment is inherently imbued with sacredness; this sacred nature often manifesting itself within the very structure of the earth. Importance is then placed on how we po-sition ourselves and our holy places within their natural environment in order to set a precedent for the rest of our built environments. This treatise positions itself within ecology and the sacred. It focuses on the particulars of sacredscapes and pilgrimages within a context of Afri-can landscapes and African religions. This encompasses both the built and unbuilt elements of sacred architecture as well as sacredscapes through the reflection of cosmic rhythms, manifest order and harmony in order to create a holistic living organism aware of both the “real” and the sacred. Through its roots in holistic design, is sacredscapes align very closely to that of the ecological paradigm and the creation of integrated ecosystems. Sacred place often realised through the continuation of ritual practice. These rituals are a crucial part of African religions and most often find themselves in or associated with their natural environment. Thus, this is where the focus of the treatise lies - in the ritual cleansing ceremonies of the Zion Christian Church carried out in the Swartkops River. Ritual precincts and the creation of sacredscapes as a tool to reintegrate nature into the sacred will be explored. The intervention presents itself as an emergent ecosystemic architecture creating a sacred space, at the water’s edge, imbued with the Afro-Christian narrative of the Zion Christian Church. , Thesis (MArch)-- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Lee Vicky
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Church buildings --South Africa --Port Elizabeth-- Designs and plans , Zionist Christian Church
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57425 , vital:57758
- Description: Man and nature have become disconnected over the years, as man relies more on the advances of the technical age and less on connections to the natural world. Through this disconnect, nature is bearing the consequences and is in a state of decay. As part of the cosmos, the natural envi-ronment is inherently imbued with sacredness; this sacred nature often manifesting itself within the very structure of the earth. Importance is then placed on how we po-sition ourselves and our holy places within their natural environment in order to set a precedent for the rest of our built environments. This treatise positions itself within ecology and the sacred. It focuses on the particulars of sacredscapes and pilgrimages within a context of Afri-can landscapes and African religions. This encompasses both the built and unbuilt elements of sacred architecture as well as sacredscapes through the reflection of cosmic rhythms, manifest order and harmony in order to create a holistic living organism aware of both the “real” and the sacred. Through its roots in holistic design, is sacredscapes align very closely to that of the ecological paradigm and the creation of integrated ecosystems. Sacred place often realised through the continuation of ritual practice. These rituals are a crucial part of African religions and most often find themselves in or associated with their natural environment. Thus, this is where the focus of the treatise lies - in the ritual cleansing ceremonies of the Zion Christian Church carried out in the Swartkops River. Ritual precincts and the creation of sacredscapes as a tool to reintegrate nature into the sacred will be explored. The intervention presents itself as an emergent ecosystemic architecture creating a sacred space, at the water’s edge, imbued with the Afro-Christian narrative of the Zion Christian Church. , Thesis (MArch)-- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The non-completion of construction projects: a case study relative to the department of public works in the Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Cweya, Luvuyo Gladsone
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Construction projects -- Eastern Cape , Public Works -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58317 , vital:58975
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate why construction projects during the delivery of infrastructure by DPW were not completed. The research 's goals were as follows: (i) to identify the major causes of the non-completion of infrastructure projects; (ii) to identify the reasons for the lack of the provision of adequate budgeting for proper project execution; (iii) to influence and inform the industry role players on the appointment of emerging contractors. The focus was only on public sector projects, and projects which undertake to use the JBCC 2000 Principal Building Agreement (various versions) in the Eastern Cape Province. For the study the research method adopted was a mixed methodological approach. The sample population is made up of DPW program managers, who are responsible for executing infrastructure programs and consultants such as architects, quantity surveyors and contractors. Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury, and the Department of Public Works (DPW) are required to carefully evaluate infrastructure projects for budget planning, and processes. The lack of formal preparation for emerging contractors in the form of seminars, presentations, and lectures was a significant weakness to improve new contractors' skill. DPW does not have a dedicated emerging contractors support programme. The main recommendation is that Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury, and the Department of Public Works should carefully evaluate infrastructure projects for budget planning and budget allocation. The aim is to address the problems leading to late payment of contractors. Moreover, DPW should have a dedicated emerging contractors support programme. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Cweya, Luvuyo Gladsone
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Construction projects -- Eastern Cape , Public Works -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58317 , vital:58975
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate why construction projects during the delivery of infrastructure by DPW were not completed. The research 's goals were as follows: (i) to identify the major causes of the non-completion of infrastructure projects; (ii) to identify the reasons for the lack of the provision of adequate budgeting for proper project execution; (iii) to influence and inform the industry role players on the appointment of emerging contractors. The focus was only on public sector projects, and projects which undertake to use the JBCC 2000 Principal Building Agreement (various versions) in the Eastern Cape Province. For the study the research method adopted was a mixed methodological approach. The sample population is made up of DPW program managers, who are responsible for executing infrastructure programs and consultants such as architects, quantity surveyors and contractors. Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury, and the Department of Public Works (DPW) are required to carefully evaluate infrastructure projects for budget planning, and processes. The lack of formal preparation for emerging contractors in the form of seminars, presentations, and lectures was a significant weakness to improve new contractors' skill. DPW does not have a dedicated emerging contractors support programme. The main recommendation is that Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury, and the Department of Public Works should carefully evaluate infrastructure projects for budget planning and budget allocation. The aim is to address the problems leading to late payment of contractors. Moreover, DPW should have a dedicated emerging contractors support programme. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
HRM digitalisation and value added in the south African workplace
- Authors: Chapano, Munodani
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Personnel management , Human Resources Assessment
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57578 , vital:58094
- Description: The main objective of this study was to determine the extent and nature of value that HRM digitalisation can add to the South African workplace. Digitalisation is a product of 4IR, which refers to the process of leveraging and applying 4IR technologies within organisational operations, including HRM, with the aim of optimising business processes. HRM digitalisation refers to the adoption and application of digital HRM technologies of the 4IR in the conduct of HRM practices, policies, activities and transactions to optimise the HRM function. Due to a shortage of studies that shed light on the value contributed by HRM digitalisation in the workplace, a need arises to determine the extent and nature of this value and the strategies needed to unlock this potential in the context of the 4IR. Moreover, in most South African (SA) organisations, there has been a lack of a fully integrated approach to digital HRM. Thus, this study aims at exploring HRM digitalisation and the value it contributes to South African organisations, with the expectation of developing an articulated and integrative HRM digital strategy for South African organisations. This study was accomplished by means of a literature and an empirical study. The literature study provided theoretical information related to challenges and opportunities introduced by the 4IR in the world of work, with specific reference to the South African workplace and which therefore impact HRM and necessitate the need for digitalisation of HRM. In addition, the following were explored: HRM Digital Strategies that could be adopted and add value in the South African workplace; the extent and nature of that value; the challenges probably encountered in doing so and possible means to overcome the challenges. The discussion led to the development of a hypothetical, theoretical model of HRM digitalisation in the South African workplace. The hypothetical model was used as the basis for the development of a measuring instrument used to collect empirical data for this study. The empirical study used the online questionnaire survey as the data collection instrument that measured the extent and nature of value that various HRM Digital Strategies could vii | P a g e add to the South African workplace; perceived value and hard evidence of the impact of HRM digitalisation; and the extent and nature of challenges associated with the Adoption of HRM Digital Strategies across the HR value chain. The online survey questionnaire was administered to HR directors, HR managers, HR practitioners and line managers who worked in the automotive manufacturing industry in the municipalities of Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth and Buffalo City in East London in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A non-probability sampling procedure which comprised a combination of purposive and snowball sampling methods was used to select participants for the study (n = 312). The results from the empirical study, computed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (such as paired-sample t-tests, Pearson’s product moment correlation and regression analysis) showed that organisations in South Africa had invested and adopted more of Digital Talent and Digital Media strategies and less of Digital Org (Design & Culture) and Digital ERM HRM strategies across the HR value chain and as a result, had gained more value at relational level, followed by that at operational level. They gained the least value at transformational level. It was therefore revealed that if HRM professionals, managers and leaders within organisations want to boost the contribution of the HRM function towards achieving the strategic goals of the organisation (transformational level), digitalising the function is one of the best ways. They can achieve this by investing more of HRM Digital Strategies related to Digital Org (Design & Culture), followed by Digital Talent and Digital ERM strategies. Challenges related to the adoption of digital strategies across the HR value chain were only found to negatively influence Digital Org (Design & Culture) and Digital ERM strategies, whereas Digital Talent and Digital Media strategies were not negatively influenced. Based on the literature and empirical results of this study, an integrative HRM digitalisation model was designed to provide a framework approach for implementing HRM digitalisation in South African organisations. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Chapano, Munodani
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Personnel management , Human Resources Assessment
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57578 , vital:58094
- Description: The main objective of this study was to determine the extent and nature of value that HRM digitalisation can add to the South African workplace. Digitalisation is a product of 4IR, which refers to the process of leveraging and applying 4IR technologies within organisational operations, including HRM, with the aim of optimising business processes. HRM digitalisation refers to the adoption and application of digital HRM technologies of the 4IR in the conduct of HRM practices, policies, activities and transactions to optimise the HRM function. Due to a shortage of studies that shed light on the value contributed by HRM digitalisation in the workplace, a need arises to determine the extent and nature of this value and the strategies needed to unlock this potential in the context of the 4IR. Moreover, in most South African (SA) organisations, there has been a lack of a fully integrated approach to digital HRM. Thus, this study aims at exploring HRM digitalisation and the value it contributes to South African organisations, with the expectation of developing an articulated and integrative HRM digital strategy for South African organisations. This study was accomplished by means of a literature and an empirical study. The literature study provided theoretical information related to challenges and opportunities introduced by the 4IR in the world of work, with specific reference to the South African workplace and which therefore impact HRM and necessitate the need for digitalisation of HRM. In addition, the following were explored: HRM Digital Strategies that could be adopted and add value in the South African workplace; the extent and nature of that value; the challenges probably encountered in doing so and possible means to overcome the challenges. The discussion led to the development of a hypothetical, theoretical model of HRM digitalisation in the South African workplace. The hypothetical model was used as the basis for the development of a measuring instrument used to collect empirical data for this study. The empirical study used the online questionnaire survey as the data collection instrument that measured the extent and nature of value that various HRM Digital Strategies could vii | P a g e add to the South African workplace; perceived value and hard evidence of the impact of HRM digitalisation; and the extent and nature of challenges associated with the Adoption of HRM Digital Strategies across the HR value chain. The online survey questionnaire was administered to HR directors, HR managers, HR practitioners and line managers who worked in the automotive manufacturing industry in the municipalities of Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth and Buffalo City in East London in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A non-probability sampling procedure which comprised a combination of purposive and snowball sampling methods was used to select participants for the study (n = 312). The results from the empirical study, computed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (such as paired-sample t-tests, Pearson’s product moment correlation and regression analysis) showed that organisations in South Africa had invested and adopted more of Digital Talent and Digital Media strategies and less of Digital Org (Design & Culture) and Digital ERM HRM strategies across the HR value chain and as a result, had gained more value at relational level, followed by that at operational level. They gained the least value at transformational level. It was therefore revealed that if HRM professionals, managers and leaders within organisations want to boost the contribution of the HRM function towards achieving the strategic goals of the organisation (transformational level), digitalising the function is one of the best ways. They can achieve this by investing more of HRM Digital Strategies related to Digital Org (Design & Culture), followed by Digital Talent and Digital ERM strategies. Challenges related to the adoption of digital strategies across the HR value chain were only found to negatively influence Digital Org (Design & Culture) and Digital ERM strategies, whereas Digital Talent and Digital Media strategies were not negatively influenced. Based on the literature and empirical results of this study, an integrative HRM digitalisation model was designed to provide a framework approach for implementing HRM digitalisation in South African organisations. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Enterprise development funds as a catalyst for growth and sustainability of black-owned SMMEs in manufacturing
- Authors: Tsheketshe, Yomelela Mfundo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58223 , vital:58742
- Description: South Africa is confronted with a skewed economy along racial lines through a history of colonialism and apartheid. The laws of government have tried to include companies in advancing social cohesion and in dealing with issues of the historical exclusion of African communities from the mainstream economy. With the advent of democracy, the government has been faced with the mammoth task of driving transformation and inclusion in various sectors of the economy. Various pieces of legislation have been promulgated to give effect to this ideal. The Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act with its associated regulations has Enterprise and Supplier development (ESD) as one of the five pillars underpinning the targeted areas for transformation in companies. Enterprise development is a key contributor to companies achieving a good score card rating as determined by the government of South Africa for various industries. This scoring also has advantages in terms of accessing government incentives as well as procurement opportunities for businesses with government. Companies therefore deploy capital for the development of businesses within their supply chains and also any other businesses whether or not they do business with them. This process of enterprise development funding is largely undefined and sees companies use various methods and criteria to deploy the capital with a myriad of outcomes all of which vary depending on the area of interest. The primary intent of the enterprise development funds is to create patient, free and sometimes affordable capital for the growth and sustainability of previously disadvantaged businesses in the South African context. Industries like manufacturing, in their nature are capital intensive and require huge capital outlays which then become a barrier to entry particularly for previously disadvantaged groupings like black people. The aim of the study is to identify key determinants that can unlock the growth and sustainability of black owned SMMEs in the manufacturing sector and also to understand the environment in which they operate. It is intended to assist policy makers, enterprise development practitioners, regulators and the beneficiaries of enterprise development on what can be done to ensure that this critical programme achieves its desired outcome. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Tsheketshe, Yomelela Mfundo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58223 , vital:58742
- Description: South Africa is confronted with a skewed economy along racial lines through a history of colonialism and apartheid. The laws of government have tried to include companies in advancing social cohesion and in dealing with issues of the historical exclusion of African communities from the mainstream economy. With the advent of democracy, the government has been faced with the mammoth task of driving transformation and inclusion in various sectors of the economy. Various pieces of legislation have been promulgated to give effect to this ideal. The Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act with its associated regulations has Enterprise and Supplier development (ESD) as one of the five pillars underpinning the targeted areas for transformation in companies. Enterprise development is a key contributor to companies achieving a good score card rating as determined by the government of South Africa for various industries. This scoring also has advantages in terms of accessing government incentives as well as procurement opportunities for businesses with government. Companies therefore deploy capital for the development of businesses within their supply chains and also any other businesses whether or not they do business with them. This process of enterprise development funding is largely undefined and sees companies use various methods and criteria to deploy the capital with a myriad of outcomes all of which vary depending on the area of interest. The primary intent of the enterprise development funds is to create patient, free and sometimes affordable capital for the growth and sustainability of previously disadvantaged businesses in the South African context. Industries like manufacturing, in their nature are capital intensive and require huge capital outlays which then become a barrier to entry particularly for previously disadvantaged groupings like black people. The aim of the study is to identify key determinants that can unlock the growth and sustainability of black owned SMMEs in the manufacturing sector and also to understand the environment in which they operate. It is intended to assist policy makers, enterprise development practitioners, regulators and the beneficiaries of enterprise development on what can be done to ensure that this critical programme achieves its desired outcome. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
A Model for Recommending Related Research Papers: A Natural Language Processing Approach
- Authors: Van Heerden, Juandre Anton
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Electronic information resources , Research
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58495 , vital:59651
- Description: The volume of information generated lately has led to information overload, which has impacted researchers’ decision-making capabilities. Researchers have access to a variety of digital libraries to retrieve information. Digital libraries often offer access to a number of journal articles and books. Although digital libraries have search mechanisms it still takes much time to find related research papers. The main aim of this study was to develop a model that uses machine learning techniques to recommend related research papers. The conceptual model was informed by literature on recommender systems in other domains. Furthermore, a literature survey on machine learning techniques helped to identify candidate techniques that could be used. The model comprises four phases. These phases are completed twice, the first time for learning from the data and the second time when a recommendation is sought. The four phases are: (1) identify and remove stopwords, (2) stemming the data, (3) identify the topics for the model, and (4) measuring similarity between documents. The model is implemented and demonstrated using a prototype to recommend research papers using a natural language processing approach. The prototype underwent three iterations. The first iteration focused on understanding the problem domain by exploring how recommender systems and related techniques work. The second iteration focused on pre-processing techniques, topic modeling and similarity measures of two probability distributions. The third iteration focused on refining the prototype, and documenting the lessons learned throughout the process. Practical lessons were learned while finalising the model and constructing the prototype. These practical lessons should help to identify opportunities for future research. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Van Heerden, Juandre Anton
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Electronic information resources , Research
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58495 , vital:59651
- Description: The volume of information generated lately has led to information overload, which has impacted researchers’ decision-making capabilities. Researchers have access to a variety of digital libraries to retrieve information. Digital libraries often offer access to a number of journal articles and books. Although digital libraries have search mechanisms it still takes much time to find related research papers. The main aim of this study was to develop a model that uses machine learning techniques to recommend related research papers. The conceptual model was informed by literature on recommender systems in other domains. Furthermore, a literature survey on machine learning techniques helped to identify candidate techniques that could be used. The model comprises four phases. These phases are completed twice, the first time for learning from the data and the second time when a recommendation is sought. The four phases are: (1) identify and remove stopwords, (2) stemming the data, (3) identify the topics for the model, and (4) measuring similarity between documents. The model is implemented and demonstrated using a prototype to recommend research papers using a natural language processing approach. The prototype underwent three iterations. The first iteration focused on understanding the problem domain by exploring how recommender systems and related techniques work. The second iteration focused on pre-processing techniques, topic modeling and similarity measures of two probability distributions. The third iteration focused on refining the prototype, and documenting the lessons learned throughout the process. Practical lessons were learned while finalising the model and constructing the prototype. These practical lessons should help to identify opportunities for future research. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Effect of fire severity on Afrotemperate forest tree survival
- Authors: Giddey, Brandon Louis
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55385 , vital:51988
- Description: Weather patterns have changed globally with increased fire danger weather conditions, along with poor management and fire suppression, likely contributing to the increase in prevalence of large wildfires. Ecosystems such as temperate broadleaved forests, where fire is limited by climatic conditions, are particularly at risk of altered fire regimes related to climate change. It is thus important to monitor the effects of fire in these ecosystems. Satellite remote sensing is a cost-effective way to assess spatial variability of fire effects on a landscape scale and has become an increasingly used tool for studying fire severity. In the southern Cape of South Africa during October-November 2018, a large wildfire burnt patches of Southern Cape Afrotemperate Forest (hereafter ‘Afrotemperate forest’). This provided an opportunity to investigate the accuracy of a satellite index for fire severity and the effect of fire on Afrotemperate forest survival. The first objective was to verify through field observations the accuracy of the differenced Normalised Burn Ratio (dNBR) as an index of fire severity derived from Sentinel 2 images in Afrotemperate forest. The second objective was to investigate the effect of fire severity and tree size on the post-fire survival of Afrotemperate forest tree species. For the first objective, stem fire severity, estimated from observed damage to the main stem, was recorded for 1 648 trees in 87 plots and linear regression used to test whether the observed measure of fire severity was related to dNBR. For the second objective, stem fire severity and tree survival 19-24 months post-fire were recorded for 40 species and 1 378 trees in 88 plots. Trees were considered to have survived if they resprouted from the main stem or had green foliage in the canopy. The survival response was assessed in relation to stem fire severity and tree size for all trees collectively and for 10 species (with sample size > 40) individually, using logistic regression. A strong linear relationship between dNBR and stem fire severity (r2 = 0.69, p < 0.001) confirmed the accuracy of dNBR as a measure of fire severity in Afrotemperate forest. In the fire investigated, 4 628 ha of Afrotemperate forest burnt of which 67% burnt at low severity, 21% at medium severity and 12% at high severity. The dNBR values associated with fire severity categories were comparable between Afrotemperate and North American forests, suggesting that dNBR values are relatively standard across forest types. Information on the distribution of fire severity facilitates investigation of further questions regarding past and future fire regimes and the fire ecology of Afrotemperate forest. The post-fire survival rate of Afrotemperate forest trees was 45% which is comparable to that in coniferous forests of North America but lower than that in temperate forests of Australia and Portugal and the neighbouring dune thicket which shares several species with Afrotemperate forest. Fire severity had a significant negative effect on survival and tree size a significant positive effect. Total variance explained by the model (for species collectively) was 40.8%, of which fire severity and tree size combined explained 13.2%, and species as random factor, 27.6%. Respective tree species showed differential survival responses – four species showed high survival (> 60% of individuals), while five species showed low survival (< 40%). This study was the first post-fire assessment of the resprouting ability of Afrotemperate forest trees and a third of the trees surveyed (for species collectively) resprouted from the stem. This suggested that resprouting from the stem is a primary means of post-fire recovery in Afrotemperate forest trees, in contrast with previous assertions that several common canopy species, including Podocarpus latifolius, Afrocarpus falcatus, Scutia myrtina, Scolopia mundii and Rapanea melanophloeos, are unable to resprout. Varying resilience to fire among species supports previous suggestions that fire affects species’ composition and diversity in these forests and calls for careful management of fire regimes in the face of global change. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Giddey, Brandon Louis
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55385 , vital:51988
- Description: Weather patterns have changed globally with increased fire danger weather conditions, along with poor management and fire suppression, likely contributing to the increase in prevalence of large wildfires. Ecosystems such as temperate broadleaved forests, where fire is limited by climatic conditions, are particularly at risk of altered fire regimes related to climate change. It is thus important to monitor the effects of fire in these ecosystems. Satellite remote sensing is a cost-effective way to assess spatial variability of fire effects on a landscape scale and has become an increasingly used tool for studying fire severity. In the southern Cape of South Africa during October-November 2018, a large wildfire burnt patches of Southern Cape Afrotemperate Forest (hereafter ‘Afrotemperate forest’). This provided an opportunity to investigate the accuracy of a satellite index for fire severity and the effect of fire on Afrotemperate forest survival. The first objective was to verify through field observations the accuracy of the differenced Normalised Burn Ratio (dNBR) as an index of fire severity derived from Sentinel 2 images in Afrotemperate forest. The second objective was to investigate the effect of fire severity and tree size on the post-fire survival of Afrotemperate forest tree species. For the first objective, stem fire severity, estimated from observed damage to the main stem, was recorded for 1 648 trees in 87 plots and linear regression used to test whether the observed measure of fire severity was related to dNBR. For the second objective, stem fire severity and tree survival 19-24 months post-fire were recorded for 40 species and 1 378 trees in 88 plots. Trees were considered to have survived if they resprouted from the main stem or had green foliage in the canopy. The survival response was assessed in relation to stem fire severity and tree size for all trees collectively and for 10 species (with sample size > 40) individually, using logistic regression. A strong linear relationship between dNBR and stem fire severity (r2 = 0.69, p < 0.001) confirmed the accuracy of dNBR as a measure of fire severity in Afrotemperate forest. In the fire investigated, 4 628 ha of Afrotemperate forest burnt of which 67% burnt at low severity, 21% at medium severity and 12% at high severity. The dNBR values associated with fire severity categories were comparable between Afrotemperate and North American forests, suggesting that dNBR values are relatively standard across forest types. Information on the distribution of fire severity facilitates investigation of further questions regarding past and future fire regimes and the fire ecology of Afrotemperate forest. The post-fire survival rate of Afrotemperate forest trees was 45% which is comparable to that in coniferous forests of North America but lower than that in temperate forests of Australia and Portugal and the neighbouring dune thicket which shares several species with Afrotemperate forest. Fire severity had a significant negative effect on survival and tree size a significant positive effect. Total variance explained by the model (for species collectively) was 40.8%, of which fire severity and tree size combined explained 13.2%, and species as random factor, 27.6%. Respective tree species showed differential survival responses – four species showed high survival (> 60% of individuals), while five species showed low survival (< 40%). This study was the first post-fire assessment of the resprouting ability of Afrotemperate forest trees and a third of the trees surveyed (for species collectively) resprouted from the stem. This suggested that resprouting from the stem is a primary means of post-fire recovery in Afrotemperate forest trees, in contrast with previous assertions that several common canopy species, including Podocarpus latifolius, Afrocarpus falcatus, Scutia myrtina, Scolopia mundii and Rapanea melanophloeos, are unable to resprout. Varying resilience to fire among species supports previous suggestions that fire affects species’ composition and diversity in these forests and calls for careful management of fire regimes in the face of global change. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Water quality monitoring: a correlation Between the bacteriological quality of drinking water and Diarrhoeal prevalence within the Koukamma local municipality
- Authors: Jacobs, Nathan Elmar
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Water quality monitoring stations -- Koukamma local municipality , Water quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58882 , vital:60244
- Description: Background: Various studies have linked water quality and the prevalence of diarrhoeal cases within developing countries globally. The Emanti water quality monitoring system (eWQMS), representing the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa), has often yielded non-complaint microbiological drinking water quality results retrospectively. This study investigated the relationship between the bacteriological quality of drinking water and diarrhoeal prevalence in children under five years of age within the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality from 2012 to 2016. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, and ecological study design was employed retrospectively within the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality. Retrospective data collected from the Emanti Water Quality Monitoring System (eWQMS) represented the bacteriological quality of drinking water within the study area from 2012 to 2016. Concurrently, secondary data from the District Health Information Management System of the Eastern Cape Department of Health: Kouga Local service area was collected. The data represented cases of diarrhoea with dehydration in children under five years of age, reported at public health facilities within the study area retrospectively (from 2012 to 2016). Statistical analyses (Spearman's Rank Correlation) determined the relationship between the bacteriological quality of drinking water and the prevalence of diarrhoea in children under five years as per the retrospective period. Water samples were also collected for 2017 and 2018 to determine the presence of enteric pathogens in the municipal drinking water supply. Results: The study found that the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality had an overall noncompliance rate of 47% for the municipal drinking water supplied to the community from 2012 to 2016 (retrospective period). The difference in failure proportion (noncompliance) of water samples for the four climatic seasons where statistically significant (p=0.004). A significant difference was observed between autumn and winter (p=0.003) and autumn and spring (p=0.025). The failure proportion of water samples for autumn was significantly higher (mean = 0.603231, sd = 0.19528237) compared to winter (mean = 0.316675, sd = 0.19649776) and spring (mean = 0.374495, sd = 0.20626332). No significant difference was observed for the failure proportion of water samples between the various years of the retrospective period xvi (p=0.416). Children under the age of five accounted for n=460 cases of diarrhoea with dehydration at the public health facilities for the retrospective period. The Kareedouw area (n=196) and Joubertina area (n=134) recorded the highest diarrhoeal cases reported for the study period. These two areas both had hospitals that operated 24 hours a day; however, the differences in cases reported between the two areas was not statistically significant (p=0.179). Diarrhoeal case data reported between the various years within the study period were significantly different (p<0.001). The observed differences were between 2012 and 2014 (p=0.008) and 2012 and 2015 (p=0.001). The differences in the cases of diarrhoea with dehydration, in children under five years of age, were not statistically significant for the four climatic seasons (p=0.121). The relationship between the failure proportion of water samples and the prevalence of diarrhoea with dehydration in children under five years of age was statistically significant (p=0.001). The results revealed a moderate positive relationship (rs=0.434) between the bacteriological quality of drinking water and the prevalence of cases of diarrhoea with dehydration. Water samples were collected at various sampling points for July 2017 and November 2018 and analysed for enteric pathogens. Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp. were detected in such water samples collected. The relationship between the failure proportion of water samples and the presence of enteric pathogens was not statistically significant (rs=0.56723, p=0.240). Conclusion: The overall bacteriological quality of drinking water within the municipality was poor and likely posed a potential health risk to consumers. The study further revealed a steep rise of diarrhoeal with dehydration prevalence in children under five years of age during 2013, which decreased slowly during the years to follow. A moderate, positive relationship existed between the failure proportion of water samples and diarrhoea with dehydration prevalence in children under five years of age (rs=0.434, p=0.001 ). Therefore, municipalities should improve their bulk water infrastructure and drinking water disinfecting methods while realising the need for increased awareness of water-borne disease prevention. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Jacobs, Nathan Elmar
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Water quality monitoring stations -- Koukamma local municipality , Water quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58882 , vital:60244
- Description: Background: Various studies have linked water quality and the prevalence of diarrhoeal cases within developing countries globally. The Emanti water quality monitoring system (eWQMS), representing the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa), has often yielded non-complaint microbiological drinking water quality results retrospectively. This study investigated the relationship between the bacteriological quality of drinking water and diarrhoeal prevalence in children under five years of age within the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality from 2012 to 2016. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, and ecological study design was employed retrospectively within the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality. Retrospective data collected from the Emanti Water Quality Monitoring System (eWQMS) represented the bacteriological quality of drinking water within the study area from 2012 to 2016. Concurrently, secondary data from the District Health Information Management System of the Eastern Cape Department of Health: Kouga Local service area was collected. The data represented cases of diarrhoea with dehydration in children under five years of age, reported at public health facilities within the study area retrospectively (from 2012 to 2016). Statistical analyses (Spearman's Rank Correlation) determined the relationship between the bacteriological quality of drinking water and the prevalence of diarrhoea in children under five years as per the retrospective period. Water samples were also collected for 2017 and 2018 to determine the presence of enteric pathogens in the municipal drinking water supply. Results: The study found that the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality had an overall noncompliance rate of 47% for the municipal drinking water supplied to the community from 2012 to 2016 (retrospective period). The difference in failure proportion (noncompliance) of water samples for the four climatic seasons where statistically significant (p=0.004). A significant difference was observed between autumn and winter (p=0.003) and autumn and spring (p=0.025). The failure proportion of water samples for autumn was significantly higher (mean = 0.603231, sd = 0.19528237) compared to winter (mean = 0.316675, sd = 0.19649776) and spring (mean = 0.374495, sd = 0.20626332). No significant difference was observed for the failure proportion of water samples between the various years of the retrospective period xvi (p=0.416). Children under the age of five accounted for n=460 cases of diarrhoea with dehydration at the public health facilities for the retrospective period. The Kareedouw area (n=196) and Joubertina area (n=134) recorded the highest diarrhoeal cases reported for the study period. These two areas both had hospitals that operated 24 hours a day; however, the differences in cases reported between the two areas was not statistically significant (p=0.179). Diarrhoeal case data reported between the various years within the study period were significantly different (p<0.001). The observed differences were between 2012 and 2014 (p=0.008) and 2012 and 2015 (p=0.001). The differences in the cases of diarrhoea with dehydration, in children under five years of age, were not statistically significant for the four climatic seasons (p=0.121). The relationship between the failure proportion of water samples and the prevalence of diarrhoea with dehydration in children under five years of age was statistically significant (p=0.001). The results revealed a moderate positive relationship (rs=0.434) between the bacteriological quality of drinking water and the prevalence of cases of diarrhoea with dehydration. Water samples were collected at various sampling points for July 2017 and November 2018 and analysed for enteric pathogens. Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp. were detected in such water samples collected. The relationship between the failure proportion of water samples and the presence of enteric pathogens was not statistically significant (rs=0.56723, p=0.240). Conclusion: The overall bacteriological quality of drinking water within the municipality was poor and likely posed a potential health risk to consumers. The study further revealed a steep rise of diarrhoeal with dehydration prevalence in children under five years of age during 2013, which decreased slowly during the years to follow. A moderate, positive relationship existed between the failure proportion of water samples and diarrhoea with dehydration prevalence in children under five years of age (rs=0.434, p=0.001 ). Therefore, municipalities should improve their bulk water infrastructure and drinking water disinfecting methods while realising the need for increased awareness of water-borne disease prevention. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Refining predator-prey preference at the prey demographic level for cheetah and lion
- Authors: Annear, Eleesha
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Social behavior in animals --South Africa , Predatory animals –Behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55800 , vital:53880
- Description: Traditional prey preference models estimate prey preference using a coarse species-specific body mass of three-quarters of the mean adult female body mass. This is widely assumed to estimate the average mass across prey populations, accounting for neonates, juveniles, sub-adults, and adults. However, this approach negates the models’ ability to predict demography-specific prey preferences, thus reducing our ability to predict the impacts of predation on prey populations. The objectives of this study were to 1) refine the prey selection models, using lion Panthera leo and cheetah Acinonyx jubatus as model species, by incorporating prey demographic classes and season and, 2) determine the influence of seasonal variability in availability of these prey demographic classes on cheetah reproduction. Lions preferentially killed adults of larger species (e.g., wildebeest, waterbuck, and zebra) irrespective of the season, as predicted by optimal foraging theory. Sub-adult, juvenile, and neonate prey were killed by lions relative to their abundance. Cheetahs preferred juvenile prey of large species, namely kudu, zebra, and wildebeest. Season influenced cheetah preference with neonates and juveniles being preferred during the wet season and adults of smaller species, and juveniles of larger species being preferred during the dry season. Thus, results support the alternative demographic class hypothesis. Furthermore, the availability of neonate and juvenile prey drives cheetah reproduction patterns with conception and cub independence coinciding with the peak availability of easy-to-catch neonates. Lactation coincided with the high availability of relatively larger juveniles to ensure that females obtain enough resources to sustain the most energetically costly reproductive phase. In addition, I suggest cheetah may be particularly vulnerable to disturbances that impact on prey reproduction (e.g., drought, fire, and flood), given their reliance on neonate and juvenile prey. My findings highlight that estimating species-level prey preference using a coarse species-specific body mass masks the level of prey use and potential preferences for the different prey demographic classes. The use of some prey species may be largely confined to juveniles by smaller predators, meaning that prey availability would vary seasonally, may influence reproductive patterns, and carrying capacity models would need to be revised in terms of the available demographic-specific prey biomass. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Annear, Eleesha
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Social behavior in animals --South Africa , Predatory animals –Behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55800 , vital:53880
- Description: Traditional prey preference models estimate prey preference using a coarse species-specific body mass of three-quarters of the mean adult female body mass. This is widely assumed to estimate the average mass across prey populations, accounting for neonates, juveniles, sub-adults, and adults. However, this approach negates the models’ ability to predict demography-specific prey preferences, thus reducing our ability to predict the impacts of predation on prey populations. The objectives of this study were to 1) refine the prey selection models, using lion Panthera leo and cheetah Acinonyx jubatus as model species, by incorporating prey demographic classes and season and, 2) determine the influence of seasonal variability in availability of these prey demographic classes on cheetah reproduction. Lions preferentially killed adults of larger species (e.g., wildebeest, waterbuck, and zebra) irrespective of the season, as predicted by optimal foraging theory. Sub-adult, juvenile, and neonate prey were killed by lions relative to their abundance. Cheetahs preferred juvenile prey of large species, namely kudu, zebra, and wildebeest. Season influenced cheetah preference with neonates and juveniles being preferred during the wet season and adults of smaller species, and juveniles of larger species being preferred during the dry season. Thus, results support the alternative demographic class hypothesis. Furthermore, the availability of neonate and juvenile prey drives cheetah reproduction patterns with conception and cub independence coinciding with the peak availability of easy-to-catch neonates. Lactation coincided with the high availability of relatively larger juveniles to ensure that females obtain enough resources to sustain the most energetically costly reproductive phase. In addition, I suggest cheetah may be particularly vulnerable to disturbances that impact on prey reproduction (e.g., drought, fire, and flood), given their reliance on neonate and juvenile prey. My findings highlight that estimating species-level prey preference using a coarse species-specific body mass masks the level of prey use and potential preferences for the different prey demographic classes. The use of some prey species may be largely confined to juveniles by smaller predators, meaning that prey availability would vary seasonally, may influence reproductive patterns, and carrying capacity models would need to be revised in terms of the available demographic-specific prey biomass. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The effect of stakeholder management within entities of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Mandaba, Seki
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Stakeholder management , Municipal services
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57842 , vital:58279
- Description: The title of this research paper is the effect of stakeholder management within the entities of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, a metropolitan municipality in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The aim of the research was to investigate the effects of stakeholder management amongst Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (NMBS), Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) as the main shareholder to the two entities. The challenges in how municipalities understand the role of internal and external stakeholders and how they are managed effectively continues to face them. Stakeholder management assists municipalities and ensures that key stakeholders are involved in strategic engagements and this helps to improve their decision making in relation to the provision of services. Stakeholder management is considered vital in building fundamental relations among stakeholders. It is thus important for NMBM management to have the understanding of the role, impact and the benefits of effective stakeholder management. Furthermore, stakeholder engagements and good communication can assists to enhance relationships amongst these entities. The study ascertained the role of stakeholder management amongst NMBMB, MBDA and NMBS and conducted and in-depth analysis of the current support system for NMBS. The study also conducted literature review on various frameworks used by South African Municipalities to enable effective communication and stakeholder management within their entities. The study employed a qualitative research design in meeting the primary and secondary aims and focused on the senior management of the three institutions in line with decision making factors that are key to effective stakeholder management. The structured interviews were held with senior managers from NMBM-Economic Development Tourism and Agriculture(EDTA) Directorate, MBDA and NMBS. The study found that there is good understanding of the role of stakeholder management amongst the senior managers. However, it also established that there was a 8 disjuncture in the stakeholder engagements with the NMBM and NMBS and that this may hinder them to deliver on their mandate. Finally the study makes recommendations regarding how best NMBS can manage stakeholder relations with MBDA and NMBM and assesses the value that is created from stakeholder engagement. A framework model that will be inclusive of all stakeholders and that would encourage effective communication must be developed. A study on the role of stakeholder management in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is recommended to be conducted. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Mandaba, Seki
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Stakeholder management , Municipal services
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57842 , vital:58279
- Description: The title of this research paper is the effect of stakeholder management within the entities of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, a metropolitan municipality in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The aim of the research was to investigate the effects of stakeholder management amongst Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (NMBS), Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) as the main shareholder to the two entities. The challenges in how municipalities understand the role of internal and external stakeholders and how they are managed effectively continues to face them. Stakeholder management assists municipalities and ensures that key stakeholders are involved in strategic engagements and this helps to improve their decision making in relation to the provision of services. Stakeholder management is considered vital in building fundamental relations among stakeholders. It is thus important for NMBM management to have the understanding of the role, impact and the benefits of effective stakeholder management. Furthermore, stakeholder engagements and good communication can assists to enhance relationships amongst these entities. The study ascertained the role of stakeholder management amongst NMBMB, MBDA and NMBS and conducted and in-depth analysis of the current support system for NMBS. The study also conducted literature review on various frameworks used by South African Municipalities to enable effective communication and stakeholder management within their entities. The study employed a qualitative research design in meeting the primary and secondary aims and focused on the senior management of the three institutions in line with decision making factors that are key to effective stakeholder management. The structured interviews were held with senior managers from NMBM-Economic Development Tourism and Agriculture(EDTA) Directorate, MBDA and NMBS. The study found that there is good understanding of the role of stakeholder management amongst the senior managers. However, it also established that there was a 8 disjuncture in the stakeholder engagements with the NMBM and NMBS and that this may hinder them to deliver on their mandate. Finally the study makes recommendations regarding how best NMBS can manage stakeholder relations with MBDA and NMBM and assesses the value that is created from stakeholder engagement. A framework model that will be inclusive of all stakeholders and that would encourage effective communication must be developed. A study on the role of stakeholder management in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is recommended to be conducted. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Development of a distributed optical fiber sensor for geological applications
- Authors: James, Jena
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Polymers--Optical properties -- South Africa , Detectors—Materials
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56156 , vital:55973
- Description: The purpose of the study was to develop a distributed optical fiber acoustic sensor for monitoring ground subsidence before collapse sinkholes form causing costly damage on infrastructure. Costs in excess of R1.3 billion have been incurred while dealing with sinkhole related measures in South Africa. Monitoring sinkholes and the presence of an early warning alert system can drastically reduce the impact, risk and cost caused by sudden ground collapse. A related goal was to construct a reliable collapse alert early warning system to facilitate disaster preparedness and avoid further damage from accidents. This was achieved by developing a spectroscopic shift monitoring algorithm which analysed changes in the subsurface vibration modes using ambient noise signals. For the first time to our knowledge, an optic fiber sensor with an early warning alarm, using ambient noise vibrations to detect and monitor sinkholes was developed at NMU. A polarisation-based, interferometric optical fiber seismic sensor was developed and compared to a commercial geophone. The fiber sensor exhibited superior performance in sensitivity, bandwidth, signal response and recovery times. The sensitivity of the optical fiber sensor was 0.47 rad/Pa surpassing the geophone sensitivity by 9.32%, and the bandwidth of 3.349kHz was 20 times greater for the optical fiber sensor. The fiber sensor was used to measure millisecond events as the impact duration of a bouncing ball was successfully obtained. It was used to detect sinkhole formation in the simulator model, designed. Ground collapse precursors were identified, and early warning alert was achieved using the spectral analysis algorithm, developed. The collapse precursor condition was identified as a functional combination of variations in the peak frequency, bandwidth and peak intensity. A distributed acoustic sensor was built to detect ambient noise induced subsurface signals. Vibrations were located along the 28km length of optical fiber with a relative error of 9.6%. The sensor demonstrated a frequency response range of 212.25Hz, an event distance precision of 224m with time resolution of 1.12µs, and a spatial resolution of 1km. The position of disturbance was measured within 300m of its actual point of 3.21km along the optical fiber. The results showed that distributed optical fiber sensing allows real-time monitoring of the subsurface over extended distances, using ambient noise signals. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: James, Jena
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Polymers--Optical properties -- South Africa , Detectors—Materials
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56156 , vital:55973
- Description: The purpose of the study was to develop a distributed optical fiber acoustic sensor for monitoring ground subsidence before collapse sinkholes form causing costly damage on infrastructure. Costs in excess of R1.3 billion have been incurred while dealing with sinkhole related measures in South Africa. Monitoring sinkholes and the presence of an early warning alert system can drastically reduce the impact, risk and cost caused by sudden ground collapse. A related goal was to construct a reliable collapse alert early warning system to facilitate disaster preparedness and avoid further damage from accidents. This was achieved by developing a spectroscopic shift monitoring algorithm which analysed changes in the subsurface vibration modes using ambient noise signals. For the first time to our knowledge, an optic fiber sensor with an early warning alarm, using ambient noise vibrations to detect and monitor sinkholes was developed at NMU. A polarisation-based, interferometric optical fiber seismic sensor was developed and compared to a commercial geophone. The fiber sensor exhibited superior performance in sensitivity, bandwidth, signal response and recovery times. The sensitivity of the optical fiber sensor was 0.47 rad/Pa surpassing the geophone sensitivity by 9.32%, and the bandwidth of 3.349kHz was 20 times greater for the optical fiber sensor. The fiber sensor was used to measure millisecond events as the impact duration of a bouncing ball was successfully obtained. It was used to detect sinkhole formation in the simulator model, designed. Ground collapse precursors were identified, and early warning alert was achieved using the spectral analysis algorithm, developed. The collapse precursor condition was identified as a functional combination of variations in the peak frequency, bandwidth and peak intensity. A distributed acoustic sensor was built to detect ambient noise induced subsurface signals. Vibrations were located along the 28km length of optical fiber with a relative error of 9.6%. The sensor demonstrated a frequency response range of 212.25Hz, an event distance precision of 224m with time resolution of 1.12µs, and a spatial resolution of 1km. The position of disturbance was measured within 300m of its actual point of 3.21km along the optical fiber. The results showed that distributed optical fiber sensing allows real-time monitoring of the subsurface over extended distances, using ambient noise signals. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
A Sustainable development lens to understanding community participation in rural development: a case of Malamule Village, Mpumalanga Province
- Authors: Mathabela, Queen
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57874 , vital:58300
- Description: The study sought to explore the nature and extent to which community participation takes place for sustainable rural development at Malamule village, to better understand how to accelerate participation at both a regional and local level leading to sustainable development. The study further investigated how community members participate and involve themselves in sustainable rural development processes and at the same time, it identified approaches used to encourage community participation and sustainability of rural development. A qualitative research methodology was adopted where semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with community members and project managers from two NGOs in Malamule village. A thematic analysis was adopted in this study as it drew on a few thoughts introduced from the hypothetical framework supporting this investigation. There were four main findings of the study: 1) that community members of Malamule consider participation as a tool of emancipation and that they are not just development beneficiaries but influencers; 2) that the existence of NGOs brings about significant relief to the community of Malamule, while too much dependency on them could cause long term problems if the community does not learn to be self-sufficient; 3) that only a small amount of resources, or support, is needed to set up something sustainable; and 4) that the community of Malamule is undergoing many challenges, which results in class disputes that eventually translate into lack of unity. The following is recommended: that NGOs prioritise full involvement of the target communities to promote participation; that NGOs must continue to create awareness in Malamule through consistently training and equipping community members; and that there is a need for the community members and NGOs to continue working together so that sustainable development can be achieved. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Mathabela, Queen
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57874 , vital:58300
- Description: The study sought to explore the nature and extent to which community participation takes place for sustainable rural development at Malamule village, to better understand how to accelerate participation at both a regional and local level leading to sustainable development. The study further investigated how community members participate and involve themselves in sustainable rural development processes and at the same time, it identified approaches used to encourage community participation and sustainability of rural development. A qualitative research methodology was adopted where semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with community members and project managers from two NGOs in Malamule village. A thematic analysis was adopted in this study as it drew on a few thoughts introduced from the hypothetical framework supporting this investigation. There were four main findings of the study: 1) that community members of Malamule consider participation as a tool of emancipation and that they are not just development beneficiaries but influencers; 2) that the existence of NGOs brings about significant relief to the community of Malamule, while too much dependency on them could cause long term problems if the community does not learn to be self-sufficient; 3) that only a small amount of resources, or support, is needed to set up something sustainable; and 4) that the community of Malamule is undergoing many challenges, which results in class disputes that eventually translate into lack of unity. The following is recommended: that NGOs prioritise full involvement of the target communities to promote participation; that NGOs must continue to create awareness in Malamule through consistently training and equipping community members; and that there is a need for the community members and NGOs to continue working together so that sustainable development can be achieved. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Exchange rate volatility and bank performance: the case of South Africa
- Authors: Rozani, Zukiswa
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Exchange rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58156 , vital:58615
- Description: The increasing financial liberalisation since the collapse of the Bretton Woods regime in the 1970s has made exchange rates in both developing and industrialised countries unpredictable. As a result, both researchers and policymakers have become increasingly interested in the consequences and causes of exchange rate volatility. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates may be a significant source of concern for banking institutions. In the worst case, significant losses in foreign exchange could result in financial crises, apart from causing significant constraints on the revenue growth of banks. This research study sought to investigate the volatility of exchange rates in South Africa and how this volatility affects commercial banks’ performance. The study was guided by both theoretical and empirical literature to achieve its main objective. This investigation is rooted in two theories: The Purchasing Power Parity theory, and the International Fishers Effect theory. The purchasing power parity (PPP) theory expresses that, homogeneous goods, in various countries, cost equally in similar countries when estimated in terms of the same currency (Brunnermeier and Pedersen, 2009). The theory postulates that if two homogeneous goods are traded at various costs in various countries, the arbitrage opportunity would be exploited, which prompts convergence of the deviations from Purchasing Power Parity towards equilibrium without arbitrage costs. The International Fisher Effect stipulates that the distinction in returns between two countries is simply equivalent to the distinction in inflation rates (Ross, Westerfield, Jaffe, & Jordan, 2008). The theory proposes that foreign currencies with relatively high-interest rates would depreciate on grounds that the high nominal interest rates reflect anticipated inflation. The nominal interest rates would likewise fuse the risk of an investment (Majok, 2015). The research adopts two econometric models namely: The EGARCH technique in modelling volatility, and the NARDL method to investigate the relationship. Results from the NARDL model reveal the occurrence of a long-run relationship between exchange rate volatility and bank performance. However, the influence of exchange rate on bank performance varies, depending on the type of proxy employed to measure bank performance. Four commercial banks revealed evidence of cointegration among the variables in the model in the short run, and indicated the v | P a g e speed of adjustment in the short run towards the long run. Nedbank’s return on equity, however, has an insignificant short-run relationship. Therefore, the study recommends that management of banks should place a greater emphasis on assessing and overseeing economic exposure, and factoring this into strategies in decision making. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Rozani, Zukiswa
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Exchange rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58156 , vital:58615
- Description: The increasing financial liberalisation since the collapse of the Bretton Woods regime in the 1970s has made exchange rates in both developing and industrialised countries unpredictable. As a result, both researchers and policymakers have become increasingly interested in the consequences and causes of exchange rate volatility. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates may be a significant source of concern for banking institutions. In the worst case, significant losses in foreign exchange could result in financial crises, apart from causing significant constraints on the revenue growth of banks. This research study sought to investigate the volatility of exchange rates in South Africa and how this volatility affects commercial banks’ performance. The study was guided by both theoretical and empirical literature to achieve its main objective. This investigation is rooted in two theories: The Purchasing Power Parity theory, and the International Fishers Effect theory. The purchasing power parity (PPP) theory expresses that, homogeneous goods, in various countries, cost equally in similar countries when estimated in terms of the same currency (Brunnermeier and Pedersen, 2009). The theory postulates that if two homogeneous goods are traded at various costs in various countries, the arbitrage opportunity would be exploited, which prompts convergence of the deviations from Purchasing Power Parity towards equilibrium without arbitrage costs. The International Fisher Effect stipulates that the distinction in returns between two countries is simply equivalent to the distinction in inflation rates (Ross, Westerfield, Jaffe, & Jordan, 2008). The theory proposes that foreign currencies with relatively high-interest rates would depreciate on grounds that the high nominal interest rates reflect anticipated inflation. The nominal interest rates would likewise fuse the risk of an investment (Majok, 2015). The research adopts two econometric models namely: The EGARCH technique in modelling volatility, and the NARDL method to investigate the relationship. Results from the NARDL model reveal the occurrence of a long-run relationship between exchange rate volatility and bank performance. However, the influence of exchange rate on bank performance varies, depending on the type of proxy employed to measure bank performance. Four commercial banks revealed evidence of cointegration among the variables in the model in the short run, and indicated the v | P a g e speed of adjustment in the short run towards the long run. Nedbank’s return on equity, however, has an insignificant short-run relationship. Therefore, the study recommends that management of banks should place a greater emphasis on assessing and overseeing economic exposure, and factoring this into strategies in decision making. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Governance, institutional quality and economic complexity in Selected African countries
- Authors: Mini, Litha
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Political stability -- Africa , Knowledge economy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57917 , vital:58416
- Description: African has relatively low levels of economic complexity as the continent is centred on the production and exporting of natural agricultural goods, non-renewable natural resources, minerals, and crude oil, additionally the agricultural sector continues to be the prevalent employer. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between governance, institutional quality, with economic complexity in Africa. Panel data for the period 1996 - 2019 is employed and the generalised method of moments (GMM) technique was selected due to the number of countries (36 countries) being more than the time periods (22 years). The Granger non-causality test of Juodis, Karavias, and Sarafidis (2021) is used to figure out the direction of causality between the variables used in the study. The GMM results indicate that governance and institutional quality have a positive effect on economic complexity. The Granger causality test suggests that there is one directional causality from governance to economic complexity and from institutional quality to economic complexity. It is recommended that African countries improve governance through electing selfless leaders whose goal is improve the lives of its individuals. With regards to institutions, Africa needs to adopt strategies that support institutional quality which in turn will promote economic complexity. Policy makers should also create an environment or policies that are conducing for domestic and foreign investments, which in turn would improve the continent’s economic complexity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Mini, Litha
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Political stability -- Africa , Knowledge economy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57917 , vital:58416
- Description: African has relatively low levels of economic complexity as the continent is centred on the production and exporting of natural agricultural goods, non-renewable natural resources, minerals, and crude oil, additionally the agricultural sector continues to be the prevalent employer. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between governance, institutional quality, with economic complexity in Africa. Panel data for the period 1996 - 2019 is employed and the generalised method of moments (GMM) technique was selected due to the number of countries (36 countries) being more than the time periods (22 years). The Granger non-causality test of Juodis, Karavias, and Sarafidis (2021) is used to figure out the direction of causality between the variables used in the study. The GMM results indicate that governance and institutional quality have a positive effect on economic complexity. The Granger causality test suggests that there is one directional causality from governance to economic complexity and from institutional quality to economic complexity. It is recommended that African countries improve governance through electing selfless leaders whose goal is improve the lives of its individuals. With regards to institutions, Africa needs to adopt strategies that support institutional quality which in turn will promote economic complexity. Policy makers should also create an environment or policies that are conducing for domestic and foreign investments, which in turn would improve the continent’s economic complexity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Passengers’ perceived experience and satisfaction with long-distance coach liners in South Africa
- Authors: Mthi, Yolokazi
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Bus travel -- South Africa , Bus industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57969 , vital:58451
- Description: The transportation industry makes a significant contribution to the economy of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), national investment and employment, and plays an essential role in people’s daily lives. Within the transportation industry, this study specifically focused on long-distance coach liners. Long-distance coach liners add significant value to South Africa’s economy. However, no research focusing specifically on passengers’ perceived experience and satisfaction with long-distance coach liners in South Africa exists. Thus, the study aims to fill this void by investigating passengers’ perceived experience and satisfaction with long-distance coach liners in South Africa. The five dimensions of an experience, namely aesthetics, entertainment, peace of mind, economic value and efficiency were identified as potential dimensions of measuring passengers’ experience within a long-distance coach liner context to achieve the aim of the study. The study employed convenience and snowballing sampling to identify potential respondents. Primary data was collected utilising an online survey, SurveyMonkey, and 399 useable responses were received. To strengthen the validity of this study, inferential statistics were used to examine exploratory factor analysis to find latent factors. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was executed on the 44 items intended to measure the independent and dependent variables. The EFA was executed on the correlation matrix between the items. Five factors were extracted for the independent factors and one factor extracted as a dependent factor. A reliability coefficient (Cronbach’s alpha) was calculated for each factor to estimate the internal consistency of each of the items. The identified factors, with their respective items, were found to be reliable. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine whether there were any statistically significant differences between the mean score of selected profile variables (age, occupation, travel purpose and frequency with which respondents had travelled by long-distance coach liner) and the study's identified factors. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the influence or predictive effect that one or more (independent) variables has concerning the other (dependent) variable. In the current study, multiple regression analysis was utilised to examine the influence of the independent factors on the dependent variable. vi The results showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between factors such as aesthetics, entertainment, peace of mind, economic value and efficiency and passengers’ satisfaction. This implies that all the independent factors influence passengers’ satisfaction. However, only two factors namely efficiency (ꞵ=0.455, p=0.000) and peace of mind (ꞵ=0.552, p=0.000) were found to be significant predictors of passengers’ satisfaction. This implies that when efficiency and peace of mind are improved, customer satisfaction will also increase. Based on the findings of the study, valuable recommendations were highlighted in Chapter 6 of the study. The study will make important contributions. Firstly, the findings will assist long-distance coach liner businesses to improve their competitive position by enhancing the experiences and satisfaction that they offer to passengers. Secondly, the study contributes to the literature on passengers’ experience and satisfaction within the transportation industry in South Africa. Thirdly, the empirical results will serve as a foundation for future research. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Mthi, Yolokazi
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Bus travel -- South Africa , Bus industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57969 , vital:58451
- Description: The transportation industry makes a significant contribution to the economy of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), national investment and employment, and plays an essential role in people’s daily lives. Within the transportation industry, this study specifically focused on long-distance coach liners. Long-distance coach liners add significant value to South Africa’s economy. However, no research focusing specifically on passengers’ perceived experience and satisfaction with long-distance coach liners in South Africa exists. Thus, the study aims to fill this void by investigating passengers’ perceived experience and satisfaction with long-distance coach liners in South Africa. The five dimensions of an experience, namely aesthetics, entertainment, peace of mind, economic value and efficiency were identified as potential dimensions of measuring passengers’ experience within a long-distance coach liner context to achieve the aim of the study. The study employed convenience and snowballing sampling to identify potential respondents. Primary data was collected utilising an online survey, SurveyMonkey, and 399 useable responses were received. To strengthen the validity of this study, inferential statistics were used to examine exploratory factor analysis to find latent factors. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was executed on the 44 items intended to measure the independent and dependent variables. The EFA was executed on the correlation matrix between the items. Five factors were extracted for the independent factors and one factor extracted as a dependent factor. A reliability coefficient (Cronbach’s alpha) was calculated for each factor to estimate the internal consistency of each of the items. The identified factors, with their respective items, were found to be reliable. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine whether there were any statistically significant differences between the mean score of selected profile variables (age, occupation, travel purpose and frequency with which respondents had travelled by long-distance coach liner) and the study's identified factors. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the influence or predictive effect that one or more (independent) variables has concerning the other (dependent) variable. In the current study, multiple regression analysis was utilised to examine the influence of the independent factors on the dependent variable. vi The results showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between factors such as aesthetics, entertainment, peace of mind, economic value and efficiency and passengers’ satisfaction. This implies that all the independent factors influence passengers’ satisfaction. However, only two factors namely efficiency (ꞵ=0.455, p=0.000) and peace of mind (ꞵ=0.552, p=0.000) were found to be significant predictors of passengers’ satisfaction. This implies that when efficiency and peace of mind are improved, customer satisfaction will also increase. Based on the findings of the study, valuable recommendations were highlighted in Chapter 6 of the study. The study will make important contributions. Firstly, the findings will assist long-distance coach liner businesses to improve their competitive position by enhancing the experiences and satisfaction that they offer to passengers. Secondly, the study contributes to the literature on passengers’ experience and satisfaction within the transportation industry in South Africa. Thirdly, the empirical results will serve as a foundation for future research. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The influence of customer value On behavioural intention in the LGBT tourism sector
- Authors: Madinga, Nkosivile Welcome
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: LGBT community centers , Customer services
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57737 , vital:58228
- Description: The potential economic implications of the LGBT tourism sector have received the attention of scholars, marketing practitioners and tourism destinations, highlighting the LGBT community as a lucrative sector, while also signifying their distinctive needs of the LGBT community. LGBT tourists spent approximately $218 billion on travel in 2018 and they account for approximately 6% of the global tourism market. The LGBT tourism sector is fast growing in South Africa, and it was predicted that by 2030, South Africa will attract approximately 21 million tourists. Within South Africa, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg have earned a reputation as LGBT friendly destinations, with LGBT tourists expected to contribute approximately R1.8 billion to the Cape Town economy annually. Furthermore, between 10% and 12% of tourists in Cape Town identified themselves as members of the LGBT community. As a result, South Africa – and notably Cape Town – has been named one of the world’s top destinations for LGBT travellers. A well-known characteristic of the LGBT community is that it is comprised of highincome individuals who travel more frequently compared with their heterosexual counterparts. As a result, it is critical for the tourism sector to gain a thorough understanding of this market to effectively target it. Although travel and tourism are critical aspects of the modern LGBT culture, and LGBT tourism represents a developing and lucrative industry (especially in South Africa), there is limited scholarly research that can assist marketers in better understanding the LGBT tourists and their needs. In addition, no research has been conducted on the relationship between customer value and behavioural intentions in the LGBT tourism sector in South Africa. A major challenge for the tourism sector is the ability to offer value to LGBT tourists; therefore, destinations targeting the LGBT market should ensure that they understand how to create value for their customers. v LGBT tourism is considered unique in that the LGBT tourist views value differently than other markets. It is important to understand the dimensions of value to the LGBT market, as LGBT tourists are likely to be discouraged from visiting destinations that do not provide value, which has a significant impact on behavioural intentions. This study, therefore, investigated the dimensions of customer value and their influence on the behavioural intentions of tourists in the South African LGBT tourism sector. A self-administered electronic questionnaire was used to collect data, and 406 usable questionnaires was received. SPSS version 27.0 and Analysis of Movement Structures (AMOS) version 27.0 statistical packages were used to analyse the collected data and test the relationships between the variables examined in this study. The empirical results of this study showed a positive correlation between most dimensions of customer value and behavioural intention while a negative correlation coefficient was observed between cognitive dissonance and dimensions of customer value. The results confirm a positive significant relationship between the independent variables - functional value, emotional value, reputational value, epistemic value, social value - and the dependent variable - customer value. These relationships imply that if functional value, emotional value, reputational value, epistemic value and/or social value, customer value would improve. Interestingly, the findings show a significant positive relationship between monetary and non-monetary sacrifice, and customer value dimensions. These relationships imply that if monetary sacrifice and non-monetary sacrifice increase, customer value would increase. The findings also reveal that customer value has an influence on behavioural intention. Lastly, customer value was not found to be a mediating factor between customer value dimensions and behavioural vi intentions outcomes, namely revisit intention, tourist loyalty, willingness to pay a premium price and word of mouth. Findings from this study could aid destination marketers to ensure that they provide functional, emotional, reputational, epistemic and social value to tourists to gain competitive advantage. LGBT tourists need a safe haven where they can relax and enjoy themselves without fear of societal discrimination, and destinations should do their best to make this happen. This might be accomplished by creating a space where travellers who identify as LGBT can gather and mingle freely. In addition, to improve revisit intention, positive word of mouth and loyalty, tourist destinations should provide unique experiences. Destination marketers should engage in a number of marketing initiatives, including promoting South African LGBT tourism destinations at tourism expos, LGBT music festivals and prides. Lastly, limitations of the study and future research directions are presented. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Madinga, Nkosivile Welcome
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: LGBT community centers , Customer services
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57737 , vital:58228
- Description: The potential economic implications of the LGBT tourism sector have received the attention of scholars, marketing practitioners and tourism destinations, highlighting the LGBT community as a lucrative sector, while also signifying their distinctive needs of the LGBT community. LGBT tourists spent approximately $218 billion on travel in 2018 and they account for approximately 6% of the global tourism market. The LGBT tourism sector is fast growing in South Africa, and it was predicted that by 2030, South Africa will attract approximately 21 million tourists. Within South Africa, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg have earned a reputation as LGBT friendly destinations, with LGBT tourists expected to contribute approximately R1.8 billion to the Cape Town economy annually. Furthermore, between 10% and 12% of tourists in Cape Town identified themselves as members of the LGBT community. As a result, South Africa – and notably Cape Town – has been named one of the world’s top destinations for LGBT travellers. A well-known characteristic of the LGBT community is that it is comprised of highincome individuals who travel more frequently compared with their heterosexual counterparts. As a result, it is critical for the tourism sector to gain a thorough understanding of this market to effectively target it. Although travel and tourism are critical aspects of the modern LGBT culture, and LGBT tourism represents a developing and lucrative industry (especially in South Africa), there is limited scholarly research that can assist marketers in better understanding the LGBT tourists and their needs. In addition, no research has been conducted on the relationship between customer value and behavioural intentions in the LGBT tourism sector in South Africa. A major challenge for the tourism sector is the ability to offer value to LGBT tourists; therefore, destinations targeting the LGBT market should ensure that they understand how to create value for their customers. v LGBT tourism is considered unique in that the LGBT tourist views value differently than other markets. It is important to understand the dimensions of value to the LGBT market, as LGBT tourists are likely to be discouraged from visiting destinations that do not provide value, which has a significant impact on behavioural intentions. This study, therefore, investigated the dimensions of customer value and their influence on the behavioural intentions of tourists in the South African LGBT tourism sector. A self-administered electronic questionnaire was used to collect data, and 406 usable questionnaires was received. SPSS version 27.0 and Analysis of Movement Structures (AMOS) version 27.0 statistical packages were used to analyse the collected data and test the relationships between the variables examined in this study. The empirical results of this study showed a positive correlation between most dimensions of customer value and behavioural intention while a negative correlation coefficient was observed between cognitive dissonance and dimensions of customer value. The results confirm a positive significant relationship between the independent variables - functional value, emotional value, reputational value, epistemic value, social value - and the dependent variable - customer value. These relationships imply that if functional value, emotional value, reputational value, epistemic value and/or social value, customer value would improve. Interestingly, the findings show a significant positive relationship between monetary and non-monetary sacrifice, and customer value dimensions. These relationships imply that if monetary sacrifice and non-monetary sacrifice increase, customer value would increase. The findings also reveal that customer value has an influence on behavioural intention. Lastly, customer value was not found to be a mediating factor between customer value dimensions and behavioural vi intentions outcomes, namely revisit intention, tourist loyalty, willingness to pay a premium price and word of mouth. Findings from this study could aid destination marketers to ensure that they provide functional, emotional, reputational, epistemic and social value to tourists to gain competitive advantage. LGBT tourists need a safe haven where they can relax and enjoy themselves without fear of societal discrimination, and destinations should do their best to make this happen. This might be accomplished by creating a space where travellers who identify as LGBT can gather and mingle freely. In addition, to improve revisit intention, positive word of mouth and loyalty, tourist destinations should provide unique experiences. Destination marketers should engage in a number of marketing initiatives, including promoting South African LGBT tourism destinations at tourism expos, LGBT music festivals and prides. Lastly, limitations of the study and future research directions are presented. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Formulation of methyldopa 250 mg tablets by direct compression using a quality by design approach
- Authors: Baguma, Murungi Isaac
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical chemistry , Tablets (Medicine)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58575 , vital:59929
- Description: Various pharmaceutical materials are known to take up moisture during both storage and manufacture. This phenomenon, termed hygroscopy, can result in unacceptable levels of moisture, potentially having deleterious effects on product quality, and consequently product efficacy and safety. Drug inefficacy specifically can result in life-threatening complications for the pregnant mother with uncontrolled blood pressure. Marketed as immediate release tablets, methyldopa is an antihypertensive drug commonly used in South Africa to treat hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Despite being in use for over 50 years, the physicochemical challenges posed by methyldopa remain ever present. Methyldopa is not only significantly hygroscopic, but also prone to oxidative and hydrolytic degradation that can be accelerated by moisture. Poor compression behaviour, another limitation of methyldopa, leaves the formulation scientist with a constellation of formulation hurdles that must be faced, understood and overcome. This is a task that can be tackled using elements of the Quality by Design (QbD) approach. Using this approach, the impact of these phenomena on tablet quality can be better understood and controlled. This study was aimed at using this approach to develop a formulation of methyldopa 250 mg tablets. Direct compression, a simple and moisture-free process, was selected for the manufacture of methyldopa tablets. After careful review of literature and consultation with experts, excipients were selected for the candidate formulation and preliminary concentrations established for each. Similarly, settings for mixing and compression variables were established. Adopted from the QbD framework, the risk posed to tablet quality by these factors was qualitatively analysed using Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) and quantitatively evaluated using Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA). Eight (8) factors determined to be high risk were further investigated in a preliminary experiment that followed a 12-batch Plackett Burman design. Data from this experiment was used to draw statistical relationships between the aforementioned factors and tablet quality attributes, thus shedding light on excipients and process parameters with practically significant impact on methyldopa tablet quality. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) of the response data reported SSG concentration, citric acid monohydrate xxvii concentration and mixing speed as key factors (p<0.05), demonstrating the need to control these factors for quality targets to be met. These three factors underpinned the 16-batch definitive experiment that followed, conceived using a Box Behnken design (BBD) including four batches prepared at the centerpoint values in the region of experimentation. The optimal methyldopa tablet formulation was achieved at the following settings: 1.0 % m/m magnesium stearate, 1.0 % m/m colloidal silica, 3.9 % m/m sodium starch glycolate, 1.7 % m/m citric acid monohydrate, mixing speed of 101 rpm, 6 minutes of pre-lubrication mixing, 2 minutes of lubrication and compression speed of 20 rpm. These settings were included in the design space and subsequent control strategy. It was learned that, within the design space, the risk to tablet quality and, by extension, the patient, was insignificant. This demonstrated that, using the QbD approach, challenges to pharmaceutical development can be effectively overcome. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Baguma, Murungi Isaac
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical chemistry , Tablets (Medicine)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58575 , vital:59929
- Description: Various pharmaceutical materials are known to take up moisture during both storage and manufacture. This phenomenon, termed hygroscopy, can result in unacceptable levels of moisture, potentially having deleterious effects on product quality, and consequently product efficacy and safety. Drug inefficacy specifically can result in life-threatening complications for the pregnant mother with uncontrolled blood pressure. Marketed as immediate release tablets, methyldopa is an antihypertensive drug commonly used in South Africa to treat hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Despite being in use for over 50 years, the physicochemical challenges posed by methyldopa remain ever present. Methyldopa is not only significantly hygroscopic, but also prone to oxidative and hydrolytic degradation that can be accelerated by moisture. Poor compression behaviour, another limitation of methyldopa, leaves the formulation scientist with a constellation of formulation hurdles that must be faced, understood and overcome. This is a task that can be tackled using elements of the Quality by Design (QbD) approach. Using this approach, the impact of these phenomena on tablet quality can be better understood and controlled. This study was aimed at using this approach to develop a formulation of methyldopa 250 mg tablets. Direct compression, a simple and moisture-free process, was selected for the manufacture of methyldopa tablets. After careful review of literature and consultation with experts, excipients were selected for the candidate formulation and preliminary concentrations established for each. Similarly, settings for mixing and compression variables were established. Adopted from the QbD framework, the risk posed to tablet quality by these factors was qualitatively analysed using Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) and quantitatively evaluated using Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA). Eight (8) factors determined to be high risk were further investigated in a preliminary experiment that followed a 12-batch Plackett Burman design. Data from this experiment was used to draw statistical relationships between the aforementioned factors and tablet quality attributes, thus shedding light on excipients and process parameters with practically significant impact on methyldopa tablet quality. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) of the response data reported SSG concentration, citric acid monohydrate xxvii concentration and mixing speed as key factors (p<0.05), demonstrating the need to control these factors for quality targets to be met. These three factors underpinned the 16-batch definitive experiment that followed, conceived using a Box Behnken design (BBD) including four batches prepared at the centerpoint values in the region of experimentation. The optimal methyldopa tablet formulation was achieved at the following settings: 1.0 % m/m magnesium stearate, 1.0 % m/m colloidal silica, 3.9 % m/m sodium starch glycolate, 1.7 % m/m citric acid monohydrate, mixing speed of 101 rpm, 6 minutes of pre-lubrication mixing, 2 minutes of lubrication and compression speed of 20 rpm. These settings were included in the design space and subsequent control strategy. It was learned that, within the design space, the risk to tablet quality and, by extension, the patient, was insignificant. This demonstrated that, using the QbD approach, challenges to pharmaceutical development can be effectively overcome. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The determinants of loan delinquency among co-operative financial institutions in South Africa
- Authors: Bixa, Sisipho
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Financial institutions -- South Africa , Loans
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57546 , vital:58064
- Description: The world's attention has been drawn to co-operatives since the 2008 financial crisis because of their resilience and ability to prosper in adverse economic situations. Co-operatives, particularly Co-operative Financial Institutions (CFIs), have increased their participation, proving to be a channel for increasing access to finance for the previously unbanked, poverty reduction, and sustained socioeconomic growth across the African continent. Co-operatives have the potential to be a catalyst for long-term growth, which is especially important in a country like South Africa, yet they have been failing owing to loan default. Loan delinquency is a major threat to CFI's ability to continue granting loans to loan applicants and to grow the business. CFIs are unable to recoup the monies they have provided to loan borrowers, as the default rate has steadily increased. This influences the CFIs' financial obligations. The financial growth of CFIs is vital, and failure to keeping cash in circulation has an impact on their fundamental business. In South Africa, CFIs have observed a surge in loan defaults since 2010. Proper loan appraisals, timely reminders of loan recipients' repayments, and escalation on prompt follow-up on loan defaulters all are priorities for CFI management. Despite the efforts of CFIs to reduce delinquency, it has continuously increased. The objective of this study was to figure out what factors influence loan delinquency among CFIs. The study looked at an average of 47 CFIs in South Africa. Another objective of this study was to investigate the extent of loan delinquency among South African CFIs. The study used a quantitative approach, with secondary data obtained from CBDA. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the model's goodness of fit. The computed results show that this study has only one-way cross-sectional effects. In this example, the null hypothesis of the Breusch-Pagan (BP) test of "POLS is appropriate" is rejected. According to the descriptive statistics presented in the following section, the null hypothesis of regularly distributed data is not rejected. Pearson correlation was used to determine whether there was a relationship between the control variables and the dependent variable. The least squares regression output from the study was presented in the final section. Finally, GLS regression with random effects was used to examine the relationship between total loan delinquency and the dependent variables. x The research looked at seven independent variables: share league/affiliation, the proportion of women in total membership, youth savings, interest rates, total account receivables, and loan portfolio. However, the results of youth savings, interest rate, and total savings deposits may not be reliable because they are statistically insignificant. According to the study, financial institutions should provide easily accessible and accurate payment methods to encourage borrowers to pay on time. This can be accomplished by creating a website. In addition, CFIs/credit intuitions use a share league/affiliation method to maximize their responsible ownership and investigate why women's membership leads to lower loan delinquency. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science , 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Bixa, Sisipho
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Financial institutions -- South Africa , Loans
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57546 , vital:58064
- Description: The world's attention has been drawn to co-operatives since the 2008 financial crisis because of their resilience and ability to prosper in adverse economic situations. Co-operatives, particularly Co-operative Financial Institutions (CFIs), have increased their participation, proving to be a channel for increasing access to finance for the previously unbanked, poverty reduction, and sustained socioeconomic growth across the African continent. Co-operatives have the potential to be a catalyst for long-term growth, which is especially important in a country like South Africa, yet they have been failing owing to loan default. Loan delinquency is a major threat to CFI's ability to continue granting loans to loan applicants and to grow the business. CFIs are unable to recoup the monies they have provided to loan borrowers, as the default rate has steadily increased. This influences the CFIs' financial obligations. The financial growth of CFIs is vital, and failure to keeping cash in circulation has an impact on their fundamental business. In South Africa, CFIs have observed a surge in loan defaults since 2010. Proper loan appraisals, timely reminders of loan recipients' repayments, and escalation on prompt follow-up on loan defaulters all are priorities for CFI management. Despite the efforts of CFIs to reduce delinquency, it has continuously increased. The objective of this study was to figure out what factors influence loan delinquency among CFIs. The study looked at an average of 47 CFIs in South Africa. Another objective of this study was to investigate the extent of loan delinquency among South African CFIs. The study used a quantitative approach, with secondary data obtained from CBDA. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the model's goodness of fit. The computed results show that this study has only one-way cross-sectional effects. In this example, the null hypothesis of the Breusch-Pagan (BP) test of "POLS is appropriate" is rejected. According to the descriptive statistics presented in the following section, the null hypothesis of regularly distributed data is not rejected. Pearson correlation was used to determine whether there was a relationship between the control variables and the dependent variable. The least squares regression output from the study was presented in the final section. Finally, GLS regression with random effects was used to examine the relationship between total loan delinquency and the dependent variables. x The research looked at seven independent variables: share league/affiliation, the proportion of women in total membership, youth savings, interest rates, total account receivables, and loan portfolio. However, the results of youth savings, interest rate, and total savings deposits may not be reliable because they are statistically insignificant. According to the study, financial institutions should provide easily accessible and accurate payment methods to encourage borrowers to pay on time. This can be accomplished by creating a website. In addition, CFIs/credit intuitions use a share league/affiliation method to maximize their responsible ownership and investigate why women's membership leads to lower loan delinquency. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science , 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Assessing the economic impact and legal standing of expropriation of land without compensation policy and the effects on farm investment of selected farmers in South Africa
- Authors: Buthelezi, Sithabiso
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Land tenure , Economic impact analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57557 , vital:58073
- Description: South Africa’s agricultural sector is still labour- intensive and with South Africa’s high unemployment levels, this sector becomes crucial for employment creation. Moreover, the sector assists in eradicating poverty and ensuring food security. The African National Congress (ANC) has introduced the Draft Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill, 2019 in the National Assembly. The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure issued a notice indicating the government’s intention to introduce the Expropriation Bill, 2020 in the National Assembly for debate. After these Bills were issued, there has been a debate in the public, including legal and economic scholars about the potential impact that these policy proposals will have on investment, specifically the agricultural industry. This treatise investigates the potential impact of expropriation of land without compensation on farm investment and assess the legality of the policy. The supporting theoretical literature in this treatise is the property rights theory, efficiency theories and transactional costs theory. The study used various cases and interpretations of legislation across different jurisdictions, to assess the legality of this policy. To test the impact of expropriation of land on farm investment, the study uses a survey collected from 22 farmers, registered with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) who responded to the request to participate. Once collected, the data were coded and analysed through the Stata statistical package. The results from descriptive statistics show that several independent variables that were included in the model had an influence on investment decisions. The study also found that the influence of title deeds differs between rural and semiurban dwellers. Semi-urban dwellers are likely to regard their property as insecure without title deeds, whereas rural dwellers indicated strong security of tenure despite staying on leased land. The study also found that the influence of collateral credit differs between small and commercial farmers. Some small farmers, who had collateral assets, did not use it when seeking credit or were denied even after using it. That is due to other factors such as cash flow and affordability. These factors, combined with the low value of collateral assets for small farmers prevent them from accessing additional credit. The results from the regression analysis revealed that certain independent variables have an influence on the dependent variable (farm investment). The regression vi | P a g e analysis results also prove that there is a significant positive correlation between the security of tenure and farm investment. However, the results from the respondents show that the proposed policy (expropriation of land without compensation) has not decreased their security of tenure as yet. The majority of respondents reported knowing about the policy, but still indicated that they intend to increase their farm investment in the coming three years. Therefore, there is no evidence that the proposed legislation had a negative impact on planned investment from a data analysis perspective. However, planned investments are decreased because of the current policy uncertainty. Those participants who indicated that they will decrease their investment, did so because they were not sure if their property will be targeted or not. This policy uncertainty is the source of disinvestment. Government should finalise this policy. It must be clear, indicate the circumstances under which someone’s property will be targeted. This is likely to put everyone at ease and be certain if their property will be expropriated or not. Government should be cautious of putting a policy that is not definite enough and leaves the final decisions to the court to determine the amount to be paid as compensation, as is currently the case. This court-determined compensation increases transactions costs and also creates uncertainty because one does not know how much are they entitled to until the final court determination. This contributes to policy uncertainty and procrastination on investment. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Buthelezi, Sithabiso
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Land tenure , Economic impact analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57557 , vital:58073
- Description: South Africa’s agricultural sector is still labour- intensive and with South Africa’s high unemployment levels, this sector becomes crucial for employment creation. Moreover, the sector assists in eradicating poverty and ensuring food security. The African National Congress (ANC) has introduced the Draft Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill, 2019 in the National Assembly. The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure issued a notice indicating the government’s intention to introduce the Expropriation Bill, 2020 in the National Assembly for debate. After these Bills were issued, there has been a debate in the public, including legal and economic scholars about the potential impact that these policy proposals will have on investment, specifically the agricultural industry. This treatise investigates the potential impact of expropriation of land without compensation on farm investment and assess the legality of the policy. The supporting theoretical literature in this treatise is the property rights theory, efficiency theories and transactional costs theory. The study used various cases and interpretations of legislation across different jurisdictions, to assess the legality of this policy. To test the impact of expropriation of land on farm investment, the study uses a survey collected from 22 farmers, registered with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) who responded to the request to participate. Once collected, the data were coded and analysed through the Stata statistical package. The results from descriptive statistics show that several independent variables that were included in the model had an influence on investment decisions. The study also found that the influence of title deeds differs between rural and semiurban dwellers. Semi-urban dwellers are likely to regard their property as insecure without title deeds, whereas rural dwellers indicated strong security of tenure despite staying on leased land. The study also found that the influence of collateral credit differs between small and commercial farmers. Some small farmers, who had collateral assets, did not use it when seeking credit or were denied even after using it. That is due to other factors such as cash flow and affordability. These factors, combined with the low value of collateral assets for small farmers prevent them from accessing additional credit. The results from the regression analysis revealed that certain independent variables have an influence on the dependent variable (farm investment). The regression vi | P a g e analysis results also prove that there is a significant positive correlation between the security of tenure and farm investment. However, the results from the respondents show that the proposed policy (expropriation of land without compensation) has not decreased their security of tenure as yet. The majority of respondents reported knowing about the policy, but still indicated that they intend to increase their farm investment in the coming three years. Therefore, there is no evidence that the proposed legislation had a negative impact on planned investment from a data analysis perspective. However, planned investments are decreased because of the current policy uncertainty. Those participants who indicated that they will decrease their investment, did so because they were not sure if their property will be targeted or not. This policy uncertainty is the source of disinvestment. Government should finalise this policy. It must be clear, indicate the circumstances under which someone’s property will be targeted. This is likely to put everyone at ease and be certain if their property will be expropriated or not. Government should be cautious of putting a policy that is not definite enough and leaves the final decisions to the court to determine the amount to be paid as compensation, as is currently the case. This court-determined compensation increases transactions costs and also creates uncertainty because one does not know how much are they entitled to until the final court determination. This contributes to policy uncertainty and procrastination on investment. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Developing an effective HR framework/model to improve HR officials’ performance at the port of Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Maqetuka, Siphokazi Suzanne
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Personnel management , Human Resources Assessment , Human resource professionals
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57853 , vital:58280
- Description: With rising economic conditions and intense competitive conditions in business development, companies are increasingly facing the need to hire, motivate and retain talented people (Irana Bagaeva, 2018). Therefore, employees with the skills to meet market and customer requirements, regardless of ownership or the range of production in the modern world, are crucial to growth, survival, and sustainability. This emphasises the importance of those who must ensure that the above is achieved, that is, the human resources department of the organisation. The Human Resources Department is considered by business leaders and employees to be the body that builds and evaluates the human resources network that drives the effectiveness of the organization (Vanderpyl, 2018). Organisations need to be able to configure themselves, and HR leaders and teams keep their networks strong by not only satisfying regulations but also by leveraging and addressing social trends that benefit the organisation. Given the background highlighted above, which highlights the importance of an effective Human resource department and the role it ought to play in the organisation’s success, growth, and sustainability, it was therefore sought by the researcher to delve into the effectiveness of the Human resources department at the Port of Port Elizabeth, as they have continually been receiving mediocre performance ratings from the organisation’s leaders. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore and investigate, from the Human Resource personnel in this department, their opinions of the effectiveness of the service offerings of the Human Resource department of the Port of PE to service the needs of their customers. This led to the development of a qualitative research approach where semi-structured interviews, supported with questionnaires, were conducted on all the personnel of the Human Resource department. The questionnaire contained closed and open-ended statements of opinions held by the respondents, which consisted of the Human resource personnel of the Port of Port Elizabeth. The study findings indicate that the Human Resource Department of the Port of PE is functioning at a mediocre level of service provision and that it is not a high-performing team or highly effective. The impact of mediocre service delivery means that the iii department is not fully meeting the client’s mandate that drives the People agenda of the organisation. There were a few factors identified in the study that prevented the team from reaching levels of high performance, and some can be attributed to organisational, systemic, and policy challenges preventing the team from reaching the required levels of service. A new Operating model has been presented in this study to address these challenges faced by the department. Finally, it was imperative to highlight the context in which the Port of Port Elizabeth exists, that being of Transnet which is a State-Owned enterprise that is therefore owned by the government, which has the mandate to drive the South African Government’s agenda of poverty and unemployment alleviation. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Maqetuka, Siphokazi Suzanne
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Personnel management , Human Resources Assessment , Human resource professionals
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57853 , vital:58280
- Description: With rising economic conditions and intense competitive conditions in business development, companies are increasingly facing the need to hire, motivate and retain talented people (Irana Bagaeva, 2018). Therefore, employees with the skills to meet market and customer requirements, regardless of ownership or the range of production in the modern world, are crucial to growth, survival, and sustainability. This emphasises the importance of those who must ensure that the above is achieved, that is, the human resources department of the organisation. The Human Resources Department is considered by business leaders and employees to be the body that builds and evaluates the human resources network that drives the effectiveness of the organization (Vanderpyl, 2018). Organisations need to be able to configure themselves, and HR leaders and teams keep their networks strong by not only satisfying regulations but also by leveraging and addressing social trends that benefit the organisation. Given the background highlighted above, which highlights the importance of an effective Human resource department and the role it ought to play in the organisation’s success, growth, and sustainability, it was therefore sought by the researcher to delve into the effectiveness of the Human resources department at the Port of Port Elizabeth, as they have continually been receiving mediocre performance ratings from the organisation’s leaders. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore and investigate, from the Human Resource personnel in this department, their opinions of the effectiveness of the service offerings of the Human Resource department of the Port of PE to service the needs of their customers. This led to the development of a qualitative research approach where semi-structured interviews, supported with questionnaires, were conducted on all the personnel of the Human Resource department. The questionnaire contained closed and open-ended statements of opinions held by the respondents, which consisted of the Human resource personnel of the Port of Port Elizabeth. The study findings indicate that the Human Resource Department of the Port of PE is functioning at a mediocre level of service provision and that it is not a high-performing team or highly effective. The impact of mediocre service delivery means that the iii department is not fully meeting the client’s mandate that drives the People agenda of the organisation. There were a few factors identified in the study that prevented the team from reaching levels of high performance, and some can be attributed to organisational, systemic, and policy challenges preventing the team from reaching the required levels of service. A new Operating model has been presented in this study to address these challenges faced by the department. Finally, it was imperative to highlight the context in which the Port of Port Elizabeth exists, that being of Transnet which is a State-Owned enterprise that is therefore owned by the government, which has the mandate to drive the South African Government’s agenda of poverty and unemployment alleviation. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Information technology (IT) measures needed In the automotive industry to prepare for a pandemic
- Authors: Marwayi, Sisanda
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Information technology , Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57864 , vital:58292
- Description: Information Technology is the application of technology to solve business or organisational problems on a broad scale. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a standstill to many businesses, including that of the automotive industry, where production was brought to halt, car sales plummeted and automotive industry employees were forced to work remotely. This study sought to understand the measures needed to be taken by the automotive industry in preparation for a pandemic. This study followed a deductive approach and the use of surveys was selected as a data collection tool. At the time of the study, the study population was permanently employed automotive industry employees based in Nelson Mandela Bay, working in administrative departments. These employees had access to ICT tools provided by the targeted company. The study aimed to investigate the IT measures needed by the automotive industry in preparation for a pandemic. More specifically, the study investigated IT infrastructure, financial support and communication, as well as IT skills and training, needed by the automotive industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay area for successful remote working. The empirical results were obtained from 127 automotive industry employees. The aim was to determine the extent of Remote Work Assessment in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive industry and whether IT infrastructure, Communication, Financial support, IT skills, IT personnel support and IT training were the strongest determinants of measuring IT needs in preparation for a pandemic. The findings of the study indicated that IT infrastructure, Communication, IT skills, IT personnel support and IT training were important determinants of Remote Work Assessment. The study also revealed that only financial support was deemed as an insignificant determinant of Remote Work Assessment. Furthermore, recommendations were made to automotive industry leaders and management to facilitate improved working conditions with government. This can lead to significantly better forecasting and vi measurement of IT needs for future pandemic preparation in the automotive industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Marwayi, Sisanda
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Information technology , Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57864 , vital:58292
- Description: Information Technology is the application of technology to solve business or organisational problems on a broad scale. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a standstill to many businesses, including that of the automotive industry, where production was brought to halt, car sales plummeted and automotive industry employees were forced to work remotely. This study sought to understand the measures needed to be taken by the automotive industry in preparation for a pandemic. This study followed a deductive approach and the use of surveys was selected as a data collection tool. At the time of the study, the study population was permanently employed automotive industry employees based in Nelson Mandela Bay, working in administrative departments. These employees had access to ICT tools provided by the targeted company. The study aimed to investigate the IT measures needed by the automotive industry in preparation for a pandemic. More specifically, the study investigated IT infrastructure, financial support and communication, as well as IT skills and training, needed by the automotive industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay area for successful remote working. The empirical results were obtained from 127 automotive industry employees. The aim was to determine the extent of Remote Work Assessment in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive industry and whether IT infrastructure, Communication, Financial support, IT skills, IT personnel support and IT training were the strongest determinants of measuring IT needs in preparation for a pandemic. The findings of the study indicated that IT infrastructure, Communication, IT skills, IT personnel support and IT training were important determinants of Remote Work Assessment. The study also revealed that only financial support was deemed as an insignificant determinant of Remote Work Assessment. Furthermore, recommendations were made to automotive industry leaders and management to facilitate improved working conditions with government. This can lead to significantly better forecasting and vi measurement of IT needs for future pandemic preparation in the automotive industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04