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Investigation of FSO communication system based on various modulation schemes over coastal region of South Africa
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering: Electronic and Computer Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.The recent advancement in intelligent technology, where the highest percentage of the
population is connected through smart devices, requires robust wireless communications
infrastructure. Free Space Optical (FSO) communication, a system that uses light beams to
transmit data wirelessly, has recently emerged to enhance radio frequency (RF). The
advantages include a large bandwidth over long distances, low power consumption, an
unfettered spectrum, and sizeable high-speed data transfers. However, FSO communication
has challenges, particularly the significant impact of weather conditions such as fog
visibility, temperature, wind, and atmospheric turbulence on signals' performance and link
availability. Furthermore, the scintillations directly impact the FSO communication
performance, fading the signal and increasing the bit error rate. The primary objective of this
work is to elucidate the functioning of the FSO system, a crucial step in examining various
modulation strategies that rely on transmitting FSO signals through the Gamma-Gamma
atmospheric channel. For this study, the influence of selected meteorological parameters
(visibility range, wind speed, maximum temperature, and relative humidity) on FSO signal
attenuation over Cape Town and Port Elizabeth in South Africa, is evaluated and
demonstrated for the feasible performance, reliability, and resilience of the FSO
communication link. This study utilized two years (2018-2019) meteorological data from
the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
The average attenuation at the selected locations was calculated by quantifying the impact
of aerosol scattering on signal strength, which is attributed to the visibility conditions in
foggy environments. Wavelength-dependent parameters (about aerosol scattering) were
computed using four distinct operating wavelengths, specifically 650 nm, 850 nm, 1200 nm,
and 1550 nm, within the maximum transmission link of 5 km. The result demonstrates that
the specific average attenuation at an average visibility of 25.96 km in Cape Town
throughout the two years is 2.634 dB/km at 650 nm and 0.851 dB/km at 1550 nm. Port
Elizabeth recorded a higher mean visibility of 28.34 km, surpassing Cape Town's value by
2.38 km, and the observed specific average attenuation is 2.412 dB/km at 650 nm and 0.779
dB/km at 1550 nm, respectively. Furthermore, three FSO transmission schemes have been
evaluated and analyzed under atmospheric turbulences and weather conditions at 1550 nm wavelength and three different propagation links. The power transmission was constant, only
considering varying the required bandwidth for each scheme.
The system was modelled and simulated, thus achieving an average channel capacity of
4.559 bps/Hz in Cape Town at the highest transmission range of 2.5 km at a 35 dB signalnoise ratio. This capacity indicates the amount of data reliably transmitted per unit
bandwidth. At a medium transmission range of 2.5 km, the achieved channel capacity is
44.928 bps/Hz in Port Elizabeth. However, Port Elizabeth has the highest transmission range
of 3.5 km; the achieved channel capacity decreases drastically to 2.12 bps/Hz. This
significant decrease in capacity at more extended ranges highlights the practical limitations
of FSO communication under certain conditions, emphasizing the need for further research
and development in this area to overcome these challenges.
These findings underscore the significant influence of visibility variation between Cape
Town and Port Elizabeth on transmission range classification, ultimately affecting channel
capacity. Port Elizabeth's higher visibility enables a more precise signal path, reducing
attenuation and increasing capacity. In contrast, Cape Town's lower visibility can lead to
increased signal degradation, reducing capacity. This implies that high visibility and
optimized transmission range can enhance channel capacity, while lower visibility and
longer ranges can decrease it. This underscores the importance of considering
meteorological conditions in designing and deploying FSO systems, as they can significantly
impact their performance and reliability. This research provides crucial insights that can
inform and prepare the field for the challenges and opportunities in FSO communication.
Furthermore, this study contributes to the field of FSO communication by providing insights
into the effectiveness of three modulation schemes within the South African coastal regions:
binary phase shift, differential phase shift, and on-off keying. This research significantly
enhances the research's applicability and potential impact on FSO communication by delving
into the influence of meteorological parameters on the transmission path and the resulting
changes in the refractive index.
Source document usage and the financial sustainability of South African small, medium and micro retailers
No full textIn South Africa, small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) add significant socio-economic value to the national economy and are regarded as the driving force for economic growth. Prior research shows that these business entities ' sustainability leaves much to be desired as approximately 80% of South African SMMEs fail after being in operation for only three years; believed to be caused mostly by unmanaged economic factors. Although unmanaged economic factors may culminate in risks which adversely affect the sustainability of South African SMMEs, internal control activities can be used to mitigate the probability and potential impact of such risks. One of the most cost-effective internal control activities is that of document usage and design (e.g. source documents and internal documents). For this study, the primary objective was to determine the influence of source document usage, as an internal control measure, on the sustainability of South African small, medium and micro retail enterprises. The study was empirical and quantitative in nature and survey research was conducted by means of disseminating and collecting questionnaires to 120 SMME owners and/or managers. Stemming from the results, it became apparent that the use of source documents by the responding SMMEs did not have any statistically significant influence on their sustainability
Transforming internal auditing : harnessing retrieval-augmented generation technology
No full textThe advent of cloud-based Generative AI models, such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Claude, has created new opportunities for improving education through real-time, adaptive learning experiences. Despite their widespread use globally, their application in South African higher education remains limited and underexplored, resulting in an application gap. This paper, as Phase 1 of a larger project, addresses this gap by focusing on the development of a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) web application designed to enhance Internal Auditing education at the Durban University of Technology. This is achieved by integrating three powerful Generative AI models—OpenAI GPT-4o-mini, Google Gemini-1.5-flash, and Anthropic Claude-3-haiku—into a single educational platform that will enable lecturers to manage and augment lecture materials while allowing students to access personalized, AI-generated content. This paper presents the design considerations, architecture, and integration techniques employed in the development of the RAG web application, offering insights into the potential of adaptive learning, personalized learning, and AI-driven tutoring in South Africa’s educational landscape. This paper demonstrates how a RAG web application can provide the building blocks for future Generative AI applications that could enhance teaching and learning with minimal effort from lecturers and learners in the South African context
Survival of waterborne enteric viruses in the Msunduzi River in Pietermaritzburg
No full textSubmitted in the fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Masters of Applied Sciences in Biotechnology at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Waterborne enteric viruses are ubiquitous in a riverine environment. However, there has been
no direct correlation between bacterial faecal indicators and viral contamination in water.
Therefore, a viral indicator or combination of bacterial and viral indicators may be necessary
to determine contamination in environmental waters and their sources. Enteric viruses are
detected in water using various methods including qPCR, RT-PCR, cell culture and
sequencing. In this study, adenovirus, norovirus GI and GII, rotavirus A and hepatitis A were
detected in all samples collected from the Msunduzi River in Pietermaritzburg using a digital
PCR method. Results obtained indicated that environmental factors, including ammonia,
temperature, pH, phosphates, rainfall, suspended solids, turbidity and TOC, were found to
affect enteric virus survival in a riverine environment. It was further observed that
anthropogenic activities such as the Dusi Canoe Marathon impacted the distribution of enteric
viruses throughout the Msunduzi River. Adenovirus 40 and 41 and all serotypes were detected
together with other enteric viruses and bacterial indicators proving to be a possible indicator
for viral pathogens. Little to no correlation was found between enteric viral pathogens and
enteric microbial loads in this river. Future work should include the investigation of other
possible viral indicators and forming an indicator complex that includes both bacterial and viral
indicators for water quality based microbial risk assessment framework.
Question on reality : rethinking the practice of decolonisation in African studies
No full textDecolonisation, an occurrence that processes an idea, instills a new sense of belonging in people. In Africa, such occurrence is identified as a tool that sets the pace of marginalisation from the rest of the world. Knowledge colonisation still exists, with a gap between a few minorities (White/West) and the majority (Black/Rest). With a deeply rooted dichotomy at different societal levels, recognition is drawn to scholars in research and development. African scholars with the “West” have more hurdles to surmount, primarily to achieve acceptance with their fellow counterparts. As the debate on decolonisation gains prominence, African studies and scholars become important. This study addressed the gap of inconsistencies in relationships, discussions, and the research base of African studies and scholars. It investigates the significance of African studies, examines the practice of African theory, and examines the extent of decolonisation as a reality in African studies. With educational and innovative strategies, structures for the practice of African studies were explored. A descriptive design is adopted for the study; with data gathered using primary and secondary sources
Exploring the effectiveness of employee engagement strategies in the manufacturing industry : a South African perspective
No full textThe paint manufacturing sector has not received sufficient attention, having its unique challenges with employee engagement, despite numerous investigations on employee engagement in several industries. This study seeks to address this deficiency by performing a targeted investigation on the levels of employee involvement within the paint manufacturing sector. This study aims to assess the level of employee involvement in the paint manufacturing industry in South Africa. This study systematically assesses the strategies and practices of employee engagement implemented by paint manufacturing companies operating in the region. This study utilises a mixed methods approach and follows an exploratory research design to accomplish its objectives. This methodology utilises many research techniques to provide a thorough understanding of the complex employee engagement processes in the paint manufacturing industry. The survey instrument, comprising of 320 questionnaires, was distributed to managerial professionals, human resource practitioners, and general employees working at paint production plants in South Africa. In addition to collecting quantitative data, interviews were undertaken to further enrich the depth of insights. The findings reveal a beneficial and interconnected link between the factors studied, suggesting a reciprocal strengthening that enhances employee engagement. Moreover, the study highlights the complex interconnection between the six aspects of employee involvement in the company environment. These characteristics jointly contribute to the fundamental aspects of employee engagement within paint manufacturing firms. Industry stakeholders should work together to develop an organisational culture that is deeply ingrained in the industry's identity and resonates with all personnel. One key remedy suggested is to conduct an employee engagement survey across the entire organisation, which will help gain a thorough understanding of engagement dynamics. This study highlights a strong association between employee engagement, departmental affiliation, racial demographics, and age groups. Therefore, organisations can improve workplace engagement by carefully taking into account the impact of departmental divisions, racial origins, and age cohorts on the overall engagement picture. The study's findings shed light on the significant influence of these factors in determining the dynamics of employee engagement
The impact of short-term training and development on the growth and performance of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMES) in Umkomaas Kwazulu-Natal
Get PDFSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Business Administration, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) play a vital role in driving economic
growth, employment, and community development, particularly in emerging
economies like South Africa. However, many SMMEs encounter considerable
operational and strategic challenges, primarily stemming from a shortage of skilled
labour and managerial expertise. To address these skill gaps, short-term training and
development programmes are often proposed, aimed at enhancing the capability of
SMMEs to thrive and operate efficiently. This study explores the effects of short-term
training interventions on the growth and performance of SMMEs in Umkomaas,
KwaZulu-Natal, with the objective of assessing the effectiveness of these programmes
within a localised South African context. Employing a qualitative research
methodology, the study gathers insights through in-depth interviews with 10 SMME
owners and managers who have participated in short-term training initiatives.
Thematic analysis is utilised to uncover prevalent themes related to skills acquisition,
operational enhancements, and the perceived influence of training on business
outcomes. The research aims to evaluate whether short-term training has a direct
positive impact on critical performance metrics. Preliminary findings suggest that
targeted, skills-centric training can significantly bolster the operational and financial
performance of SMMEs, although the degree of impact may vary based on business
size, industry, and resource availability. These results underscore the potential of
short-term training programmes to facilitate regional economic development through
sustainable growth in SMMEs. Moreover, this study offers important recommendations
for policymakers, training providers, and business development agencies concerning
the design of effective training programmes tailored to the specific needs of SMMEs
in Umkomaas and comparable communities. By identifying best practices and areas
for enhancement, this research contributes to the broader conversation on capacity
building and the essential role of targeted training in promoting economic resilience in
local economies.
Curriculum theorising in the era of the fourth industrial revolution
Get PDFCurriculum theorising is a crucial part of curriculum studies in general and the curriculum discourse in particular. This is why theorising is vital in the articulation of solutions to curriculum problems or challenges. In this era of the Fourth industrial revolution where technology is changing the processes of learning, what it means to learn and how best to learn, the solutions of yesteryears would not solve the educational challenges of today, creating the need for further theorisation. What should curriculum theorisers be responding to in this era, how should they be responding to it and what solutions should they proffer to the new challenges being created by the fourth industrial revolution. This paper seeks to explore these issues and theorise possible pathways or starting points from which curriculum theorisers can begin the theorising of curriculum in this era of the fourth industrial revolution
The understanding, attitudes and perceptions of chiropractic master’s students regarding professionalism
Get PDFDissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Health Sciences in Chiropractic degree at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Introduction
Professionalism is described as ethical behavior that is expected amongst the
members of a profession, and refers to the conduct, qualities, vision and/ or goals
that characterize or mark a professional person and ensures that there is quality
workmanship or service. This research shows an insufficiency of studies on the
understanding, attitudes and perceptions of Chiropractic master’s students
regarding professionalism and its parts that may be improved. It is critical to
comprehend this information to provide training for Chiropractic master’s students
and ultimately improve the practice of professionalism so that unprofessional
behavior is not perpetuated in the Chiropractic profession.
Aim
The current study aimed to explore and describe the understanding, attitudes and
perceptions of Chiropractic master’s students regarding professionalism and to
understand their views on what parts of professionalism may be improved at the
selected University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal.
Method
The study was conducted at a selected University of Technology in KwaZulu Natal, utilizing a qualitative descriptive and exploratory research approach to
understand the professionalism phenomenon from Chiropractic master's
students’ perspectives and responses. Purposive sampling was used to select 14
Chiropractic master’s students. However, data saturation was reached with the
twelfth participant, and two more participants were interviewed to confirm data
saturation. The participants who were willing to participate in the study were from
the selected University of Technology in the eThekwini District in KwaZulu-Natal
province. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews using open-ended questions
for data collection. A deductive thematic content analysis was employed for data
analysis to identify themes for the study. The themes were discussed as findings,
and the discussion and conclusion were made based on the findings.
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Findings
The participants displayed a limited understanding of professionalism. However,
their attitudes were positive and their perceptions varied according to each
participant’s understanding of professionalism. Their overall interpretation omitted
fundamental aspects that constitute professionalism. The themes that emerged
during the analysis of data were: Chiropractic master’s students’ understanding
regarding professionalism; Chiropractic master’s students’ attitudes regarding
professionalism; Chiropractic master’s students’ perceptions regarding
professionalism and its parts that may be improved.
Conclusion
Chiropractic master’s students must obtain a full understanding of
professionalism as it could improve their competence during clinical training. The
introduction of professionalism workshops, seminars and possibly a
professionalism module in the Chiropractic program would benefit Chiropractic
master’s students to ensure quality health services to their patients.
Educating teachers for peace in a context of violence
Get PDFSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration - Peace Studies, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Arising from violent community conflicts in 2021 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, an action
research project was launched with the aim of developing people in educational roles – tutors,
teachers, students, activists – as facilitators of dialogues and discussions on sensitive issues
that often involve questions of violence. The overarching research question was, ‘In a society
that has experienced historical violence, how can understandings of contexts, of students and
of ourselves inform the pedagogy of a teacher education that aims to build peace?’ The
emphasis was thus on pedagogy; there is very limited scholarship regarding the pedagogy used
to promote peace within teacher education, and much less still on this work in a context of
extreme violence. South Africa meets the criteria for what is termed chronic violence. Such
violence is evident not only in the broader society, but specifically within education. The study
took a critical paradigm and used dynamic realism as the philosophical basis, which combined
process ontology and phenomenology. An eclectic theoretical framework drew on Galtung,
Freire, Bronfenbrenner, Bourdieu and Zembylas; this focused attention on how violence or
peace become part of the dispositions or habitus in specific fields of practice, and the role of
transformative learning in advancing positive change. A pilot over six weeks in 2021 and one
session in 2022, much of which was constrained by the need to work online during the Covid19 lockdowns, was followed by a much longer intervention phase from April to October 2023,
with roughly 30 participants completing the programme in each phase. Thematic analysis was
used to develop themes from the data that was generated. This data drew in part also on my
experiences within the course and the ways in which I understood the continuity from my
history as an educator. Arising from the synthesis of themes from both phases of the study, the
final themes were as follows: The pervasiveness and costs of violence and trauma in this
context; the significance of a safe space; the centrality of emotions; the value of questioning;
embracing diversity; ‘beyond facilitation’: education as personal development and healing; the
time taken to develop depth. The implications are spelt out for teacher education, though with
some caution with regards to how readily transferable the findings are to the context of formal
teacher education: first, teacher education in such contexts needs to take recognition of the
reality and consequences of violence. Secondly, it needs a vision of teacher education as an
oasis of peace that develops a habitus of peace amongst staff and students. Developing teacher
educators as agents of peace as a logical first step because their role in the system is of critical
importance. It is acknowledged that the recommendations are far-reaching and a strategy for
implementation is touched on. The study contributes to knowledge, first, by being one of the few studies on pedagogy for peace in a context of violence and by its emphasis on the
consistency of pedagogy between education and teacher education. The need for investing in
the development of teacher educators is a key point made. A specific theoretical contribution
is the notion of teacher education in a context of violence as a ‘benign order’, given the chaotic
interactions across fields of practice. This would also be a productive area for further research.