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A Systematic Review on the Association of Child Abuse with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Full text linkBackground: Child abuse represents a significant global issue impacting numerous children. Research has increasingly examined the link between child abuse and Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This mini-dissertation aims to explore and clarify the relationship between child abuse and ADHD by reviewing existing literature on the topic. Method: A systematic review process was employed, drawing on existing literature and incorporating studies conducted both nationally and internationally to address the research questions. The results generated codes, which were subsequently organised into themes. Results: There is an association between child abuse and ADHD. Some studies suggest that ADHD may contribute to abuse, while others indicate the opposite. It is important to recognise that genetics and other factors cannot be dismissed, as ADHD is influenced by multiple elements. Recommended interventions include, but are not limited to, providing psychoeducation to all parents about the aetiology of ADHD, the implications of abuse, and equipping them with the necessary skills to mitigate potential risks. Discussion: Child abuse is a notable risk factor in the development of ADHD, with multiple contributing elements involved. The correlation between child abuse and ADHD is significant. Nonetheless, research on this issue within the African context remains limited. Conclusion: Child abuse has several implications on a developing individual than what is seen physically. These implications are not only short-term but long-term. Child abuse is highlighted as one of the significant environmental factors in the development of ADHD.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 202
The influence of local regulatory requirements on timelines to implement an active pharmaceutical ingredient supplier change in South Africa
Full text linkRegulatory convergence and harmonisation are anticipated to increase efficiency within regulatory systems by reducing the regulatory burden on national regulatory authorities and the pharmaceutical industry companies. In 2019, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) initiated the process of adopting the European Union guidelines related to submission of variations to the product dossier, with some local South African requirements for submission. The local South African requirements are contained within the South African guidelines, reference documents and communications to industry. The aim of this study was to determine whether current local SAHPRA regulatory documentation requirements influence the timeline for compilation of a submission for an API change in South Africa that is supported by a certificate of suitability (CEP), and whether the requirements are clearly outlined. Data was collected from one marketing authorisation holder on the timelines to collect documentation from active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) suppliers and finished pharmaceutical product (FPP) manufacturers for submission to SAHPRA. Although data obtained during this study was limited due to the extended timelines to obtain the supporting documentation, the data indicated that the local SAHPRA requirements do have an influence on the timelines for submission of API variations. There is also a great variability between suppliers to supply documentation. The data on the number of deficiencies noted by SAHPRA for previously submitted variations, showed similarities to a previous study performed by Moeti (2022). The modules related to the analytical controls (3.S.S.4) and information regarding the reference standards used by the FPP manufacturer (3.2.S.5) are most affected, where deficiencies are found. Increased awareness by persons responsible for the selection of new API suppliers with regards to the specific requirements for these modules is recommended.Thesis (MPharm) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Care & Medicinal Sciences, 202
Fundamental movement skill proficiency, physical activity and body mass index of grade 1 learners from a low-income community in Gqeberha
Full text linkFundamental movement skills (FMS) serve as the building blocks for basic movement patterns, which are necessary for the development of more complex motor skills. Proficiency in FMS has been linked to improved health outcomes, including increased participation in physical activity (PA) and optimal body composition. However, there is limited research on the status and association between FMS, PA and body mass index (BMI) among South African children. This study examined the status and interrelationship between FMS proficiency, PA status and BMI of grade 1 learners from a low-income community in Gqeberha. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, with 99 grade 1 learners from five quintile 3 schools participating in the study. FMS, PA and BMI were assessed using the Test for Gross Motor Development –Third edition (TGMD-3), Actigraph accelerometers, and height and weight measurements, respectively. The results reported poor proficiency in FMS, no learner achieved mastery in all 13 FMS items and 23.2% failed to achieve mastery in any of the FMS. The majority of learners (77.9%) met the WHO PA guidelines, with school-based PA being the largest contributor. The majority of learners had a normal weight status (77.8%). Boys outperformed girls in three of the ball skills as well as the overall ball skills (p<0.05), achieved significantly higher MVPA across all PA categories (p<0.05), and had a lower prevalence of overweight and obesity compared to girls. Vigorous PA (VPA) correlated positively with ball skills for all PA categories (p<0.05), as well as with the locomotor subset during total, weekday and school daytime PA (p<0.05). A weak negative correlation was observed between BMI and the underhand throw (p<0.05). Overall, the findings highlighted poor FMS proficiency relative to developmental milestones, especially among girls. These findings highlight the need for PA-focused interventions to enhance FMS proficiency and maintain healthy body composition of learners in low-income communities.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 202
Integrated approach to urban renewal: a case of Helensvale, Port Elizabeth
Full text linkThe main aim of this research is to seek an integrated approach to sustainable urban renewal. This done through a programme in Helenvale, Port Elizabeth. This is done by focusing on the importance of integrating the social and environmental aspects of urban renewal with the economic aspects. The study further seeks to explore the concept of sustainability in urban renewal. This research was based on a qualitative research methodology which was applied to a case study based on Helenvale in Port Elizabeth. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders in the area’s urban renewal programme. The data collected was transcribed and then subjected to a thematic analysis where the crucial themes were identified. The researcher highlighted that a constructivist epistemological perspective was utilized because it allows for the exploration of subjective meanings and interpretations of the data. In addition, a thematic analysis was used in order to analyse and interpret the results obtained from the stakeholders of the Helenvale Urban Renewal Programme. For an urban renewal project to be successful, it is important to introduce community participation at the very beginning and to encourage community involvement as this can contribute to the sustainability of the project. It is also crucial that the rising crime rate in the area is controlled, as this has a negative impact on the restoration of Helenvale. This research was limited to a case study based on Helenvale in Port Elizabeth. Although further research into other urban renewal projects could assist with tackling the critical issues that arose, it was recommended that each project should be treated individually because every community experiences its own specific issues. It is important to be able to identify the social, environmental and economic issues that a community is dealing with before an urban renewal project commences. This can assist in creating a project that is community-specific and that can in the future break the cycle of impoverishment, crime, unemployment, and other related issues. The results of the analysis highlight the importance of integration within an urban renewal programme. Without the integration of the social, environmental and economic issues in a holistic manner, these programmes are non-sustainable.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 202
A sports betting information security management framework: a case study in the Eastern Cape
Full text linkThe gambling legislation requires the Sports betting industry (SBI) in the Eastern Cape (EC) to operate on an approved and certified computerised Wagering Record Keeping System (WRS). Other than the controls embedded in the WRS, SBI has no other mechanisms to identify and address information security threats to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C.I.A.) of its information. The SBI leaves information and communications technology (ICT) and security to third parties. An industry-focused, cost-effective, and international standards-based framework can assist the SBI in the EC to implement information security management (ISM). This will enhance the SBI’s business resilience and rapid response in an event of any information security breach and/ or threat. The study produced a Sports Betting Information Security Management Framework (SB-ISMF). The SBI representatives validate the SB-ISMF.Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Information Technology, 202
Corporate susceptibility to email phishing: a socio-technical perspective
Full text linkEmail phishing continues to be a significant challenge for organisations, targeting and exploiting vulnerabilities in corporate environments. These attacks leverage human behaviour and technical gaps to deceive users, leading to substantial financial losses, operational disruptions, and reputational harm. Despite advancements in defence mechanisms, phishing continues to outpace existing strategies, revealing critical gaps in understanding and mitigating susceptibility within organisations. This study aims to develop a socio-technical framework to address corporate susceptibility to email phishing. The framework integrates insights into social, technical, and environmental subsystems to propose comprehensive strategies for reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing organisational resilience. The research employs the Socio-Technical Systems (STS) framework to analyse the interplay between human behaviour, technology, and external environmental influences. This theoretical lens provides a holistic perspective for understanding phishing susceptibility and tailoring defence strategies across hierarchical levels (micro, meso, and macro). A systematic literature review of 62 papers was conducted to identify recurring themes related to phishing vulnerabilities and defence mechanisms. Qualitative data analysis using ATLAS.ti facilitated the coding and thematic synthesis of findings. Logical argumentation was employed to integrate these insights into a coherent socio-technical framework. The study identifies 11 key susceptibility factors across social, technical, and environmental subsystems, such as lack of employee training, weak technical controls, and environmental complexities. It also outlines eight defence strategies, including effective training programs, advanced technical controls, and secure communication protocols. The proposed framework aligns these factors and strategies with hierarchical organisational levels to ensure targeted and scalable interventions. This research advances knowledge and practice by providing a practical and adaptable socio-technical framework for mitigating email phishing risks. By leveraging socio-technical systems theory, the study provides actionable insights that enhance corporate resilience against phishing attacks. The framework encapsulates a layered, adaptive approach to building resilience against email phishing in a continuously evolving digital threat landscape.Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Information Technology, 202
Financial management of construction projects
Full text linkConstruction projects are experiencing cost overruns, meaning that cost for executing construction projects exceeds the budgeted amount. This has been noted as an industry problem that still needs to be investigated in detail. The cost overrun was identified with the other associated subproblems, such as construction projects not being completed within the required scheduled period; sub-standard working conditions noted on construction projects, which might lead to health hazards and cost overruns; lastly established construction companies are becoming bankrupt and end up getting liquidated. This research study focused on finding the main causes that lead to these problems, as this is affecting the construction industry. Most studies by other researchers are more focused on the four fundamental elements of successful projects, namely, scheduled period for construction projects, qualitative workmanship, cost of executing the project, and health & safety. An in-depth study was felt important that should be conducted on cost overruns because all the other fundamental elements are indirectly linked to cost. For instance, quality that does not conform to requirements, mostly is due to inappropriate financial management strategies, where managerial teams try to save cost by compromising quality and that further results in cost overruns due to re-works. Construction project delays result in cost overruns and some of these delays are not contractor related causes, but they are related to the client, and later, this affects the contractor financials. The financial constraints experienced by contractors result in sub-standard working conditions on construction projects. Persistence of the financial constraints on construction projects further leads to contractors’ bankruptcy. The researcher has noted that these problems are linked to each other, therefore establishing the main causes that will further help to work towards possible solutions. A structured questionnaire was used to collect a quantitative data from the construction professionals working for Master Builders Association registered contractors in Eastern Cape. Descriptive statistics were applied for recording and analysis of primary data. Secondary data was obtained from the literature review of previous researchers on the relevant research topic. Findings indicate that inadequate financial management is a significant contributor to cost overruns, with delayed client payment being the primary cause of project delays. Inappropriate managing strategies lead to sub-standard working conditions. Bankruptcy of most contractors is due to insufficient funds. It is further established that these are both clients and contractors related causes of cost overruns. Therefore, further studies for resolution of these problems are required.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 202
Female advancement at a South African automotive manufacturer: perceptions and challenges faced by female employees
Full text linkFemale advancement in the automotive industry is slow. Despite government interventions and laws being passed, the companies seem to grappling in achieving equality in the workplace. The research aims to understand, from the perspective of female employees at the selected company, how five components are either positively or negatively contributing to female advancement in the chosen company. These five independent variables tested are: Policy awareness, Current promotion policies, Talent recognition, Leadership selection and Self-development. A comprehensive literature review is formulated to be used to compare the results with previous studies. The purpose of this is to check for new emerging trends. The researcher presents hypotheses and the data prove them to be true or false. This is done by sending a survey tool, with close ended ques-tions via e-mail to all female employees on three specialisation and manage-ment levels within the company. These levels represent the majority of female employees within the organisation. The responses are cleaned up for any errors or bugs. Statistical analysis is deployed to understand the data. The data is used to understand the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable which is female advancement. From the study, in the main, it revealed that policies might be in place and understood but female employees have an obligation to prove themselves in the workplace. Unfortunately, the sample size was small, but one can get a sense of what females within the chosen company feel need to be done in order to progress within the organisation. The study recommends that management creates a platform for females to showcase their potential and apply scientific selection processes to ensure that female employees are working in their fields of expertise as well as chosen in a scientific way for leadership positions. Gaps identified in this study pertain to the uncertainty of female employees with regards to certain questions asked in the survey. A big part of the questions was answered in the neutral category. This gives the impression that either the respondents did not understand the questions or are scared to give their honest opinion. The percentage responses were low, even after sending the survey questions out several times and re-assurance of the confidentiality of the study, indicating that some female employees might think that the survey could be career limiting. This aspect can be a topic for further studies into female behaviour causing hindrances in their advancement prospects. The study yielded some interesting statistics, especially the views from female employees. Companies can use the data to improve female employee selection and placement.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Adoption of fintech business models, its perceived risks and benefits: evidence from Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
Full text linkFinancial technology has become one of the most noticeably advancing technologies in the financial sphere, allowing banks, businesses and individuals to make and receive payments from anywhere in the world. This financial technology operates with different business models characterise by some levels of risks and which affect its adoption by potential users. Fintech was introduced shortly after the 2008 global financial crisis which saw both the economic and financial industries crumble as the traditional banking system lost confidence. In South Africa, therefore, a division of fintech was introduced within the South African Reserve Bank to explore and oversee the financial technology implementation or innovation. Although fintech may be associated with perceived risk, this risk may not be the same for all models as each model of fintech operation presents different facets of risk and this has not been adequately explored in the existing literature. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate the impact of perceived risks and benefits of different fintech business models on its adoption by existing and prospective users in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality using primary data. Specifically, the study seeks to, to assess different business models of fintech and associated perceived risk factors and benefits by existing and prospective users in NMBM. Investigating the influence of perceived risk factor of each business model on fintechadoption in NMBM., to investigating the influence of perceived benefits of each business model on fintech adoption in NMBM. To address objective one on different business models of fintech, descriptive statistics analysis was conducted. Findings reveal the use of different business models such as mobile payment, wealth management, peer-to-peer lending, automated teller machines (ATM), eWallet and quick loan in the study area. To address the second objective on the influence of perceived risks on the adoption of fintech, structure equation model (SEM) was used. Findings reveal that economic benefit, convenience and transaction process have a positive significant impact on the adoption of eWallet, mobile payment, peer-to-peer lending, wealth management, ATMand quick loan. However, financial, legal, security and operational risks have a positive significant impact on the adoption of peer-to-peer lending, and a negative significant impact on the adoption of wealth management and eWallet. Based on the findings, it is recommended that financial institutions, especially banks, should implement high-tech security measures to minimise risk and mitigate the negative effects of fintech on users and consumers. This is because consumers and users consider the benefits and dangers of adopting fintech.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
Determinants of disparities in early closure of businesses during covid-19 pandemic in South Africa: evidence from enterprise survey data
Full text linkThe study investigates the disparity in business closures in South Africa during the pandemic using data from the 2020/2021 Enterprise Survey by the World Bank. It examines the determinants of this disparity and investigates the closure of different sized businesses using descriptive statistics, Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition and logistic regression. The study found that small businesses are more likely to close than medium and large businesses in 2020, with a closure disparity of 8% in the 2nd quarter, 88% in the 3rd quarter, and 5% in the 4th quarter. The results reveal that experienced managers have a significant negative impact on business closure only in the 2nd and 3rd quarter. Critical thinking has a significant negative impact in the 3rd quarter and skilled workforce has a significant negative impact. Temporary workers have a significant positive impact on business closure in the 2nd quarter and a significant negative impact in the 4th quarter. The results also indicate that skilled workers, female workers, the food industry, the textile and garment industry, and the motor vehicle industry have a significant negative impact on business closure. The same sale as the previous year has a significant negative impact on business closure for small-sized firms. For large-sized businesses, skilled workers, female workers, and food have a significant positive impact on business closure. The textile and garment, motor vehicle, and fabric and metal product industries have a significant positive impact on business closure. However, when it comes to business closure in medium-sized businesses, the textile and garment, motor vehicle, and fabric and metal product industries have a significant positive impact. The findings of this study suggest that targeted support and resources may be needed for small businesses to improve their chances of survival during future crises. Policy interventions to promote gender equality and increase the number of skilled workers in the workforce can help to address some of the factors that contribute to business closures. Additionally, businesses may need to adopt digital technologies and adapt to changing market conditions to improve their resilience. Implementing measures to promote inclusivity and reduce inequality, such as job creation programs, improved access to education, and support for marginalized groups, can also help to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on businesses.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202