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The effectiveness of Coega Development Corporation’s financing subsidiary in enabling small and medium enterprise construction projects
Get PDFGlobally, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the driving force that keeps the economy of a country going and although the overall economic contribution of SMEs is impressive worldwide, in South Africa (SA), there is a high rate of failure amongst SMEs. Although the survival rate is low, South African SMEs contribute up to 22% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the economy. SME funding is a critical component of this growth and access to finance is one of the primary challenges that SMEs face in the country, along with a supportive environment to facilitate SME survival and growth. The formation of what was initially Industrial Development Zones (IDZs), now Special Economic Zones (SEZs), was one instrument introduced by the South African government to bolster the economy through upscaling manufacturing capacity, increase exports and create employment. The first SEZ in SA, Coega, managed by the Coega Development Corporation (CDC), a state-owned enterprise (SoE) based in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) with operations throughout SA. A major shortcoming in the development of the SMEs operating in the SEZ, was the inability to access the project finance required to commence construction projects once they were awarded a tender. The CDC established an internal finance subsidiary, Small Business Finance and Support (SBFS), in June 2014. The aim of this study, therefore, is to explore the effectiveness of the project financing offered by SBFS in enabling the execution of SME construction clients’ projects. The interpretivist paradigm, following a qualitative research approach was chosen to evaluate the effectiveness of the SBFS operations and determine how their funding enabled the completion of construction SME projects. Input was obtained from 20 participants involved in CDC construction projects, namely three Project Managers, three Programme Managers, two Mentors and 12 Clients via telephonic, face to face and virtual Microsoft Teams using self-developed semi-structured interview schedules. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The trustworthiness of the study was ensured in terms of credibility through triangulation, dependability through the creation of an audit trail, transferability through generalisation of individuals with similarities, and conformability through verification.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 202
The effect of education on youth unemployment in South Africa
Get PDFThis study investigates the complex relationship between education and youth unemployment in South Africa, utilising data from the 2021 General Household Survey. Employing Logit and Probit models, the research analyses the impact of various factors on the likelihood of youth unemployment, such as education level, province, gender, age, race, type of institution, internet access, access to electricity, and household income. The findings of the study reveal that having a diploma, undergraduate degree, honours/postgraduate diploma, M-Tech, or master’s degree decreases the probability of youth unemployment. Factors such as being white, belonging to the age groups 25-29 or 30-34, and higher household income also reduce the likelihood of unemployment. However, residing in certain provinces such as Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northwest, or Limpopo increases the probability of youth unemployment. The sensitivity analysis establishes differences between provinces where mining activities are or are not the main industry. Notable variations include the impact of education on unemployment likelihood and demographic factors affecting different regions. In conclusion, this study contributes valuable insights to policymaking efforts aimed at addressing youth unemployment in South Africa. By examining the intricate connection between education and employment, the research advocates for targeted interventions to bridge the education-employment gap and cultivate a more inclusive labour market for the nation's youth.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
Investigating ways to limit wasteful expenditure due to punitive property taxes on Gauteng hospitals
Get PDFThe PFMA defines fruitless and wasteful expenditure as an expenditure made in vain, and it states that had reasonable care been exercised, such expenditure would and should have been avoided. Among the various forms of wasteful expenditure, the AGSA (AG, 2021) report lists the payment of penalties, or of interest accruing because of late or non-payments, and debt incurred. These expenditures are prevalent in social cluster infrastructure projects, and the waste is attributed to poor planning, weak internal control measures, and lack of oversight on contracts. The Local Municipal Property Act 6 of 2004 (SA Government, 2004) empowers municipalities to develop a land administration process to enforce compliance with land use management schemes, which often is referred to as the steps to be taken to avoid the illegal use of land. The illegal use of land arises when a property owner fails to comply with the provisions of the land scheme, and when the land owner fails to comply with the requirements set out in notices issued in terms of the land use scheme. Illegal land uses arise when property exchanges hands between government departments (vesting), resulting in a change of use. This then leads to a failure by the property owner to update the conditions and property information that should have been in line with the changes enacted in the land use schemes in the asset register. The objective of this research was to investigate ways and the process the Provincial Government of Gauteng should put in place to limit wasteful expenditure and the payment of administrative penalties, or mounting property taxes based on the punitive tariff as the result of engaging in illegal land use. Such illegal land use occurred because the new property owner failed to update the property information and conditions. Based on the data collected through semi-structured interviews, questionnaires administered to a sample completed by the study’s participants, and the secondary research process that included the review of official policy documents, qualitative, and quantitative analysis were performed to achieve important findings of this study. Zoning applies to land with cadastral boundaries, implying that zoning is only applicable to surveyed land. Zones are depicted on the zone scheme maps, and these have the aim to inform land owners of potential development rights that are stipulated in the land use management schemes. Zoning forms the basis for property valuations and property tax (rates) calculation purposes. The other factor used in the calculation of the rate is the value of the rateable properties registered in the valuation roll. Every five years, a new valuation roll is published for review before the adoption by the various municipalities’ councils. The setting of tariffs is informed by the budget requirements of the municipalities to enable them to finance or deliver municipal services. The tariff scales are determined in line with the land use categories. Municipalities publish the tariffs yearly, after the adoption of the budget by the municipalities’ councils. The remedies available to municipalities is levying a punitive rate to try to change the owner’s land use and move it from unauthorised/illegal use of the land outside the category of use to an updated, legal use. The research findings indicate that the Gauteng Provincial Government’s relevant department lacks the necessary structures and processes to monitor changes in the bylaws or land use schemes of municipalities, and the payment of property rates does not hold any strategic importance in the management of properties. The department did not have a system or process in place to review the valuation roll, or to monitor the annual tariff rate adjustments. Therefore, the present research recommends several measures the department will have to implement to limit wasteful and fruitless expenditure regarding property rate payments.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 202
A strategy for the implementation of IT shared services at the Nelson Mandela University
Get PDFEffectively managing information technology (IT) resources has become a significant concern for organizations, both large and small, as they conduct their business operations. IT governance, characterized as the decision-making process ensuring alignment with business strategy, optimal utilization of IT assets, and the effective management of risk and organizational value, plays a crucial role in addressing this concern. Within this landscape, an IT shared services model emerges as a strategic approach to develop, maintain, and deliver innovative services, thereby enhancing effective and efficient service delivery. This model is perceived to not only innovate services but also to liberate other departments, enabling them to focus on their core competencies. This study positions IT governance as a comprehensive umbrella process that guides the implementation of IT shared services. A well-guided implementation of IT shared services is anticipated to contribute significantly to the success of IT projects, ultimately benefiting all activities supported by these services. The implementation of shared IT services in academic tertiary institutions is not well documented or discussed. This study thus is done in such an academic context. This study focuses on developing a strategic framework for the implementation of IT Shared Services at tertiary education providers. The specific case study used for the development of the strategy is Nelson Mandela University. The scope of the project focuses on the development, proposal, and expert review of a strategy for implementing IT shared services effectively in alignment with Governance Practices. The practical implementation of the strategy falls beyond the scope of this study.Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 202
Using Building Information Modelling to initiate criticality to promote built environment student collaboration at the Nelson Mandela University
Get PDFArchitectural, engineering, and construction education is fragmented, and there is no collaboration between disciplines during an architectural design project in the design studio. There is a lack of co-creation of knowledge in an interdisciplinary collaborative environment where students use critical reasoning, self-reflection, and critical action, essential skills required to become 21st century global citizens. Therefore, students from the built environment are being prepared contrary to the highly collaborative nature of the industry they are entering upon graduation. The purpose of this study is thus to determine whether adopting a digital interdisciplinary collaborative Building Information Modelling (BIM) environment in which architectural design projects promote criticality in undergraduate exit-level students. A cohort comparison study was used as a method to collect qualitative data. The 2022 cohort used the traditional design process, whereas the 2023 cohort used the BIM process, which supported interdisciplinary collaboration. Both cohorts engaged in a project and student narrative self-reflection essay. Fourteen students from the 2022 and 2023 cohorts participated in the study. The work was analysed using three cycles of coding. The first cycle focused on linguistic acts, followed by the second cycle that looked for evidence of critical reasoning, self-reflection, and action. The third cycle was based on the Habersian validity claims of truth, comprehension, and sincerity. The work of both cohorts was analysed, and findings included the following: relationships; information; emotional reasoning, and digital environment. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that the BIM process as teaching strategy promotes a higher level of criticality in students than the traditional design process. In conclusion, this research not only contributes to promoting criticality improvement in students but also enriches the existing body of knowledge relative to BIM adoption in AEC education. Moreover, it offers practical guidance for educators to assess and enhance students' critical thinking skills, ultimately advancing the field of interdisciplinary education in the digital era.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 202
A toolkit for successful workplace learning analytics at software vendors
Get PDFSoftware vendors commonly provide digital software training to their stakeholders and therefore are faced with the problem of an influx of data collected from these training/learning initiatives. Every second of every day, data is being collected based on online learning activities and learner behaviour. Thus, online platforms are struggling to cope with the volumes of data that are collected, and companies are finding it difficult to analyse and manage this data in a way that can be beneficial to all stakeholders. The majority of studies investigating learning analytics have been conducted in educational settings. This research aimed to develop and evaluate a toolkit that can be used for successful Workplace Learning Analytics (WLA) at software vendors. The study followed the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, which was applied in iterative cycles where various components of the toolkit were designed, developed, and evaluated by participants. The real-world-context was a software vendor, ERPCo, which has been struggling to implement WLA successfully with their current Learning Experience Platform (LXP), as well as with their previous platform. Qualitative data was collected using document analysis of key company documents and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with employees from ERPCo to explore and confirm different topics and themes. These methods were used to iteratively analyse the As-Is and To-Be situations at ERPCo and to develop and evaluate the proposed WLA Toolkit. The method used to analyse the collected data from the FGDs was the Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) method. To develop the first component of the toolkit, the Organisation component, the organisational success factors that influence the success of WLA were identified using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). These factors were discussed and validated in two exploratory FGDs held with employees from ERPCo, one with operational stakeholders and the other with strategic decision makers. The DeLone and McLean Information Systems (D&M IS) Success Model was used to undergird the research as a theory to guide the understanding of the factors influencing the success of WLA. Many of the factors identified in theory were found to be prevalent in the real-world-context, with some additional ones being identified in the FGDs. The most frequent challenges highlighted by participants were related to visibility; readily available high-quality data; flexibility of reporting; complexity of reporting; and effective decision making and insights obtained. Many of these related to the concept of usability issues for both the system and the information, which is specifically related to System Quality or Information Quality from the D&M IS Success Model. The second and third components of the toolkit are the Technology and Applications; and Information components respectively. Therefore, architecture and data management challenges and requirements for these components were analysed. An appropriate WLA architecture was selected and then further customised for use at ERPCo. A third FGD was conducted with employees who had more technical roles in ERPCo. The purpose of this FGD was to provide input on the architecture, technologies and data management challenges and requirements. In the Technology and Applications component of the WLA Toolkit, factors influencing WLA success related to applications and visualisations were considered. An instantiation of this component was demonstrated in the fourth FGD, where learning data from the LXP at ERPCo was collected and a dashboard incorporating recommended visualisation techniques was developed as a proof of concept. In this FGD participants gave feedback on both the dashboard and the toolkit. The artefact of this research is the WLA Toolkit that can be used by practitioners to guide the planning and implementation of WLA in large organisations that use LXP and WLA platforms. Researchers can use the WLA Toolkit to gain a deeper understanding of the required components and factors for successful WLA in software vendors. The research also contributes to the D&M IS Success Model theory in the information economy. In support of this PhD dissertation, the following paper has been published: Whale, A. & Scholtz, B. 2022. A Theoretical Classification of Organizational Success Factors for Workplace Learning Analytics. NEXTCOMP 2022. Mauritius. A draft manuscript for a journal paper was in progress at the time of submitting this thesis.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics , 202
Investigation of four roof-shaped host compounds for their separation potential of mixtures of guest Isomers and related compounds
Get PDFThe inclusion ability of four roof-shaped host compounds, namely trans-9,10-dihydro-9,10- ethanoanthracene-11,12-dicarboxylic acid (H1), dimethyl trans-9,10-dihydro-9,10- ethanoanthracene-11,12-dicarboxylate (H2), trans-α,α,α’,α’-tetraphenyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10- ethanoanthracene-11,12-dimethanol (H3) and trans-α,α,α’,α’-tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)-9,10- dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene-11,12-dimethanol (H4), were investigated when presented with numerous guest series (eight in number), including the xylene isomers and ethylbenzene, pyridine and the methylpyridine isomers, structurally related toluene, ethylbenzene and cumene, the dichlorobenzenes, six-membered heterocyclic ring compounds (dioxane, morpholine, piperidine and pyridine), anisole and the methylanisole isomers, anisole and the bromoanisole guests, and phenol and the methoxyphenol isomers. The four host compounds were synthesized via Diels-Alder (H1), esterification (H2) and Grignard addition (H3 and H4) reactions, producing yields of product of up to 93%. The yields for the Grignard reactions were lower, 54 and 37%, for the corresponding procedures using phenylmagnesium bromide or 4-chlorophenylmagnesium bromide. Computational molecular modelling studies were conducted on all four host compounds, and the resultant molecular geometries compared with the apohost (guest-free) crystal structures, when available. The geometries of the lowest energy conformers were in close correlation with the observed host structures as obtained from the apohost crystal structures (unfortunately, H3 and H4 were not able to form adequate quality crystals for SCXRD analyses). Interestingly, H1–H4 displayed intramolecular non-classical C–H∙∙∙O hydrogen bonds, while only H1 and H2 demonstrated intermolecular interactions of this type. H3 and H4 assumed one of two forms depending on the guest that was employed: the “active” form presented a strong intramolecular O–H∙∙∙O hydrogen bond, while the “inactive” form possessed weak π∙∙∙π and O–H∙∙∙π interactions. All of the host compounds were subjected to crystallization experiments from each of the guest species, as well as from mixtures of guests from each series (the guest competition experiments), where 1H-, 13C-NMR spectroscopy, GC-MS and/or GC-FID were used to analyse any resultant solids formed, as applicable. Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) experiments were carried out on each single solvent complex produced in this work, where the crystal quality was suitable, while thermal analyses were also employed on these to determine their relative thermal stabilities. During the single-guest crystallization experiments, H4 was found to be remarkable in its inclusion ability, forming complexes with all but p-dichlorobenzene, typically with a 1:1 host:guest (H:G) ratio. H1 was more selective in its inclusion behaviour, not enclathrating cumene, 3-bromoanisole, phenol or the three methoxyphenol isomers (favouring 1:1 or 2:1 H:G ratios where complexation was successful). Interestingly, H1 formed salts when presented with 2- and 3-methylpyridine, and morpholine and piperidine. H2 and H3 were less remarkable in their inclusion ability, furnishing apohost crystals or gels in some experiments (typically a 3:1 H:G ratio was favoured for both when complexation occurred). Of the four roof-shaped host compounds, H1 and H4 displayed enhanced selectivities for certain guest species, showing near-complete affinity for a specific guest compound when presented with a guest mixture. H1 was able to include 100.0 and 98.8% p-dichlorobenzene (p-DCB) (from m-DCB/p-DCB and o-DCB/p-DCB mixtures), 96.6 and 93.6% p-xylene (p-Xy) (from m-Xy/p-Xy and o-Xy/p-Xy), 99.3% 4-methylanisole (4-MA) (from 2-MA/4-MA) and 97.1% 4-bromoanisole (4-BA) (from ANI/2-BA/3-BA/4-BA, where ANI is anisole). Host compound H4 was able to include ≈ 90% of selected meta-substituted guests, while H2 and H3 demonstrated moderate preferences for the guest compounds employed in this work (< 60%). It was concluded that some xylene guest mixtures may be purified using all but H2, whereas only H1 and H2 showed potential in separating the pyridines. All but H2 may also be employed in the separation of selected dichlorobenzene mixtures, while H2 showed potential for the separation of the six-membered heterocyclic guest compounds (dioxane, morpholine, piperidine and pyridine), were these ever required to be separated. Both H1 and H4 exhibited an overwhelming affinity for the methyl- and bromoanisole guest compounds, and this work has shown that these are likely host candidates for the purification of a variety of these guest mixtures through supramolecular strategies. SCXRD analyses showed that H1 experienced intermolecular host···host hydrogen bonding interactions between the carboxylic acid functional groups, while H2 typically demonstrated intermolecular non-classical hydrogen bonds in its complexes, forming sheets of host molecules along the c-axis. H4 preferred the “inactive” form whereas H3 assumed either an “active” or “inactive“ form. Various host···guest interactions such as π∙∙∙π, C–H∙∙∙π, C–O∙∙∙π, hydrogen bonding and other short contacts were responsible for guest retention in the crystal structures. Thermal analyses were conducted on all of the successfully formed complexes. Ton (the guest release onset temperature) and Tp (the temperature at which the guest release was most rapid) were recorded, when possible, while the mass losses associated with the guest release event were compared with those mass losses expected, in most cases.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 202
The on-demand continuous flow generation, separation, and utilization of monosilane gas, a feedstock for solar-grade silicon
Get PDFThis research is dedicated to the development of a continuous flow process for the production and utilization of monosilane gas. The utilization of continuous flow techniques was instrumental in addressing the challenges and conditions associated with the handling of monosilane gas. Furthermore, the integration of Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) facilitated in-process monitoring and analysis. Chapter one of this research provides an extensive background and literature review encompassing the purification methods of silicon, the latest advancements in the direct synthesis of alkoxysilanes, current synthesis methods for monosilane, the various applications of monosilane, as well as the utilization of continuous flow technology and process analytical technologies. In chapter two, a detailed account of the experimental procedures employed in this research is presented. Chapter three delves into the results derived from each section of the research. The first section discusses an attempt to upscale the continuous flow synthesis of triethoxysilane, based on previous group research. Process Analytical Technologies (PAT), specifically thermocouples, were utilized in this endeavor. The study revealed temperature inconsistencies along the packed bed reactor, which had a notable impact on the reaction capabilities. The subsequent section explores the continuous flow synthesis of monosilane from triethoxysilane. A Design of Experiment (DoE) approach was employed to identify the optimal reaction conditions and compare the effectiveness of two catalysts. The study determined that Amberlyst-A26 emerged as the superior catalyst, offering stability and reasonable conversions over a 24-hour period. In a residence time of 6 minutes and at a temperature of 55 °C, the maximum triethoxysilane conversion of 100% was achieved. PAT, particularly inline FT-IR, was instrumental in monitoring catalyst activity, while continuous flow gas separation techniques facilitated the separation of monosilane. The research also demonstrated further applications of continuous flow techniques in the synthesis of monosilane from tetraethoxysilane and magnesium silicide. The former aimed toThesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 202
A methodology for modernising legacy web applications: subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual
No full textOne problem faced in the Information Systems domain is that of poorly maintained, poorly documented, and/or unmanageable systems, known as Legacy Information Systems (LISs). As a result of the everchanging web development landscape, web applications have also become susceptible to the challenges faced in keeping up with technological advances, and older applications are starting to display the characteristics of becoming Legacy Web Applications (LWAs). As retaining business process support and meeting business requirements is often necessary, one method of recovering vital LWAs is to modernise them. System modernisation aims to recover business knowledge and provide an enhanced system that overcomes the problems plagued by LISs. When planning to modernise an LWA, guidance and support are essential to ensure that the modernisation exercise is performed efficiently and effectively. Modernisation methodologies can provide this required guidance and support as they provide models, tools and techniques that serve as guiding principles for the modernisation process. Although many modernisation methodologies exist, very few offer a comprehensive approach to modernisation that provides guidelines for each modernisation phase, tools to assist in the modernisation and techniques that can be used throughout. Existing methodologies also do not cater for cases that include both the LWA and migration to modernised web-specific environments. This research study aimed to investigate modernisation methodologies and identify which methodologies, or parts thereof, could be adapted for modernising LWAs. Existing methodologies were analysed and compared using the definition of a methodology, as well as other factors that improve the modernisation process. Modernisation case studies were reviewed to identify lessons learned from these studies so that these could be considered when planning an LWA modernisation. The ARTIST methodology was the most comprehensive modernisation methodology identified from those researched and was selected as the most appropriate methodology for modernising an LWA. ARTIST was modified to the mARTIST methodology to cater for web-based environments.mARTIST was used to modernise an existing LWA, called OldMax, at an automotive manufacturer, anonymously referred to as AutoCo, to determine its ability to support the modernisation of LWAs. Additional tools and evaluation methods were also investigated and used in place of those recommended by ARTIST, where deemed appropriate for the modernisation of OldMax. Limitations set by AutoCo on the hosting and technical environments for the modernised application also required ARTIST to be adapted to better suit the use case. The steps taken during this modernisation were documented and reported on to highlight the effectiveness of mARTIST and the tools used. The result of this modernisation was that the modernised web application, ModMax, was evaluated to determine the success of the modernisation. The modernisation of OldMax to ModMax, using the mARTIST methodology, was found to be successful based on the criteria set by the ARTIST methodology. Based on this, mARTIST can successfully be used for the modernisation of LWAs. To support future modernisations, an evaluation method for determining technical feasibility was developed for LWA, and alternate tools that could be used throughout modernisation exercises were recommended.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 202
Learners’ understanding of their linguistic resources as a basis for learning natural sciences
Get PDFWith eleven official languages, South Africa is known for its multilingual environment. Despite this, the country's educational system heavily favours English and Afrikaans. Despite the varied linguistic backgrounds of learners, English continues to be used as the Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT), which raises questions regarding fair access to education. Within the context of South Africa's constitution and policy frameworks, particularly the Language in Education Policy (LiEP), this study aims to investigate how group work activities in a Natural Sciences classroom can give learners an opportunity to mobilise their multilingual repertoires. Three formerly Afrikaans-medium high schools in the Northern Areas of Gqeberha, were the sites for this research which focuses on Grade Nine Natural Sciences learners. Through the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods such as questionnaires, classroom observations, and focus groups, the study explores how learners make use of their language resources to navigate science instruction in English. The results contest the idea that languages are distinct entities and show that learners use language interchangeably as a learning tool, a practice known as translanguaging. Group work becomes an important space in which learners exercise agency in language selection, enabling the link of dialogical, multilingual, and cultural responses. Sociocultural theory offers insights into group work relationships and provides the theoretical foundation for understanding how learners use language to understand scientific topics. Building on Gibbons' mode continuum (2003), which maps the shifts in discourse in classroom contexts from every day talk at the “here and now” to more specialized talk, the study also explored an expanded continuum which aimed at clarifying the nuances of language and cognitive progression among learners working in collaborative groups. This study adds to the conversation about language ideologies by recognising the ideologies of inclusion, access and identity which informed learners’ thinking and attitudes to language choice in education. Thus, the study emphasises the importance of a sophisticated comprehension of multilingual repertoires in the classroom. In order to better accommodate the changing linguistic patterns of multilingual learners, the study recommends re-evaluating language policies and encouraging educators to exploit the potential of group work to develop understanding of scientific concepts.Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Education, School of Post Graduate Education, 202