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Abiotic stress tolerance and nutritional traits of newly developed quality protein maize hybrids in sub-Saharan Africa
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Plant Breeding))--University of the Free State, 2022Drought and poor soil fertility are some of the most serious maize production challenges in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Identification and development of quality protein maize (QPM) cultivars that have high yield potential and tolerance to these stresses is a reliable and affordable option to improve food security and malnutrition problems in the region, especially for small scale farming communities. Although several stress tolerant maize varieties have been released and disseminated for commercial production in SSA so far, limited development and release of stress tolerant and high yielding QPM varieties compared to normal maize varieties is evident. Limited attention has also been given to the development of nutritionally enriched varieties compared to grain yield improvement. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to study 40 newly developed QPM hybrids obtained from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) – Zimbabwe, under stressed and non-stressed environments to allow selection of QPM hybrids that could outperform the existing commercial QPM and normal maize cultivars with respect to grain yield and concentrations of tryptophan, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and molar ratios of Fe and Zn to phytic acid. The specific objectives were: (1) to determine variability and performance of QPM hybrids for grain yield and agronomic traits under stressed and non-stressed environments, (2) to determine tryptophan, Zn and Fe concentrations, and molar ratios of Zn and Fe to phytic acid in QPM hybrids grown under stressed and non-stressed environments, (3) to analyse genotype by environment interaction and grain yield stability of QPM hybrids and (4) to determine correlations among grain yield, agronomic and nutritional traits in QPM hybrids evaluated under stressed and non-stressed environments. Significant variation was seen for grain yield, and almost all studied agronomic and nutritional traits under stressed and non-stressed environments. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for grain yield and all other agronomic and nutritional traits under all conditions, indicating that environment effect was higher than genotype effect on the expression of the traits under stressed and non-stressed environments. Broad sense heritability of grain yield was higher than 0.6 across all environments, with the exception of managed drought conditions. Anthesis silking interval (ASI) had relatively high GCV estimates and genetic advance, as a percentage of the mean, across all conditions. This indicated that the presence of sufficient genetic variability among genotypes can improve synchronization under different management conditions through selection. Grain yield was reduced by 47% under random stress, 68% under managed drought and 71% under low N conditions. Protein and tryptophan concentrations in the grain were decreased by 36.0% and 21% respectively under low N conditions and Fe and Zn concentration also decreased by 48% and 36% under low N stress and 63% and 9% under random stress, respectively. Some QPM hybrids showed better or comparable performance in terms of grain yield potential and nutritional quality traits compared with the best QPM and normal maize checks under different management conditions, indicating the genetic gain that has been made in the QPM breeding programme. Based on Additive Main effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis and Genotype and Genotype by Environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis entries 10 (CZH142238Q) and 14 (CZH15142Q) under optimum; 23 (CZH17192Q) under random stress; 19 (CZH17188Q) and 40 (CZH17209Q) under managed drought and 14 (CZH15142Q) under low N were the most stable and the highest yielding hybrids. Environments Kwekwe (KW), Bindura (BIN), Chokwe (CHO) and Bako (BK2) were identified as discriminating and representative sites for optimum conditions, random stress, managed drought and low N stress conditions, respectively, therefore these environments are promising for selecting well adapted genotypes in the respective management conditions. Grain yield was significant and positive correlated with number of ears per plant and negatively with days to anthesis and silking under low N stress. This confirmed the importance of these secondary traits in developing high yielding and early maturing genotypes. Grain yield was not significantly correlated with most of the nutritional quality traits under all management conditions, indicating a lack of common genes for simultaneous improvement of grain yield and these nutritional traits. Significant and positive correlations were observed between Fe and Zn under low N and random stress conditions
Corporate social responsibility and its contribution to sustainable development in Khâi-Ma local municipality in the Northern Cape, South Africa
No full textDissertation (MDS (Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2022This study examines the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable
development (SD) on the mining communities in the Khâi-Ma local municipality, Northern
Cape province, South Africa. The study utilises a qualitative research method. The researcher
conducted structured interviews with key informants, who were selected through purposive
sampling. The data was analysed through thematic analysis. The study explains the role of CSR and SD, and how these relate to each other. The study
further provides an overview of the development and evolution of CSR, as well as an
investigation into the impact that CSR and SD have on communities within the Khâi-Ma local
municipality. It also examines the policy environment related to CSR. The study reviews
guiding documents pertaining to the mining sector, such as the Mining Charter (2018) and
Social Labour Plan Guidelines (2020). Further, this research presents interviewees' perspectives on the contributions of CSR and SD
in the aforementioned municipality, highlighting both their positive and negative effects. Core
findings suggest that CSR and SD need to be introduced holistically to local host communities;
therefore, collective planning and decision-making is vital so as to take into consideration
community suggestions and contributions. Stakeholders should also indicate a clear
understanding of the CSR and SD environment and its contributions to sustainable
development
Diversification for sustainable development in coal mining industry: A case of South African coal mining industry
No full textDissertation (MDS (Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2022The study sought to investigate the diversification strategies that the South African coal mining
industry can adopt when planning for its post-mining economy in order to achieve economic,
social, and environmental sustainability. Literature has been reviewed on the rationale for mining
sustainability, transparency, and diversification for sustainable development and on the benefits of
combined reportage and disclosure in the mining industry in South Africa. Previous studies were
also examined and they showed that mining decline and closures pose severe challenges to mining
firms' sustainability in South Africa. Therefore, when making decisions, mining companies should
consider and integrate issues around the economy, society, and the environment to achieve intergenerational
equilibrium, which is key to sustainable development. The study employed a research
design dependent on secondary data from published mining company reports. The study was
confined to four coal mining companies in South Africa. Both qualitative and quantitative
approaches were used in data analysis. Findings from the study revealed that whilst some
companies made new acquisitions in the same coal mining industry, others expanded their markets
into other industries and that form of diversity is imperative. Therefore, recommendations are that
coal mining companies use diversity through acquisitions for coal mining and also that companies
report environmental effects and resolutions for accountability and transparency
The antecedents and consequences of corporate reputation in higher education: A parental perspective
No full textDissertation (MBA (Business Administration))--University of the Free State, 2022Higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa are increasingly realising the differentiating role that corporate reputation plays in a very competitive higher education marketplace. However, from the literature reviewed, there are uncertainties towards the dimensions of a HEI’s corporate reputation that impacts specifically the perspective and behavioral responses of parents of Grade 12 learners. Parents play a critical role in the selection of a HEI for post-school studies for their Grade 12 child. The field study set out to identify the antecedents and consequences of corporate reputation in higher education from a parental perspective. Service experience, information from others, and information from the media were identified as antecedents of corporate reputation of a HEI. Trust, identification, commitment, word-of-mouth intention, and supportive intention were identified as consequences of a HEI’s corporate reputation. A conceptual model of the parental perspective of a HEI’s corporate reputation was developed based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response Theory.
The field study followed an ontological assumption, a positivism approach, and a cross-sectional time horizon. The theory development followed a deductive theory approach. A quantitative research method was followed using a simple random sampling technique to collect data from 163 Grade 12 learners’ parents of high schools in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Six high schools agreed to distribute the self-completion questionnaires to the parents of their respective Grade 12 learners. The self-completion questionnaire consisted of three sections. The first two sections contained screening and background questions, while the third section posed statements to test each of the eleven hypotheses according to a seven-point Likert scale. Data analysis was done to test the hypotheses using the statistical software package SmartPLS version 4.0. Findings indicated that the influence of information from others, information from media on corporate reputation were positive and statistically significant. The influence of corporate reputation on trust and identification was positive and statistically significant. Furthermore, the influence of trust and identification on commitment was also positive and statistically significant as well as the influence of commitment of word-of-mouth intention and supportive intentions. The field study’s findings provided a basis for HEI management teams to understand the perspective of parents on corporate reputation of HEIs and the impact of their perceptions on the selection of a suitable HEI for post-school studies for their children. Recommendations were given to HEI management teams to practically improve the perspectives of the HEI’s corporate reputation
Short- vs long-term vs the middle-ground in critical socioeconomic and environmental planning
No full textRoman Krznaric’s The Good Ancestor provides an account of how temporal thinking drives critical global planning. In particular, Krznaric denotes the effect of extensive short-term thinking, i.e. thinking driven by achieving goals in a present-day sense or a singular generational time frame. These goals may include garnering socio-political advocacy and those agendas driven by tangible economic and financial gains. Furthermore, Krznaric highlights how shortterm thinking and policy developed with these kinds of considerations have a negative impact on the earth’s natural environment.Publisher's versio
Managing student unrest in a South African university: a case study
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Education Management and Leadership))--University of the Free State, 2022Higher education and training institutions in South Africa have been plagued by nationwide student unrest and crises for the past few years. This has been a problem for the nation's colleges and universities. This is not just a problem for higher education in South Africa; similar problems exist in nations like Ghana, Nigeria, the United States among others. Most of these unrests are linked to lack of appropriate forum for dialogue between university administration and the students, and neither side is prepared to yield and make concessions. Therefore, it is necessary to ameliorate the conflictual gap between students and management so that the two can interact without interfering with the learning process. Therefore, this study sought to answer the following question: How can the prevalence of student unrest be managed in South African universities to ensure peaceful university education and its productivity? Using decoloniality theory, the study was underpinned by Transformative Paradigm as the research paradigm. The research design used was Participatory Research (PR) and method of data collection was focus group discussion (FGD). Participants were selected using a homogeneous sampling technique. The data was analysed using Braun and Clarke six-step thematic analysis.
The study revealed that lack of the proper structure to manage unrest, failure to involve the student in decision-making, and power differentials between students and university authorities are the challenging factors in the management of student unrest. And the neglect of rural universities, especially those merged with the campus in urban areas, and violent behaviour stems from society are also the two themes that have come as other contributing issues to student unrest in rural universities. And the possible solutions to the above challenges were the development of proper structures, involvement of stakeholders in decision making and development of common ground between the stakeholders could be used as solutions.
It was recommended that society be brought into the picture in order to properly address the issue of student unrest. It has been embedded into the society that for your demands to be heard, for example, when you need water, you must burn the library, and this has been inculcated into the youth of the country; therefore, universities must find ways of ensuring that this culture is unlearned among students. Secondly, the integration of students is a much-needed strategy. That is, students from high school need to be properly integrated into the university, which is a new environment for them and that comes with independence. Thirdly, universities that have undergone the merger process need to pay attention to such as it has brought a lot of inequality between the campuses through amalgamation
UV-Vis spectroscopy, electrochemical and DFT study of tris(β-diketonato)iron(III) complexes with application in DSSC: role of aromatic thienyl groups
No full textA series of tris(β-diketonato)iron(III) complexes, with the β-diketonato ligand bearing different substituent groups, have been synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and mass spectroscopic methods. The maximum band UV-Vis absorption wavelengths of the tris(β-diketonato)iron(III) complexes were in the range of 270–380 nm. The complexes have very good solubility in various solvents such as chloroform, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofurane, dimethylsulphoxide and dimethylformamide. After the syntheses and characterization processes, spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of these tris(β-diketonato)iron(III) complexes were investigated. A density functional theory (DFT) study related to the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of the tris(β-diketonato)iron(III) complexes was used to investigate the possible application of these complexes as dye sensitizers or redox mediators in dye-sensitized solar cells.Publisher's versio
A business rescue model for unincorporated business entities in South Africa
No full textThesis (LL.D. (Laws))--University of the Free State, 2022The significance of small and medium enterprises in promoting economic growth has received sufficient academic and legislative attention. However, little attention has been paid towards promoting and promulgating legislation that oversees the recovery of small enterprises in financial distress. The study compares business rescue schemes applicable to sole proprietorships and partnerships to draw lessons for the legislature and policymakers in South Africa. The current legislation on business rescue and debt review intentionally exclude sole proprietorships and partnerships mainly because of their legal personality. The Companies Act of 2008 only admits incorporated companies to business rescue. Furthermore, the National Credit Act 2005 excludes partnerships from debt review because the legislature classified them as juristic persons. For this reason, sole proprietorships and partnerships in financial distress cannot depend on the current legislation to facilitate restructuring proceedings. Therefore, the study identifies the key elements of an effective business rescue scheme which may apply to unincorporated business entities. Through a comparative assessment of different rescue regimes, it was concluded that an efficient rescue scheme must consist of an eligibility criterion, a procedural framework consisting of a step-by-step rescue process and an institutional framework with already pre-determined role players. The main conclusions from the study are that the eligibility criterion must only admit business debtors to the business rescue process. On that note, it was observed that it would be necessary to regulate the liability of sole proprietorships and partnerships during the rescue process. This may be achieved by recognising them (sole proprietorships and partnerships) as legal persons for purposes of business rescue. The study shows that the step-by-step procedure should include a commencement procedure that allows owners of sole proprietorships and partners in a partnership to apply for business rescue. As soon as the procedure commences, a moratorium on creditors' rights must be automatically activated. The stay should protect the business, the owners, and the codebtors. While the moratorium is the operation, the business rescue practitioner must prepare a business rescue plan that includes the treatment of secured and unsecured creditors. More so, consideration must be made on the possibility of selling parts of the business, merging the business with other successful businesses or incorporating the business. The study revealed that it may be necessary for the legislature to allow the debtor to continue borrowing during the business rescue process. However, the rescue process is terminated if the business rescue plan is fully implemented or the debtor faces unforeseen economic hardships. The effect of termination is that the debtor is discharged. The study indicates that the institutional structure should include the debtor, the business rescue practitioner and a specialised judge. The success of business rescue depends on the honesty and cooperation of the debtor. It was concluded that to reduce the cost of business, rescue the debtor may remain in control of its business but must be monitored regularly by appointing a state-sponsored business rescue practitioner who reports to the creditors. In the event that the creditors have reason to mistrust the debtor's honesty, they may choose to appoint and pay for a private business rescue practitioner jointly. In that case, the debtor must cooperate with the business rescue practitioner who oversees or monitors the rescue process. The business rescue practitioner must regularly report to the creditors and the court about the success or failures of the debtor. Since business rescue involves different areas of study, including business, law and financing, it was concluded that South Africa might need a specialised court system. Establishing an administrative institution akin to the Office of the official receiver would also be necessary to oversee the rescue process. Such an institution may be subsidised by the state to reduce the cost of business rescue. Generally, most of the observations made during the study were included in the recommendation to the legislature
Crop water productivity, applied water productivity and economic decision making
No full textIncreasing productive water use in agriculture is seen as paramount to meet future food demand with limited water supplies. The main objective of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the interrelated linkages between crop water productivity (CWP) and applied water productivity (AWP) as affected by irrigation management decisions in order to assess the impact of economic decision making on CWP and AWP under area-limiting and water-limiting conditions. A daily soil water balance mathematical programming model that explicitly models the impact of technology choice and stochastic weather on water use efficiency was used to study the interactions. The assumption is made that a rational decision maker will allocate water to maximize expected profits. The results showed that CWP is, to a large extent, unresponsive to increasing irrigation water applications, especially when water applications are approaching maximum potential crop yields. The difference between optimal crop yields for the area-limiting and water-limiting scenarios is small, which shows that the portion of water production function that is relevant for economic decision making is small and falls within the unresponsive range of CWP changes. Profit maximizing decision makers will not try to maximize CWP or AWP since these objectives will result in profit losses.Publisher's versio
Dependencies and decentralised government for the governance of housing delivery in Mangaung
No full textThesis (Ph.D. (Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2022This thesis investigates dependencies and decentralised government for the governance of housing delivery in Mangaung over three decades. Housing governance remains a challenge to most local authorities. The study uses the evolutionary governance theory to conceptualise the research and understand the concepts of housing governance and the evolution of housing policy over time. This thesis relies on data collected from semi-structured interviews and policy documents and uses the evolutionary governance theory to show evidence of path, goal and interdependencies in housing governance in Mangaung with adverse results. Accordingly, the thesis brings forward a unique contribution to housing delivery scholarly work, emphasising some underlying dependencies in housing governance