Cape Peninsula University of Technology
CPUT Electronic Theses and Dissertations RepositoryNot a member yet
2175 research outputs found
Sort by
A study of development agency as an augmenter in the commercialisation of the mobile applications development SME sector in the Western Cape through business model innovation in response to disruptive innovation
No full textThesis (DTech (Information Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.The central thesis of this study is that a multi-factorial strategy model can be evolved to enable development agency to be an augmenter in the commercialisation of the mobile applications development SME sector through business model innovation in response to disruptive innovation. The concept of augmentation in the context of this study acknowledges that disruptive innovation is ubiquitous and that development agencies can help these SMEs to succeed through business model innovation. This can be achieved through the implementation of a multi-factorial strategy model. A multi-factorial strategy model in this context is regarded as a method or plan having stemmed or stemming from a number of different causes or influences detailing the logic and the key considerations on the path to defining an organisation’s strategy. The development agency can utilise it to determine the state of the business and what the appropriate response should be, by way of business model innovation in response to disruptive innovation. This study rests on three tenets, namely, the uncovering of the dimensions of business model innovation; the nature of disruption; and finally, the potential role of the development agency in supporting SMEs in the technology sector. The mobile application (app) economy has presented business potential for SMEs and this sector of the economy can be facilitated by development agencies. Governments make use of development agencies to assist, develop and support growth within a region through the provision of resources and assistance, usually from state organisations. The enterprise development strategy should ensure the viability of the business idea, which should lead to the creation of new business value. The fieldwork for this critical realist study consisted of five phases. Phase 1 involved interviews with academics from the four higher education institutions in the Western Cape; Phase 2 involved an interview with mobile application development SMEs; Phase 3 comprised a focused interview consisting of members from industry and the development agency; Phase 4 involved interviews with entrepreneurs within the innovation and technology sector; and Phase 5 involved interviews with development agencies supporting the development of SMEs. Despite their potential, mobile app development businesses in the Western Cape face difficulties in commercialising their applications. The study suggested that research is warranted around the establishment of a multi-factorial strategy model which could provide a strategy for enhanced commercialisation of mobile app development. This model would have to address a number of concerns, depending on the propensity of the business towards mobile app development. Research into what adjustments to the current business models of these businesses are required to enter into mobile app development was also recommended. The findings and interpretations of this critical realist study revealed a structured real world of the landscape of mobile application development in the Western Cape, South Africa, by identifying its key constructs. It then revealed that knowledge is socially produced by identifying the salient imperatives that inform the role of the development agent with respect to business model innovation and disruptive innovation. By means of critical discourse analysis of the views expressed by the respondents, it revealed the emancipation agenda of mobile application development in the Western Cape, South Africa. In doing so it also ultimately uncovered the generative mechanisms in understanding, amongst others, what the critical performance underpinnings are. It is recommended that the SME sector implement business model innovation to respond to disruptive innovation, defined as “emerging technology whose arrival in the marketplace signifies the eventual displacement of the dominant technology in that sector” (Ganguly, Nilchiani & Farr, 2010, p. 35). The proliferation of disruptive innovation has led to technological innovation and such innovation will impact on SMEs in South Africa. The concept of business model innovation suggests that SMEs should move to a progressive interdependent modality where they participate through their shared strengths. The collaboration with other mobile app development SMEs would allow for their independent weaknesses to be moderated. Through business model innovation, mobile app development SMEs should be able to respond to the disruptive innovation and ensure success and sustainability. The antidote to disruption should be progressive management by way of business model innovation. In this sense then, the antidote to disruptive innovation is a management response that should be understood across the sector in which the study is undertaken
Multicomponent crystals of Nitrofurazone
No full textThesis (Master of Applied Science in Chemistry)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.Physicochemical property enhancement of drugs is one of the focus areas of the pharmaceutical
industry. This research demonstrates how crystal engineering methods offer a practical way to
make systematic solid state modifications of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Nitrofurazone ((5-nitro-2-furaldehydesemicarbazone), NFZ) was selected for multicomponent crystal formation, in order to improve its aqueous solubility without modification of its molecular structure. NFZ has both hydrogen bond donor and hydrogen bond acceptor groups on its semicarbazone chain; therefore, it seemed to be a suitable target to use synthon engineering principles to form a series of multicomponent crystals. Also, the torsional flexibility of the NFZ molecule suggested great adaptability of the molecule and thus good
potential for forming a variety of crystalline solids with the selected co-formers. Surprisingly, 95% of the time the co-crystallisation experiments failed and the , or polymorph of NFZ were obtained. The polymorph of NFZ was known since 1994. Parallel to this work, room temperature crystal structures of the and -polymorphs were reported by an independent research group. Although the crystal structures presented in this thesis were collected at 173 K, they are essentially the same as the already published ones with the obvious difference between the atomic thermal ellipsoids. Multicomponent crystals of NFZ were formed only when the API was exposed to perchloric acid (HClO4), phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and propionic acid (PA). These crystallisations resulted in the formation of 4NFZ•[H3O+][ClO4-], NFZ•H3PO4 and NFZ•PA crystals, respectively. The crystal structures were analysed with single crystal X-ray diffraction and the bulk properties of the material were analysed using powder X-ray diffraction, thermo-analytical methods and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
The most significant observation of the project was the extreme difficulty of the multicomponent crystal formation of NFZ, even though the API has great hydrogen bonding capabilities associated with torsional flexibility. To understand this behaviour, the solid state behaviour of the semicarbazone moiety was analysed with the aid of data retrieved from the Cambridge Structural Database. The torsional flexibility of the semicarbazone moiety was also investigated and the most common conformers were identified; and these results were supported by the findings of computational methods
The role of enterprise resource planning systems in continuous auditing of a selected organization in the Western Cape, South Africa
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Information Systems))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.The thesis aimed at exploring the role Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems play in an organization’s continuous auditing practices. Continuous auditing encourages innovation and improves the practice of traditional auditing through the use of automation and computerisation. Auditing specialists and researchers have begun to adopt a technology driven process as an approach to back up real time assurance. The rationale of the study is drawn from previous research where the findings argue that organizations employ the use of ERP systems because it enables seamless access to information and automation, which makes monitoring of controls easier. The study used Structuration Theory (ST) as the underpinning theory and drew on the concept of duality of technology (i.e., Enactment of Technology-in-Practice) as a lens to comprehend and deduced the social phenomenon of continuous auditing using ERP system. This research study investigated this social phenomenon and how it had influenced performance auditing of an organization. The study applied interpretivism as a research paradigm and as such adopted a qualitative approach where semi-structured interviews were used to tease out the research objectives and questions. The outcome of the research validated a conceptual framework which has led to a proposed general framework for practicing continuous auditing using ERP system. All interviews data collected and accurately captured with informed consent were subject to the approval of the selected organization. This was not to violate the organization’s privacy and confidentiality policies. It did not reveal any information that could potentially adversely affect the reputation of the organization or reveal private information to its competitors
Variations in radiosensitivity of breast cancer and normal breast cell lines using a 200MeV clinical proton beam
No full textThesis (MSc (Radiography))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018Background: Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed among woman in South Africa, and a more resilient effort should be focused on treatment improvements. Worldwide, proton therapy is increasingly used as a radiation treatment alternative to photon therapy for breast cancer, mostly to decrease the risk for radiation-induced cardiovascular toxicity. This in vitro study aims to determine a better understanding of the radiosensitivity of both tumour and normal breast cell lines to clinical proton irradiation. In addition, we propose to investigate whether the increase in linear energy transfer (LET) towards the distal part of the proton beam results in an increase in relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for both cell lines. Methods: Malignant (MCF-7) and non-malignant (MCF-10A) breast cells were irradiated at different water equivalent depths in a 200 MeV proton beam at NRF iThemba LABS using a custom-made Perspex phantom: the entrance plateau, 3 points on the Bragg peak, the D80% and the D40%. A cytokinesis-block Micronucleus (CBMN) assay was performed and Micronuclei (MNi) were manually counted in binucleated cells (BNCs) using fluorescent microscopy. Reference dosimetry was carried out with a Markus chamber and irradiations were performed with a clinical proton beam generated at NRF iThemba LABS that was degraded to a R50 (half-value depths) range of 120 mm, with a field size of 10 cm x 10 cm and a 50 mm SOBP. The phantom could be adjusted to accommodate different perspex plates depending on the depth required within the proton beam. Cells were then exposed to 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 Gy doses for each cell line independently and for each dose point. Results and Discussion: For the CBMN results, a program was developed on Matlab platform to calculate the 95% confidence ellipse on the co-variance parameters α and β. These values were determined by fitting the linear quadratic dose response curve to the average number of radiation induced MNi per 1000 BN cells. The ellipse region around a coordinate (the average MN frequency) for both MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells at the plateau region was defined by the mean estimate of the α-value and the β-value that were plotted on the X-axis and Y-axis respectively. The ratio of the two parameters, α/β, is a measure of the impact of fractionation to determine the biological effective dose. In fractionated proton therapy, the MCF10A cells will repair less between two fractions compared to the MCF7 cells. This is not an indication of therapeutic gain from a fractioned treatment protocol. For this reason, the hypofractionated stereotactic treatment protocols that can be applied with protons could be to the befit of the breast cancer patient. The above argument is based only on the radiosensitivity of the two cell lines exposed in the plateau region. Further analysis of the 95% confidence ellipse of both cell lines also showed a clear increase of the alpha value toward the distal portion of the beam and indicates an increase in energy transfer in this region. The gradual increase in α and β parameters with depth for protons for both cells is of clinical importance, since it implicates a non-homogeneous dose within the targeted area and an unwanted high dose behind the targeted area. Distal energy modulation could be investigated especially with larger breast tumours. RBE was calculated as the ratio of the dose at the different positions to the dose at the entrance plateau position (reference) to obtain an equal level of biological effect. A statistically significant difference in radiosensitivity could be observed between malignant and non-malignant cells at all positions (p<0.05). The variation in RBE was between 0.99 to 1.99 and 0.92 to 1.6 for the MCF-7 and MCF10A cell respectively. Conclusions: There is a variation in RBE along the depth-dose profile of a clinical proton beam. In addition, there is difference in radiosensitivity between the cancerous cells and the normal breast cells. While this study highlights a variation in sensitivity between cells it could be used by the modelling community to further develop biologically motivated treatment planning for proton therapy
The motivation and success factors of Zimbabwean grocery stokvels in Cape Town, South Africa
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018Owing to socioeconomic and political turmoil in Zimbabwe, large numbers of Zimbabweans emigrated to South Africa. As many are effectively excluded from availing themselves of the services of financial institutions in the formal sector, they often form stokvels, an informal method of saving which is commonly practised in their home country. The research study was conducted in order the investigate the dynamics of Zimbabwean grocery stokvels in Cape Town, the factors which have encouraged their formation and contributed to their success, and those which could potentially militate against their success. A mixed methods approach was adopted and both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to collect the data. The quantitative data was obtained through the administration of a survey questionnaire, while the qualitative data was obtained by conducting one-on-one semi-structured interviews with leaders of Zimbabwean grocery stokvels, their spouses, and members of their families who did not belong to their stokvels. The qualitative data was augmented through the taking of field notes during the interviews. The findings revealed that grocery stokvels serve two related purposes. They enable their members to save towards making large collective bulk purchases at advantageous prices and also to send scarce and highly prized basic necessities to their families and relatives in Zimbabwe, who continue to suffer extreme privations owing to the meltdown which the economy of the country has undergone. The success of grocery stokvels stems largely from the close ties, which exist among their members. It was found that although women tend to dominate grocery stokvels, in some instances male members participate by providing financial support. The chief factors which emerged as having the potential to militate against the success of grocery stokvels were members leaving owing to unforeseen adverse financial circumstances and the erosion of mutual trust owing to members failing to honour their obligations to make fixed monthly contributions. The recommendations which were made on the basis of the findings included the drawing up of formal constitutions and stokvels entering into agreements with large wholesalers and retail chains to maximise the benefits which grocery stokvels are able to derive from collective bulk purchases. It was also suggested that males should participate more actively than they do at present, as making fixed monthly contributions entitles them to participate in decisions concerning how the funds which have been accumulated should be spent at the end of each cycle
Intermediate low voltage direct current (ILVDC) interconnection systems for sparse electrified areas
No full textThesis (PhD (Electrical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018Electricity access is seen as an economic growth enabler and a commodity to improve people's welfare. Hence, electrification is one of the aspects highly regarded by governments worldwide. In Africa, electricity access is still a challenge, this is well illustrated by the low electrification rate of 41%, which is more significant in sub-Saharan region with an electrification rate of 35%. In this part of the continent, on one hand, the reliability of the power supply in electrified areas is still an issue and on the other hand, in areas far from the grid, there are less perspective for grid extension if considered the financial situation and top down model of grid extension used by the utilities. This leads to the extensive use of diesel generators in urban and rural areas. The traditional top down model for grid extension requires huge capitals that are mainly provided by the utility. The return on investment on extended grid determines the approval for extension or not. It is difficult for remote rural areas with no major economic activities like mining to cross the threshold of return on investment acceptable by the utility. Hence new approaches are sought to increase the electrification rate in Africa while maintaining the cost as minimum as possible. Bottom up grid extension using swarm electrification and off-grid solutions such as microgrids are gaining interest of researchers as alternative to the traditional method. It is in this line that this thesis entitled "Intermediate Low Voltage Direct Current (ILVDC) interconnection systems for sparse electrified areas" is looking into combining both approaches by building up a network from the bottom considering the locally available off-grid solutions such as nanogrid diesel generators for microgrids formation. "Olympic rings" microgrids approach is used to extend the electrified areas and anticipate an eventual interconnection with the grid. For this end, nanogrid and microgrid networks are developed, designed and tested. Bi-directional Nanogrid converter are designed with modularized topology to allow easy and economic repair as only affected module should be replaced if needed. Proposed bidirectional converters for nanogrid, microgrid and minigrid are modelled and simulated in PSIM environment. Simulation results show that the design criteria set are met by the converters. Control strategies for power exchange within nanogrids and microgrids, as well as the overall control are proposed. Communication based control strategy algorithms for nanogrids and microgrids are developed. Power line communication (PLC) technique is adopted as a communication system while a DC opto-capacitive coupler for PLC communication system is developed to enhance the safety of the equipment and users. Interconnection of microgrids through ILVDC network is performed with respect to IEC60038 and IEEE 1547. Load flow analysis using DigSilent PowerFactory is performed on individual and interconnected microgrids, with contingency scenario in the latter case. The simulation results proved a successful interaction and improved loading on the machine during the contingency as opposite to results in the Islanded mode
X-band antenna design for nano-satellite applications
No full textThesis (Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.This research report discusses feasible designs of conformal antennas that provide a proof of concept for the French South African Institute of Technology’s future needs. The design is to be used in forthcoming space missions and the intention is to mount the antenna on the surface of a spacecraft. Hence, a low profile is mandatory along with good circular polarisation radiation characteristics. Microstrip patch antennas have been chosen for this purpose simply because they have low profile and conform to most structures, thus fulfilling the requirements stated above. All the designs that are featured in this thesis were modelled and validated using the electromagnetic simulation software FEKO and prototypes were built and tested. The simulations and measured results are supplemented by theory. Sometimes it can be challenging to design and develop an antenna that fulfils the required performance goals given the size and weight restrictions that are specified for nano-satellite technology. Therefore, the first phase of this project finds a good balance between the criteria set for CubeSat platforms and antenna performance. The second phase is validation. Single patch antennas and a sequential rotated patch array were designed, built and tested. The sequential rotated patch array offers considerable improvements in performance when compared to single patch antennas. For instance, the 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth increased to 9.6 % from 2 % when a sequential rotated array was used. The CubeSat normally flies in the inclined regions of the low Earth orbit (LEO). This area has high-energy auroral electron fluxes, in which the high-density electrons build up on ungrounded surfaces of spacecraft and cause discharge arcing. The discharge can affect the satellite operation and, in the worst case, cause permanent damage to the components. A mitigation technique by means of a bleeding path provides a quick route to ground and the space-qualified material that is used will ensure that the antenna is robust enough to survive this
Impact of structured training programme on emerging contractors within the Western Cape Province, South Africa
No full textThesis (Master of Construction)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.Emerging contractors have relished greater privileges since the first democratically elected government in South Africa came into power in 1994 but are faced with numerous challenges. The government has placed numerous resources, ranging from training and development programmes, enabling legislative laws and regulations in an attempt to address these challenges and to turn emerging contractors to sustainable contractors. Knowledge transfer through training of emerging contractors, either from established contractors in a project set-up or training providers in a class room, has being recognised as the most effective mechanisms for development and growth of the emerging contractors. This study focuses on latter mechanism of emerging contractor development. The intended training outcomes of the structured training offered to emerging contractors by training providers in a class room set-up, remains and they experience several obstacles. This research focuses on a particular contractor development programme to investigate the effectiveness Western Cape Contractor Development Programme training programme and subsequently to enhance the training programme. The study focuses on specific aspects of training which researcher feels that they were significant: to explore the nature of existing TNA offered at Western Cape Contractor Development Programme , to investigate the trainer’s competences required in the WCCDP structured training, to examine the existing monitoring and evaluation indicators used to gauge the effectiveness of the Western Cape Contractor Development Programme structured training offered to emerging contractors and to explore the assessment strategies used at the Western Cape Contractor Development Programme, in order to measure the trainees’ learning. The study adopted a case study approach since it dealt with a particular contractor development programme in Western Cape, South Africa. A triangulation of both quantitative and qualitative methods was used to answer the research questions, achieve the research objectives and overcome matters with validity and bias. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the programme coordinators, service provider trainer, service provider facilitator and service provider project manager. A total of 50 self-administered closed-ended questionnaires were distributed to gather data from trainees, only 35 were handed back to the researcher representing a response rate 70%.Therefore a purposive sampling was adopted. To corroborate empirical data collected an observation of the training was conducted. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data; descriptive and inferential statics using the SPSS software was used quantitative data.
The findings from the study revealed that the Western Cape Contractor Development Programme has lack of comprehensive managerial training needs analaysis approach, no measurable indicators established for monitoring and evaluation; programme has no competency assessment or screening process and lack of adequate knowledge on assessment design and implementation. Therefore, this is largely responsible for the problems at Western Cape Contractor Development Programme and has a negative impact on the programme. It is evident from the findings of the study that Western Cape Contractor Development Programme must develop a comprehensive and formal training needs analysis process to identify the actual needs, design and implement a proper measurable indicators for the monitoring and evaluation system in order to monitor the progress of the programme, training policies and objectives must be revisited for amend, tighten seriously, implemented and monitored regularly with all the concerned stakeholders, develop a trainer competency screening process and appoint a training expert to ensure that relevant assessment strategies are used for assessing the trainees and ensure that desired training outcomes and objectives are achieved to enhance the programme
Online service design : a socio-technical perspective to engage an ageing population
No full textThesis (DTech (Design))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.As online environments become more cost effective, allow for more personalisation and often offer faster solutions, numerous service providers have shifted priority to the development of online user interactions. Many perceive this trend as positive, and welcome services that can be accessed online, anywhere, anytime. However, not all members of society favour the shift to online services, and resistance to technology and online services have been documented among ageing individuals. In order to design user
interactions for ageing users more effectively, it is imperative to understand the normative changes that impact ageing users’ interactions with online services. The exploration of user perception and experience links to both physical and emotional involvement - documenting reactions such as frustration, fear, joy and excitement in relation to online services. The study focuses on the exploration of perceived interaction barriers among South African ageing users, as well as those interactions already perceived
as appealing, contributing to new theoretical insights and a description of the sociotechnical context investigated in this study. The study is completed using a constructivist grounded theory method, with qualitative methods focused on user participation and co-design. In addition to the emerging
substantive theory of Ageing User Decision-Determined Engagement (AUDDE), the study adds value to online service design practice by developing a deeper understanding of user perceptions and experiences, within a socio-technical context. Findings from the participatory research sessions informed a set of practical service design interaction guidelines, which can inform the design of more engaging online services for the ageing community. Methodologically the study explores the grounded theory method, within a design research framework, and establishes it as a suitable methodology to generate
theory through design practic
A critical analysis of pre-hospital clinical mentorship to enable learning in emergency medical care.
No full textThesis (Master of Emergency Medical Care)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.For emergency medical care (EMC), clinical mentorship can be thought of as the relationship between the EMC students and qualified emergency care personnel. Through this relationship, students may be guided, supported and provided with information to develop knowledge, skills, and professional attributes needed for delivering quality clinical emergency care. However, this relationship is poorly understood and the focus of this research was to explore how this relationship enabled or constrained learning. Through having experienced mentorship, first as a student in EMC, then as an operational paramedic, mentoring students, I was privy to an insider perspective of clinical mentorship, and the experiences of fellow students‘. Through this experience the practices I observed may not have promoted learning. This is when my interest in pre-hospital clinical mentorship in relation to learning began. The aim of this research was to present a qualitative analysis of the clinical mentorship relationship in pre-hospital EMC involving the qualified pre-hospital emergency care practitioner (ECP) and the EMC student. The objectives included gaining an understanding of what enabled and/or constrained learning EMC, exploring clinical mentorship and learning in the pre-hospital EMC context, and gaining understanding of the role and scope of community members in the clinical mentorship activity system. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively document, by means of a thematic analysis, the pre-hospital clinical mentorship relationship, as well as document, by means of a Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) analysis, the clinical mentorship activity system. The focus of this qualitative documentation was the enablements and constraints to learning during clinical mentorship. This research also made possible recommendations for EMC clinical mentorship and education and may also inform (PBEC) policy, as well as work integrated learning (WIL) policy. Data collection included the use of diaries and focus group interviews. Analysis involved a two-part analysis, where data was reduced and understood with thematic analysis guided by Braun and Clarke (2006) six phase thematic analysis process (explained in Chapter three, Section 3.6). Thereafter, a CHAT analysis was conducted to uncover contradictions within the clinical mentorship activity system that made working on the object of activity difficult, thereby also uncovering constraints to learning. Inductive reasoning was applied to the thematic analysis to reduce data and identify themes and subthemes which provided insight into the enablements and constraints to learning in the pre-hospital EMC clinical mentorship relationship. The CHAT analysis of the data collected and analysed brought to surface the affordances, tensions as well as the primary-level and secondary-level contradictions of the clinical mentorship activity system. The thematic analysis of the clinical mentorship relationship provided limited understanding of the enablements and constraints to learning, and thus further motivated deeper analysis with CHAT. The results of this research included primary and secondary-level contradictions for almost all elements of the clinical mentorship activity system. Contradictions amongst the Division of Labour (DoL), the rules of the activity system, and the tools/resources of the activity system existed in that it constrained the interaction and activity of the subject and the community while working on the object of the activity system possibly achieving a lesser or undesired outcome of clinical mentorship