Cape Peninsula University of Technology
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Risk management framework for selected service organisations in the Western Cape
No full textThesis (Master of Engineering (Quality))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018This qualitative research study examines the everyday operation of risk management within quality management in selected service organisations in the Western Cape. The service organisations are selected on the basis of their reputation in the providence of services. This qualitative research study specifically focuses on the scope of risk management particularly within quality management. The predominant objective of this research is to develop a framework that can be a significant contributor to improvement in the Western Cape's service organisations. A finding of this research is that there are gaps that need to be closed in order to improve the risk management system as well as the quality management. In addition this research confirms that a risk management framework needs to be developed to provide a mechanism that can be employed by service organisations in the Western Cape to ensure that risk is identified, assessed, monitored and mitigated. Furthermore, the research then presented a risk management framework that will provide a method that can be put into practice by service organisations in the Western Cape to ensure that risk is managed effectively and efficiently. This research demonstrates that in order to develop a risk management framework it is important that a risk management system is understood thoroughly. Then once the risk management system is understood required changes can be proposed and this is done for the purposes of improvement in the Western Cape’s service organisations. The approach proposed by this research challenges views that regard enhancing the service organisation's risk management within their quality management system with the goal of satisfying their customers
Reconfigurable photovoltaic modules for robust nanosatellite power systems
No full textThesis (MTech (Electrical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.Until recently, the focus of most solar technology development for space was towards more efficient, more radiation-resistant and increasingly powerful arrays. During a space mission, solar cells are not only exposed to irradiation by electrons, but also to a range of other particles, like protons. Thus, solar cells on robust nanosatellites are extremely exposed to an environment, which includes the high-energy electrons and protons of the earth’s radiation belts, which leads towards the degradation process of the individual solar cell. Solar cell radiation shielding design ensures the protection of the solar cells from the particular radiation environment found in space. While the design principles of a solar photovoltaic automatic switching fault tolerant system which can detect and bypass faulty photovoltaic cells will be presented through this research work. The ability of such a system to be reconfigured using implemented switching matrix system makes it efficient under various environments and faulty conditions.National Research Foundation (NRF
Bioaccumulation and mixture toxicity of aluminium and manganese in experimentally exposed woodlice, Porcellio scaber (Crustacea, Isopoda)
No full textThesis (MTech (Environmental Health))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.Soil ecosystems in urban, rural and agricultural environments receive chemical input from diverse sources of contamination, such as wastewater, industrial discharge, agricultural and urban runoff, fertilizers, vehicle leakages, landfill seepage, and animal waste overspill. Agricultural activities, transportation and industrial activities are suspected to be the highest sources of metal contamination in Cape Town. Although scientists generally have a good understanding of the toxicity of individual chemical pollutants, there is a great need to bridge the gap between our understanding of the toxic effects of exposure to individual contaminants and those effects from exposure to mixtures of chemicals. Woodlice and other soil detritivores have a particularly important ecosystem function in mineralising organic matter. Woodlice experience stress when exposed to toxic levels of metals in the diet, which can reduce feeding rates and may combine with natural stresses to reduce fitness and lower 'performance', thereby possibly resulting in these organisms being unable to completely fulfil their ecological function.
The objectives of this study were: to compare how aluminium and manganese are bioaccumulated in Porcellio scaber in terms of the contribution of the hepatopancreas in metal storage compared to the rest of the body; and to determine whether mixtures of aluminium and manganese affect each other’s bioaccumulation and distribution in Porcellio scaber.
Woodlice collected from a clean field site (Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden) were experimentally exposed in the laboratory to a range of environmentally relevant aluminium and manganese concentrations. The woodlice were exposed to these metals in single and mixed metal experiments. Oak leaves, collected from a clean site, were contaminated with aluminium and manganese. Therefore, the woodlice were exposed via their food source. A control experiment, where oak leaves were not contaminated, was also prepared. At week 0 and after five weeks of exposure, a sample of the woodlice (5 per exposure group) were dissected to remove the hepatopancreas. Hepatopancreas and rest of the body samples were acid digested and analysed for the metals by means of the ICP-MS. Contrary to the existing knowledge of metals accumulating in the hepatopancreas of woodlice when ingested, this study showed a higher bioaccumulation of aluminium in the rest of the body of woodlice after 5 weeks of exposure than in the hepatopancreas. This result was interpreted as a possible detoxification mechanism by woodlice through the use of the exoskeleton during the moult cycle. A similar result was found when woodlice were exposed to mixtures of aluminium and manganese. This translated to the fact that woodlice were unable to effectively deal with the toxicity caused by the mixture of aluminium and manganese. In the group of woodlice exposed to manganese alone, it was found that manganese concentrations in the rest of the body of woodlice exposed for 5 weeks were statistically higher than the manganese concentrations in the rest of the body of woodlice at the start of the exposure (week 0). However, in the hepatopancreas, there were no statistical differences between the manganese concentrations in week 0 woodlice and the manganese concentrations in week 5 woodlice. Furthermore, manganese concentrations in the rest of the body of week 5 woodlice were statistically higher than manganese concentrations in the hepatopancreas of week 5 woodlice. This was interpreted as further proof that woodlice would accumulate certain metals (aluminium and manganese in this case) in their exoskeleton so that elimination can follow during the moult cycle
The influence of scope change on the Iron Triangle and on effectiveness of a project manager at Ergosystem Walling Solutions
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Administration in Project Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018This research aimed to investigate the extent to which changes in the scope of a project will influence on the iron triangle and how that impacts on the effectiveness of a project leader/manager. The reason for this research was to show and evaluate if scope changes made on the iron triangle have impact on the effectiveness of the project leader/manager and in so doing understanding the impact of such changes in the light of broader project management precepts and how these could be harnessed. A questionnaire was carefully structured as the tool for data collection at Ergosystem. The sample for this research comprised of projects managers, project administrators, project engineers, and project management officers of Ergosystem. They have been working at this position for more than 18 months, which would have given them opportunity to have worked on multiple projects. The participants have had the opportunity to have worked in different departments of Ergosystem, this would be helpful to evaluate how scope change affects project managers in different fields Data collected was categorized, edited, coded and analysed using this Statistical Package of the Social Science (SPSS) software. . This software package use for organised/logical batch and non-batched statistical analysis This The data analysis tool had been selected simply because it is user friendly and will assist with converting the data to graphs, charts and other formats that June be used to store and interpret the data. The research noted that most left out during decision making on the way the project should be conducted or implemented, thus project managers will have little confidence as they have not been trusted to run the project the best way he knows how. Indolent of project team on changes being made is important. Once the project has started being implemented unforeseen situations can occur and ay change made impacts the iron triangle will make changes to each on the 3 elements thus deliverables can change. A project manager is more effective if there are given the opportunity to solve problems with consultation with superiors they face once implementation. Authority gap is a huge problem for project managers therefore changes on the Iron triangle has positive and negative impact on the effectiveness of a project manager but this depends of the leadership style and support of the top management
Factors influencing programme completion of National Certificate (Vocational) students at a college in the Western Cape, South Africa
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Information Systems))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018Since its inception in 2007, the National Certificate (Vocational) (NC(V)) programme offered at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa, has experienced low programme completion and high drop-out rates. Acknowledging the importance of investigating factors that influence high drop-out and low programme completion rates, this study uses an alternative approach to the research problem. This study focuses on the factors that have influenced the decision of final year Level 4 NC(V) Business Studies students to complete their programme during 2017 at a selected TVET college, located in the Western Cape, South Africa. The study was guided by understanding and combining two student retention theories and models, namely those of Vincent Tinto and John Bean. The study is positioned in a critical research paradigm. By applying a mixed methods approach, the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative methods are used. The mixed methods approach is motivated by sequential and converged data contribution, employing both rating-scale and exploratory questionnaire methods of data collection. Applying random sampling and a 99% confidence level, an n=62 sample was identified from an N=63 population, from which 46 consented to participate in the initial quantitative study. Purposive and convenience sampling derived a converging n=6 sample, of which three participated in the qualitative study. The population and sample was derived from two Business Studies NC(V) programmes at the selected TVET college campus. Computer-aided spreadsheet software was used to collate and analyse quantitative data and qualitative responses were summarised and collated, using computer-aided word-processing software. Frequent responses or themes were identified in participant responses. Secondary data indicated a 46% retention rate of the study population since their enrolment in 2015. Analysed data indicated that the factors influencing the decision to complete the NC(V) programme include, amongst others, financial assistance, progression to higher education, employment prospects within their vocation, well-informed career guidance, lecturer support and patience, embarrassment about failure, parent and family support, and college environment compared to high school. The four main factors, ranked in order of importance, were, teaching quality/style, friendly teachers, general social interaction and then friends. Recommendations for potential improvement of student retention and NC(V) programme completion are provided, based on the factors within direct control of the TVET college
Support for mathematics teachers and students in previously disadvantaged Cape Town high schools
No full textThesis (DEd (Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018A large majority of school leavers in South Africa have limited educational and career opportunities in occupational fields such as medicine, engineering, information technology and scientific research because of poor performance in mathematics and science at Grade 12 level. Although various forms of support for mathematics teaching and learning have been introduced by the government and private institutions to overcome some of these challenges and improve performance, South African mathematics performance still remains at the bottom of the rank. Underachievement in mathematics has been particularly recognised as a major problem in schools serving black, coloured and Indian students from historically poor communities also known as previously disadvantaged communities - in South Africa. The main purpose of this research was to increase understanding of the specific challenges of mathematics teaching and learning at a selected number of schools in the previously disadvantaged Cape Flats area of Cape Town, and to explore the availability of, access to, and utilisation of support opportunities by the mathematics teachers and students at these schools with the aim of identifying appropriate support programmes for such schools. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory was used as the theoretical framework for this research. Bronfenbrenner advocated that research investigating human development should involve a field-theoretical approach in which the interaction of process, person, and context are taken into consideration. The underlying rationale for a process-person-context research model is also applicable to organisational development, and is a useful model for understanding how developmental processes (e.g. mathematics teaching and learning) and outcomes (e.g. students’ achievement in mathematics) vary as a joint function of the characteristics of not only the school itself but also those of the ecological systems or environment surrounding the school. The study was conducted using an exploratory sequential mixed method research (MMR) approach. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analysed. This enabled the researcher to conduct an in-depth examination of the varied, detailed and extensive array of information obtained from different sources to provide extensive explanation that portray a holistic picture of the situation at each school. Five schools from two education districts in the Cape Metropole participated in the study. Five curriculum advisers from the eight education districts in the Cape Metropole in which the schools are situated, as well as five mathematics teachers and heads of departments responsible for mathematics teaching and learning at each of the five schools were interviewed. Twenty Grade 12 mathematics students at each of the five schools completed a survey questionnaire designed to elicit respondents’ views on challenges they faced in the teaching and learning of mathematics. This included their views on parental involvement and support. The survey was followed by focus group interviews with twenty Grade 12 mathematics students at each school, thus totalling 100 mathematics student participants. The findings suggest that although certain current mathematics support initiatives prove to be effective in some ways, various limitations exist in terms of the purpose and objectives of these opportunities. Numerous factors need to be taken into consideration for a mathematics support opportunity to be deemed ‘appropriate’. Mathematics support programmes ought to encourage partnerships with mathematics experts, with the main focus on underperforming (in mathematics) schools. Further, greater emphasis should be placed on the structural components of the mathematics curriculum, with specific reference to the weighing of practical content and the flexibility of the curriculum to adapt to underperforming students. Mathematics support programmes should prioritise the use of technology in the mathematics classroom as it is currently undervalued, despite the technological advancement in all other areas of our daily living. The study proposes that the Western Cape Education Department’s policies regarding mathematics support opportunities should regularly be revised and evaluated by those responsible for policy coordination, strategic people management and education planning, with the aim of keeping individuals at departmental level and at school level responsible and accountable for the implementation of specific tasks. These tasks include the allocation of resources and support from departmental officials. In addition, various methods of communication should be effectively utilised, from management level at the Western Cape Education Department to the school and the community level (parents), with regard to circulating information on any mathematics support opportunities identified and available to mathematics teachers and students
An analysis and improvement of selected features of power quality of grid-tied alternative energy systems
No full textThesis (PhD (Electrical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.Electrical energy can be easily used and converted to other forms of energy for various applications. Technological advancement increases the dependency on electricity to a great extent. Various internal and external factors are responsible for the bad quality of power in power systems. The performance of the system is greatly affected by the presence of harmonics, as well as voltage and frequency variations, which leads to the malfunctioning of the device and decline of power quality and supply at load side. The reactive power compensation is carried out for better power quality.
The literature survey is done to find the best and efficient scheme for reactive power compensation and mitigation of various power quality problems. The devices which are used to measure various power quality factors are discussed. Various mitigating schemes are surveyed in order to compensate reactive power and to improve the power quality at the distribution end.
The integration of the most widely used renewable energy, wind energy in the distribution system creates technical issues like stability of the grid, harmonic distortion, voltage regulation, active and reactive power compensation etc. which are restricted to IEC and IEEE standards. One of the topics this thesis addresses is regulation in the reactive power generated along with voltage regulation by using an effective power electronics device known as a STATCOM. The main power quality factors like overvoltage and voltage flickers are mitigated by establishing STATCOMs in small wind farms. The wind farms are equipped with three wind turbines. These three wind turbines found in the wind farm can be operated together or one after another with an introduced delay.
A glitch in even a little piece of a power grid can result in loss of efficiency, income and at times even life. In this manner, it is basic to outline a system which can distinguish the faults of the power system and take a faster response to recover it back to required reactive power. Two devices STATCOM and D-STATCOM are used for this purpose in this thesis.
The D-STATCOM circuit and operating principle are also discussed in thesis. Different topologies of D-STATCOM discussed with their benefits and shortcomings. The voltage, current and hybrid technologies of D-STATCOM are also discussed
Assessment of skills retention strategies in a health sub-district within a metropolitan municipality in the Western Cape
No full textThesis (MTech (Public Administration)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.Organisations spend large sums of money on staff after they have been recruited in order to make them proficient in their jobs. It is therefore important to ensure that staff remain with the organisation for as long as possible, allowing the organisation to reap the benefit from its investment in the form of good performance by staff. Work performance can however, be affected negatively when labour turnover is high. This research project reflects on staff turnover amongst professional nurses, posing the question, “What can be done to alleviate high staff turnover?” A quantitative approach to research was followed within a Western Cape Metropolitan Municipality. The significance of the research is reflected in the recommendations made to the management of the municipality to address staff turnover in the specified category of employees
The effectiveness of a professional learning community (PLC) intervention to promote the teaching of critical thinking skills among four grade 6 teachers
No full textThesis (MEd)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.Much of today’s classroom learning, particularly in the senior primary phase, focuses on activities whereby learners acquire facts and rules, employing only the lower levels of cognition: knowledge, comprehension and application (Sonn, 2000). In order to bridge the gap between the real and the ideal (Hartley, Bertram & Mattson, 1999) with regards to the development of critical and creative thinking, educators need to be trained and provided with the necessary tools and relevant teaching strategies to better align their teaching to the requirements of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). This research developed quantitative and qualitative instruments to investigate Grade 6 teachers’ understanding of creative and critical thinking before and after a professional learning community (PLC) intervention. The implementation of the PLC involved the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) programme’s generating tools, and was guided by Bourdieu’s social field theory. The aim of the intervention was to consider the shifts and changes that teachers might make in their teaching practices to purposely include the development of creative and critical thinking skills in their pedagogy. A pragmatic paradigm was utilized, focusing on methodological flexibility with the use of an explanatory sequential mixed method approach. Although this small, convenient sample excludes any statistical evidence, it does reflect that given time and support, teachers’ pedagogical habitus (see Feldman & Fataar, 2014) is adaptable. The meaningful, cooperative approach of the PLC and the development of creative and critical thinking skills, through the use of the creative problem solving programme, created the platform for change
The identification of non-value adding activities associated with site management in the Nigerian construction industry
No full textThesis (Master of Construction in Construction Management)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.This study sought to determine the prevalence of non-value adding activities (NVAAs) associated with construction site management in Nigerian, utilising Lagos State as the case study. To pursue the study, the following objectives were formulated: (1) to identify the sources of NVAAs during construction projects; (2) to determine the causes of the occurrence of NVAAs; (3) to ascertain the effects of occurrence of NVAAs on management of personnel on construction sites; and (4) to develop techniques to mitigate the effect of NVAAs on construction projects. Relevant literature related to the matter under investigation was extensively reviewed. An exploratory study on non-value adding activities was conducted; the findings of which determined the focus of the study. This was achieved through a qualitative method where open-ended interviews were administered to purposively selected construction professionals including construction managers, site engineers, consulting engineers, and site managers
who were based in Lagos. Additionally, observations of construction activities on site also provided the basis for the primary data collection to gain an in-depth understanding of the factors contributing to the occurrence of NVAAs on site. Three construction firms partook in the survey, and a total of eight construction professionals were interviewed. It was uncovered that improper planning of construction site activities – for example material management, site layout, and the competency of site personnel – came about to non-value adding activities, thereby confirming the situation of poor site execution within the construction industry. This exploration was limited to certain building construction locations in Lagos State, Nigeria. Accentuation was put on the evaluation of non-value adding activity (i.e. waste) related with site management in the construction industry amid the undertaking execution stage. The research was done to assist in creating a proper contribution to the perception of NVAA management measures by way of the application of significant principles that have been deserted, and also to fashion
responsiveness for construction company workforces to determine factors that contribute to NVAAs with the goal that the level of waste can be decreased while simultaneously increasing productivity during construction. Suggestions regarding the reduction of NVAAs include the following: (1) Early identification of the root causes of NVAAs would certainly provide a useful information for project stakeholders
to design a suitable containment strategy to minimise / prevent the occurrences of waste; (2) Conducting workshops for project team members on a regular basis concerning lean design management principle will also assist in reducing the incidence of NVAAs on site