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Assessment of skills retention strategies in a health sub-district within a Metropolitan Municipality in the Western Cape
No full textThesis (MTech (Public Management))--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
Quality management challenges in iterative software product development of a selected software development organisation in Cape Town, South Africa
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Information Systems))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.Many software organisations using iterative software development approach use practices that relate to quality management. However, the quality management process has been inadequate. Despite many research studies conducted on quality management in iterative software product development none have adequately addressed the challenges and mitigation techniques to have an adequate process that leads to a quality software product. The objective of this study was to determine factors that affect the quality management process in iterative software development. The research followed a qualitative approach, a case of software organisation SasTech in Cape Town, South Africa. 22 interviews were conducted on three roles actively involved in the software product development process. These are product management, quality assurance and software developers. Themes were drawn from results and were tabulated. The duality of technology theory was used as a theoretical lens to data analysis.
Several factors were identified to influence the software quality management process. These include planning, documentation, process ownership, technologies, testing, timelines and management support.
Through the general proposed framework, facilities (human resources and technologies), interpretive schemes (architecture) and norms (practices) of software quality management can be institutionalised leading to adequate and effective quality management in iterative development for SasTech as well as other organisations in the same industry
Functional characteristics of egusi seed (Citrullus lanatus) hydrocolloid and oil in instant egusi soup
No full textThesis (MTech (Food Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.The use of egusi melon in soup has been domesticated and egusi has predominantly been regarded as a secondary crop. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional characteristics of egusi seed (Citrullus lanatus subsp mucosospermus) hydrocolloid and oil in instant egusi soup. An instant production of egusi soup by adding boiling water to an instant soup mix will promote the availability of this nutritious seed as a healthy meal option. Egusi oil was successfully extracted from egusi seed using supercritical carbon dioxide method. The percentage oil yield which measures the amount of oil derivable from egusi seed ranged from 46-53% w/w. There was a significant difference in the oil yield as pressure and temperature are increased at a constant CO2 flow rate of 30 g/h. The proximate composition of egusi oil was determined using standard AOAC method. The moisture contents were 1.3, 2.0 and 1.9% w/w, respectively for EO1 (60oC and 450 bar), EO2 (55oC and 600 bar) and EO3 (75oC and 600 bar). EO1 was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower in moisture content compared to EO2 and EO3. The fat content was 99.1% w/w (EO1), 98.3% w/w (EO2) and 98.9% w/w (EO3), with no significant difference in the three oil samples. The fatty acid composition was analyzed using gas chromatography. The fatty acid content of egusi oil was high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, which was identified as linoleic (62%) and oleic (15%) acids. The saturated fatty acid (undecylic, myristic, palmitic and stearic) composition of egusi oil differed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with EO1, having the lowest compared to EO2 and EO3. The index of atherogenicity (IA %) were significantly low 0.35, 0.38 and 0.38% w/w for EO1, EO2, and EO3, respectively. The thrombogenicity index (IT %) were 0.08, 0.09 and 0.09% w/w for EO1, EO2, and EO3, respectively with no significant difference. Peroxide Value (PV) measured using auto titrate Titrino plus, ranging from 11.60 for EO1 milliequivalents peroxide/kg to 12.60 for EO2 and 11.89 milliequivalents peroxide/kg for EO3. The oxidative stability index (OSI) was measured using Methrohm Rancimat at 120°C, expressed as the induction time of oxidation was 10.2, 11.5 and 5.3 h for EO1, EO2, and EO3, respectively, with E03 significantly higher than EO1 and EO2 (p ≤ 0.05). The iodine number, determined by AOAC direct titration method was high and ranged from 95 g/100 g for EO1 to 129 g/100 g for EO3, with EO3 being significantly high (p ≤ 0.05). The nutritional and functional properties of defatted egusi flour and hydrocolloid extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction was also successfully achieved. Proximate analysis of defatted egusi (DEF) flour after supercritical extraction was carried out according to standard AOAC procedures. The moisture content of DEF ranged from 5.3 to 10.1% w/w, crude protein 48.3 to 60.4% w/w, crude fibre 3.4 to 4.5% w/w) and ash 5.3 to 6.8 % w/w). The protein content of defatted egusi flour differed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) between samples. The amino acid compositions of DEF showed glutamic acid had the highest concentration of 12.9, 11.8 and 9.8 mg/100 g for DEF1, DEF2, and DEF3, respectively with a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) across the samples. In functionality, the water absorption and solubility index at a low temperature of 50oC ranged between 52.5 to 57.6% w/w and 68.0 to 73.3% w/w respectively for DEF1 to DEF3, which significantly differed between samples. The final viscosity of defatted egusi flour ranged from 126.7 to 126.3 cP, which differed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) between samples. Egusi flour is high in protein 60% w/w and carbohydrate 25% w/w was treated with hot water to extract its hydrocolloid. Functional properties of egusi hydrocolloid for the three defatted flour shows a stable emulsifier as the breakdown viscosity remained constant at (8.00 cP). Breakdown viscosity of egusi hydrocolloid confirmed its stability
Fermentation rate, yeast protein and sensory profiles of wines from fungicide treated Chenin Blanc grapes
Get PDFThesis (MTech (Food Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.Fungal diseases in vineyards are one of the main causes leading to economic losses within the viticultural sector and are continuously increasing over years. The most common of these fungal diseases are powdery mildew, downy mildew and grey mould. Commercial fungicides to treat the above-mentioned diseases are available and their usage is regulated under Act 36 of 1947 to comply with Good Agricultural Practises (GAP). However, the application of less-harmful, natural alternative fungicides to control vineyard diseases are currently an important research focus since the demand for organic products by consumers and retail companies are increasing. However, fungicide residues can alter the fermentation process and prevent some biochemical pathways of yeast metabolism involved in phenolic and/or aroma compound production that are critical for sensory quality. Therefore the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of fungicide treatments on the fermentation rate, yeast proteins expressed, aroma compounds released and sensory profile of wines produced. In the study, Chenin Blanc grapes treated with chemical and natural fungicides (1x treatment and 2x treatment) under Good Agricultural Practises (GAP) were used to produce small-scale wines and laboratory-scale fermentations. Laboratory-scale fermentations were conducted in duplicate using the commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) Active Dry Wine Yeast (ADWY) strains VIN 13 and VIN 7. The fermentations were monitored by frequently weighing until they stabilised (CO2 weight loss). Small-scale wines were produced using the commercial S. cerevisiae ADWY strain VIN 13 only. Wines were made according to the standard Nietvoorbij experimental winemaking procedure. At the end of fermentation, lees samples were plated onto Yeast Extract Peptone Dextrose (YPD) agar and colonies grown were subjected to CHEF gel electrophoresis to confirm that the S. cerevisiae yeast strain inoculated at the beginning of the fermentation completed it. Moreover, fermenting wine samples, collected at the start (lag phase) and at end of fermentation (stationary phase), were subjected to protein extraction, quantification and characterisation in order to investigate fermenting wine yeast proteins. Furthermore, the final wines were subjected to chemical analyses as well as measurement of aroma enhancing metabolites (esters, higher alcohols, fatty acids and thiol compounds) using GC – FID and MS. Additionally, duplicate samples of the wines were evaluated sensorially by a trained panel of 12 winemakers and researchers, using an unstructured line scale. Wines were compared to the control wine according to visual (colour), flavour (tree fruit, tropical fruit, and wine foreign), taste (body mouthfeel, acidity) and overall quality. The data collected from the study was statistically analysed using a two-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and subject to a multiple factor analysis (MFA). From the results obtained in the above study, it was concluded that yeast strains used for winemaking completed the fermentations at a similar rate to their respective controls. In addition, small-scale cellar fermentations showed that fungicide treatments (1x treatment and 2x treatment) compared to the controls had no notable negative effects on wine aroma and sensory profiles although differences were observed in the proteins expressed after the fermentation. Overall, the fungicide treatments did not negatively affect the yeast performance, yeast protein expressed, aroma compounds released and sensory profiles of the wines produced. Further studies are recommended on other white as well as red wine grape cultivars to fully assess the effects of the fungicides
The socio economic impact of South Africa's brain drain : an assessment of existing skills amongst African foreign nationals and their contribution towards the alleviation of skills shortages and job creation in the Western Cape
No full textThesis (DTech (Public Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018The purpose of this research project was to conduct a skills audit amongst the immigrant communities (refugees and asylum seekers), in South Africa and in Cape Town in particular, to assess whether refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants of African origin have the necessary skills to fill the gaps left by South Africa's brain drain. The study explored the impact of the skills shortage on the economic development, unemployment and poverty of the country. The study also explored measures taken by the government and other stakeholders to address the skills shortages. In order to achieve the study's objectives the researcher used a quantitative research method as an instrument of data collection with an interpretational method of data analysis. The research was in 2 parts, a literature review and 200 immigrants completed questionnaires. The finding here is intended to directly address some of the research questions posed and investigated by this study, as well as to provide background information and clarity on the research question. The finding highlight that African immigrants in Cape Town are most likely to be male between the ages of 19 and 45. Most African foreigners in the Western Cape are single males although some public officials believed that they came as families. As supported by Statistics released by the Cape Town Refugee Forum in 1999 estimate that of the 11 900 refugees in Cape Town, 10 000 are male, 1 000 women and 900 children (Cape Argus, 1999). This is supported by Rogerson (1997), writing in the Migration Policy Series about Johannesburg's foreign entrepreneurs, who established that new immigrant businesses are run by single, young, males who work on average a 64-hour week; their employees work similar hours. Most immigrants have some kind of work experience or skill acquired via life experience, practical training or university. The literature found support this. The findings by McDonald et al., (1999) and Peberdy (2000) hold that migrants are motivated to come to South Africa largely, but not entirely, by economic opportunities and that they are motivated, educated, skilled and enterprising and that they find work easily but are poorly paid, are corroborated by this study. It was found in this study that there is no truth regarding the negative perception that immigrants are taking jobs and the study reveals that most of them are self-employed small entrepreneurs who create jobs and by so doing contribute to poverty alleviation. This is in line with a previous study conducted by Tengeh(2015:261), who found that most immigrants own small businesses and that most of them employ South Africans in those small businesses. These findings help to understand and clear up the misconception that immigrants are not job creators. This study only investigated African immigrants without expanding to Europeans and Asians, who are also immigrants. It is interesting to note that Basotho, Tswana and to certain extent, Namibians, do not see themselves as foreigners in South Africa. In line with the research questions about how to address the problem of the skills shortage the study recognised the existence of various and important initiatives locally and internationally that failed due to a lack of supervision during the implementation phase, reduced political will at certain stages, lack of enthusiasm and of policy coordination across the relevant sectors due to fragmentation among government departments, which makes developmental policies difficult at one level, career development policies need to be part of a coherent coordination of relevant policies relating to education and training, skills development, the labour market and social equity and development. Further this various initiatives served as a framework to develop a model that it is hoped will respond to the issue at hand. This research disclosed that numerous governments in Africa and private sector concerns are all interested in finding a solution to the scarce skills shortage, at least in principle and in terms of policies. On paper there are numerous initiatives to deal with the skills shortage and training people with scarce skills. As an example, the AU launched the Western Hemisphere African Diaspora Network in 2002 prior to the 2003 summit of heads of states, to investigate a role for the Diaspora (Easterly and Nyarko, 2005:17). In summary the study have achieved its objective as it was set in the begin of the study
Experiences in a tutoring programme for B.Ed. foundation phase isiXhosa first language students
No full textThesis (MEd (Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018Students from disadvantaged communities in South Africa enter higher education under extreme pressure due to under-preparedness when transitioning to university. While universities have succeeded in increasing the enrolment of students from the population groups that were excluded during the Apartheid dispensation, they are still struggling with throughput rates after more than two decades into the country’s new democratic dispensation. Universities’ challenges to meet throughput rates are partly ascribed to the barriers which students from educationally disadvantaged communities experience. Universities with English as the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) comprise one of the barriers which students, whose home language is not English, must overcome. A University of Technology in Cape Town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa initiated a tutoring programme in the home language of isiXhosa students who enrolled for a BEd Foundation Phase qualification in its Education Faculty. Support was offered to students who failed one or more subjects in their first year of study, as well as new recruits who anticipated that they might be at risk of failing. Those who failed the subjects in the previous year stated the reasons for failure as not understanding the concepts and terms of the subjects presented to them in English. This study attempts to investigate the experiences of the tutees and tutors, as well as other role players for the duration of the tutoring programme. The research question was formulated as: "What are the experiences of role players in a tutoring programme for BEd Foundation Phase isiXhosa home language students?" Within a qualitative case study, the researcher uses semi-structured interviews and reflective journals to understand how the role players experience the tutoring programme. This study is framed within a Social Constructivist theory; while an interpretative paradigm is employed to analyse the data. The findings suggest that tutoring in their home language grants isiXhosa students access to the curriculum, for which they would otherwise have struggled to have access to. The findings explore the possibility of tutoring in the home language becoming a mandatory practice for students whose home language is not the LOLT of the institution
Academic performance of pre-service accounting education students at a university of technology
No full textThesis (MEd (Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018There is an increasing demand for chartered accountants in South Africa. But there is a significant decrease in the number of learners who choose Accounting in Grade 10. There is a low pass rate among those learners who choose Accounting for matriculation. The low pass rate may be caused by the fact that there are too few efficient and competent educators in the subject. This study is designed to investigate to what extent pre-identified factors affect the performance of pre-service accounting education students at a selected university of technology in South Africa. The pre-identified factors are motivation, learning environment, class attendance, learning approach, and the Fees Must Fall protests. This study is grounded within a social psychological theory known as self-determination theory (SDT). Deci and Ryan (2011:416) define SDT as an empirically derived theory of human motivation and personality in a social context that differentiates between autonomous and controlled motivation. SDT theory is about motivation: the variables in this research project are linked to motivation as the chief driver of academic performance. The research problem of this study was addressed using an explanatory mixed methods design. The data were collected in two phases: a quantitative and a qualitative phase. For the quantitative phase, a questionnaire and document analysis were used to collect data; for the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted. A purposive sample was drawn for both quantitative and qualitative phases of the study; consisting of the second to fourth year level pre-service accounting education students. The quantitative data collected were analysed using the Statistic Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 computer software. Interviews were transcribed and ATLAS.ti software was used for coding the responses. The findings revealed that these pre-identified factors do have a direct influence upon the academic performance of pre-service accounting education students; both negatively and positively. The findings from this research could be used as a basis to refine the admission policy at the selected university. The findings could inform lecturers and students on how best to exploit the pre-identified factors to improve academic performance in Accounting
Nurse support for young adults during a first antiretroviral therapy visit at an urban primary health care clinic in Malawi
No full textThesis (MSc (Nursing))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018Primary health care (PHC) is a frontline health care approach. It is the point of contact where people are kept well and where their quality of life is improved. All people diagnosed as HIV- positive are retested prior to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation to verify their serostatus. ART initiation is seen as a non-emergency treatment that provides many benefits if its initiation is accelerated, for example following up pregnant women after being diagnosed with HIV. However, accelerated initiation may lead clients to start treatment before they are ready to adhere to treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to describe the nurse support for young adults during a first antiretroviral therapy visit at an urban primary health care clinic in Malawi. A descriptive phenomenological design was followed at an urban setup in Zomba city, Malawi. The sample was selected through purposive sampling until data saturation was obtained. Individual semi- structured interviews were conducted with young adults aged 19 25 who have visited the clinic for their first ART according to an interview schedule and field notes for around 30 minutes in a private room. The data was analysed using distinctive process and a consensus meeting was held between the researcher and independent coder. The findings of the study could help the PHC services to retain and re-engage the young adults in HIV care and aid the Government of Malawi in achieving its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. Principles of trustworthiness and ethics were adhered to throughout the research process. Six themes, each with separate categories, emerged from the data analysis on the experience of young adults during their first visit for ART at an urban PHC clinic in Malawi. The results indicated the need for an environment that enhances a client-orientated approach with a focus on holistic well-being. Knowledge management should be used to provide relevant and sufficient information to a newcomer while maintaining ethics under difficult circumstances. The legal environment should have a focus on supporting clients that need comprehensive ART treatment. Motivation of the patient regarding taking antiretroviral treatment (ART) is thus essential. Young adults express the need to be supported by nurses with relevant information, privacy and confidentiality and the trusting client/nurse relationship which could help them to retain in ART care. Recommendations of this study was that nurses should be offered in-service training on youthfriendly programmes which focuses on the health care of young adults during their HIV/ART services. Nurses need to create trusting relationship for the young adults and providing in door game at the waiting area to keep them busy as they are waiting for the services. Nursing managers to lobby for funding to extend the clinic and be role models in providing relevant information to young adults. It was concluded that a first visit was both positive and challenging to the participant s; however, they experienced the health providers on the first visit to be caring and supportive
The effect of employee rewards on staff morale in Western Cape public TVET colleges
No full textThesis (DTech (Human Resource Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards on the job satisfaction and morale of educators in Western Cape Public Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. The study endeavoured to determine factors that contributed to public TVET educators’ dissatisfaction with intrinsic and extrinsic rewards offered by public TVET institutions in the Western Cape. In addition, the study investigated the job satisfaction of public TVET educators as well as the resultant morale, attrition and absenteeism brought about by educators’ dissatisfaction with rewards offered. The study was also expected to present findings and make recommendations to public TVET institutions and the Department Higher Education and Training (DHET). Recommendations were supposed to be made to bring about an improvement in the job satisfaction and morale of public TVET educators in the Western Cape. A stratified purposive sampling procedure was utilised in drawing up the sample from some population of 1535 educators in the Western in 2013. The Research Advisors (2006) and Krejcie and Morgan (1970) Sample Size Tables were utilised. However, out of 308 JDI questionnaires that were initially distributed 265 were returned duly completed. The two hundred and sixty-five JDI questionnaires were processed using SPSS Version 23. As suggested by statistical analysis, the overall conclusion drawn from the research was that extrinsic and intrinsic rewards significantly predicted the job satisfaction and morale of educators in a sample of 308 derived from some population of 1535 educators in Western Cape public TVET institutions. This study revealed that extrinsic and intrinsic rewards had a significant influence or impact on the job satisfaction and morale of public TVET educators in the Western Cape. It was discovered that beside extrinsic rewards such as pay and bonuses, intrinsic rewards such as the job itself were important in the job satisfaction and morale of educators. Beside the above it was also discovered that supervision, career progression opportunities and relationships among principals and staff, and among educators and learners were instrumental in enhancing the job satisfaction and morale of educators. Beside the above mentioned, it was discovered that learners’ grades after assessments also played a major role in the motivation of public TVET educators. It was confirmed that extrinsic and intrinsic rewards complimented each other in fostering and enhancing the job satisfaction and morale of public TVET educators in the Western Cape. The results of this study showed that job satisfaction among public TVET educators in the Western Cape could be explained by the type of rewards (extrinsic and intrinsic) offered by public TVET institutions as previously indicated. In other studies, mentioned in this study it was confirmed that beside extrinsic rewards, intrinsic rewards such as the job itself and the educational institution enhanced the educator’s job satisfaction and morale. When an employer fulfils the educator’s intrinsic and extrinsic reward expectations, an educator’s affective commitment, job satisfaction and morale is enhanced
The effectiveness of the mechanisms to manage strikes in essential services in the public health sector, Western Cape, South Africa
No full textThesis (MTech (Human Resource Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.The principle of the right to strike is internationally documented, as determined by the Committee on Freedom of Association. In South Africa, the right to strike is enshrined and protected in Section 23 of the country's Constitution under its Bill of Rights. Under specific circumstances, the Constitution allows for legislation to limit a right listed in Section 23. At the same time, the Constitution guarantees that everyone has the right to life and health care services. South African industrial action is regulated by the Labour Relations Act (LRA) No. 66 of 1995, as amended, which precludes workers who are employed in essential services from striking, because interruption of these services may endanger lives. However, the LRA also provides for the conclusion of a Minimum Service Agreement (MSA), where minimum services replace essential services. No MSA has been ratified since the LRA was promulgated in 1995. It is on this premise that the author investigated the mechanisms which have been put in place to create a balance between the right to strike and the need to provide essential services in the event of a strike. This study used a qualitative research design. Open-ended questionnaires were distributed to the target research sample. Purposive sampling was applied to a total of 30 participants who were selected from the Western Cape Department of Health's essential services. The qualitative data was analysed using theme identification to make sense of the findings. The research results reveal that employees who are providing essential services have the right to strike only if certain conditions are met. One of these conditions is the conclusion of a Minimum Service Agreement (MSA) to ensure a balance between the rights of health workers to strike and the rights of citizens to be provided with health care services. This agreement provides the duties and responsibilities of the employer and employees for the continuation of minimum services in the event of a public sector strike to ensure that service delivery is not interrupted. Specific recommendations are made by the researcher regarding the MSA, and measures are discussed to ensure that the minimum services within essential services remain operational in the event of a public sector strike