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Potential socio-economic implications of ethanol production as a green economic initiative in Cradock, Eastern Cape
No full textThesis (MTech (Environmental Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.South Africa is taking a continental lead towards the transition of the green economy, and the energy sector has been identified as one of the cornerstones integral in this transition. This transition pays attention to alternative energy sources to gradually replace fossil fuels. Recently, the production of ethanol is seen as an energy source that is an integral player in achieving a green economy. The ethanol production project is linked to the improvement of the economy, and social well-being concomitant with the enhancement of the environmental quality tenets embodied by the green economy. Scholars have noted that these projects tend to ignore socio-economic realities of under privileged people especially in rural areas and small towns. While the green energy is often presented by the state there is, however, no evidence of the positive as well as negative impacts of ethanol projects on improving the livelihoods of the local communities or contributing to the substance of the local economies while protecting the quality of the environment. This thesis explored the subject of ethanol projects as green economic models in the context of the ethanol project in Cradock. The thesis investigated the socio-economic implications of the ethanol project in Cradock as a green economic model. The research study argues that the inclusion of the local people in decision making for the ethanol project is crucial to securing their benefits from the project. This means that local people should be involved early in the decision making process. Failure to engage the local residents in the initial stages of decision making, may create a lack of sense of ownership resulting in a lack of socio-economic benefits for the residents. The research study adopted a qualitative research design and an inductive approach. The ethanol project in Cradock was used as a case study for the research, and two sampling techniques, purposive sampling and random sampling were used. Interviews, questionnaires and observations were used to collect data from the residents of Cradock, the business sector (hospitality, tourism and agricultural retail), the emerging farmers, the farm workers, the Agrarian Research Development Agency, and Government Departments (Local Economic Development, Department of Agriculture, Department of Rural Development and Land Reform). The findings illustrate that the ethanol project in Cradock is not consistent with the tenets of a green economic model. The results suggested that the project does not improve the livelihood of the community or contribute to the sustenance of the local economies while protecting the quality of the environment. From an environmental perspective, while the ethanol project regarding providing ethanol fuel contributes positively to the global green agenda, it deteriorates the quality of the local environment. The project pollutes the local environment which is a source of livelihood for the local people and the economy. Therefore, the adverse effect of the project on the local environment contributes to a negative effect on the local economy and livelihood of the residents. The results also revealed that the project stakeholders, particularly the residents of Cradock and the emerging farmers, were not involved in the early stages of the project where the benefits were determined. As a result, the stakeholders do not have a sense of ownership of the project, and there are uncertainties about the sustainability of their socio-economic benefits. The ethanol project introduces a shift from the traditional commercial agriculture to the production of biofuel feedstock. This causes an effect on the local economy and livelihood because traditional commercial agriculture has sustained the town for more than 200 years. The thesis raises questions about the notion that ethanol projects are green economic models
Factors impacting womens’ career development in the hospitality industry
No full textThesis (MTech (Tourism and Hospitality Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.Factors that impact female managers in career development in the hospitality industry
The hospitality industry is growing fast with the result there is a demand for more employees to assist in the various aspects of the industry. Together with this there is a noticeable increase in the number of females occupying management positions within the industry. The phenomenon that women are still restricted in career advancement is still evident. Several Studies show that the number of women in managerial positions is unbalanced compared to the percentage of women in the workforce including the hospitality industry. What does it take for female managers to attain and retain managerial positions? What challenges or obstacles are female managers confronting that are hindering their career development? This research project presented the general profile of female managers in Cape Town’s five and four star hotels, and examined the different factors that impact the female manager’s advancement in career development within the hospitality industry. The purpose was to identity the different factors that hinder female manager’s career development in hospitality industry. And the factors formulated are social, personally, cultural, economical, and professional or industry related and evaluate what the hospitality industry is doing in promoting and encouraging women’s career advancement.
The target population for this study was female managers in Cape Town’s five and four star hotels. The criteria used included all female managers, in different departments within the selected Cape Town’s five or four star establishments. The research design consists of self administered questionnaires sent to a sample of five and four star hotels. Ethical consideration was considered important in the process of the research study. The results demonstrate that there are different factors hindering women in maintaining, obtaining and sustaining managerial postions within the hospitality industry. The significance of the research study will assist the female managers and the industry identity the different factors that interrupt women’s career development in the industry and identity different and appropriate strategies to promote and enhance women’s progression in the hospitality industry
The influence of internal controls on small business sustainability in the Harare central business district, Zimbabwe
Get PDFThesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of internal controls on sustainability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD), Zimbabwe. The question at the core of this research is: to what extent do internal controls influence the sustainability of SMEs in Harare’s Central Business District, Zimbabwe. SMEs are perceived to be of paramount importance for the economic affluence of countries the world over, mainly because of their pronounced benefaction and contribution to livelihoods of the dwellers of a country and the gross domestic product (GDP). SMEs have been credited for playing a leading role when it comes to innovation, significant export revenue, custom-suited goods, services provision to society, employment opportunities, and social contribution. This can also be attributed to SMEs operating in Zimbabwe despite the volatility of the Zimbabwean economy.
The Zimbabwean business environment, in general, is constantly changing. The changes can be attributed to an eruptive economic environment and unstable political atmosphere. The resultant effect is the departure of larger businesses and investors from the country. Generally, this leaves a great opportunity for SMEs not to be subjected to stiff competition from larger businesses. SMEs are indeed enjoying this space, braving the conditions to start up; however, their operations are short-lived. For SMEs to brave the fortuity of such an unpredictable environment, a system of internal controls must be in place. Research has placed emphasis on internal controls and sustainability of large organisations, while little to no attention has been given to SMEs. The little research on internal controls and sustainability in the context of SMEs has mostly been done in developed countries. Despite this, internal controls and sustainability have not been extensively implemented in the context of developing countries. The need to determine the influence of internal controls on sustainability of SMEs underlines this research. This report adopted a positivist philosophy that entailed utilizing a survey questionnaire to collect data from 150 SMEs operating in Harare’s CBD, Zimbabwe. The sample was further split into Active SMEs and Dormant SMEs (the control group). Data were analysed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25 to spawn statistical and descriptive results. To determine reliability of data, Cronbach’s alpha value was employed. The results indicate SMEs are not implementing controls as they ought to and those SMEs that have controls in place do not ensure that they are adhered to effectively and efficiently in order for them to achieve their desired objectives
The impact of team member satisfaction on project management success
Get PDFThesis (MTech (Business Administration in Project Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.The single most critical factor responsible for the success of any project is the human element as this is the point at which projects succeed. Senior technically qualified managers have recorded high failure rates in areas where they have hard skills relevant to the industry. The levels of technical expertise and technology should have facilitated the project execution process and increased the success rate of project management. Contrary to this, the IT industry for instance, has recorded an average 47% failure rates regardless of the fact that IT specialists manage them. Project management has been defined as a unique undertaking limited by time, quality and budget within a prescribed scope. Depending on the type of the project, there is a need for different expertise to operate in the different stages in the life cycle of the project as well as the elements or WBSs of the project. Where people are involved there is bound to be conflicts, and these conflicts need to be managed. Because of the nature of project management, specialists who together comprise of the project team head WBSs. This team originates from different sources, and in the matrix system is comprised of people seconded to the project but whose loyalty remains with their departments. Such teams are therefore comprised of people who may not share the
same culture or work ethics, together with the differences in approaching their duties. It becomes the responsibility of the project leader therefore to enable these “secondments” to be satisfied in their new positions so that they can be productive. This research sought out to identify generic requirements to satisfy a team and get the best out of the team
Electrical subsystem for Shell eco-marathon urban concept battery powered vehicle
Get PDFThesis (Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.The purpose of this paper was to design and develop an electrical power train for an Urban
Concept electric vehicle geared to complete the Shell Eco-Marathon Africa in 2019. Various
technologies which make up the electrical drive train of an electrical vehicle were also reviewed
which include the battery pack, the battery management system, the motors, the motor management system and the human interface. Upon completion of this, the various topologies best suited for this project were selected, designed, constructed and developed. Two motors were re-designed and constructed for this vehicle and the motor drive was also constructed to control these motors. A Lithium-Ion battery pack was constructed and developed to drive the motors and an off-the-shelf battery
management system was purchased and developed to suit the requirements for the Shell Eco-
Marathon competition rules. A human interface was also developed in order for the driver to see various parameters of the electric vehicle defined by the Shell Eco-Marathon competition rules. After each component of the drive train was constructed, they underwent various testing procedures to determine the efficiency of each individual component and the overall efficiency for the complete drive train of this electric vehicle was ascertained. The Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre group developed the chassis for this vehicle. For this reason, only the electric subsystems were evaluated and a simulation was completed of the complete drive train. After the complete drive train was constructed and all the individual subsystems evaluated and simulated, a vehicle with an overall efficiency of about sixty percent was expected and the completed drive train should be adequate enough to complete the entire Shell Eco-Marathon Africa circuit
Bioefficacy of selected entomopathogenic fungal endophytes (Ascomycota) against grapevine mealybug (Planococcus ficus)
No full textThesis (MTech (Horticulture))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.Global demand for environmentally-friendly grapevine cultivation and pest control has necessitated an improved understanding of the relationship between soil properties and beneficial naturally occurring antagonists like entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). This group of fungi presents a viable alternative for the control of destructive pests such as the grapevine mealybug. Sixty-six soil samples were collected from 22 vineyards in the Western Cape, South Africa. The association between soil nutrient status and EPF prevalence was then examined. Fungi were isolated with methods of insect baiting and selective media. Fungal strains were identified and characterized using light microscopy and DNA analysis (ITS and BTub). In addition, fungal isolates were tested against a key grapevine pest, Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) using an immersion bioassay at a concentration of 1 x 108 conidia ml-1. Twenty-three fungal strains were isolated and correspondence analysis (CA) of data indicated a positive association between fungal occurrence and moderate to high levels of soil-based macronutrients. Binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that soil N, K, Ca, Mg and S concentrations and C/N ratio were correlated with at least one EPF species. This study showed that some soil nutrient properties correspond to greater occurrence of EPF in grapevine soils. Strains of Beauvaria bassiana (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) caused the highest mortalities (82% to 87%). In chapter three, I examined the effect of B. bassiana inoculation of grape plants on the infestation level of P. ficus, and the growth and volatile constituents of potted grape plants. The grapevines were inoculated with 1 x 108 conidia ml-1 of B. bassiana by drenching before experimentally infesting them with thirty P. ficus adult females. At four weeks post treatments, the fungus was re-isolated from leaves of 50% of the fungus exposed plants. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in all the plant growth parameters measured in the fungus treated and control plants. Plant tissue analysis revealed markedly higher contents of Ca and Mg in leaf tissue of plants exposed to the B. bassiana relative to the control. GC-MS analyses showed that a significantly (X2=5.1; P<0.02) higher number of known anti-insect volatile compounds (9) including napthtalene were present among fungus treated plants compared to the control plants (5). However, B. bassiana did not have any significant effect on total polyphenol, alkaloid and flavonoids. Overall, treatment with fungus did not offer any protection against infestation of P. ficus. In conclusion, this is the first study to report on the isolation of indigenous entomopathogenic fungal (EPF) strains within vineyards of the Western Cape. The study revealed that inoculating grapevine plants during cultivation had a net positive effect on the production of volatile compounds in grapevines. These findings shed light on the mechanisms involved in endophytic fungus-plant-insect interactions. This study contributes valuable information to future development of ecological approaches involving EPF for insect control in vineyards and in general, agricultural settings
Adoption and use of E-commerce in the mainstream retail grocery sector in the Western Cape, South Africa
No full textThesis (MTech (Information Technology)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.In the last two decades, the concept of e-commerce has been embraced and widely adopted by many enterprises across the world. Many enterprises continue to reap the benefits of ecommerce across industries and sectors. Despite the benefits, which have been widely reported, South African retail enterprises have only adopted the concept sporadically. The lack of, or slow pace of, adoption and participation in the e-commerce space by South African retail enterprises is a problem for both the enterprises themselves and individuals (consumers): retail enterprises are challenged with competitiveness at global space, and individuals are constrained and limited in their attempts to partake in transactions with retailers. This research was therefore undertaken to examine and understand the factors, from both technical and non-technical perspectives, that influence the adoption and use of e-commerce within the South African environment. Two organisations were used as cases in the study. In that human opinions and views were required, the qualitative methods and the interpretive approach were employed in the research. Actor Network Theory (ANT) was applied in the analysis of the qualitative data. Based on the findings and interpretation of the findings, a framework was developed. The framework is intended to guide how e-commerce can be adopted and used in the mainstream retail grocery sector in South Africa. The research can be of use and benefit to both business and in the academic domain, from either a practical, methodological and theoretical perspective. Practically, small and large retail enterprises in South African or other African countries with similar business cultures and settings can come to a better understanding of the e-commerce influencing factors. Methodologically, the use of ANT was vital, in the way it was used to examine the various networks, actors, relationship and interaction that happens in the process of adopting and or use of e-commerce. Theoretically, this study contributes to existing literature. Also, the study can be used as case study material in the field of information systems by institutions of higher learning
Poly(γ-glutamic) acid (PGA) production from confectionery waste using Bacillus species
No full textThesis (Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.Approximately 9 million tonnes of food waste is generated annually in South Africa. Its treatment, including treatment of confectionery waste, is costly because of the high chemical oxygen demand (COD) loads; as a result much of this waste is sent to landfill. South Africa’s confectionery industry contributes to a significant proportion of the country’s economy. Among the confectionery waste entering landfills are defective material, expired sweets and returns. This high COD waste can create breeding grounds for pathogenic microorganisms and anaerobic methanogens, causing negative environmental impacts. Part of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) Waste Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) roadmap initiative is to minimise waste entering landfills by identifying waste sources from which to produce value that will contribute to social and economic growth. Confectionery waste has a high sugar content which can be used for feedstock to bioprocesses. By placing this bioproduction into a waste biorefinery framework, bio-based raw materials can be used to produce competitively priced products with low environmental impact, thereby optimising remediation and value generation simultaneously. Ongoing research at the Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research (CeBER) at the University of Cape Town has shown that a wastewater biorefinery approach can use wastewater as feedstock for the generation of products of value. Previous studies have investigated potential products of value based on nutrient loads found in wastewater as well as the nature of the product. Among the organisms selected was the Bacillus species, producing the potential product poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA), an extracellular poly-amino acid when there is an excess of nutrients. Similarly, this product could potentially be produced from sugar-rich waste candy. The aim of this study was to explore the use of hard candy waste as a feedstock for PGA, and Bacillus licheniformis JCM 2505 was selected as it was characterised in terms of the nutrients needed. The most attractive attribute of this strain was that it did not need L-glutamic acid to synthesise PGA but could do so from sugar. L-glutamic acid is costly. Using a cheaper nitrogen alternative would make the process more cost effective. To investigate this potential, the confectionery waste was characterised to identify the nutrients, namely, sugars, organic nitrogen and key trace elements needed for cell function and PGA production. Results showed that the nitrogen content and trace element concentrations were insignificant, as it was determined that the waste consisted mostly of sucrose. This therefore had to be supplemented with a basal medium containing the supplementation needed for cell function and PGA production. The growth of B. licheniformis was profiled in Erlenmeyer shake flasks using candy waste supplemented with the basal medium, with sucrose supplemented with basal medium as a control. The results showed similar trends on candy waste and sucrose
A system on chip based error detection and correction implementation for nanosatellites
No full textThesis (Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.This thesis will focus on preventing and overcoming the effects of radiation in RAM on board the ZA cube 2 nanosatellite. The main objective is to design, implement and test an effective error detection and correction (EDAC) system for nanosatellite applications using a SoC development board. By conducting an in-depth literature review, all aspects of single-event effects are investigated, from space radiation right up to the implementation of an EDAC system. During this study, Hamming code was identified as a suitable EDAC scheme for the prevention of single-event effects. During the course of this thesis, a detailed radiation study of ZA cube 2’s space environment is conducted. This provides insight into the environment to which the satellite will be exposed to during orbit. It also provides insight which will allow accurate testing should accelerator tests with protons and heavy ions be necessary. In order to understand space radiation, a radiation study using ZA cube 2’s orbital parameters was conducted using OMERE and TRIM software. This study included earth’s radiation belts, galactic cosmic radiation, solar particle events and shielding. The results confirm that there is a need for mitigation techniques that are capable of EDAC. A detailed look at different EDAC schemes, together with a code comparison study was conducted. There are two types of error correction codes, namely error detection codes and error correction codes. For protection against radiation, nanosatellites use error correction codes like Hamming, Hadamard, Repetition, Four Dimensional Parity, Golay, BCH and Reed Solomon codes. Using detection capabilities, correction capabilities, code rate and bit overhead each EDAC scheme is evaluated and compared. This study provides the reader with a good understanding of all common EDAC schemes. The field of nanosatellites is constantly evolving and growing at a very fast speed. This creates a growing demand for more advanced and reliable EDAC systems that are capable of protecting all memory aspects of satellites. Hamming codes are extensively studied and implemented using different approaches, languages and software. After testing three variations of Hamming codes, in both Matlab and VHDL, the final and most effective version was Hamming [16, 11, 4]2. This code guarantees single error correction and double error detection. All developed Hamming codes are suited for FPGA implementation, for which they are tested thoroughly using simulation software and optimised
Framework for the effective implementation of total quality management in the maintenance of tertiary instituition buildings in South Africa
No full textThesis (MTech (Construction Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.The standards of maintenance management of building facilities at many educational institutions, including tertiary institutions, need improvement. TQM has been proven to be effective in the improvement of quality in the maintenance of school building facilities, although many tertiary institutions are still grappling to implement TQM in the maintenance of their buildings. This particular research project investigates the extent of TQM practices; determines challenges experienced; determines success factors and establishes a framework that will ensure the effective implementation of Total Quality Management in the maintenance of tertiary institution buildings in South Africa.
A quantitative research design was adopted, where a questionnaire with closed-ended questions was distributed to purposively-sampled maintenance workers in a tertiary institution. A total of 54 respondents participated in the study. The study adopted a case study approach. Five CPUT campuses were selected as the cases for the research study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Data analysis was carried out by means of ranking; ANOVA test and Kruskal-Wallis test of association. The findings obtained indicate that all the TQM practices were implemented. Respondents perceived non-involvement of maintenance workers in decision-making as the most frequently experienced challenge during their building maintenance activities. A statistically significant different existed in the perception of workers’ affiliated campuses on TQM success factors. Findings revealed that TQM success factors were extensively practiced with respect to training and education of maintenance workers, use of statistical methods, and commitment to satisfaction to school stakeholders, as well as commitment from top management.
To improve the maintenance management standard of buildings in tertiary institutions and ensure effective TQM implementation during maintenance activities, the study suggests a framework that provides interventions in situations where significant differences were found. It also suggests nine factors to the CPUT Maintenance Department to ensure effective implementation or actualisation in the maintenance of its buildings. A further study to identify new trends in the application of TQM in the maintenance of school buildings by conducting continuous studies from time to time is highly recommended