Cape Peninsula University of Technology
CPUT Electronic Theses and Dissertations RepositoryNot a member yet
2175 research outputs found
Sort by
Effective implementation of management techniques to enhance site worker safety in South Africa
No full textThesis (Master of Construction (Construction Safety Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019These days, with regard to construction management techniques, safety of construction site workers is crucial both during and after construction project execution. In the process, while many incidents relating to occupational hazards have been encountered and reported, they have not been thoroughly investigated to determine their causes and effects, mostly due to inadequate safety procedures. Lack of adequate safety procedures has been an enormous challenge to all concerned stakeholders, as numerous construction site workers have been physically affected. This problem persists due to the inability of the stakeholders to maintain an accident-free environment at the construction site. Appropriate research questions were formulated to aid in the development of relevant objectives in fostering a suitable methodology to assess and determine the responsible factors that cause the inadequate safety procedures within construction management techniques in South Africa. Methodology applied in this study cuts across the extensive study of literature relating to causes and effects of inadequate safety procedures in construction management techniques in South Africa. The outcome of the literature review paved the way for the formulation of steps required for collection and analysis of data. Due to the type of investigation carried out, mixed methodology was adopted to collect the required data through observations, semi-structured and unstructured interviews, and qualitative closed-end questionnaires were distributed to the respective construction professionals within the Western Cape Province. Data were carefully evaluated, analysed, and interpreted through the application of quantitative and qualitative approaches of descriptive analysis using SSPS and Excel statistical tools to demonstrate the outcome of the analysis. Findings gathered reveal that certain factors critically affect stakeholder ability to sustain accident-free sites, with more than 80% of these stakeholders affirming the effect of these factors in implementing effective management techniques for the occupational safety sustenance of the site workers in South Africa. The implementation of safety initiatives at the initial stage of production is essential for accident prevention on construction sites, thereby enhancing worker productivity. This study improves operational management techniques of construction worker safety in South Africa by suggesting proper implementation of the recommendations formulated and the framework developed to facilitate the effective implementation of management techniques for safer construction environments to halt the present prevalent occurrence of occupational accidents and ensure consistent site worker safety in South Africa
The design of a collimator mechanism for the small angle mode K600 magnetic spectrometer
No full textThesis (Master of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019The K600 (K is the kinematic factor) magnetic spectrometer at iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences (LABS) is a high resolution detector system, and is one of the kind in the southern hemisphere, first commissioned at iThemba LABS (then known as the National Accelerator Centre) in October 1991.The collimator of the K600 magnetic spectrometer defines the angular acceptance of reaction particles to be detected by the focal plane detection package of the spectrometer. For reaction measurements in the angular range of 6°-70°, the original collimator carousel with its six possible collimator positions works fine. However, the requirement to have the beamstop right next to the collimator in the small angle mode (to measure the 2° - 6° angular range) cannot be achieved by the use of carousel system. Small angle measurements require that a beamstop be positioned right next to the collimator and with the carousel it is not possible to perform such measurements because the carousel structure does not provide an internal beamstop position. To access the 2° - 6° angular range, the K600 has to be positioned at 4° since the spectrometer has a ±2° angular acceptance. For measurements at 4° a prototype small-angle mode vacuum chamber was used to connect the K600 to the scattering chamber. The problem with the carousel and the small angle mode was that, it required manual changing of collimators which caused loss of beamtime, and also posed a health risk to staff. The new design is remotely controllable from the data room, which protects employees from being exposed to high radiation level from manually operating the prototype when changing collimator position. The chamber was tested for any deformation through simulation software during the design stage and also during prototype installation to see if it is able to withstand the applied load. To remotely control the prototype, linear pneumatic motor was used coupled with electronics controls to ensure that the operator is able to get accurate positioning of collimator onto the beam line during experimental procedures. Linear potentiometer was used to lock position and also limit switches were utilised to avoid overshooting during positioning process. Air control valve was used to control the flow to the pneumatic motor. The manufactured mechanism was assembled and tested for vacuum and control systems. After installation of the prototype in the K600 vault, (with all the electrical and electronics components required) EPICS software codes were developed and tested at the K600 for remotely control
Availability and reliability study of NoSQL data stores on commodity hardware
No full textThesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019Modern application development and the delivery of these applications have changed drastically during the last few years. Applications are deployed on every mobile device to cloud devices hosted on servers and because of this change, users expect much faster response times from servers. To determine which data store, to store information and which data structure to choose, for a high availability and scalable architecture, is still a challenge for developers. Modern applications need to follow the reactive manifesto approach to be more responsive, elastic, resilient and message-driven to be classified as a failure-tolerant system. Four NoSQL categories were chosen to be studied using a common programming language driver. Our research strategy conducted an experiment and this work followed an experimental design approach to send objects using Create, Read Update and Delete (CRUD) operations to measure the read metrics and write metrics per data store. Our research results showed which NoSQL database can be used as read model and which database as write model for a Command Query Responsibility Segregation (CQRS) application, using the reactive manifesto approach
Knowledge and experiences of mineworkers on the prevention of HIV/AIDS in a mining community of Ghana
No full textThesis (Master of Nursing)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a public health concern worldwide. An estimated 36.9 million people are living with HIV/AIDS with about two million new infections annually. An approximate ten million people have died of AIDS-related causes since the beginning of the epidemic. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is the most affected sub-region, with approximately 71% of all People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHWA) from mid-2016. In SSA, the epidemic has become a socioeconomic burden on developing countries. The literature review established a high prevalence of HIV/STIs among mineworkers and in mining communities, despite the increase in education on HIV/AIDS prevention in the media and public fora. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the knowledge and experiences of mineworkers on the prevention of HIV/AIDS in a mining community in Ghana. An exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was applied. Data collection was done using semi-structured individual interviews. The population in this study was mineworkers who come from other districts and regions in Ghana to live in the catchment community without their families because of employment. Seventeen (17) participants were interviewed, after purposive sampling was done. Interview transcriptions and manual coding were done by the researcher using Microsoft Word. The raw data was coded and sorted into themes and sub-themes and analysed by using Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework for thematic analysis. The Health Belief Model (HBM), a theoretical framework was applied to the study to predict and explain whether a person will perform an action necessary for preventing a HIV/AIDS or not. Findings from this study revealed that although there has been an increase in education on HIV/AIDS across the country and through workplace HIV/AIDS programmes, mineworkers lacked knowledge of HIV/AIDS, as they still had misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, especially regarding the mode of transmission and preventive measures. A strong recommendation was made to embark on a continuous and intensive HIV/AIDS education programme that will be focused on the knowledge needs of mineworkers to dismiss the misconceptions and improve their knowledge level. This will empower them to know the benefits of prevention and ultimately change their behaviour
Treatment of biodiesel wastewater in a hybrid anaerobic baffled reactor microbial fuel cell (ABR-MFC) system
Full text linkThesis (Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019.The biodiesel industry produces large volumes of biodiesel wastewater (BDWW) during the purification of crude biodiesel. This wastewater is characterised by high concentrations of chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), and fats, oils and greases (FOG) which in turn defines BDWW as a highly polluted effluent. The low nitrogen and phosphorous content of BDWW creates an unfavourable environment for the growth of microorganisms, thereby making it difficult to degrade naturally. Biodiesel companies discharge untreated non-compliant wastewater directly to the municipal sewer system. Treatment prior to discharge is a necessity since the disposal of untreated BDWW may raise serious environmental concerns (i.e. disturbance of biological ecosystems) resulting in penalties liable by non-compliant companies due to the implementation of the waste discharge charge system (WDCS) which is regulated by the industrial waste discharge standard limits in South Africa (SA).
This study aimed to combine the advantages of the conventional anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) system with microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology resulting in an innovative technology used to treat high strength industrial BDWW at ambient conditions. Many studies have reported effective treatment of BDWW, however to date literature implementing an ABR equipped with MFC technology has not been reported.
The main objectives of the study were to determine which parameters do not meet the industrial wastewater discharge standard limits, whether pH and carbon:nitrogen:phosphorous (C:N:P) ratio adjustments will suffice prior to treatment with the ABR-MFC, the maximum power density (PD) as well as to determine the treatment efficiency of the ABR-MFC
Evaluating quality management on selected South African freight rail construction projects
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Administration in Project Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019.This study focussed on the evaluation of quality management at one of the selected South African freight rail construction projects. Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) was selected for its high rate of accidents and injuries that happen on daily basis which affect the company’s operations and profits. The study’s approach was to obtain as much as possible opinions from local and international experts on quality management in construction projects. The opinions were gathered through a number of official journals on the best practices for quality management, comparing all of these practices to that of TFR in order to conclude whether the need for improvement or the change in practicing quality is required. The mixed − method approach was employed, to gather more and accurate data. The strengths of qualitative research approach can make up for the weaknesses of the quantitative research approach, this was the reason why mixed − method was chosen. The targeted population of this study included the internal stakeholders such as quality assurance officers, project managers, project coordinators and project team members. This targeted population was able to provide the accurate information as they are directly involved in the execution of the projects in terms of quality management of the project. A questionnaire was developed and employed as a tool to gather data to satisfy the research questions. This study was a case study because it only focused on TFR Iron Ore line projects. The focus was that, within TFR Iron Ore line, only those who are affected directly by the above mentioned projects were interviewed. The study has revealed that the Total Quality Assurance measures are being ignored at TFR, such as unscheduled quality tours, quality audits, quality control routines, random sampling of errors and record seen defects, and quality monitoring throughout the project life cycle
The role of digitalization for sustainable local economic development of a community in Namibia
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Information Systems))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019This study dwelt on the role of digitalization for sustainable local economic development of a community in Namibia. In spite of the fact that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a big role in socio-economic development, there is no clear indication on how it can be utilized to realize this purpose in the Namibia context. There is a phobia that people have about embracing the "technological determinism theory" thus they regard ICTs as a remedy that will solve all developmental challenges, without understanding that it can be infused within the local context, or with ill-conceived anticipations about its usability. Despite the fact that there are several huge digital projects in Namibia, it is still unclear how such technology is touching peoples’ lives particularly those in rural-based communities like the Oshikoto region. The general approach used in this thesis was the interpretive paradigm due to the subjective nature of the problem and as such the research design was qualitative since the study aimed at exploring the role of digitalization in sustaining rural development. The qualitative approach helped in finding out the views and perception of technology and non-technology users of a rural setting using Oshikoto region as a case study. The outcome is that digitalization of local government services can indeed sustain economic development of communities. Permission to conduct the study and in the selected locality was obtained, issues of confidentiality were emphasised and respondents were given the liberty to answer or not to answer the questions posed The general findings indicate that the use of ICTs in Oshikoto has changed some people’s lives who have used it in changing degrees for example to improve working performance through the use of the computer, improving performance of students through basic computer skills and retrieving relevant information on development through the use of Internet, publications, and media services
The influence of store atmospherics on customer satisfaction at selected grocery retail outlets in Cape Town
No full textThesis (MTech (Retail Business Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019This study is informed by the research conducted on the influence of store atmospherics on customer satisfaction. The shopping experience generally has evolved to become more engaging and entertaining for customers. As such, this is a phenomenon that is now, arguably, a fundamental or core function in retail operations. Intensifying retail rivalry has led to the emergence of certain innovations in the sector. These innovations are aimed at creating a pleasant shopping experience for shoppers, and ultimately increasing the retailers' turnover. Store atmospheric cues like colour, music, lighting and cleanliness constitute the major focus in intensifying customer satisfaction levels at stores. Design and social factors also play a significant role in ensuring that retailers maintain an appealing ambience in their stores. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of atmospheric store elements on customer satisfaction. A quantitative research study was carried out in Cape Town. Data was collected from four stores belonging to two retail chains, through a structured questionnaire that was distributed to the outlets' customers. A sample of 388 responses was achieved. The information collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 software. Informed consent was obtained from respondents who were assured of their right to privacy, confidentiality and anonymity. In relation to the research hypotheses, the study discovered a positive correlation between feelings and mood, customers' time spent in an outlet, customers' intention to revisit the outlet and other related independent variables. The fourth hypothesis, concerning the image of store, also had a positive correlation with the other variables. This means that the objectives of the study were achieved. Furthermore, respondents were afforded the opportunity to qualitatively air their views outside of the formal structured questionnaire. One of the key qualitative findings was that the respondents raised concerns about poor service from the staff in stores
Low cost, energy efficient, robust and multi-functional smart meter
No full textThesis (Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019The problem of assigning human operators to collect energy measurements from the conventional meters in the communities has become a great concern over the past decades. . Most times, the lives of these workers are in danger due to criminal activities within the communities, especially in this part of the world. During the collection process, data collected were inadequate due to factors such as bad weather, constant attacks on operators, inability to correct faults, and other factors that rendered the system highly inadequate. However, the rapid growth in population and industrial development has increased the demand for more human operators and longer working hours. The problem of disconnecting and reconnecting supply by utilities due to unpaid bills is considered problematic. In addition, the technology of metering has improved as research increases in the area of modifying old power grid into smart grid. Due to recent developments, old power grid is transformed into micro-grid, which makes all generating sources into one cluster cell. However, this cannot be achieved if there is no better way of metering; thus, the need for a smart meter becomes necessary. The smart meter is more reliable and efficient. It is an improved automatic meter reading (AMR) system. This research demonstrated that a simple low cost, energy efficient, robust, and multifunctional smart meter can be achieved. The smart meter system has added features that enabled the utilities to recover the meter energy measurement data remotely such as Zig-bee, Wi-Max, and Wi-Fi, (GSM) based to mention a few. The system allows monitoring and transmission of energy consumed in real-time. It calculates the amount of energy consumed through the multiplication of voltage and current signals. This system considers the use of ATmega358 on Arduino Uno board as the controlling unit for the execution of control and monitoring of activities. A standard electrical measurement such as current, voltage, power and energy consumption will be displayed via liquid crystal display (LCD). The external communication device is required in the actualization of this project, in-conjunction with the control unit based on the existing mobile technology called "GSM". This enhances accessibility of all sundries through effective measurement and collection of electric energy data generated with ATmega358 on Arduino Uno board. Therefore, GSM stands as intermediary between the nearby available utility station and consumers or end-users. In conclusion, LCD displays real-time based data for the end user to visualise. This proposed system consists of the energy meter called ATmega358 on Arduino Uno board programmed with "Arduino 1.8.7" as the program complier. The usage data billing is done within the interval of 30 seconds, stored and trans-received the process for data collection, storing and billing generation
Academic motivation and demotivation among grade 12 learners at a quintile 3 secondary school in the Langeberg district, Western Cape
No full textThesis (MEd (Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019Motivation is an important part of any learning situation: it determines how learners approach academic tasks, enhances learners’ performance and affects how well learners pay attention. Lack of motivation to learn and engage in academic tasks is one of the most prominent academic problems affecting learners in schools today. The research problem is that in the Grade 12 classroom at the researched school there are learners who are motivated to learn and work hard to achieve success, and others who lack motivation and simply do the minimum. This study aims to establish what factors motivate or demotivate Grade 12 learners to learn at a quintile 3 secondary school in the Cape Winelands, Langeberg district of the Western Cape. Quintile 3 schools serve learners from low socio-economic households. These schools have been declared no-fee schools and are generally situated in poor socio-economic neighbourhoods. The study objectives were to determine how Grade 12 learners explain what motivates and demotivates them to learn, and to determine how Grade 12 teachers and school management experience their Grade 12 learners’ academic motivation at this school. This study adopted a combination of Maslow’s (1943-1954) Theory of Human Motivation and Deci and Ryan’s (1985-2000) Self-determination theory as conceptual frameworks. This study was set within an interpretive paradigm and made use of a phenomenological qualitative research design. The sample included ten Grade 12 learners, six Grade 12 teachers and three school management team members. The data collection methods that were used are semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews. The results of the research study identified various critical factors that contribute to Grade 12 learners’ motivation to learn: parent-child relationship, parental support and involvement, breaking the cycle of poverty, basic needs, self-efficacy, reward and recognition, goals, learning environment and teachers. The study found that purpose has a major influence on the motivation of Grade 12 learners. When learners understand the purpose of learning and achieving, they attach more value to learning and become motivated to learn. The study contributes to existing knowledge relating to learner motivation, particularly Grade 12 learners’ motivation to learn in the context of poor socio-economic communities in the Western Cape. The study concluded with recommendations on motivating Grade 12 learners to learn. Recommendations were made in order for parents, teachers and school management to improve their practice of motivating Grade 12 learners