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A typology of gay leisure travellers : an African perspective
No full textThesis (DTech (Tourism and Hospitality Management)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Over the last two decades, academic literature, various market research studies, and media reports have widely contributed to the belief that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) market, and more specifically the gay male sub-segment, display favourable characteristics for the tourism industry. As recently as 2017, gay travel was regarded as one of the fastest-growing markets in the international travel industry. It is thus clear that the importance of this market, whether accurate or not, has been well documented over the years and is well known by the tourism industry; however, despite an increasing trend where tourism destinations promote themselves as ‘gay friendly’ in an attempt to attract gay (homosexual) travellers, a segment of the LGBT travel market, these travellers are perceived to be a homogeneous market segment or a niche market as a result of the assumption that gay men and women lead similar lifestyles and because they are homosexual, indicating that sexual orientation is used as the principal distinguishing characteristic of this population. This assumption is problematic and rather simplistic as it conceals many other important variables, and may hinder effective destination marketing. In order to correctly harness the existing potential within this segment, there is a need to overcome the challenge of correctly understanding and adapting the tourism offering to the preferences and needs of gay travellers; hence this research aimed to develop a typology of gay leisure travellers, by segmenting gay travellers into homogeneous sub-segments in an attempt to contribute to the gap in literature regarding this market’s heterogeneity. A web-based electronic survey was completed by 506 gay travellers, and attribute-based benefit segmentation was carried out by applying a hierarchical cluster analysis using Ward’s procedure with Euclidean distances. The typology is based on the push and pull framework; the motivations of travellers were assessed both in terms of their socio-psychological motivations and destination attributes of Cape Town. A number of conclusions can be drawn from the suggested typology of gay leisure travellers. First, the typology suggests four unique gay travel sub-segments ranging from Passive Relaxers on the one end to Wildlife Explorers, Culinary Enthusiasts/Foodies and Gay-Centric Travellers on the extreme end, which empirically proves that gay travellers are not homogeneous as there are sub-segments of gay travellers with different consumer behaviours. Therefore, these sub-segments may be referred to as niches as individuals within these sub-groups are homogeneous in certain characteristics. Second, there are two sub-segments in which travellers’ behaviour is not influenced by their sexuality, while the sexuality of travellers in the two other sub-segments influences their travel behaviour to varying degrees. Third, there is evidence that the gay traveller is integrating with other larger mainstream market segments and that the literature on gay travel may soon find itself outdated as fewer gay individuals, as the typology shows, base their travel decisions solely on gay-related issues, possibly owing to an increasing societal acceptance of homosexuality and the insignificance of a ‘gay identity’ to many of the post-modern gay generation. Fourth, the typology shows that only a distinct sub-segment, the Gay-Centric Traveller, can be described as a gay tourist and that not all gay travellers or activities by these travellers can be labelled as gay tourism. Fifth, the typology may serve as a framework for relating the destination attributes (pull motivations), to the important push motivations that influence tourist decision making and travel behaviour, and is therefore useful to the destination in developing product and promotional strategies. Consequently, the identified sub-segments, each with its own set of motivations, could help the destination refine its target-marketing strategies and may assist in understanding the different opportunities each sub-segment presents
Impact of gender differences and cultural values on women’s promotion prospects in the public sector of selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.This literature-based case study investigated the influence of gender differences and cultural values on women’s promotion prospects in the public sector of three sub-Saharan countries, namely: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Sudan and provided a framework designed to facilitate the implementation of women’s promotion prospects in the public sector. Worldwide, women employed in the public sector are stereotyped and discriminated against by being by-passed for high-level positions by men who consider themselves more capable employees. As such, women are overlooked for promotion and encounter the ‘glass ceiling’, which hampers their efforts at accomplishing their career goals. Equality in promotion will improve women’s living conditions and benefit society. While studies have been conducted on several women’s issues, none has focused on how gender differences and cultural values affect women’s promotion in sub-Saharan Africa. This gap needs to be addressed. The design of the study was qualitative as it provides insights into the phenomenon studied. The data collection method was desk research, owing to financial constraints that did not allow for travelling to collect primary data. The study found that gender discrimination exists in both society and the public sector workplaces in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Sudan as a consequence of multi-ethnicity, religion (Sharia law) and war in the Sudan, particularly. The effects of cultural values on promotion and employment in these countries are palpable. The process of how women are promoted to leadership in the public sector is, however, unclear. The study also revealed that in a country like Rwanda, where equal gender opportunities exist socio-economically, fast economic growth and enhanced societal living conditions have been realised. Women’s promotion and well-being is strongly related to the elimination of poverty and the enhancement of living conditions such as reduced child starvation and death. Equality and empowerment of women is now globally accepted as a core human right that needs to be sustained. In this direction, a comprehensive framework for the implementation of gender policies on women’s promotion prospects was developed
The tourism impacts of the 2012 Confederation of African Football (Caf) Nations Cup in Gabon
Get PDFThesis (MTech (Tourism and Hospitality Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Sport tourism events have been recognised as a very important niche market offering great opportunities for countries worldwide. Because of their ability to provide urban, regional and national developments, every country around the globe is increasingly battling to host these events. This study focuses on the tourism impacts of major sport events in the African developing context, the aim being to close the gap currently existing in the literature regarding the subject. The main objective of the study was to determine the tourism impacts of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Gabon”.
The study adopted a quantitative research approach (descriptive design) to obtain data and findings. Questionnaires were split according to the two match venues (Libreville and Franceville) and administered to visitors. Respondents were remoulded during the course of the event. Despite some negative impacts highlighted and others aspects investigated; the most important finding of the study revealed that Gabon successfully hosted the event which turned out to be good for local communities and contributed to their development.
Conclusively, the study confirms that major sport events such as the Africa Cup of Nations have indeed the potential to develop tourism, provide new business opportunities and benefit residents of local communities
The impact of irregular expenditure in the South African public finance with specific reference to the National Department of Public Works
No full textThesis (MTech (Public Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.In 1999 the South African Parliament passed the Public Finance Management Act No.1 of 1999 (PFMA). The intention was to ensure effective and better public finance management practice. The Act requires that government departments should establish measures to prevent irregular expenditure. However, there has been persistent irregular expenditure reports every year, which is an indication of non – compliance. The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of irregular expenditure in the South African public finance management domain, using the national Department of Public Works as a case study
The role of Bcl-2 and bax protein expression on individual radiosensitivity
No full textThesis (MTech (Biomedical Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Apoptosis is the dominant mechanism of cell death induced by radiation and is the key mechanism used to remove cells with significant DNA damage. Previous research investigated the feasibility of using the Leukocyte Apoptosis Assay (LAA) to determine individual sensitivity to radiation and it was found that an apoptotic response could be loosely linked to age, race and gender. Apoptosis is controlled by the Bcl-2 proteins and therefore the balance between Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression is important. With this background it would be relevant to know why certain individuals are more sensitive to radiation than others. The objectives of this study was to evaluate the effect of ionising radiation on apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic) and Bax (pro-apoptotic) expression and to explore if there is a relationship between radiation induced apoptosis (RIA) and Bcl-2 or Bax expression
A six-chamber medium-to-high temperature refrigeration system for laboratory purposes
No full textThesis (MTech (Mechanical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Food and water fuel and sustain life on earth. Since ancient times, their sourcing and preservation have been very important issues to humanity. In modern times, experimentation is a major step in analysing how cold storage problems in the medical and food science technology fields can be addressed. For investigating spoilage of new products and/or growth of pathogens in such cases, it is necessary to do experiments at different low temperatures for prolonged periods and check the effects. While this can be undertaken in a conventional two chambers fridge, it takes a long time to investigate a whole range of feasible storage temperatures. This dissertation describes work intended to treble the samples in such investigations and, therefore, significantly reduce the times. Six well- insulated chambers were constructed from plastic and wood and set at different temperatures. An ordinary deep freezer was used as the main heat sink for the chambers. Experiments were done with different methods to get the best result for the cold air flow into the chambers over period of eight months. The chambers temperatures were set between 0 and 15°C. It was finally established that a properly-designed six-chamber system could successfully be added to an ordinary freezer to provide different medium-to-high refrigeration temperatures without the use of a multi-pressure refrigeration cycle
Enhanced waste tyre pyrolysis for the production of hydrocarbons and petrochemicals
No full textThesis (MTech (Chemical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Energy security, environmental and economic issues have spurred the interest in
pyrolysis of scrap tyres for the production of fuels and energy in South Africa. However,
the application of the process on a commercial scale is being hampered by the high cost
required to upgrade the comparatively low quality pyrolytic products as well as the high
energy input. Further insights into the mechanisms of thermal degradation of rubber will
assist to improve on the process economics for production of liquid hydrocarbons fractions
suitable for use as transportation fuels and chemicals. This study developed a correlation
to predict the contents of waste tyres that will be converted into hydrocarbons during
pyrolysis from the proximate analysis data. The mechanism/kinetics of thermal
degradation behaviour of waste tyres is also studied, in order to locate the optimal
temperature that will maximize the yield of liquid hydrocarbons and other recoverable
materials.
Data from thermogravimetric analysis is used to determine the kinetic constants for the
pyrolysis reaction over a temperature range of 500 °C - 750 °C. A relationship between
the optimal temperatures and the volatile mater content depending on the desired
products was obtained. This is necessary to eliminate thermal cracking of the pyrolytic oil
into the non-condensable gas that will result from excessive temperature and the
associated energy cost. Relationship to determine the kinetic equation constants is
presented as a function of the volatile matter content. An inductor furnace batch reactor
system is used to carried out the pyrolysis reaction, using Argon as the inert gas to provide
the oxygen free environment required. The products are sent through a 2-stage
condensers, the first operated at room temperature to collect the pyrolytic oil, and the
second maintained at -5 oC to collect the condensable pyrolytic gases
The development and use of stable isotope analysis of felids’ whiskers as a tool to study their feeding ecology
No full textThesis (MTech (Nature Conservation))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Stable isotope analysis (SIA) of whiskers has been used to identify temporal feeding habits, intra-population diet variation, as well as individual dietary specialisation of marine and terrestrial carnivores. However, the potential of the method to disclose such dietary information for large wild felids has been little explored. The accurate interpretation of stable isotope ratios along serially sampled whiskers is hampered by lack of information on species-specific whisker growth rates, whisker growth patterns and whisker-diet trophic discrimination factors (TDFs). Whisker growth rate and growth pattern informs on the time period encapsulated in the analysed segment of a whisker, while whisker-diet TDFs are required to make correct deductions of the prey species consumed by a predator. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the technique of using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of felid whiskers to quantify the diet of wild felids and in particular, to identify diet variation among individuals. To achieve this, lion Panthera leo and leopard Panthera pardus whisker growth rate and growth pattern, and lion whisker-diet TDFs were measured, using captive individuals held at the National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria. The viability and applicability of the technique was then explored on six free-ranging leopards in Phinda Private Game Reserve (hereafter Phinda), northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) whose diets have been intensively studied using traditional methods.
Whisker growth rates and growth patterns were measured for four lions (three sub-adult females and one adult male) and an adult male leopard over 185 days using giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis meat as an endogenous biomarker to consecutively mark whiskers as they grew. The 13C-depleted, C3-derived giraffe meat with its characteristic isotopic signature could be discerned from the 13C-enriched diet of C4 grain-fed beef and chicken the felids were sustained on. Two whiskers were removed from each felid at the beginning of the experiment, and felids were fed the giraffe meat at four predetermined periods to mark the whiskers replacing the removed ones. The periods with low δ13C values, identified following serial sectioning of the regrown whiskers at 1 mm intervals (and stable isotope analysis of these sections), were then correlated to specific giraffe meat feeding bouts and hence growth periods. Knowledge of the duration between giraffe meat feeding bouts enabled the calculation of whisker growth rate and determination of growth pattern. δ13C and δ15N whisker-diet TDFs were estimated for five lions whose diet remained consistent over multiple years. Whiskers removed from four lions at the beginning of the whisker growth experiment, a whisker removed from a female lion as part of a pilot study a year before the experiment and the diet (chicken and beef) samples collected during the experiment were analysed for their isotopic ratios. These were used to calculate isotopic differences between lion whiskers and diet
Factors influencing career choice of learners in engineering : a case of a selected university of technology in South Africa
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.A steady decline in student enrolment at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (TUTFEBE) was seen in recent years. Small numbers of South African pupils have been matriculating with Mathematics as a subject, and most of them have been underperforming. Since there has been no scientific evidence to date on which recruitment and guidance efforts work best for attracting quality learners for courses in engineering at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), this study was conducted to identify the factors that influence learners’ choice of engineering as a career. This information could assist in the design of an evidence-based recruitment and marketing model.
A single-case explanatory study design was used for this research, since it focused on the TUTFEBE. A quantitative and qualitative study was completed by means of inputs from first-year extended curriculum engineering programme students. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Study of Social Sciences (SPSS). By studying the qualitative data from more than one viewpoint, the quantitative findings were verified and triangulated.
The influences that played a role in learners’ career choices were identified. Thematic clusters emerged as stimulation or creation of an awareness of or interest in engineering, the influences of different people on learners’ career choices, relevant exposure to careers in engineering, the huge impact of Maths and Science teachers on learners’ career decision-making, method of teaching, employability and the image and reputation of an institution. It became evident that engineering faculties themselves need to assume responsibility for the recruitment of their students. Copying seems to be the main coping strategy in most institutions regarding marketing and recruitment engagements. Although many of TUTFEBE’s current marketing and recruitment actions were on par with the rest of the world, alternative actions were identified and implemented in the model.
Informed consent in written format for both the quantitative and qualitative studies was obtained from the subjects after they had been informed what the purpose, risks and benefits were and which procedures would be implemented to ensure confidentiality. The subjects were informed of their right to withdraw at any stage, without any penalty or disadvantage, and were assured that withdrawal would in no way influence their continued relationship with the researcher or their academic progress at TUT
Chiral discrimination of dicarboxylic acids with Cinchona alkaloids
No full textThesis (MTech (Chemistry))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.This thesis is aimed at the investigation of the chiral discrimination process during diastereomeric salt
formation, when selected cinchona alkaloids are exposed to racemic mixtures of tartaric acid
derivatives. This research is based on the use of (+)‐cinchonine, (‐)‐cinchonidine, (‐)‐quinidine and (+)‐
quinine, which served as chiral bases, in order to resolve racemates of O,O'‐dibenzoyl‐tartaric acid
(DBTA) and O,O'‐di‐p‐toluoyl‐tartaric acid (DTTA). Cinchona alkaloids were selected because of their
abilities to form salts with the targeted acids. DBTA and DTTA are commonly used resolving agents to
separate racemic bases via diastereomeric salt formation, and they are also commercially available and
affordable chiral acids. Results were obtained from all combination but only the experiments with
cinchonidine were included in this thesis, namely [CIND+][L‐DBTA‐], 2[CIND+][D‐DBTA2‐], [CIND+][LDTTA‐]
and 2[CIND+][D‐DTTA2‐]∙2DMSO∙0.7H2O. Experimental analytical techniques, such as thermal
analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, and single crystal X‐ray diffraction were used to analyze the
harvested diastereomeric salts. A correlation of molecular parameters derived from the structures and
an investigation of the mechanism, which drives the resolution process were discussed.
The thesis also summarizes the findings on 8 inclusion compounds of (‒)‐O,O'‐dibenzoyl‐(2R,3R)‐tartaric
acid (L‐DBTA) and (‒)‐O,O'‐di‐p‐toluoyl‐(2R,3R)‐tartaric acid (L‐DTTA) or their racemic mixtures, (rac)‐
DBTA and (rac)‐DTTA, with DMSO and water: (rac)‐DBTA∙H2O, (rac)‐DBTA∙DMSO, L‐DBTA∙H2O, LDBTA∙
DMSO, (rac)‐DTTA∙H2O, (rac)‐DTTA∙DMSO, L‐DTTA∙H2O, and L‐DTTA∙DMSO. The discussed
inclusion compounds were obtained serendipitously, as a product of the pre‐screening of suitable
solvents to dissolve both the acids and the cinchona alkaloids during the discrimination experiments.
Only few crystal structures of solvates of these two tartaric acid derivatives are known up to now, and
fewer of these structures do exist when both the racemic and the enantiopure acid encapsulates the
same solvent. The synthesis and structural analysis of these inclusion compounds contribute to the pool
of available crystal structures when comparing chiral vs. achiral crystal forms of the same compounds