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Diagnostic radiology capacity and demand in Zimbabwe : trends and forecast
No full textThesis (DTech (Radiology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.The aim of this study was to provide evidence basedforecast for radiology demand in Zimbabwe that would support policies aimed at optimising radiology resource allocation and utilisation. This was upon the realisation that the Ministry of Health and Childcare required such forecast in order to ensure equitable, accessible and quality health services as prescribed in the 2009-2015 National Health Strategy as well as in Section 29 and 76 of the Zimbabwean constitution. On the international perspective, many researchers have reported stable high demand for radiology services giving rise to long waiting lists and backlogs. In the United Kingdom’s National Health Services (NHS), there is general consensus that these waiting lists are caused by variation mismatches between capacity and demand for radiology services. Elsewhere, it has been reported that skill mix, role changes, dynamic nature of radiography teaching and learning, technology diffusion, service transaction time, overutilisation, and unjustified exposures are key drivers of high demand for radiology services. It has long been established that demand for radiology services is stochastic in nature, and therefore planning of future investments in radiology must be guided by an understanding of how these variables interact to model the criterion variable. However, there is paucity of information pertaining to key aspects of legitimate radiology demand forecasts. Formulation of these fundamental concepts formed the impetus of this study.
A document review, interviews and non-participatory observations revealed that justification of radiology examinations, dynamic nature of radiography teaching and learning, diffusion of extended roles and technology, equipment and personnel capacity, and most importantly service transaction time all had an impact on the demand for radiology services in Zimbabwe. Limited diffusion of extended roles and technology had increased over a ten year period. Observed role changes were informal additions to the procedures normally carried out by radiographers and these were not supported by formal education. Consistent with global concerns, over utilisation and unjustified requests were a national concern. In situations where capacity outweighed demand, there was evidence that internal management of radiology departments was responsible for most variation mismatches which then gave rise to long waiting times
The impact of mentorship as a key performance area for senior personnel in high schools in the Western Cape
No full textThesis (MTech (Public Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.There is always much debate about the performance of high schools, especially around the lack of learners excelling and the Grade 12 poor pass rate. This dissertation nvestigates the impact of mentorship on the performance of principals, deputy principals and subject heads at a selection of high schools in the Cape Town metropolitan area.
Literature on the topic indicates that various types of mentorship programmes exist. The
literature review consisted of journal articles, books and policy documents. For the purpose of the empirical study, the research question of whether mentorship has a positive impact on the performance of senior personnel in high schools was best answered by following a quantitative approach to research. The study population comprised 42 senior staff members from three high schools in the Cape Town metropolitan area. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from the sample of 21 senior staff members, and the data analysis was done by means of a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet using pie charts to illustrate the results. The study found that mentoring subordinate educators and principals is a Key Performance Area (KPA) of the convenience randomly selected schools that fall within the respective district under the jurisdiction of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), that key personnel are familiar with mentorship, but that there are some issues that need to be resolved.
It is envisaged that the implementation of mentorship programmes at high schools will
positively influence the development of educators, and impact positively on the performance of key personnel and the performance of the affected schools
The re-engineering of communication processes to manage post-merger integration challenges at a selected financial institution
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Information Systems))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.In any business and in particular complex, merging businesses there is a need for effective communication with both internal and external stakeholders. This is often difficult when, in the process of a merger, communication departments of the different consolidating entities, each of which may have had its own processes, are required to function as one synergistic unit. Merger-related disruptions to business, and particularly communication processes, result in communication failure, causing delays, duplication, incoherent flow of communication and greater margins for business error. This becomes a further challenge without a thorough audit and re-evaluation of all the existing and prospective communication-related business process options. Optimal consolidated business processes need to be re-engineered and continuously improved within the new environment. This study aims to explore the importance of re-engineering communication processes during mergers to ensure a successful communication function supported by a robust business process. The analyses and recommendations further aim to strengthen the body of knowledge available to communication specialists operating within the context of severe organisational change, helping them to understand not only why it may be necessary to undertake an exercise of this nature, but also the challenges, issues and questions likely to arise. This study aims to answer the questions:
i) What factors affect communication processes when companies merge?
ii) How do communications processes need to be structured to be effective when companies merge?
iii) Why do communications processes fail when businesses merge?
Primary and secondary research is undertaken with a prominent financial services institution as a business case. Primary research includes face-to-face interviews and empirical research. The interviews took the form of one-on-one sessions with each of the interviewees using an interview guide of semi-structured questions. Secondary research was undertaken for a sound theoretical foundation. In terms of research philosophy, the ontology is subjective, while the epistemology is interpretivism. Responses are coded, summarised, categorised and prominent themes identified as a basis for making recommendations. Throughout this process, ethical practice was undertaken with respect to colleagues, participants, the environment, society and sponsors. This research also aims to move towards an understanding of the factors contributing to increased productivity, enhanced organisational effectiveness and heightened staff morale. It also works toward a resultant improvement in profit and perception due to better communication processes in a dynamic environment where communication to stakeholders is a critical factor in business success
An evaluation of the salary structure of an university of technology’s human resource department
No full textThesis (MTech (Public Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology.Since the merger, changes occurred within CPUT and within its salary structure as a whole. Measures had to be taken in order to harmonise the two salary structures to produce a single in order to eliminate disparities and as to ensures equity among the different categories of employees and their respective levels of appointment.
When the researcher discovered that there were disparities within our merged systems, the researcher decided to do a researcher concerning disparities with the new merged salary structure. When most of the employees also discovered that some of their counterparts in other campuses were on a higher salary grade than them, they felt disgruntled. This was understandable as the two campuses had different salary structures inherent from the previous technikons.
The researcher was done as employees’ salaries might affect productivity and their tenure with the organisation. When there are disparities it must not be taken for granted as it is the desire need to be fairly treated by the organisation, making development in the salary programme as it is very important for the human resource department
Spatial and temporal variation in lion (Panthera leo) diet within the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park
No full textThesis (MTech (Nature Conservation))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.A survey in 2010 suggested that the lion (Panthera leo) population of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park (KGNP) was exhibiting a skewed sex ratio in favour of males, which can ultimately lead to a decline in lion population numbers. In the KGNP artificial water provision has influenced the abundance of resident prey and potentially, lion diet and body condition. Changes in mammalian diet, and consequently body condition, have been found to influence the sex ratio of offspring. In response to a concern that diet may be influencing lion sex ratios in the KGNP, aspects of the spatial and temporal variation in lion diet were investigated between May 2013 and June 2015. The lion diet profile in the KGNP was described using evidence of prey remains identified through GPS cluster analysis (n = 278) from seven collared lionesses, lion scat analysis (n = 189) and opportunistic observations of lion feeding events (n = 52). Spatial variation in diet was investigated between three regional landscape types (north, south and west), based on the different vegetation types represented within each area, and two habitat types (riverbeds and dunes). Seasonal variations were assessed according to the hot-wet season (November to April), and the cold-dry season (May to October). Findings were also used to assess whether lion diet in KGNP has changed over the last 45 years through evaluating results from historical lion diet studies
Demographic characteristics of lion (Panthera leo) in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park
No full textThesis (MTech (Nature Conservation))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.Lions are threatened across their natural range. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP), comprising the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park (KGNP; South Africa) and Gemsbok National Park (GNP; Botswana), is a stronghold for the species. Population size and demography of lions in the KGNP has been addressed in four historic studies. Studies in mid-1970 and 1990 reported a female biased population whereas in 2010 the sex structure was skewed towards males (56%). The bias in sex ratios towards males was first observed in cubs and sub-adults in 2001 and later, in 2010, throughout the population. Furthermore, in the 2010 assessment of the lion population, a smaller proportion of cubs (< 2 yrs) were observed in comparisons to the preceding studies (10% vs. ≥ 23%). The skew in age and sex structures that were observed in the KGNP led to concerns over the long-term sustainability of the greater KTP lion population. The lion population carries further risks associated with the stochastic, arid environment, in which the KTP lion population persists. Human-lion conflict on the borders of the KTP and anthropogenic alterations of the environment further threaten lion demographic stability
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Biochemical markers to assess disability in female subjects with Multiple Sclerosis.
No full textThesis (M.Sc (Radiography))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the central nervous system (CNS) and is
characterized by multiple demyelinating lesions. It is in this context that a need arises for
reliable biomarkers such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which could lead to the
early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention when maximum potential impact is possible.
This study examines the impact of MRI as a marker and the sequences that give the best
images to aid in evaluation of disease progression (which can indirectly be seen as disability)
and the early diagnosis of MS which will, in turn, lead to more effective management of the
disease.
METHOD: Sixteen subjects underwent a neurological examination, the Expanded Disability
Status Scale (EDSS), blood tests for iron parameters and a 3Tesla Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI) scan. In a study of MS, 11 had MRI data that could be analysed by using
tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS). Subjects were divided according to the EDSS score (8
of the subjects had an EDSS score of ≤ 3 while 3 subjects had scores of ≥ 6). Diffusion
tensor imaging (DTI), the fused Proton Density and Fluid Attenuation Recovery (FLAIR) was
utilised to compute the lesion numbers and standard laboratory procedures were used to
measure other biochemical markers (serum iron, % transferrin saturation, ferritin,
haemoglobin) in subjects with disability and simultaneously assess the disease process.
RESULTS: The FA of white matter tracts (WMTs) as a parameter of myelin integrity was
lower in subjects with MS only in those who had high EDSS scores. An association between
FA and iron parameters, especially percentage transferrin saturation (% Tf) sat were
observed, which suggests that iron availability to the WM may be a requirement for optimal
myelin functionality.
CONCLUSION: The FA of WMTs as a parameter of myelin integrity was lower only in those
MS subjects who had high EDSS scores. Subjects who had EDSS scores < 3 (i.e. who had a
“benign” disease outcome) had FA values similar to control values and this finding was not
related to their age or disease duration. The association found between FA and iron
parameters, especially % Tf sat, suggests that iron availability to the WM may be a
requirement for optimal myelin functionality. Results also suggest that serum iron
concentration, ferritin and % Tf sat had an effect on myelination. The lack of association
between FA and Hb suggests that the iron in this protein is not available for WM function
Rationalisation of business processes to create a unified information systems portfolio in a merger: a case study of a financial institution
No full textThesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.The failure to rationalise business processes and Information Technology (IT) systems inhibits the ability of organisations to capitalise and create synergies for a merger. Rationalisation of business processes to create a unified Information Systems (IS) portfolio plays a significant role in the success of a merger. The synergies of a merger are entrenched in the rationalisation business processes where the creation of a unified IS portfolio becomes vital. The consolidation of business units performing similar business functions in a horisontal merger creates a negative physiological environment to those affected by the change. A case study of a merged financial institution was conducted where the research explored factors affecting the rationalisation of business processes and IT systems when business units merge. The research questions to explore the factors are: 1) What are the factors affecting the business process and IT systems rationalisation when business units merge? 2) How does the rationalisation of business processes affect the IT systems in the merged financial institution?Politics and cultural differences are among the challenges experienced during the rationalisation process in the merged financial institution. Collaboration among professionals is important to ensure the success of IS implementation, thus corporate executives need to identify cultural differences during the pre-merger stage. The IT system chosen to consolidate legacy mainframe systems did not align with the organisation’s client centric strategy. Alignment can be strengthened by the collaboration of business and IT to ensure a common vision is achieved
An exploration of e-learning practices of teachers at selected schools in the Western Cape
No full textThesis (DTech (Informatics))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.This study is about teachers’ e-Learning practices at school level. The research aims were to explore the patterns that emerge when teachers use and integrate technologies for e-Teaching and e-Learning, and to explain why teachers adopted and used technologies. My original contribution to knowledge is that the adoption and use of technologies is influenced by value propositions.
Schools in the Western Cape are acquiring more technology and gaining increasing access to digital products, services and systems at an exponential rate. In spite of the prevalence of technology in the Western Cape, there appears to be an under-utilisation or non-adoption of the available tools and technologies for educational benefits. However the e-Learning practices of teachers are not fully understood by e-Learning policy makers and implementers. This study sought to address the research problem through an exploration of the technologies that teachers used and what they used these technologies for; the patterns in their use and integration of technologies; and the reasons they offered for their decisions to adopt and use technologies.
The research was not strictly confined to one particular method, approach or strategy, as the nature of the phenomena under investigation and the dynamics of the situation required adaptations. A sensible selective blend of qualitative and quantitative approaches, explanatory and exploratory enquiry, and inductive and deductive techniques was employed. Existing research does not sufficiently describe or indicate patterns of use, practice and adoption of technologies by teachers. While a range of taxonomies, levels and stages exists, they deal in most instances with singularities. Existing technology adoption theories do not explicitly progress beyond the point of ‘actual use’. Use of technologies could result in some benefits. The findings of this study revealed that teachers used a purposeful selection of technologies for personal, administrative, teaching and learning purposes. Teachers’ practices were found to be incremental and progressive, and aligned to their comfort zones. Teachers adopted and used technologies on account of the value propositions afforded to them. The aggregated patterns of use, practice and adoption could be located on continuums
Spatio-temporal distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils in the vicinity of a petrochemical plant in Cape Town
No full textThesis (MTech (Chemistry))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are an alarming group of organic substances for humans and environmental organisms due to their ubiquitous presence, toxicity, and carcinogenicity. They are semi-volatile substances which result from the fusion of carbon and hydrogen atoms and constitute a large group of compounds containing two to several aromatic rings in their molecule. Natural processes and several anthropogenic activities involving complete or incomplete combustion of organic substances such as coal, fossil fuel, tobacco and other thermal processes, generally result in the release of the PAHs into the environment. However, the fate of the PAHs is of great environmental concern due to their tendency to accumulate and their persistence in different environmental matrices and their toxicity. Animal studies have revealed that an excessive exposure to PAHs can be harmful. Evidence of their carcinogenic, mutagenic, and immune-suppressive effects has been reported in the literature. In the soil environment, they have the tendency to be absorbed by plants grown on soil being contaminated by the PAHs. It is, therefore, important to evaluate their occurrence levels in different environmental matrices such as soil concentrations