Cape Peninsula University of Technology
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Affordable housing in relation to land, finance and tenure in the city of Cape Town
No full textMini-thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Public Management in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyAffordable housing delivery has been a major deliverable for the South African government since 1994. The apartheid laws created a fragmented city and had a negative impact on previously vibrant communities. Since the dawn of the new South Africa in 1994, government has created a platform to stimulate the creation of sustainable communities. This has proven to be a daunting task and the progress in this regard has been slow.
In 1994, the South African government published the White Paper on A Housing Policy and Strategy for South Africa. This was followed in 2004 by a housing code, A Comprehensive Plan for Sustainable Human Settlements, called “Breaking New Ground”, which contained practical guidelines to implement sustainable human settlement development. The aforementioned was supported by other legislation and the abolishment of apartheid planning legislation.
Sustainable human settlement development consists of many facets, but this mini-thesis focused on three themes, being land, finance and tenure options with respect to affordable housing delivery in the City of Cape Town. Ten housing practitioners were identified, representing government and the private sector. A semi-structured interview comprising of 12 questions was used to allow the housing practitioners to share their knowledge on the aforementioned themes during the process.
The research found that a shortage of affordable housing is an international problem and not just a South African or City of Cape Town phenomenon. With regard to land it concluded that strategic government-owned land parcels remain underdeveloped. Despite government’s comprehensive finance programmes, the study found that the financial sector had no formal obligation to assist government with the delivery programme. With regard to tenure options, the research concluded that additional forms of tenure, such as incremental and rental options, should become more prevalent in the delivery model
Effect of ultraviolet treatment on shelf life, various spoilage microorganisms and the physicochemical characteristics of rooibos iced tea
No full textThesis (MTech (Food Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.Rooibos iced tea (RIT), as one of the products of Rooibos is fast becoming very popular as a beverage in society due to the benefits of the phenolic compounds that are associated with this herbal tea. Some of the commercially available products have been found to contain, if any, lower contents of the major phenolic compounds, namely aspalathin and its oxidation products, iso-orientin and orientin. Their presence is considered as indicators of a good quality product. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light as an alternative treatment to heat treatment on the shelf life, pH, phenolic composition, colour and microorganisms associated with Rooibos. Two formulations of RIT were used in order to determine the efficacy of the UV-C on the shelf life whilst three formulations were used for the physicochemical analysis. Only one formulation was used for inoculation with three spoilage bacteria, yeast and mould spoilage microorganisms namely; Escherichia coli K12, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Cladosporium sp. The UV-C dosages of 0, 918, 1 836, 2 754 and 3 672 J.l -1 were used to treat the RIT using a pilot-scale UV-C system with a turbulent flow at a constant flow rate of 4000 l.hr-1 . A log count of 4 log10 was considered the limit for the spoilage growth since it is the average log10 afternormal pasteurisation. The use of UV-C treatment was found to have significantly (p1) effect on the overall colour difference of the RIT in formulations A, B, and C. All the spoilage microorganisms were significantly reduced by UV-C dosage to less than 4 log10 except the Cladosporium sp. The S. cerevisiae was the most sensitive microorganism whilst Cladosporium sp. was the most resistant. The effect of UV-C on the spoilage microorganism followed the sequence: S. cerevisiae>Salmonella sp.>S. aureus>E. coli K12>Cladosporium sp. This study indicated that microbiological reduction was achieved as a function of increasing UV-C dosage. In order to achieve the highest log10 reduction, the highest UV-C dosage of 3 672 J.l-1 may be used. However, the dosage may need to be increased in order to achieve the desired results in the treatment of Cladosporium sp. It can thus be concluded from the above investigations that UV-C dosage treatment of 3 672 J.l-1 is optimum in the non-thermal treatment of RITSouth African Association for Food Science & Technology
Cape Peninsula University of Technology Bursar
The effect of portland cements and superplasticisers on the rheology of cement paste
No full textDissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree MTech Degree in Civil Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnologySelf-compacting concrete is very sensitive to variation in cement properties and to the interaction between cement paste and additives such as superplasticisers. The assessment of these interactions can be done rheologically but there is as yet no consensus on how to evaluate the rheological properties (yield stress and viscosity) of cementitious materials. In addition, there is no clear understanding of the dependency of these rheological properties on early hydration, evaluations which are recommended to be done at paste scale.
The evolution of rheological parameters in the early stage of hydration, of four CEM I 52.5N cements manufactured at different factories in South Africa, and their interaction with two different commercial superplasticisers (SPs) were investigated using three different rheometric techniques: conventional flow curve from hysteresis loops, amplitude sweep in oscillation mode and construction of flow curve.
Amplitude sweep, time sweep, viscosity-time sweep as well as thixotropy tests were conducted to investigate the effect of hydration and the rate of rebuilding of each cement in the presence and absence of SP. The experiments were done on a MCR51 rheometer with roughened parallel plates under controlled temperatures and relative humidity.PPC Cemen
The biochemical effects of Hypoxis hemerocallidea in the kidney and liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats
No full textThesis (MTech (Biomedical Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an endocrine disorder that is characterised not only by severe hyperglycemia but also altered metabolism of glucose and lipids. It is a major health problem worldwide and its impact is greatly noticed in developing countries due to the lack of adequate medical facilities. Oxidative stress remains the principal factor that actively plays major roles in the onset and progression of diabetes mellitus and its complications. The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of DM has undisputedly gained the attention and interest of researchers throughout the globe mainly because plants have established promising outcomes in the treatment of diabetes. It is evident that the plants’ constituents possess therapeutically potent metabolites that have beneficial effects such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. Hypoxis hemerocallidea is a native plant that grows in the Southern African regions. H. hemerocallidea is well known for its beneficial medicinal values. In South Africa it is known as the African potato. The main aim of this study was to investigate both the beneficial and also the possible toxic effects of H. hemerocallidea in the kidney and liver tissues of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats by assessing the antioxidant status and selected biochemical parameters in the two studied organs.
Diabetes was induced in overnight fasted rats by administration of a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ at a dosage of 50mg/kg in citrate buffer (0.1 M at 4.5 pH). Hyperglycemia was confirmed 72 hours after induction of diabetes using STZ in rats with glucose levels > 15 mmol/l. Treatment with the plants extract commenced on the fourth day after STZ administration via gastric gavage that was done once a day over a 6 week period. The effects of H. hemerocallidea on glucose, body weight, liver and kidney weights, liver function, kidney function and the oxidative status were evaluated after the feeding period
The use of winery waste compost to establish cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cycla) on sandy soil at Bien Donné experimental farm near Paarl in the Western Cape region
No full textThesis (MTech (Agriculture))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.A study was carried out at Bien Donné Experimental Farm, near Paarl in the Western Cape Region (South Africa), to evaluate the performance of solid winery waste compost (WWC) and inorganic fertilizer (N:P:K, 2:3:4 (30) - 5g Zn%) on growth and yield of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cycla). The experimental plot was fertilized as per treatment with WWC (100% and 400% equivalent recommended fertilizer application using N as reference mineral) and inorganic fertilizer. The experimental design was set up in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 4 treatments (control- without compost and inorganic fertilizers, inorganic fertilizer-2:3:4 (30) - 5g Zn% and LAN (28), WWC application at different application rates were (3485g/plot) (100%) and (13939g/plot) (400%)) replicated four times. Soil analysis showed that the experimental plot is dominated by sandy soil structure. Results of mineral analysis after application of treatments showed a significant (p>0.05) drop in soil pH over time in the untreated control and application of 400% WWC significantly (p<0.05) raised soil pH compared with the control. The application of mineral fertilizer showed significant (p<0.05) increase in soil P compared with the other treatments. However, WWC picked up significant (p<0.05) speed above inorganic fertilizer, thus making P available to the soil than NPK mineral fertilizer. A significant (p<0.05) drop in soil K content by 21% over time on amended soil with inorganic fertilizer treatment was observed. However, the application of WWC at 300 and 400% significantly (p<0.05) raised the soil K by 54.93 and 73.06% respectively. There were no significant differences in soil Ca over time, but high soil Ca concentrations from WWC (100%) were recorded compared to inorganic treatment that showed the lowest soil Ca concentration. There was a slight drop in soil Na over time in control and soil amended with inorganic fertilizer. The effects of the treatment on Mg values were not so prominent, suggesting that concentrations of nutrients are less essential characteristics of the soil or small portion of nutrients were readily available on the soil
The role of business informatics in business transformation : a case of a company in Cape Town
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Information Systems))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.The objective of the thesis is to determine the role Business Informatics plays in transforming an organisation using a selected organisation in Cape Town as a case study. Business informatics is an emerging discipline that combines various aspects of business management, information technology and informatics. Informatics is broadly defined as the science of processing information; thus, increasingly, it involves processing and analysing information digitally with the aid of computers. Therefore the aim of the research was to understand what components of business informatics are being leveraged to transform businesses, and the challenges thereof.
This was done using a social theory – duality of technology from Orlikowski adapted from Giddens’ Structuration Theory (ST) as a theoretical framework, particularly, the dimensions of duality of structure. The theory was used as a lens to understand and interpret this social phenomenon - the role business informatics can play in business transformation. It is argued that business informatics concepts are able to assist in business transformation through effective use of information systems and business management concepts. In that regard, ERP system in a Cloud platform was recommended to illustrate these concepts. The concepts helped to device guidelines for determining the challenges of a business to use informatics to transform and become sustainable and competitive. Therefore, the research explained and recommended why business entities have begun to move from an application-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to cloud computing-based ERP (cloud-ERP) system. The study used the interpretive approach where qualitative philosophy was applied together with the underpinning theory and literature reviewed to design a semi-structured interview schedule as a data collection instrument. It was a case study of an Organisation where the units of analysis were the IT, Finance, HR and Sales and Marketing departments and object of analysis was 50 employees. The output is a general framework to guide businesses as to how to apply the concepts of business informatics to achieve improved business transformation
Appreciative inquiry and change management in a selected automotive component factory in Cape Town, South Africa
No full textThesis (MTech (Human Resource Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.Globalisation has placed increased pressure on South African organisations to transform in order to compete against the world’s best. Low cost manufacturing countries such as India, China, Brazil, and Thailand pose a threat to businesses across a variety of sectors in South Africa. The prospects of failure are real, even more so in light of the current economic climate in which businesses operate, as competition is on the rise. In today’s world of work, change is constant and organisations are required to continually renew their business and practices in order to meet the evolving needs of their clients. An organisation’s inability to phase out strategies, policies, procedures and businesses that are no longer relevant may shorten the lifespan of the business. Successful management of organisational change processes is thus essential for survival in the global market.
This research was prompted as a result of production line employees being resistant to the implementation of new work procedures between 2013 and 2014, with the result of low commitment to change, at a selected medium sized automotive component manufacturer in Cape Town, South Africa.
Traditional change management considers fixing problems and may be outdated, especially in light of the introduction of Appreciative Inquiry (AI). AI is a structured change intervention that uses positively directed questions. AI attempts to involve people to share their experiences of what worked well in the past in order to create a shared vision and an action plan that can be implemented to realise their set vision. AI has created a shift in thinking in change management, as it seeks to find the positive, whilst creating hope and a sense of triumph over past victories
Influence of temperature and pH on corrosion resistance of Ni–Cr and Co–Cr dental alloys on oral environment
No full textThesis (MTech (Biomedical Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.Dental alloys are widely used in direct contact with oral tissue. In recent years after the price of gold
significantly increased, cheaper dental materials were generally considered in the market particularly
dental alloys such as cobalt-chromium (Co–Cr), nickel-chromium (Ni–Cr) and titanium alloys. Cobalt–
chromium alloys for example, are used in prosthetic for the fabrication of removable partial dentures
and also for the fabrication of some fixed prosthetic appliances, due to its excellent properties such
as biocompatibility, good mechanical behavior and corrosion resistant. In this work, the corrosion
behavior of three different dental alloys, namely PD CASTA H, CERACAST NB Beryllium Free and
PD 2000 alloys were studied and tested in Ringers solution (artificial saliva) at different pH values and
temperature. The dental alloys were immersed in the Ringers solution for 14 days. The microstructure
characterization and composition of selected alloys were done before and after 14 days of corrosion test
on artificial saliva, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface roughness of the alloys was
investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The EDS, XRD, and TOF–SIMS were also used in the
study. Electrochemical measurement on dental alloys was performed using cyclic voltammetry (CV). A
saturated calomel electrode (SCE) was used as reference electrode, platinum was used as counter-electrode
and Ni–Cr and Co–Cr alloys were used as working electrode. The polarization curves were plotted in
the potential range of -1000 mV/SCE to +1000 mV/SCE at scanning rate of 0.2 mVss-1. It has been
shown in the present study that the corrosion behavior of PD CASTA H and PD 2000 alloys, containing
Co and a high Cr content, displays the best corrosion resistance compared to CERACAST NB alloy.
The influence in the temperature and pH of the solution had effects on the properties of dental alloys. The electrochemical behavior of dental alloys were studied to provide a comprehensive examination of
various biomedical materials used in dental application. However, the surface roughness and the surface
morphology of the alloys are very important in dental study and application
The found object : documenting the artistic journey from decay to sustainable life through design thinking
No full textThesis (MTech (Design))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.This mini-thesis aims at exploring the process of design thinking in the transformation of a
decayed found object into an artwork, with a narrative of sustainability and life, thus creating
awareness around the role and function of decayed objects by repurposing them to give them
new life. The scope of this study will be limited to the use of art to create awareness around repurposing
found objects. However, these repurposed found objects will not become physical utility
products. Rather, this study aims to discuss and explore ways in which art can be used to
generate an ethos of 'redesigning' into a work of art which gives it an aesthestic value. An
undertone of this study is the dilemma encountered in attempting to establish clear delineations
between art and design in both pedagogic and professional practice domains.
ABSTRACT
This mini-thesis aims at exploring the process of design thinking in the transformation of a
decayed found object into an artwork, with a narrative of sustainability and life, thus creating
awareness around the role and function of decayed objects by repurposing them to give them
new life.
Key topics discussed in this mini-thesis are the noticing of and engagement with decayed found
objects and sustainability. Other topics explored are repurposing and design for repurposing.
Debates around the concept of 'design thinking' are ever current. Design thinking was employed
in the study, which resulted in a process that examined the richness of my individual artistic
journeys.
My ontological stance is that all chosen found objects should have a life. This study is
epistemologically situated within the interpretive paradigm since the study makes meaning of my
experiences as I interact with found objects. The study drew on a qualitative design paradigm of
embodied experience, phenomenological research and employed qualitative methodologies of
reflective journaling, lived experience and a process-orientated art approach.
The research method adopted a convenience or accidental sample, which is not representative
of a population of found objects as the objects were presented by accident. All artworks created
for the purpose of the study incorporated found objects that were selected randomly. The design
analysis and findings verified the likelihood of a thematic approach by using comparisons of the
choice of collected found objects. The general contribution(s) of this mini-thesis to the knowledge toward the direction design
needs to take is three-fold: firstly, the study confirmed an awareness of using discarded banal
found objects and giving these objects new life through design thinking; secondly, it emphasises the awareness around the critical concerns of sustainability and social responsibility; and, lastly
it engages curricula development in robust dialogue that advances the sustainability agenda in a
multi-disciplinary context in the Faculty of Informatics and Design, at the Cape Peninsula
University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa.
In order to initiate further dialogue, this study argues and proposes that student learning can be
enhanced through using a found object as catalyst to ignite creative expression and as a result
positively contribute to the sustainability agenda. Typically the study could also propose through
means of arguments in literature that creative practical activities structured around found objects
and design thinking will allow students to adopt a deep approach to learning.
These educational arguments will exceed the objectives of this mini-thesis. They are,
nevertheless, considered a worthwhile theme for further research or a doctoral thesis
Off-field management of Western Province Super League A rugby clubs
No full textDissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
Master of Technology: Business Administration
in the Faculty of Business
at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyCurrently the performance of off-field managers of the Super League A rugby clubs is not at the required level, despite indicators that it plays a crucial role in the success of rugby clubs in the Western Province and in South Africa (SA). This study reviews and reports on the factors influencing off-field management of rugby clubs to understand management effectiveness and its importance to the success of the club. The review identified factors such as skills, competencies, strategic management, and other resources that are important for effective rugby club management, and reports on the need to develop and deploy adequate skills and resources to enhance rugby club management in the Western Province.
The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of effective management of rugby clubs. The purpose of the study was to investigate the off-field management skills, competencies, and resources for effective management of Super League (SL) A rugby clubs in the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU). Emanating from this investigation, recommendations were made to improve SL A rugby clubs’ off-field management performance.
The methodology that was used included questionnaires that were completed by employees at the rugby clubs, either electronically or in written form. The results were analysed using SPSS version 21. The main findings were that the off-field management needs training to be effective, and therefore should deploy identified, well-trained employees to fill the gap created by partly-trained employees.
The practical implication is that rugby clubs need to invest in the training and development of off-field employees for effective management of rugby clubs