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A study of the influences of computer technology on the reading ability of intellectually challenged learners
No full textDissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Magister Educationis (Education) in the Faculty of Education at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyThe aim of this qualitative study was to assess the influence of a particular form of computer technology on the reading ability of intellectually challenged learners. The study sought to answer the questions:
(i) what direction for change does the reading of intellectually impaired learners take when a particular assistive technological device is used as a teaching-learning tool? And,
(ii) what can educators of these intellectually impaired learners learn from this change or lack thereof?
In order to answer these questions the study was conducted using an Action Research design. An intervention based on assistive technology was used for
(i) testing learner abilities; and
(ii) measuring performance and possible change(s).
A comparison of learners’ performance and effort following testing suggests that the assistive technology used has the potential to positively influence the reading ability of some segments of learners with an intellectual impairment. Furthermore, the findings make it clear that assistive technology does not take away the need for teachers to differentiate where a variety of learner abilities is concerned
Die invloed van onderrigstrategieë op die skolastiese prestasie van ʼn leerder wat gediagnoseer is met Asperger-sindroom
No full textDie beleidsdokument oor inklusiewe onderwys (South Africa. Department of Education, 2001) is in 2001 onderteken en in Suid-Afrika geïmplementeer. Die dokument beveel aan dat alle leerders die mees geskikte onderrig ontvang, maar as gevolg van die gaping wat tussen die ontwikkeling en implementering van die inklusiewe beleid bestaan, word nie alle leerders suksesvol in skole ingesluit nie. Sommige ouers besluit op alternatiewe skoolplasings en onderrig hulle kinders tuis, juis as gevolg van die onsuksesvolle insluiting van sommige leerders.
Die doel van die studie is om die invloed van sekere onderrigstrategieë op die skolastiese prestasie van ʼn leerder met Asperger-sindroom te bepaal. Hierdie studie is in die interpretatiewe paradigma ingebed, ʼn enkel gevallestudie is as navorsingsontwerp aangewend en die metodologie is kwalitatief van aard. Inhoudsanalise is gebruik om die data te analiseer. Die leerder in hierdie studie is gediagnoseer met Asperger-sindroom. Hierdie leerder is om verskeie redes nie suksesvol in skole ingesluit nie en daarom is die leerder tuis onderrig. Tydens die tuisonderrigproses het die navorser-opvoeder besef dat hierdie leerder op ʼn spesifieke manier leer en dink. Onderrigstrategieë is geïmplementeer en aangepas volgens die leerder se individuele onderrigbehoeftes. Die navorsingbevindinge dui aan dat die ontwikkeling en aanpassing van onderrigstrategieë wel ʼn positiewe invloed op die leerder in die studie se skolastiese prestasie gehad het. In hierdie studie is dit duidelik dat leerders met Asperger-sindroom wel ʼn spesifieke manier van dink en leer toon en dat opvoeders so ʼn leerder se spesifieke denkpatrone in ag moet neem tydens die aanpassing van onderrigstrategieë. Die onderrigstrategieë wat tydens hierdie studie ontwikkel is, kan moontlik vir ander leerders wat op die outistiese spektrum gediagnoseer is ook voordelig wees
Formartive feedback and essay-writing practices for at-risk students
No full textThesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree Magister of Education in the Faculty of Education at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyThe core problematique of this study is to establish a collaborative intervention strategy as a model that could facilitate the design and dissemination of appropriate formative feedback during essay-writing practices with at risk ECP and first-year students
Pre-entry academic and non-academic factors influencing teacher education students’ first-year experience and academic performance
No full textThesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Education
in the Faculty of Education at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyThe research question that guided this doctoral study is: How do pre-entry academic and non-academic factors influence teacher education students’ first-year experience and academic performance? The study was designed within the qualitative research paradigm and employed a case study strategy to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative approach included a questionnaire that was completed by 195 respondents. The qualitative data was obtained from one-on-one and focus-group interviews with eight participants that were purposively selected. The conceptual framework developed for this enquiry took into consideration the significance of student diversity in understanding first-year experience and thus employed concepts from two sociological models, Tinto’s (1975; 1993) integration model (social and academic integration) and Bourdieu’s (1984; 1990) theoretical tools of capital, habitus and field. Six key themes emerged from the data: determination, self-reliance, fitting-in, out-of-habitus experience, positioning oneself to succeed and challenges. The unequal distribution of economic, social and cultural capital created disparities between students’ habitus and schooling experiences which influenced the way they integrated into their first year at university. The study revealed that more mature students than school-leavers and gap-students are entering higher education. Further, the majority of first-year students are unable to fund their studies and source external funding or engage in part-time employment. Students pursued financial aid before focusing on academic activities. Engagement in the social domain remained marginal. Students’ determination to change their economic circumstances was the primary factor that influenced their attitudes and actions at university. Higher education needs to consider student diversity, financial constraints of disadvantaged students, first-year curriculum planning and delivery, and the high cost of university studies. It needs to move away from viewing entering students from a deficit model, to capitalise on their qualities of determination, optimism, enthusiasm and openness to learning, thereby creating an inclusive first-year experience that could encourage retention and student success
Bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water using indigenous microbes of Diep- and Plankenburg Rivers, Western Cape, South Africa
No full textThesis (MTech (Environmental Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of PAH degrading microorganisms in two river systems in the Western Cape, South Africa, and their ability to degrade two PAH compounds (acenaphthene and fluorene). A total of 19 bacterial isolates were obtained from the Diep- and Plankenburg Rivers. These microorganisms were first identified phenotypically on various selective and general media (such as nutrient agar, Eosine Methylene Blue and Mannitol Salts Agar), followed by staining and biochemical testing, followed by molecular identification using 16S rRNA and PCR. The isolates were then tested for acenaphthene and fluorene degradation first at flask scale and then in a Stirred Tank Bioreactor at varying temperatures (25ºC, 30ºC, 35ºC, 37ºC, 38ºC, 40ºC and 45ºC). All experiments were run without the addition of supplements, bulking agents, biosurfactants or any other form of biostimulants. Four of the 19 isolated microorganisms were identified as acenaphthene and fluorene degrading isolates. Three of the four microorganisms identified as PAH degrading isolates were Gram negative isolates. Results showed that Raoultella ornithinolytica, Serratia marcescens, Bacillus megaterium and Aeromonas hydrophila efficiently degraded fluorene (99.90%, 97.90%, 98.40% and 99.50%) and acenaphthene (98.60%, 95.70%, 90.20% and 99.90%) at 37ºC, 37ºC, 30ºC and 35ºC, respectively. The degradation of fluorene was found to be more efficient and rapid compared to that of acenaphthene and degradation at Stirred Tank Bioreactor scale was more efficient for all treatments. Throughout the biodegradation experiments, there was an exponential increase in microbial plate counts ranging from 5 x 104 to 9 x 108 CFU/ml. The increase in plate count was observed to correlate with the efficient degradation temperature profiles and percentages. The PAH degrading microorganisms isolated during this study significantly reduced the concentrations of acenaphthene and fluorene and can be used on a larger, commercial scale to bioremediate PAH contaminated river systems. Other factors that influence the optimal expression of biodegradative potential of microorganisms other than temperature and substrate (nutrient) availability, such as pH, moisture and salinity will be investigated in future studies, as well as the factors contributing to the higher fluorene degradation compared to acenaphthene. Furthermore, the structure and toxicity of the by-products and intermediates produced during microbial metabolism of acenaphthene and fluorene should be investigated in further studies
Factors influencing the failure of small enterprises in a selected municipality in Luanda, Angola
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.The necessary skills and knowledge on how to open and manage a business can be mastered but the uncertainties during decision-making, as well as the risks, obstacles and barriers present in the business environment can change established ways of conducting a business. However, identifying the causes of such uncertainties, risks and obstacles is essential as it may reduce the probability of failure in the future, and supports effective policy-making. The purpose of this thesis was to examine the factors contributing to the failure of small enterprises in the Luanda province in Angola, with three specific objectives: to assess the critical management and financial factors; to examine the effect of market competition; and to assess the factors in the economic conditions associated with the causes of small business failures. Recommendations made to government could mitigate the high number of business failures. Similar studies were conducted in countries other than Angola. As alarmingly high rates of business failure exist in Angola, this study sought to examine the factors associated with such failures. This research was conducted under a positivism theoretical perspective and a quantitative research method was adopted. A questionnaire was the primary data collection instrument and the snowball sampling technique was employed. Questionnaires were distributed to 130 small business owners and managers who had experienced business failures and 108 questionnaires were collected. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyse the quantitative data which was collected. Results were statistically
descriptive in nature and presented in tables, pie charts, and bar charts. The results indicated that critical factors which influenced the failure of small enterprises in Angola were: small business owners and managers lacked knowledge of business systems; small business owners and managers lacked financial accounting skills; and negligence by small business owners and managers in planning and controlling business resources. This indicates that institutions do not actively promote entrepreneurship knowledge and skills
development and there is an absence of successful entrepreneur role models and business mentors or coaches for entrepreneurial capacity-building. Among others factors influencing business failure in Viana, this study identified a lack of economic support and availability of fundamental business resources such as raw material, skilled people and finance, rigid policy-making regulations, and a high level of corruption and theft in the country, to the extent that the small business may lack money and is unable to continue operations.The study recommends that since most small businesses operate on a basis of sole decision-making, it is important that the entrepreneur/manager should make a concerted effort to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in management and finance systems,
primarily to start a business or as needed, so that risk and probability of failure can be reduced. Policy-making should consider support structures for entrepreneurial capacity building, increase the production of primary products and raw material, provide entrepreneurial training and skills development (higher education), and develop mechanisms to allow easy access to information, reduce trading restrictions and reduce crime
The adoption of virtual teams and virtual technology in human resources management : a South African perspective
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Information Systems))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.This study explores factors contributing to the slow adoption of virtual teams and virtual technology by South African organisations in Cape Town. The study adopted the Technology Organisation and Environment (TOE) framework to examine the influence of technological organisational and environmental contextual factors on organisation’s adoption of virtual teams and virtual technology. Three organisations from different industries in Cape Town were chosen as a case study. Data was collected via qualitative interviews and quantitative questionnaires while content analysis and a statistics package for social sciences were used to analyse and generate results. The results indicated that all three dimensions of the TOE framework significantly either enabled or inhibited organisational adoption of virtual teams and virtual technology.
Technological contextual factors such as availability of technology were found to enable adoption while high set-up cost inhibited adoption, and perceived benefit and drawbacks either inhibited or enabled adoption due to the influence of other contextual factors. Organisational contextual factors like available resources and slacks were found to facilitate, whereas organisational competency and formal and informal linking structures impeded adoption. Management commitment, communication process, degree of centralisation, organisation size and technological competency were found to either enable or inhibit technology adoption owing to the influences of other contextual factors. Environmental contextual factors such as competition, government regulation and rapidly growing industries were found to encourage technology adoption. Lack of skilled labour was found to restrain technology adoption while industry characteristics, market structures and technology support infrastructure either enabled or inhibited organisational adoption of virtual teams and virtual technology due to the influence of other contextual factors
The strategic value of sport to the Cape Town city brand
No full textThesis (MTech (Sport Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.Although the concept of place branding is still relatively new, there is an increasing awareness of the significant impact which sport can have on a city‟s brand. Cities are now considering the addition of sport to their brand traits and are focusing on sport re-imaging, due to the advanced nature of international sport, and the economic and social gains associated with hosting major sport events. The hosting of sport events is increasingly being viewed as part of a broader tourism strategy aimed at enhancing the profile of a city. This particular study was based upon investigating the strategic value of sport to the city brand of Cape Town. The aim of the study was to investigate the role which key sport brands and city stakeholders and all-encompassing sport entities play for the city brand. This has been achieved via a series of semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 key industry stakeholders in Cape Town. A review of case studies, academic journal articles, and other relevant secondary sources of information has been used to contextualise these findings. This study clearly identifies the extent to which sport holds a strategic value for the Cape Town city brand. It clarifies that sport events, facilities, sport teams and personalities, and sport brands and sponsors all add valuable contributions to the city brand. The study reveals the strategic elements of sport that create city branding opportunities for establishing a national and global competitive position.National Research Foundatio
Sub-10 MeV proton irradiation effects on a coating obtained from the pulsed laser ablation of W2B5/B4C for space applications
No full textThesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
Doctor of Technology: Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering
in the Faculty of Engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyThis research investigates the effects of sub-10 MeV protons on coatings obtained from the pulsed laser ablation of W2B5/B4C. This is in an attempt to extend the bullet proof applications of W2B5/B4C to space radiation shielding applications, offering low cost and low mass protection against radiation including X-rays, neutrons, gamma rays and protons in low Earth orbit. The focus in this research, however, is on low energy protons.
The associated problems addressed in this work are solar cell degradation and Single Event Upsets in high density semiconductor devices caused by low energy protons. The relevant constraints considered are the necessity for low cost, low mass and high efficiency solutions. The work starts with a literature review of the space environment, the interaction of radiation with matter, and on pulsed laser deposition as a technique of choice for the coating synthesis. This paves the way for the pulsed laser ablation of W2B5/B4C. The resulting coating is a solid solution of the form WC1-xBx which contains crystalline and amorphous forms. Two proton irradiation experiments are carried out on this coating, and the resulting effects are analysed. The effects of 900 keV proton irradiation were the melting and subsequent growing of nanorods on the surface of the coating, the lateral transfer of the proton energy across the coating surface, and the lateral displacement of matter along the coating surface. These effects show that the coating is a promising cost effective and low mass radiation shield against low energy protons. The effects of 1 MeV protons on this coating are the three-stage melting of rods formed on the coating surface, and further evidence of lateral transfer of energy across the coating surface. Optical measurements of this coating show that it is about 73% transparent in the Ultraviolet, Visible and near Infrared range. This allows it to be used as radiation shielding for solar cells, in addition to high density semiconductor devices, against low energy protons in low Earth orbit. Simulations show that based on coulombic interactions alone, the same level of protection coverglass offers to solar cells can be achieved with about half the thickness of WC1-xBx or less
Information practices in midwifery: a case study of an antenatal and intrapartum care environment in the Western Cape, South Africa
No full textThesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology in Information Technology in the Faculty of Informatics & Design at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyResearch on health informatics has seen a steady increase during this decade as the role of information technology in the health sector becomes pertinent. Findings of previous research in this domain have uncovered vast information needs of health workers, particularly in developing countries. However, there is a need to continue with multidisciplinary research in priority areas such as midwifery practice and in the environment of marginalised settings. This study explores the significance of the information needs and information-seeking behaviour or practice of midwives during the antenatal and intrapartum care within the environment of a midwifery unit. Additionally, the researcher obtained permission from Faculty of Informatics and Design – CPUT and Health department authority – Western Cape Government in South Africa, to conduct research in the Elsies River Midwifery Obstetric Unit (ERMOU). The research was carried out as case study in a Midwifery Obstetric Unit in the Western Cape, South Africa. The investigator conducted semi-structured interviews and observations to collect qualitative data of the antenatal and intrapartum care environment. The data was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis and essomenic modelling.
The findings comprehensively point to the importance of this research context. The study found that midwives acquired patients’ information from a handwritten Maternity Case Record (MCR) book and midwives’ colleagues, and often during handovers. In addition, midwives also communicate with each other during care activities in the ERMOU. It was apparent that the use of such communication practices is inadequate, and midwives did not always have sufficient information to make appropriate decisions in the ERMOU. All patient information, referral notes, and reporting is paper-based.
In addition, essomenic models were used to depict the midwives’ work activities in the antenatal and intrapartum care environment in the Unit. Furthermore, essomenic models defined all the systematic processes that occur in the ERMOU which is described by midwives’ activities and work environment. To improve communication, future research is recommended to consider the importance of the continuity of the education of midwives. Further research will be on the implementation of nursing informatics and the electronic health record system in the Elsies River Midwifery Obstetric Unit