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Evaluating e-government services : a citizen-centric framework
No full textThesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.In a quest to offer better services to both citizens and businesses throughout Africa, efforts to adopt e-government projects are gaining momentum. As a result of this, there is a need for effective measurement of delivery and quality of such e-services. Currently, there are several metrics applied to measure and rank the e-readiness of various African countries. However, while these measures have provided a source of comparative analysis between different e-government projects, they are far from being perfect. For example, most of these measures are diverse and difficult to compare, since they assume ‘one size fits all’ and ignore differing environmental, cultural and contextual factors of various countries. Further criticisms of these measures are that they are ‘first generation metrics’ designed for developed countries, as opposed to developing countries. Thus, the crux of the research problem was that there are no suitable evaluation strategies for understanding and measuring the effectiveness of e-government services in order to improve the management thereof, and thereby attain the best possible value for citizens. The objective of this study was to develop a framework, for evaluating the effectiveness of e-government services in a typical developing country. Tanzania’s mainland was chosen as the context for this study: as a typical developing African country, its early phase of e-government development provided an optimal case for this study concerned with the useful and effective evaluation of e-government services. I have chosen a qualitative research method paradigm, underpinned by an interpretive approach, to facilitate both research objectives: developing an evaluation framework after determining the necessary evaluation parameters. Empirical evidence was gathered via interviews with e-government practitioners in Tanzania and via focus groups with selected citizens. Other sources of data included government documentation (policies and strategies) and government websites. The data was analysed through the combined application of an adapted grounded theory method and interpretation. Using the latter analytical processes several effectiveness dimensions of e-government services were derived. Through further analysis these were synthesised into the main output of the study viz. an e-government citizen satisfaction framework (ECSF). This framework, a unique contribution to the existing body of knowledge, demonstrates how citizen and government imperatives should be amalgamated to evaluate the effectiveness of e-government services. The findings further support and advance Information Technology management within government, as this is the first comprehensive framework to ensure an integrated approach for monitoring and evaluating e-government programmes. This study also combines important ideas from two existing domains—service management and IS evaluation—to generate new foundations leading to further work by researchers
The identification of contextually relevant health and well-being information needs for the youth through human-centered co-design
No full textThesis (MTech (Design))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.Available health and well-being information is limited in communities with insufficient health care resources. This affects the community negatively on multiple levels in which the health and well-being needs of individuals are not satisfied. This research project explored the impact of human centred co-design, using tools such as health and well-being needs questionnaires including a health needs assessment as well as a quality of life scale. The aim was making accurate health and well-being information more accessible to the youth. The target group was Durbanville youth aged between 14 and 18 years. The sample included different ages ( = 15), races (79% White, 21% Coloured) and near equal gender distribution (55% female, 45% male). The sample (N = 33) was comprised of three groups: Group A, B, and C. A Human-Centered Design (HCD) framework was used during the project referring to the following three steps: Hear, Create, and Deliver. During the Hear phase, stories and inspiration from the participants were gathered. Group A (n = 10) completed a health and well-being information needs questionnaire. Group B (n = 15) discussed the topic, and created affinity diagrams. This was how the health and well-being status and information needs were established.
During the Create phase; frameworks, opportunities, solutions, and prototypes were developed by the participants. Group B co-designed the concept prototype: a possible mobile application solution for practical access to health and well-being information. Group C (n = 8) provided feedback and input on the concept prototype and created storyboards to visually display scenarios in which they would use the mobile application. This step produced a youth-friendly health and well-being information service concept prototype.
During the Deliver phase, the relevant health and well-being information solution was established as a youth-friendly health and well-being mobile application: WeHelp. Also, group A, B, and C were introduced to a similar existing resource named MobieG. Thus, the present study contributed directly to the participants’ health and well-being awareness. The research provided significant health and well-being insights. For example, the youth of Durbanville revealed extremely low scores on the emotional well-being domain. The data collected makes it possible for future researchers to create a practical, youth-friendly, health and well-being information service
The design of a hands-free speech recognition application during the intrapartum stage
No full textThesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.Unlike the developed nations, the health sector within the developing countries is faced with the triple challenges of human, financial and technological scarcity of resources. This insufficiency of resources results into amongst other intrapartum mishaps. To ameliorate some of these conditions, the World Health Organization (1994) promoted the use of the pathogram as an informative and data capturing tool that could help reduce intrapartum mishaps. The usage of the partogram within the intrapartum environment also introduced a dilemma as birth attendants spent quite a good amount of time using their eyes and hands (in pen and paper) capturing medical data onto the partogram instead of investing these resources onto the expectant mother and or fetus.
This study adopted Design Science Research as a suitable research approach, strengthened by a pragmatic philosophical standpoint.
This study involved the following methods;
• A review of literature in the intrapartum environment, along with topics from relevant reference disciplines including speech recognition
• A series of semi-structured contextual interviews with birth attendants, student nurses and senior midwives
• A design science research study using the knowledge from the reference disciplines to design a hands-free voice driven epartogram
• A simulation of the capturing of intrapartum data to evaluate and refine the prototype (epartogram) by applying anonymized intrapartum data driven by natural speech
• An evaluation of the artifact (epartogram) based on a number of published guidelines recommended by scholars to demonstrate its potential utility as well as to establish if the solution is generic to the contextual environment. Although the introduction of ICT into the problem domain abetted the process of data capturing (specifically the referral process), the fundamental aspect of using the prototype to free the hands and eyes of the birth attendants proved challenging due to issues with the recognition of natural speech by speech recognition systems and background noise. Monitoring of MOU and the referral process from a lower MOU to a higher one could benefit a great deal from this study as the prototype thrived well in that regard. Natural speech recognition by machines in an uncontrolled environment is still at its infancy (some of the most powerful engines can not differentiate between background noise and direct instruction). Not withsatnding the challenges posed by the infancy of speech recognition, the artifact showed potential as a manual epartogram providing spatial access to multiple participating MOU via the cloud
Efficacy of Internship Component of the Software Engineering Sector in the Western Cape
No full textA Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the degree Master of Technology in Information Technology In the FACULTY OF INFORMATICS AND DESIGN at the CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNONLOGYWith the software sector being central to economic growth, it was important for the study to analyse the adequacy of skills in the sector. The provincial government of the Western Cape, the industry and tertiary institutions are collaboratively developing relevant Software Engineering (SE) skills. However, it was unclear whether the joint efforts are achieving the intended outcomes. The risk with uncertainty is that emphases may be placed on aspects that do not accurately address the objective of the initiative. Other SE skills shortage risks may include: failure by the region to improve productivity, innovations, exports, and the risk of failing to reduce high unemployment. It is important therefore, that the efforts to address SE skills shortage in the Western Cape succeed.
This research made extensive use of relevant literature. Interviews were conducted with employers from chosen companies in Cape Town, South Africa, with an HR representative, HOD from the faculty of Computer Science from Universities and with SE interns. Within the interpretive epistemology, a qualitative inductive methodology was applied. In this respect, a non-probability purposive sampling was used to approach only members of the population ready and willing to give the required data. Despite internship programs being in full operation, findings highlighted the SE technical skills in short supply in the Western Cape and these include Java, dot Net and database skills. The high shortage of SE skilled personnel is pointed out to be a result of few SE graduates from SE tertiary institutions which is blamed on few Universities enrolments. Furthermore, Universities indicated poor mathematics pass rates at matric level as the main reason for having low SE enrolment levels since mathematics is a prerequisite to the SE course. Adding on to that, findings confirm that high SE skills shortage are a result of the imbalances of theoretical and practical aspect of SE courses at Universities. The main reason for the imbalances is that there is no communication between SE industry and Universities. It would be beneficial if companies were consulted by universities when syllabi are prepared. This way, affected parties could forge a common ground to close the skills gap. It may also help tertiary institutions to review and change their syllabus at the right time, in order to focus on what are current imperatives in the SE industry.
Findings also reflect that the main reason for SE internships is the need to build up the SE technical skills of interns through work related learning in the SE industry. These internships have been successful in alleviating the problem but not high enough to solve the SE skills shortage in the province. This implies these Internship programs could positively contribute to the alleviation of SE skills shortage in Cape Town if more is done to improve the programs. A greater focus on enhancing such programs would provide benefits in the SE field. Consultative collaborations between the tertiary sector and the industry on curricula matters are recommended. Thus, a need for a more solid relationship between SE tertiary institutions and the SE field of operation needs further investigation. Students on the other hand need to be proactive by collaborating with other relevant SE related affiliations for knowledge sharing seminars especially on the current technologies in use in the SE industry
Instructional technology for the teaching of novice programmers at a university of technology
No full textDissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Information Technologyin the Department of Information Technology in the Faculty of Informatics and Design Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyLearning computer programming can be fun, challenging and improve problem solving which is a useful ability in general. A teaching-learning environment with a strong emphasis on problem solving promotes social behaviour and discloses the personal benefits that individuals working in almost any Information Technology position can get from programming knowledge. This research project is looking at the challenges experienced by novice programmers and the negative effect it has on the student and the university. This study will address the knowledge and skills needs of programming students and the challenges for students and educators to evolve from traditional to technology-supported teaching and learning. Computer programming is a cognitively challenging subject and good instructional strategies are important in providing the student with optimal learner support. Novice programmers often struggle to understand how a computer executes a program, which impacts negatively on the delivery of the subject and throughput rates. The majority of first year Information Technology students at Cape Peninsula University of Technology are novice programmers and lack strong logic and reasoning as well as other Information Technology skills that can facilitate their interpretation and application of key concepts in programming. These challenges and negative impact on the academic development of programming students have therefore forced the researcher to investigate innovative teaching strategies and/or instructional technologies that can facilitate novice programmers in learning the basic programming concepts. The purpose of this on-going study is to enhance the traditional method of teaching and the understanding of the problems experienced by novice programmers. This study attempts to respond to the question of what the tentative design principles of instructional technology are that can be used to facilitate novice programmers’ understanding of programming concepts. A mix methodology was considered but at the end a qualitative approach was employed. Multiple sources of data gathering, which include participant observations, video recording, a questionnaire, and document analysis, were used as research instruments. The findings, relative to providing a basis for finding a mechanism to help our first year students to cope with the abstract concepts of programming, reflected the literature review. Other key findings included: Students have little or no prior computer or programming experience Student population is diverse in terms of computer skills and programming knowledge Visualization will help reduce the difficulties in writing programs The overall outcomes of this study suggest that:
Good programming examples that include games should be used Students must be given the opportunity to be more active in their learning. Computerized assistants should be provided for novice programmers A visualization tool similar to Scratch should be considered A basic background in Mathematics is recommende
Exploring planning education through an enterprise approach
No full textDissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Town and Regional Planning in the Faculty of Informatics and Design
at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyThe South African (town) planning education system has been influenced by philosophies of European and American planning education models. The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) planning school is no exception to this influence. The planning school adopted the technical and physical design model which was meant to respond to the need for technically skilled labourers of the 19th century. In the 19th century, education was security to a lifetime job, however in the current technological revolution this is no longer the case; it is the learned skills and experiences that can be added to your portfolio. Employers argue that graduates are out of sync with the needs and demands of the workplace; they are unable to express what they have learnt in the classroom in the workplace. The argument of this research is that the dominance of the technical skills component in the CPUT planning programme meant that graduates had a high level of technical skills while their “soft skills” were insufficiently developed. The “soft skills” that graduates need are enterprise skills. Enterprise skills are the result of enterprise education. There are two forms of enterprise education: education for enterprise aims to equip students with business start up skills, education through enterprise (which is the focus of this research) aims to teach students interpersonal skills through “learning by doing”; this enables students to translate the theory learnt in the classroom in the workplace. The objective of education through an enterprise approach is to develop behavioural skills, attitude and values which students can use in their professions. The research problem is that the current town planning curriculum of CPUT does not motivate nor support graduates to be enterprising.
The first objective of this research is to investigate enterprise skills that are relevant for planning graduates. The second objective is to investigate the existence of enterprise skills development in the town planning curriculum of CPUT. Therefore, the research questions are:
1. Which enterprise skills are relevant for town planning graduates?
2. Is there an existence of enterprise skills development in the CPUT town planning curriculum?
A mixed method research approach was used to answer the above-mentioned research questions. A quantitative research approach was used to answer the first research question, and this took the form of a questionnaire. There were two research participants: employers of CPUT graduates in the Western Cape were asked to identify relevant skills that graduates should have for the workplace. The other research participants were lecturers at the CPUT Department of Town and Regional Planning. They were asked to identify the skills that they developed through their teaching. The qualitative research approach was used to answer the second research question, this was in the form of structured interviews, and it was directed at the lecturers of the CPUT planning department. The objective of the qualitative method was to investigate the teaching styles of lecturers whether they promoted the development of enterprise skills.
Employers have confirmed that CPUT graduates demonstrate more technical skills than the interpersonal skills. Although employers are content with the quality of technical skills, they have indicated that the workplace needs graduates with thinking skills, teamwork, planning and organising, the ability to recognise the importance of stakeholders, time management, the ability to adapt to change and the ability to act resourcefully. On the other hand, lecturers believed that they developed graduates that have thinking skills, self-learning, problem solving, analytical skills, planning and organising, decision making, communication skills, independence and confidence. The skills that employers get, do not correlate with those skills that graduates demonstrate. The skills that graduates demonstrate do not correlate with the skills that they have been taught. Literature confirms this trend by stating that planning practitioners and planning educators share a common misunderstanding about what skills graduates should have.
The teaching styles of lecturers at the CPUT planning department were analysed using the principles of teaching through an enterprise approach which is: student centeredness, collaborative, experiential, flexible and negotiated teaching methods. It was found that the principles of collaboration and experiential learning were evident teaching practices. However, the principles of student centeredness, flexibility and negotiation were non-existent practices. In other words, there is some existence of an enterprise approach in teaching. Is it sufficient enough to develop enterprise skills that graduates need in industry? No, employers have confirmed that what they want from graduates is not what they get.
Even though literature does not explicitly link planning education and enterprise education, there are numerous planning education authors who believe in the concept and principles of enterprise education. The findings of this research have also indicated that indeed enterprise skills are vital for the workplace. The advantage of integrating enterprise education is that it can be moulded to fit the purpose and objective of any subject; it can be weaved into already existing subjects so that it does not overwhelm the system. There are numerous opportunities in the CPUT planning curriculum that provide a platform for the inclusion of enterprise education, such as planning design studios, service learning projects, etc. What is needed is a mind-shift from authoritarian teaching to a more student centred approach
Exploring nurses’ role in the management of children diagnosed with cancer in Ghana
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree
Masters of Nursing
in the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences
2015Background: Oncology nursing continues to evolve in response to advances in cancer treatment. The role of the oncology nurse in the management of cancer in children is very significant as these children go through a lot of emotional trauma due to the disease. Aim and objectives: The aim of the study is to explore and examine the quality of nursing care given to children diagnosed with cancer in Ghana. Some of the objectives are to examine strategies nurses use in planning care; and to determine processes nurses use to evaluate care given. Methodology: A mixed-methods qualitative cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Population and samples: Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana is selected as the research site. The population consists of all nurses working in the hospital and parents/carers looking after children diagnosed with cancer. The samples was nurses working on paediatric wards/clinics, parents/carers, and key informants. Selection of sample groups was opportunistic. Methods of data collection: three sources were used to collect data, i.e. questionnaires for nursing working on paediatric wards/clinics, interviews with nurses and carers, and key informant interviews. Analysis: descriptive statistical analysis of data was undertaken and the three data sources were triangulated to determine similarities and differences of responses. Benefits of the study: The results of the study will be submitted to the hospital management and articles will be submitted to peer-reviewed nursing journals.
Key words: paediatric oncology, nurses, oncology nurses, Kumasi, Ghana, Komfo Anokye teaching hospital
Echocardiography for early detection of heart disease in high risk diabetic patients
No full textMasters of Technology: Radiography
in the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences
at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology
2015Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with a significant impact on
personal lifestyle and wellbeing. It is associated with a high prevalence of myocardial
disease, the early detection of which is important for prevention of disease
progression. Although echocardiography is recognised as a leading cardiovascular
imaging modality, there has been limited work on its role in the early detection of
diabetes-related myocardial dysfunction. The aim of this study was therefore to
evaluate the role of echocardiography in the early detection of diabetes-related
myocardial disease, in a population with a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes
mellitus. Methodology: A single sonographer, blinded to individual biochemical
markers conducted detailed echocardiographic examinations on 407 participants
from a Cape Town community with a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus.
Participants were subsequently stratified by biochemical status, as normoglyceamia
or hyperglycaemia. The echocardiographic features of the two groups were
compared using the Pearson chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests. Findings:
Hyperglycaemia was associated with left atrium (LA) enlargement (p ˂ 0.0014),
aortic enlargement (p ˂ 0.0067) and inter-ventricular septal (IVS) thickening (p ˂
0.0001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that echocardiography can be a useful
screening tool for myocardial dysfunction in Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Ultrasound evaluation of the carotid artery in a population at high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus
No full textThesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Masters of Technology: Radiography in the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyBACKGROUND: Diabetic patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular events and
stroke, and its prevention is therefore the desired goal. In the arsenal of available techniques, ultrasound plays a vital role in primary healthcare. It is reliable, cost-effective and a noninvasive diagnostic tool that may prove beneficial for screening individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke in SA. OBJECTIVE: To determine the interrelationships between carotid ultrasound findings with glycaemia status and contributing risk factors of atherosclerosis in the selected population. METHODS: Initially blinded by the glycaemia status, blood results, contributing risks and
patient demographics, both carotid arteries were evaluated with duplex ultrasound (DUS), during July 2010 – July 2011. Using graphs, figures, frequency tables, means and standard deviations for the selected study population, univariate, multivariate and stepwise regression analysis was done to determine the association between ultrasound findings and risk factors for atherosclerosis. The hypothesis tested in this study was to determine if there is an increased incidence of carotid artery intima-media thickening (CIMT), plaque formation and stenosis in patients diagnosed with T2DM and hyperglycaemia in a very specific sub-population of mixedancestory, residing in Bellville South Africa (BSA). RESULTS: Of 534 subjects, 375 were of mixed ancestry and ≥35yrs of age, which met the inclusion criteria for the carotid ultrasound substudy. The glycaemic status for each individual was established, and 44% (165/375) were diagnosed hyperglycaemic, of which 66.7% (110/165) were diabetic (T2DM) and 33.3% (55/165) were pre-diabetic (Pre-DM). Majority (56%:265/375) had a normal glycaemic status. The ultrasound measurement of the carotid wall thicknesses (Mean Rt.
and Lt. CIMT) revealed a statistically significant rise from normal glycaemia status to DM status for both the males (p = 0.0115*; p = 0.0259*) and females (p < 0.0001**; p < 0.0001**) respectively. In terms of plaques and internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis (124/375), when grouped into normal and hyperglycaemic sub-groups, indicated plaque presence and some form of narrowing. A <50% stenotic ratio noted in 61% (76/124) of the hyperglycaemic group, that was 1.6 times higher than those with normal glycaemia (48/124). Predisposing factors demonstrated significantly higher levels in the females than in the males. The univariate multiple regression analysis after adjusted R² of 0.3247 for all independent variables (predisposing /contributing risk factor markers) of age (yrs.), SBP (mmHg), hs-CRP (mg/L), S-Cotinine (ng/mL) and LDL (mmol/L)
showed statistically significant positive associations with dependent variable of the mean carotid wall thickness (p < 0.0001**, p< 0.0001**, p = 0.0033*, p = 0.0409* and p = 0.0044)* respectively. Statistically significant positive differences and standard error (SE), for every unit of change (1yr.) of age (yrs.), as a contributing factor for herosclerosis, there was a change in the mean carotid wall thickness as predicted according to this model. The total contribution of independent risk factors to CIMT ultrasound measurements were calculated as 34.5% (Adjusted R² = 0.3247). In the multivariate stepwise regression analysis, the independent variables of age (p< 0.0001) ** and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.0001) ** showed the strongest positive association
with carotid wall thickeness changes. The hs-CRP (mg/L) inflammatory markers (p = 0.0014)* and LDL (mmol/L) (p = 0.0208)* were the 2nd and 3rd highest positive associated contributory risk factors for carotid artery wall thickening. The hip circumference (p = 0.0008)* and waist circumference (p = 0.0 555) + risk factors related to obesity was significant and approached significance, respectively, with the predicted increase of carotid artery wall thickening. CONCLUSION: Subjects diagnosed with T2DM and hyperglycaemia had increased levels of CIMT, plaques and carotid artery stenosis, compared to those subjects without T2DM. Age and systolic blood pressure, inflammatory (raised hs-CRP) and LDL cholesterol changes, and central (truncal) waist circumference adiposity, were positively associated with increased carotid intima media thickness. Smoking (S-Cotinine) and gender also reflected a direct relationship with
CIMT changes. The hip circumference adiposity and diastolic blood pressure measurements were not directly associated with an increase in CIMT, which are in keeping with hypertension and obesity formulas. These findings confirm the association of thickened CIMT, plaques and stenosis with ‘unhealthy’ T2DM subjects at higher risk of CVD and stroke. The total contribution of independent risk factors to CIMT measurements were calculated as 34.5% (Adjusted R² =0.3247). The gathered information, discussion of results, and concluding statements thereby supports the recommendation of carotid artery ultrasound evaluation, for screening and diagnosis in
primary health care, for ‘flagging’ high risk individuals at risk of stroke, so that lifestyle changes and appropriate management is early adopted
The causes of high staff turnover within selected hotels in Cape Town, South Africa
No full textThesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology Tourism and Hospitality Management in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyThe human resource department in the hospitality industry has a reputation for high staff
turnover and labour instability due to various reasons, such as staff members who are not
motivated and are not recognised for hard work. Another problem is employing unskilled
staff, low staff remuneration, staff members not being trained and long working hours. The
main research problem was: What were the reasons for the high staff turnover in the
selected hotels of this research study? From the main research problem three sub-problems
emerged the first being, Why does the selected hotels not understand what actually
motivates their employees to stay on in positions? The other two sub-problems are stated in
chapter 1. The main objective was to research the reasons why the selected hotels were
experiencing such high staff turnover. According to Amos, Ristow and Pearse (2008:172),
staff turnover can be from a combination of factors such as what the organisation pays, the
working conditions, opportunities for promotion, the quality of supervision, and poor group
relations, which makes it more or less appealing as an employer. The research design
utilised a multi-strategy approach whereby both quantitative and qualitative data were
gathered. The questionnaires were a quantitative data-gathering tool that provided the
researcher with information relating to why staff turnover is so high in the selected hotels.
Questionnaires were completed by human resource managers, senior managers, managers,
supervisors and staff members. The qualitative data were obtained from the interviews and
the literature review. Interviews were conducted with human resource managers (HRM) in
the selected hotels to find out what problems they face and to find solutions to reduce staff
turnover. The main findings were that many of those associated with the selected hotels
maintain that hotel positions do not offer creative and intellectual development. Once people
have understood the needs and demands of their particular job, their cultural learning and
intellectual stimulation comes to an end quickly, causing people to lose interest in their jobs
and look elsewhere. The main recommendations were that management styles and human
resource practices should be applied to stimulate, communicate with and recognise staff
potential. Money was not the main reason why staff resigned from their positions; rather it
was the fact that managers were not acknowledging them for their hard work and that there
was no growth within the selected hotels