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Using Pelvic Area Measurements In The Selection Of Replacement Sussex Heifers
Get PDFDissertationThe aim of this study was to use pelvic area measurements and external body measurements in the selection of replacement Sussex heifers to reduce dystocia during parturition, while improving their ease of calving. A total number of one hundred and eighty-six (186) first calf Sussex heifers ca 24 months old, weighing approximately 350 kg were used for this study. All heifers used for the study had a good body condition score (BCS) with an average of three and weighed more than 65% of the mature female body weight of the Sussex breed. Six two-year-old bulls, weighing approximately 800 kg were used for mating the 135 heifers during the first trial and with a bull ratio of (1:35; 1:35; 1:35 and 1:30). The second trial consisted of 51 heifers with a bull ratio of 1:30 and 1:21. All the bulls were tested for fertility by a private veterinarian before the breeding season. A phenotypic negative correlation was found between CES and PA, r = -0.26 and a moderate negative correlation between CES and PH, r = -0.40. There was a significant correlation between CES and calf gender, r = -0.35. The chances of a heifer to experience dystocia were more when a male calf was born compared to female calves. Birth weight, which is regarded as a good indicator of calf size revealed a positive correlation with CES, r = 0.31, this showing that the higher the BW, the higher the probability of a heifer to experience dystocia. The R2 value of 0.34 indicated that approximately 34% of the variability in PA could be predicted by the chest depth of heifers. It can be concluded that pelvic measurements in Sussex heifers may be a valuable tool to reduce dystocia
Assessing The Implementation Of The King III Internal Auditing Reporting Guidelines At Universities Of Technology In South Africa
Get PDFDissertationSound corporate governance is indispensable for any organisation, mitigating the risk
of financial scandals and maintaining the good reputation of organisations. Internal
auditing has been found to be one of the fundamental pillars of sound corporate
governance because of the key role it plays in improving organisational efficiency and
effectiveness through the assessment of internal controls and risks and making of
recommendations to enhance governance processes. Higher education institutions in
the South African context are facing numerous challenges, such as poor incorporation
of the King III Report and not being financially sustainable. This is especially applicable
to Universities of Technology (UoTs) as ‘newly born’ type of university that emerged
from the former technikons. Challenges such as those mentioned above emphasise a
need for UoTs to adhere to sound governance, and the King III internal auditing
guidelines can offer valuable insights in this regard. The main objective of the study
was, thus, to assess the extent to which UoTs in the South African context implement
the King III internal audit guidelines.
The study followed a qualitative research approach, using content analysis design to
evaluate the annual reports of the six UoTs in South Africa, namely the Central
University of Technology (CUT), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT),
Durban University of Technology (DUT), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT),
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and Vaal University of Technology (VUT).
For each university annual reports were examined for years ending 2014, 2015 and
2016. A two-rater scale indicating if information was disclosed or not disclosed was
used for section A of the empirical study, while a three-rater scale for section B of the
impirical study, indicating that information was fully disclosed, partially disclosed or not
disclosed. This, was applied to measure the extent to which the UoTs implemented
the King III internal audit principles. A checklist was developed to ensure a uniform
analysis of the documents.
Findings indicate that the UoTs did not implement most of the King III internal audit
guidelines for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016. The majority of UoTs did not report on
the following: whether internal audits adhered to the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Standards and Code of Ethics; whether the chief audit executive (CAE) reported
functionally to the audit committee chairperson; whether the audit committee was
responsible for the appointment, performance assessment and dismissal of the CAE
whether internal audits provided a written assessment of internal financial controls to
the audit committee. Most UoTs also failed to disclose whether the internal audit
charter was defined and approved by the council. However, in reporting information
which indicates that internal audit formed an integral part of the combined assurance
model the UoTs fared somewhat better. Although information was disclosed pertaining
to internal audit’s responsibility in respect of corporate governance, there is still room
for improvement. The positive findings indicate that most UoTs disclosed that internal
audit is responsible for reporting on internal control and risk management
A Framework To Enhance Financial Benefits Of Implementing Web Technologies At Central University Of Technology (Cut), Free State
Get PDFThesisThe implementation of various generations of web technologies worldwide and in South Africa
(SA) is continuously replacing the traditional e-learning methods. These changes are charging elearning
with greater potentials such as the ability to enable learning and access to educational
material without the limitations of space and time. The primary preoccupation of traditional elearning
was to allow a one-way sharing of material and information with students using electronic
tools. However, current web technologies have augmented this with collaborative core functions,
which have the ability to transform teaching and learning into a participative reality among all
stakeholders. Collaborative and participative benefits of web technologies allow for a flexible
interaction between students and lecturers in ways that defy physical boundaries. However,
Universities including the CUT have not been able to fully take advantage of the potentials of web
technologies that are available within and outside their current Learning Management Systems
(LMSs). This fact is noted in their underutilisation, where they use web tools to fulfil one-way
publicity of information and content sharing. Moreover, a lack of institutional approaches has
resulted in staff members at SA universities utilising the tools in self-directed ways.
The current reality where operational costs are escalating while external funding for universities has
been declining, and the trend marked by a rise in demand for higher education, presents universities
with the need to optimally utilise the tools that address a greater capacity with less resources. Since
web technologies help institutions to administer education to a large number of people with less
costly efforts, lack of proficient utilisation will make it impossible to address the ever-increasing
demand for higher education. Consequently, underutilisation of web tools means that universities
cannot reap significant financial benefits. It is similarly difficult to benefit and measure the impact
of the tools that are utilised in self-directed ways without a holistic institutional approach. In the
midst of these underutilisation within the educational sector, operational costs that could be
mitigated by web tools have been rising. The financial sustainability of universities will also be at
stake if cost efficient core business does not become a priority. Moreover, the current disturbances
in SA educational sector indicate that the time has come for universities to adopt approaches that
will safeguard resources from being damaged and ensure that educational processes remain
uninterrupted all the time. The main purpose of this study was therefore to develop a framework
that could assist CUT to implement web technologies in a manner that will achieve cost efficient
core business without compromising quality education.
A case study design was followed in which CUT is used as a critical case. Since the study aims at
exhausting field generated data to unravel the phenomenon of web technologies and its impact, and
because the nature of financial impact of web technologies in education has not been significantly
researched, the field work of the study employs qualitative techniques. The qualitative techniques employed are documentary reviews which are supplemented by one focus group discussions and
analysed through thematic analysis. It was found out that at CUT, web technologies are being
underutilised; there is no holistic institutional approach that guarantees growth of web technologies;
fragmented styles of utilisation by staff members make it impossible for an institution to experience
a detectable financial impact; the main reason for adopting web tools is to enhance learning which
is viewed as incongruent with financial benefit imperative; and the policies that drive teaching and
learning are not in congruence with financial sustainability imperatives embodied within the vision
and strategic goals of the University. All this is in spite of the University’s rising operational cost,
ever increasing number of student populace and regular disturbances which are continuously
interrupting teaching and learning. It is therefore recommended that the University implements a
framework that guarantees a holistic implementation of web tools over a specified period of time.
Such a framework should target specific operational costs and the ability to identify them. Since the
benefits of web tools are not so visible owing to fragmented utilisation within the University, there
is a need for an implementation approach that will guarantee wide institutional usage and impact.
The unique contribution of the study is a framework that demonstrates that the possibility of
detecting the financial benefits of web technologies lies in formalising the implementation thereof
and establishing clear standards of technology utilisation
Assessment Of Quality Management Practices At Transnet Engineering Locomotive Maintenance Depot, Bloemfontein
Get PDFDissertationThe aim of this study was to assess the Quality Management Practices employed at Transnet Engineering Locomotive (TE) Maintenance in Bloemfontein, Free State regarding the quality of services rendered to clients. TE is where locomotives for Transnet Freight Rail, an internal customer, are repaired and serviced. The study aimed at contributing to efficient and effective quality transport service operations at Transnet through improved internal quality services. To achieve this, the study had to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the current Quality Management Practices at TE and propose remedial measures for improvement.
A qualitative approach with structured interview questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions was used to collect data. The target population for data collection consisted of 50 employees at TE. A sample of 9 was selected from the population by applying non-probability sampling known as judgemental sampling also known as purposive sampling. The collected data was analysed using a qualitative method called framework analysis. Appropriate steps for data analysis in respect of framework analysis were used to arrive at the research findings.
It is important for any organisation to use a Quality Management System (QMS) effectively and ensure compliance with quality standards. Although TE has adopted and implemented ISO 9001:2008 to aid quality management, the study found that TE encountered challenges in the process. These challenges include negative attitude, lack of appropriate skills, poor workmanship and unsustainable practices. Based on these findings, it was recommended that ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management Systems should not just be used as a marketing tool for policy at TE but applied as practical and sustainable quality management system for quality service outcomes. It was also recommended that the identified challenges that inhibited the effective use of ISO 9001:2008 which raised concerns, be investigated further
Use Of Life Cycle Assessment Reference Method To Improve Life Span Of Roads In Maseru
Get PDFDissertationPoor road infrastructure in Lesotho has led to investigating the failure reasons and solutions to improving the transportation sector using life cycle assessment reference method. Life Cycle Assessment is an evaluation of pavement products from manufacturing to demolition.
A critical review of Lesotho laws and policies was done. These laws and policies governing the construction of roads sector were studied to review how the road construction is to be carried out in Lesotho. The expectations from the government concerning the transportation sector were reviewed. There has been a gap in that the government being the main client, as the construction does not fulfill the long term needs of communities. The literature reviews, questionnaires, interviews, observations and case studies were carried out to develop a framework to eliminate the early failure of roads. It concentrated mainly on the environmental impacts on the pavement product. For both economic prosperity and personal mobility, roads are a basic need in infrastructure systems. Life Cycle Assessment is being integrated daily in different disciplines to achieve sustainable practices that include the road construction sector. It studies the environmental impacts and helps predict future circumstances. This study elaborates on ways to improve current situations to meet future economic needs. This study quantifies the environmental impacts of a product, in this case, road construction. It is used to assess the environmental issues to enhance prolonged pavement life in the Lesotho roads
Internet Of Things-Based Framework For Public Transportation Fleet Management In The Free State
Get PDFThe poor service delivery by the Free State public transportation system inspired us to design a framework solution to improve the current system. This qualitative study focuses on improving the management of the public transportation fleet. One of the most recently developed technologies in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), namely the Internet of Things (IoT), was utilised to develop this framework.
Existing problems were identified through research observations, analyses of the current system, analyses of the current problem areas, as well as participants’ questionnaire answers and recommendations, the participants being the passengers, drivers and vehicle owners.
The framework was developed in two phases, namely a hardware phase that makes use of ICT sensors (e.g. RFID, GPS, GPRS, IR, Zigbee, WiFi), and a software phase that uses an internet connection to communicate with the different ICT devices. The software utilised a Graphic User Interface (GUI) to ensure that the software is user-friendly and addresses possible problems and barriers such as multiple language interfaces and different ICT skills levels. The newly designed framework offers different services and solutions to meet the participants’ needs, such as real-time tracking for public transport vehicles to help passengers manage their departure and arrival times, as well as for vehicle owners to monitor their own vehicles. In turn, vehicle arrival notifications will encourage passengers to be on time so that vehicles will not be delayed unnecessarily. Another feature is counting devices that can be installed inside the vehicles, which will inform vehicle owners how many passengers are being transported by a vehicle. The passenger pre-booking system will support the drivers when planning their trips/routes.
Finally, the framework was designed to fulfil all the participants’ needs that were indicated in the questionnaires in order to achieve the goal of the research study
Assessing The Feasibility Of Emerging Technologies As A Research Knowledge Management Tool In Academia: A Case Study In A South African Context
Get PDFDissertationThis study considers the challenge of retaining the research knowledge of aging, experienced professoriate at Universities of Technology (UoTs), institutions with a nascent tradition of scholarly research, this study proposes a technology-supported framework for knowledge generation, retention and transfer for the Central University of Technology (CUT) Free State. CUT has been continually confronted with the risk of losing the research knowledge of highly experienced aging professors upon retirement, transfer or resignations. Given the absence of strong mechanisms and interventions for preserving tacit knowledge upon the departure of such senior academics, the need to develop practical frameworks for addressing such attrition at higher education institutions (HEIs) especially UoTs cannot be over-emphasised. The main objective of this study, therefore, was to develop an emerging technology (ET)-mediated knowledge management approach for the management (i.e. generation, transfer and retention) of research knowledge at CUT.
The study drew on the Interpretive Paradigm, Nonaka and Takeuchi’s Theory of Organisational Knowledge Creation, an Action Research Approach, and detailed qualitative data triangulation involving in-depth semi-structured interviews, focus groups, document review and the author’s reflections to establish the extent to which an emerging technology, SharePoint, would serve as a platform for generating, transferring and retaining research knowledge among experienced and emerging academics at CUT. The target population for this study was academics and research staff in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology who are already using SharePoint in informal ways. The collected data was then employed in developing a technology-enhanced knowledge management model through which the knowledge of the well-seasoned researchers and academics can be transferred to the inexperienced junior staff to prevent knowledge loss in higher education institutions.
The major findings of the study were the underutilisation of SharePoint by most academics, the overreliance on the local (L) drive for sharing academic meeting and policy information, the heavy workload of junior staff and senior academics’ burgeoning administrative responsibilities that limited their involvement on knowledge management practices. Therefore, the development of an effective knowledge management framework was hampered by the following factors: academic’s culture of working in silos, the existence of knowledge hoarding, the reluctance to share knowledge across racial and cultural divides and the lack of resource persons to facilitate the sustained use of emerging technologies in support of knowledge management. However, there was also evidence to demonstrate that tacit knowledge can be assimilated from a comprehensive examination of the knowledge production interactions between senior academics and novices enabled by low threshold technology and collaborative sharing of content.
Based on these findings the study recommends a clear institutionalisation of policy on knowledge management and guidelines on how learning designers can tap into exemplars of effective use of SharePoint and other technologies and then use them for the wider roll-out of such technologies across campus. This study’s insights are relevant to Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) struggling to create a sustainable culture of scholarly research and grow a new generation of competent researchers amid the attrition of senior academics and the prevalence of systemic blockages in knowledge transfer processes
Reconceptualising Curriculum And Assessment In Universities Of Technology In South Africa
Get PDFThesisThis study sought to examine lecturers’ perceptions on curriculum design and modes of assessment within a differentiated system in universities of technology (UoTs) in South Africa. This research project is predominantly qualitative and adopts an interpretive approach during data collection. Selection of participants consisted of three purposively selected HoDs, fourteen lecturers from different faculties, most of whom come from industries, and twelve purposively selected undergraduate students. A purposive sampling technique was used in the selection of data. Data were collected by using an interview schedule for staff, observation, and questionnaires for students, including document analysis. A thematic analysis was used to sort data qualitatively into emerging themes. It was found that curriculum design and assessment, which integrates theory and practice whilst placing theoretical knowledge at the centre of the curriculum, contributes towards developing students’ analytical abilities pertinent to social justice issues and innovative skills. The findings further showed the importance of recognising the uniqueness of the role of universities of technology in comparison with traditional universities in integrating theory and practice that enables the application of knowledge. This study concludes that students’ success during the pedagogic encounter depends on meaningful engagement with content knowledge and meaningful ways in which students are assessed to enable them to develop analytical and creative thinking abilities and skills pertinent to solving complex problems and for stimulation of innovative thinking that lays the foundation for using thinking abilities to tackle social justice issues as well as being able to transcend and adapt to the 21st century innovative and knowledge economy
Evaluation Of Non-Supported Overhangs Produced By Aeroswift High-Speed Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Get PDFDissertationAdditive manufacturing (AM) is a unique manufacturing technology that aims at
fabricating parts that were previously regarded as impossible by other manufacturing
techniques. One of the AM techniques that has established itself in the aerospace
industry is the laser powder bed fusion technique. However, poor surface roughness
and porosity of the as-built components are the limiting factor for this technique. This
study carried out an experiment to address these limitations by fabricating
overhangs, i.e. parts without any support structures.
Parallelepipeds samples were manufactured with inclination angles from 25° to 90°
with 5° increment between angles. Samples were built with optimal processparameters
developed by the unique Aeroswift high-speed laser powder bed fusion
system. Two directions of scanning were used: parallel-to-powder deposition
direction and perpendicularly.
Subsequent to the building process, samples were cut from the base plate and
prepared for characterisation. Two surfaces were examined, i.e. downward-facing
surface (downskin) and the upward-facing surface (upskin). The surface morphology
for the as-built samples were analysed using contact-type surface roughness meter
Mitutoyo Surftest SJ-210a, image processing by digital microscope Zeiss
Smartzoom 5 and microCT scans by a General Electric VTomeX L240 system.
Surface morphology was validated by gathering images and 2D profiles. Statistical
analysis includes calculation of average values, standard deviations and Student’s ttest
for corresponding groups. MicroCT data was visualised and analysed in Volume
Graphics VGStudioMax 3.0 to characterise the 3D aerial surface roughness
parameters, such as: Sa, Sz, Sq, Ssk, etc. MicroCT scans and optical microscope
images of polished cross-sections were used to quantify porosity for different
inclination angles.
From the measured surface roughness results, it was determined that roughness is
affected by the inclination angle. The downward-facing surface was identified as
having the worst surface roughness at low inclination angles (25°–45°). However,
surface roughness improved as the inclination angle increased. From the findings it
was determined that this was attributed to powder sticking to the surface and stair-stepping effect. Powder sticking to the surface occurred as a result of the melt pool
solidifying on top of loose powder during processing of overhangs. The particles on
the surface were clearly visible on the 3D images and SEM images. The level of
peaks and valleys was also improved as the angle increased which agreed to the
measured results. The cross-sectioning obtained using an optical microscope
showed a more rugged profile on downskin surface at low inclination angles.
The reverse occurred on the upskin surfaces: an increased in inclination angle did
not yield any improvement in the level of surface roughness. Surface roughness for
the upskin surfaces was found to be influenced mostly by stair-stepping effect at low
angles and by partially sintered powder particles sticking to the surface at higher
inclination angles. This phenomenon resulted in a zigzag curve (roughness data
versus inclination angle from 25° to 90°). The qualitative images validated this
observation as there was no improvement in the amount of roughness on the upskin
surface of the samples.
The microCT results and cross-sectional analysis showed that there was no
significance difference in the level of near-surface area porosity in the comparison
between the inclination angle for the upskin and the downskin surfaces. All the
manufactured samples for different inclinations and orientations exhibited porosity
levels less than 0.1%.
The scanning direction was found to have an influence on the level of surface
roughness. The results showed that surfaces that were created by start-end parts of
the tracks with contouring (XZ-orientated samples) achieved better quality than the
ones that were created by lateral sides of the tracks with contouring (YZ-orientation).
Furthermore, the scanning direction was also observed to affect the level of
deformation to the samples. The samples that were scanned along the long side, i.e.
YZ-orientated samples, experienced more deformation compared to the ones
scanned in the perpendicular direction.
This study concluded that parts can be successfully produced using higher
processing parameters. However, lower inclination angles pose a challenge with
regard to surface quality of samples. To achieve a better surface quality during
production the parts need to be XZ-orientated as described above and inclination angles less than 45 should be avoided where possible. In addition, it was found that
neither the orientation of samples or inclination angle has an effect on the level of
porosity when process parameters are properly optimised.
Some promising directions for further investigation of surface characterisation in
high-speed LPBF parts based on the study’s findings are discussed
A Review of Robotics Research in South Africa
Get PDFPublished ArticleRobots are increasingly being used in the industry.
Businesses that use robots can produce products and provide
services at lower costs and with higher quality. Some
industries, like automotive manufacturing, have become
dependent on robots. The impact of robots on society and the
greater economy is not clear. Robots threaten the jobs of lowskilled
workers and even middle-skilled workers. While
researchers and governments are trying to understand the
impact of robots on the economy, it is commonly accepted that
robots will be used more widely across all industries.
With this in mind, it is useful to consider the current
research in robotics at South African research institutions.
This paper is such a review. It is not exhaustive, but it provides
a sense of the robotics research being done in South African
research institutions.
It appears that research institutions do not work on
common themes, yet many research groups relate their work
to Industry 4.0. The review suggests that each research group
is working on topics of interest to them. The implication of
this is that a wide variety of robotic themes are being
researched in South Africa