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Fiscal decentralisation : domesticating a methodology for Lesotho
Get PDFLesotho adopted decentralisation as the policy for promoting popular participation and to better local public services for securing socio-economic wellness for Basotho. Pursuant to 2005 local government elections, the country established a full operational subnational government structure. Lesotho experienced a notable progress in implementing political and administrative decentralisation explained through the presence of guiding legal frameworks. However, there is no legislation dedicated for the implementation of fiscal decentralisation. The impact of the absence of fiscal statute is reflected in multiple subnational government financial challenges such as unfunded mandate and dependency on national government financing.
The national decentralisation policy was developed to create a platform for reshaping the decentralisation process through development of comprehensive supporting legislations. The focus of the study is to conceptualise fiscal decentralisation and develop a domesticated methodology for Lesotho. Consequently, the main research question was: What is the best fiscal decentralisation methodology for Lesotho? The literature conceptualise fiscal decentralisation as the legislative allocation of fiscal powers in terms of revenue and expenditure as well as intergovernmental transfer between government spheres. The fiscal decentralisation theories were used to explain the best practices for the assignment of functions and design of intergovernmental transfers for improving local service delivery.
The study was conducted using mixed methods research to enable complementarity of methods. The data was collected through document analysis, questionnaires and interviews within local councils in the four districts namely: Maseru, Berea, Mohale’s Hoek and Thaba-Tseka. The study established that fiscal decentralisation is an important component of decentralisation. The study also revealed that Lesotho does not have fiscal decentralisation statute to guide subnational government financial system. In this regards, fiscal decentralisation is realised as the weakest link in Lesotho’s decentralisation process. The developed methodology presented the content of fiscal decentralisation statute with regard to assignment of functional responsibilities, subnational government financing, subnational financial management system and intergovernmental fiscal relations. It is believed the methodology will enable Lesotho to achieve decentralisation objectives. The study contributes to the limited body of knowledge on the theories that underpin fiscal decentralisation research aiming at the better diagnosis of its role in the success of decentralisation process. The current study is part of the policy advisory system for the development of fiscal decentralisation statutes for Lesotho. In this regard, the study is a scientific contribution to the policy development process that aims at assisting the country to develop a constructive and effective fiscal decentralisation statute.D. Phil. (Public Administration)Public Administration and Managemen
Education and training of Library and Information Science professionals in digital scholarship in South Africa
No full textDynamics in the library and information science (LIS) job market brought about by the fourth
industrial revolution, including digital scholarship, calls for LIS schools to reconsider their
curricula in line with the job market. This study explored the education and training of LIS
professionals on digital scholarship in South Africa. Concepts from two frameworks on
curriculum development and the Gap Service Quality Model were used as conceptual
underpinnings for this study.
This study used the qualitative research approach through the adoption of a multiple case study
method. Content analysis was used in examining the course outlines in the LIS school’s course
outlines and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from the five LIS schools’
Heads of Departments (HoDs) and five lecturers teaching digital scholarship. Five directors in
academic and research council libraries were interviewed to find the perceptions of LIS
employers of digital scholarship. Additionally, five digital scholarship librarians were
interviewed. The data collected were analysed thematically following the methods by Braun
and Clarke (2012) using ATLAS.ti 9.
The study showed that most LIS schools were not offering content on digital scholarship due
to a lack of relevant 4IR infrastructure and the available workforce to offer such education. The
study revealed that the LIS schools that were teaching digital scholarship lacked the practical
component. Academics indicated that a shortage of literature on digital scholarship led to a
poor infusion of the concept in the curriculum. It was discovered that the LIS school failed to
consult with relevant stakeholders when developing the curriculum.
This study recommended that LIS schools should develop a curriculum that accommodates the
current trends in digital scholarship. The study recommended that the LIS schools should
procure the 4IR infrastructure relevant to digital scholarship. Capacity-building workshops
should be offered to academics to develop knowledge and skills in this area. Consultationrelevant
stakeholders such as LIS practitioners, interdisciplinary fields, and the Department of
Higher Education and Technology on digital scholarship were identified as the strategy that
can help improve the LIS curriculum. A framework that could be used when developing an LIS
curriculum, inclusive of digital scholarship, was proposed.Information Scienc
The geography of COVID-19 misinformation: using geospatial maps for targeted messaging to combat misinformation on COVID-19, South Africa
No full textAbstract
Objective
The proliferation of false information on COVID-19 mostly through social media is adversely affecting control efforts. The objective of this study was to identify areas where targeted effective messaging can be useful in demystifying misinformation against COVID-19.
Results
The study showed high levels of misinformation on COVID-19 in the study area [mean score 2.71; standard deviation (SD) 1.5]. The highest levels of misinformation were observed in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district, North West province (mean score: 3.84; SD: 2.1) and Sedibeng district, Gauteng province (mean score: 3.56; SD 1.7). Higher levels of misinformation were reported by those aged 18–24 years (mean score: 3.48; SD: 1.8), and men (mean score: 2.73; SD: 1.8). Across the two provinces, we identified geospatial hot and coldspots of misinformation highlighting the need to implement point of care strategies such as targeted messaging. Findings showed the need for targeted interventions to young people, students, those with low levels of education and the self-employed in the two districts more importantly, as South Africa expands its nationwide vaccination roll-out
A student support plan for clinical placement of nursing students in Rwanda
No full textThe quality of support that students receive during clinical placement depends on
planning of clinical placement that integrates students’ needs with available support
services, materials, and resources. A qualitative study was conducted with the purpose
of proposing a student support plan for clinical placement of students to enhance clinical
learning according to the affective, cognitive, and systemic dimensions of student
support. Data was collected by means of five focus group interviews with nursing students
registered for the bachelor’s (undergraduate) degree programme leading to registration
as a nurse, at a selected university in Rwanda.
The two major themes that emerged were, firstly, support needed from nursing students’
clinical learning experiences and, secondly, suggestions to enhance clinical learning
during clinical placement. From the students’ feedback, it was evident that nursing
education institutions need to collaborate with the healthcare institution to address
students’ support needs, which could enhance clinical learning.
As an outcome of the study, a student support plan for clinical placement of students was
drawn up, which can be used as a guide when planning for students’ clinical placement,
and which could support students in practice. Further research is recommended to
explore student support needs according to level of study in the bachelor’s nursing degree
programme, which could provide insights that can be used by future researchers to devise
a framework for a student support plan for clinical placement of nursing students.M.A. (Health Studies)Health Studie
Environmental geohydrological investigation : focusing on the Onderstepoort landfill site, Gauteng, South Africa
Get PDFThe Onderstepoort landfill facility is in the City of Tshwane (CoT) and has been operational since 1996. The facility was developed following the Environmental Conservation Act (ECA) 73 of 1989 and classified as G:M:Bwhich means that the facility accepts general waste (G), medium in size (M), and with no significant generation of leachate (B-). Onderstepoort landfill facility has reached its full capacity and is in the process of being closed.Tshibalo,(2017) also revealed that the Onderstepoort landfill facility was established without bottom liners and lacked a leachate collection system. Thus, it was necessary to conduct a study to investigate the physical, chemical, and microbiological quality of groundwater samples collected from the three existing boreholes in the facility.
A limited pilot water quality study involved the analysis of water from two boreholes in August 2015 for pH, electrical conductivity, colour, and total coliform count. After a third borehole was drilled, a more comprehensive four-week study was conducted in August, October, and November 2016. Groundwater samples were collected and analysed in an accredited laboratory for comparison against the World Health Organisation (WHO) and SANS 241: 2015 drinking water quality standards.
Physical parameter analysis showed that the sample water colour and electrical conductivity were within both water quality standards of WHO (2017) and SANS (2015). Although the water pH decreased since the 2015 study, the pH of the water samples collected in 2016 still exceeded the WHO (2017) water quality standard. The chemical parameter analysis showed that chloride, fluoride, cadmium, calcium, lead, sodium and zinc were within the water quality standards but higher than standard concentrations of copper, sulphate, nitrate nitrogen, magnesium and manganese determined.
The parameters such as sulphate, copper and iron are within the acceptable limits since the 2015 study. The microbiological analysis also showed high numbers of E.coli and total coliforms that had increased since 2015. Based on the results of this study, the leachate from the decomposed waste material may be responsible for groundwater contamination due to the lack of bottom liners and it might make the groundwater unsafe for human consumption or domestic use. As a consequence, there is a need for continuous monitoring of the groundwater quality within and outside the facility.M. Sc. (Environmental Management)Environmental Science
Design optimization of heavy motor vehicle chassis
Get PDFA vehicle chassis is one of the most vital components of an automobile. It supports various
components like the vehicle body, engine, and suspension and transmission system. The
purpose of heavy-duty motor vehicles (HMV) is to carry large loads, and this is often in
harsh conditions. Therefore, the chassis design should withstand undesired static and
dynamic loads experienced by the vehicle when in operation. Identifying and improving
the properties of the chassis that affect the field performance of these vehicles is the key
challenge faced by HMV designers.
In this work, the chassis considered for improvement is the steel (St52E) TATA 1612
truck. The main measures identified for a compliant chassis are; satisfactory equivalent
stresses, deformation, strain energy, safety factor and weight reduction. The chassis
properties identified for improvement are the geometry (dimensions and cross-sections)
and chassis material. In terms of geometry, different chassis member cross-sections
(square, C, I and T) were studied under static loading. The above geometry studies are
then adopted on a number of proposed metal matrix composite (MMC) materials. These
are Graphite Al GA 7-230, P100/6061 and Al 6092/SiC/17.5P. In order to systematically
improve these chassis variable properties, finite element model (FEM), modal analysis
and Taguchi response surface methods (RSM) are used. Utilizing Taguchi design of
experiments (DOE), the optimization design points are generated. The methods used are
the central composite design (CCD), optimal space fill (OSF), Behnken-Box (B-B),
Sparse Grid Initialization (SGI) and the Latin Hypercube (LH) design schemes.
The I and T cross sections are found not to be compliant with acceptable industry
requirements for application on HMV chassis. The Graphite Al GA 7-230 material, using
the square profile, shows the lowest deformation of 78.33 mm and Al 6092/SiC/17.5p
shows a maximum deformation of 694.83 mm under static loading. The optimization
results show that the percentage of weight reduction obtained is 5.37% for the St52E
material using the CCD scheme. By using P100/6061 Al and Al 6092/SiC/17.5P materials,
the chassis weight reduction is 68.15% and 64.3% lower respectively over the standard
St52E.Ph.D. (Engineering)Engineering, Science and Technolog
External debt, domestic debt and inflation in Nigeria: A multivariate granger-causality test
Get PDFMost recent studies have established a significant link between public debt and inflation in developed and developing countries. However, limited studies dealt with the direction of causality between these variables. Since external public debt relief in 2005, the Nigerian government has pursued public debt management strategy aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability. Yet, inflation rates remain high compared to the Central Bank's single-digit policy target range of 6% to 9%. It is unclear whether the high inflation rate in the economy is related to the renewed contributions of external and domestic public debt in the funding of the budget deficit, and if it is, what could be the direction of the causality? Therefore, this study examines the dynamic Granger-causality between public external debt and inflation and public domestic debt and inflation in Nigeria using annual data for the period between 1986 and 2019. The study introduces interest rate and economic growth as intermittent variables alongside key variables to create a multivariate Granger-causality model to account for omission-of-variable bias. Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to cointegration and the error correction model (ECM)-based Granger-causality test, the results show a distinct unidirectional causal flow from inflation to external debt. The findings further show a feedback relationship between domestic debt and inflation in the short run, but causality runs from domestic debt to inflation in the long run. The findings of this study have important policy implications.Economic
Building resilience in support of suspended learners
Get PDFConsistent with research on alternative forms of discipline, out of school suspension seems to be amongst the traditional management practices that succeed "gun free zone" and "zero tolerance policy" corporal punishment. Research has shown that the number of learners suspended, particularly those in South Africa Township schools, is increasing with minimal efforts to support them; learners are faced by risks and they are not understood by adults who care for them. These learners are viewed as problematic, challenging and troublesome. They are subjected to unequal discipline practices (Bradley & Renzulli, 2011), irrespective of the differences in their adversities. Out of school suspension has been found to disadvantage learners in various ways: they are academically deprived and this put them at risk of being kept back in a grade; they are left with feelings of isolation and discrimination as well as thoughts of dropping out of school; and there is a high risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system.
The aim of this study was to explore, understand and describe the internal and external tensions experienced by suspended learners who have been identified with behaviour problems by reviewing the relevant available literature and through empirical research. The study also aimed to develop a feasible framework that could support suspended learners. A qualitative research design and phenomenology as a mode of enquiry were used in this study. The constructs of strength-based perspective and resilience thought to be relevant to the study were considered. The researcher agreed with the views of Saleeby (1996) and Ungar (2008) who focus on individuals' strengths and assets not on content. They shift the frame of reference to define issues and concentrate on identifying, mobilising, and honouring the resources, assets, wisdom and knowledge of every individual, family, school and community.
The findings resulted in the emergence of seven themes. Some unique contextual findings were discovered and they were supported by the existing literature. Clinical implications, limitations and ideas for future research were also discussed. The proposed new paradigm takes into consideration an alignment of strengths, competencies and contributions with resources and support in the environment to maximize resilience development in suspended learners.Ph. D. (Psychology of Education)Psychology of Educatio
Interventions to enhance newborn care in north-West Ethiopia: the experiences of health care professionals
Get PDFAbstract
Background
The provision of optimal and quality services during labour, delivery and in the early neonatal period is highly required to accelerate the reduction of neonatal deaths and improve the quality of life of newborns. The availability of competent health professionals and the essential medicines and supplies in the health facilities are compulsory. Cost-effective interventions exist to prevent more than 80% of all newborn deaths. However, an unacceptably high number of newborns are dying in the study area, and much is not known about the main contributing factors in primary healthcare settings. This study aimed to explore and describe the quality of care provided to newborns in the primary healthcare units.
Methods
Qualitative exploratory and descriptive design was employed. Focus group discussions were held with 26 participants (11 health workers and 15 health extension workers) in three woredas in the West Gojjam zone, Ethiopia. Health workers and health extension workers were purposely selected. Thematic analysis was undertaken.
Results
The primary healthcare facilities play a major role in the provision of essential services for newborns in the critical periods, including during labor and birth, immediately after birth and in the early postnatal care period. Resuscitation of birth asphyxia, prevention of hypothermia, initiation of breastfeeding, application of tetracycline, vitamin k injection, weighing babies and chlorhexidine application were identified as immediate essential intervention for the newborns. However, these interventions are hampered by factors such as lack of adequately trained staff & hands-on skills; weak referral linkage; stock-out of essential medicines and supplies and poor quality for early postnatal care home visits.
Conclusions
In order to enhance the quality of newborns healthcare provision, the health-systems constraints at health centres and heath posts level should be fixed to provide the required services for newborns. This requires allocation of adequate resources to tackle health facilities readiness related bottlenecks, such as the frequent stock out or lack of essential supplies, equipment, and medicines, lack of proper space for the service provision, not systematic replenishing of the revised job-aids and maintenance of medical equipment, poor infection prevention including water and sanitation in the maternity wards and newborn corners
The characterization of the electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) and its application in micro grids using the hybrid energy storage system (HESS)
No full textElectrical energy storage is very important. Energy storage devices such as batteries and
capacitors can be used to store energy.
In this dissertation we investigate the use of a supercapacitor or electric double-layer
capacitor (EDLC) to store energy.
The EDLC, also known as a supercapacitor, is a new type of electrical energy storage
device used across many different fields in engineering. Firstly, two EDLC’s of values 300
F and 400 F were characterized by connecting them in a laboratory experiment to produce
their charge/discharge profiles under constant current. The EDLC’s datasheet
parameters including the capacitance and equivalent series resistance were then derived
from the acquired charge/discharge profile. In addition to this, the experimental
charge/discharge profiles were used to determine the parameters of the chosen EDLC's
using the equivalent circuit model called the "two branch" or Faranda model.
The derived "two branch" equivalent circuit parameters were then used to design a
Python/MATLAB/Simulink (PMS)-hybrid model of the EDLC's for simulation purposes.
The PMS model used the derived parameters as inputs and produced simulated
charge/discharge profiles for both the 300 F and 400 F EDLC’s. By superimposition, the
simulated and experimental charge/discharge profile were compared to evaluate the
accuracy and validity of the proposed PMS model. This was done to enable future
simulation in conjunction with a battery in a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) to show
the potential of the EDLC in improving battery lifespan.
Following the above, a 65 F, 16.2 V EDLC supercapacitor was sourced due to its midrange
capacitance and voltage close to a 12 V DC supply. This was done to investigate
whether the EDLC can help in reducing stress and prolong the battery lifespan in a hybrid
energy storage system (HESS). A laboratory experiment was setup for the EDLC to
produce its charge/discharge profile at a constant current of 5 and 10 A. As was done
with the previous 300 F and 400 F, the 65F, 16.2 V Faranda or “two branch model” mathematical parameters were extracted from the experimental charge/discharge profile
in preparation for its modelling. In keeping with the laboratory experiment, the EDLC was
connected with a 12 V lead-acid battery and a load to form a HESS, which was tested
under difference load conditions. Experimental battery data such as voltage, current, state
of charge (SOC) under HESS and battery energy storage system (BESS) without the
EDLC were compared.
To simulate a HESS, the extracted parameters from the 65 F, 16.2 V EDLC were used
as inputs to design the Python/MATLAB/Simulink (PMS) model of the EDLC. The PMS
model of the EDLC was then used as a subcomponent in a HESS system modelled in
MATLAB/Simulink. Using constant load conditions, the battery’s voltage, current, power
and state of charge (SOC) were analyzed for a BESS and HESS systems similar to what
was done in the experimental setup. Experiment and simulation were then compared.
In conclusion, due to the high variation of battery parameters in the BESS setup for both
experiment and simulation, and stability of the same battery values in the HESS setup,
the EDLC in the HESS setup indeed reduces stress on the battery and prolongs battery
lifespan. The unique contribution of this work lies in modelling the EDLC using python programming language before integrating the python algorithm to MATLAB and Simulink
to form the Python/MATLAB/Simulink (PMS) – hybrid model of the EDLC.M. Sc. (Electrical Engineering)Engineering, Science and Technolog