39624 research outputs found
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Nuclear parcellation of pontine catecholaminergic and cholinergic neurons in gray parrots and pied crow brains
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A review of research on intelligent technology in building air conditioning system optimisation
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The incidence of snakebite in South Africa and the challenges associated with lack of reporting
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Race, Gender, and Distinction in the Transformation of South Africa's Architecture Profession
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy, in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Architecture and Planning, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025This thesis, titled "Race, Gender, and Distinction in the Transformation of South Africa's Architecture Profession”, critically examines the architectural profession in South Africa from 2000 to 2019, a period marked by significant socio-political change following the end of apartheid. The study corroborates the regulator’s contention that the formal registration of professionals has not kept up with the increasing number of graduates. Moreover, this attrition disproportionately affected women and black^ individuals. This retention-transformation nexus poses a challenge that is (it is argued) untenable in the prevailing context of resource constraints. Grounded in Pierre Bourdieu's theoretical framework, the research considered both race and gender within the profession, employing a mixed-methods approach that combined quantitative data analysis with qualitative insights. The study articulates four key objectives: (i) to delineate the professional pipeline and quantify losses; (ii) to describe the field's structural dynamics; (iii) to explore the development of habitus through personal narratives; and (iv) to synthesise findings to propose initiatives for enhancing retention and transformation. Bourdieu's concepts of field, habitus, and capital were used to formulate a model for distinction to frame the study. The architecture profession was examined as a field, with a complex system of relations among various actors, including individuals, regulatory bodies, educational institutions, and professional associations. The findings indicate that losses accumulated at every inflection point in the professional pipeline, affecting cohorts differently, at different points. Attrition was a significant feature of the profession, resulting in a marked and persistent underrepresentation of women and black^ professionals, particularly in the more prestigious professional categories. The roles of various instruments intended to drive change were reviewed. Data on the professional journeys of architecture professionals were collected using an electronic survey and subsequently recorded and visualised, noting the difference and congruence of the affective dimensions of professional journeys. An analysis was undertaken visualising some typical economic, social, cultural, and symbolic capital exchanges as actors competed and cooperated to gain distinction in the field. The thesis proceeds to tentatively propose recommendations for stakeholders aimed at fostering a more inclusive and responsive architecture profession that reflects the diverse interests of contemporary South African society. The thesis concludes by questioning whether education in architecture is beneficial to individuals and society, even outside the prescripts of registered practice. Attrition and retention in workplaces and in professions have been widely studied, including from perspectives of gender and race, leading scholars to call it a ‘wicked’ problem. This thesis builds on 25 years of prior research conducted on attrition and transformation of the architecture professions in Canada, the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Aotearoa New Zealand, and Australia, in this case in a setting where the professional minority is the demographic majority.MM202
Digital transitions at the port human capital technology adoption and operational efficiency among independent truckers
No full textWiFi 6 Data Transmission over a LowVoltage Power Line Channel Implementation and Analysis
No full textEvaluating the effects of foreign currency shortages in Africa on South African corporate growth
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Business Administration, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025South Africa (SA) is considered Africa's "de facto" economic leader, with the growth of its corporate sector critical to shaping the continent's future. The US dollar (USD) is the primary currency in Africa, and a key driver of cross-border investment is the ability to access foreign currency for repatriating profits, paying suppliers, and receiving payments from customers. By analysing data collected from South African companies operating in Africa, this study identifies key challenges, risk mitigation measures and ultimately assesses the impact of foreign currency (forex) shortages on South African corporate growth. A mixed-method study approach used Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to measure the strength and direction of the relationship between forex shortages, risk mitigation measures and SA corporate growth. Descriptive statistics identified the primary attributes, challenges and risk mitigation measures. The quantitative analysis was supported by 10 one-on-one interviews with senior executives from SA firms with extensive experience in conducting business in Africa. The data gathered from the participants was then thematically analysed to draw conclusions based on the findings. The findings indicate that forex shortages hinder cross-border investment, cash flows and impede the expansion of South African companies in African markets but are a contributing rather than a deciding factor to their growth. The study highlights the need for robust internal controls and local presence to mitigate the negative effects of sustained periods of forex shortages. The results further confirm previous research, highlighting stable macro-economic indicators, market share, and opportunities to develop Africa’s infrastructure and low technology base as key motivating factors for South African corporate expansion into Africa.MM202