The current status of affirmative action practices in the automotive sector does not offer designated managers Management Career Development (MCD) plans or practices that can be formulated, implemented and measured. Japanese techniques that have been tried do not look at improving the skills of designated management and do not provide models for advancement at managerial level that make sense within the South African Human Resources Management (HRM) context. There is a growing demand for top skilled managers and executive appointments in the South African economic market. This trend is reflected in the increasing number of recruitment advertisements. The Department of Labour (2000b) places a heavy emphasis on achieving equity in the formal labour market and in the acquisition of managerial skills by all South Africans. The South African potential working population has reached a total of 27.9 million of which 15.9 million are economically active and 12 million are economically inactive (Department of Labour, 2001). The employment numbers in the manufacturing sector have continued to decline and there is evidence of managerial shortages and a continued brain drain of highly skilled white personnel. A pilot research survey revealed that there was a lack of affirmative action career-pathing models or staff succession plans and that there are many designated managers who lack an MCD programme. There are a high number of people in South Africa who are not employable, due to a lack of relevant managerial skills and the need for effective MCD. It is therefore imperative that DSGN managers acquire expertise in the area of general career planning management to ensure business plan effectiveness and to act as catalysts to address the high skills shortages of black personnel. In this way the skills gap between the non-designated and designated managers can be redressed and a sustainable capacity of the competencies required by the country can be created. The aim of this research was to develop an MCD model for previously disadvantaged managers in the automotive manufacturing industry. Designated managers are often not properly trained and informed regarding the planning process of career management and development. It is hoped that through this research and the explanation of the importance of understanding career management, both managers and employers will be encouraged to be actively involved in structured MCD learning processes. This study was done with the following objectives in mind: -- to determine the current situation with regard to MCD and explore factors that influence MCD and the development of potential designated managers and their appointment to managerial positions; and -- to formulate a model for career-pathing and development for the workplace management career advancement of designated managers. As a first phase, a literature review was undertaken. It highlighted the importance of the identification of designated managers’ MCD. The literature research reviewed various MCD models for advancement and their integration with strategic Human Resources Development and the Business Plan. Based on the literature study, the research design and strategy were selected. A population group of designated and non-designated managers was identified within the automotive sector. Data was then obtained from respondents by means of a questionnaire especially developed for this purpose. The data was statistically processed, after which recommendations and conclusions were made. The survey revealed a considerable degree of consensus about the most important MCD advancement techniques and the intervention needs of potential designated managers. These must be linked to the organisation’s strategic HRD business plans. These techniques include special project assignments, job rotation, on-the-job training, coaching/mentoring and in-house MCD programmes. The research also highlighted numerous issues which have to be addressed in designated managers’ career development, such as -- the development of MCD potential for designated managers primarily by means of relevant exposure, experience and involvement in critical and non-critical activities; -- a strong internal monitoring focus group to oversee strategic HRM and play a positive role in maintaining the programme’s momentum, ensuring the regulatory functioning, including frequent feedback and continuous improvement of HRM techniques; and -- top management influence, dedication and commitment to the MCD model to ensure designated managers’ appointment to management positions when “workplace advancement” applications are possible. The recommendations focus on creating an awareness of MCD, as well as of the best strategic HRM practices. These practices include top management commitment, support and endorsement, MCD policies and Employment Equity interventions, an MCD programme process for continuous assessment for improvement, harnessing workplace diversity for sustainable business, action learning techniques used for building competencies, entrusting line managers with empowerment and commitment to the MCD programme, the use of an Core Advisory Forum to build MCD support and the creation of a life-long learning organisation supported and directed by HRM research. / Thesis (DBA)--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted

Chapter 1 introduces the four guiding metaphors for this research, being, Social Construction, Narrative, Writing and Participatory Action Research. The Writing-metaphor provides the structure for the research process, and PAR highlights the important aspects of participation and ownership. In this chapter I proposes a narrative hermeneutical and a cultural linguistic approach to theology. This approach has as its primary motive care and empathy, and the stitching of life stories into the greater narrative of the Christian story. Approaching theology in such a way urges Practical Theology to be both politically aware and courageous, and to impart this courage on people to transform their lives and communities. Along this way Practical Theology accepts the challenge as Public Theology to bring her methodical skills and her knowledge of spirituality, meaning and transcendency into a conversation with the world around her. Chapter 2 introduces the action field of the research. Part of this introduction entails an encounter - a story - just as valid as any other grand narrative. The story of a survivor. This study acknowledges children survivors of sexual abuse as the most important source of information. Open interviews – individual and in groups - were facilitated and real conversations were written down to show the emphasis this research places on participation, while the researcher takes on the role of a curious companion on the journey. This chapter also shows the critical importance that the work of the narrative researcher and therapist with children survivors of sexual abuse must be informed by knowledge and an understanding of the politics of abuse, the politics of adult-child-relations, and the politics of power. In chapter 3 I discuss and bring to the fore voices from the background since these voices often force themselves into the spotlight. Discussions on the long term effects of child sexual abuse from a traditional, psycho-analytical model introduce to the reader the restraining and subjugating power of these discourses. The therapeutic frameworks of Kamsler and Baird are utilised to indicate both the restraining effects of these discourses and problem-saturated stories, but also ways in which the survivor can free herself from these restraints. Chapter 4 shows the stories of two survivors which developed from unique outcomes, resisting subjugating discourses and problem-saturated stories. This chapter tells the stories of survivors being invited to capture these “sparkling events” and develop them into prefered stories, and in living these stories recognise and experience themselves in prefered and satisfactory ways. Chapter 5 describes and introduces various groups, methods and approaches through which the news of empowerment and transformation can be circulated. Through the creating of acommunity of shared experience the impact of the insider status and role of the survivors were discovered. This community created space for the survivors in which their experiences, skills and knowledge could be acknowledged, shared and celebrated. Not only were the stories of the surivors re-written and transformed by this community, but could they start dreaming about the transformation of their communities and how their stories and their journey could touch and transform the lives of numerous other survivors. Not only are the importance and benefit of critical reflection by a professional academic community shown in chapter 6, but also the value of self reflection. The transcripts in this chapter present almost all of the conversation that took place after a presentation of my work in research and practice – as it is portrayed in this thesis – at the Evanston Family Therapy Center. These transcripts do not only show a critical appreciation of the work and approach but also bring to the fore many questions and themes highlighted by the reflecting team, themes and questions which will only enrich and further develop the story of this journey. / Thesis (PhD (Practical Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

No abstract available / Dissertation (MA (Development Communication))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Information Science / unrestricted

No abstract available! / Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Architecture / unrestricted

No abstract available / Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Architecture / unrestricted

No abstract available / Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Architecture / unrestricted

Braamfontein, Johannesburg is being significantly overhauled. The community can soon reclaim the Egoli Gasworks, where that site will be declared as a brown field site seeking development opportunity and integration with its adjacent surroundings. The treatise explores the opportunities created by the reclaimed lost space of the Gasworks Precinct. The culturally significant industrial heritage of the site serves as starting point for the decision-making. Facilities and communities in direct adjacency to the site guide decision making regarding the function of new edifices in the precinct. The assessed surrounding characters solicited functions geared for a media and film orientated precinct. The Gauteng Film Office, in conjunction with Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa and the MEC for finance and economic affairs, Jabu Moleketi, recently hosted a two-day film indaba at the Johannesburg council chambers in Braamfontein aimed at exploring avenues for making the film industry lucrative to both local and international filmmakers. The indaba addressed the challenges facing Gauteng and South Africa’s film industry, such as encouraging and promoting local filmmakers and actors, upgrading the skills of filmmakers, and marketing South African films so they appeal to an international audience. (Johannesburg News Agency: www.joburg.org.za;) A film centre, comprising of a museum and cinema is the chosen function for the design dissertation. The centre serves as a medium to draw people into the precinct and as a middling to communicate to the public. Both the museum and cinema serve as mediums to promote the South-African film industry locally and internationally. Consequently, the treatise design is a binary response to the influences posed by the cultural significant site of urban-industrial character, and that of an ever-changing world of digital film and video technologies. The investigation for the new architecture for the Film Centre explores the territories of film in the digital age, and its relevance in the making of place. Assessed existing patterns in the architectural landscape form the base of the design regarding form, scale and visual appropriateness. / Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Architecture / unrestricted

The thesis is an endeavour to portray the essence of the message of Islam and Islamic ideals via the means of architecture. The essence of Islam was decided to be described by analyzing key moments in the lives of six of the noble Messengers of God, namely, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them), with special emphasis on the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The title “A quest of the spirit” was identified and implemented in order to govern the underlying theme of the project via a broad spectrum of topics as illustrated below: A quest of the spirit in terms of the spirit being -- A quest of the journey of the soul of mankind, from the beginning of creation to the end of time -- The meaning of living in God’s way, which in essence is portrayed by the lives of His noble Messengers -- Islamic culture, norms and value systems and its development over time -- Signs and symbols and their definitions over time --Islamic architecture and its development over time -- The essence of Islam, in terms of Islam as religion, Islam as culture, and Islam as a way of life in modern society -- My personal zeal to uncover the link between Islam, culture, and architecture, and their development over time By an exhaustive research analysis of important Islamic precedent studies, a basic guide of essential principles comes across, which become meaningful and depict symbolic importance, which, even though modernized, maintain their universal image and appeal. These principles become entrenched as the basic guide towards space making, whilst the narrative of the lives of the Messengers, dictates the path of the spectator through the passages of time and the lessons of God. Alas, via the study of religious norms and ideals, via an understanding of culture and symbols, and via the implementation of architecture and space-making, a narrative becomes alive in the form of a physical journey, which unfolds an understanding of the essence of a message, the essence of the soul, and the essence of a quest of the spirit … / Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Architecture / unrestricted

Results and analysis of Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating of the Middle Stone Age (MSA) and Later Stone Age (LSA) sediments at Rose Cottage Cave (RCC) are presented. Seventeen luminescence samples taken over the last decade were used in this study. Fourteen of these samples were dated (eight in Pretoria and six in Risø, Denmark by A. S. Murray). The samples were taken from the entire sequence and gave age ranges from the bottom of the sequence up until the Oakhurst LSA industry. The protocol that was used is the conventional single-aliquot regenerative (SAR) protocol, due to its ability to correct for behavioural problems associated with OSL dating. This study is primarily concerned with testing the validity of the conventional SAR protocol applied to South African archaeological sites. RCC presents problematic sediments for OSL dating because of a high feldspar component in the sediments at the site (OSL dating is preferably done on quartz grains due to a better understanding of the mechanisms of OSL production). Assessing the radiation dose samples received during their burial period was problematic due to the large presence of potassium rich feldspars. Assessing the radiation dose was problematic because the measurement of potassium (K) returned different values using several independent techniques. The mode of sediment deposition via different depositional mechanisms such as, fluvial, and clast spalling present difficult challenges in assessing the zero age value of a sample. OSL ages were compared to a well defined radiocarbon chronology from RCC, and any inconsistencies would motivate closer sorting of the different dating techniques. In this study it was found that not all feldspar grains were removed from the quartz extracts during pretreatment procedures. The ability of the SAR protocol to pick out feldspar contamination was therefore not conclusive, and single grain measurements had to be used to differentiate quartz and feldspar grains. The likelihood of age contamination from problematic depositional events was not supported and the results suggest that aeolian deposition was the main mechanism at the site. The vertical separation of depositional events i.e. the varying archaeological events, is very dense at RCC and this introduces the possibility of sample mixing during collection. For a few samples it is shown that sample mixing has occurred as mixing is usually evident in the degree of scatter in the OSL results. After all the inconsistencies in OSL/Radiocarbon age correlations were worked out, a coherent OSL chronology was obtained. Certain issues surrounding dosimetry however, are still not resolved. These issues are beyond the scope of this study and so caution is advised when using OSL dates done with little or no dose-rate analysis. The resulting dates provide a useful dataset for archaeologists who now have added resources to asses the Middle Stone Age (MSA) and better compare synchronous evidence from different sites in order to contribute to the debate surrounding the origins of modern humans and modern human behaviour. These results combined with the well established radiocarbon chronology give age ranges as follows: The Pre-Howiesons Poort (Pre-HP) MSA IIb industry is between 94 and 68 thousand years ago (ka); the Howiesons Poort (HP) industry is between 68 and 55 ka; the Post –HP MSA III dates to between 55 and 48 ka; the ‘almost sterile sands’ (which include the MSA IV industry) are between 48 and >27 ka; the MSA/LSA transition is between 27 and 20 ka; the Robberg LSA industry is between 20 and 10.5 ka; the Oakhurst LSA industry ranges from 10.5 to 8.5 ka; and the Wilton LSA industries are <8.5 ka. / Dissertation (M(Archaeology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Anthropology and Archaeology / unrestricted

The study proposes an analysis of Leon Kirchner's For the Left Hand with specific reference to the use of the octatonic scale in this composition. Its aim is to test the hypothesis that the composer used the octatonic scale because it is ideally suited for compositions limited by the restrictions of single-handed performance. A related question to which an answer is sought in this study, is whether the different transpositional possibilities of the octatonic scale are used to delineate structural junctures in this piece. A survey of the available relevant literature on the composer himself, on the left-handed pianist Leon Fleisher, the octatonic scale and its properties, and theories of the analysis of twentieth century music are followed by an independent comprehensive analysis of For the Left Hand. Where appropriate, the applicability of some observations by other authors on Kirchner's style characteristics to For the Left Hand are investigated. As orientation to the analysis, attention is given to how Kirchner adapted the styles of his teachers into a unique personal compositional idiom, to Leon Fleisher as an exponent of music for the left hand, to definitions and properties of the octatonic scale, to Kirchner's motivation behind composing this piece, to examples of successful styles of composing for the left hand as employed in For the Left Hand, as well as to aural impressions created by the piece. The analysis itself considers aspects such as temporal fluctuations, rhythmic flow, dynamic structure, directional tonality, range, tessitura, density, texture, flexion count, meter, tempo, pitch class content, pedalling, unifying melodic elements, polyphonic characteristics, and the use of specific intervals and modes. The conclusion summarizes the findings of the analysis, and indicates that the research hypothesis proves to be accurate. / Dissertation (MMus (Performance))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Music / unrestricted