This study investigated teachers' perceptions of classroom assessment in mathematics and their current classroom assessments practices. Specifically, the study sought to gain an understanding of the extent to which teachers use different classroom assessment methods and tools to understand and to support both the learning and teaching processes. The following three questions guided the study: 1) How do primary school teachers perceive classroom assessment in mathematics? 2) What kinds of assessment methods and tools do teachers use to assess their students in mathematics? 3) What is the influence of teachers' perceptions of classroom assessment on their classroom assessment practices? The study used a questionnaire to establish the teachers' perceptions of classroom assessment in mathematics, a lesson observation protocol, and pre-lesson and post-lesson observation interview protocols as main sources of data collection. The data collected through observations and interviews helped to map out patterns between perceptions of classroom assessment and the teachers' classroom assessment practices. Document analysis was used to triangulate the information collected through observations and interviews. In addition, document analysis provided first hand information on the kind of written feedback students get and the nature of activities they do. A total of six teachers (three male and three female) were drawn from two primary schools in Malawi. The data suggest that teachers perceive classroom assessment as tests that teachers give to their students at specified time intervals. What teachers said about their teaching was not reflected during their teaching. Since teachers perceived classroom assessment as tests, they showed limited ability to use different methods and tools to assess their students while teaching. The teachers' perceptions of classroom assessment have influence on their classroom assessment practices. Five of the six teachers perceived assessment as testing, and classroom assessment practices were not clearly embedded in their teaching. Teacher experience and teacher education program did not seem to contribute much to teachers' perceptions of classroom assessment; however, teacher's academic qualification seemed to influence teachers' flexibility to accept new ideas. / Ph. D.

In recent years, numerous high tech companies have developed and used technology roadmaps when making their investment decisions. Jay Paap has proposed the Customer Focused Technology Planning (CFTP) framework to draw future technology roadmaps. However, the CFTP framework does not include risk assessment as a critical factor in decision making. The problem addressed in this quantitative study was that high tech companies are either losing money or getting a much smaller than expected return on investment when making technology investment decisions. The purpose of this research was to determine the relationship between returns on investment before and after adding risk assessment to the CFTP framework. Paap's CFTP framework and process to improve technology investments thus served as the theoretical framework for this study. Data were obtained from cloud computing companies using the companies' market risk data and actual returns on investment data. The results and findings of paired sample two-tailed t tests for means and equal variances showed that return on investment was positively related to adding a traditional risk assessment model to Paap's CFTP framework. These findings regarding the addition of risk assessment to the technology investment framework may be used by investors to (a) make better and more expeditious decisions, and (b) obtain a high return on technology investment by selecting the highest return value and lowest risk value.

Today’s global market and growing competition set an increasing strain to manufacturing companies. Shorter product lifecycles automatically lead to shorter production ramp up periods and, therefore, set a higher strain on the manufacturing systems. The concept of reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS) was developed in the early 1990s and has now gained more interest than ever. An RMS is designed to quickly respond to changes in market demand, by adapting its functionality as well as its capacity to the current market requirements. In order to achieve this, an RMS is characterised by six core characteristics: modularity, integrability, diagnosability, convertibility, scalability and customisation. By complying with these characteristics, the manufacturing system can meet the required responsiveness to functionality and capacity changes. Academia has been focusing on the development and design of new RMSs, however, there is a lack in research on converting existing manufacturing systems towards reconfigurability. Additionally, few models assessing a manufacturing system’s current state in terms of reconfigurability are available in literature. The existing reconfigurability assessment models were proven to be rather theoretical and difficult to use by practitioners in industry. Therefore, the need for a reconfigurability assessment model applicable in industry arose. This study focuses on the analysis of enablers of a reconfigurability manufacturing systems as well as on assessing the reconfigurability of an existing manufacturing system in an industrial setting. For this purpose, a detailed reconfigurability assessment model has been developed, based on literature studies and a case study at a case company. A focus of the development of the model has been set on usability in industry. The outcome was an assessment model developed in Microsoft Excel that gives an overview on the reconfigurability of each characteristic as well as the manufacturing system’s overall reconfigurability. The model was subsequently tested and verified at the case company. The final reconfigurability assessment model is presented and explained at the end of this study. This study shows, that through the use of theory about RMS and input from industry it was possible to develop a current state assessment model regarding reconfigurability. To make the model generalisable and adaptable to different industrial settings, further testing in different manufacturing fields and research within RMS is required. / CARV

This research has developed an assessment model and framework to measure cascading economic impacts in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) loss due to severe weather-induced power outages. The major objectives of this research were to (1) identify physical correlations between different industries within an economic system, (2) define deterministic relationships through the values of interconnectedness and interdependency between 71 industries, (3) complete probabilistic estimation of economic impacts using historical economic data spanning from 1997 to 2016, and (4) develop an assessment model that can be used in the future to measure economic loss in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) across 71 industries.

<p>Cilj disertacije je razvoj fleksibilnog modela za evaluaciju sistema upravljanja<br />komunalnim otpadom baziran na LCA metodi. Model je baziran na bilansu<br />mase i energije. LCA analiza sistema komunalnog otpada omogućava<br />sagledavanje uticaja kako svih faza životnog ciklusa otpada, tako<br />i celokupnog sistema upravljanja otpadom. Model je koncipiran kroz module<br />koji prate osnovne faze LCA metode. Evaluacija i komparacija različitih<br />scenarija upravljanja otpadom sprovedena je kroz pet indikatora. Ostvareni<br />rezultati istraživanja pokazuju jasne razlike između definisanih scenarija<br />upravljanja otpadom po pitanju odabranih indikatoria i daju dobru osnovu u<br />procesu dono&scaron;enja odluka za unapređenje i izbor optimalnog sistema<br />upravljanja čvrstim komunalnim otpadom.</p> / <p>The goal dissertation is to develop a flexible model for the evaluation<br />waste management system based on LCA methods. The model is<br />based on mass and energy balance. LCA analysis of municipal waste<br />system assess environmental impacts to all phases of the life cycle of<br />waste, and the entire system of waste management. The model is<br />based on modules corresponding to the main phases of LCA<br />methods. Evaluation of different scenarios of waste management is<br />carried out through five indicators. The results show clear differences<br />between the scenarios in terms of impact on selected indicators and<br />provides basis for decision-making processes for the selection of the<br />optimal solid waste management system.</p>

Currently Port of Klaipėda has been interlinked by ro-ro transit lines with Germany, Sweden and Denmark. It has been sought not only for improvement but also for development and expansion of the ro-ro market in order to answer continuously growing needs of clients. Lithuanian ro-ro liner shippers and operators although confronted by severe competition in ro-ro shipping market, strive to retain their position, conquer and manage new ro-ro markets. Yet it is to be mentioned that close cooperation with other transport industries and ro-ro terminals is not always attainable what consequently enhance the impact of factors affecting ro-ro transport and lessen attractiveness of such transportation, reduce cargo flow in general. Relevance of the problem. Considerable part of ro-ro lines are forced to close down soon after they are opened as having no prospects for they fail to attract sufficient freight and cargo flow due to multiple reasons like inadequate assessment and underestimation of advantages, shortcomings and risks (threats) and overestimated possibilities, insufficient research into cargo flow, inconsideration or failed acknowledgement of factors affecting ro-ro transportation. Therefore the relevance of the issue involved in this dissertation reveals not only for developing of new ro-ro shipping lines, but also for restructuring of existing lines and restoring of former ro-ro lines, it applies also in view of intended increase in competitiveness of ro-ro freightage... [to full text]

Currently Port of Klaipėda has been interlinked by ro-ro transit lines with Germany, Sweden and Denmark. It has been sought not only for improvement but also for development and expansion of the ro-ro market in order to answer continuously growing needs of clients. Lithuanian ro-ro liner shippers and operators although confronted by severe competition in ro-ro shipping market, strive to retain their position, conquer and manage new ro-ro markets. Yet it is to be mentioned that close cooperation with other transport industries and ro-ro terminals is not always attainable what consequently enhance the impact of factors affecting ro-ro transport and lessen attractiveness of such transportation, reduce cargo flow in general. Relevance of the problem. Considerable part of ro-ro lines are forced to close down soon after they are opened as having no prospects for they fail to attract sufficient freight and cargo flow due to multiple reasons like inadequate assessment and underestimation of advantages, shortcomings and risks (threats) and overestimated possibilities, insufficient research into cargo flow, inconsideration or failed acknowledgement of factors affecting ro-ro transportation. Therefore the relevance of the issue involved in this dissertation reveals not only for developing of new ro-ro shipping lines, but also for restructuring of existing lines and restoring of former ro-ro lines, it applies also in view of intended increase in competitiveness of ro-ro freightage... [to full text]

National access to modern energy is deemed by Malawi government as the driving force to attain social-economic development. To achieve this, optimal decisions in energy planning and investment are considered important. This study evaluates potential pathways that will inform better policy design and investment option in energy sector. The Integrated Assessment Modelling method has been used to integrate social, economic and environmental variables that affect energy systems, and further analyses potential energy pathways in relation to these earth systems. The Long-range Alternatives Energy Planning system (LEAP) has been used to run a continuous time series from 2008 to 2063 of the three energy policy pathways (scenarios) using: (1) the current Malawi National Policy and Strategies on Energy (MwNEP) (2) the United Nation’s Sustainable Energy for All strategy (SE4ALL) and (3) Business as Usual (REF) scenario. The analysis indicates an exponential growth in energy demand for both MwNEP and SE4ALL scenario with a slight higher demand in SEAll over MwNEP Scenario. In both cases Biomass remains an important energy source beyond the 2030. Thus, the SDG 7 will not be achieved by 2030. Similarly, energy demand trends in MwNEP and SE4ALL scenarios continue to grow beyond available energy stocks and generation capacity which will lead to a shortfall in energy supply. Environmentally, the GHGs emissions in MwNEP are higher than the SE4ALL scenario. This is reflected in the pro-environment policy objective pursued by SE4ALL scenario. In the medium-term LEAP analysis favours advancement of alternative renewable energies at household level like solar photovoltaic (PV) for lighting and sustainable biomass energy for cooking. In the long-run, scaling up the adoption of renewable energy in form of solar, wind and hydro-electricity to meet the energy gap. At the same time, designing and adhering to implementation of sustainable energy plans that cuts energy sources from fossil fuels and allow easy accesses to affordable renewable energies will result in a success of Malawi’s energy system.

Determining the prognosis or risk of an individual experiencing a specific health outcome within a certain time period is essential to improve health. An important aspect of prognostic research is the development of risk assessment models (RAMs). In support of the movement towards personalized medicine, health care professionals have employed RAMs to stratify an individual patient’s absolute risk of developing a health condition and select the optimal management strategy for that patient. The development of RAMs is generally conducted using data driven methods or through expert consensus. However, these methods present limitations. Accordingly, we recognized the need to select factors for RAM development or update that are evidence-based and clinically relevant using a structured and transparent approach. In this sandwich thesis, I highlight the methods used to select prognostic factors for VTE and bleeding RAMs for hospitalized medical patients. However, the same methods can be applied to any clinical outcome of interest. This work presents a conceptualized and tested novel mixed methods approach to select prognostic factors for VTE and bleeding in hospitalized medical patients that are evidence-based, clinically meaningful and relevant. Our findings may inform the development of new RAMs, the update of widely used RAMs, and external validation and prospective impact assessment studies. Also, these findings may assist decision makers in evaluating the risk of an individual having an outcome to optimize patient care. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Measuring the probability of an individual experiencing a specific health outcome in a certain period of time based on that individual’s risk factors is important to improve health. Prediction tools are often used to calculate the probability of an outcome. Health care practitioners use prediction tools to assess an individual’s risk of a certain health outcome and in turn provide individualized management. Prediction tools include a number of agreed upon risk factors that should be assessed in order to best estimate the risk of an outcome. These risk factors are usually selected through exploring sets of data or by consulting a group of experts in the field. However, these methods have limitations. Therefore, we recognized that it is important, when developing prediction tools, to select risk factors that are evidence-based and clinically relevant by adopting a systematic, comprehensive, structured and transparent approach. These sets of risk factors can then aid health researchers when developing new prediction tools or updating existing ones and help clinicians predicting risk. In this thesis, I highlight the methods used to select factors for prediction tools that evaluate the risk of having a venous clot or a bleeding event in patients that are hospitalized for a medical condition. However, the same methods can be applied to any clinical condition and outcome of interest. This work presents a new approach that we conceptualized and tested to select risk factors for venous clots and bleeding events in hospitalized medical patients that are evidence-based, clinically meaningful and relevant. Our findings may inform the development of new prediction tools, the update of widely used tools, and the design of studies to validate these tools. Also, these findings may assist decision makers in evaluating the risk of an individual having an outcome to optimize patient care.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The development of computer software is a complex and laborious task, further complicated by the fact that copyright legislation is vague, at best. If the software is being developed for commercial exploitation then speed to market is essential and, even then, there is little to prevent skilled competitors from copying or even cloning the model. During the course of the year 2000 a team of developers, c ompr t s tn g Phillip Munday, Chris Vietri and the writer, not only managed to develop and prototype a complex loan evaluation software model, but have carried it through to the initial stages of a phased implementation and are presently involved in negotiations to sell the intellectual property rights (IPR) to a firm which specialises in the marketing of software to the banking industry internationally. It is virtually impossible for a single person to develop a model of this nature as it requires a comprehensive skills asset, including broad-based financial knowledge, specialised banking skills as well as a sound knowledge of information systems architecture, not to mention software p rogramming skills. The implementation and subsequent sale of the model further required comprehensive project management skills as well as the human resources understanding required for the substantial change management involved. Each of these 3 parties brought not only their particular exp ert i se to the table, but also a holistic view of the final shap e and form of the model. As is the case with projects of this magnitude numerous difficulties were encountered. These were, however, all overcome, via a series of iterations, and the model was introduced to the business on schedule. The implementation itself was fraught with difficulty, but the combination of a phased approach, together with comprehensive training and support, has led to the acceptance of the model by business users. There remain some technical difficulties which require to be resolved, particularly the disappointing performance of the model over a wide area network and also its integration with existing systems, but the model itself has exceeded expectations. It is simple to use, allows for a comprehensive and focused loan assessment and offers the ability to perform sophisticated sensitivity analysis in a fraction of a second. The model is now in its final shape and has been formally named Version 1.0, yet a great deal of work remains. We, as a bank, are not ideally suited to become purveyors of software and need to expedite the transfer of the IPR to a neutral party, to avoid local banks who might wish to purchase it from viewing our involvement with suspicion. Once this has been done, and the final phase of implementation concluded in March 2001, we will be able to move on to the exciting task of creating derivatives of the model, aimed at meeting the needs of other elements of the industry. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die ontwikkeling van rekenaar-sagteware is 'n lang en intensiewe proses. Hierdie proses word voorts bemoeilik deur onvoldoende en ongetoetsde patentreg-wetgewing. Wanneer die doel van sagtewareontwikkeling winsbejag is, is leweringspoed na gebruikers van die uiterste belang aangesien menige mededinger die vermoë het om 'n model na te boots en te verbeter. Gedurende die afgelope jaar het 'n ontwikkelingspan bestaande uit Phillip Munday, Chris Vietri en die skrywer 'n werksmodel van 'n gesofistikeerde, krediet-evalueri ng sagteware modelontwikkel. Nie net is hierdie model deurgevoer tot 'n gefasseerde, interne implementering nie; dit is nou vêr genoeg ontwikkel om die intellektuele eiendomsreg te verkoop aan 'n groep wat toegespits is op die bemarking van bankgerigte sagteware op 'n wêreldwye basis. Dit is bykans onmoontlik vir een persoon om 'n soortgelyke model te ontwikkel weens die omvattende finansiëIe - en bankpraktyk kennis wat vereis word. Verdere vereistes is 'n deeglike kennis van sagteware argitektuur en programmering. Die implimentering en verkoop van die program vereis ook wye kundigheid op die gebiede van projekbestuur en vernuwingsbestuur weens die potensiële strukturele veranderinge in 'n nuwe gebruiker. Elkeen van die 3 partye het benewens sy eie kundigheid ook 'n oorsigtige bydrae gelewer tot die finale model. Soos met elke projek van hierdie omvang was daar groot struikelblokke. Die uitdagings is oorkom deur menige probeerslae en die model is betyds aan die besigheid bekendgestel. Die implimentering was moeiliker as verwag maar deur 'n gefasseerde proses en omvattende opleiding en ondersteuning is aanvaarding deur gebruikers verseker. Daar is enkele, onopgelosde tegniese probleme soos die swak werkverrigting oor 'n wye' area-netwerk en die moeilike integrasie met bestaande stelsels. Desnieteenstaande het die model die meeste verwagtinge oortref. Dit is maklik om te gebruik, dit verseker deeglike krediet-evaluering en dit skep die geleentheid om veelvuldige sensitiwiteitsanalises tegelykertyd te doen. Die modeI is nou in sy finale weergawe en is bekend as " Version 1.0 " maar dit vereis nog heelwat skaafwerk. As 'n bank is ons nie geskik om sagteware te voorsien nie en daarom moet die verkoop van die intellektuele eiendomsreg na 'n tussenparty bespoedig word. Dit sal verhoed dat ons bank se betrokkenheid met agterdog deur plaaslike banke bejeën word. Wanneer dit bewerkstellig is en die finale implimenteringsfase is voltooi teen Maart 2001, kan ons beweeg na die opwindende taak om afgeleide modelle te ontwikkel wat sal voldoen aan wyer sektor-behoeftes.