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  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
31

The development of a criminological intervention model for the Rosslyn industrial environment in Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa

Pretorius, William Lyon 02 1900 (has links)
The problem investigated in this research is the ongoing crime threat and the extreme risks which impact negatively on the sustainability of the Rosslyn Industry - the industrial hub of Tshwane in the Gauteng Provence of South Africa. Businesses in Rosslyn are desperate for a solution that will mitigate these crime threats and risks, and ensure the future sustainability of this important industrial community. An intervention model is urgently required to prevent this type of crime, not only as a short term solution but as a sustainable long term intervention. This research study initiated the collaboration required for the successful implementation of a Crime Prevention Intervention Model (CPIM) in the Rosslyn industrial environment. The intended crime prevention model has been designed in such a way that it addresses the entire environment of crime that prevails in the Rosslyn area involving both the offender and the victim. This design is rooted in the ontology of Environmental Criminology and more specific on the applied epistemology of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). Participants in this project are representatives who are responsible for all security functions in both big businesses and small enterprises. And with their dedicated assistance the research findings disclosed the current crime status of the Rosslyn environment regarding the threat, risk, security vulnerabilities, controls and needs: • Crime and its causal factors, in Rosslyn, are rife and no noteworthy action has been implemented to mitigate these threats. • Collaboration between Rosslyn role players (neighbours, local government and law enforcement) is for all purposes non-existent. • And to complicate matters even more, knowledge of how to effectively mitigate crime is limited and handicapped by the re-active physical security methods currently being used. • The implication of these findings is that the status quo will eventually render business in Rosslyn unsustainable. Thus a CPIM in Rosslyn is inevitable. What was crucial to this research and to the CTPED design is the detailed sourcing of accurate data addressing the experiences and the needs the respondents identified in the current Rosslyn crime situation concerning; status, the threat, risk, security, vulnerabilities and controls. In order to achieve this level of data sourcing and assimilation, the essential features of the research method were based on a mixed approach where quantitative and qualitative methods were implemented in parallel. The diverse fields, sources and respondent mix required for a Rosslyn Industry CPIM also necessitated a MIT (Multi,-Inter,-Trans,-Disciplinary) approach. This MIT requirement is successfully facilitated through the applied criminological CPTED approach. The CPIM is based on the combined outcomes of the following three research fields: • Field-one: Environmental criminology theories are researched through an in-depth literature review to demonstrate the criminological grounding of crime prevention and to guide its application through the development of an applied CPTED SUITE. • Field-two: Supply Chain Security (SCS) are researched through an in-depth literature review to establish its criminological relevance and applications. SCS requirements are identified and built into the Field-Three research process and tested for relevance and for incorporation in the CPTED SUITE. • Field-three: Based on a mixed research process, using a custom designed Criminological Risk Analyses tool incorporating scheduled interviews and questionnaires, the crime and needs profile of the Rosslyn Industry are uncovered and analysed. The results are filtered through the CPTED SUITE to indicate the correct criminological approach for mitigating the identified problems and needs. Even though this study takes an applied crime preventative approach, the criminological-philosophical mould of crime prevention is imperative for the effective application of the CPTED. Security and crime prevention training, planning and application, without this approach will remain underdeveloped and outdated. Finally the underlying intention of this research is for this Crime Prevention Intervention Model (CPIM) to be adapted and implemented and to serve as a guide or a benchmark for security practitioners in any industrial environment that has the same crime threats and crime risk challenges. / Criminology and Security Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Criminology)
32

Comparative analysis of environmental impact assessment compliance by two developers in the Northern Cape province, South Africa

Shubane, Mahlatse Juddy 06 1900 (has links)
The study was undertaken to investigate the following: limiting factors faced by the developers in complying with the EIA conditions and to determine whether the various developers comply with the conditions. The study was undertaken by use of questionnaires, site visits, meetings, photographs, group interviews. Trained fields assistants were also used to administer the questionnaires in order to collect data. Data from two sites were collected between 2012 and 2014 and were intentionally collected in order to provide information regarding the implementation of mitigation measures. The collected data was subjected to SAS (statistical software). Chi-square test for independence was performed in order to compare the differences (Snedecor & Cocharen, 1978) between the two sites. Based on the results of the study, it is therefore recommended that competent authorities should consider drafting and supplying follow-up guidelines and these guidelines should also apply to all the relevant role players involved. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)
33

A resource allocation model to support air quality management in South Africa

Govender, Urishanie 05 1900 (has links)
South African Air Quality Units are continuously undergoing changes, and improving their performance remains a constant endeavour. In addition, these units are also experiencing several challenges in terms of improving communication across the different spheres, accessing air quality data and using the information to support the decision-making required for efficient management of air quality in South Africa. This study investigated the concept of output efficiency within the South African air quality management context. Models that enable efficient resource allocation can be used to assist managers in understanding how to become efficient. There are, however, few models that focus on the output efficiency of the public sector and air quality management units. The primary purpose of the study was to develop a model to predict the extent to which organisational efficiency could be explained by the percentage of man-hours allocated to a range of management activities. In this study, the development of a model using the logistic regression technique is discussed. Data was collected for two financial years (2005/6 and 2006/7) from the air quality officers in the national, provincial and local spheres of government (N=228). The logistic regression model fitted indicates that the proportion of time spent on knowledge management activities contributes the most to the likelihood of an Air Quality Unit being efficient. The resource allocation model developed will ensure that air quality officers allocate resources appropriately and improve their output performance. / Graduate School for Business Leadership / D.B. L.
34

Law enforcement in the South African Gold Mining sector : the nexus between company, environmental and equity law

Lombard, Dewan 08 1900 (has links)
Although the mining industry contributed to the development of the country by providing infrastructure and employment, it left a negative impact on the environment. To this end, various pieces of law were promulgated to limit environmental damage and hold those who pollute (Mining Companies / licensees) accountable. This research focused on two study sites namely Blyvooruitzicht and Grootvlei gold mines. Both mines underwent forced mine closure and their environmental liabilities remained unresolved. This study focused on important laws governing the South African gold mining sector, to form an understanding of these laws and to establish if these laws protect the environment sufficiently or not. The study included an overview of the current relevant legislative framework regarding mines, with the aim of identifying if there were gaps between Mining law, Company law, B-BBEE law (Equity Law) and Environmental law. This included an exploration of the interrelationships between the various pieces of legislation and the challenges relating to compliance and enforcement of these mentioned laws. Further to this, the research study investigated the requirements and responsibilities of the South African State, and directors of mining companies. The finding was that South African law with respect to mining companies needs minor adjustments, but the crux of the problem is a lack of effective implementation and enforcement by the State. There is ineffective administration of environmental quality control by the various designated National Government Departments. Recommendations made include the need for clear monitoring of compliance and enforcement of the environmental regulatory framework if there is to be successful mine closure in South Africa. In addition, the South African State Government could consider incentivizing compliance, that is, reward mining companies who uphold environmental law. Further to this the thesis suggest the elimination of any contradictions between the various legislations within the mining industry and stipulates that legislation must be read in conjunction with one-another if a robust legislative framework is to exist. / Environmental Sciences / M.Sc. (Environmental Science)
35

The critical natural capital of the Buffalo City Municipality, South Africa : harnessing local action for biodiversity conservation

Hagen, Brett January 2011 (has links)
Globally, ecosystems provide services of almost twice the value of global gross national product (Costanza et al., 2006). The Buffalo City Municipality (BCM), South Africa contains biodiversity of national and international importance (Pierce, 2003; Pierce et al., 2005). Despite this, the municipality continues to experience loss of both urban and rural biodiversity (Buffalo City Municipality, 2006a). This study sought to determine the status of biodiversity, and the potential for ecosystem services to contribute to conservation, within the BCM. Biodiversity features, including ecosystem type, species of special concern and biodiversity processes, were identified and mapped using a GIS to produce a biodiversity priority index for the BCM. Current transformation status was then mapped to determine the level of ecosystem degradation within the BCM. Priority biodiversity areas as well as individual biodiversity features were spatially overlain against current transformation status and protected areas and analysed using a GIS to determine the level of degradation and protection of BCM biodiversity. In total 3.5 % of total BCM biodiversity was protected. Of the 24 ecosystem types, 11 (45%) had less than 1% under protection, while 16 (67%) had less than five percent protected. Not restorable areas, thus completely lost to biodiversity conservation, comprised just less than a quarter of the total BCM area while un-impacted areas comprised just 12.3%. Twenty five ecosystem services were identified as being provided by intact natural ecosystems within the BCM. The natural capital providing these services was identified and mapped to produce an ecosystem service index (ESI) using a GIS. This ecosystem service index and the biodiversity priority index were overlain to determine their level of correlation. Overall ESI correlation with priority biodiversity was weak although several individual ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, showed correlation. Using the above data layers an implementation plan and conservation framework was proposed to assist the coordination of local conservation action within the BCM. It is concluded that ecosystem services are a potentially useful tool for conservationists at the local level seeking to ensure that biodiversity has relevance to and receives protection from broader society.
36

The development of a criminological intervention model for the Rosslyn industrial environment in Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa

Pretorius, William Lyon 02 1900 (has links)
The problem investigated in this research is the ongoing crime threat and the extreme risks which impact negatively on the sustainability of the Rosslyn Industry - the industrial hub of Tshwane in the Gauteng Provence of South Africa. Businesses in Rosslyn are desperate for a solution that will mitigate these crime threats and risks, and ensure the future sustainability of this important industrial community. An intervention model is urgently required to prevent this type of crime, not only as a short term solution but as a sustainable long term intervention. This research study initiated the collaboration required for the successful implementation of a Crime Prevention Intervention Model (CPIM) in the Rosslyn industrial environment. The intended crime prevention model has been designed in such a way that it addresses the entire environment of crime that prevails in the Rosslyn area involving both the offender and the victim. This design is rooted in the ontology of Environmental Criminology and more specific on the applied epistemology of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). Participants in this project are representatives who are responsible for all security functions in both big businesses and small enterprises. And with their dedicated assistance the research findings disclosed the current crime status of the Rosslyn environment regarding the threat, risk, security vulnerabilities, controls and needs: • Crime and its causal factors, in Rosslyn, are rife and no noteworthy action has been implemented to mitigate these threats. • Collaboration between Rosslyn role players (neighbours, local government and law enforcement) is for all purposes non-existent. • And to complicate matters even more, knowledge of how to effectively mitigate crime is limited and handicapped by the re-active physical security methods currently being used. • The implication of these findings is that the status quo will eventually render business in Rosslyn unsustainable. Thus a CPIM in Rosslyn is inevitable. What was crucial to this research and to the CTPED design is the detailed sourcing of accurate data addressing the experiences and the needs the respondents identified in the current Rosslyn crime situation concerning; status, the threat, risk, security, vulnerabilities and controls. In order to achieve this level of data sourcing and assimilation, the essential features of the research method were based on a mixed approach where quantitative and qualitative methods were implemented in parallel. The diverse fields, sources and respondent mix required for a Rosslyn Industry CPIM also necessitated a MIT (Multi,-Inter,-Trans,-Disciplinary) approach. This MIT requirement is successfully facilitated through the applied criminological CPTED approach. The CPIM is based on the combined outcomes of the following three research fields: • Field-one: Environmental criminology theories are researched through an in-depth literature review to demonstrate the criminological grounding of crime prevention and to guide its application through the development of an applied CPTED SUITE. • Field-two: Supply Chain Security (SCS) are researched through an in-depth literature review to establish its criminological relevance and applications. SCS requirements are identified and built into the Field-Three research process and tested for relevance and for incorporation in the CPTED SUITE. • Field-three: Based on a mixed research process, using a custom designed Criminological Risk Analyses tool incorporating scheduled interviews and questionnaires, the crime and needs profile of the Rosslyn Industry are uncovered and analysed. The results are filtered through the CPTED SUITE to indicate the correct criminological approach for mitigating the identified problems and needs. Even though this study takes an applied crime preventative approach, the criminological-philosophical mould of crime prevention is imperative for the effective application of the CPTED. Security and crime prevention training, planning and application, without this approach will remain underdeveloped and outdated. Finally the underlying intention of this research is for this Crime Prevention Intervention Model (CPIM) to be adapted and implemented and to serve as a guide or a benchmark for security practitioners in any industrial environment that has the same crime threats and crime risk challenges. / Criminology and Security Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Criminology)
37

Comparative analysis of environmental impact assessment compliance by two developers in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa

Shubane, Mahlatse Juddy 06 1900 (has links)
The study was undertaken to investigate the following: limiting factors faced by the developers in complying with the EIA conditions and to determine whether the various developers comply with the conditions. The study was undertaken by use of questionnaires, site visits, meetings, photographs, group interviews. Trained fields assistants were also used to administer the questionnaires in order to collect data. Data from two sites were collected between 2012 and 2014 and were intentionally collected in order to provide information regarding the implementation of mitigation measures. The collected data was subjected to SAS (statistical software). Chi-square test for independence was performed in order to compare the differences (Snedecor & Cocharen, 1978) between the two sites. Based on the results of the study, it is therefore recommended that competent authorities should consider drafting and supplying follow-up guidelines and these guidelines should also apply to all the relevant role players involved. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)
38

The evaluation of environmental reporting by publicly listed South African banks / Evaluation of environmental reporting by listed South African banks

Oduro-Kwateng, George January 2010 (has links)
Recently, bankers have come to realise that banking operations, especially corporate lending, affect and are affected by the natural environment and that consequently, the banks might have an important role to play in helping to raise environmental standards. Although the environment presents significant risks to banks, in particular environmental credit risk, it also perhaps presents profitable opportunities. Stricter environmental regulations have forced companies to invest in environmentally friendly technologies and pollution control measures and in tum generated lending opportunities for bankers. This research examines the corporate practices of three of the four dominant banks in South Africa with respect to the environment, focusing on issues of climate change and environmental risk management by way of reporting and disclosure to all stakeholders. The emphasis on environmental reporting by South African banks has been reinforced by the latest release of the King III Report on Corporate Governance in South Africa. Global governance requires that the triple-bottom line should be applied in all corporate undertakings due to globalisation and trade liberalisation; however, the banking sector has responded poorly to the clarion call. The false view that the banks have no significant relationship with environmental degradation is being disproved. Environmental management is a huge and massive reconstruction of what has gone wrong with nature by human influence. The South African banks have had to face with the challenging tasks of reporting on the direct and mostly the indirect impacts of their environmental activities. Based on the three sampled banks which incidentally had greater percentages of the market capitalizations, the banks have fairly performed in environmental reporting. For example, Standard Bank (SA) Ltd has just signed the Equator Principles in 2007 implying corporate lending was done in 2007 without any respect to environmental impact assessments by corporate borrowers. Consequently, environmental reporting was not done to facilitate informed decision-making by stakeholders mostly shareholders and the communities where borrowers tun businesses. The objective of this research study is to investigate the extent and quantity of/voluntary environmental disclosures in the annual and sustainability reports of the banks listed on Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The periods examined were those subsequent to the release of the Exposure Draft Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (CERES) Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) issued in 1999. Using content analysis to focus on the environmental aspects, the research study compared three annual reports and three sustainability reports of 2007 year for the three sampled banks in order to evaluate reporting practices in the period surrounding this intervention. The results suggest a trend to triple bottom-line reporting and the extent and quantity of environmental information, albeit in specific categories.
39

The identification and evaluation of key sustainable development indicators and the development of a conceptual decision-making model for capital investment within Gold Fields Limited (GFL)

Jacobs, Phillip A H January 2010 (has links)
The current trends in sustainable development (SO) were examined in this study, which brought about the realisation that SO has become a business imperative. Mining, which is a highly impacting industry, is faced with the dilemma of implementing the principles of SO despite the realisation that its activities are severely limited by· the finite nature of the resource it is capitalising on. This reality, however, does not detract from the non-negotiable requirement for the industry to meet the increasing pressures to act responsibly towards the environment and the community in which it operates. Gold Fields has stepped up to the plate and has already taken several steps to achieve this end. These include the adoption of SO in its Vision, Values and strategies and the development and implementation of a SO framework to ensure the integration of the principles of SO into the business. Furthermore, Gold Fields has also entered into voluntary activities that further cement the commitment the company has towards so. These other initiatives include, inter alia, its International Council on Mining and Metals membership, UN Global Compact participation, becoming a signatory to the cyanide code, IS014001, and so on. This study focussed on several indicator categories and the identification of a set of supporting sustainable development indicators (SOls) for each, which included environmental, social, economic, technological, and ethics, legal and corporate governance (not in order of priority). These indicators were assessed by a carefully selected group of respondents whose collective wisdom and expertise were used to identify and weight supporting SOls for each of the indicator categories. These supporting SOls were in turn used to develop a model that is able to assist in the business's decision making processes when capital investment is being considered . A water treatment project that is currently being considered by Gold Fields was utilised to demonstrate how the decision making model can be applied to two different scenarios. The result clearly and successfully demonstrated that by proactively taking environmental, economic, social, technological, and ethics, legal and corporate governance considerations into account, a gold mining company is able to increase the level of SO of a capital investment project.
40

An assessment of water quality and occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Naauwpoortspruit River, Mpumalanga province, South Africa

Mudau, Khuthadzo Lunsford 03 1900 (has links)
Decreasing surface water quality in South Africa has become an issue of concern as the population grows, industrial and agricultural activities expand, and environmental pollution increases. Wastewater treatment plants and other anthropogenic activities are liable for releasing raw and inadequately treated effluents into the surface water. Extensive pollution accompanied by the use of disinfectants, pesticides, and other chemical pollutants has been attributed to increased antimicrobial resistance in bacteria such as Escherichia coli in surface water, increasing environmental antibiotic resistance spread. The research aimed to determine water quality and prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Naauwpoortspruit River, eMalahleni, Mpumalanga Province. Five sampling sites were selected along the Naauwpoortspruit River and monitoring was done for seven consecutive months. Samples were collected and analysed for physicochemical, microbiological parameters, and susceptibility profile of antibiotic-resistant bacteria using standard methods. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the path and strength of the relationship between physicochemical and microbiological parameters in the study area. Results of physicochemical and microbial parameters showed variation throughout the selected study sites. The results revealed a pH range of 4.45 – 7.9 and electrical conductivity levels range of 58.63 - 113.3 mS/m for the different sampling sites during the study period with lower levels detected during the winter period and higher levels in the summer period. Also, water samples showed a high total dissolved solids levels range of 381.1 – 736.45 mg/L and biochemical oxygen demand range of 67.1 – 168 mg/L for the different sampling sites during the study period. The Naauwpoortspruit River had higher levels of ammonia of 33.4 mg/L at Point A during the winter period as compared to 15 mg/L in the summer period. Heavy metals results showed that mercury range of 0.01 – 0.065 mg/L and copper range of 0.001 – 0.0035 mg/L were not compliant with aquatic ecosystem guidelines at all selected sites throughout the study period. The foremost finding of this study was that E. coli were present in all the selected sites at concentrations (>100 cfu/100ml). Elevated concentrations of 5.4 x 103 and 4.2 x 103 cfu/100ml for the total and faecal indicator bacteria were detected from sites downstream to 2.2 x103 and 2.35 x103 cfu/100ml for sites upstream river, in the rainy months. During the dry season, total coliforms, and faecal coliforms concentration of 0.4 x103 to 0.65 x 103 cfu/100ml were detected downstream and 0.25 x 103 and 0.5 x 103 cfu/100ml from upstream, respectively. The physicochemical and microbiological parameters measured at selected sites exceeded acceptable limits and proved unsuitable for applications such as full and intermediate recreational activities, and aquatic ecosystems. The variation in physicochemical parameters results was influenced by both natural processes and human activities such as salinity and Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) within the Naauwpoortspruit River. Using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, E. coli and faecal coliforms were tested for resistance to antibiotics; ampicillin (10 μg/ml), kanamycin (30 μg), streptomycin (30 μg), chloramphenicol (30 μg), erythromycin (15 μg), ox tetracycline (30 μg), erythromycin (15 μg/ml) and norfloxacin (10 μg). More than 60% of faecal coliform were resistant to at least four of the tested antibiotics and between 60 - 80% of the E. coli isolates were resistant to β lactam. The highest microbial antibiotic resistance (MAR) index value was observed at Site D (0.38 for E. coli) which showed multi-antibiotic resistance. Site D is characterized by wastewater treatment, power generation industries, and agriculture activities. The highest level of MAR observed at Site D indicates the need to control extensive pollution and constantly monitor the changing trends in antimicrobial resistance patterns of these waterborne pathogens. Statistical analysis showed that the development of microbiological parameters loads has a strong correlation with physicochemical parameters due to the association of sampling sites in the river environment. This study shows that the aquatic ecosystem needs constant monitoring to establish their conditions, impacts of pollution activities within the catchment, and input information into sustainable management of the water resources. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Science)

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