The cellular operators (Vodacom, Cell C, MTN and now Virgin Mobile) market has over 39-million mobile phone subscribers and the fixed operator (Telkom) has almost 5 million subscribers [13]. Although the telecommunication sector has been experiencing this significant growth (in terms of numbers), monopolisation of the local loop by Telkom has also resulted in communication prices that are not affordable to the majority of South Africans. The government of South Africa has identified cost of telecommunication services as one of the key initiatives that must be addressed to improve equal levels of access to ICT services in general. Local Loop Unbundling (or LLU for short) has been identified by the South African government as a tool that will minimise control that Telkom has over the copper cable connecting exchanges to customers whilst at the same time driving down the costs of Telecommunication in the country. Although some countries have successfully implemented local loop unbundling, some have not been so successful [3]. This dissertation proposes ICT Systems and processes South Africa needs to have in place to become one of the few success stories. The proposed model was validated against the different models adopted in countries like France, Portugal, United Kingdom and Austria. This dissertation develops a model for implementing local loop unbundling in the South African ICT sector. Local loop unbundling (in short LLU) has been successfully (and unsuccessfully) implemented in a number of countries around the world [3]. The model being proposed recommends best practices to be followed by all stakeholders to ensure successful deployment of local loop unbundling. The research takes a closer look at the South African ICT sector and makes recommendations on processes and systems that are necessary to ensure successful deployment of local loop unbundling in South Africa. The dissertation is written from the view of Telkom (The incumbent Operator), competitors (existing ones and new entrants) and the Regulator (ICASA) and focuses mainly on:  Technical Processes and Challenges that must be addressed  Regulatory Process and Challenges that must be addressed  Economic Challenges that must be addressed  Comparison to international ICT Markets and  Recommendations and Conclusions. The dissertation also covers the development of the Local loop unbundling model charter, Local Loop Management website and processes (Annexure A and B) developed (using HTML) used for the management of the unbundling process. Keywords: o Local loop o Caged Co-location / Thesis (M.Ing. (Development and Management Engineering)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

The cellular operators (Vodacom, Cell C, MTN and now Virgin Mobile) market has over 39-million mobile phone subscribers and the fixed operator (Telkom) has almost 5 million subscribers [13]. Although the telecommunication sector has been experiencing this significant growth (in terms of numbers), monopolisation of the local loop by Telkom has also resulted in communication prices that are not affordable to the majority of South Africans. The government of South Africa has identified cost of telecommunication services as one of the key initiatives that must be addressed to improve equal levels of access to ICT services in general. Local Loop Unbundling (or LLU for short) has been identified by the South African government as a tool that will minimise control that Telkom has over the copper cable connecting exchanges to customers whilst at the same time driving down the costs of Telecommunication in the country. Although some countries have successfully implemented local loop unbundling, some have not been so successful [3]. This dissertation proposes ICT Systems and processes South Africa needs to have in place to become one of the few success stories. The proposed model was validated against the different models adopted in countries like France, Portugal, United Kingdom and Austria. This dissertation develops a model for implementing local loop unbundling in the South African ICT sector. Local loop unbundling (in short LLU) has been successfully (and unsuccessfully) implemented in a number of countries around the world [3]. The model being proposed recommends best practices to be followed by all stakeholders to ensure successful deployment of local loop unbundling. The research takes a closer look at the South African ICT sector and makes recommendations on processes and systems that are necessary to ensure successful deployment of local loop unbundling in South Africa. The dissertation is written from the view of Telkom (The incumbent Operator), competitors (existing ones and new entrants) and the Regulator (ICASA) and focuses mainly on:  Technical Processes and Challenges that must be addressed  Regulatory Process and Challenges that must be addressed  Economic Challenges that must be addressed  Comparison to international ICT Markets and  Recommendations and Conclusions. The dissertation also covers the development of the Local loop unbundling model charter, Local Loop Management website and processes (Annexure A and B) developed (using HTML) used for the management of the unbundling process. Keywords: o Local loop o Caged Co-location / Thesis (M.Ing. (Development and Management Engineering)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

My dissertation thesis deals with information and communication technologies in the context of education and their impact on the subsequent quality of life of individuals with sight impairment. The work shows that it appears essential to provide pupils and students with impaired sight not only with the standard volume of knowledge, but also with specific and social skills and competences which will become a tool compensating their impaired sight handicap. The objective of the practical section of my thesis consists in determining the specifics of the process of instruction of pupils and students with sight impairment focussed on information technologies and in comparing the acquired data with research results aimed at the majority population of pupils and students. The said issues were analysed using the quantitative procedure of questionnaire research and evaluated under the application of frequency statistics. The testing of hypotheses was based on the Chi-square independence test. The research also incorporated the target group of parents of pupils with sight impairment and their teachers. Significant factors affecting the optimisation of the education and instruction process as a whole in the above mentioned target groups were determined and compared. Based on the acquired data and their statistic evaluation I succeeded to prove a significant correlation between the level of acquired competences in the field of information and communication technologies and the level of sight impairment. The results of the empiric section also suggest that the education of students with impaired sight within the mainstream educational process shows considerable reserves as compared with the educational process applied in special schools for pupils with a health handicap. The theoretical section of my thesis is divided into three chapters focussed on the conceptual and material specification and definition of the problem. The introductory chapter deals with the theoretical issues of sight impairment and the individuals with this type of handicap. The second chapter presents the system of the education of pupils and students with impaired sight and the concluding chapter deals with information and communication technologies as the tools compensating the information deficit in individuals with sight impairment. In co-operation with the Special Educational Centre based in České Budějovice, the results of my dissertation thesis will present the basis of recommendations targeted at an optimised formation of specific skills and competences in pupils with impaired sight educated within the mainstream educational process. The theoretical output of my thesis will result in study materials for the branch of specific educational studies in the Faculty of Health Care and Social Studies of the University of South Bohemia.

Universities in the new millennium find themselves in a knowledge-driven economy that is challenging them to produce a qualified and adaptable work force if they are to contribute to societal development. Owing to the structural change in the economy, entrepreneurs require high level scientists, professionals and technicians who not only have the capability to create and support innovations by adapting knowledge to local use but also people with managerial and lifelong learning skills. Such are they who can accelerate changes and make organizations more productive and efficient in the services they render. Consequently, universities in Sub-Saharan Africa are challenged to transform learning so as to produce graduates who have both knowledge and competencies. Such a system will create a balance between university education and the changing labour market. Satisfying these new educational demands are only possible through research and unhindered access to global information resources. Paradoxically, some private university libraries, because of limited funding, find themselves fiscally constrained in the provision of unhindered access to global stores of information particularly at a time of exponential growth both in number and cost of information resources. This had led libraries to re-examine resource sharing as a viable option to meeting the new demands placed on universities. It is for the reasons above that this study examines the practice, problems and prospects of resource-sharing in selected Seventh-day Adventist university libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa. It examines scientifically the causes of poor sharing practices that are unique to each library, the situational and environmental factors that can enhance resource sharing. It provides also research-based information that will help to determine the best ways by which each library can have greater access to information resources. There are proposals for resolving the problems, and there are recommendations for dealing with the matter on a more permanent basis. The study advances resource-sharing model called Consortium of Adventist University Libraries in Africa (CAULA) as a resource sharing network for Seventh-day Adventist libraries in Africa. The organizational structure for CAULA are outlined and discussed. The proposed cooperation is not only sustainable but also structured to provide efficiency and greater regional cooperation of SDA libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa. / Information Science / DLITT ET PHIL (INF SCIENCE)

Information, communication and broadcasting convergence is changing the business landscape in South Africa, as organisations adopt new converged information, communication technology (ICT) products and services to satisfy the needs of customers. Simultaneously, major changes are taking place in the South African telecommunications business environment creating new marketing opportunities and threats for Telkom SA, the only fixed line telecommunication operator in South Africa. Some of the findings of the study are • the commodization of the fixed line telecommunication network • political and regulatory changes are reshaping the telecommunications landscape by allowing the entry of new competitors • new technological innovations in Information Communication Technology (ICT) and mobile communication is driving change • social and economic change is fueling the speed of environmental change poor economic climate is quickening the competitive pace amongst South African businesses forcing them to attain efficiencies and effectiveness for survival • organisations worldwide are competing for limited resources and markets and turning to ICT to achieve their objectives • customer needs are changing - demanding better and innovative communication products and services - providing opportunities to competitors • the Internet is reshaping traditional business models as businesses are seeking to establish competitive advantages through the Internet • the migration of the Internet to the mobile telephony sector These changes are creating new marketing opportunities and threats for South African fixed line telecommunication operators and are threatening the survival of fixed line telecommunication operators worldwide and in South Africa. Information Technology, broadcasting and telecommunication technology convergence, has created many new ICT products and services opportunities that telecommunication competitors are offering existing customers of the fixed line operators network indicating lethargy from their side. In order for the fixed line operators to survive they must apply innovation and revise their strategic planning models. / Business Management / DCOM (Business Management)

Universities in the new millennium find themselves in a knowledge-driven economy that is challenging them to produce a qualified and adaptable work force if they are to contribute to societal development. Owing to the structural change in the economy, entrepreneurs require high level scientists, professionals and technicians who not only have the capability to create and support innovations by adapting knowledge to local use but also people with managerial and lifelong learning skills. Such are they who can accelerate changes and make organizations more productive and efficient in the services they render. Consequently, universities in Sub-Saharan Africa are challenged to transform learning so as to produce graduates who have both knowledge and competencies. Such a system will create a balance between university education and the changing labour market. Satisfying these new educational demands are only possible through research and unhindered access to global information resources. Paradoxically, some private university libraries, because of limited funding, find themselves fiscally constrained in the provision of unhindered access to global stores of information particularly at a time of exponential growth both in number and cost of information resources. This had led libraries to re-examine resource sharing as a viable option to meeting the new demands placed on universities. It is for the reasons above that this study examines the practice, problems and prospects of resource-sharing in selected Seventh-day Adventist university libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa. It examines scientifically the causes of poor sharing practices that are unique to each library, the situational and environmental factors that can enhance resource sharing. It provides also research-based information that will help to determine the best ways by which each library can have greater access to information resources. There are proposals for resolving the problems, and there are recommendations for dealing with the matter on a more permanent basis. The study advances resource-sharing model called Consortium of Adventist University Libraries in Africa (CAULA) as a resource sharing network for Seventh-day Adventist libraries in Africa. The organizational structure for CAULA are outlined and discussed. The proposed cooperation is not only sustainable but also structured to provide efficiency and greater regional cooperation of SDA libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa. / Information Science / DLITT ET PHIL (INF SCIENCE)

Information, communication and broadcasting convergence is changing the business landscape in South Africa, as organisations adopt new converged information, communication technology (ICT) products and services to satisfy the needs of customers. Simultaneously, major changes are taking place in the South African telecommunications business environment creating new marketing opportunities and threats for Telkom SA, the only fixed line telecommunication operator in South Africa. Some of the findings of the study are • the commodization of the fixed line telecommunication network • political and regulatory changes are reshaping the telecommunications landscape by allowing the entry of new competitors • new technological innovations in Information Communication Technology (ICT) and mobile communication is driving change • social and economic change is fueling the speed of environmental change poor economic climate is quickening the competitive pace amongst South African businesses forcing them to attain efficiencies and effectiveness for survival • organisations worldwide are competing for limited resources and markets and turning to ICT to achieve their objectives • customer needs are changing - demanding better and innovative communication products and services - providing opportunities to competitors • the Internet is reshaping traditional business models as businesses are seeking to establish competitive advantages through the Internet • the migration of the Internet to the mobile telephony sector These changes are creating new marketing opportunities and threats for South African fixed line telecommunication operators and are threatening the survival of fixed line telecommunication operators worldwide and in South Africa. Information Technology, broadcasting and telecommunication technology convergence, has created many new ICT products and services opportunities that telecommunication competitors are offering existing customers of the fixed line operators network indicating lethargy from their side. In order for the fixed line operators to survive they must apply innovation and revise their strategic planning models. / Business Management / DCOM (Business Management)