This thesis reports on a formal cross–sectional study undertaken over three years (starting in 2002). Since that the South African entrepreneurial scenario had only recently embraced the theories of entrepreneurship and its promotion, it sought to delineate the critical elements that one would link to developing a mid–sized venture, to venture growth (VG) and to leadership provided by the founder. Research within the Information Technology (IT) sector was driven by personal experience and by studies on strategic management, leadership, risk management, opportunity recognition, resource-leveraging and optimisation strategies. The researcher also sought empirical support in management and business strategy studies, in entrepreneurial organisational learning theories, “EOLT” (what this study terms “knowledge creation” and “knowledge – sharing”), and in scientific evidence that supports thinking on venture - creation, promotion or growth. The primary purpose of this study was to (a) ascertain the depth of leadership involved in venture growth (VG) and (b) investigate whether or not founding-entrepreneurs used their leadership abilities, management strategies and skills in VG. A primary and final respondent population (N = 186) of IT company General Managers/Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) was tested. Respondents also had to be active shareholders, founders and leaders, and operationally (i.e. managerially) involved, as well. Statistical considerations were applied to (i) sample-“validity and reliability” (VR), and (ii) sample-manipulation and prescription. Adoption of a two-pronged approach led to the refinement of assumptions, and to the formulation of initial entrepreneurial leadership and venture growth propositions and hypotheses. To accommodate the given research purposes, a pilot–test was initiated amongst a sample of 20 CEOs from five different industries. An analysis of the results of this test and the additional interviews conducted resulted in (a) the refinement of the initial propositions and (b) a topology and foundations for the final testing instrument. Discussions with a subset of the test respondents resulted in the final propositions. Guided by empirical research parameters, four fundamental hypotheses were derived and tested (within the context of the variables in the final testing instrument). Construct evolution resulted in these factors: Entrepreneurial Thinking/Risk perception (F1); Entrepreneurial Persistence (F2); and Unique Performance (F3). Extensive factor analysis testing was applied. The following hypothesis for F2 was also tested: -- H0: The greater the specific and general competencies of a founding entrepreneur, with regard to organisational skill, business knowledge and general past experience, the stronger the business output (i.e. success). -- The alternate hypothesis/Ha: The weaker the specific and general competencies of a founding entrepreneur, with regard to organisational skill, business knowledge and general past experience, the weaker the business output (i.e. success). For F2, a high percentage of variance resulted, the mean = 4.2, the standard deviation = 0.4, and, with the existence of strong statistical significance represented, Ha was rejected. Responses to associated variables were highly polarised. These were interpreted to be indicative of differences in the manner in which founding entrepreneurs perceived vision-establishment as an enabling tool for VG and strategy. A strong prediction for N = 162 also resulted, which here indicated that a strong relationship existed between F2 and F3. In relation to F1, F2 and F3, the prediction also seemed to indicate that motivation and specific competencies also have paths to VG (with significant coefficients; where t >2; and p < .05). Direct-effect domains, such as the specific skills associated with negotiating and contracting (IT deals), indicated the strongest relation to VG. Given the relevant age of most of the founding entrepreneurs in the population (36–45 years), this was not an unexpected result. Although some relationships were found to exist for the other relationships of factors to the tested overall hypothesis, these tended to yield somewhat weaker than expected significances. In relation to the above hypothesis, the study found that technical skill and industry experience exhibited reasonably significant relationships to and with VG. It was also found that in South Africa a very small number of authors have attempted to integrate their thinking concerning founding entrepreneurs into EOLT and VG strategies. No longitudinal studies on the relationship between these elements could be found, and even less research was also found were the topics were tackled in combination–form. The study also concludes that there is room for more research that integrates, links and shows the relationship between VG, founding entrepreneurs and leadership. / Thesis (PhD (Entrepreneurship))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Business Management / unrestricted

Fiction is used as a metaphor to do research. As part of this metaphor people is used to do research with and not about. The stories told are listened to and brought into conversation with written resources, case studies and expert voices. A wide horison is suggested by the using of different scientific disciplines. The stories used is diverse in nature to complement the discription of healing in all its facets. When one listens to the discourses carefully one will realise that healing is one word of fashion in our times and has been in the past. The discourses about healing differ range from a medical, to a theological and even alternative perspective. These discourses tend to fragment the human into smaller parts, which is elevated into a ivory tower to absolute truth. This research is done within a postmodern era which invites researchers to question absolute truths and search for unique outcomes. The emerging of alternative methods invites current discourses to conversation. Alternative discourses invite ivory tower discourses to think in terms of holism. An unique outcome of this dialoque is the new and fresh understanding of healing as a word which includes the person as a whole and not a fragmented object. Healing invites metaphors like brokenness, a unique perspective on life, personal deepening and the search for alternatives as part of the meaning given in a specific situation. Healing invites sick people to conversate with the Scripture first and seek current and alternative discourses thereafter. / Thesis (PhD (Practical Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

Intertextuality, a handy label that signals interconnectedness between texts, has a long history of interconnectedness with texts. As an inherent feature of all literature, it could not have escaped biblical criticism. Its own historical-critical method, in particular, has been deeply intertextual in that it accounts for the cumulative textual processes behind the Hebrew Bible. It is, however, only in its theoretical expression of the late 1960s with a flat denial of historicism that biblical criticism has found intertextuality unpalatable. This mini-dissertation is a brief cross-disciplinary gesture, aiming to frame the intertextual dilemma within the context of biblical criticism past and present, using its own literary critical and semiotic resources. As a random intertext, the biblical account of the Passover in two ‘parallel’ passages here complements the broad canvas of the intertextual theory, biblical studies of European and American vintage, history, philosophy, and postmodernism in outlining the paradigm transition from text- to reader-oriented biblical criticism. From such an enterprise, intertextuality emerges as a mere critical, if useful, framework whose claims to ahistoricity (objectivity) and novelty are dubious and subject to the very methodological questioning it seeks to clarify. As an intertextual theory and practice in one, the following mini-dissertation is as much an example of its terminological precursor as an illustration of it. / Dissertation (MA (Ancient Languages))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Ancient Languages / unrestricted

The aim of this study is to explore whether and how traditional African values manifest in a present-day, urban South African setting and whether these values could have an impact on HIV/AIDS prevention programmes. Five interviewees who work and live in Soshanguve confirmed that some traditional African beliefs still play a role in the lives of people in Soshanguve. Several authors stress the fact that certain traditional beliefs and values place people at risk with regard to HIV/AIDS infection. Some of the traditional African beliefs that continue to shape and inform the behaviour of people who live in Soshanguve could therefore place them at risk with regard to HIV/AIDS infection. These risks should be underlined in HIV/AIDS prevention programmes presented in Soshanguve. In the problem statement for this study the question is asked: how can traditional African beliefs and values be utilised in HIV/AIDS prevention programmes in Soshanguve? According to the P-E-N model or strategy, traditional cultural beliefs and behaviours may be categorised as positive (P), exotic (E) or negative (N), and treated accordingly. In terms of the P-E-N model, positive cultural beliefs and behaviours are those which are known to be beneficial in HIV/AIDS prevention. The emphasis in a community like Soshanguve should be on positive (P) beliefs and values that can be utilised in HIV/AIDS programmes. Traditional healers, community leaders and church leaders should all be involved in these programmes. Success stories in Africa point to the need for cultural sensitivity as well as the importance of involving the whole community in the fight against HIV/AIDS. / Dissertation (MA (Counselling Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Psychology / unrestricted

In hierdie studie is die bydrae wat sosiaal-wetenskaplike kritiek as analitiese metode vir die verstaan van die boek Ester kan maak, ondersoek. Die doel, naamlik om die boek Ester beter te verstaan, is bereik deur ‘n uitgebreide literatuurverkenning. Die nege vrae wat Elliott (1993:72) in sy boek “What is Social-Scientific Criticism?” stel, is as basis vir analise gebruik. Die outeur van die boek Ester het waarskynlik die diaspora-Jode (539 vC tot 332 vC) in gedagte gehad by die skrywe van die Ester-verhaal, wat deur verskeie navorsers beskryf is as ‘n goeie verhaal wat goed vertel word. Die sosiale agtergrond van die verhaal is verken en die leser-gehoor is geïdentifiseer. Die strategie wat die outeur gebruik het om die leser-hoorders te motiveer om getrou aan hulle Joodse tradisies te bly, is bespreek. Die ideologiese tema van die boek Ester verwys na die voorsienigheid van God, al word sy naam nie in die oorspronklike Hebreeuse teks genoem nie. Die outeur sluit hierby aan deur implisiete boodskappe aan die lesers te rig. ‘n Bespreking van die makrostruktuur van die boek Ester, insluitend die dinamiese motiewe en temas, voltooi die ontsluiting van die sosiale en kulturele aspekte van die boek. ENGLISH : In this study, the contribution of social-scientific criticism as an analytical method towards an understanding of the book Esther has been researched. The aim, namely to improve an understanding of the book Esther, has been achieved by means of an extensive literature study in order to obtain answers to the nine questions that Elliott (1993:72) uses as a basis for social-scientific criticism in his book “What is Social-Scientific Criticism?” The unknown author of the book Esther presumably had the Diaspora Jews (539 BC to 332 BC) in mind when he wrote the Esther narrative. Various researchers have described the Esther narrative as a good story that is well told. In this study, the social background to the story is explored and the reader audience identified. The strategy used by the author to motivate his readers to remain true to their Jewish traditions is discussed. The ideological theme of the book Esther refers to the providence of God, although his name is not mentioned in the original Hebrew text. The author concurs with this theme by means of implicit messages directed at the readers. A discussion of the macrostructure of the book Esther, including the dynamic themes and motives, completes the exposition of the cultural and social aspects of the book. / Dissertation (MA (Ancient Languages))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Ancient Languages / unrestricted

Ungulate browsing and its ecological effects at plant, population, community, and ecosystem levels were addressed in a eutrophic southern African savanna. This was to test predictions of prevailing hypotheses, which are based on research in boreal and temperate forests. Changes in plant morpho-functional traits and population structure of a staple palatable species, Acacia nigrescens Miller were addressed over a two-year survey among vegetation stands with very different histories of attack from herbivores. Moreover browser-induced effects on functional composition of a woody plant community were addressed along a strong browsing gradient. Nutrient cycling was investigated through measurements of leaf litter decomposition rates, as well as soil and leaf chemistry analyses. Finally, a modelling approach was used to make predictions on plant productivity and changes in soil nutrient availability under ungulate browsing according to opposite plant defensive traits (i.e. tolerance vs resistance). I found evidence that long-term selective browsing may negatively affect soil nutrient pool, at least in the vicinity of palatable woody plants. I proposed this might be due to the drastic reduction of leaf-twig litter mass returned to the soil, which likely decreased decomposer activity and negatively affected N mineralization rates. Hence, the processes responsible for a loss of nutrients in the soil were different from those proposed for northern hemisphere scenarios, which were instead due to decreased litter quality. However, I found evidence of high plant resilience in heavily browsed sites where Acacia stands shown (1) higher leaf N during the main growing season, (2) higher N release from leaf litter, (3) high concentrations of nitrate (NO3) and ammonium (NH4), and (4) similar, or even faster, litter decomposition rates than in lightly browsed sites. Firstly, this suggests that tree pruning triggers and maintains a fast nutrient cycling within the plant-browser system. The accelerating effect is supported by high mass compensatory growth abilities from highly palatable, fast-growing Acacia trees that produce highly decomposable litter. Secondly, browsing may have a long-term decelerating effect on N cycling through quantitative changes in litter production rather than through qualitative changes in litter chemistry. Further studies should better address processes related to soil nutrient cycling to confirm such hypothesis. I discuss how the interactive effects of browsing-grazing-soil fertility may influence nutrient cycling trough different ecological processes. / Thesis (DPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted

In developing rural areas of South Africa that are mainly occupied by small-scale farmers, the productivity of tropical/subtropical fruits is relatively low. This study has been focusing on the opportunities and constraints faced by small-scale farmers on irrigated and dryland orchards farms in Venda. This was done by attempting to gain realistic understanding of what shapes small-scale farmers and how the various influencing factors can be adjusted so that, taken together, they produce more beneficial outcomes. The specific objectives of the study were to look at the cropping practices by smallholders in Venda for the purpose of acquiring a sound insight in present status, future and constraints of tropical/ subtropical fruit production based on literature and case study; understand the needs and aspirations of these farmers, and to ascertain how support rendered to small-scale farmers can be improved. In order to satisfy these objectives, a questionnaire was developed for specific use among small-scale farmers and a sample of 66 respondents was drawn from Tshakhuma, Muledane, Mukula and Tshifudi areas in Venda. A questionnaire also included details on personal characteristics of farmers, cropping practices and their problems. Frequency tables were utilized to analyse the data. The results of this study indicated that the there is a significant relationship amongst the cropping techniques. Looking at the orchard size and the type of fertilizers applied by the farmers, it has been revealed that farmers owning the small size of the land mostly apply the organic fertilizers, while depending on the family labour. The results also indicated that farmers owning dryland orchards apply the inputs differently from those who practice irrigation farming. Most of the farmers who practice irrigation farming, as compared to dryland farmers, apply inputs such as inorganic fertilizers, supplemental water through irrigation, and hire labourers. A review of historical background of Vhavenda people was also included in this study to look at their attitudes towards developmental issues. Among the Vhavenda people there are a number of cultural factors which tend to impact on socio-economic development. These factors, among others, include traditional and polygamous marriages, male dominated authorities, sharing of goods, worshiping of ancestors, and extended families. Historical background indicated that modern cropping methods of tropical/subtropical fruit production are not part of Vhavenda culture, and as a result people relied on indigenous fruits of veld and relishes for their diet. A survey on climatic conditions and current situation revealed the extent of cropping practices on tropical/subtropical fruit production with regard to small-scale farming techniques, and limiting factor on production and marketing of tropical/ subtropical fruits in Venda. Areas in Venda where small-scale tropical/subtropical farmers is actively practiced and where the research was conducted, small-scale farmers were divided into three categories, namely, home garden owners, farmers who produce under dryland conditions, and the farmers who produce under irrigation systems. It was clear that the study areas had a great potential with regard to physical aspects that promote sustainable production of tropical/subtropical fruits, but this potential is not fully utilized. The reasons for failure of tropical/subtropical fruit projects are ascribed to be uneconomic farm units, lack of knowledge and skills, lack of funding, lack of reliable markets due to fruit loss at the storage facilities, lack of infrastructure in general and lack of land use planning and management. Mismanagement of orchards in the research areas has resulted in poor cropping performance (yield). It was evident that in this survey that the infrastructure used by the farmers is poor. In terms of support service, small-scale farmers faced serious challenges as they depend on their incomes to render cropping practices. It is difficult whether or not they will function independently in the long run. It seems unlikely that small-scale farmers can survive if struck by a sudden disaster such as fire or drought. Small-scale farmers need an extremely diverse range of training to facilitate the development of managerial and technical skills. Results of this study revealed that the type of support needed by the farmers include the financial assistance, training, technical advice, marketing of fruits and advice on marketing, continued assistance on existing tropical/subtropical fruit projects, and assistance in acquiring a farm or more land. / Dissertation (M Inst Agrar (Plant Production: Horticulture))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Plant Production and Soil Science / unrestricted

Effects of sex, age and pre-slaughter conditioning on the characteristics of South African indigenous goat carcasses (weight, dimensions, and joint and tissue composition) and quality of chevon (pH and temperature profiles, histological, histochemical, metabolic, proteolytic and physical) were determined. Effects of post-mortem ageing and electrical stimulation on the quality of chevon were also investigated. The nutritional quality of chevon in terms of fatty acid and amino acid content was assessed. The acceptability of chevon compared to mutton was tested by a panel of South African consumers. The goats were large with live weight, carcass weight and carcass dimensions in the range of the large breeds of southern Africa. They had a high lean and low fat content that is typical of most goat breeds. Intact males were suited for high chevon yield because they were heavy, had a high lean and low fat content, and losses during dressing and chilling were reduced by improved nutrition. Goats between two and six teeth yielded heavy carcasses that were comparable to goats in the eight teeth group, and had proportionately more lean. The hind limb appeared to be ideal for high lean and low fat high value cuts but the dorsal trunk was bony and yielded less lean. Pre-slaughter conditioning improved the overall size of the goats and reduced the losses during slaughter and chilling. It also improved the lean/bone and lean and fat/bone indices. The M. longissimus thoracis (LT) had a low glycolytic potential (GP), high initial lactate concentration, low initial pH and high ultimate pH (pHu) values, all of which indicated that peri-mortem handling of goats was a potent stressor. Chevon from carcasses with pHu<5.8 had higher initial GP, glycogen and ATP content. It had longer sarcomeres, low 96-hour shear force values and better colour quality than higher pH meat. Similarly, chevon from the 2-teeth group tended to have lower pHu values than contemporary groups and hence lower 96-hour shear force values and better colour quality. Conversely, mature does tended to have high pHu and hence a high mean 96-hour shear force value and a low mean a* value associated with dark cutting meat. Only up to 20% of the muscle samples had a pHu<5.8. Pre-slaughter conditioning had no effect on GP and pHu but enhanced the rate of pH and temperature decline and resulted in more tender meat with higher a* values. Generally carcasses with a 3-hour pH (pH3) of less than 6.1 were heavier, had more carcass fat, maintained a high temperature early post-mortem, had longer sarcomeres, better colour quality and lower 24-hour shear force values than those with a pH3 of 6.3 or greater. M. longissimus thoracis and M semimembranosus (SM) samples with pH3<6.1 constituted less than 22% of the samples. The LT and SM had different myofibre proportions. Myofibre types were not useful indices of meat quality. The level of immediate post-slaughter calpastatin activity suggests that the proteolytic potential of chevon is not essentially different from that of other meat types. Ageing and electrical stimulation improved tenderness and colour quality of chevon. Electrical stimulation increased the rate of pH decline to levels outside the risk of cold shortening as well as the ageing potential of chevon such that the meat attained tenderness that was within the acceptable limits for four days of ageing. Chevon had high levels of PUFA, particularly C18:2, which were similar to values reported for ostrich. The high C18:2/C18:3 ratio suggested that the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio would be much higher than the recommended ratio of less than four. Most of the fatty acid proportions fell within the ranges that have been reported for chevon and other red meat species. Age and sex of the goats had no significant effect on the fatty acid profile but pre-slaughter conditioning resulted in lower levels of C14:0 and total SFA, and increased levels of C18:1 and hence MUFA. The amino acid proportions suggest that there is no variation in the amino acid profile between M. longissimus lumborum muscles from goats of different age or sex classes. Level of education of the consumers was most important in determining consumer acceptance of the sensory attributes as well as the intended frequency of consumption for chevon and mutton. Population group was a significant factor only when the meats were of more variable acceptability. Sensory evaluations indicated that chevon and mutton were highly acceptable to the consumers, who were willing to eat any of the meats at least once a week. The study indicated that chevon is acceptable to South African consumers and may be as acceptable as mutton if the meat is from goats of about two years old or younger. South African indigenous goats may yield high quality chevon, with a low pHu and acceptable colour provided that the meat is from large carcasses (~15kg) with a high fat content (at least 7%) and is not from mature does. / Thesis (PhD (Animal Science))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted

The design of a five star hotel entails a miniature world within the walls of a building. Attendant human and psychological factors in such a community must be carefully worked out and used to the advantage of the public, staff and hotelier alike. The different components of the hotel must be layered in such a manner that it is suitable contextually and functionally. The proposed hotel forms part of a very rich historically urban context. The focus of the design will be, not to ignore the surrounding context (as many hotels function on their own), but rather to support the city of Pretoria to strengthen its image as the Capital City and at the same time help to keep Church Street as the business core of the city. Densifying the Inner City to prevent urban sprawl and to create an environment that promotes security by activity. Although the scheme is a system in itself, it plays a supportive and integrative role in the Inner City of Pretoria.The design will strive not to be an island tipe building that exclude the general public, but instead to include them into the design so that the city as a whole remains the most important element. The proposed Building will be situated on a remaining portion of Sammy Marks Square on the corner of Church Street and Prinsloo Street. The building functions will include a wellness component (link with the surrounding hospitals), hotel suites for accommodation, offi ces and retail shops. / Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Architecture / unrestricted

The aim and the purpose of this study was to explore the marital satisfaction of couples of arranged marriages and autonomous marriages. The sample was composed of 88 marital dyads from a suburban population. Participants completed questionnaires regarding their satisfaction with their marriages. The dependent variable of marital satisfaction was measured by the dyadic adjustment scale and Kansas marital satisfaction scale. The results of the analysis of variance indicates that couples of autonomous marriages are more satisfied with their marriages than couples of arranged marriages. The setting in which a couple met and the degree of love at the time of marriage has a significant effect on the marital satisfaction of couples. Findings extended prior research by demonstrating that the manner in which couples are selected has an impact on their marital satisfaction within their relationships. / Dissertation (MA (Counselling Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Psychology / unrestricted