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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.
51

Towards integrated catchment management : challenges surrounding implementation in the Gamtoos River catchment

Materechera, Fenji January 2012 (has links)
Water resource management has become a pertinent issue of global environmental concern in response to the conditions of a growing global population, increasing development and a limited freshwater supply. It is against the backdrop of such conditions that effective water resource management has gained popularity in seeking to ensure that the needs of the growing population will be met and secured for future generations. The notion of integrated water resource management (IWRM) is a perspective on water resource management that has evolved out of the global opinion that social and ecological systems are linked and therefore cannot be managed separately. The department of water affairs (DWA) in South Africa highlights the importance of approaching management of water resources from a catchment perspective which forms the basis for a particular integrated approach to management called integrated catchment management (ICM). ICM recognizes the catchment as the correct administrative unit for management. It integrates water resources and the land that forms the catchment area in planning and management. Researchers have described the implementation of ICM as being complicated and difficult. This is no exception to South Africa. Principles of ICM have received widespread prominence in South Africa as they have been incorporated into national water policy. Actual implementation however is still in its infancy. The study is therefore a case study of ICM with respect to factors influencing implementation amongst different stakeholders. The study aims to explore the theme of implementation of ICM within the context of the Gamtoos River Catchment with a view toward identifying and addressing challenges that may be more broadly applicable. The study adopts an inductive, exploratory approach to the connection between theory and practice. A systems-based framework characterized by sequential steps similar to that employed in a case study conducted by Bellamy et al. (2001) in Queensland Australia is used to facilitate the evaluation of ICM in the Gamtoos River Catchment. The evaluation is achieved through a three step process of exploration in the current study. Triangulation is applied to the choice of methods of analysis which involves the use of a global analysis method, the use of learning scenarios and a grounded theory method. Findings reveal seven core themes which help to provide a detailed, contextual understanding relating to the status quo for ICM in the catchment. Results from a grounded theory analysis summarized the main challenges to implementation into five broad categories. Based on this analysis method and the application of the three learning scenarios for the Gamtoos River Catchment, the extent to which these challenges exist was discovered. The state of ICM in the catchment was classified as falling within a condition of a level of success being achieved with room for improvement to a condition of optimal ICM. The study concludes that based on the context of ICM being an example of a Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS), this state of ICM in the Gamtoos River Catchment is subject to change. This therefore necessitates the consideration of approaches to implementation that are adaptive to change. Findings may serve to inform decision making on how ICM can be effectively implemented elsewhere in a South African context.
52

Leveraging shop floor management to create an organization of self managed people at SA canopy

Swart, Jacques January 2011 (has links)
All world class manufacturing organizations have shop floor management in place. Shop floor management principles and tools are utilised to plan and to react in out of control conditions. Shop floor management is also utilised to involve people in decision making and to encourage continuous improvement. Various shop floor management principles exist and are applied differently depending on the nature of the business, however all these principles are present in all the companies researched. SA Canopy currently applies very little or no shop floor management principles. To be able to achieve its objectives and mission set by the new shareholders, shop floor excellence must be achieved. The objective of the study was to establish shop floor management principles utilised by the automotive industry as well as best in class organizations. To achieve this, a comprehensive literature study was performed on shop floor management. A questionnaire and audit schedule was designed based on guidelines in the literature study in order to establish what shop floor management principles are being utilised in the industry. The researcher used random sampling methods in distributing the questionnaire. An internal audit of the companies was conducted to support the responses in from the questionnaires. The opinions of the various respondents were compared with the guidelines provided in the literature survey in order to indentify shop floor management principles which would be suitable for SA Canopy. The following main recommendations were made: In order for SA canopy to achieve its objectives the company needs to develop a mission statement for everyone to work towards; SA Canopy needs to become more customer and supplier orientated. This will improve the overall performance of the business in respect of cost, quality and output; It is important that SA Canopy promotes teamwork so as to create a culture of continuous improvement; Problem solving skills need to be developed in the organization; Roles of Supervision need to be clearly defined and development programmes need to be put in place for supervision; A management process similar to the “Plan, Do, Check, Action “needs to be put in place to ensure effective actioning and monitoring of improvements and performance of stakeholders.
53

Ubuntu as bestuurstyl vir die nuwe Suid-Afrika

Van der Merwe, I.P. 05 September 2012 (has links)
M.Comm. / Political changes and many other factors have forced South Africans from different backgrounds and cultures to work together and live together. These changes do not influence only the community life but also the organisations in South-Africa. As affirmative action is enforced and implemented by government and the business sector, people from African cultures are thrown in at the deep end in business life and people from the western cultures are not at ease working with African people because of a lack of understanding of the African culture. An important part of the African culture is called ubuntu. PURPOSE The purposes of this study are to identify and explain the different values of ubuntu, to illustrate how it can be applied in South African business and to identify the differences between western management practices and ubuntu management practices. METHOD OF STUDY A study was made of the relevant literature. FINDINGS The heritage that comes through traditional African roots is ubuntu: morality, humaness, compassion, care, understanding and empathy. It is one of sharing and hospitality, of honesty and humanity. Simply put, it is the ethic and interaction that occurs in the extended family. In Africa, it draws in all of the people. In this 'family' there is a community of shared values. Ubuntu is best described through the expression: a human is a human through other people. The ubuntu values described in this study are solidarity, the role of stories in ubuntu, compassion, respect and dignity, conformity and interconnectedness. Each of these attributes can be applied in South African businesses. The differences between western management and ubuntu management are discussed by looking at the differences in leadership, decision making, communication and corporate culture. Certain ubuntu values can be used in South-African business, such as group solidarity, respect and dignity, stories and the way the ubuntu culture deals with nature. Certain values cannot be used, such as the way Africans experiences time, because it would lead to low productivity. It seems as if ubuntu values have been lost with urbanisation, but there are still ubuntu values practised in townships, such as group solidarity that exists between tribe members, although the definition of a tribe has changed.
54

The use of Total Quality Management (TQM) concepts in public sector infrastructure project delivery

Khomela, Emmanuel Marang January 2016 (has links)
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Building, 2016 / South African public sector clients use a variety of Total Quality Management (TQM) practice in infrastructure project delivery. However, there is a dearth of information on the impact of TQM on these projects. The three main drivers of public projects delivery are time, cost and quality. In many instances, the quality of the work is lacking and this in return hamper service delivery and consequently cost and time overruns are experienced. Furthermore, The public sector in the South African construction industry is the main employer of consultants, contractors and professionals in the construction fraternity, could lead from the front by bring the culture of quality in the construction industry. The study is investigating the level of TQM adoption in the public sector and is motivated by the limited academic research that has been done locally in TQM with respect to construction industry, especially from the client’s perspective. Internationally there have been extensive studies that were conducted on the subject. In general, there are ten elements of TQM, if practiced, there is an opportunity for positive results which can be attained both in short and long term basis. A questionnaire was used to collect the qualitative data, from public sector engineers and technicians, Consulting engineers and Contractor, which is then analysed using a range of statistical techniques, tables and graphs. In general, TQM concepts are used in the South African public sector infrastructure projects. There public sector should work towards quality management certifications, which will translate into standardised quality process. TQM can only be achieved if there are already process in place. Keywords TQM, Infrastructure projects, Project management, Service delivery Public sector, South Africa / EM2017
55

Strategies for large class teaching

Van den Heever, Susanna 11 1900 (has links)
In this qualitative study, the phenomenon of large class teaching in South African secondary schools is investigated. It was concluded that since large classes will be a feature of the South African teaching context for many years to come due to financial constraints, educators and educational planners should explore and implement coping strategies instead of becoming demoralised by the situation. The study provides several instructional guidelines for implementation in large classes in the South African context. The focus of these guidelines is on large class management and effective teaching in large classes. The possibilities of strategies such as whole group instruction, cooperative learning, peer teaching, groupwork and the proper organisation of classroom space are investigated. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Didactics)
56

The emerging role of the human resource manager as strategic partner in South African organisations

Pietersen, F. L. (Flozenia Lizzet) 12 1900 (has links)
Thesis (MA) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South African organisations, just as in other countries, are fighting to gain a competitive advantage over their competitors. In this struggle, human resources have become the focus point of debate and intervention in organisations. The task-related competencies of employees have suddenly become central with regard to the performance of organisations. This new-found importance with which human resources have been labeled, also has a spill-over effect on the importance of the human resources function in organisations, especially the manager and leader thereof. The aim of this study is to shed light on the strategic partnership role that senior human resource managers currently play in South African organisations. Furthermore, a theoretical framework through which the concept of strategic partnership can be understood and explored, is introduced. The data was collected by utilising a survey and consisted of adapted versions of the Human Resources Role-assessment Survey (strategic partner), the Human Resources Competencies Scale as well as scales that measured the dimensions of strategic role motivation and strategic role opportunity. The results of this study showed that on average, the senior human resource (HR) managers in South Africa rated themselves significantly higher on the strategic partnership dimension than senior line managers rated them. Additionally, it seems that senior HR managers reported higher levels of professional competencies than of business-related competencies. A significant positive relationship exists between professional competencies and business-related competencies. There seems to be a significant positive relationship between strategic partnership and strategic role motivation as well as strategic partnership and strategic role opportunities within South African organisations. Conclusions are drawn from the results and recommendations are made for future research. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: DIE ONTLUIKENDE ROL VAN DIE MENSLIKE HULPBRONBESTUURDER AS IN STRATEGIESE VENNOOT IN SUID-AFRIKAANSE ORGANISASIES Net soos in ander lande, veg Suid-Afrikaanse organisasies vir die verkryging van 'n kompeterende voordeeloor hul mededingers. In hierdie stryd het die menslike hulpbron die fokuspunt van debat en intervensies in organisasies geword. Die taak-verwante bevoegdhede van werknemers het skielik sentraal geword in die ontleding van die prestasie van organisasies. Hierdie nuutgevonde belangrikheid waarmee die menslike hulpbron geëtiketteer word, het gelei tot die toenemende belangrikheid van die menslike hulpbronfunksie in organisasies, en spesifiek die bestuurder en leier van hierdie funksie (menslike hulpbronbestuurder). Die doel met hierdie studie is om die strategiese vennootskapsrol van menslike hulpbronbestuurders in Suid-Afrikaanse organisasies op te klaar. Verder word 'n teoretiese modelook ontwikkel waarmee die konsep van strategiese vennootskap beter verstaan en verder verken kan word. Die data is ingesamel deur gebruik te maak van 'n opname wat die vorm van 'n vraelys aangeneem het. Hierdie vraelys het bestaan uit aangepaste weergawes van die Menslike Hulpbron Rol-assesseringsopname (strategiese vennootskap), die Menslike Hulpbron Bevoegdheidskaal, sowel as vrae oor die dimensies van strategiese rolmotivering en strategiese rolgeleenthede. Die resultate van hierdie studie toon dat senior menslike hulpbronbestuurders in Suid-Afrikaanse organisasies hulself gemiddeld beduidend hoër tellings toeken op die dimensie van strategiese vennootskap as senior lynbestuurders. Dit blyk dat senior menslike hulpbronbestuurders ook oor hoër vlakke van professionele bevoegdhede as besigheidsverwante bevoegdhede beskik. Daar bestaan In beduidende positiewe verband tussen professionele bevoegdhede en besigheidsverwante bevoegdhede. Daar blyk ook In beduidend positiewe verband tussen strategiese vennootskap en strategiese rolmotivering, sowel as strategiese vennootskap en strategiese rolgeleenthede in organisasies te wees. Op grond van hierdie resultate is daar bepaalde gevolgtrekkings gemaak asook aanbevelings vir verdere navorsing.
57

Evaluation of the use of flood attenuation controls for the management of urban stormwater impacts in Cape Town, South Africa

Hotchkiss, Timothy Stephen 03 1900 (has links)
Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the context of rapidly expanding cities, it is imperative that urban planning in South Africa has sufficient guidance regarding stormwater and river corridor management, in order to provide solutions that address issues of flood risk and the environmental health of river systems. Attenuation of stormwater runoff, the focus of this study, is one of the most important structural mechanisms used for the mitigation of many of the negative impacts caused by uncontrolled urban runoff. Typically, it involves the use of attenuation ponds or wetlands, which temporarily store runoff during a storm and release flow downstream at a reduced rate so as to mimic natural flow patterns. The focus of urban stormwater management and flood control has historically been on the protection of human life and property. However, in recent decades, through growing environmental awareness and the advancement of the concept of sustainable development, urban stormwater management has become a growing field of research worldwide, with a broader focus which considers not only flood control, but also water quality, aquatic biodiversity and the amenity value of urban drainage systems. Flood attenuation controls are becoming more widely used within South African urban areas, primarily due to policies or legislation brought into effect by local authorities. However, there is often little understanding regarding the positive and perhaps negative effects that these attenuation controls are having on receiving watercourses downstream. Three case studies were assessed by means of stormwater modelling simulations to evaluate various flood attenuation practices which are currently in use in South Africa. Two of the study areas, the Mosselbank River Catchment and the Bayside Canal Catchment, were selected in areas of Cape Town where future development has been proposed by spatial planners. The third study area, the Upper Kuils River Catchment, was evaluated in terms of the performance of existing attenuation facilities in an area which is already almost completely developed. The study found that attenuation facilities constructed with a single culvert-type outlet structure, designed to reduce flows during large storm events, do not mitigate the impact of post-development runoff occurring during lower recurrence interval storm events. Attenuation facilities with multi-stage outlet structures were found to be much more effective at mimicking pre-development flow during a range of storm events. It was also found that because attenuation does not reduce post-development runoff volumes to pre-development levels, but merely reduces peak flow rates, the cumulative runoff from multiple attenuation controls across a large (>30 km2) urban catchment resulted in higher runoff peaks in downstream watercourses. The study concluded that more widespread use of stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) controls allows a greater portion of runoff to infiltrate, resulting in less runoff volume and therefore reduced peak flows downstream, especially during low recurrence interval storm events. In addition, the study recommended the use of detailed catchment-wide stormwater modelling to understand specific catchment dynamics holistically, thus increasing the potential for designing effective attenuation controls in urban stormwater systems. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In die konteks van die vinnige tempo van stedelike uitbreiding, is dit noodsaaklik dat stedelike beplanning in Suid-Afrika plaasvind met in aggenome van voldoende riglyne vir die bestuur van stormwater en rivierkorridors, ten einde oplossings te vind vir die kwessies van vloedrisiko en die omgewingsgesondheid van rivierstelsels. Vloedvertraging, wat die fokus van hierdie studie is, is een van die belangrikste strukturele meganismes wat gebruik word vir die verligting van talle negatiewe impakte wat veroorsaak word deur onbeheerde stormwaterafloop in stedelike gebiede. Tipies behels dit die gebruik van vloedvertragingsdamme of vleilande, wat afloop vertraag tydens 'n storm en dus vloei stroom-af teen 'n verlaagde tempo uitlaat met die doel om natuurlike vloeipatrone na te boots. Die fokus van stedelike stormwaterbestuur en vloedbeheer was in die verlede hoofsaaklik op die beskerming van lewe en eiendom gefokus, maar het egter die afgelope dekades verskuif na water gehalte, die biodiversiteit van waterekosisteme en die geriefswaarde van stedelike dreineringstelsels. Hierdie verskuiwing van fokus is weens die groeiende omgewingsbewustheid en die bevordering van die konsep van volhoubare ontwikkeling wat wêreldwyd 'n groter navorsingsgebied geraak het. Vloedvertraging beheermeganismes word al hoe meer algemeen gebruik in Suid-Afrikaanse stedelike gebiede, hoofsaaklik as gevolg van die beleide of wetgewing wat deur plaaslike owerhede in werking gestel is. Daar is egter dikwels min begrip vir die positiewe en moontlike negatiewe gevolge wat hierdie vertragingsmeganismes op stroom-af sisteme het. Drie gevallestudies is geëvalueer deur middel van numeriese modelstudies wat verskeie benaderings van vloed beheer, wat tans in Suid-Afrika gebruik is, in ag neem. Twee van die studie areas, naamlik die Mosselbank en die Bayside-kanaal opvanggebiede in die Kaapse metropool, is gekies in areas waar toekomstige ontwikkeling in die vooruitsig gestel is deur stadsbeplanners. Die derde studie area, die opvangsgebied van die bolope van die Kuilsrivier, is in terme van die prestasie van bestaande stormwater infrastruktuur in 'n gebied wat reeds byna heeltemal ontwikkel is, geëvalueer. Die studie het bevind dat vloedvertragingsfasiliteite met 'n enkele duiker uitlaatstruktuur, wat ontwerp is met die doel om die vloeispitse tydens groot storms te demp, nie die impak van die na-ontwikkeling afloop, wat gedurende storms met laer herhalingsinterval voorkom, verminder nie. In terme van vloedvertragingsfasiliteite met 'n veelvuldige uitlaatstruktuur, is dit bevind dat voorontwikkelingsafloop tydens 'n reeks van groot en kleiner storms veel meer effektief nageboots word. Daar is egter ook bevind dat die demping van die vloedspitse nie die naontwikkeling afloopvolumes verminder tot voorontwikkelingsvlakke nie, maar slegs tot die vermindering van maksimum snelhede lei. Die gevolg is dat die totale afloop van ‘n kombinasie van ‘n aantal vertragingsdamme oor 'n groot (> 30 km2) stedelike opvanggebied ‘n hoër spitsvloei in die stroom-af riviere tot gevolg het. Die studie het bevind dat die wydverspreide gebruik van bestebestuurspraktyke (BMPs) en volhoubare stedelike dreineringstelsels (SuDS) tot die infiltrasie van ‘n groter gedeelte van die afloop lei, wat laer afloopvolume en dus verminderde spitsvloei stroomaf tot gevolg het, veral gedurende storms met ‘n lae herhalingsinterval. Daarbenewens word die aanwending van gedetailleerde modellering van stormwatersisteme binne die groter opvangsgebied aanbeveel ten einde ‘n meer holistiese begrip van spesifieke aspekte van die opvangegebied dinamika, om sodoende die potensiaal vir die ontwerp van effektiewe vloedvertragingskontroles in stedelike stormwaterstelsels te verbeter.
58

Die ekonomiese beginsel in owerheidsdesentralisasie

18 March 2014 (has links)
M.Com. (Economics) / The purpose of this study is to investigate the economic principles underlying the decentralization of government to local level in a market oriented economic system. In the provision of public goods there is no freedom of choice, decisions being made by a few individuals. This contrasts with the operation of the free market mechanism in which millions of subjects make personal and independent decisions about millions of objects. However, through the decentralization of government, an effort is being made to involve more subjects in the making of collective decisions through representatives at all levels of government. In South Africa, the problem has a further dimension in that not all population groups have so far participated fully in the democratic and free market economy. The new constitutional dispensation provides for a broadening of democracy, in that non-white population groups are now more and more represented at central, provincial and local government level. The role to be played in this regard by municipalities is examined, in order to highlight the economic principles underlying the decentralization of decision- making. The focal point of the study is the way in which decentralization of decisionmaking, by which government is extended to the inhabitants, is being manifested at municipal level. The topics dealt with in this study are: - the role of government in a market economic system; - the financing of municipalities; - the establishment of local authorities; - the development of infra-structures; - development strategies; - the pursuit and growth of economic principles in a new dispensation. Municipalities have an essential function to perform in the provision of public goods and in serving as the bearers of democracy. Municipalities can make a meaningful contribution to the development of a country and its inhabitants and to the realization of the benefits of the decentralization of decision-making, in step with the economic principles underlying it.
59

Developing a knowledge map at a South African electricity utility

17 April 2015 (has links)
M.Com. (Business Management) / The knowledge that people create, possess and share can easily go unnoticed in organisations that do not put effort in identifying it. Knowledge, among other factors, is what people in organisations use to make decisions that can possibly give organisations a competitive advantage. Knowledge, as with other traditionally recognised resources, is a strategic resource that organisations can use to bring about positive change in business. Knowledge can be tacit or explicit and both types need to be managed strategically. Explicit knowledge tends to be easily accessible if it is stored in places such as databases where people can locate it, however, tacit knowledge can be slightly more challenging to access as it lies in the minds of people. Eskom’s Project Development Department (PDD) has 32 project developers who actively develop projects that the organisation will invest in. These projects include electricity generation stations, transmission lines or even pollution mitigating technologies. The project developers work with various stakeholders in and outside of the organisation to ensure that the projects are aligned with the strategic objectives of the organisation. This study aimed to identify the knowledge that the project developers possess and a knowledge audit was conducted on the project developers. The results show that the project developers possess vast amounts of knowledge, skills and are subject matter experts in various fields. The project developers also communicate with various other departments within Eskom when developing projects. A contributing fact to the varying knowledge and skills that the project developers possess is the different projects that each project developer develops. These projects can take up to three years to develop and this can enable a person to acquire knowledge in a specific field of operation. The majority of the project developers also stated that they preferred one on one physical conversations to acquire and share knowledge. Knowledge is gaining recognition as a strategic resource within organisations and strategic management of the knowledge is necessary as it can provide benefits for people and organisations as a whole.
60

Critical success factors adopted by members of project management South Africa

Mdose, Sandile MacIntosh. January 2016 (has links)
M. Tech. Business Administration / This study was undertaken to establish the critical success factors from the literature that are present in success of projects and to identify the positive impact in project management. The study was quantitative in nature and primary data was collected using an online structured questionnaire as a research instrument to the target population following a survey method. Bar-charts were used to present the results and t-test was used for the analysis of the data in view of the objectives of the research. For t-test, a significance level was set at a = 0.05. In the South African context, the findings showed that communication, scope management and a project team in project success; planning, top management support and commitment and risk management in project management success were found to be the important critical success factors as they were ranked top 3 respectively.

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