For a number of years there has been a growing awareness of the importance of shareholder value for financial strategy and management. At the same time, there has been growing concern that the traditional accounting measures of performance have serious inherent limitations that may lead to poor financial decision-making. This study starts off by providing an overview of the main accounting earnings-based measures, as well as the most important criticisms leveled against them. The concepts of Economic Value Added (EVA) and Market Value Added (MVA), which are currently regarded as the most important indicators of shareholder value and financial performance, are examined, along with some research evidence supporting them (and other evidence opposing them). Various aspects of EVA and MVA are discussed, including different ways of calculating them, and their link to other financial concepts such as net present value (NPV) and operating and financial leverage. After a discussion of the main drivers of EVA, namely the Return on Invested Capital (ROIC), the weighted average cost of capital (WACC), the performance spread and the invested capital (IC), the financial strategy matrix is introduced. The financial strategy matrix has been used in this study to evaluate companies in terms of internal value creation (performance spreads) and cash flow management (sales growth compared to the sustainable growth rate). A selection of companies listed on the JSE was ranked according to their relative performance in terms of internal value creation (performance spreads) and the results of some individual companies and sectors were placed on the financial strategy matrix. The statistical tests done on the data have indicated that the sales growth minus the sustainable growth rate does not contribute significantly to shareholder value and an alternative variable was recommended. Further tests have revealed that significant correlation between MVA and EVA could only be found if the median results over a ten-year period were used. The correlation between MVA and the main drivers of EVA was found to be weak on a year-on-year basis. It is hoped that the results and perspectives gained from this study will be helpful to financial managers who aim to optimize their approach to shareholder value management. / Thesis (DCom (Financial Management))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Financial Management / unrestricted

Canine babesiosis typically causes a haemolytic anemia and results in hypoxia and sepsis, which can eventually result in multiple organ dysfunction. Human patients with severe injury or disease such as shock, sepsis and malaria often have persistent hyperlactataemia, and there is a correlation between blood lactate and survival rate. There are various similarities between human malaria and canine babesiosis, eg. anaemia, renal failure, cerebral forms, coagulopathy, hepatopathy, pulmonary oedema, and shock. In severe malaria, lactate levels in blood rise in direct proportion to the severity of the disease. Venous lactate concentrations measured at 4 hours after admission appears to be the best prognostic indicator in severe malaria. In dogs blood lactate has been shown to be of prognostic value in patients with gastric dilatationvolvulus and in dogs admitted to intensive care units. Blood lactate has also been shown to be of prognostic value in equine colic. Blood lactate was determined in ninety dogs with naturally occurring canine babesiosis. Forty-five dogs (50%) presented with hyperlactataemia (blood lactate > 2.5mmol/L) and 20 (22.2%) with hypoglycaemia (blood glucose < 3.3 mmol/L). Measurements significantly associated with mortality were hypoglycaemia on admission, blood lactate > 5mmol/L on admission, blood lactate > 2.5 mmol/L at 8, 16 and 24 hours after admission, and increase or < 50% decrease in blood lactate within 8 and 16 hours after admission. Blood lactate persistently > 4.4 mmol/L indicated a very poor prognosis. The study concluded that serial blood lactate measurements are useful in predicting survival in dogs with severe and complicated canine babesiosis. / Dissertation (MMed Vet (Med))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted

To investigate the structural/anatomical components of the static stabilisers of the canine glenohumeral joint (GHJ). The GHJ of 22 complete cadaver specimens (44 limbs) were manipulated to estimate laxity at joint angles of 150º, 135º and 90º (palpation study). Following the removal of the peri-articular muscles, laxity was measured in 32 of these limbs after applying a 15N force to the scapula in a variety of directions whilst the humerus was fixed to a jig. This was repeated for the abovementioned angles in intact joints and after venting and flushing to eliminate the limited joint volume and adhesion/cohesion (LJV/AC) mechanisms (biomechanical study). Results of the palpation and biomechanical studies were compared. Anatomical dissections were also performed to better describe the structures constituting the static GHJ stabilisers. The palpation study revealed a marked variation between joints although there was a tendency for progressive laxity as the joint was flexed. This finding was supported by the biomechanical study which also demonstrated no significant difference between intact and vented joints except in a cranio-caudal direction at 135º and 90º, and in a medial/lateral direction at 135º. Static stabilisers contributed to the stability of the GHJ in extension but permitted an ever-increasing range of motion as the joint was flexed. The results of the palpation study did not correlate well with the objective measurements of the biomechanical study. Manipulation is unlikely to be a reliable method for determining subtle joint laxity in the GHJ. The static stabilisers do not appear to play a significant role in providing joint constraint during normal range of motion (except in extension). Diagnoses of pathological laxity attributable to dysfunction of the static stabilisers should be made with caution and surgical treatments should take cognisance of the abovementioned biomechanical features. Anatomical structures providing constraint to joint mobility are described. / Dissertation (MMedVet (chir)(small animals))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted

Standard thoracic and abdominal radiographic and abdominal ultrasonographic procedures were developed in the common marmoset. A description and reference values for the corresponding radiographic anatomy, including the relevant skeletal system, and normal abdominal echoanatomy is provided. Radiographs and ultrasonographic examinations were evaluated from 17 anaesthetized healthy mature marmosets ranging from 1.5 to 9 years and 328 g to 506 g. Left-to-right lateral recumbent and ventrodorsal whole body radiographs made at end inspiration are recommended. Radiographic images of the heart, lungs, liver, gastric axis, and at least one kidney could be evaluated consistently. A generalized interstitial/peribronchial pattern was normally present. The mean of the vertebral heart size +/- SD on dorsoventral or ventrodorsal views was 9.42 (+/- 0.44), ranging from 8.8 to 10.6. Abdominal contrast was mostly poor. The gastrointestinal structures could often only be identified due to their luminal gas. The right liver lobes were prominent and extended caudally far beyond the costal arch. The pylorus was located centrally and the spleen could not be seen, which is similar to the cat. Additionally, pancreas, lymph nodes, urinary bladder and ureters were not seen. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between female and male kidney length. Good ultrasonographic images of the kidneys, bladder, spleen, adrenal glands, liver and the gastrointestinal tract could be obtained. The pancreas, caecum and abdominal lymph nodes were not seen. The spleen was the least echogenic organ, followed by the medium echogenic liver and the sometimes isoechoic, but mostly hyperechoic renal cortex. The kidneys had poor corticomedullary distinction. The gallbladder had a bi- to multilobed appearance with a wide, tortuous cystic duct. The adrenal glands were readily seen, but should not be confused with the adjacent spleen. The prominent right liver lobes, the central pyloric position, and the statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between female and male kidney length was consistent with the radiographic findings. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference between female and male right adrenal gland length was present. This study emphasizes that significant species specific differences exist between dogs and cats and the common marmoset. Simply applying canine or feline radiographic or ultrasonographic interpretation principles may result in misdiagnosis. / Dissertation (MMedVet (Diagnostic Imaging))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted

Unemployment is a universal problem more especially for the developing countries. Unemployment has an impact on the individual and on the economic well-being of the country. This will however, have a very detrimental effect on the community life and community development at local levels. The political leadership of every country has to deal with an unemployment problem since unemployment leads to poverty, low quality of life, social, political and economic ills. Hence, the purpose of this research is to investigate the socio-economic impact of unemployment in South Africa. Chapter two of this research deals with literature survey and it defines the unemployed person as the one who did not work during the seven days prior to the interview, wants to work and is available to start work within a week of interview and has taken active steps to look for work or start some form of self-employment in the four weeks prior to the interview. Different types of unemployment, namely: frictional, cyclical, structural, and seasonal are used to address the problem of unemployment successfully. This provides some indication of the possible reasons for the cause of unemployment and some possible ideas on how the problem should be addressed. Meanwhile people voluntarily remain unemployed while seeking out and weighing up suitable job vacancies, cyclical unemployment results from both economic downswings and upswings of the business cycle such as retrenchments and Rand appreciation. Structural unemployment and seasonal unemployment refers to the overall inability of the economy to provide employment to the total labour force and normal expected changes in economic activities during the course of a single year. Unemployment in South Africa is also said to be marginal in nature in that there is ample evidence of wage differential for apparently similar workers which could motivate some search unemployment. The candidates of low-wage are the informal sector and the subsistence sectors with the informal sector appearing to be for the most part of disguised unemployment. Keynesian and Monetarists approaches are used to give the theoretical explanation of the causes of unemployment. Keynesian explain the causes of unemployment as insufficient aggregate demand and shocks from the supply side of the economy which could be either internal or external such as draught and economic sanctions. In contrary, Monetarists maintains that unemployment is caused by the forces of demand and supply and that the economy is self-stabilising in case there are no disturbances. Hence, the government should practice fiscal subsistence. Research methodology is outlined in chapter three. This chapter talks about the measurement techniques, the necessity of a literature survey, and the nature of the study. Chapter four presents some results and interpretations through the use of statistical figures or tables. Unemployment in South Africa and its socio-economic impact is also discussed in this chapter. The fifth chapter is based on policy recommendations for the alleviation of unemployment in South Africa such as, RDP and GEAR etc. The last chapter is conclusion and it focuses on the social and economic costs of unemployment to the society. / Dissertation (MPhil (Labour Relations Management))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted

Thesis (MTech (Architectural Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2020 / No Abstract available

In most rural areas, reliance on traditional medicine and food is high and this is attributed to both economic and cultural factors. The edible stink-bug (Encosternum delegorgueiSpinola), local name “thongolifha” is consumed by the Venda tribe in Limpopo Province of South Africa. Thongolifha is important to the Venda tribe in terms of culture, nutrition and economical value. They eat it raw or cooked with porridge or as a snack. The edible stink-bug is sold at the Thoyandou open market and provides valuable income for the harvesters. Many insects have been reported to contain good source of proteins minerals and vitamins. In terms of medicinal value, insects have also been used in folk medicine in the past by various cultures to treat many ailments such as stroke, asthma, cold, etc. Some insects are also known to sequester compounds from their host plant and use them for its defensive mechanism. The host plant for thongolifha was identified as Dodonaea viscosa Jacq. var. angustifolia which has been reported to have antibacterial activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible interaction between the thongolifha and its host plant Dodonaea viscosa. Since thongolifha is so important to the Venda tribe and its nutritional value was never analysed before it was also relevant to determine its nutritional composition. Nutritional components of thongolifha such as the proteins, fats, amino acids and carbohydrates contents were detected by using standardized methods. Thongolifha contained 35.2% protein, 50.6% fat and 7.63 g/100 g carbohydrate with an energy content of 2599 kJ/100 g. These results compare well to nutritional values of other edible insects such as termites (41.8% protein and 44.3% fat) and wasps (31% protein and 62% fat).The mopane worm has higher protein content (63.5%) and a lower fat content of (18%). Mineral content of thongolifha (1.2 g/100 g) was found to be at a comparable level to other bugs such as the Acantocepphala declivis (1.0 g/100g). Analysis of essential amino acids varied from 0.82 mg/100 g (threonine) and 1.32 mg/100 g (valine). The nutritional composition of thongolifha is acceptable and thongolifha is not just a traditional delicacy but also contributes as a diet supplement of the Venda tribe. Between 680 and 3400 of thongolifha will however have to be consumed to supply the daily nutritional needs for the essential amino acids phenylalanine and methionine. Analysis for antibacterial activity of thongolifha was carried out after extracting with solvents of varying polarities, separation by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and bioautography against four nosocomial bacteria; Gram-negative; Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Gram positive; Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Bioautography results of the thongolifha extracts revealed some activity against S. aureus and E. faecalis. Evaluation of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) by using a serial dilution microplate method indicated low antibacterial activity (MIC > 2.5 mg/ml). Thongolifha therefore does not contain antibacterial compounds but there may be present in a low concentration or the serial dilution microplate method does not work well with insects extracts. Some insects contain peptides as antibacterial compounds. Spraying thongolifha extracts chromatograms with several spraying reagents indicated that these antibacterial compounds were not peptides Methanol crude leaf extracts of D. viscosa was reported in the literature to have antibacterial activity against S. aureus however the results were obtained by using the agar diffusion method which does not provide convincing quantitative results. In our study we extracted components from D. viscosa using solvents of varied polarities to evaluate its antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Dichloromethane and acetone extracted more compounds with good antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa. The average MIC values varied from 0.04 to 0.28 mg/ml, indicating excellent to good antibacterial activity. The antioxidant activity using the DPPH Spectrophotometric assay gave the EC50 of the extracts of 212 ± 4 to 469 ± 9 µg/ml. As expected, the more polar crude extracts, ethyl acetate and acetone demonstrated higher activity compared to other extracts. This was supported by the TLC qualitative assay showing more yellow bands in these extract on TLC chromatograms after spraying with 0.2% DPPH in methanol. To determine whether thongolifha has sequestered compounds from the host plant, D. viscosa, a serial exhaustive extraction was performed in order to extract components from the crude extracts of both insect and the host plant by using various solvents and separating the extracts on TLC plates by using various eluant systems. After the TLC chromatograms were sprayed with vanillin-sulphuric acid to reveal separated components, there were few similarities of components from both insect and host plant. This could mean that either a sequestered plant compounds are present in low quantities in the insect extract, that insect may have metabolized the sequestered compounds or alternatively that the insect might not have sequestered the compounds from the host plant at all. It should be kept in mind that the stink-bugs feed by sucking sap from the host plant. By using bioassay-guided fractionation based mainly on silica gel chromatography, four compounds (5-hydroxy-3,74’-trimethoxyflavone (1); 5,7-dihydroxy-3,6,4’-trimethoxyflavone (2); 5,7,4’-trihydroxy-3,6-dimethoxyflavone (3); and 4’-O-methylkaempferol (4) where isolated from dichloromethane fraction of a crude D. viscosa leaf extract, acetone crude leaf extract yielded only one compound, Kaempferol (5). Compounds 1, 2, 3 and 5 where previously isolated from D. viscosa whereas compound 4 was isolated for the first time from D. viscosa. Compounds 4 is not a novel compound because it was previously isolated from other plants species such as the Lens culinaris. Compounds 3, 4 and 5 have good antibacterial activity against E. coli and E. faecalisat MIC values of 15.63 µg/ml and 31.25 µg/ml respectively. In addition, the DPPH quantitative assay has demonstrated that Compounds 4 and 5 have strong antioxidant activities (EC50 = 35.1 ± 0.85 and 75.5 ± 1.76 µM respectively) but lower than L-ascorbic acid (EC50 = 13.5 ± 0.28 µM) used as a standard antioxidant agent. The antibacterial and antioxidant activity of most of the isolated compounds were not known previously. Investigation of structure antibacterial-activity relationship in the isolated compounds did not yield a clear correlation. When investigating the possible interaction between the insect and the host plant, bioautography assay has shown compounds with antibacterial activity against S. aureus (Rf 0.79) E. faecalis (Rf 0.66) when separated with CEF eluent system. Some of the isolated compounds from D. viscosa leaf extracts had an Rf of 0.79 (5, 7-dihydroxy-3, 6, 4’-trimethoxyflavone) and Rf 0.61 (5, 7, 4’-trimethoxxyflavone) when separated with CEF eluent system. These findings indicate that thongolifha may have sequestered the two compounds from D. viscosa leaves, but this possibility has to be confirmed. This study has indicated that thongolifha is good source of protein, vitamins, minerals and amino acids; however we have not found evidence of significant antibacterial activity of thongolifha. If fresh material of thongolifha can be analysed in future work the probability of finding medicinal properties may be greater. On the other hand, D.viscosa. crude leaf extracts have demonstrated strong antibacterial and antioxidant activities; although isolated compounds have shown moderate level of activities. Because practically all antibacterial compounds based on bioautography have been isolated, it is clear that in the crude dichloromethane extract some synergism must have taken place because the antibacterial activity on a mass basis was nearly as good as the isolated compound without removing >90% of non active compounds. / Thesis (PhD (Paraclinical Science))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Paraclinical Sciences / PhD / unrestricted

This study examines the importance of a central agency such as The Presidency in the administration of intergovernmental relations (IGR) in South Africa. Further to this broad objective, is the need to develop a definitional framework for IGR, particularly within the context of the unitary-federal system. The study contends that the mechanism for an IGR system in emerging democracies should be obligatory and driven through constitutional provisions and arrangements. The historical-political evolution of the South African Constitution has demonstrated the importance of a central agency in regulating IGR mechanisms. This study was able to trace historical precedents ranging from the British Imperial Council era, through to the Apartheid era, the President’s Council and The Presidency of the current democratic government of South Africa. In order to provide clarity on the importance of a high profile office within an IGR co-ordination infrastructure, the study utilised the authority relationship models, which strategically present a new paradigmatic shift in theoretical constructs. These models identified and explored the viabilities in the procurement of significant relationships between and amongst spheres of government. In clarifying the emerging cooperative governance paradigm, a terminological compromise for federalism in South Africa was posted. The study also provides a distinguished hierarchy-defining route between spheres and tiers of government as an important notation for consideration. Since models are abstractions of reality, the study establishes that the political coherency of IGR constructs could be considered as a direct function of a normative environmental infrastructure. The study examines factors influencing IGR. Principal to these is the party political system and the character of the Head of State. The study argues that the degree to which the ruling political coalition/party is centralised impacts directly on the ability of sub-national governments to interrelate. The study found that IGR reform should be based on the following conditionalities that involve IGR as a human activity, which should accommodate varied socialisation values. The study further attempts to promote the notion that IGR, as a political activity, should be flexible enough to accommodate constituency-serving tendencies, which are reminiscent of new and emerging political environments. Furthermore, as a technocratic activity, IGR should accommodate the reality of it being a terrain of contestation between elected and appointed officials. At the same time, it could act as a relational barometer that could be functional in nature and allow everyone in government to be an IGR practitioner. Whilst the study has left unanswered questions, it has laid the basis upon which emerging democratic dispensations should approach IGR. More specifically, the IGR definition presented in this study, has called for a disengagement process with the federal/unitary view of IGR. This study exemplifies the need for continuous debate in Public Administration as it provides a critical knowledge base for society to expand future intellectual discussions on IGR reforms in new and emerging democracies. / Thesis (DAdmin)--University of Pretoria, 2004. / School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA) / unrestricted

The purpose of this study is to determine the factors impacting on ethical behaviour in organisations. More specifically the purpose of this study is to a) identify the factors impacting on ethical behaviour in organisations within a theoretical framework, specifically focusing on the South African context and b) to make certain recommendations to address the factors identified as impacting on ethical behaviour in organisations. To achieve these goals the study was designed in two phases. The first phase entails a theoretical inquiry with the aim of understanding the concepts of ethics as well as ethical and unethical behaviour, to identify the factors impacting on ethical behaviour in organisations, to provide practical recommendations to address these factors and provide a background to the second phase. The second phase consists of an empirical inquiry with the aim to identify the factors impacting on ethical behaviour in organisations based on the data gathered through a survey designed for this purpose. For each phase there is a separate discussion of the research methodology employed to achieve the objectives of that phase. A mostly qualitative research methodology was employed for the first phase while quantitative research was utilised during the second phase. The first phase contains two chapters each devoted to a separate topic. Chapter 3 unpacks the concept of ethics while chapter 4 looks at various models that identify factors impacting on ethical behaviour in organisations and recommendations to address these factors. Chapter 3 also contains the definition and discussion of the concept of ethics as it relates to the purpose of this study, whereas chapter 4 also contains practical recommendations to address the specific factors identified as impacting on ethical behaviour in organisations. Chapter 5 contains the discussion of the research methodology for the empirical inquiry and presents the results thereof. In the last section of chapter 5 conclusions are made w.r.t the results of the study, the research quality is evaluated and recommendations are made for future research in this field. Some of the more salient conclusions of the study are: -- Ethics can be defined as the principles or standards that govern good and right behaviour. -- The entire population identified seven factors as impacting on ethical behaviour in organisations amongst which: leader or manager behaviour, code of conduct, values, beliefs, referent others, reward systems and parental influence. -- Results of the literature analysis indicated that there were six factors impacting on ethical behaviour in organisations, which include: referent others, leader or manager behaviour, reward systems, code of conduct, organisational culture and the individuals level of moral development. -- The results of the theoretical inquiry and empirical inquiry indicate that there are four factors in total that were identified in both phases of the inquiry as having an impact on ethical behaviour in organisations which are: referent others, leader or manager behaviour, reward systems and a code of conduct. / Dissertation (MCom (Human Resources Management))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted