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Ecological travel (ecotourism) is the “next big thing”. To experience nature up close and personal is to backpack off the beaten track and these days this is the “hippest” way to travel. Ecotourism is seen as the most excelling fragment of tourism and The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) views tourism in an unspoilt natural area (ecotourism) as the fastest growing concept of the tourism industry. Ecotourism has evolved into speciality travel; including an assorted – and often confusing – collection of events and tourism types, for example bird watching, methodical study, photography, diving and trekking. Ecotourism takes place in unspoilt natural areas, lodges and conservation areas such as national parks. South African National Parks, (SANParks), whom manages a system of parks, and signifies the indigenous fauna & flora, landscapes and associated cultural heritage of the country. National parks offers facilities for overnight tourist, with a range of accommodation, in arid, coastal, mountain and bush veld habitats. A variety of incomparable adventure tourism opportunities, for example game viewing, bush walks, canoeing and exposure to cultural and historical experiences are offered by these national parks. SANParks’ objectives are the insurance of protection, conservation and management of the protected areas for the purposes they were declared. The key aspect of SANParks’ management operations is ecotourism. The three areas that the management of parks cover are general management which include finance and marketing; conservation management which consists of wildlife counting, sales of wildlife, environment etc. and ecotourism management which includes aspects such as camps, accommodation, game drives and picnic areas. Because ecotourism as an important aspect of park management and is one of SANParks’ core pillars, the main concern is which strategies and policies are in place in order to provide tourists with an ecotourism experience within South African National Parks? Tourism products (especially accommodation products) need to recognize that customers (tourists) have certain expectations and these expectations must be met. One way in meeting these expectations is to adhere to tourists’ perceptions and satisfaction as well as to provide a quality service. It is also seen as one of the most important influences on productivity and profit of a tourism organisation. One approach to obtain customer satisfaction and meeting expectations is to implement a grading/rating system. When managers and owners of accommodation and tourism products want to convince tourists of the quality of the organisation or tourism product that is being presented, a classification or rating system plays an important role to communicate this vital issue. South Africa has various rating systems / schemes, however there are no acknowledged rating systems for ecotourism products in South Africa National Parks. The shortcomings of these current rating systems are that they rate mostly the hospitality and accommodation sectors. These criteria’s tend to focus on the following: building exteriors, bedrooms, bathrooms, public area, general facilities, general services, housekeeping services, additional facilities and responsible environmental and business practices. None of these schemes focus primarily on ecotourism principles. These systems need to be adapted for nature/wildlife products and the problem that this study will address is to develop an ecotourism rating system for South African National Parks. It is essential to have a rating system in place to compete in the global world where ecotourism and green aspects are important and to deliver a valuable service. Therefore the problem that this research will addresses, is to develop an ecotourism rating system for South Africa National Parks. The research approach used in this study included quantitative methodologies. An explorative research approach was followed through an online questionnaire with the aim of determining the perceptions of visitors about the perceptions of respondents regarding the importance of specific ecotourism principles. These constructs were determined through a literature review. The sources consulted included the following: De Witt, 2011; Du Plessis, 2010; Geldenhuys, 2009:5; Saayman, 2009:70; Fennell, 2008:23; Blamey, 2001:12; Eagles, 1996; Dingwall and Gordon, 1996. The questionnaire was distributed electronically on the SANParks’ website. Data collection took place during April 2013. A total of 308 responses were received during the period of data collection. The results of the empirical quantitative data was analysed by the Statistical Consultation Services at the North-West University by means of the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software programme. The statistical methods utilised included descriptive statistics and causal research. The descriptive statistics includes the demographic profile of respondents, the principles of ecotourism, the factor analysis and the factor correlation matrix. The causal research includes the t-test and the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of the descriptive data indicated that the language most spoken by the respondents was primarily English followed by Afrikaans. The greater number of respondents was married and live in Gauteng. They were well educated with a diploma or degree. Most of the respondents were Wild Card holders and supports conservation organisations, such as Rhino Conservation, followed by SA Wildlife, SANParks Honorary Rangers, Green Peace, UNITE against poaching and World Wide Fund for Nature. Respondents’ understanding of responsible ecotourism is conserving and protecting nature, has a low impact on the environment and has an educational travel experience in any environment. The key principles of ecotourism, namely conservation of nature, conservation of culture, community involvement, environmental education, tourist satisfaction, responsible tourism practices, environmental education, tourist satisfaction, responsible tourism practices, role players participating in ecotourism – the tourist and accommodation and were rated based on a five point Likert scale. The principles that were rated with the highest mean values included: water sources are protected (4.83); tourists are told not to touch or disturb birds and animals (4.76); correct disposal of waste, including cigarette butts, into allocated waste bins is encouraged (4.73); dripping taps are fixed immediately (4.70) and noise is limited in natural areas (4.70). The exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the principles identified, they were as follows: Conservation of nature had five factors namely, Conservation; Controlled development; Environmental friendly; Alien plants; Water saving measurements. Conservation of culture had two factors namely, Local community involvement; Benefit for community. Community involvement had two factors namely, Benefits; Education for community. Environmental education had only one factor namely, learning experiences. Tourist satisfaction also had one factor namely, Tourist satisfaction. Responsible tourism practices had three factors namely, recycling and environmental friendly practices; Interaction with nature; Responsible practices. Tourist participation in ecotourism had one factor namely, Informed tourist. Accommodation had three factors namely, Eco-friendly practices and development; Touch the earth lightly; Environmental friendly accommodation. Group statistics namely t-tests and ANOVA’s were performed to determine whether there were any significant differences between the factors identified from the ecotourism principles. The ttest was used to compare the socio-demographic aspects, namely home language (English and Afrikaans) with all the ecotourism principles. The t-test was used to compare behavioural aspects, namely Wild Card holders (Yes and No) with all the ecotourism principles. This were done to determine if the respondents’ opinions differ about principles in terms of Wild Card holders or non- Wild Card holders. The ANOVA was tested for socio-demographic aspects of respondents namely, marital status. The ANOVA was tested for socio-demographic aspects of respondents namely, level of education. The research made the following contributions to the field of ecotourism. These contributions are made in three categories namely, literature, methodology and practical contributions: * It is the first time that literature about ecotourism are combined to identify principles and constructs. All rating criteria was investigated to do this. * First time that different rating systems regarding ecotourism was identified, analysed and compared to each other. * Added to the literature on future trends of ecotourism which will assist in the planning and development of ecotourism products as well as rating systems. * The rating system can assist in future ecotourism development in protected areas as the most important principle for ecotourism have been identified. * The research contribute to more environment friendly development of ecotourism accommodation products * It is the first time that all relevant aspects of ecotourism was identified and developed into questionnaire that test ecotourism rating constructs and principles. * The research also contribute to the fact that one knows what are the ecotourism constructs that are seen as important by the visitor to national parks. The empirical results also determined statistical differences of the constructs and principles regarding socio-demographic and behavioural aspects of the visitors to national parks in South Africa. * This was the first time that a specific rating system was developed for South African National Parks. * This rating system can also be adapted to other conservation areas such as game reserves and game farms. / PhD (Tourism Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Ecological travel (ecotourism) is the “next big thing”. To experience nature up close and personal is to backpack off the beaten track and these days this is the “hippest” way to travel. Ecotourism is seen as the most excelling fragment of tourism and The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) views tourism in an unspoilt natural area (ecotourism) as the fastest growing concept of the tourism industry. Ecotourism has evolved into speciality travel; including an assorted – and often confusing – collection of events and tourism types, for example bird watching, methodical study, photography, diving and trekking. Ecotourism takes place in unspoilt natural areas, lodges and conservation areas such as national parks. South African National Parks, (SANParks), whom manages a system of parks, and signifies the indigenous fauna & flora, landscapes and associated cultural heritage of the country. National parks offers facilities for overnight tourist, with a range of accommodation, in arid, coastal, mountain and bush veld habitats. A variety of incomparable adventure tourism opportunities, for example game viewing, bush walks, canoeing and exposure to cultural and historical experiences are offered by these national parks. SANParks’ objectives are the insurance of protection, conservation and management of the protected areas for the purposes they were declared. The key aspect of SANParks’ management operations is ecotourism. The three areas that the management of parks cover are general management which include finance and marketing; conservation management which consists of wildlife counting, sales of wildlife, environment etc. and ecotourism management which includes aspects such as camps, accommodation, game drives and picnic areas. Because ecotourism as an important aspect of park management and is one of SANParks’ core pillars, the main concern is which strategies and policies are in place in order to provide tourists with an ecotourism experience within South African National Parks? Tourism products (especially accommodation products) need to recognize that customers (tourists) have certain expectations and these expectations must be met. One way in meeting these expectations is to adhere to tourists’ perceptions and satisfaction as well as to provide a quality service. It is also seen as one of the most important influences on productivity and profit of a tourism organisation. One approach to obtain customer satisfaction and meeting expectations is to implement a grading/rating system. When managers and owners of accommodation and tourism products want to convince tourists of the quality of the organisation or tourism product that is being presented, a classification or rating system plays an important role to communicate this vital issue. South Africa has various rating systems / schemes, however there are no acknowledged rating systems for ecotourism products in South Africa National Parks. The shortcomings of these current rating systems are that they rate mostly the hospitality and accommodation sectors. These criteria’s tend to focus on the following: building exteriors, bedrooms, bathrooms, public area, general facilities, general services, housekeeping services, additional facilities and responsible environmental and business practices. None of these schemes focus primarily on ecotourism principles. These systems need to be adapted for nature/wildlife products and the problem that this study will address is to develop an ecotourism rating system for South African National Parks. It is essential to have a rating system in place to compete in the global world where ecotourism and green aspects are important and to deliver a valuable service. Therefore the problem that this research will addresses, is to develop an ecotourism rating system for South Africa National Parks. The research approach used in this study included quantitative methodologies. An explorative research approach was followed through an online questionnaire with the aim of determining the perceptions of visitors about the perceptions of respondents regarding the importance of specific ecotourism principles. These constructs were determined through a literature review. The sources consulted included the following: De Witt, 2011; Du Plessis, 2010; Geldenhuys, 2009:5; Saayman, 2009:70; Fennell, 2008:23; Blamey, 2001:12; Eagles, 1996; Dingwall and Gordon, 1996. The questionnaire was distributed electronically on the SANParks’ website. Data collection took place during April 2013. A total of 308 responses were received during the period of data collection. The results of the empirical quantitative data was analysed by the Statistical Consultation Services at the North-West University by means of the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software programme. The statistical methods utilised included descriptive statistics and causal research. The descriptive statistics includes the demographic profile of respondents, the principles of ecotourism, the factor analysis and the factor correlation matrix. The causal research includes the t-test and the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of the descriptive data indicated that the language most spoken by the respondents was primarily English followed by Afrikaans. The greater number of respondents was married and live in Gauteng. They were well educated with a diploma or degree. Most of the respondents were Wild Card holders and supports conservation organisations, such as Rhino Conservation, followed by SA Wildlife, SANParks Honorary Rangers, Green Peace, UNITE against poaching and World Wide Fund for Nature. Respondents’ understanding of responsible ecotourism is conserving and protecting nature, has a low impact on the environment and has an educational travel experience in any environment. The key principles of ecotourism, namely conservation of nature, conservation of culture, community involvement, environmental education, tourist satisfaction, responsible tourism practices, environmental education, tourist satisfaction, responsible tourism practices, role players participating in ecotourism – the tourist and accommodation and were rated based on a five point Likert scale. The principles that were rated with the highest mean values included: water sources are protected (4.83); tourists are told not to touch or disturb birds and animals (4.76); correct disposal of waste, including cigarette butts, into allocated waste bins is encouraged (4.73); dripping taps are fixed immediately (4.70) and noise is limited in natural areas (4.70). The exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the principles identified, they were as follows: Conservation of nature had five factors namely, Conservation; Controlled development; Environmental friendly; Alien plants; Water saving measurements. Conservation of culture had two factors namely, Local community involvement; Benefit for community. Community involvement had two factors namely, Benefits; Education for community. Environmental education had only one factor namely, learning experiences. Tourist satisfaction also had one factor namely, Tourist satisfaction. Responsible tourism practices had three factors namely, recycling and environmental friendly practices; Interaction with nature; Responsible practices. Tourist participation in ecotourism had one factor namely, Informed tourist. Accommodation had three factors namely, Eco-friendly practices and development; Touch the earth lightly; Environmental friendly accommodation. Group statistics namely t-tests and ANOVA’s were performed to determine whether there were any significant differences between the factors identified from the ecotourism principles. The ttest was used to compare the socio-demographic aspects, namely home language (English and Afrikaans) with all the ecotourism principles. The t-test was used to compare behavioural aspects, namely Wild Card holders (Yes and No) with all the ecotourism principles. This were done to determine if the respondents’ opinions differ about principles in terms of Wild Card holders or non- Wild Card holders. The ANOVA was tested for socio-demographic aspects of respondents namely, marital status. The ANOVA was tested for socio-demographic aspects of respondents namely, level of education. The research made the following contributions to the field of ecotourism. These contributions are made in three categories namely, literature, methodology and practical contributions: * It is the first time that literature about ecotourism are combined to identify principles and constructs. All rating criteria was investigated to do this. * First time that different rating systems regarding ecotourism was identified, analysed and compared to each other. * Added to the literature on future trends of ecotourism which will assist in the planning and development of ecotourism products as well as rating systems. * The rating system can assist in future ecotourism development in protected areas as the most important principle for ecotourism have been identified. * The research contribute to more environment friendly development of ecotourism accommodation products * It is the first time that all relevant aspects of ecotourism was identified and developed into questionnaire that test ecotourism rating constructs and principles. * The research also contribute to the fact that one knows what are the ecotourism constructs that are seen as important by the visitor to national parks. The empirical results also determined statistical differences of the constructs and principles regarding socio-demographic and behavioural aspects of the visitors to national parks in South Africa. * This was the first time that a specific rating system was developed for South African National Parks. * This rating system can also be adapted to other conservation areas such as game reserves and game farms. / PhD (Tourism Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Published Article / The Academic Planning Committee of the Central University Of Technology, Free State stated in April 2003 that academic success depends on academic institutions to create a learner-centred educational environment. In a learner-centred approach to the facilitation of learning, curriculum design, instruction and assessment focuses on what the learner should be able to do successfully. The mentioned Learner-centeredness is closely related to the principles of outcomes-based education (OBE). The purpose of this article is, therefore, to explore the feasibility of a learner-centred approach to the facilitation of learning in the context of Financial Accounting I, by considering the possible implementation of the four essential principles of OBE.

Huguenot Primary School expressed its need for a scientifically based programme which could be used to implement, within the context of the holistic approach and the community of Wellington, the principle of respect in the current curriculum. Specific components for a guidance programme have been identified by means of focus group meetings gathered from the target population (parents, educators and learners from Huguenot Primary School, and role models within the community). The theoretical base of Kohlberg (1964, 1966, 1978, and 1985) and the three levels of moral development were applicable in this instance. The Gestalt perspective and field theory formed the paradigm of the study. From the qualitative approach, applied research with an explorative and descriptive nature was used to identify and describe the above-mentioned components. The instrumental case study method was utilized as research strategy. A purposive test sample was done in order to compile a representative target population. / Social Work

Implementation of lean helps many organizations to improve their productivity and efficiency; on the other hand numerous organizations have failed to benefit from lean philosophy. The lean thinking was originated in the automobile manufacturing sector and it widely spreads within the discrete industries; however the today’s challenge is to implement the lean philosophy within continuous manufacturing industries and different organizations regardless to the type, size, or mission of the applicant organization. This has motivated the undertaken research to propose a standard generic transition steps which can be adopted by different organizations in order to become lean. The cement industry is ideal example of the continuous industry sector and it will be used to demonstrate that the lean philosophy is applicable to all deferent organisation types. There are numerous challenges facing the cement industry in today’s competitive environments; one of the major challenges is the capability of the cement industry to adopt and introduce the improvement approaches and techniques by which the overall enhancement can be achieved. The need for improving the efficiency of the cement production line is widely acknowledged in order to reduce the downtime rates, and satisfy high levels of market demand where the demand for cement is mostly second substance behind water. In response to this respect this thesis has investigated and addressed the implementation of the lean philosophy within the cement industry. The main contribution of this study is to convey the message to the decision makers that the lean philosophy is the proposed solution by which the continuous industry and different organisation types can be improved through eliminating or minimising wastes and non-value added activities within the production line.

Engineering Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for robust information sharing is the fundamental area of investigation in thesis. Robust workflow based information sharing systems have the potential to be part of robust information infrastructures providing positive effects for the individuals and teams as well as opportunities for societal and economical gains. Challenges in design and implementation of open socio-technical systems include identifying engineering principles empowering individual and team using the systems as well as supporting flexibility in design and maintenance. Of specific importance are principles supporting semantically correct information sharing. Information sharing in open socio-technical systems is given affordances due to coordination and exchange of services. Approaches ensuring robust semantically correct information sharing and user empowerments are key requirements especially since changes in context, roles and intentions are the rule and not the exception in socio-technical systems. Empirical observations of behaviours have been important for identifying critical patterns in workflow. A configuration of models and methods under the umbrella Participatory Design has been used including Ethnography and approaches based on Situation Theory, Knowledge Engineering, Interaction Design and Computer Supported Cooperative Work. The results of the configurations of methodologies are context sensitive since the methodologies are domain dependant. Three cases illustrating engineering support for empowerment of individuals and teams in open sociotechnical systems are presented. Two cases are based on studies performed in Sölvesborg and concerns engineering principles towards empowering individuals with cognitive impairments via ambient assistance. In the third case the focus is on hand-over situations and ontologies/abbreviations assuring semantically correct information sharing in distributed handling of critical emergency calls in Swedish Emergency Service Centres (SOS centres). The main contributions in this thesis, methodological contributions included, are engineering principles for open socio-technical systems from an empowerments perspective. The principles support understanding of workflows, information flows, interaction models, data models, semantics of information, trust, resilience, validation and training as well as assurance mechanisms in hand-over of critical operations. Identification and validation of key service qualities including mechanisms for improving performance critical tasks of semantics in information sharing are contributions. Service, Agent based and sensor approaches presented are final contributions.

This essay presents an emerging conception of truth and shows how it appropriates Herman Dooyeweerd’s conception. First I compare my “critical hermeneutics” with other reformational models of critique. Then I propose to think of truth as a dynamic correlation between (1) human fidelity to societal principles and (2) a life-giving disclosure of society. This conception recontextualizes the notion of propositional truth, and it links questions of intersubjective validity with Dooyeweerd’s emphasis on “standing in the truth.” While abandoning his idea of transcendent truth, I seek to preserve the holism and normativity of Dooyeweerd’s radical conception.

To deliver the type of marketing graduate that meets industry demand necessitates that marketing curricula content be continuously updated to keep pace with the dynamic marketing environment. One of the major trends influencing the twenty-first century marketing environment is the advent of the Internet and substantial growth in Internet usage and Internet-based commerce. Not only is the Internet driving major marketing environmental change, it is also emerging as a new marketing tool of significant potential. The widespread implications of the Internet to marketing is making it increasingly necessary for general marketing practitioners, even those not actively engaged in Internet-based commerce, to be equipped with an understanding of Internet marketing principles. For marketing education to remain relevant in the twenty-first century, it is essential that Internet marketing content elements be included in undergraduate generic marketing curricula. The first step in this process, and the one addressed by this study, is to identify and reach consensus on which Internet marketing content elements are relevant to generic undergraduate marketing students. The primary purpose of -this study w a s t a develop an empirically derived inventory o f Internet marketing content elements relevant for inclusion in generic undergraduate marketing programs, based upon both marketing academic and marketing practitioner perspectives. Five focal questions were asked and answered by the study. Which Internet-driven marketing environmental changes do marketing academics consider relevant to generic undergraduate marketing students? Which principles guiding the use of Internet as a marketing tool do marketing academics consider relevant to generic undergraduate marketing students? What do marketing academics consider to be the most suitable approach to implementing Internet marketing principles within higher education undergraduate business programs? What do marketing academics consider to be the relevant Internet marketing learning outcomes for generic marketing students at undergraduate level? Do marketing practitioners hold the same opinion as marketing academics regarding research questions one, two, three and four? For the purpose of this study, research was undertaken amongst two groups of respondents. Firstly, a census of the marketing faculties/departments of each of South Africa's public higher education institutions was taken at the end of 2004. Secondly, a non-probability, judgment sample of marketing practitioners, employed in those companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), that engage in marketing activities and which are operational in the South African market was taken at the start of 2005. The questionnaire requested respondents in both samples to indicate the relevance of five identified Internet-driven marketing environmental changes and twenty-four identified principles guiding the use of the Internet as a marketing tool to generic undergraduate marketing students. Further, both samples were requested to select the approach they judged to be the most suitable in implementing Internet marketing principles within undergraduate business programmes. Respondents in both samples were also requested to indicate which Internet marketing learning outcomes they believed. To be relevant generic undergraduate marketing student addition to both samples were asked to provide certain demographical data. The findings indicate that both the Internet-driven marketing environmental change's construct and the principles guiding the use of the Internet as a marketing tool construct to be relevant to generic undergraduate marketing students. The findings further suggest that Internet marketing content elements should be integrated into existing marketing subject offerings. Regarding the learning outcomes, the findings indicate descriptive Internet marketing principles to be the overriding learning outcome. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Business Management))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2005.

Types of civil proceedings written by Viktória Chromčíková Abstract This thesis deals with kinds of civil proceedings which have developed for protection of rights in private law sphere. Courts are the authorities that provide protection for rights. In civil proceeding they judge disputes in private law and other issues provided by special acts. There are several kinds of civil proceedings that have developed in time. The history of civil proceeding is described in the first chapter of this work. In the other chapters there are particular kinds of civil proceedings existing according to the present Czech law analyzed. Adversary proceedings resolve the usual dispute of two parties which obtains all that it takes - proceeding is initiated by a petition against a certain person. There must be a hearing held in the case where the both parties are heard (they have the same opportunity). Opposite to this procedure there are proceedings where there is no dispute in the case, but the decision of a court is obliged according to a special act. There is a special public interest on this judgment (decision). Therefore this kind of proceeding can be initiated in official duty and principle of investigation is applied. Execution is initiated only in private interest and is complied with different principles than the...