This study investigated ABET tutors' knowledge, understanding and application of the principle of learner-centredness. The study was conducted at three adult education centres in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. Using questionnaires, interviews, classroom observation and analysis of documentary evidence such as learning programmes, tutors workbooks and learners' workbooks, the researcher was able to determine and assess the ability of ABET tutors to interpret and apply the principle of learner-centredness in practical classroom situations. The study showed that not all ABET tutors base their learning programmes on learners' needs, which is a key principle of learner-centredness (Jarvis, 1985). The study showed that some ABET tutors are not conversant with the policy framework of ABET and that this seems to affect classroom practice. The study revealed that Centre managers are not complying with Department policy with regard to monitoring and supporting tutors. Furthermore, the findings from this study expose some of the flaws in the implementation of ABET, like the lack of professional competence on the part of some ABET tutors. This lack of professional competence is cause for concern and requires attention from the ABET Directorate at district level. Key recommendations emerging from the study are that the ABET Directorate should conduct more monitoring of ABET centres and should provide more training for ABET tutors and centre mangers, as proposed in the Multi-Year Implementation Plan of 1997. In particular, tutors could benefit from workshops on needs identification and analysis. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2005.

Niche and life-history differences in five species of Trithemis were investigated to determine the extent of interspecific competition. Interspecific competition was mostly avoided because species favoured different habitats and microhabitats. There was the possibility of competition between larvae under conditions of lowered food concentration, where they occurred in the same habitat and microhabitat. Larvae of different species preferred specific prey taxa, but chose to feed on a different prey taxon once it was more readily available. Because species were restricted more by food size than taxon, competition for food was unlikely. Interspecific competition may have occurred between adults because the niche breadth of some species became contracted as the density of other species increased. Interspecific competition among larvae was unlikely because individuals of different sizes were present together, allowing for food partitioning. Asynchronous development therefore ensured that competition for food of the same size was reduced. Competition was also reduced by species showing peaks in abundance at different times of the year. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1995.

Not only does urbanisation have a negative impact on the establishment of natural open space areas but also has serious implications for urban stream corridors (USCs), the focus of this study. For the purpose of this study USCs are defined as the aquatic, the riparian and the terrestrial zone. The principle objective of this study is to develop a set of policies, based on international and local experiences (Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Open Space System) to guide municipalities in implementing effective USC management practices. The literature review lead to the identification of both the value of USCs and the threats thereto. The value of USCs includes habitat and biodiversity, purification, amenity, cultural, recreational and eductional valueas well as flood attenuation value. Conversely, threats to USCs include the impacts of urbanisation on stream hydrology, erosion, decline in water quality, loss of natural open space (NOS), alien infestation, littering and unnatural fence barriers. Urban stream corridor management is subject to specific legislation, municipal capacity and importantly, public involvement, which were also evaluated. This process lee;td to the establishment of a conceptual framework containing the critical considerations associated with USC management such as the value of USCs for nature and man, the need for public involvement, effective implementation structures supported by implementation policies and the integration of use management in urban planning. Key to the success of USC management is public involvement. As a consequence, the methodology included a survey to be undertaken with 40 urban riparian households along two streams in Pietermaritzburg to establish their opinion regarding natural open spaces (NOSs) and USC management. A reconnaissance survey of two streams was undertaken to inform the questionnaire and later debate on the issue. The results from this exercise together with the findings of the interviews with stakeholders in the USC management process will form the basis for the establishment of an USC management policy, which will be contained in a separate report (Component B). / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

The study assessed the possible significance of Green Consumerism in South Africa. Different meanings of "green" are explained. Consumer preferences for some green products was examined. An analysis of the attitudes and actions of South African consumers to green products and services was completed in two suburbs, of Pietermaritzburg, as a case study. Though there was a significant difference in total household income between shoppers in the two suburbs there was no significant difference between their respective green expenditure. Consumers generally preferred cheaper conventional products to more expensive green products. Consumers considered price as the most important factor when making purchasing choices and the higher the price differential, the more likely consumers are to select cheaper conventional products rather than green alternatives. Public education, government intervention in the form of lower taxes or subsidies for green products and encouragement of green movements are required if Green Consumerism is to become a meaningful alternative in South Africa. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1997.

Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) is a more holistic assessment method that has emerged in the wake of experts recognising that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has a tendency to be a site –project specific process, which frequently lacks the capacity to assess multiple development actions within a region (Canter, 1997). Although CEA is part of environmental policy for many countries, including South Africa, research has revealed that CEA is often poorly applied and in many cases ignored (DEA, 2004;Canter and Ross, 2008).One possible solution to enhancing CEA, within the study area, is for the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs KwaZulu Natal (DAEA), the agency ultimately responsible for assessing the effects of development, to adopt a participatory approach with the Department of Water Affairs (DWA). This study explores the potential for KwaZulu Natal DAEA, and the associated members responsible for assessing the effects of development, to enhance CEA by engaging with the multi stakeholder Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) processes, in the institutional engagement space provided by the Catchment Management Agency (CMA). The rational for the DAEA adopting such an approach to enhancing CEA, in addition to the linkages between land and water, the linkages between DAEA and DWA's responsibilities and the opportunity for engagement, is that the theses forums encompass all the major stakeholder groupings within the region. This in conjunction with the DAEA's participatory policy would provide the ideal opportunity for DAEA members, involved in CEA, to reap the benefits of participation in enhancing CEA. The aim of this research is to investigate the potential to enhance CEA through participation between the DAEA, the DWA and the multi-stakeholder IWRM processes in the CMA engagement space. In particular the research has the objectives of firstly gaining an understanding of the barriers to such an opportunity and secondly exploring what stakeholders perceived as potential initiatives that could be established to overcome the barriers. The methods of investigation were primarily semi structured interviews. These interviews were conducted with seven staff members from the local chapter of the DEA, The Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs KwaZulu Natal (DAEA). Due to the limited number of DAEA members within Pietermaritzburg region staff from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, who deal with CEA under the auspices of the DAEA were also included. Further data sources included an extensive review of the relevant literature. Based on an analysis of the information gathered in the above mentioned manner, it was concluded that the current application of CEA is poor within the study area and participation between the DAEA and the DWA, although promoted in accordance with policy, was subject to barriers, many of them physiological, which severely hinder the process. It was also concluded that barriers to participation were preventing DAEA employees from recognising the full potential of the opportunity to engage with the established IWRM process in the CMA engagement space as a means to enhance CEA. Despite the many apparent barriers the majority of stakeholders did recognise the linkages between land and water, the linkages between the DAEA and the DWA and the value of what effective participation could mean for enhancing CEA. DAEA and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife employees did however not seem to acknowledge the true potential to enhance CEA by participating with the DWA as they were not taking advantage of the opportunity. Stakeholders did however suggested, that a dramatic change in attitude and mind set towards the way participation was approached was needed from all sectors and that the DAEA needs to acknowledge and take advantage of such opportunity to enhance CEA. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

Casino gambling in South Africa was in the past not perceived as a mainstream economic activity but rather a reluctant concession. Consequently, it remained an "exiled industry" geographically isolated and strictly regulated. The rationale for this conceptualisation has varied - from religious objections concerning the immorality and irrationality of gambling, to public concern over the establishment of organised and street crime around casinos themselves. Despite the persistence of these arguments, there has over the past decade been a vast and rapid expansion of the industry throughout both South Africa and the world. It is difficult to precisely pinpoint the rationale for this paradigm shift. Popular explanations emphasise a liberalisation of public values concerning gambling, or changes in modes of governance from paternalistic prohibition to regulatory liberalisation. Many scholarly writings on casino gambling on the other hand, point to a far more sinister political agenda (Hunter and Bleinberger 1995; Rose 1998) that manipulates public perceptions of morality to serve more utilitarian needs. The political expediency of a restricted activity like gambling cannot be discounted. It remains an effective means of attracting capital investment in depressed areas without governments having to offer any quid pro quo. As a regulated industry, a premium is set on immorality, which translates into significant revenue. Gambling in South Africa has so far generated Rl 1,7 billion in investment, and in the 2002/03 financial year generated R526,4 million in tax revenue1. It has also created about 50 000 direct and indirect jobs.2 Without a doubt, in a fledgling democracy, trying to balance growth with redress and redistribution, the macro economic advantages from the gambling industry are immediately apparent but macro economic gains should not be at the expense of the country's poorest or at the expense of the moral, physical and spiritual well-being of society. This study is an attempt to probe the intersections of these sometimes conflicting imperatives on the South African society by looking specifically at the Pietermaritzburg community. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

This research focuses on the role of civil society in policy implementation, using a case study of the Centre for Criminal Justice (CCJ). Realising that resolving problems of twenty-first century requires synergy of many actors from different organisations and sectors, this study focussed particularly on the role of civil society in public policy implementation. The study briefly discusses the key concepts such as civil society and public policy implementation. Consideration was also given to civil society in South Africa before and after Apartheid, their roles and functions in public policy matters and their improvement in these matters compared to other sectors that is public and business sector. The objective of the study was to find out the role of CCJ in implementing issues of human rights in the justice system. The results of this study have revealed that CCJ plays an important role in implementing issues of human rights in the justice system. Among the findings, this research has observed that CCJ is involved in activities that address issues of human rights in the justice system. Some of the activities comprise of presentations, workshops and attending community forums. The study also examined CCJ's partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS). It shows how CCJ empowers its clients, bridges the gap between the community and SAPS, and plays a role in the dissemination of information. Despite facing challenges, mostly in terms of channels of communication and lack of responsiveness from CCJ's counterparts, which also originate from the informal kind of relationship between CCJ and its working partners, there is a strong working relation. This research was carried out using a qualitative approach in both data gathering (semi-structured interviews) and analysis (thematic). Out of the fifteen outreach centres of CCJ three were chosen and two police stations. This was done through purposive sampling. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sci.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2011.

There are a number of benefits associated with e-commerce adoption. E-commerce provides an opportunity for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to expand their range of transactions and expansion into foreign markets (OECD, 2000). In South Africa, a study on online retail reveals that South Africans spent two (2) billion rands buying goods online in 2010 (WorldWideWorx, 2011a). The projected growth of online spending was 40% for 2011 (ibid). In addition, at the end of the year 2011, the number of internet users in South Africa was approximately 8.5 million (Goldstuck, 2012). Furthermore, the installation of new undersea telecommunications cables in South Africa that will lead to an increase of the internet bandwidth at a cheaper price, the granting of licenses that allows Internet Service Providers to build their own networks and the growth of cell phone internet are indicators that more South Africans will be able to access the internet in the near future. This suggests that there is a market for internet-enabled businesses in South Africa. It is in this context that this research examines the adoption of e-commerce by South African SMMEs in the Pietermaritzburg and Durban areas. Particularly, this research focuses on four (4) e-commerce options: i) customers payment by credit card through the SMME’s website, ii) customers placing orders through the SMME’s website, iii) providing customer services through the SMME’s website and iv) placing orders with suppliers over the internet. From a clustered sample of 400 SMMEs from Pietermaritzburg and Durban (200 from each area), this research examines the current usage of the 4 e-commerce options, the determinants and inhibitors of e-commerce, e-commerce readiness in terms of e-commerce enablers that are implemented in those areas and the knowledge that SMMEs from these locations have about the benefits of e-commerce. Variables drawn from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory were tested for their significance as determinants of e-commerce within the context of SMMEs. Data were collected by means of questionnaires hand-delivered to SMME owner/managers. This study reveals that there is a disparity in e-commerce adoption rate by SMMEs between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. Such difference is mainly due to the differences in size of the businesses. In addition, it was found that three UTAUT variables influenced SMMEs’ decisions to adopt e-commerce. These variables are i) performance expectancy, ii) effort expectancy and iii) social influence. The social influence factor was found to be moderated by age. In addition, i) relative advantage, ii) compatibility and iii) complexity are the DOI variables that were found to have exerted some influence in the persuasion phase of the DOI model. The UTAUT and DOI theories were tentatively adapted to reflect the findings emanating from this study. This research also found that the majority of SMMEs that adopted e-commerce had knowledge of the benefits of e-commerce. Importantly, the research found that the majority of e-commerce adopters had an e-commerce strategy in place which is in contradiction with other research findings from the reviewed literature. The research shows that the majority of e-commerce adopters in both locations have i) their own company e-mail, ii) internet access and iii) a website. However, non-adopters in Pietermaritzburg show more readiness to e-commerce adoption compared to non-adopters in Durban as the majority of them already have i) an online presence, and ii) electronic mail. As expected, the majority of e-commerce adopters have a computerised inventory of company’s products and services. There is also evidence that customers’ and suppliers’ databases are built to carry out specific e-commerce activities. Lastly, the research found that whilst low use of e-commerce by customers is the only inhibitor that significantly affects the adoption of e-commerce in Durban, in Pietermaritzburg a number of inhibitors were found to impede e-commerce adoption. These are: i) lack of conviction of the financial and business benefits of e-commerce, ii) limited knowledge of the required technology, iii) low use of e-commerce amongst customers, iv) low use of e-commerce amongst suppliers, v) low level of computerisation within the company, vi) high cost of computers and network technologies, vii) telecommunications services not dependable, viii) concerns about internet security, and ix) concerns about legal issues, contracts and liability. In light of the research findings, it is recommended that government and policy makers be involved actively in promoting e-commerce adoption by SMMEs. In addition, SMME owners are urged to consider e-commerce adoption from an early stage of their business cycles and to take advantage of existing platforms that enable them to engage in e-commerce activities. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

This dissertation investigated the quality of service delivery at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Pietermaritzburg campuses. According to du Toit (2004:182) student satisfaction is important in the Higher Education sector due to its role in effective enrolment management. It is essential for student perceptions of service quality to be evaluated and managed by the university. Iacobucci, et al (1995:277) emphasized that service quality and customer satisfaction are important concepts to academic researchers studying consumer evaluations as a means of creating competitive advantages and customer loyalty. According to the South African Department of Education (2004:3), the creation of a new merged institution must ultimately be accompanied by standardised service levels. Hence this study attempted to investigate the service levels of the merged institution in Pietermaritzburg. The research set out to measure service expectations of higher education as well as measure service perceptions at the DUT. The research also set out to establish the SERVQUAL gap, which causes unsuccessful service delivery (Gap 5) and examine the dimensions which contribute to Gap 5. A SERVQUAL analysis was undertaken on the two Pietermaritzburg campus, viz. Riverside and Indumiso campus. The study found that on average customers had high expectations in tangibles, reliability and assurance dimensions and their highest perceptions were found in the assurance dimension. The study also found that management of DUT need to apply a varying degree of attention to the dimensions between the two campuses. The key recommendation to management of DUT was to introduce a Total Quality Management (TQM) system and a service marketing management plan. In addition to implementing this, management also needs to develop a service-minded workforce. / Thesis (M.B.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006.