Gas exploration and production at sea and on land is a recent phenomenon in South Africa. The reason for the sudden interest in gas exploration and production on land is that it may prove to be a solution to the need for cleaner forms of energy and provides the possibility for South Africa to move away from coal-based energy. In order to achieve this transition while keeping economic development intact, South Africa is in need of a “greener” option. Gas is considered the most environmentally friendly fossil fuel and therefore provides South Africa with this much needed “greener” option. The uncertainty about the nature and extent of the environmental impacts regarding gas exploration and production suggests that an efficient and effective energy and environmental law and policy framework is still needed to regulate onshore and offshore gas exploration and production during all phases of its life cycle. It furthermore requires of the authorities that they establish and enhance environmental protection and sustainability during all gas exploration and production operations in order to ensure that the environmental impacts that may occur during such operations are addressed in a holistic and integrated manner. This study focuses on conventional gas. South Africa’s energy and environmental law and policy framework that regulates gas exploration does not cover the entire life cycle of onshore and offshore gas activities. It is of paramount importance that the current fragmentation in the country’s existing energy and environmental regulatory framework be addressed and that a sufficient environmental governance regime, as envisaged in this study, is established. This will enable the administering agents to actively promote and maintain the welfare of the people, the ecosystems, the essential ecological processes and the biodiversity of South Africa, while promoting the utilisation of living natural resources on a sustainable basis to the benefit of all South Africans, present and future, as pledged in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. / LLM (Environmental Law and Governance), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Afrikaans speaking believers have been experiencing a degree of disillusionment due to changes in the South African political landscape. This has caused spiritual instability that again caused people to want to escape to beter opportunities elsewhere, reduced church attendance and social isolation. This disillusionment is due to the fact that Afrikaans speaking believers hold to a cultural, social and self empowering type of hope that looks to the advantages of positive circumstances. A great void exists in research dealing with the hope and spirituality of Afrikaans speaking believers who experience such a disillusionment, and that resulted in this study. An empirical study revealed that the Afrikaans community struggles to deal completely with the new South African community. They feel the pressure of limited or no work opportunities due to affirmative action, uncertainty regarding their role in the new South Africa and the breaking down of Afrikaans as a historically respected language and culture. Materialism, a false trust in political and world leaders, negative media reporting, as well as people immigrating for beter opportunities, were singled out as contributors to the breaking down of hope, a hope that takes on the form of cultural entitlement and social self empowerment. A literary study showed that true Christian hope must be distinguished from wishful thinking, the outcome of social, political or economical self empowerment or emotional optimism, but rather that it is grounded in the faith knowledge of Jesus Christ as Redeemer. The church as the family of God provides hope in a space where the past and the future comes together in an active walk of faith that follows the life of Jesus Christ in serving and caring for others. Preaching must be the carrier of hope and the reminder that the promises of God will be realized up and until the coming of Jesus Christ in glory. Perspectives from Scripture confirmed that hope is not just a human thought of wishful thinking, an emotional state of mind or optimism. True Christian hope is an inner faith conviction and trust in the promises of God for salvation, provision and grace, even in the midst of poor or bad circumstances, caused by sin. This Christian hope is initiated and developed through a knowledge of the Word of God, that finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ. True Christian hope is an inner spiritual conviction through faith in Jesus Christ, a practical lifestyle of love in accordance with God’s will and a living expectation for the coming of Jesus Christ. Practical-theoretical guidelines and study work were developed where Afrikaans speaking believers, experiencing a degree of disillusionment due to a changing South Africa, can be pastorally guided to a true Christian hope. / MA (Pastoral Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The De Witte (2000) Job Insecurity Scale (JIS) claims to measure the cognitive and affective dimensionalities of job insecurity. However, there is a concern as to whether this is in fact a true reflection of the individual, owing to the possibility that the JIS may rather measure the negative and positive dimensionalities of job insecurity instead. This research article aims to investigate whether a revised version of the JIS measures the cognitive and affective dimensionalities of job insecurity, or alternatively, other dimensionalities of the revised JIS after additional items have been added to the scale. Furthermore, it is aimed at determining whether the constructs of the revised JIS prove to be invariant across gender, age and educational level, and to determine whether the psychometric properties of a revised version of the JIS is a valid and reliable instrument. Furthermore, this research article aims at determining if the revised version of the JIS is a more accurate indicator of job insecurity and its relation with organisational outcomes (job satisfaction and organisational commitment), as well as its equivalence across various demographic variables (i.e. gender, age and educational level). A quantitative research approach was used. This approach was utilised to statistically reflect the psychometric properties of the revised version of the JIS, using large amounts of data relating to job insecurity. A cross-sectional design was used for the purpose of this study. The sample consisted of employees working in the mining sector (n = 262) and manufacturing industries (n = 208), constituting a total sample of 470 (n = 470). Non-probability quota sampling was used to adequately divide the population according to its sector in the economy, and further according to the industry. The results showed that the revised JIS consists of a two-factor model, namely job security and job insecurity. Furthermore, it was found that the revised JIS is valid in providing relationships with organisational outcomes (job satisfaction and organisational commitment). The study indicated that job insecurity has a negative relationship with job satisfaction, as well as a predictive positive relationship with organisational commitment. The revised JIS proved to have discriminant validity in that it does not relate to an unrelated construct (physical tiredness during work). Lastly, the revised JIS can be deemed valid across different demographic groups (gender, age and educational level). Recommendations are made to be applied in practice, as well as for future research. / MA (Industrial Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Background: Research on nursing practice has highlighted a relationship between non-nursing tasks (NNTs), nursing tasks left undone (NTLU), and internationally it was found that these factors have an effect on job satisfaction. Since the last study done on NNTs and NTLU in 1988, much has changed in South Africa`s health system. Current South African studies have revealed that decreased numbers of PNs in South Africa experience satisfaction. Therefore, this study explores the relationship between NNTs, NTLU and job satisfaction on both individual PN level and unit level in South Africa, and contributes to the international debate. Aim: To investigate the relationship between NNTs, NTLU and job satisfaction among professional nurses (PNs) in medical and surgical units in private and public hospitals in South Africa. Method: A cross-sectional survey design was used including 1166 PNs in 60 medical and surgical units in 55 private hospitals and seven national referral hospitals in South Africa who completed the survey. Measures: Relationships between NNTs, NTLU, job satisfaction and aspects of job satisfaction. Results: The three main NNTs performed were filling-in for non-nursing services (d=0.47), cleaning patient’s rooms and equipment (d=0.48) and obtaining supplies and equipment (d=0.64). Nationally more than 50% of PNs reported the following NTLU – comfort/talk with patients (62.2%), educating patients and family (57.9%) and develop or update nursing care plans/pathways (51.6%). PNs in private hospitals are more satisfied with their jobs than PNs in public hospitals. PNs were most dissatisfied with the opportunities for advancement (M = 2.60) and educational opportunities (M=2.64) aspects of job satisfaction. At unit level, NTLU positively correlated with three NNTs, and job satisfaction correlated mostly and negatively with NTLU. Conclusion: South African PNs perform many NNTs. However, the performance of NNTs does not influence their job satisfaction to the extent the NTLU does. Although PNs in this study indicated that NNTs do not have a significant influence on NTLU, it may reveal a greater issue, in that PNs have grown accustomed to performing NNTs as part of their workload. Clarifying professional nurses’ scope of practice and increased use of support services may provide PNs with more time to conduct nursing tasks which should improve job satisfaction. Recommendations for practice, education, policy/orientation programmes and research are made from the findings of this study. / MCur, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

A triathlon can be described as the combination of the three athletic competencies swimming, cycling and running where each of the items is performed in a specific order and vary in distance. A triathlon is a very select sport that only attracts specific participants, seeing that constant training is necessary in order to improve fitness and skill in the three different disciplines. Being a triathlete involves a substantial amount of physical and psychological stress over several hours of continuous activity. Therefore the key aspects that drive this study are the following: * The uniqueness of triathlons and triathletes makes it important to research certain aspects such as: Who these participants are? Why they participate in triathlons? And why do they return to the event each year? * Currently most triathlon research is done in countries such as United States of America, Australia, Germany and Japan. There are also numerous studies done on triathletes, although most of these studies focus on physiological and medical aspects of these athletes. * To the best of the author’s knowledge no other study in South Africa has focused on profiling triathletes and gaining knowledge on what differentiates these participants from other endurance sport athletes. * As there is currently a deficiency of information regarding triathletes in South Africa it becomes imperative to research this market through market segmentation. With the latter in mind, the main purpose of this study was to apply market segmentation on triathletes that participate in Ironman South Africa, the only full-length Ironman held on the African continent. In order to achieve this goal a destination-based survey took place during the registration process of participants at The Boardwalk Convention Centre and Spa in Port Elizabeth. A total of 425 completed questionnaires were used in the study. An in-depth literature study was also done to review different aspects of triathlons and triathletes, including the unique nature of the sport and participants as well as analysing previous literature concerning the characteristics of triathletes. Literature also explored market segmentation and the different variables used to segment triathletes and other endurance sport athletes. From literature it became clear that motives to participate and frequency of participation could be useful in segmenting sport participants. These two variables were applied to Ironman South Africa in two separate articles. In Article 1 motives to participate was applied as a market segmentation variable. It was found that triathletes were motivated by seven motivational factors including: Challenge, Inner vie, Health and fitness, Intrinsic achievement and control, Event novelty, Group affiliation and socialisation and lastly, Respect and risk. Based on these motives three distinct clusters of triathlon participants were identified: Devotees, Enthusiasts and Aspirationals. The participants in each cluster showed statistical significant differences with regard to their motives, while age was the only variable with significant socio-demographic differences between the clusters. In Article 2, frequency of participation was used to segment Ironman South Africa participants. Significant differences were found between first time and repeat participants based on the variables: demographic, behaviour and motives to participate. Four segments were identified at Ironman South Africa based on the number of times they have previously participated in the event. The frequent flyer concept was applied which resulted in the dividing of the four participant segments into different loyalty segments. The segments were the Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum segment. Three marketing strategies were developed, firstly for the Bronze and Silver segments (these two segments shared similar characteristics), secondly for the Gold and Platinum segments also sharing corresponding characteristics and lastly, a marketing strategy to expand triathlons in South Africa. The information obtained from the two market segmentation variables led to an array of recommendations to attract and retain participants to Ironman South Africa events. Also recommendations focus on how to expand triathlon events in South Africa. Significant contributions were made to literature regarding the profile of the Ironman South Africa participants and how these triathletes compare to other endurance sport athlete. / MCom (Tourism Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The main focus of this study is to determine if systems development methodologies are being utilised in the development of electronic learning systems in South Africa and if these methodologies are being applied effectively. Essentially this study can be viewed as exploratory research, utilising a conceptual research model to investigate the relationships between the constructs and measurements. Electronic learning, or e-learning, is being employed to educate millions of learners, students and employees around the world and it is a critical component of modern educational systems. E-learning systems, or learning management systems, as it is known in the field, sit at the heart of these educational systems and are used to systematically deliver on-line content and facilitate the learning experience around that content. There is still much confusion and misconceptions surrounding e-learning and learning management systems abound. This study will try and clarify some of these misconceptions. In e-learning systems, the effective use of information systems is especially relevant as it is used to educate the minds of the future. To ensure that e-learning systems of outstanding quality are being developed, it is therefore crucial that systems development methodologies are being used as they can have a significant impact on the development process. There is a dearth of empirical research available on the use and effectiveness of systems development methodologies in South Africa. This study aims, amongst other things to make a contribution to the availability of empirical results. By empirically evaluating the conceptual research model, utilising a survey as the main research method and statistically analysing the dataset, meaningful results were obtained. This study gave some insights into how learning management system procurement and development is being done in South Africa and revealed that the use of open-source systems currently exceeds the use of proprietary systems. The results of the research showed that systems development methodologies (e.g. Object-Oriented Analysis and Rapid Application Development) are being used effectively in the development of e-learning systems. Strong relationships exist between many of the systems development methodology factors identified (e.g. performance expectancy and the perceived support of the methodology) and the quality and productivity of the development process. This in turn has a strong influence on the impact systems development methodologies have on the quality of learning management systems. / MCom (Computer Science & Information Systems), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study discusses the role of the indigenous picturebook in South Africa and the positive aspects it holds with regards to developing a reading culture in this country. Specific focus is placed on postmodern picturebooks and it discusses why these types of books are more succesfulsuccessfulin teaching children to read than “traditional” picturebooks, and finally to promote a healthy reading culture. The main argument is that picturebooks occupy a void where different factors such as didactic and economic elements should be taken into consideration. The possible role picturebooks can play in the rehabilitation of the dying Nama language and culture is also considered as well as links between Nama and Afrikaans stories. HibridityHybridity theory is also taken into account and possibilities of merging Afrikaans and Nama to create a bilingual picturebook is also explored. The picturebook is also discussed as a form consisting of different factors.These factors include elements regarding narrative theory and semiotics. The premise of this discussion is based on Roland Barthes’ theory regarding the meaning of signs, namelysemiotics. Narrative theory is also taken into consideration with special reference to Perry Nodelman’s theory regarding the combination of narratology and semiotics in the dissection of picturebooks. In the conclusion it is discussed why it is very important for writers and illustrators to have a sound understanding of the theory regarding picturebooks in order to create quality picturebooks. The main theme in this study is that picturebooks are a perfect medium for children to learn how to read and develop their visual literacy. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie bespreek die inheemse kinderprenteboek in Suid-Afrika en die bydrae wat dit kan lewer om hierdie land se agteruitgaande leeskultuur te stuit. Die postmoderne kinderprentboek word uit die oogpunt van 'n illustreerder bespreek deur klem te plaas op die positiewe bydrae wat hierdie tipe boeke tot 'n gemeenskap se leeskultuur kan lewer. Daar word hoofsaaklik geredeneer dat kinderprenteboeke in Suid–Afrika oor die algemeen 'n problematiese ruimte beset waar elemente soos die didaktiese invloed, die ekonomie en ook taal in ag geneem moet word. Hierdie verhandeling ondersoek ook die rol wat die inheemse kinderprenteboek kan speel in die behoud van die sterwende Nama gemeenskap se taal en kultuur, asook die verband tussen Afrikaans en Nama. Deur te kyk na hibriditeitsteorie word ook bepaalof Afrikaans en Nama suksesvol saam in 'n kinderprenteboek kan funksioneer. Die verskillende faktore wat tot die kinderprenteboek as 'n geheel bydra, word ook bespreek, naamlik narratief- en semiotiekteorie. Deur staat te maak op Roland Barthes se semiotiekteorie en Perry Nodelman se narratiefteorie word kinderprenteboeke as 'nkunsvorm bespreek. Die gevolgtrekking van hierdie studie bespreek waarom dit vir illustreerders en skrywers van kinderprenteboeke noodsaaklik is om te besef hoe kinderprenteboeke as 'n visuele teks funksioneer om sodoende'nkwaliteit produk vir kinders te kan skep. Die kinderprenteboek is 'nideale medium waarin kinders kan leer om teks en beeld bymekaar te bring.

Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways and affects many people regardless of their age, gender, race and socioeconomic status. Since asthma is recognised as one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in people and especially in South Africa, the prescribing patterns, prevalence and medication cost of asthma in South Africa are saliently important and need to be investigated. A non-experimental, quantitative retrospective drug utilisation review was conducted on medicine claims data of a pharmaceutical benefit management company in a section of the private health care sector of South Africa. The study period was divided into four annual time periods (1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008, 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009, 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010 and 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011). The prescribing patterns and cost of asthma medication were investigated and stratified according to province, age and gender. Patients were included if the prescriptions which were provided by the health care practitioners matched the Chronic Disease List (CDL) of South Africa and the International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) coding for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Data analysis was conducted by means of the SAS 9.3® computer package. Asthma patients were divided according to different age groups (there were five different age groups for this study), gender and geographical areas of South Africa. The study indicated a steady increase in the prevalence of asthma patients from 0.82% (n = 7949) in 2008 to 1.18% (n = 15 423) in 2009 and reached a minimum of 0.79% (n = 8554) in 2011. Analysis of the prevalence regarding geographical areas in South Africa suggested that Gauteng had the highest number [n = 17 696, (0.85%)] of asthma patients throughout the study period, followed by KwaZulu Natal [n = 8 628, 1.16%)] and the Western Cape [(n = 8513, 0.97%) (p < 0.05)]. The prevalence of asthma in female patients [0.89% (n = 26 588)] was higher than in their male counterparts [0.79% (n = 19 244)] (p > 0.05). The results showed that asthma was not as common chronic disease in children. The total number of asthma patients younger than 7 years represented 0.64% (n = 2 909). It was found that patients over 65 years of age showed the highest prevalence of the five age groups [1.94% (n = 13 403) (p < 0.05)]. The average number of asthma prescriptions per patient per year was 8.28 (95% CI, 8.16- 8.40) and 5.15 (95% CI, 5.06-5.23) in 2008 and 2011, respectively. The number of asthma items per prescription varied from 1.55 (95% CI, 1.55-1.56) in 2008 to 1.40 (95% CI, 1.39- 1.40) in 2011. Medication from the MIMS® pharmacological group (anti-asthmatics and bronchodilators) was used to identify asthma medication. The top three asthma medication with the highest prevalence in the study period were the anti-inflammatory inhaler of fluticasone (n = 39 721) followed by the single item combination product of budesonide/ formoterol (n = 25 121) and salbutamol (n = 24 296). The influence of COPD on asthma treatment and the costimplication thereof were investigated. Medication from the MIMS® pharmacological group (anti-asthmatics and bronchodilators) was used to identify COPD medication. This study also showed that COPD had an influence in the economic burden of the South African asthma population. The cost of medication is responsible for the single largest direct cost involved in the economic burden of asthma. This study showed that asthma represented 0.88% of the direct medication cost in the study (excluding hospitalisation and indirect cost). The average cost per prescription and average cost per asthma item both increased throughout the study period. The prescribing patterns for the different medication used in the treatment of asthma were investigated and recommendations for further research in this field of study were made. / MPharm (Pharmacy Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

As societies across the world are facing grim problems regarding the consumption of tobacco products and alcohol, the Governments of these societies are adapting their strategies to reduce the consumption of these harmful products. These demarketing strategies are implemented to discourage the use of these products and increase the health of consumers. These strategies include a strenuous legal limit when driving under the influence of alcohol, enforcing the placement of warning labels on both cigarette packages as well as alcoholic beverages. Also included are penalties when failing to adhere to these laws, increasing prices, limiting the availability, restricting promotion and advertising, the list goes on. It is therefore seen fit to examine the attitudes of black Generation Y students’ towards the demarketing of smoking and alcohol consumption, because of the research gap concerning black Generation Y students. The primary purpose of this research study was to conclude the attitudes towards the demarketing of smoking and alcohol consumption amongst black Generation Y students within South Africa, and more specifically the Vaal Triangle region. The target population for this study comprised black Generation Y students, aged 18 to 24. A non-probability convenience sample of 200 respondents at each of the two higher education institutions was randomly chosen to participate in this research study making the total sample size 400. A self-administered questionnaire was handed out to each of the respondents to complete. The questionnaire consisted of three sections; Section A – demographical information, Section B – tobacco questionnaire and Section C – alcohol questionnaire. It was required of the respondents to complete the three sections, indicating their agreement or disagreement towards demarketing on a five-point Likert scale. The literature review included in this study comprised marketing as an organisational philosophy and function, market segmentation, targeting and positioning, as well as demarketing. The traditional marketing mix, consumption patterns within South Africa concerning smoking and alcohol, demarketing as a form of social responsibility were also discussed. The term demarketing, the marketing mix in terms of demarketing and the Generation Y cohort were also included within the literature review. The main finding obtained from the main survey questionnaire was that black Generation Y students’ had a positive attitude towards the demarketing of smoking and alcohol consumption. The remaining findings obtained are discussed in order to enhance the understanding of the black Generation Y students’ cohort attitudes. The recommendations for this study are given to guide the successful implementation of demarketing of cigarettes and alcohol. It is concluded from the research, that black Generation Y students’ attitudes towards the demarketing of smoking and alcohol consumption is positive, and that they are in favour of persuading consumers to reduce consumption and ultimately quit the consumption of these products. Therefore, organisations and the Government should continue to implement these demarketing strategies towards smoking and alcohol, especially amongst the black Generation Y students. / Thesis (MCom (Marketing management))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2013

The aim of this study is to determine how literature teaching in a multicultural context can be used effectively to promote intercultural communication and understanding in South Africa, a relatively young democracy in a period of transition. A selection of short stories from the chosen short story anthologies, Taxi (1996) and Keerpunt(1995), will be analysed with reference to both key elements from theories about intercultural communication and the criteria for multicultural texts. The study will be concluded by a statement about the suitability of the chosen anthologies to promote intercultural communication and understanding through the teaching of literature within a multicultural context. Die doel van hierdie studie is om ondersoek in te stel na hoe literatuuronderrig in 'n multikulturele konteks effektief gebruik kan word om interkulturele kommunikasie en begrip te bevorder veral noudat Suid Afrika ' n relatief nuwe demokrasie in 'n oorgangsperiode is. Hierdie doel word nagestreef deur geselekteerde kortverhale uit die gekose kortverhaalbundels, Taxi (1996) en Keerpunf (1995), te analiseer met verwysing na kernelemente vanuit die teorievorming oor interkulturele kommunikasie asook die kriteria vir 'n multikulturele teks. Aan die einde van hierdie studie word aangedui of die gekose kortverhaalbundels geskikte tekste is om interkulturele kommunikasie en begrip in 'n multikulturele konteks te bevorder deur literatuuronderrig. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.