This study broadly investigates South African energy policy with specific emphasis on the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). It investigates how the procurement programme links to rights-based climate justice principles. Climate justice principles have the potential to greatly impact the socio-economic development characteristics of the renewable energy sector. These principles incorporate the notions of participation and self-representation, equality, and the anti-commodification of nature, thus linking to the collective ownership aspect of renewable energy plants. Depending on the procurement model chosen, renewable energy has the potential to offer true broad-based empowerment and developmental benefits to the country. A neo-Gramscian theoretical framework was selected in order to draw links between the renewable energy sector and the political economy which are so entrenched in the Minerals- Energy Complex (MEC). The neo-Gramscian framework demonstrates strength in the uncovering of the shift in the social relations of production and how these interact with the state and the international class project. It is utilised to expose the character of power and hegemony and how the needs of transnational capital are satisfied within local perceptions of development. This research revealed that the renewable energy sector has been annexed by the transnational neoliberal agenda through the non-participative nature of the REIPPPP. To challenge this power relation, the neo-Gramscian notion of a counter-hegemony is particularly pertinent. Community renewables, the focus of this research, are presented as such a counterhegemonic alternative. A number of European countries have successfully integrated community owned renewable energy plants into their energy sectors. Various case studies of community renewables in Denmark, Sweden and the UK respectively are proposed as alternative ownership models to those being promoted in the REIPPPP in South Africa. Barriers to community renewables in the South African context have been identified. These identified barriers allow one to make informed predictions about the future ownership of the renewable energy sector in South Africa. Recommendations are suggested that would work towards promoting a more inclusive and participatory renewable energy sector with greater adherence to climate justice principles. / M. Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

This study broadly investigates South African energy policy with specific emphasis on the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). It investigates how the procurement programme links to rights-based climate justice principles. Climate justice principles have the potential to greatly impact the socio-economic development characteristics of the renewable energy sector. These principles incorporate the notions of participation and self-representation, equality, and the anti-commodification of nature, thus linking to the collective ownership aspect of renewable energy plants. Depending on the procurement model chosen, renewable energy has the potential to offer true broad-based empowerment and developmental benefits to the country. A neo-Gramscian theoretical framework was selected in order to draw links between the renewable energy sector and the political economy which are so entrenched in the Minerals- Energy Complex (MEC). The neo-Gramscian framework demonstrates strength in the uncovering of the shift in the social relations of production and how these interact with the state and the international class project. It is utilised to expose the character of power and hegemony and how the needs of transnational capital are satisfied within local perceptions of development. This research revealed that the renewable energy sector has been annexed by the transnational neoliberal agenda through the non-participative nature of the REIPPPP. To challenge this power relation, the neo-Gramscian notion of a counter-hegemony is particularly pertinent. Community renewables, the focus of this research, are presented as such a counterhegemonic alternative. A number of European countries have successfully integrated community owned renewable energy plants into their energy sectors. Various case studies of community renewables in Denmark, Sweden and the UK respectively are proposed as alternative ownership models to those being promoted in the REIPPPP in South Africa. Barriers to community renewables in the South African context have been identified. These identified barriers allow one to make informed predictions about the future ownership of the renewable energy sector in South Africa. Recommendations are suggested that would work towards promoting a more inclusive and participatory renewable energy sector with greater adherence to climate justice principles. / M. Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

This research aims to evaluate the role that Kenyan independent churches play in the protection of the fundamental human rights of children. It became apparent during the course of the research that Kenya's independent churches have numerous shortcomings that affect their ability to protect such rights. The Kenyan independent churches are affected by the negative effects of an African traditional worldview. Among the effects of this worldview is the tolerance of female genital mutilation, polygamy and corporal punishment, practices that contravene the United Nation's Declaration on the Rights of Children. The research further discovered that some of the Kenyan independent churches perpetuate the violation of the fundamental human rights of children with their gross misunderstanding of Scripture, especially the wisdom of Bible texts such as Proverbs 22:15. A literal application of Scripture and a tendency to lean towards casuistic ethics contribute to the misuse and misunderstanding of the Bible verses that touch on the human dignity of children. The violation of the fundamental human rights of children is rampant in Kenya. The number of independent churches involved in protecting the fundamental human rights of children is very small. The few independent churches that offer child services offer relief services rather than embracing a human rights approach to serving children. Although the independent churches make out the majority and are the fastest growing among the churches, it is notable that mission churches such as the Catholic and Anglican churches are more involved in protecting the fundamental human rights of children when compared to the independent churches in Kenya. Kenyan independent churches furthermore suffer the effects of poverty coupled with illiteracy, a factor that affects their ability to champion the fundamental human rights of children as stipulated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children. On the positive side, some social cultural values common among the independent churches, such as African communal solidarity and the extended family system, promote the well–being of children. However, overall the Kenyan independent churches have not successfully responded to the violation of the fundamental human rights of children. This inability remains a concern worthy addressing. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Ethics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the value drivers that drive the value of companies, as reflected in the share-prices. Through this study, the aim is to draw conclusions on the aspects that drive the share-price of companies. A detailed literature study was performed on the value-creation process that takes place in a company. The literature study has a significant focus on Value-Based Management and the elements that should be considered when evaluating the manner in which companies create shareholder value through the operational activities that are performed. Through applying the principles of value-based management, the management of companies should maximise the value-created for shareholders by utilising company resources in the most effective and efficient way possible. Valuebased management should not be seen as a once-of initiative, but should be ingrained in the day-to-day operating and management activities of companies. The objective of applying value based management principles in a company should be to enhance the value of financial assets through the optimisation of the real assets of the company. Value is created in a company when the company can maintain a return on capital that is greater than the cost of capital. Through the literature study several value-drivers were identified that influence the shareholder value-creation process and that should be managed optimally. These value-drivers have been identified to be (1) sales growth, (2) cash profit margin - earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), (3) cash tax rate, (4) working capital, (5) capital expenditure, (6) WACC- the risk and inflation adjusted weighted average cost of capital, and (7) the competitive advantage period. The competitive advantage period is defined as the time during which a company has a positive net present value when discounted at the WACC. Any actions that the management of a company can take to optimise these value-drivers will have a positive effect on the value created for shareholders. The link between shareholder value-creation and share-price was investigated in the literature study. It was found that different factors influence share prices and that some have nothing to do with the company itself, but more with investor sentiment about the economy as a whole and other socio-political factors. The empirical study was based on analysing key value-drivers and financial ratios that were identified during the literature study, in order to establish the relationship between company value-creation and the share-price. The data sample that was used in the empirical study consisted of 55 publicly listed companies that had a net asset value of one billion rand (R1, 000,000,000) or more in 1998. This data sample parameter was chosen in order to consider companies in the empirical study that have significant market presence in the respective industries, sectors and sub-sectors. The time horizon of the empirical study was over a 1 0-year period, from 1998 to 2007. The relationship that exists between the dependent variables of (1) Average Share Price (ASP) and (2) Year-End Share Price (YESP) and the independent variables of (1) net assets, (2) turnover, (3) trading profit, (4) operating profit, (5) profit before interest and tax, (6) Net Operating Profit After Tax (NOPAT), (7) retained profits, (8) free cash flow, (9) Economic Value-Added (EVA), (1 0) Earnings Per Share (EPS), (11) Cash Flow Per Share (CFPS), (12) the price earnings ratio, (13) operating assets, (14) Return On Assets (ROA), and (15) Return On Equity (ROE) were analysed during the empirical study. These dependent and independent variables were chosen based on the insights gained through the literature study and was identified as appropriate to formulate conclusions on the relationship that exists between shareholder value-creation and share-price. The distributions of the above-mentioned variables are discussed in detail and distribution figures are provided to contextualise the spread of the variables and provide background on the data that was used in the empirical study. Although the study of the variables was conducted over a 1 0-year period, from 1998 to 2007, distribution figures for the years 1998 and 2007, are depicted and discussed in order to provide a comparison of the changes that took place over the 1 0-year period. Due to the nature of the variables analysed during the empirical study, the Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient is used to measure the relationship that exists between the dependent and independent variables. The Spearman Rank Coefficient is a factor model that explains complex phenomena through a small number of basic causes or factors. Given the relative large number of shares available on the share market, the estimation of dependent, share-price variables cannot be performed without simplification to dimensionality, therefore the use of the Spearman Rank Coefficient. The coefficient of correlation between the dependent and independent variables was calculated for the each of the years over the 1 0-year period and the applicability to explain the relationship between shareholder value-creation and share-price was analysed. Through the statistical analyses and the interpretation of the results, it was concluded that earnings per share and cash flow per share are the most appropriate indicators for estimating the relationship that exists between shareholder value-creation and the share-price as reflected on the share market. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the value drivers that drive the value of companies, as reflected in the share-prices. Through this study, the aim is to draw conclusions on the aspects that drive the share-price of companies. A detailed literature study was performed on the value-creation process that takes place in a company. The literature study has a significant focus on Value-Based Management and the elements that should be considered when evaluating the manner in which companies create shareholder value through the operational activities that are performed. Through applying the principles of value-based management, the management of companies should maximise the value-created for shareholders by utilising company resources in the most effective and efficient way possible. Valuebased management should not be seen as a once-of initiative, but should be ingrained in the day-to-day operating and management activities of companies. The objective of applying value based management principles in a company should be to enhance the value of financial assets through the optimisation of the real assets of the company. Value is created in a company when the company can maintain a return on capital that is greater than the cost of capital. Through the literature study several value-drivers were identified that influence the shareholder value-creation process and that should be managed optimally. These value-drivers have been identified to be (1) sales growth, (2) cash profit margin - earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), (3) cash tax rate, (4) working capital, (5) capital expenditure, (6) WACC- the risk and inflation adjusted weighted average cost of capital, and (7) the competitive advantage period. The competitive advantage period is defined as the time during which a company has a positive net present value when discounted at the WACC. Any actions that the management of a company can take to optimise these value-drivers will have a positive effect on the value created for shareholders. The link between shareholder value-creation and share-price was investigated in the literature study. It was found that different factors influence share prices and that some have nothing to do with the company itself, but more with investor sentiment about the economy as a whole and other socio-political factors. The empirical study was based on analysing key value-drivers and financial ratios that were identified during the literature study, in order to establish the relationship between company value-creation and the share-price. The data sample that was used in the empirical study consisted of 55 publicly listed companies that had a net asset value of one billion rand (R1, 000,000,000) or more in 1998. This data sample parameter was chosen in order to consider companies in the empirical study that have significant market presence in the respective industries, sectors and sub-sectors. The time horizon of the empirical study was over a 1 0-year period, from 1998 to 2007. The relationship that exists between the dependent variables of (1) Average Share Price (ASP) and (2) Year-End Share Price (YESP) and the independent variables of (1) net assets, (2) turnover, (3) trading profit, (4) operating profit, (5) profit before interest and tax, (6) Net Operating Profit After Tax (NOPAT), (7) retained profits, (8) free cash flow, (9) Economic Value-Added (EVA), (1 0) Earnings Per Share (EPS), (11) Cash Flow Per Share (CFPS), (12) the price earnings ratio, (13) operating assets, (14) Return On Assets (ROA), and (15) Return On Equity (ROE) were analysed during the empirical study. These dependent and independent variables were chosen based on the insights gained through the literature study and was identified as appropriate to formulate conclusions on the relationship that exists between shareholder value-creation and share-price. The distributions of the above-mentioned variables are discussed in detail and distribution figures are provided to contextualise the spread of the variables and provide background on the data that was used in the empirical study. Although the study of the variables was conducted over a 1 0-year period, from 1998 to 2007, distribution figures for the years 1998 and 2007, are depicted and discussed in order to provide a comparison of the changes that took place over the 1 0-year period. Due to the nature of the variables analysed during the empirical study, the Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient is used to measure the relationship that exists between the dependent and independent variables. The Spearman Rank Coefficient is a factor model that explains complex phenomena through a small number of basic causes or factors. Given the relative large number of shares available on the share market, the estimation of dependent, share-price variables cannot be performed without simplification to dimensionality, therefore the use of the Spearman Rank Coefficient. The coefficient of correlation between the dependent and independent variables was calculated for the each of the years over the 1 0-year period and the applicability to explain the relationship between shareholder value-creation and share-price was analysed. Through the statistical analyses and the interpretation of the results, it was concluded that earnings per share and cash flow per share are the most appropriate indicators for estimating the relationship that exists between shareholder value-creation and the share-price as reflected on the share market. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010.

Syftet med detta utvecklingsarbete var att skapa ett intresse, en motivation och nyfiken för biologin och matspjälkningen hos elever i årkurs 2-3 där eleverna på självständigt, roligt, varierande och lustfullt sätt kan skapa sig och utveckla kunskaper om matspjälkningen. Materialet består av en elevbok om matspjälkning i form av en faktasaga, bilder, frågor och praktiska övningar. Materialet innehåller dessutom en lärarhandledning med instruktioner till läroboken, mål från läroplanen samt svar till frågorna. Framtagningen av detta material har gjorts med hjälp av intervjuer och forskning i området. Materialet har fått har testats i en årkurs 2 och en intervju med eleverna. Resultatet visade att matspjälkningen väcker ett intresse hos eleverna om den är på en anpassad nivå. / The purpose of this report was to create a teaching material aimed at teaching students in second and third grade the basics of the digestive system in a fun and relaxed manner. The teaching material contains a booklet with facts, pictures, follow up questions as well as exercises for the students to work with, either individually or in class. In addition, there are instructions for the teacher with information about the booklet, the objectives of the lesson, and the key for the questions and exercises. This work builds on interviews and previous research and the teaching material was tested on second grade students and subsequently followed up by interviews. The findings of the study shows that the teaching material became successful only when adapted to a level comprehensible for the student.

Independent schools are a central issue in the school world, the perception of independent schools varies and many people express opinions about them in the media. An independent school is according to the National Agency a school that has a different principal than the county or municipality. Independent schools may not charge fees but their revenue comes from municipal grants from municipalities (Berglund 2007, p. 10). An independent school can be driven by an association, foundation or company and to run an independent school requires a permit from the Education Department. The purpose of this paper is to see how four principals at independent schools with a Muslim profile are working to strengthen their students’ Muslim identity in relation to the society they live in and how schools work with value issues. We also had the intention of studying the schools environment. To help us, we used the following questions: How does the school principal integrate different value issues? What are the principals’ thoughts on their schools work with their students before meeting with the community? What are the principals thoughts on the schools work to enhance their students’ Muslim identity? What is the purpose of the school profile? What is the environment like in and around the school? We have used interviews and observations as a method to find out how principals producing work at an independent school with a Muslim profile, and how they work with students’ identity formation. In this qualitative study, we have interviews with two principals and two assistant principals and observations from three of the schools. Based on our research, we have concluded that there is little to distinguish an independent school with a Muslim profile from a public school. Both are part of the Swedish school system, so they must follow the national curriculum, the time plan, and the Education Act. According to the principals that we interviewed, what distinguishes an independent school with a Muslim profile from a public school is that they serve halal food, girls and boys have separate PE lessons, they have one lesson a week for the school's profile subject (Islam or Arabic), schools have a prayer room that students can access throughout the school day and the school is closed during the Muslim feasts. According to the principals that we interviewed, the main reason for choosing an independent school with a Muslim profile should be because of the work in the schools that is based on building up students’ Muslim identity. They do this for the students meeting with the society they live in, if the schools have built up a solid cultural foundation of the students, the transition to the community much easier. In our social world is the view of knowledge, learning and parenting culture bound. Lahdenperä writes about "learning -through-culture" and with this she means that children learn through their own culture, that shapes them as individuals and through it they learn what is worth to know (Lahdenperä 2003). Our observations revealed various differences between the schools’; the most obvious difference was the religious texts and symbols that were on Sham School. Our observations also showed different connections between the schools’; one was that they were in abandoned buildings, mostly in industrial areas. Another clear connection between the schools was that all had prayer rooms and these floors were covered with a large red carpet. The prayer rooms looked exactly like they do in a mosque. The conclusion of our study is that despite the schools’ public profile, independent schools with Muslim profile, they educate their students in different ways and their priorities are also different. Thus, one can´t assume that all independent schools with Muslim profile works the same way. Just as in public schools, it is about what the staff at the schools believe that the schools purpose and also their efforts to achieve the schools different goals.

This research aims to evaluate the role that Kenyan independent churches play in the protection of the fundamental human rights of children. It became apparent during the course of the research that Kenya's independent churches have numerous shortcomings that affect their ability to protect such rights. The Kenyan independent churches are affected by the negative effects of an African traditional worldview. Among the effects of this worldview is the tolerance of female genital mutilation, polygamy and corporal punishment, practices that contravene the United Nation's Declaration on the Rights of Children. The research further discovered that some of the Kenyan independent churches perpetuate the violation of the fundamental human rights of children with their gross misunderstanding of Scripture, especially the wisdom of Bible texts such as Proverbs 22:15. A literal application of Scripture and a tendency to lean towards casuistic ethics contribute to the misuse and misunderstanding of the Bible verses that touch on the human dignity of children. The violation of the fundamental human rights of children is rampant in Kenya. The number of independent churches involved in protecting the fundamental human rights of children is very small. The few independent churches that offer child services offer relief services rather than embracing a human rights approach to serving children. Although the independent churches make out the majority and are the fastest growing among the churches, it is notable that mission churches such as the Catholic and Anglican churches are more involved in protecting the fundamental human rights of children when compared to the independent churches in Kenya. Kenyan independent churches furthermore suffer the effects of poverty coupled with illiteracy, a factor that affects their ability to champion the fundamental human rights of children as stipulated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children. On the positive side, some social cultural values common among the independent churches, such as African communal solidarity and the extended family system, promote the well–being of children. However, overall the Kenyan independent churches have not successfully responded to the violation of the fundamental human rights of children. This inability remains a concern worthy addressing. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Ethics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Separating unknown signal mixtures into their constituent parts is a difficult problem in signal processing called blind source separation. One of the benchmark problems in this area is the extraction of the fetal heartbeat from an electrocardiogram in which it is overshadowed by a strong maternal heartbeat. This thesis presents a study of a signal separation technique called independent component analysis (ICA), in order to assess its suitability for the maternal-fetal ECG separation problem. This includes an analysis of ICA on deterministic, stochastic, simulated and recorded ECG signals. The experiments presented in this thesis demonstrate that ICA is effective on linear mixtures of known simulated or recorded ECGs. The performance of ICA was measured using visual comparison, heart rate extraction, and energy, information theoretic, and fractal-based measures. ICA extraction of clinically recorded maternal-fetal ECGs mixtures, in which the source signals were unknown, were successful at recovering the fetal heart rate.

The aim of this work was to investigate the problems associated with using machine-independent intermediate codes in the translation from a high-level language into machine code, with emphasis on minimising code size and providing good run-time diagnostic capabilities. The main result was a machine-independent intermediate code, I-code, which has been used successfully to develop optimising and diagnostic compilers for the IMP77 language on a large number of different computer systems. In addition, the work has been used to lay the foundations for a project to develop an intermediate code for portable SIMULA compilers. The major conclusions of the research were that carefully designed machine-independent intermediate codes can be used to generate viable optimising and diagnostic compilers, and that the commonality introduced into different code generators processing the code for different machines simplifies the tasks of creating new compilers and maintaining old ones.