The objective of this project is to design an antenna for use in the electronic monitoring of persons convicted of non-violent crimes. If implemented, electronic monitoring will lighten the load on the South African prison system. Electronic monitoring makes use of an electronic tether connected to the person being monitored. This led to specific performance requirements and size constraints being placed on the antenna. The antenna should be physically small while still being able to perform as specified. It is also necessary to test the design with various frequencies, to determine the best possible frequency to use. It was decided to use a Transformer Coupled Loop (TCL) antenna, after various designs were considered. The TCL antenna can be used in various configurations, with some of these configurations being simulated to determine the best antenna structure to use. After various antenna structures were discarded, a specific antenna structure emerged as a possible solution, which was then optimised to deliver the best possible performance. The optimised antenna model was constructed to test the antenna performance. The receiving antenna was a directional Log-Periodic Dipole Antenna (LPDA), connected to a spectrum analyser. Tests were conducted in an open-field environment to minimise the effect of reflections. The azimuth- and elevation radiation patterns for the antenna could be compared to the simulated results. The same tests were performed with the antenna attached to a saline solution bag, simulating the effects of the human body on the antenna performance. The radiation patterns obtained from the measured results proved to be similar to the simulated results for both frequencies tested. When making use of the human analogue, the radiation pattern tended to be more omnidirectional in both the azimuthand elevation planes. These results are ideal, since omnidirectional communication by the tethering device is required by a security application. The primary objective was achieved, together with the secondary objectives of comparing different frequencies. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Computer and Electronic Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

The objective of this project is to design an antenna for use in the electronic monitoring of persons convicted of non-violent crimes. If implemented, electronic monitoring will lighten the load on the South African prison system. Electronic monitoring makes use of an electronic tether connected to the person being monitored. This led to specific performance requirements and size constraints being placed on the antenna. The antenna should be physically small while still being able to perform as specified. It is also necessary to test the design with various frequencies, to determine the best possible frequency to use. It was decided to use a Transformer Coupled Loop (TCL) antenna, after various designs were considered. The TCL antenna can be used in various configurations, with some of these configurations being simulated to determine the best antenna structure to use. After various antenna structures were discarded, a specific antenna structure emerged as a possible solution, which was then optimised to deliver the best possible performance. The optimised antenna model was constructed to test the antenna performance. The receiving antenna was a directional Log-Periodic Dipole Antenna (LPDA), connected to a spectrum analyser. Tests were conducted in an open-field environment to minimise the effect of reflections. The azimuth- and elevation radiation patterns for the antenna could be compared to the simulated results. The same tests were performed with the antenna attached to a saline solution bag, simulating the effects of the human body on the antenna performance. The radiation patterns obtained from the measured results proved to be similar to the simulated results for both frequencies tested. When making use of the human analogue, the radiation pattern tended to be more omnidirectional in both the azimuthand elevation planes. These results are ideal, since omnidirectional communication by the tethering device is required by a security application. The primary objective was achieved, together with the secondary objectives of comparing different frequencies. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Computer and Electronic Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

The central task in this study is to discover and analyse the legal framework applicable to input errors in electronic contracts. The study analyses the law of South Africa, the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (hereinafter referred to as the ECT Act) to be more specific, and the United Nations Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts (2005) (hereinafter referred to as the UNECIC). The ECT Act is the statute regulating electronic communications and transactions in South Africa. It was passed by the South African parliament in 2002. Almost all provisions of the ECT Act are based on the United Nations Model Law on Electronic Commerce (1996) .However, section 20 thereof, which deals with input errors, was not based on the Model law, but on provisions from statutes of leading jurisdictions.1 The UNECIC is a new international convention by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (hereinafter referred to as UNCITRAL). The Convention came into operation on the 1st of March 2013,2 and is the first United Nations convention that deals with electronic communications. Article 12 thereof deals with automated transactions, and section 14 with input errors. These are the two provisions that shall be analysed in relation to the UNECIC in this work. With the UNECIC having come into full operation, there is a real need to harmonise domestic laws with it. In various jurisdictions, including Singapore3 and Australia,4 the statutes governing electronic communications have been amended with some provisions of the UNECIC. Article 14 is one of the provisions of the UNECIC which have been domesticated in both jurisdictions. Judged against the UNECIC, a number of issues relating to input errors in the ECT Act are inconsistent with the new international standards embodied in the UNECIC. This work recommends that South Africa must adopt the UNECIC, and secondly that some of the provisions dealing with input errors in the ECT Act must be aligned with the UNECIC by amendment. / LLM (Import and Export Law), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The central task in this study is to discover and analyse the legal framework applicable to input errors in electronic contracts. The study analyses the law of South Africa, the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (hereinafter referred to as the ECT Act) to be more specific, and the United Nations Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts (2005) (hereinafter referred to as the UNECIC). The ECT Act is the statute regulating electronic communications and transactions in South Africa. It was passed by the South African parliament in 2002. Almost all provisions of the ECT Act are based on the United Nations Model Law on Electronic Commerce (1996) .However, section 20 thereof, which deals with input errors, was not based on the Model law, but on provisions from statutes of leading jurisdictions.1 The UNECIC is a new international convention by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (hereinafter referred to as UNCITRAL). The Convention came into operation on the 1st of March 2013,2 and is the first United Nations convention that deals with electronic communications. Article 12 thereof deals with automated transactions, and section 14 with input errors. These are the two provisions that shall be analysed in relation to the UNECIC in this work. With the UNECIC having come into full operation, there is a real need to harmonise domestic laws with it. In various jurisdictions, including Singapore3 and Australia,4 the statutes governing electronic communications have been amended with some provisions of the UNECIC. Article 14 is one of the provisions of the UNECIC which have been domesticated in both jurisdictions. Judged against the UNECIC, a number of issues relating to input errors in the ECT Act are inconsistent with the new international standards embodied in the UNECIC. This work recommends that South Africa must adopt the UNECIC, and secondly that some of the provisions dealing with input errors in the ECT Act must be aligned with the UNECIC by amendment. / LLM (Import and Export Law), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Since the Internet became available for commercial use in the early 90s, the way of doing business was changed forever. The Internet and electronic commerce have allowed people to carry out business by means of electronic communications, which makes it possible for them to do business and to conclude contracts with people situated within foreign jurisdictions. The need for consumer protection in electronic commerce has become necessary because of the misuse of aspects peculiar to electronic–commerce. Consumers have been cautious to make use of electroniccommerce, as they are uncertain about the consequences that their actions might have. Consumers will only utilise e–commerce if they have confidence in the legal system regulating it; therefore, legislation was needed to regulate their e–commerce activities. In 2002, the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2002 was introduced into South African law as the first piece of legislation that would deal exclusively with electronic communications. Chapter VII of this particular act deals exclusively with consumer protection and seeks to remove certain uncertainties imposed by e–commerce. This is done by providing the South African consumer with statutory rights and obligations when engaging in electronic communications. The Consumer Protection Act, 68 of 2008 is the most recent piece of legislation that aims to promote a consistent legislative and enforcement framework relating to consumer transactions and agreements. South African legislation dealing with electronic commerce is relatively recent, and it is uncertain whether consumers are offered sufficient protection when they conclude contracts with suppliers or sellers from a foreign jurisdiction, that is, one that is situated outside South Africa. After looking at the protection mechanisms in place for South African consumers engaging in e–commerce, we have seen that there are certain problems that one might experience when trying to determine the applicability of some of the consumer protection measures to international electronic contracts. Most of the problems that we have identified are practical of nature. Consumers may, for instance, find it hard to execute their rights against foreign suppliers in a South African court, even if the court has jurisdiction to adjudicate the matter. Another problem that we identified is that some of the important terms in our legislation are too vaguely defined. Vague terms and definitions can lead to legal uncertainty, as consumers might find it hard to understand the ambit of the acts, and to determine the applicability thereof on their transactions. In order to look for possible solutions for South Africa, the author referred to the legal position with regards to consumer protections in the United Kingdom, and saw the important role that European Union legislation plays when determining the legal position regarding consumer protection in the UK. The legislation in the UK dealing with consumer protection is far more specific than the South African legislation dealing with same. There is definitely consumer protection legislation in place in South Africa but the ongoing technological changes in the electronic commerce milieu make it necessary for our legislators to review consumer protection legislation on a regular basis to ensure that it offers sufficient protection for South African consumers engaging in international electronic contracts. / Thesis (LL.M. (Import and Export Law))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Since the Internet became available for commercial use in the early 90s, the way of doing business was changed forever. The Internet and electronic commerce have allowed people to carry out business by means of electronic communications, which makes it possible for them to do business and to conclude contracts with people situated within foreign jurisdictions. The need for consumer protection in electronic commerce has become necessary because of the misuse of aspects peculiar to electronic–commerce. Consumers have been cautious to make use of electroniccommerce, as they are uncertain about the consequences that their actions might have. Consumers will only utilise e–commerce if they have confidence in the legal system regulating it; therefore, legislation was needed to regulate their e–commerce activities. In 2002, the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2002 was introduced into South African law as the first piece of legislation that would deal exclusively with electronic communications. Chapter VII of this particular act deals exclusively with consumer protection and seeks to remove certain uncertainties imposed by e–commerce. This is done by providing the South African consumer with statutory rights and obligations when engaging in electronic communications. The Consumer Protection Act, 68 of 2008 is the most recent piece of legislation that aims to promote a consistent legislative and enforcement framework relating to consumer transactions and agreements. South African legislation dealing with electronic commerce is relatively recent, and it is uncertain whether consumers are offered sufficient protection when they conclude contracts with suppliers or sellers from a foreign jurisdiction, that is, one that is situated outside South Africa. After looking at the protection mechanisms in place for South African consumers engaging in e–commerce, we have seen that there are certain problems that one might experience when trying to determine the applicability of some of the consumer protection measures to international electronic contracts. Most of the problems that we have identified are practical of nature. Consumers may, for instance, find it hard to execute their rights against foreign suppliers in a South African court, even if the court has jurisdiction to adjudicate the matter. Another problem that we identified is that some of the important terms in our legislation are too vaguely defined. Vague terms and definitions can lead to legal uncertainty, as consumers might find it hard to understand the ambit of the acts, and to determine the applicability thereof on their transactions. In order to look for possible solutions for South Africa, the author referred to the legal position with regards to consumer protections in the United Kingdom, and saw the important role that European Union legislation plays when determining the legal position regarding consumer protection in the UK. The legislation in the UK dealing with consumer protection is far more specific than the South African legislation dealing with same. There is definitely consumer protection legislation in place in South Africa but the ongoing technological changes in the electronic commerce milieu make it necessary for our legislators to review consumer protection legislation on a regular basis to ensure that it offers sufficient protection for South African consumers engaging in international electronic contracts. / Thesis (LL.M. (Import and Export Law))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The South African government has benefited to date from information technology in many ways. The importance of understanding and influencing South African citizens’ acceptance of E-Government services is critical, given the substantial investment in government communication, information system technology and the potential for cost saving. One of the most successful E-Government initiatives, the electronic filing system (eFiling), which allows tax returns to be filed electronically, has been available to taxpayers since 2006. Despite many taxpayers adopting this method, a large number are still using the traditional manual method of filing tax returns. Using behavioural intention to predict actual usage, this study utilised the decomposed theory of planned behaviour with factors adjusted specifically for South Africa as a developing country. This is done to identify the possible determinants of user acceptance of the eFiling system among South African taxpayers. Based on empirical data gathered from two questionnaire based surveys, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, compatibility, subjective norms, facilitating conditions, computer self-efficacy and trust proved to be significant determinants of behavioural intention. For taxpayers using the manual method, lack of facilitating conditions such as access to computer and internet resources was the most significant barrier to eFiling usage whilst taxpayers using the electronic method reported perceived usefulness as the primary determinant in their decision to use eFiling. Understanding these acceptance factors can extend our knowledge of taxpayers’ decision making and lead to better planning and implementation of future E-Government initiatives in South Africa and other developing countries. Die Suid-Afrikaanse regering het tot op datum gebaat van inligtingstegnologie in baie opsigte. Die belangrikheid van begrip en om burgers se aanvaarding van E-Regeringsdienste te beïnvloed is van kritieke belang, gegewe die belegging in tegnologie en die potensiaal vir kostebesparing. Een van die mees suksesvolle E-Regeringsinisiatiewe, die elektroniese liasseerstelsel (eFiling), wat toelaat dat belastingopgawes elektronies ingedien is, is sedert 2006 vir belastingbetalers beskikbaar. Ten spyte van baie belastingbetalers se aanneming van hierdie metode, gebruik 'n groot aantal nog steeds die tradisionele handmetode van die indiening van belastingopgawes. Met behulp van gedragsvoorneme om werklike gebruik te voorspel, benut hierdie studie die ontbinde teorie van beplande gedrag met faktore wat spesifiek aangepas is vir Suid-Afrika as 'n ontwikkelende land. Dit word gedoen om die moontlike determinante van die gebruikers van die eFiling-stelsel onder Suid-Afrikaanse belastingbetalers te identifiseer. Gebaseer op empiriese data wat uit twee vraelys gebaseerde opnames gekry is, beskou nut, gemak van gebruik, verenigbaarheid, subjektiewe norme, die fasilitering van voorwaardes, rekenaar self-doeltreffendheid en vertroue het beduidende determinante van gedragsvoorneme bewys. Vir belastingbetalers wat die handmetode gebruik, is 'n gebrek aan fasiliteringstoestande soos toegang tot die rekenaar en internet bronne die belangrikste struikelblok tot die gebruik van eFiling, terwyl belastingbetalers met behulp van die elektroniese metode berig beskou nut as die primêre bepaler in hul besluit om eFiling te gebruik. Begrip van hierdie faktore kan ons kennis van die belastingbetalers se besluitneming uitbrei en lei tot beter beplanning en implementering van toekomstige E-Regeringsinisiatiewe. / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / am2014 / Taxation / unrestricted

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

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 (MAcc (Accountancy))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / The advent of the internet made it possible to conduct business in a different manner - electronically. Electronic commerce enables residents and vendors to transact with residents and vendors of any other country (jurisdiction) at any time, making the world indeed a smaller place. Electronic commerce has, however, raised many questions internationally. Determining the effect of such transactions on the tax take of a country is of great importance to a government. The South African Revenue Service adjusted the Income Tax Act in order to take globalisation into account in accordance with international direction. In contrast, no changes have been suggested for the indirect taxation, namely value added tax. Electronic commerce were not contemplated when the Value-Added Tax Act was introduced in 1991. The charging section (section 7 of the mentioned act) provides that a transaction will be taxed in South Africa on the supply of goods or services, on the import of goods and on the supply of an imported service. In traditional business the place of supply was easy to define because a pure consumption test could be applied: namely that the place of supply is where the goods or services have been consumed. Today this rule will put an enormous compliance burden on vendors since the physical place of consumption in electronic commerce is not that obvious (Masters, 2001). Not only must the precise place of supply be determined but the vendor also has to value the supply in multiple jurisdictions. This study highlights the applicable sections of the Value-Added Tax Act and applies it to electronic commerce in order to determine if the existing legislation should be modernised or if parts of it needs to be re-written. The following concepts will be considered: • Place of supply in order to determine the jurisdiction where tax must be charged. • Value of supply to determine the value on which tax must be charged. • Vendor to determine which entities, South African or otherwise, have to register for VAT in South Africa. • Goods. • Services to consider goods and services of digital content. The international initiatives regarding the application of consumption tax, under the leadership of the Fiscal Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, were taken into account in the study of any required amendments to sections of the Value-Added Tax Act. A group, “The Consumption Tax Technical Advisory Group”, was established in January 1999 by the OECD to consult with business and non-members on the implementation of consumption tax on electronic commerce transactions. The composition of the group is representative of the main trading nations in the world, but also includes smaller countries, non-members and private sector participants. It includes Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the European Commission. Considering the global composition of the group this study will focus on the initiatives of the OECD and it is not deemed necessary to investigate the initiatives of individual countries. The study will however consider the research and initiatives of South Africa’s biggest commercial partner, the European Union (OECD, 2004a: 285). The South African initiatives regarding electronic commerce include the Green Paper on Electronic Commerce released by the Department of Communication in November 2000 and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act promulgated on 26 June 2002. The legislation does not address the tax implication of electronic commerce but in chapter 4 of the mentioned green paper it was discussed by the legislators. There is growing international pressure to lower corporate income tax rates. As the tax base erodes in this area other sources, possibly consumer taxation, must be found to meet the shortfalls (Masters, 2001). It is the aim of this study to show that the present Value-Added Tax Act is in need of modernisation in order to take into account the wide range of electronic commerce transactions.