The primary objective of the study was to determine the business success factors for the second-hand motor vehicle industry in the Vaal Triangle. This kind of study has never been conducted before within the Vaal Triangle and it is therefore intended to contribute to the body of knowledge within the field of entrepreneurship. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to dealerships within the Vaal Triangle region, and it was administered by the researcher. There are one hundred and twenty three (123) dealerships in the Vaal Triangle and fifty eight (58) participated in the study. The demographics of the study revealed that males dominate car dealerships as compared to females, and also that Whites and Indians are the dominating races. Most participants are relatively young, i.e. less than 35 years and also the majority of dealerships are less than 15 years old. Furthermore, the study found that participants preferred starting a business from their pockets rather than going to the bank or government institutions such as IDC or NEF for funding. There was no significant difference in opinion between males and females. There were, however, medium to large differences in opinion between owner, manager and sales executive on some of the entrepreneurial constructs, for example, customer services and SME characteristics. The study concluded that business success factors for the second-hand car industry in the Vaal Triangle region are (ranked from highest to lowest): Entrepreneurial competences, Marketing of the dealership, Dealership location, Product and Customer services, Characteristics of the Small Medium Enterprise and lastly, Resources and funding of the business. Based on the results of the analysis and discussions, practical recommendations are made which will assist in improving the knowledge in the field of entrepreneurship within the car industry. / MBA (Business Administration), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The objective of this study is to assess the role that succession planning plays in family businesses in the Sedibeng region of the Gauteng province in South Africa. According to Netsiande (2008:1) family businesses should anticipate, recognise, understand and work pro-actively on issues, learn from other businesses and find their own unique solution.to ensure sustainability. Management succession and succession planning is very important and it has a significant impact on family members, society and the business and economic sectors. This research study was conducted by means of a literature and empirical study. The aim of the literature studies was to gain insight into family businesses and the importance of succession planning. Topics covered in the literature study on family businesses includes a definition of family businesses, family business success, uniqueness of family businesses, characteristics of successful family businesses, advantages and disadvantages of family businesses, challenges facing family businesses. Topics covered in the literature study on succession planning includes a definition of succession, the importance of succession in family businesses, factors that influence succession, succession planning, selecting and choosing a successor as well as mentoring and preparation of the successor(s). The study was concluded on the basis of the findings of the empirical study, that the aspects that needs more attention to help with successful succession planning in family businesses in the Sedibeng district of the Gauteng province in South Africa, are the relationship between owner-manager and successor(s), willingness of the successor(s) to take over the business, willingness of the successor(s) to hand over the business and the preparation level of the successor(s). Lastly practical recommendations were suggested to support the family and the business to effectively manage succession planning in family businesses. / MBA (Business Administration), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Resilience, in an organizational sense meaning the ability to withstand crises and disturbances, has become a keyword during the last ten years. It is associated with established activities like risk and crisis management and business continuity planning or with strategic management, but it allows for new perspectives and insights into the conditions for doing business. Applied to the whole supply chain it also provides tools for managing and aligning the logistics flows in an appropriate way. But why is resilience essential for success or survival? In context to the Swedish textile and clothing (T&amp;C) industry, the average number of firms that went bankrupt during the recent crisis (2007-09) escalated twofold compared to the average over 2000-10 due to tremendous pressure on the Swedish credit system. The structural industrial statistics also plummeted in these crisis years aggravating other inherent or internal problems as a ’ripple effect’. The small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) were the most affected of all, facing major threats to their financial performance and ultimately to their survival, at times of economic crises. In such a context, study of organizational resilience (ORes), to survive and thrive becomes increasingly significant. To address this issue the thesis concentrates on understanding the resilience development process through crisis strategic planning in context to Swedish textile-related SMEs amidst economic crises. It investigates and answers how resilience development can be considered as a precursor for business success, how to develop and monitor resilience, and identifies its antecedents and key strategic initiatives and their differential degrees of influence. No prior studies describing organizational resilience and crisis strategic planning in an integrated processual approach using both short-term and long-term strategies through planning and adaptation were found in the literature. The thesis adopts a critical realist-grounded theory (CR-GT) approach along the metaphysical level as the structure for the resilience development process follows a causal relationship between the object (the organization), its structure (competences and strategies), the causal power (crisis strategic planning) for attaining an event/outcome (resilience) in a particular context (economic crisis). For addressing this issue of devising an outcome-based processual approach, a multivariate financial indicator called the Altman’s Z-score (used basically for calculating bankruptcy potential in firms) was used for quantifying resilience. For investigating the causal mechanism epistemological relativism along the grounded theory approach was chosen for theory generation. A mixed methodology was adopted based on quantitative statistical analyses, at first, followed by a detailed qualitative work based on surveys, interviews, case studies and secondary data for data triangulation. Analysis of data was conducted through certain thematic coding principles. A four-step hermeneutic spiral was followed by systematically combining the pre-understanding, empirics and extant literature to develop a theoretical framework through constant modification. Overall, the resilience development was highlighted along a processual framework adopted along the CR-GT view of causation. The findings are manifold. Firstly there is a need to develop economic resilience in SMEs to shift from just component-view to a more holistic systemic view of organizations, upheld by an integrated crisis strategic planning (CSP) approach, for facing dynamic environments. Secondly, the CSP process prescribed in the thesis is quite integrated and holistic, taking a view from all angles, viz. organizational structure (capabilities and strategies), processual approach etc. Such a resilience development process through CSP is based on a six-step process: (i) identification of environmental context, (ii) impact analysis, (iii) leadership analysis, (iv) capability analysis, (v) formulation/selection and implementation of strategies, and (vi) evaluation and review of strategic options, utilizing a suite of strategic tools and techniques and is particularly simple for application in an SME setting. Third, operationalization of such a causal mechanism based upon implementation of strategic tools is based upon using a multivariate financial indicator like Altman’s Z-score to outline the relation between ORes and business ‘health’, thus quantifying it. Finally, in order to develop a resilient organization it is important to engage and utilize effectively the key resources and assets (financial, material, social, networks) by developing dynamic capabilities (strategic and operational flexibilities, redundancy, robustness) and organizational learning (culture, employee wellbeing, attentive leadership and decision-making). These competences must be employed for the appropriate strategy development (selection, implementation, and evaluation) framed on both growth and continuity strategies, both planned and adaptive in nature. The research develops a holistic analytical framework of organizational structure for resilience development based on these two criteria. It also tests this framework for Swedish textile-related SMEs amidst economic crises. The findings in this contextual delimitation suggest that the resilient SMEs possess better financial resources, relational networks, operational &amp; strategic flexibilities. The economically resilient firms mostly showed planned resilience in economic crises based on long-term strategies through business continuity planning (BCP) and in terms of growth strategies through market penetration, diversification and transformational initiatives. These firms also showed better short-term crisis management (CM) through higher operational flexibility while the less resilient ones lacked in strategic readiness due to resource scarcity. This is beneficial for firms to understand the key areas in which to invest and develop a multistrategic CSP model, categorizing firms along different resilience types – planned or adaptive. / <p>Thesis for the degree of Doctor of Science in Technology to be presented with due</p><p>permission for public examination and criticism in Festia Building, Auditorium Pieni Sali 1, at Tampere University of Technology, on the 11th of October 2013, at 12 noon.</p>

Animation films are daily being screened on television, and offer an available medium with themes easily associated with. The researcher became interested in the possibility of utilising animation films in the play therapy process. A deficiency in relevant literature on the use of animation as medium in the play therapeutic process was identified. The aim of this study was to explore how therapists can use animation as a medium in play therapy and to fully describe it. In order to achieve this goal, qualitative research was employed and a focus group discussion with therapists was carried out. The data collected was analysed and the use of animation in the play therapeutic process was described in-depth. The goal of the study was therefore achieved in that the research provided specific information about where and how animation can effectively be used in the different stages of the play therapeutic process. / Animasiefilms word daagliks op televisie vertoon en is 'n beskikbare medium met temas waarmee die mens maklik assosieer. Die moontlikheid dat hierdie animasiefilms in die spelterapeutiese proses benut kan word, het die navorser ge"interesseer. 'n Leemte in die literatuur oor hoe animasie as 'n medium in die spelterapeutiese proses benut kan word, is as navorsingsprobleem geformuleer. Die doelstelling van hierdie studie was gevolglik om te verken hoe terapeute animasie as medium in spelterapie kan benut ten einde 'n volledige beskrywing hiervan te bied. Om hierdie doelstelling te bereik is 'n kwalitatiewe navorsingstudie uitgevoer en 'n fokusgroeponderhoud met terapeute voltooi. Die ingesamelde data is geanaliseer en die benutting van animasie as medium in die spelterapeutiese proses is in diepte beskryf. Daar is dus in die doel van die studie geslaag deurdat die navorsing spesifieke inligting gebied het oor hoe animasie tydens die verskillende momente van die spelterapeutiese proses effektief benut kan word. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Play Therapy)

Résumé : Le vieillissement de la population est relié à l’augmentation de la présence de certaines maladies comme les déclins cognitifs ou les démences de type Alzheimer. Chez les personnes à risques de développer ces démences, une diminution précoce du métabolisme cérébral du glucose peut être observée avant même l’apparition des premiers symptômes. Ce déficit énergétique pourrait expliquer la cascade qui mène au développement des déclins cognitifs. Les cétones sont des molécules produites par le corps à partir de la lipolyse des acides gras qui ont déjà démontré leur efficacité comme substrat énergétique de substitution pour le cerveau. L’utilisation de triglycérides de moyennes chaînes (MCT), des acides gras facilement absorbables et oxydables, est un moyen efficace pour augmenter les cétones rapidement mais transitoirement. Notre objectif était de voir s’il était possible d’augmenter les cétones plasmatiques et de maintenir une concentration modérée sur 24 h avec une supplémentation quotidienne en MCT. Dix participants ont d’abord reçu une supplémentation de 2 semaines d’une émulsion de MCT (3 fois par jour). Leur concentration plasmatique de cétones mais aussi de glucose, de cholestérol, de triglycérides et d’acides gras libres était mesurée au début et à la fin de la supplémentation. Huit participants ont par la suite reçu une supplémentation de 4 semaines de l’émulsion de MCT (4 fois par jour). En plus des paramètres mentionnés précédemment, des mesures d’oxydation de MCT, à l’aide d’un traceur 13C-trioctanoate, d’oxydation des cétones, à l’aide d’un traceur de 13C-bêta-hydroxybutyrate ((30Hb), et des mesures de composition corporelle étaient effectuées. Dans les deux études, les analyses plasmatiques ont démontré une augmentation significative des cétones plasmatiques (jusqu’à 0,47 ± 0 ,1 5 mM), qui semblait plus soutenue lors de la deuxième étude. Aucune autre modification n’a été observée dans les analyses plasmatiques. Une diminution de l’oxydation du traceur 13C-trioctanoate dans les heures suivant la prise puis une hausse à 24 h suivant la supplémentation montre un changement dans l’utilisation des MCT, donc une plus grande conversion en cétones. Aucun changement n’a été observé avec le traceur 13C-(30Hb. Aucune variation de la composition corporelle n’a été observée. Ces études montrent la capacité des MCT à augmenter et à maintenir une concentration de cétones durant 24 h à des niveaux légers chez un adulte en santé. // Abstract : Aging leads to the development of many diseases among which is cognitive decline associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In populations who are at risk of developing cognitive decline, it has been noted that a marked brain glucose hypometabolism precedes the onset of other clinical symptoms such as [beta]-amyloid accumulation. This hypometabolism could therefore be responsible for the development of AD. Ketone bodies are energetic molecules that are produced by the liver following the (3-oxidation of fatty acids. They already have been showed to be able to sustain brain metabolism as the principal energy source. Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) are easily absorbed and metabolised fatty acids. They can raise plasma ketones rapidly but transiently. Our objective was to determine whether it was possible to raise and maintain a moderate plasma ketone concentration over 24 h in healthy adults. Ten participants were first given a 2 week supplementation of MCT (3 times a day). Plasma ketone, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and free fatty acids were measured. Another 8 participants were given a 4 week supplementation of MCT (4 times a day). In addition to the measures taken in the first project, MCT oxidation; with [indice supérieur 13] C-trioctanoate, ketone oxidation; with [indice supérieur 13] C-beta-hydroxybutyrate and body composition were measured. In both projects, plasma ketone concentration were raised (to a maximum of 0.48 ± 0.15 mM) and appeared to be more stable in the second project. All other plasma measures were unchanged. Significantly lower [indice supérieur 13] C-trioctanoate oxidation was detected during the 2 to 5 hours following the tracer absorption after the supplementation and a marked augmentation was detected 24 h following the supplementation. This indicates a shift in MCT utilization by the body from immediate energy source to ketone precursor. No changes were noted in [beta]OHb oxidation or in body composition. These studies show the ability of MCT to raise and maintain a moderate level of ketones in plasma when taken daily in healthy adults.

Exploring the impacts of green implementations in supply chain management in small medium enterprises. Purpose: To explore what impacts green investments have in supply chain management. Research questions 1: What impacts have green implementations had on supplier relationships? Research question 2: What impacts have laws and regulations had on green supply chain management?

Hong Kong is a British colony, a world trade centre, and a world banking and financial centre. The highly successful city is strongly linked with education in Hong Kong. However, education in Hong Kong is much influenced by education in Britain: Sixth Form education is a bridge crossing from school to tertiary education or from school to society. Mathematics is a foundation for all subjects. In addition, mathematics and physics are most popular subjects in the Hong, Kong A-level examination. The mathematical and physical sciences have changed significantly during the past few decades. The most conspicuous and impressive development in mathematics is the enormous increase in the amount of new subject matter being created. In physical science, the coming of relativity theory and quantum theory have revolutionised the traditional concepts. Almost all the new technologies in the world are based on modern physics theory. Such developments have resulted in a complete revision of the content of university courses and school curricula. More generally, changes at one level of education are almost certain to cause changes at other levels and problems at the relevant interfaces. The author's study investigated the transition in mathematics and physics education from school to Hong Kong Polytechnic(s). The first part of this study mainly dealt with the mathematics and physics education in school, particularly the relationship between these two disciplines as well as their A-level syllabuses. The second part of this study dealt with the students' academic performance in mathematics and physics at polytechnic in relation to their entry qualifications and the medium of instruction in school. In addition, a number of surveys on the use of mathematics and physics topics conducted among students in the polytechnic was studied in. order to help the author to propose new A-level syllabuses to fit the modern tertiary education in Hong Kong. Finally, a set of recommendations for the improvement of the Hong Kong education system in general as well as mathematics and physics education in particular are suggested.

This research seeks to discover what happens to students’ English language skills while studying in English-medium classes in UAE universities, and to look at how this compares with what instructors and students think happens to students’ English proficiency during the four years of study. This is explored through a retrospective panel study using a test/retest method to investigate score gains on the IELTS exam after four years of undergraduate study. Student and teacher beliefs about how English-medium instruction (EMI) affects language proficiency, the need for language support after admission, and the selection and delivery of course materials are discussed in conjunction with the research findings, leading to recommendations for institutions whose primary goal in using EMI is to increase proficiency. This research continues the exploratory research of Elder and O’Loughlin (2003) and O’Loughlin and Arkoudis (2009) regarding score gains in IELTS after a course of study, but this study is situated in a society where the language of instruction is not the language of communication for the students outside the university and at home. The research findings indicate that there is a statistically significant score gain in all four of the English-language skill areas that are tested by the IELTS exam after four years of EMI for the participants in this study. The most gain occurred in the area of speaking, followed by reading, writing and then listening. Results from questionnaires and interviews indicate that students and teachers have different perceptions regarding language ability and the problems associated with the use of English for instruction. Students generally do not feel that studying in English causes problems for them, and they rate their ability in listening, reading, writing and speaking as good to excellent. On the other hand, teachers do not feel their students’ language ability meets expectations for students studying in an English-medium environment and think that their students are especially weak in the areas of writing and listening. Teachers feel that they must make adaptations to course content and assessment criteria due to students’ language ability. The research indicates that institutions whose goal it is to increase language proficiency through EMI need to have clear instructional goals in place for language development along with support systems for teachers and learners throughout the entire educational experience and not just in pre-academic support programs.

Coaches are constantly seeking more ecologically valid and reliable data to improve professional sporting performance. Using unobtrusive, valid and reliable mobile physiological monitoring devices may assist in achieving this aim. For example, there is limited information regarding professional fast bowlers in cricket and understanding this role during competitive in-match scenarios rather than in simulated bowling events could enhance coaching and physical conditioning practices. The BioharnessTM is a mobile monitoring device and assesses 5 variables (Heart rate [HR], Breathing frequency [BF], Accelerometry [ACC], Skin temperature [ST] and Posture [P]) simultaneously. Therefore, the aims of this research were to assess the effectiveness of the BioharnessTM mobile monitoring device during professional sporting performance using fast bowlers in cricket and this was to be achieved in five research studies. Study 1 presented the physiological profile of professional cricketers reporting fitness data with other comparable professional athletes, with a specific interest in fast bowlers who were to be the focus of this work. The 2nd and 3rd study assessed the reliability and validity of the BioharnessTM through controlled laboratory based assessment. For validity, strong relationships (r = .89 to .99, P < .01) were reported for HR, BF, ACC and P. Limits of Agreement reported HR (-3 ± 32 beat.min-1), BF (-3.5 ± 43.7 br.min-1) and P (0.2 ± 2.6o). ST established moderate relationships (-0.61 ± 1.98 oC; r =.76, P <.01). Reliability between subject data reported low Coefficient of Variation (CV) and strong correlations for ACC and P (CV < 7.6%; r = .99, P <.01). HR and BF (CV ~ 19.4%; r ~.70, P <.01) and ST (CV 3.7%; r = .61, P < .01), present more variable data. Intra and inter device data presented strong relationships (r > .89, P < .01, CV < 10.1%) for HR, ACC, P and ST. BF produced weaker data (r < .72, CV < 17.4%). Study 4 assessed reliability and validity of the BioharnessTM in a field based environment using an intermittent protocol. Precision of measurement reported good relationships (r = .61 to .67, P < .01) and large Limits of Agreement for HR (> 79.2 beat.min-1) and BF (> 54.7 br.min-1). ACC presented excellent precision (r = .94, P < .01). Results for HR (r = ~ .91, P < .01: CV <7.6%) and ACC (r > .97, P < .01; CV < 14.7%) suggested these variables are reliable in the field environment. BF presented more variable data (r = .46 - .61, P < .01; CV < 23.7%). In all studies, as velocity of movement increased (> 10 km.h-1) variables became more erroneous. HR and ACC were deemed as valid and reliable to be assessed during in-match sporting performance in study 5. This final study sought to utilise and assess the BioharnessTM device within professional cricket, assessing physiological responses of fast-medium bowlers within a competitive sporting environment, collected over three summer seasons. The BioharnessTM presented different physiological profiles for One Day (OD) and Multi Day (MD) cricket with higher mean HR (142 vs 137 beats.min-1, P < .05) and ACC (Peak acceleration (PkA) 227.6 vs 214.9 ct.episode-1, P < .01) values in the shorter match format. Differences in data for the varying match states of bowling (HR, 142 vs 137 beats.min-1, PkA 234.1 vs 226.6 ct.episode-1), between over (HR, 129 vs 120beats.min-1, PkA 136.4 vs 126.5 ct.episode-1) and fielding (115 vs 106 beats.min-1, PkA 1349.9 vs 356.1 ct.episode-1) were reported across OD and MD cricket. Therefore, this information suggests to the coach that the training regimes for fast bowlers should be specific for the different demands specific to the format of the game employed. Relationships between in-match BioharnessTM data and bowling performance were not clearly established due to the complexities of uncontrollable variables within competitive cricket. In conclusion, the BioharnessTM has demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability in the laboratory and the field setting for all variables (Heart rate, Breathing frequency, Accelerometry, Skin temperature and Posture) but with limitations for heart rate and breathing frequency at the more extreme levels of performance. Furthermore, taking these limitations into account it has successfully been utilised to assess performance and provide further insight into the physiological demands in the professional sport setting. Therefore, this work suggests that coaches and exercise scientists working together should seek to utilise new mobile monitoring technology to access unique insights in to sporting performance which may be unobtainable in the laboratory or a simulated field based event.

Statistically based experimental designs were applied to optimise medium constituent for biogas production utilizing N-­‐acetylglucosamine as a carbon source for Clostridium beijerinckii and Clostridium paraputrificum. The important medium constituents influencing total biogas produced, identified by the Plackett and Burman method, were FeSO4.7H2O and initial pH for C. beijerinckii cultures whilst for C. paraputrificum cultures N-­‐acetylglucosamine, L-­‐ cysteine.HCl.H2O and MgCl2. A one factor L-­‐cysteine.HCl.H2O optimization design was applied to investigate the ideal concentration of L-­‐cysteine.HCl.H2O required to achieve an anaerobic environment for optimum C. beijerinckii total biogas production. The Method of Steepest Ascent was then employed to locate the optimal area of the significant medium variables. Using the Box-­‐behnken method, experimental results showed that there were significant linear effects of independent variables, N-­‐acetylglucosamine for C. beijerinckii cultures and for C. paraputrificum cultures N-­‐acetylglucosamine, L-­‐cysteine.HCl.H2O and MgCl2 on total biogas volume. Significant curvature or quadratic effects of N-­‐ acetylglucosamine and L-­‐cysteine.HCl.H2O were identified for C. paraputrificum cultures. There were no significant interaction effects between medium constituent variables on resulting biogas volume. The optimal conditions for the maximum volume of biogas produced for C. beijerinckii cultures were 21 g/l of N-­‐ acetylglucosamine, 0.1 g/l of FeSO4.7H2O and initial pH of 6.11 and for C. paraputrificum were 29 g/l of N-­‐acetylglucosamine, 0.27 g/l of L-­‐ cysteine.HCl.H2O and 0.4 g/l of MgCl2. Using this statistical optimization strategy, the total biogas volume from N-­‐acetylglucosamine utilization increased from 150 ml/l to 6533 ml /l in the C. beijerinckii cultures and 100 ml/l to 5350 ml/l in the C. paraputificum cultures. The maximum yield of bio-­‐hydrogen by C. paraputrificum from N-­‐acetylglucosamine was 2.55 mol of H2 / mol of N-­‐ acetylglucosamine and by C. beijerinckii was 2.43 mol of H2 / mol of N-­‐ acetylglucosamine.