No abstract available / Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Architecture / unrestricted

Braamfontein, Johannesburg is being significantly overhauled. The community can soon reclaim the Egoli Gasworks, where that site will be declared as a brown field site seeking development opportunity and integration with its adjacent surroundings. The treatise explores the opportunities created by the reclaimed lost space of the Gasworks Precinct. The culturally significant industrial heritage of the site serves as starting point for the decision-making. Facilities and communities in direct adjacency to the site guide decision making regarding the function of new edifices in the precinct. The assessed surrounding characters solicited functions geared for a media and film orientated precinct. The Gauteng Film Office, in conjunction with Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa and the MEC for finance and economic affairs, Jabu Moleketi, recently hosted a two-day film indaba at the Johannesburg council chambers in Braamfontein aimed at exploring avenues for making the film industry lucrative to both local and international filmmakers. The indaba addressed the challenges facing Gauteng and South Africa’s film industry, such as encouraging and promoting local filmmakers and actors, upgrading the skills of filmmakers, and marketing South African films so they appeal to an international audience. (Johannesburg News Agency: www.joburg.org.za;) A film centre, comprising of a museum and cinema is the chosen function for the design dissertation. The centre serves as a medium to draw people into the precinct and as a middling to communicate to the public. Both the museum and cinema serve as mediums to promote the South-African film industry locally and internationally. Consequently, the treatise design is a binary response to the influences posed by the cultural significant site of urban-industrial character, and that of an ever-changing world of digital film and video technologies. The investigation for the new architecture for the Film Centre explores the territories of film in the digital age, and its relevance in the making of place. Assessed existing patterns in the architectural landscape form the base of the design regarding form, scale and visual appropriateness. / Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Architecture / unrestricted

The thesis is an endeavour to portray the essence of the message of Islam and Islamic ideals via the means of architecture. The essence of Islam was decided to be described by analyzing key moments in the lives of six of the noble Messengers of God, namely, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them), with special emphasis on the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The title “A quest of the spirit” was identified and implemented in order to govern the underlying theme of the project via a broad spectrum of topics as illustrated below: A quest of the spirit in terms of the spirit being -- A quest of the journey of the soul of mankind, from the beginning of creation to the end of time -- The meaning of living in God’s way, which in essence is portrayed by the lives of His noble Messengers -- Islamic culture, norms and value systems and its development over time -- Signs and symbols and their definitions over time --Islamic architecture and its development over time -- The essence of Islam, in terms of Islam as religion, Islam as culture, and Islam as a way of life in modern society -- My personal zeal to uncover the link between Islam, culture, and architecture, and their development over time By an exhaustive research analysis of important Islamic precedent studies, a basic guide of essential principles comes across, which become meaningful and depict symbolic importance, which, even though modernized, maintain their universal image and appeal. These principles become entrenched as the basic guide towards space making, whilst the narrative of the lives of the Messengers, dictates the path of the spectator through the passages of time and the lessons of God. Alas, via the study of religious norms and ideals, via an understanding of culture and symbols, and via the implementation of architecture and space-making, a narrative becomes alive in the form of a physical journey, which unfolds an understanding of the essence of a message, the essence of the soul, and the essence of a quest of the spirit … / Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Architecture / unrestricted

Results and analysis of Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating of the Middle Stone Age (MSA) and Later Stone Age (LSA) sediments at Rose Cottage Cave (RCC) are presented. Seventeen luminescence samples taken over the last decade were used in this study. Fourteen of these samples were dated (eight in Pretoria and six in Risø, Denmark by A. S. Murray). The samples were taken from the entire sequence and gave age ranges from the bottom of the sequence up until the Oakhurst LSA industry. The protocol that was used is the conventional single-aliquot regenerative (SAR) protocol, due to its ability to correct for behavioural problems associated with OSL dating. This study is primarily concerned with testing the validity of the conventional SAR protocol applied to South African archaeological sites. RCC presents problematic sediments for OSL dating because of a high feldspar component in the sediments at the site (OSL dating is preferably done on quartz grains due to a better understanding of the mechanisms of OSL production). Assessing the radiation dose samples received during their burial period was problematic due to the large presence of potassium rich feldspars. Assessing the radiation dose was problematic because the measurement of potassium (K) returned different values using several independent techniques. The mode of sediment deposition via different depositional mechanisms such as, fluvial, and clast spalling present difficult challenges in assessing the zero age value of a sample. OSL ages were compared to a well defined radiocarbon chronology from RCC, and any inconsistencies would motivate closer sorting of the different dating techniques. In this study it was found that not all feldspar grains were removed from the quartz extracts during pretreatment procedures. The ability of the SAR protocol to pick out feldspar contamination was therefore not conclusive, and single grain measurements had to be used to differentiate quartz and feldspar grains. The likelihood of age contamination from problematic depositional events was not supported and the results suggest that aeolian deposition was the main mechanism at the site. The vertical separation of depositional events i.e. the varying archaeological events, is very dense at RCC and this introduces the possibility of sample mixing during collection. For a few samples it is shown that sample mixing has occurred as mixing is usually evident in the degree of scatter in the OSL results. After all the inconsistencies in OSL/Radiocarbon age correlations were worked out, a coherent OSL chronology was obtained. Certain issues surrounding dosimetry however, are still not resolved. These issues are beyond the scope of this study and so caution is advised when using OSL dates done with little or no dose-rate analysis. The resulting dates provide a useful dataset for archaeologists who now have added resources to asses the Middle Stone Age (MSA) and better compare synchronous evidence from different sites in order to contribute to the debate surrounding the origins of modern humans and modern human behaviour. These results combined with the well established radiocarbon chronology give age ranges as follows: The Pre-Howiesons Poort (Pre-HP) MSA IIb industry is between 94 and 68 thousand years ago (ka); the Howiesons Poort (HP) industry is between 68 and 55 ka; the Post –HP MSA III dates to between 55 and 48 ka; the ‘almost sterile sands’ (which include the MSA IV industry) are between 48 and >27 ka; the MSA/LSA transition is between 27 and 20 ka; the Robberg LSA industry is between 20 and 10.5 ka; the Oakhurst LSA industry ranges from 10.5 to 8.5 ka; and the Wilton LSA industries are <8.5 ka. / Dissertation (M(Archaeology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Anthropology and Archaeology / unrestricted

The study proposes an analysis of Leon Kirchner's For the Left Hand with specific reference to the use of the octatonic scale in this composition. Its aim is to test the hypothesis that the composer used the octatonic scale because it is ideally suited for compositions limited by the restrictions of single-handed performance. A related question to which an answer is sought in this study, is whether the different transpositional possibilities of the octatonic scale are used to delineate structural junctures in this piece. A survey of the available relevant literature on the composer himself, on the left-handed pianist Leon Fleisher, the octatonic scale and its properties, and theories of the analysis of twentieth century music are followed by an independent comprehensive analysis of For the Left Hand. Where appropriate, the applicability of some observations by other authors on Kirchner's style characteristics to For the Left Hand are investigated. As orientation to the analysis, attention is given to how Kirchner adapted the styles of his teachers into a unique personal compositional idiom, to Leon Fleisher as an exponent of music for the left hand, to definitions and properties of the octatonic scale, to Kirchner's motivation behind composing this piece, to examples of successful styles of composing for the left hand as employed in For the Left Hand, as well as to aural impressions created by the piece. The analysis itself considers aspects such as temporal fluctuations, rhythmic flow, dynamic structure, directional tonality, range, tessitura, density, texture, flexion count, meter, tempo, pitch class content, pedalling, unifying melodic elements, polyphonic characteristics, and the use of specific intervals and modes. The conclusion summarizes the findings of the analysis, and indicates that the research hypothesis proves to be accurate. / Dissertation (MMus (Performance))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Music / unrestricted

The goal of the study was the identification of stressors affecting EAP personnel in a call-centre environment. The purpose of the study was exploratory in nature, since the researcher set out to gain insight into which stressors in the EAP call centre were impacting on personnel. The researcher followed a qualitative approach, while the data collection method was a semi-structured interview. Twelve personnel in the call centre were randomly chosen to ensure that every person received an equal opportunity to participate. The semi-structured interview was chosen as the data collection method, and 12 employees voluntarily took part in the study. Job design, role ambiguity and conflict, physical health issues and communication were the stressors identified. An extensive literature study was conducted, confirming that the stressors identified were causing job dissatisfaction, low productivity and poor motivation in the call centre. The researcher made recommendations to assist management in implemening interventions so that the work environment can be improved. / Dissertation (MSocSci (Employee Assistance Programme))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

No abstract available. / Dissertation (MMus (Performance))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Music / unrestricted

no English abstract available / Dissertation (MTh (Old Testament Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Old Testament Studies / unrestricted

Rehabilitation and revegetation of mined coastal sand dunes on the east coast of South Africa makes sense. It recovers ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration. The outcome of rehabilitation, which covers a third of the mined area, is a secondary coastal dune forest similar to the forests in the region. The aim of revegetation, on the other hand, is to establish Casuarina equisetifolia J.R.Forst.&G.Forst. plantations on the remaining two thirds of the mined area, for the small-scale production of charcoal. The ratio of these two post-mining land use options has consequences for the carbon sequestration potential of the mined area. As growth rate could be a reflection of carbon sequestration rate, this study compared the growth rate of Acacia kosiensis P.P.Swartz, the species that dominates rehabilitated stands, to that of C. equisetifolia in response to rainfall. The carbon sequestration potential of the two post-mining land use options was subsequently evaluated by measuring carbon storage in wood, the herb layer, litter and soil in different-aged stands. I also compared the financial potential of the two land use options. Tree ring analysis could not be applied to the two species. No correlation between growth and rainfall could be found either. On average, A. kosiensis grew twice as fast as C. equisetifolia. Carbon storage in the wood, herb layer, litter and soil in rehabilitated stands of known age (7, 11, 17 and 21 years old) differed from the revegetated stands (8, 12, 16 and 19 years old). More carbon was stored in the revegetated stands than the rehabilitated stands. I attribute this primarily to the relatively larger wood and litter components of the former. C. equisetifolia, however, is harvested for charcoal production after about sixteen years of age, thus releasing most of the carbon stored in wood. The present ratio of rehabilitation to revegetation (1:2) is not optimal for long-term carbon sequestration. Rehabilitation costs more, but the income potential thereof, as determined in this study, is less than that of revegetation. This, however, does not reflect the true financial potential of the two land use options. The financial analysis performed in this study only considered income from the sale of timber, charcoal and carbon credits. It excluded other potential benefits of the rehabilitation of coastal dune forests. These may include the contribution to biological conservation and ecological services such as dune stabilisation and water purification. Coastal dune forests also provide habitat for a variety of organisms adapted to live in them. All these have a value. Their inclusion in a detailed cost-benefit analysis could render rehabilitation as the more financially efficient option. / Dissertation (MSc (Zoology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted

The aim of this dissertation was to explore the cultural dimensions of relocating to another country. This included identifying the main differences and difficulties that expatriates faced in an ‘expatriate episode’, i.e. in adapting to a new work and socio-cultural environment abroad as well as re-adapting when repatriating to their home countries. More than 180 expatriates were interviewed, from 30 countries of origin, and relocating to 60 different countries. Where possible, face-to-face interviews were conducted. E-mail interviews were used to converse with interviewees located far from the researcher, and this method proved helpful and reliable. Findings of earlier researchers were tested for relevance. The main findings of cultural differences identified in the workplace showed that although Hofstede’s dimensions of power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism versus collectivism, and masculinity and femininity are still relevant, new models are needed. Other business differences were discussed, including the importance of building relationships before doing business, conducting meetings appropriately, understanding the role of women, obtaining status, and motivating employees. The practical implications of these differences were identified. In many situations, knowing about these differences allowed the expatriates to adjust their behaviour successfully. Expatriates who were not in managerial positions often either had to accept the new ways or find a new job. Expatriates had to learn to communicate effectively, adjusting to differences in verbal and non-verbal communication. Speaking a new language was the most obvious difference, while other aspects, such as language pace, degrees of formality, directness, showing emotions when communicating, and showing disagreement varied between cultural domains. Non-verbal aspects of communication, such as touch, personal space, eye contact, gestures and posture also differed. If the expatriates understood the cultural norms in their new domain, they could choose if they wanted to adapt or not. It also helped them avoid misinterpreting and making wrong judgments about other people’s behaviour. Most expatriates went through a 3-stage adjustment process. Knowing that they would likely experience difficulties did not prevent these from happening, but it did help them to cope. Difficulties included inner turmoil, anger towards their new environment and loneliness. Non-working spouses were lonelier as they usually did not have a job and the support network that accompanies it. Support from family and friends, both other expatriates and locals, helped expatriates the most to adjust, especially the spouses. Other helpful things were making choices, understanding the new cultural domain, and joining in local activities. Helpful resources for expatriates were identified, which included cultural training and information about the new country, new friends and local literature. In retrospect, expatriates wished they had obtained more information about the country, learnt the local language, made better choices, planned differently, and known themselves better. More than half of those expatriates who had repatriated to their home countries said that this process was more difficult than moving to a new country, which came as a big surprise to many. Their main difficulties included being judgmental towards their home country and its people, and feeling alone and misunderstood. / Dissertation (MSocSci (Anthropology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Anthropology and Archaeology / unrestricted