Indigenising positive psychology in the ‘Handbook of Quality of Life in African Societies’

This book review highlights the main themes of the Handbook of Quality of Life in African Societies (as edited by Prof Irma Eloff from the University of Pretoria), focusing on meaning and language, culture (and positive culture), and social responsibility. The interrelatedness of all five parts of the book (from a macro, meso and micro perspective) are discussed with specific mention of Ubuntu and its relevance in investigating the phenomenon of quality-of-life. The review emphasises the need for exploratory and indigenous research in communities where social association is of immense importance and to contextualise quality-of-life from this perspective. This book is recommended for scholars who wishes to utilise indigenous methodologies and to deeper understand the diverse influences and social impact on the quality-of-life of individuals south of the Sub-Saharan Africa

Ramsey numbers in complete balanced multipartite graphs. Part I: Set numbers

AbstractThe notion of a graph theoretic Ramsey number is generalised by assuming that both the original graph whose edges are arbitrarily bi-coloured and the sought after monochromatic subgraphs are complete, balanced, multipartite graphs, instead of complete graphs as in the classical definition. We previously confined our attention to diagonal multipartite Ramsey numbers. In this paper the definition of a multipartite Ramsey number is broadened still further, by incorporating off-diagonal numbers, fixing the number of vertices per partite set in the larger graph and then seeking the minimum number of such partite sets that would ensure the occurrence of certain specified monochromatic multipartite subgraphs

Company directors : fiduciary duties and the duty of care and skill

No abstract availableDissertation (LLM)--University of Pretoria, 2012.Mercantile Lawunrestricte

Development of a finite element based nominal stress extraction procedure for fatigue analysis of welded structures

The implementation of finite element methods (FEM) for fatigue analysis of complex structures in industry are becoming an increasingly effective and accepted practice. In the case of large plate-like structures, such as Load Haul Dumper (LHD) equipment, constructional frames and supports in plants and heavy vehicle trailers to name but a few, modeling can take place by implementation of either two dimensional shell elements or three dimensional solid elements. It is, however, not clear which shell element modeling procedure is the most realistic. Solid elements are accepted to give the closest resemblance since the element itself is the closest to reality in terms of geometry and also due to the fact that it is a three dimensional element. Due to economical and practical considerations, however, shell elements are used in industry - especially in large, plate-like structures. Another primary source of uncertainty lies with the definition of nominal stress in complex structures and the correct determination and extraction thereof from finite element obtained stress distributions. This situation occurs as a consequence of the absence of clear and distinct guidelines in the nominal stress based fatigue design codes such as BS 7608:1993; ECCS 6: 1985 and IIW XIII-1965-03 on weld modeling and nominal stress extraction procedures in conjunction with FEM. Explicit guidelines for finite element modeling and fatigue relevant stress determination do exist in the IIW fatigue design recommendations on top of the nominal stress guidelines, but focus primarily on the implementation of the hot spot stress fatigue assessment procedures. This dissertation consequently entails the development of a nominal stress extraction procedure for fatigue design and analysis of plate-like structures, utilizing shell elements. Firstly, the integrity of shell elements as concerned with the accurate capturing of the stiffness properties and stress distribution in the vicinity of welds are investigated, with the aim of establishing a set of guidelines and recommendations for the correct meshing and modeling procedure of welds in plate-like structures. Secondly, an extensive numerical investigation into the stress concentration characteristics of various T-piece and stiffener configurations is performed, resulting in a nominal stress extraction procedure. The developed methodology is applied on a complex plate-like structure for verification purposes. The structure is modeled by means of a finite element model, compiled according to the meshing recommendations developed. The stress distribution due to static loading is investigated and compared with measured values. Furthermore, the stress response of the structure due to stochastic dynamic loading is investigated and also validated in terms of the suitability for assessment by static equivalent design criteria, in particular the Fatigue Equivalent Static Load (FESL) methodology. A nominal stress and hot spot stress fatigue life prediction under stochastic loading is made, based on measured stresses in conjunction with the developed stress extraction methodology and the IIW guidelines respectively. Furthermore the finite element stresses are implemented in conjunction with the FESL procedure to repeat the nominal stress and hot spot stress life predictions. The viability and integrity of the FESL methodology is also critically assessed. The actual fatigue life of the structure under the particular loading characteristics is then determined and compared to the predicted lives.Dissertation (MEng (Mechanical Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2006.Mechanical and Aeronautical EngineeringMEngunrestricte

The queen's domination problem

The queens graph Qn has the squares of then x n chessboard as its vertices; two squares are adjacent if they are in the same row, column or diagonal. A set D of squares of Qn is a dominating set for Qn if every square of Qn is either in D or adjacent to a square in D. If no two squares of a set I are adjacent then I is an independent set. Let 'J'(Qn) denote the minimum size of a dominating set of Qn and let i(Qn) denote the minimum size of an independent dominating set of Qn. The main purpose of this thesis is to determine new values for'!'( Qn). We begin by discussing the most important known lower bounds for 'J'(Qn) in Chapter 2. In Chapter 3 we state the hitherto known values of 'J'(Qn) and explain how they were determined. We briefly explain how to obtain all non-isomorphic minimum dominating sets for Q8 (listed in Appendix A). It is often useful to study these small dominating sets to look for patterns and possible generalisations. In Chapter 4 we determine new values for')' ( Q69 ) , ')' ( Q77 ), ')' ( Q30 ) and i (Q45 ) by considering asymmetric and symmetric dominating sets for the case n = 4k + 1 and in Chapter 5 we search for dominating sets for the case n = 4k + 3, thus determining the values of 'I' ( Q19) and 'I' (Q31 ). In Chapter 6 we prove the upper bound')' (Qn) :s; 1 8 5n + 0 (1), which is better than known bounds in the literature and in Chapter 7 we consider dominating sets on hexagonal boards. Finally, in Chapter 8 we determine the irredundance number for the hexagonal boards H5 and H7, as well as for Q5 and Q6Mathematical SciencesD.Phil. (Applied Mathematics

The evaluation of a frame-of-reference training programme for intern psychometrists

Orientation: The use of assessment centres (ACs) has drastically increased over the past decade. However, ACs are constantly confronted with the lack of construct validity. One aspect of ACs that could improve the construct validity significantly is that of assessor training. Unfortunately untrained or poorly trained assessors are often used in AC processes. Research purpose: The purpose of this research was to evaluate a frame-of-reference (FOR) programme to train intern psychometrists as assessors at an assessment centre. Motivation of study: The role of an assessor is important in an AC; therefore it is vital for an assessor to be able to evaluate and observe candidates’ behaviour adequately. Commencing with this training in a graduate psychometrist programme gives the added benefit of sending skilled psychometrists to the workplace. Research design, approach and method: A quantitative research approach was implemented, utilising a randomised pre-test-post-test comparison group design. Industrial Psychology postgraduate students (N = 22) at a South African university were used and divided into an experimental group (n = 11) and control group (n = 11). Three typical AC simulations were utilised as pre- and post-tests, and the ratings obtained from both groups were statistically analysed to determine the effect of the FOR training programme. Main findings: The data indicated that there was a significant increase in the familiarity of the participants with the one-on-one simulation and the group discussion simulation. Practical/managerial implications: Training intern psychometrists in a FOR programme could assist organisations in the appointment of more competent assessors. Contribution/value-add: To design an assessor training programme using FOR training for intern psychometrists in the South African context, specifically by incorporating this programme into the training programme for Honours students at universities

Impression management within the Zulu culture : exploring tactics in the work context

ORIENTATION : Impression management tactics are utilised differently by people depending on the situation and the others around them. RESEARCH PURPOSE : The purpose of the study was to identify the impression management tactics Zulu people display when they want to impress people in a work context. MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY : Organisations are competing for talented employees and people who contribute to the return on investment for the organisation. Individuals display impression tactics to influence the perceptions of others in the workplace, especially pertaining to performance appraisals and promotional opportunities. RESEARCH APPROACH, DEIGN AND METHOD : The social constructivism paradigm was employed in conducting this study, following a phenomenological approach. The research sample consisted of 30 Zulu-speaking individuals from various organisations who were interviewed through semi-structured interviews. The researcher used thematic analysis to analyse the data. MAIN FINDINGS: The main findings in this study included impression management tactics that are used by Zulu people when attempting to impress people in the work context. The findings were divided into different categories (colleagues and supervisor). Conscientiousness, interpersonal amiability, openness and relational action are the themes that were reported as the most common impression management features people display at their workplace with colleagues. Themes that were reported when impressing a supervisor include conscientiousness, integrity, relational action and skilfulness. PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS : This study provides organisations with knowledge on the impression management tactics utilised by isiZulu employees. The nature of this information enables management to not misinterpret the use of certain tactics and will lead to more understanding and resilience by organisations and colleagues when working with isiZulu individuals. CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD : This study contributes to the body of knowledge concerning impression management tactics within the South African context. The findings of this study might assist management to invent tools that are effective to identify impression management tactics, not just in the Zulu culture but within numerous other cultures in the South African spectrum.http://www.sajip.co.zaam2016Human Resource Managemen

Impression management within the Zulu culture : exploring tactics in the work context

ORIENTATION : Impression management tactics are utilised differently by people depending on the situation and the others around them. RESEARCH PURPOSE : The purpose of the study was to identify the impression management tactics Zulu people display when they want to impress people in a work context. MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY : Organisations are competing for talented employees and people who contribute to the return on investment for the organisation. Individuals display impression tactics to influence the perceptions of others in the workplace, especially pertaining to performance appraisals and promotional opportunities. RESEARCH APPROACH, DEIGN AND METHOD : The social constructivism paradigm was employed in conducting this study, following a phenomenological approach. The research sample consisted of 30 Zulu-speaking individuals from various organisations who were interviewed through semi-structured interviews. The researcher used thematic analysis to analyse the data. MAIN FINDINGS: The main findings in this study included impression management tactics that are used by Zulu people when attempting to impress people in the work context. The findings were divided into different categories (colleagues and supervisor). Conscientiousness, interpersonal amiability, openness and relational action are the themes that were reported as the most common impression management features people display at their workplace with colleagues. Themes that were reported when impressing a supervisor include conscientiousness, integrity, relational action and skilfulness. PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS : This study provides organisations with knowledge on the impression management tactics utilised by isiZulu employees. The nature of this information enables management to not misinterpret the use of certain tactics and will lead to more understanding and resilience by organisations and colleagues when working with isiZulu individuals. CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD : This study contributes to the body of knowledge concerning impression management tactics within the South African context. The findings of this study might assist management to invent tools that are effective to identify impression management tactics, not just in the Zulu culture but within numerous other cultures in the South African spectrum.http://www.sajip.co.zaam2016Human Resource Managemen

Study demands, study resources and the role of personality characteristics in predicting the engagement of first-year university students

The objective of this study was to investigate significant predictors of student engagement, including study demands, study resources and personality characteristics. First-year university students (N = 512) participated in the study. The findings showed significant relationships between pace and amount of work and cognitive demands with student engagement, although only cognitive demands was a significant predictor of student engagement in the regression analysis. Even though all the study resources were significantly related to student engagement, the only significant predictors in the regression analysis were support from lecturers and opportunities for growth and development. When personality dimensions were included in the fourth step of the regression analysis, only opportunities for growth and development and achievement orientation (a facet of conscientiousness) were significant predictors of student engagement. Demands explained 6 per cent of the variance in study engagement, resources 17 per cent and personality characteristics and additional 11 per cent.Jeanie Cilliers wrote the manuscript as part of her master’s dissertation at the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa.The National Research Foundation under reference number ERSA13112658399 (Grant No: 90396).http://www.journals.ac.za/index.php/sajheam2018Human Resource Managemen

Exploring the impact of information and communication technology on employees’ work and personal lives

ORIENTATION : Technology has become part of society’s everyday functioning, changing rapidly and providing widespread mobility. Employees are moving towards a continually connected lifestyle, a situation in which information and communication technology (ICT) seem to have become omnipresent. RESEARCH PURPOSE : The overall objective of this research was to investigate the influence of ICT on employees’ work and personal lives. MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY : The impact of ICT on the work and personal lives of employees has never been researched before, which motivated the current study. RESEARCH APPROACH, DESIGN AND METHOD : A qualitative research design, with a sample of 25 employees, was followed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data, and the interviews were recorded, transcribed, and processed through thematic analyses. MAIN FINDINGS : Five themes with sub-themes were extracted: The positive and negative experiences of ICT both within the work and personal lives of employees, the increased expectations brought about by ICT usage, and the role of ICT on relationships. Findings highlighted that although ICT are generally perceived as positive, employees should make a conscious decision in managing their ICT to decrease the negative impact thereof on their work and personal lives. PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS : Overall, the general positive experiences of ICT outweigh the negative experiences, and findings almost suggest that as the quantity of communication increased, the quality of conversations decreased. CONTRIBUTION/VALUE ADD : This study provides a holistic understanding of the impact of ICT on the work and personal lives of employees.http://www.sajip.co.za/am2016Human Resource Managemen