A model for the evaluation of location based services in South Africa based on soft systems methodology and the process-outcomes model

Includes bibliographical references.The increasing pervasiveness of technology has led to questions concerning the contribution and value of technology, and to what extent a particular innovation, invention, product, theory or technological development benefits society. The attempt to answer these questions has led to the development of evaluation methodologies to provde a structured approach to this process of inquiry. In most cases, evaluation methodology can be classified as either fundamentally holistic or reductionist in its approach. This dissertation argues that both holistic and reductionist thinking need to be applied to the evaluation of complex phenomena, and develops theory in order to achieve this. In the context of evaluating Location Based Services (LBS) in South Africa, a conceptual framework was developed to combine the holistic, systems thinking apporach of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) and the reductionist approach of metrics and the Process Outcomes model

Unfolding mechanism of human glutathione transferase M1a-1a

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy May 2018Proteins exist in equilibrium between the native (N) and the denatured (D) states. In order to form the biologically active native state, the amino acid sequence has to fold to form a stable three-dimensional structure. The large scientific community of biochemists and biophysicists has not yet been able to gain a complete understanding of this process. In this study, the unfolding of the homodimeric detoxification enzyme hGST M1a-1a (WT dimer) was investigated. Additionally, an F56S/R81A double-mutant (mutant monomer) was engineered to create a monomeric form of the protein. The mutant monomer was used to gain a better understanding of the unfolding events occurring at the subunit level, in the absence of quaternary interactions. Data from various techniques indicate the mutant monomer to closely resemble the tertiary structure of the subunits in the WT homodimer, making it a suitable model to study the unfolding mechanism of hGST M1a in the absence of quaternary interactions. A four-state equilibrium unfolding mechanism, involving two stable intermediate species, is proposed. HDX-MS studies indicate that disruption of the conserved lock-and-key motif, as well as the structures surrounding the mu loop, results in a destabilisation of domain 1. However, dimer dissociation cannot occur until the mixed charge cluster at the dimer interface has been destabilised. The destabilisation of domain 1 results in destabilisation of α4 and α5 in domain 2, because the domains unfold in a concerted manner. hGST M1a-1a dissociates to form monomeric intermediate (M), with weak interdomain interactions and compromised short-range contacts. The unstable M intermediate self-associates to form an oligomeric intermediate (I). The destabilisation of α6 and α7 in the hydrophobic core of domain 2 drives the formation of the partially structured denatured state. Further investigation will need to be pursued to determine whether hGST M1a-1a unfolds via transient intermediate states; however, the elucidation of the equilibrium unfolding pathway of a complex homodimeric protein is a valuable addition to the ever-growing knowledge base of protein folding.MT 201

A retrospective study of in situ and in vitro considerations in horse nutrition management.

Master of Science in Animal and Poultry Science. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2017.The current changes occurring in equine feeding management to meet performance demands, do not take into consideration the repercussions on the digestive tract. The aim of this investigation was to determine the linkage between nutrient intake, gastro-intestinal pH and gut mucosa, the impact on digestibility with changes in nutrient intake, age and mucosal damage and whether the current IVGPT protocol is an accurate reflection of in vivo digestibility. Post mortem work was carried out on samples of 27 sport and leisure horses shot for mechanical failure and financial reasons for an in silico analysis of nutrient intake and digestibility. A relationship was found between stomach ulceration and gut pH. There is no correlation between ulceration and digestibility but rather between nutrient density and digestibility. This shows that by increasing the concentrate portion of the feed may improve performance but has health impacts on the horse. IVGPT experiments were also conducted with faecal inoculum of race and idle horses over 3 buffer pH levels using maize and Lucerne as substrates. The results showed the significance (P<0.001) of buffer pH levels across treatments which indicates that fermentation protocols in equine IVGPT need to adjust buffer pH from 7.2 to 6.5

Major training challenges for small businesses in the Tshwane area: Is there hope?

Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine and gain insight into the level of skills and training and subsequent needs among SMMEs in the township environment. &nbsp; Prior work: Against this backdrop of investment support from government, the question is what is the current status of training and training needed among SMMEs in the South African township environment. &nbsp; Approach: An exploratory study was conducted through means of a survey questionnaire directed towards various SMMEs across South Africa. Questions were formulated to elicit information pertaining to training and qualifications of respondents in townships. &nbsp; &nbsp; Results: Based on the findings, SMME owners in the township areas experienced a greater need for marketing, financial and management training, indicating a need for government to collaborate with other institutions to provide the required training. &nbsp; Implications: There is particularly a need for support from financial and training institutions in collaboration with governmental departments to provide the relevant resources that the SMMEs need in order to flourish. In addition, there are specific unique challenges that SMMEs experience in the township areas due to the unique setting of townships. &nbsp; Value: Provides key areas that government and organisations can contribute different dire, resources for SMMEs.&nbsp

Sight: The Last Bastion Of The Brick And Morter Retailer To Survive?

The physical brick and mortar retail environment has been the bastion of survival for retailers over the years. With the developments in technology and the changing shopping patterns of consumers, apparel retailers are facing competition from alternative channels, such as the internet where consumers browse, compare and ultimately purchase products. Faced with this evolution, it has become critical for brick and mortar retailers to reconsider the principles and practices of in-store consumer engagement. They need to understand how their physical in-store environments can be used optimally in order to ensure sales optimisation, consumer satisfaction and sustainable profitability.This state of affairs has led to this study, which focuses on sight and its influence on consumers’ buying behaviour. The primary research question that was posed in this study was to explore the influence of sight on consumers’ buying behaviour in apparel retail stores. The type of research design used in this study was exploratory in nature, making use of a qualitative approach and a communicative technique of focus group interviews and naïve sketches. The data gathered was analysed by means of Tesch’s inductive descriptive coding technique, better known as thematic analysis. It was found that sight has the ability to influence consumers in either a subconscious or a conscious way. This has a direct influence on the amount of time that consumers will spend in-store and ultimately influence their buying decisions and behaviour, either positively or negatively

Service Quality And Spectator Satisfaction On University Sporting Grounds

The main aim of this study was to investigate the quality of service experienced by spectators at a sporting event, as well as to establish if there is a relationship between a core sport product and the product servicescape in conjunction with spectator satisfaction. The study also investigated the perceived value that spectators receive from the total sport product, which forms an integral part of the total market offering to spectators. It is important to establish this relationship as it will have an impact on future attendance of these types of events. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, a survey was distributed to spectators who watched soccer and basketball games on the grounds of a particular university. The respondents were exposed to the services, staff and activities in and around the stadium before, during, and after the matches to ascertain total satisfaction of the sporting event

Internet-Based ICT Usage By South African SMEs: The Barriers Faced By SMEs

Previous research estimates that 8 out of 10 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) do not operate for more three years (Mason 2015). According to OECD ([sa]), the major problems encountered by SMEs relate to financing and regulatory burdens. However, with information technology, SMEs are able to narrow the information gap, which leads to improved strategies and decision making (OECD [sa]). In today’s competitive world, information communication technology (ICT) is recognized as a crucial success factor for SMEs. ICT refers to the accessing and communication of information using various technologies such as the internet, wireless networks and cellphones (TechTerms 2010). This research study investigates SMEs’ perception of the barriers in adopting ICT in the South African context. The objective of this paper is to determine ICT adoption and the perceived barriers associated with it among South African SMEs. A review of ICT within an SME context is examined. Through judgement sampling, a questionnaire was distributed to gather the responses of 90 SMEs. The most important barriers that were highlighted by the results of the study are the high cost of ICT systems as well as the lack of knowledge to maintain and use ICT. The challenge is to ensure that South African SMEs continue to increase the adoption of ICT. It is envisaged that by determining the barriers they face and providing recommendations as to how they can overcome these barriers, this research will assist SMEs to become more successful, as they play a vital role in the South African economy

Establishing The Challenges Affecting South African SMEs

Cant andLigthelm (2003) estimate that 70-80 percent of SMEs fail.  A number of elements and challenges have beenidentified as contributing factors to the high failure rate of SMEs in SouthAfrica.  The research investigates theextent to which the identified variables affect South African SMEs.  The objective of this paper is to determine towhat extent SMEs experience selected challenges or issues that negativelyinfluence the success of the business.  Challengesand issues include exogenous macro environmental variables and endogenousenvironmental variables, namely marketing.  A questionnaire was constructed and judgementsampling was used to gather the responses of 81 SMEs.  The research identified inflation and interestrates, crime and unemployment, low demand for products, the wrong pricing strategiesimplemented and the location of the business to be the major problemsexperienced by SMEs.  The challenge nowis to improve the skills and capabilities of SMEs to ensure their success asthey play a vital role in the South African economy