Ecohydrological analysis of a South African through-flow mire:Vankervelsvlei revisited

The Vankervelsvlei mire has one of the thickest peat deposits (more than 10 m) in South Africa, which started accumulating before 7000 BP. Two previous studies on the hydrological system that sustains the wetland reached inconsistent conclusions and disagreed strongly on the main sources of water feeding the wetland. One suggested that the wetland is fed by groundwater discharging from the underlying Table Mountain Group Aquifer, while the other proposed that the wetland is a perched system fed only by precipitation water. We tried to reconcile these discrepancies by measuring water table, hydraulic pressure and temperature in the peat profile and analysing the ionic composition of the groundwater. We also carried out radiocarbon dating (14C) of groundwater and surface water. Our results showed that both groundwater and surface water are relatively young (<50 years) and that V ankervelsvlei is hydrologically a through-flow system with (local) mineral-poor groundwater entering the mire, possibly from a catchment located in the dunes that lie to the south-east. The groundwater exits the mire at the opposite (northern) side. Our findings do not support either the hypothesis that the mire is fed by groundwater from a deep regional aquifer, or the notion that it is sustained exclusively by precipitation wate

Learning for a Better Future

Various international scholars and associates of the PASCAL (Place, Social Capital and Learning Regions) International Observatory (Africa hub), under the auspices of the Centre for Local Economic Development (CENLED) based at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), have contributed chapters in this scholarly book. The book aims to demonstrate how a combination of globalisation, pandemics and the impact of innovation and technologies are driving towards a world in which traditional ideas are being challenged. The book carries forward a dual context and relevance: to South African social, educational, economic and cultural development, and the broader international context and action directed at how lifelong learning for all can be fostered in communities as a foundation for a just, human-centred, sustainable world. The distinctive contribution of this book to the production of a local body of knowledge lies in the symbiotic relationships between these objectives, so that South Africa could serve as a test case in working towards approaches that have a wider international significance

Learning for a Better Future

Various international scholars and associates of the PASCAL (Place, Social Capital and Learning Regions) International Observatory (Africa hub), under the auspices of the Centre for Local Economic Development (CENLED) based at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), have contributed chapters in this scholarly book. The book aims to demonstrate how a combination of globalisation, pandemics and the impact of innovation and technologies are driving towards a world in which traditional ideas are being challenged. The book carries forward a dual context and relevance: to South African social, educational, economic and cultural development, and the broader international context and action directed at how lifelong learning for all can be fostered in communities as a foundation for a just, human-centred, sustainable world. The distinctive contribution of this book to the production of a local body of knowledge lies in the symbiotic relationships between these objectives, so that South Africa could serve as a test case in working towards approaches that have a wider international significance

Adaptation and fixation in entrepreneurial approaches of a dental laboratory

Orientation: This study described the adaptation and fixation processes implemented by a small business entrepreneur in order to cope with changing market circumstances. Research purpose: The study described how the dental laboratory adapted its entrepreneurial approaches over time in response to critical changes that occurred and how aspects in the managerial approach became fixated and proved to be essential to success. Motivation for the study: The study provided insight into how the dental laboratory transformed into a stable and prosperous laboratory by the integration of strategic, economic, cultural and social capital through a process of business decision making. Research design, approach and method: A cohort survey research design, based upon the compilation of longitudinal data over three selected time periods, was employed. The design of the measuring instruments and the interpretation of research results were derived from an adapted entrepreneurial-in-network theoretical framework. A triangulation data compilation approach was followed. Main findings: The results revealed that cultural capital in the dental laboratory became fixated on three value principles, whilst the other critical capitals prescribed exist in sufficient volumes and improve to adapt to changing circumstances in the dental market. Practical/managerial implications: Fixated cultural values acted as a ‘parent’-actor in order to guide the righteousness of behaviour, whereas adaptation required sufficient critical capitals and the proper integration thereof. Contribution/value-added: By adopting the entrepreneurship-in-network approach, the researchers incorporated the dynamic and interactive processes of entrepreneurship. Future studies may employ the same design and use multi-varied analyses to show how a business adapt or fixate its approaches in response to crises or changes in the business environment

Sport tourist expectations of a world championship sporting event

Sport tourist satisfaction is critical to the managerial success of any sporting event. Sport tourists have preconceived expectations of the type and quality of services to be offered at a particular event. The extent to which these expectations are met will determine sport tourism satisfaction. For the purpose of this study the definition of a sport tourist was taken as any individual that facilitates or organise a sport event, participates as an athlete or attend a sport event as spectator. This study aims to assess the expectations of international sport tourists by measuring the difference between sport tourist expectations and perceived performance of the event organisers. A questionnaire based on the Expectancy Disconfirmation Theory of Qu and Ping (1999) was administered to a convenience sample (n=123) from the universum of 893 international sport tourists attending the 2002 Tug-of-War World Championships in South Africa. Data was analysed through the Cronbach Alpha Method, factor analysis and a paired sample t-test. Overall results indicate that the sport tourists perceived the particular sport event as a moderate success. Particular dissatisfaction was expressed with the administration of the event, standard of competition venue, standard of refereeing and the closing ceremony. Results suggest that the events organisers have not adequately capitalized on the economic and psychic income potential of the event. Sport event organisers should pursue multiple goals when designing the product and service parameters of a particular event. Keywords: Sport tourist, Expectations, Service experience, Satisfaction South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation Vol.26(2) 2004:67-7