School for Science and Technology

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Browsing School for Science and Technology by browse.metadata.type "Thesis"

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
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    Assessing public participation strategies in people’s housing process in Wallacedene
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-12) Sandile, Unathi; Theron, Francois; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Military Science. Dept. of Science and Technology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Public participation is important in housing development. Since the start of democratic government in South Africa, local governments have been encouraged to promote and use public participation to empower its citizens to influence, direct, control and own their development initiatives. In this study the researcher assessed public participation strategies in Nomzabalazo People’s Housing Process in Wallacedene (NPHPW). The study assesses the public participation process applied and relevant strategies used in a housing development programme in the community, and to establish whether public participation in housing development in this area is practiced as local governance legislation suggests. The study also aims to establish how the selected public participation strategies used affect housing development, in particular assess if housing beneficiaries can actually “influence, direct, control and own” the housing project. In addition, the study aims to establish whether the COCT creates an enabling environment for authentic and empowering public participation for housing beneficiaries on matters that affect their lives. Furthermore, the study evaluates public participation by the members of the public particularly beneficiaries in housing development by assessing the public participation strategies used during the housing planning and delivery in Wallacedene, using the International Association for Public Participation (AIP2) Spectrum model and Arnstein’s (1969) ladder typologies.
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    A comparative multi-level investigation into research productivity of South African academics in different university contexts: An interpretivist approach
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-03) Holmes-Watts, Tania Natasha; Botha, Jan; Walters, Cyrill; Jansen, Jonathan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Military Sciences. School of Science and Technology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The research mandate as a statutory requirement for public higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa (SA) are held in high regard and universities generally aspire to excel in this function. However, the disparities in research productivity and research performance in and among different institutional settings are not only frequently reported, but are also well documented in contemporary literature. The rationale for many of the disparities reflecting in the research performance specifically, among what is commonly labelled historically disadvantaged universities (HDUs) and historically advantaged universities (HAUs) are by and large, albeit not exclusively, attributed to the legacy of the apartheid era. Many apartheid remnants are understood to contribute to the vast social inequalities that exist within society which manifests in varied public groupings; commonly described as ‘the haves’ and ‘the have nots’. Understandably, since the dawn of a democratic regime, huge investments and countless interventions have been designed and implemented to pursue redress and equality within the South African national higher education sector. Nevertheless, 28 years after South Africa’s democratic liberation, a persistent narrative of ‘black failure’ and ‘white excellence’ exists; penetrating and reflecting in and through the research performance of different, public universities. This study investigated the mandated research function at two public universities within different institutional contexts, one, classified as an HDU and the other, classified as a HAU. The study was conducted from the perspective that university research is affected by a wide range of social forces and influences from various societal domains and interest groups, at multiple levels. The study aimed to gain insight into the conditions necessary to improve research performance despite university differences with respect to institutional historical backgrounds and present-day contextual realities. An interpretivist, comparative, case study design was used in this qualitative research enquiry. Multiple data collection and analysis techniques were employed together with the use of both primary and secondary data to determine the factors that influence research and research performance at South African public universities. Based on the research results, an intervention model was developed that depicts how a university’s research performance can be improved within any university setting as the necessary conditions to improve research can be cultivated by gaining a common understanding around the strategic diversion towards a research identity. Through decisive institutional action, a research-focus can be pursued and research interests can be navigated, aligned and protected to obtain mutual benefit, at various levels. Specific features, however serve as necessary requirements to enact the most effective and efficient advancement of a research mandate and agenda in any university context; which comprise willpower, person power, and the cultivation of an empowering, university context. The influencing factors on research and research performance at individual-, institutional- and systemic levels, as confirmed through this research are not mutually exclusive, but interrelated, multifaceted and very complex. University research requires earnest facilitation and firm oversight to bring forth an optimally, positive research progression in adherence to the research mandate bestowed upon public universities within the SA context.
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    ICP-MS analysis of trace metals in pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) within the port of Saldanha, South Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-12) Dhlalani, Nomcebo Marry; Bezuidenhout, J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Military Sciences. School of Science and Technology. Dept. of Physics.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to monitor the accumulation of the trace metals, Manganese(Mn), Cadnium (Cd), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) and Mercury (Hg) in oysters that were cultivated in Saldanha Bay over the period 2018 until 2020. Eight strategic positions were selected in Saldanha Bay for biomonitoring; three at the oyster growers lease areas in Small Bay, one at the oyster growers lease areas in Big Bay and four close to the Multi-purpose Terminal. At each monitoring station a cohort tower was deployed which contained the oysters used for biomonitoring. At most, ten of these oyster spat were selected and assessed for trace metal content to establish a baseline condition to measure trace metal accumulation. The oysters were analysed for trace metal content over long- and short-term intervals. Long-term monitoring entailed deploying the long-term oyster cohort for a total period of 24 months. After every three months of deployment, the oyster towers were retrieved and a sample of five oysters was selected from the long-term cohort, placed in a labelled plastic bag, and sent for analysis. The short-term monitoring, on the other hand, entailed deploying a fresh oyster cohort every three months over a period of 24 months. After three months of deployment, the oyster tower was retrieved and a fresh batch of oyster tower was replaced in the same sampling point for both long-term and short-term intervals. The samples of both long-term and short-term monitoring were sent to the ICP-MS laboratory, University of Stellenbosch, where tissue was extracted from the oysters, frozen and submitted for trace metal analysis using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). It was found that the average concentration of Mn ranges between 1.14 mg/kg and 1.80 mg/kg and Zn ranges between 55.45 mg/kg and 97.90 mg/kg. It was assumed that the anti-fouling products used in the Small Bay influenced the concentration of Cu, which gave high values ranging from 2.18 mg/kg up to 4.49 mg/kg. Concentration of Cd range from 0.75 mg/kg to 1.20 mg/kg and Hg was between 0.00 mg/kg and 0.01 mg/kg. When looking at short-term trends, generally after deployment, oysters recorded an increase in concentrations for the following metals, Mn, and Zn, while Hg, Cu, and Cd recorded a general decrease in concentrations over the same short-term deployments. Not all general trends were omnipresent as spatial and temporal specific variations were observed during the study. This suggested that in some cases trace metal supply intake coupled with seasonal variation could influence the amount of trace metal present in the oyster at any time. The average trace metal concentrations in oysters presented were in a decreasing trend of Zn > Cu > Mn> Cd > Hg. The oyster proved to be good biomonitors due to its ability to accumulate trace metals over time. There were however, oyster mortalities over the period of the study, but these mortalities were related to parasitic infections.
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    Investigating e-commerce adoption in the procurement processes of the Botswana Defence Force : a qualitative study
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007) Moswetsi, William; Botha, D.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Military Science. Dept. of Science and Technology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study sets out to explore the factors that affect e-commerce adoption in the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) procurement process. The factors that were identified as affecting e-commerce adoption emerged from studies conducted mainly in the context of the developed world, particularly the Western world. Discussions in the academic literature therefore appear to be based on assumptions that do not necessarily apply to the developing world. This study explores these factors in an organisation in a developing country. The purpose of the study was to develop a rich picture of the factors that affect ecommerce adoption in the BDF procurement process. The study aimed to identify issues, factors, and problems critically involved in IT adoption in the BDF procurement process and to develop a theory that could help to understand these factors. Grounded theory methodology was the chosen method of qualitative data collection and analysis. This methodology was chosen because it facilitates inductive theory generation from an interpretive perspective. This approach was suitable for the study as the aim was to develop a theory that was grounded in the data and likely to resemble reality. The data was gathered through semistructured interviews with procurement officers, IT officers, and BDF senior officers. The research findings identified the benefits, limitations, drivers and barriers of ecommerce adoption in the BDF procurement process. The technological capabilities of the BDF were identified and it was concluded that the BDF is prepared in terms of IT infrastructure for e-commerce adoption. A theory of the factors affecting e-commerce adoption was developed using grounded theory methodology and a model of the factors affecting e-commerce adoption in the procurement process was developed. To strengthen the theory that was 'built', it was compared to previous e-commerce adoption literature. Overall, this research provided a stepping stone for new research into ecommerce adoption in the Botswana Defence Force. It has facilitated better understanding of how participants view e-commerce adoption in the BDF. The study also contributes to the literature on e-commerce adoption, which is currently under-researched, particularly in developing countries such as Botswana.
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    Modelling the impact of Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) nanofluid flow on cooling of engineering systems
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-12) Tshivhi, Khodani Sherrif; Makinde, Oluwole Daniel; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Military Sciences. School of Science and Technology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The flow investigations regarding nonlinear materials are extremely important in the applied science and engineering areas to explore the properties of flow and heat transfer. Recent advancement in nanotechnology has provided a veritable platform for the emergence of a better ultrahigh-performance coolant known as nanofluid for many engineering and industrial technologies. In this study, we examine the influence of a magnetic field on the heat transfer enhancement of nanofluid coolants consisting of Cu-water, or Al2O3-water, or Fe3O4-water over slippery but convectively heated shrinking and stretching surfaces. The model is based on the theoretical concept of magnetohydrodynamics governing the equation of continuity, momentum, energy, and electromagnetism. Based on some realistic assumptions, the nonlinear model differential equations are obtained and numerically tackled using the shooting procedure with the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg integration scheme. The existent of dual solutions in the specific range of shrinking surface parameters are found. Temporal stability analysis to small disturbances is performed on these dual solutions. It is detected that the upper branch solution is stable, substantially realistic with the smallest positive eigenvalues while the lower branch solution is unstable with the smallest negative eigenvalues. The influence of numerous emerging parameters on the momentum and thermal boundary layer profiles, skin friction, and Nusselt number are depicted graphically and quantitatively discussed.
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    Theoretical study of variable viscosity nanofluids flow in microchannels
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-12) Monaledi, Ramotjaki; Makinde, Oluwole Daniel; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Science. Dept. of Mathematical Sciences. Division Mathematics.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study of fluid flow and heat transfer through a microchannel is an important research area due to its wide applications in engineering and industrial processes. Some practical applications include problems dealing with cooling, lubrication of porous bearings, petroleum technology, ground water hydrology, drainage and purification processes. A nanofluid is the suspension of nanoparticles in a base fluid. Nanofluids are capable of heat transfer enhancement due to their high thermal conductivity. For practical applications of nanofluids, research in nanofluids convection is significant. Due to their enhanced properties, nanofluids can be used in the deficiency of technical and biomedical applications such as nanofluid coolant in electronics cooling, vehicle cooling and transformer cooling. This study considered the detailed analysis of both single and two-phase Couette and Poiseuille flow behaviour and heat transfer using this innovative fluid as working fluid through a microchannel. Useful results for the velocity, temperature, nanoparticles concentration profiles, skin friction and Nusselt number were obtained and discussed quantitatively. The effects of important governing flow parameters on the entire flow structure were examined. In this thesis, a more realistic modified Buongiorno’s nanofluid model is proposed and utilized to examine the impact of nanoparticles’ injection and distribution on inherent irreversibility in a microchannel Poiseuille flow of nanofluid with variable properties. The governing nonlinear differential equations are obtained and tackled numerically using the shooting method coupled with the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg integration scheme. Graphical results showing the effects of the pertinent parameters on the nanofluid velocity, temperature, nanoparticles concentration, skin friction, Nusselt number, Sherwood number, entropy generation rate and Bejan number are presented and discussed quantitatively.
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    The use of institutional research outputs by university managers: an embedded case study of a university in South Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-03) Lekena, Liile Lerato; Botha, Jan; Prozesky, Heidi; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Military Sciences. School of Science and Technology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explores the utilisation of institutional research (IR) outputs at a South African university, with a particular focus on the key factors influencing their application in decision-making processes. The research provides fresh insights into Caplan’s Two-Communities theory, expanding our understanding of its relevance and adaptability in the distinctive context of higher education. The study was prompted by acknowledged challenges in the higher education sector, including inconsistent application of research in decision-making, an excessive emphasis on compliance reporting at the expense of continuous enhancement of institutional effectiveness, and a lack of attention to demand-side perspectives in studies on IR uptake and application. The literature review identified numerous individual and institutional factors influencing the integration and use of research in decision-making. It revealed that research findings can indirectly shape policy processes and practitioners’ actions, even without direct integration into policy or practice. The study’s theoretical framework, grounded in Caplan’s Two-Communities theory, identifies cultural aspects as potential obstacles to the application of social science research in decision-making. The theory emphasises the need for collaboration between policymakers and researchers while acknowledging a lack of consensus on strategies to overcome barriers. Hence, this study aimed to examine the circumstances and purposes of IR output use, investigate reasons for its occasional disregard, and explore potential ways to enhance its usage from decision-makers’ perspectives. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the adaptation of the Two-Communities theory, as represented by Caplan’s Two-Communities theory, adapted to what I call the “Two-Communities theory Version 2” (2CV2) framework. The 2CV2-framework highlights the importance of context and fluid roles within academic institutions. It suggests that the barriers between researchers and decision-makers may not be as fixed as previously assumed, thereby promoting a conducive environment for collaborative and effective research use. Moreover, this study supports Dunn’s critique of the Two-Communities theory, emphasising the need for more refined theoretical models to understand research use. By employing Dunn’s models, I gained a nuanced understanding of research use amongst different university groups, extending the applicability of Dunn’s models beyond policymaking and government organisations to academic institutions. The study not only reveals a pattern of research utilisation across various institutional roles but also validates and enhances Caplan’s notion of micro- and meta-level utilisation. Within the research context, participant groups engage in both instrumental and conceptual utilisation of IR outputs, underlining the complex interplay between these two utilisation levels. This dynamic necessitates a balanced approach that upholds the fundamental principles of each community: methodological rigour and scholarly independence for researchers and pragmatic problem-solving efficiency for policymakers. Preserving these norms is crucial for nurturing an environment conducive to generating and effectively using research for decision-making. By examining the intricate relationships between researchers and policymakers within higher education, my study adds a new layer to the theoretical understanding of research utilisation in a university setting. It enhances the Two-Communities theory and provides useful insights into overcoming obstacles to effective research utilisation in decision-making.