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Knowledge of genomic features specific to the human lineage may provide insights into brain-related diseases. We leverage high-depth whole genome sequencing data to generate a combined annotation identifying regions simultaneously depleted for genetic variation (constrained regions) and poorly conserved across primates. We propose that these constrained, non-conserved regions (CNCRs) have been subject to human-specific purifying selection and are enriched for brain-specific elements. We find that CNCRs are depleted from protein-coding genes but enriched within lncRNAs. We demonstrate that per-SNP heritability of a range of brain-relevant phenotypes are enriched within CNCRs. We find that genes implicated in neurological diseases have high CNCR density, including APOE, highlighting an unannotated intron-3 retention event. Using human brain RNA-sequencing data, we show the intron-3-retaining transcript to be more abundant in Alzheimer’s disease with more severe tau and amyloid pathological burden. Thus, we demonstrate potential association of human-lineage-specific sequences in brain development and neurological disease., Knowledge of genomic features specific to humans may be important for understanding disease. Here the authors demonstrate a potential role for these human-lineage-specific sequences in brain development and neurological disease.

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the etiology of monogenic Parkinson’s disease (PD). Yet the role that mitochondrial processes play in the most common form of the disease; sporadic PD, is yet to be fully established. Here, we comprehensively assessed the role of mitochondrial function-associated genes in sporadic PD by leveraging improvements in the scale and analysis of PD GWAS data with recent advances in our understanding of the genetics of mitochondrial disease. We calculated a mitochondrial-specific polygenic risk score (PRS) and showed that cumulative small effect variants within both our primary and secondary gene lists are significantly associated with increased PD risk. We further reported that the PRS of the secondary mitochondrial gene list was significantly associated with later age at onset. Finally, to identify possible functional genomic associations we implemented Mendelian randomization, which showed that 14 of these mitochondrial functionassociated genes showed functional consequence associated with PD risk. Further analysis suggested that the 14 identified genes are not only involved in mitophagy, but implicate new mitochondrial processes. Our data suggests that therapeutics targeting mitochondrial bioenergetics and proteostasis pathways distinct from mitophagy could be beneficial to treating the early stage of PD., This work was supported in part by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services; project ZO1 AG000949

A shared genetic susceptibility between cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) and Parkinson's disease (PD) has been suggested. We investigated this by assessing the contribution of rare variants in genes involved in CMM to PD risk. We studied rare variation across 29 CMM risk genes using high-quality genotype data in 6875 PD cases and 6065 controls and sought to replicate findings using whole-exome sequencing data from a second independent cohort totaling 1255 PD cases and 473 controls. No statistically significant enrichment of rare variants across all genes, per gene, or for any individual variant was detected in either cohort. There were nonsignificant trends toward different carrier frequencies between PD cases and controls, under different inheritance models, in the following CMM risk genes: BAP1, DCC, ERBB4, KIT, MAPK2, MITF, PTEN, and TP53. The very rare TYR p.V275F variant, which is a pathogenic allele for recessive albinism, was more common in PD cases than controls in 3 independent cohorts. Tyrosinase, encoded by TYR, is the rate-limiting enzyme for the production of neuromelanin, and has a role in the production of dopamine. These results suggest a possible role for another gene in the dopamine-biosynthetic pathway in susceptibility to neurodegenerative Parkinsonism, but further studies in larger PD cohorts are needed to accurately determine the role of these genes/variants in disease pathogenesis.

We and others have described the neurodegenerative disorder caused by G51D SNCA mutation which shares characteristics of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). The objective of this investigation was to extend the description of the clinical and neuropathological hallmarks of G51D mutant SNCA-associated disease by the study of two additional cases from a further G51D SNCA kindred and to compare the features of this group with a SNCA duplication case and a H50Q SNCA mutation case.

BackgroundWe and others have described the neurodegenerative disorder caused by G51D SNCA mutation which shares characteristics of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). The objective of this investigation was to extend the description of the clinical and neuropathological hallmarks of G51D mutant SNCA-associated disease by the study of two additional cases from a further G51D SNCA kindred and to compare the features of this group with a SNCA duplication case and a H50Q SNCA mutation case.ResultsAll three G51D patients were clinically characterised by parkinsonism, dementia, visual hallucinations, autonomic dysfunction and pyramidal signs with variable age at disease onset and levodopa response. The H50Q SNCA mutation case had a clinical picture that mimicked late-onset idiopathic PD with a good and sustained levodopa response. The SNCA duplication case presented with a clinical phenotype of frontotemporal dementia with marked behavioural changes, pyramidal signs, postural hypotension and transiently levodopa responsive parkinsonism. Detailed post-mortem neuropathological analysis was performed in all cases. All three G51D cases had abundant ?-synuclein pathology with characteristics of both PD and MSA. These included widespread cortical and subcortical neuronal ?-synuclein inclusions together with small numbers of inclusions resembling glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) in oligodendrocytes. In contrast the H50Q and SNCA duplication cases, had ?-synuclein pathology resembling idiopathic PD without GCIs. Phosphorylated ?-synuclein was present in all inclusions types in G51D cases but was more restricted in SNCA duplication and H50Q mutation. Inclusions were also immunoreactive for the 5G4 antibody indicating their highly aggregated and likely fibrillar state.ConclusionsOur characterisation of the clinical and neuropathological features of the present small series of G51D SNCA mutation cases should aid the recognition of this clinico-pathological entity. The neuropathological features of these cases consistently share characteristics of PD and MSA and are distinct from PD patients carrying the H50Q or SNCA duplication.

Farmers’ (emerging and commercial) results do not only reflect performance but also depict the quality of learning and teaching that they have received. However, the focus seems to be only on farmers’ results, particularly emerging farmers results’ (rural areas), without regard to other facets of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Environment which have a direct impact on the farmers’ results. Amongst others, there are extension officers and inservice trainers who need to be taken into account to ascertain the quality of service that farmers receive. This study focuses on the provision of in-service training through the cascade model of training in the North West Provincial Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Environment (DACE). While their training approaches are varied and enjoyed by most extension officers, there are inconsistencies in terms of the evaluation of the in-service training sessions. The results show, both the in-service trainers and extension officers are satisfied with in-service training in the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Environment. However, in-service training in general needs to be reviewed in order to maximize the implementation of effective skills development within of the department.Key words: Farmers, in-service training, North West Provincial Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Environment (DACE), extension officers, cascade model, skills development.

South Africa and Australia are the biggest suppliers of zircon sand to the international zirconium industry. However neither South Africa nor Australia is well known for zircon beneficiation. Geratech Zirconium Beneficiation Ltd (GZB) continued with additional research on sodium hydroxide (NaOH) cracking of zircon sand during 2002-2003. In 2003 GZB started extracting zirconium from zircon sand by means of NaOH cracking on a commercial scale. Experience has shown that temperature profile and atmospheric control inside the furnace is crucial for the beneficiation of zircon sand. Silica carryover to zirconium chemicals could result if a high temperature is used. Once the sodium silicate is extracted from the sodium zirconate and dissolved in hydrochloric acid, two distinct routes can be followed to precipitate various zirconium chemicals. The most common route is to precipitate zirconium oxychloride crystals (ZOC), with subsequent purification from all contaminants (crystal route). Less known is the process (liquid route) that involves the direct precipitation of zirconium basic sulphate (ZBS). This route will yield a less pure product, with contaminants such as silica and titanium. An important factor in this route is the prevention of silica gel formation, which could hamper final product filtration. For applications like paint drying (zirconium octoate) or antiperspirants (zirconium hydroxychloride) low levels of contaminants have no effect on the final product. The advantage of the liquid route is fewer production stages compared to the crystal route. The disadvantage of the liquid route is that the market for the products will be significantly smaller. The optimum solution could be a plant design that could cater for both routes. Another example of an application of zirconium chemicals is the use of ammonium zirconium carbonate (AZC) in the paper industry. Zirconium basic carbonate (ZBC) is dissolved in ammonium carbonate to produce AZC solution. AZC is used mainly in European countries in the paper industry. For example, carton boxes were initially produced with formaldehyde as the binder, however, it has now been replaced with AZC since formaldehyde is considered toxic. AZC reacts with the cellulose fibres in the paper to act as the binder. The resulting product is not toxic, and printing ink dries very quickly due to the porous paper structure. Other applications of zirconium chemicals involve the use of acid zirconium sulphate tetrahydrate (AZST), zirconium orthosulphate (ZOS), potassium zirconium carbonate (KZC), and zirconium hydrous oxide (ZHO). Fluoride-based zirconium chemicals like zirconium tetra-fluoride (ZrF4) and hexafluoro-zirconic acid (H2ZrF6) are used in the aluminium industry. Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) can be produced from any of the abovementioned precipitated chemicals via a high-temperature decomposition process. The physical properties of such oxides can differ tremendously, depending on the final application. The fired density of sanitaryware is typically 5.8 g/cm3, compared to milling media at >6.1 g/cm3. The required fired density is achieved by controlling the precipitation and decomposition conditions for these two oxides. The same applies to stabilized and mixed oxides, for example where zirconium oxide acts as an oxygen carrier in fuel cells.

Pinus patula is the softwood species most extensively planted in South Africa. However, large portions of these plantings are under threat from Sirex noctilio infestation and occasional forest fires. In this exploratory investigation, the effects of tree age, Sirex noctilio infestation and fire damage to wood from Pinus patula trees on their pulp and paper properties were evaluated. Pulp was produced using the thermomechanical pulping (TMP) process. The energy consumption required to pulp the different pulpwood materials was determined. Pulps were beaten for five different time periods to investigate the development of the fibre properties in response to increasing energy input. Paper properties such as burst, tear strength and breaking length were determined on handsheets manufactured from unbeaten and beaten pulps. Box and line plots and canonical variate analysis biplots were used to statistically analyse the data. It was found that the burst strength of paper produced from healthy trees was significantly higher than that from sirex-infested or fire damaged (burnt) trees. Similarly, the tear strength of paper from healthy and burnt trees was significantly better than from sirex-infested or young trees. No significant differences in breaking length were evident between the pulpwood materials and an increase in beating time did not lead to any improvements. From this study it can be concluded that wood from dead or dying, sirex-infested and young trees produced paper with consistently lower strength properties compared to wood obtained from healthy 12-year-old trees.Keywords: breaking length, burst index, multivariate biplots, paper strength properties, Pinus patula, pulp properties, Sirex noctilio, tear index, thermomechanical pulpSouthern Forests 2010, 72(3/4): 173–179

The infection and association between the wood wasp Sirex noctilio and the fungus Amylostereum areolatum is responsible for large-scale tree mortality in the Midlands of the KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa. An exploratory investigation on the effect of the infestation of trees by the wood wasp and its associated fungus on the chemical composition of Pinus patula pulpwood was undertaken. Various tree classes representing different levels of physiological growth stress from this infestation were compared. Together with the above stress agents, fire damage to P. patula trees was also considered as a possible cause of changes in pulpwood chemical composition. Chemical analyses to determine the Seifert cellulose and Klason lignin contents as well as the levels of water- and solvent-soluble extractives were conducted using published Tappi standard methods. The results indicated only negligible differences between infestation levels (tree classes) with respect to Seifert cellulose and Klason lignin contents. In contrast, highly significant differences were observed for solvent- and water-borne extractives. It is evident from the results that P. patula trees engage a defence strategy to counter the effects of the infestation and the resulting physiological stress. The results of the chemical analyses suggest that trees should not be harvested any younger than the intended rotation age of 12 years and at the time of harvesting all the biomass, including the infected wood, should be sent to the pulp mill. Fire-damaged trees can be utilised in the same way as healthy trees when applying the TMP process provided the charcoal on the outer bark is removed. The usefulness of a biplot to simultaneously display the various tree classes and their chemical composition is illustrated. Keywords: extractive content; fire damage; Klason lignin; Pinus patula; Seifert cellulose; Sirex noctilio; thermomechanical pulpingSouthern Forests 2008, 70(3): 215–220

Genome-wide association (GWA) studies have identified multiple loci at which common variants modestly influence the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). To enhance power to identify additional loci with similar effect sizes, we conducted a meta-analysis of two GWA studies, comprising 13,315 individuals genotyped for 38,710 common tagging SNPs. We undertook replication testing in up to eight independent case-control series comprising 27,418 subjects. We identified four previously unreported CRC risk loci at 14q22.2 (rs4444235, BMP4; P = 8.1 x 10(-10)), 16q22.1 (rs9929218, CDH1; P = 1.2 x 10(-8)), 19q13.1 (rs10411210, RHPN2; P = 4.6 x 10(-9)) and 20p12.3 (rs961253; P = 2.0 x 10(-10)). These findings underscore the value of large sample series for discovery and follow-up of genetic variants contributing to the etiology of CRC.

Approximately, a third of all colorectal cancer (CRC) is due to inherited susceptibility. However, high-risk mutations in APC, the mismatch repair (MMR) genes, MUTYH/MYH, SMAD4, ALK3 and STK11/LKB1 are rare and account for

The application of multivariate statistical process monitoring (MSPM) methods has gained considerable momentum over the last couple of decades, especially in the processing industry for achieving higher throughput at sustainable rates, reducing safety related events and minimizing potential environmental impacts. Multivariate process deviations occur when the relationships amongst many process characteristics are different from the expected. The fault detection ability of methods such as principal component analysis (PCA) and process monitoring has been reported in literature and demonstrated in selective practical applications. However, the methodologies employed to diagnose the reason for the identified multivariate process faults have not gained the anticipated traction in practice. One explanation for this might be that the current diagnostic approaches attempt to rank process variables according to their individual contribution to process faults. However, the lack of these approaches to correctly identify the variables responsible for the process deviation is well researched and communicated in literature. Specifically, these approaches suffer from a phenomenon known as fault smearing. In this research it is argued, using several illustrations, that the objective of assigning individual importance rankings to process variables is not appropriate in a multivariate setting. A new methodology is introduced for performing fault diagnosis in multivariate process monitoring. More specifically, a multivariate diagnostic method is proposed that ranks variable pairs as opposed to individual variables. For PCA based MSPM, a novel fault diagnosis method is developed that decomposes the fault identification statistics into a sum of parts, with each part representing the contribution of a specific variable pair. An approach is also developed to quantify the statistical significance of each pairwise contribution. In addition, it is illustrated how the pairwise contributions can be analysed further to obtain an individual importance ranking of the process variables. Two methodologies are developed that can be applied to calculate the individual ranking following the pairwise contributions analysis. However, it is advised that the individual rankings should be interpreted together with the pairwise contributions. The application of this new approach to PCA based MSPM and fault diagnosis is illustrated using a simulated data set.

PhD (Business Management and Administration), North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2017 The study has identified the adverse impact of under-expenditure of Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) projects in North West Province. This study focuses on the extent to which the application of MIG processes is affected by the enabling environment in North West Province. The research objectives are: to determine the primary reasons for under-expenditure in MIG projects; identify the roles of all stakeholders in MIG projects, including in the Project Management Unit (PMU); determine the issues faced within the procurement division that impact municipal spending; quantify the extent to which under-expenditure directly contributes to inefficient service delivery; consolidate the findings of under-spending of MIG funds; and apply research findings to determine the new framework for spending. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from different local municipalities within North West Province. Secondary data was sourced from the Department of Human Settlement and Traditions (DHST) and annual reports and audited annual reports from the Provincial Auditor-General. A framework was developed using different statistical analysis and findings from other research approaches. It was refined through focus group inputs. Qualitative content analysis was used to develop the final framework. The focus group interviews revealed that MIG underspending was due to the following: (i) lack of independence by PMUs; (ii) the need to meet strict time frames; (iii) poorly functioning intergovernmental relations (IGR); (iv) procurement plans not being adhered to; (v) competent service providers not always being appointed; (vi) lack of involvement of communities through the project life cycle; (vii) lack of clear-cut policies regarding MIGs; and (viii) limitations on change management, requiring reduction in high staff turnover and the appointment of PMUs on a permanent basis. A refined framework resulted from the interview. Recommendations are made based on this refined framework. In conclusion, it was found that total spending of MIG funds does not necessarily mean the backlog has been eradicated. The implementation of a proper framework will assist in proper expenditure of MIG funds. Secondly, it will eradicate service backlogs and minimise service delivery protests. It will result in provision of essential services to the communities that so direly need these. Finally, minimal amounts will be returned unspent to the National Treasury. Doctoral

MBA North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2016 The purpose of this study was to assess antenatal maternity service quality among patients at Mafikeng Provincial Hospital in the North – West Province. Quantitative research using a SERVQUAL based questionnaire was carried out to determine the expectations and perceptions of antenatal patients on MPH antenatal service quality. Correlation studies were used to determine the relationship of expectations and perceptions on service quality. A total of 80 questionnaires were randomly handed out to antenatal patients over a two-week period of which 70 were successfully completed. The results of the study showed that antenatal patients have high expectations of MPH antenatal service quality and patients generally had positive perceptions on the quality of service they receive. Mixed responses were however obtained in areas involving clinic operating times and the ability of maternity staff to perform work right the first time. Findings of this research study were used to draw conclusions on antenatal care service quality. The study concluded with recommendations as well as highlighting possible areas of further research. Masters

MBA, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus In the rural areas, the poor typically lack access to information vital to their livelihoods. As a consequence, urban people are benefiting from the economy based on Information Technology Communication (ICT). This research is aimed at investigating ICT practices in the rural areas of South Africa with emphasis to rural Ratlou Municipal area in North West. People in the rural areas usually lack access to information vital to their livelihoods. Technology is an "enabler" of useful data that is important towards changing the lives of collective groups of people. Empowering communities is vital not only to the community but helps in building the capability people's drive. Mutula and Mostert (2008) documented that "installing of technology in underdeveloped societies is merely a small part of what is needed to use information and communications technology for socio-economic development". "The existence of digital divides and digital exclusion has been described and debated" as said by Servon (2002). The conceptualisation of ICT in growth is also an argued issue, making it harder to correctly apply ICT to benefit the poor (Gxulwana, 2010). South Africa has progressed in moving into the electronic age despite boundaries in its policy and regulatory environment. "Mobile telecommunications networks have spread across the country; sophisticated ICT applications have been adopted by businesses and government; and the Internet provides a foundation for information flows and transactions in banking and financial services, universities and other scientific performing agencies, as well as in shopping and entertainment services" (Goldstuck & Abrahams, 2010). Masters

MBA North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2015 There is consensus among analysts that South Africa’s unemployment is structural in the sense that the unemployed generally possess lower skills than what is required in the marketplace. In the context of increasing demand for skilled workers due to technical progress and the need to become more competitive globally, graduate unemployment would be expected to fall (Altizer, 2004). The study will investigate the employability of FET agricultural graduates in North West Province, finding that labour force and employment growth has been concentrated in further educational categories also closing gaps within the training institution. However, against expectations unemployment has risen amongst young and better educated people. The study suggests that the education sector urgently requires continued emphasis and monitoring to ensure that learners are adequately prepared for entry into the labour force that better efforts, to encourage learners to choose directions of study with superior employment prospects; and that investment in young people’s soft skills is required. Masters

Thesis (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2014 Effective performance management is vital in all public and private sectors and contributes to service delivery of the organisations. Research on public-sector performance management, however, points out challenges in the implementation of the systems and questions the effectiveness of policy tools for enhancing the governmental accountability. The Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport is a large institution and its vision is to provide successful infrastructure projects and safer transport for the community. The majority of employees are working on infrastructure projects for both roads and buildings. In this study, experimental data and performance management experiences of the working environment to estimate the influence of Management of the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport on the implementation of performance management policies, was analysed. The challenge is that the department focuses more on the work to be done than ensuring that the employees are also satisfied. The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) and North West Provincial Treasury have implemented the performance management policies that need to be followed and practiced to improve service delivery as well as employee motivation. Management of the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, together with the Corporate Support Division should put into operation a strategy for the future in order to successfully implement the performance management system to all levels of employees in order to successfully achieve both employee satisfaction and retention, and the goa ls of the department. The Performance Management policies and legislations that is currently operational should be applied effectively and efficiently to improve service delivery and the morale of employees. Masters

Thesis (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2014 A green campus can be defined as a higher education community that is improving energy efficiency, conserving resources and enhancing environmental quality by educating for sustainability and creating healthy living and learning environment. The research contained herein, aims to study the green activities currently on NWU Mafikeng Campus. The implication of this study serves to ensure that there are clear objectives with regard to adopting and promoting green education and awareness and to try for the implementation and promotion of new innovative green teaching methods. The result shows that is there is no consensus that the campus has clear objectives to promote a green campus and also no conclusive comment on the questions of if the campus continues to promote new methods of energy, water and waste consumption on the campus. One of the main objectives of a green building is to promote the construction of energy and resource efficient buildings but respondents could not comment on whether campus implements environmental impact assessments for new and existing buildings. However, students indicated they would be interested in attending green campus modules to effectively gain education on green and environmental affairs. Masters

MBA, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus Any business operation/transaction is known as risk for reward. It is the objective of any business to reduse risks that hinder business operation in order to increase return. This is the case in any business irrespective of size, industry and location. Risks are inherent in every business.In recent years, implementation of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) is being perceived as a necessity; in order to manage enterprise wide risks, to create risk awareness amongst employees and be more proactive in managing risks. The need for this study came as a result of a need to measure and optimises ERM as a business enabler. This study evaluates the effectiveness and appropriateness of ERM within the financial office, North West University Mafikeng Campus. This study also evaluated ERM frameworks that can be used in risk identification and management. These frameworks can be used to ease implementation, monitoring and evaluating ERM process, without a framework management it will be difficult or more complicated to manage risks effectively. Masters

PhD (Business & Public Management), North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2014 This study sought to investigate the link or relationship between strategic planning, resources configuration and organisational performance in a developing country context (Zimbabwe). Most of the research done in this area is based on the developed countries context. The study undertook to contribute fmiher to the debate on strategic management, the conception that strong organisational performance is a predictor of strategic planning capability of the top managers of corporations and how they have capably configured the companies' resources. The researcher gathered data from 58 companies listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, located in Harare and Bulawayo, by means of a questionnaire and an interview protocol. The major finding of this research was the feedback loop established between organisational performance, strategic planning and resources configuration capability by top managers. The top managers of the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange listed companies view the financial performance of their companies as a predictor of their strategic planning and company resources configuration capability. It was found that variation in the mean organisational performance accounted for 37.5% of the variation in the mean strategic planning capability. It was also found that variation in the mean organisational performance accounted for 36.0% of the variation in the mean strategic resources configuration capability. Furthermore, variation in the mean formal strategic planning accounted for 37.5% of the variation in the mean financial ratio growth. Variation in the mean strategic resources configuration accounted for 37.6% of the variation in the mean financial ratio growth. Furthermore, variation in the mean formal strategic planning accounted for 31.4% of the variation in the mean company adaptability to the external environment, while variation in the mean strategic resources configuration accounted for 37.6% of the variation in the mean company adaptability to external environment. Furthermore, variation in the mean formal strategic planning accounted for 19.7% of the variation in the mean retention ability, while variation in the mean strategic resources configuration accounted for 37.6% of the variation in the mean retention ability. Strategic resources configurations accounted for the higher variation in the means of all the variables of the phenomenon under study with an average of 37.0%, affirming the researcher's proposition that strategic resources are critical components of strategic management that cannot be relegated to the peripheries of management practices as they are portrayed in past studies and literature on strategic management. The study propounded, among its findings, a research theory which was extrapolated from the data collected using the two data-collecting instruments mentioned earlier on. Doctoral

MBA North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2013 In this highly competitive business environment, banks are faced with the challenges of providing products which are relevant to their customers. In a quest of achieving this, there is a possibility of banks to redesign and integrate business processes and channels to achieve better market share. Karjaluoto et al. (2002) maintain that banks should keep a close look on how their customers respond towards service and products that are offered to them. This study determined the factors affecting the use of banking technologies by elderly citizens as customers of the banks. A quantitative research methodology was utilised in this study. A survey was conducted and 66 elderly citizens responded to the questionnaire administered to them. The study reveals that elderly citizens have average access to banking technologies and mostly A TM and the actual bank branch. Furthermore, the study reveals that elderly citizens are not comf01iable with using technological banking service and products due to lack of trust and confidence and futhermore they prefer human interaction when it comes to banking activities. Masters

MBA North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2013 The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in and for education is rapidly expanding in many countries and is now seen worldwide as both a necessity and an opportunity for improving and enhancing education offered to citizens across the globe (UNESCO, 2006). The education system does not only pursue the integration of ICT into the curriculum because of its popularity in the market system, but because of the role it is perceived to play in the changing curriculum. According to the White Paper 7 on eEducation policy (2004: 17) every South African learner should be able to use ICT tools confidently and creatively to develop the skills and knowledge they need to achieve personal goals and to be full participants in the global community by 2013. The central role played by teachers in teaching and learning requires them to have a holistic understanding of ICT integration. Furthermore they should be able to analyse when integration is appropriate according to what is expected from the learner in the teaching and learning process. The study sought to address this research question: what are teachers' perceptions regarding integrating ICT with the curriculum in the classroom? Drawing on the evidence from a survey of eighteen/twenty one high schools in the Mafikeng Area Office of North West, the findings show that teachers use ICT tools to differing degrees, depending on their perspectives relative to ICT and their levels of professional experience. The significant ideas of how teachers perceive the integration of ICT tools into the curriculum emerge from what they view as benefits of using ICT and what they view as challenges when integrating ICT into the curriculum. In order to integrate ICT meaningfully into the teaching and learning activities teachers need both commitment and the technological skills. Contrary to expectation, the degree of ICT integration within the curriculum did not correspond directly with the availability of sufficient hardware, software or internet connectivity at the participating schools. Masters

Thesis (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2013 An organisation depends on quality information for effective operations and decision making, thus quality in management decision plays a vital role; and there is a direct and strong relationship between the quality of information used by a decision maker and decision performance. Hence lnforrnation is not an isolated resource, but it flows within organisation and, consequently, its quality must be tackled as an organisational issue (Caballero et al., 2008). Given these arguments, information quality should be a process intertwined to all business core processes because it is a means to an end; and indirectly impacts the bottom line of an organisation. This is not a fact at Department of Social Development, Bojanala District were Information Quality is not prioritised and integrated within all programs it delivers, hence this study is to investigate the impact that information quality has on managerial decisions within a financial Services Firm. In this study, the primary data will be collected by means of survey using a structured questionnaire. A survey will be conducted to test the association between information quality and managerial decisions, with an aim to establish the extent to which the information quality impact on managerial decisions. In the public sector, competition is not aimed at winning the market, but ensuring that service provisions are improved because, the public sector bodies must answer to the Ministers and Government secretaries and the citizens. Legislative mechanism and budgetary constraints also determine the scope of decision making. Therefore organisation must compare its performance against those of similar organisation and its past records. Moreover they may have reasons to work together or collaborate in different areas, in order to achieve their common objective (McBride ct al., 20 13). The findings of this research reveals that managers are aware of Information Quality and they do make decisions but the efficiency and consistency is not understood by many hence like any other organisation the department is faced with changes in the environment which brings along a new wave of challenges. The Department has to continually adapt its strategies and programmes to fit these managerial decision making changes. An assessment of the environment then becomes a continuous process. In order for the department to thrive it will need competent and skilled human resources. The Department of Social Development Bojanala District should therefore invest in fruitful Information development programmes if it plans to win or manage these challenges. Masters

MBA, North-West University, Mahikeng Campus Inadequate human and financial capital led to LED units to be stagnant. Taking all these issues into account, the purpose of the study was to investigate the nonperformance of LED initiatives and departments in the district. A qualitative approach was use to collect data. The data was discussed and recommended actions were made. These include the use the current initiatives to assist municipalities and to reestablish the LED fund . Masters

Thesis (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2012 Purpose This study examined the extent to which the North-West University, Mafikeng Campus (NWU, MC) is managing to attract and retain properly qualified academics. Methodology This predominantly quantitative study has questionnaires responded to by hundred and sixty respondents and survey money responded to by fifty-two respondents were used to gather data from deans, directors and teaching staff at the NWU, MC and from other universities. Findings Attraction and retention of properly qualified and experienced academics emerges as a University's key strategic mandate as such personnel champions an institution's quest to deliver quality teaching-learning, research and community engagement. The study also notes that the NWU, MC is not doing well in terms of attracting and retaining properly qualified academics, a regrettable trend. The need for a proper mix of workload, work and personal life balance, remuneration and promotion among others emerged as key attraction and retention tenets. Conclusion The study concludes that attraction and retention of academics is a global challenge. The NWU, MC and other affected universities need to do all they can to curtail the challenge so that they can attract and retain properly qualified and experienced academics for them to boost their throughput and graduation rates. These achievements, among others would ensure that the university' customers would be satified at the same time the university would attract funding. Recommendation It emerges that a university that offers longer contracts stands better chances to attract and retain academics. To this end, this study shares several pertinent insights that can help the NWU, MC ameliorate the challenge. Masters

MBA, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2012 This study investigates the relationship between job satisfaction and organisational commitment. The study also serves as an evaluative and descriptive tool towards the relationship between job satisfaction and organisational commitment amongst educators in rural areas of the Kagisano Molopo Area Office. The study is aimed to assist the district and provincial management to understand issues that contribute to job dissatisfaction amongst educators in rural schools. It further suggests the application of the components of organisational commitment for developing a healthy culture in schools to achieve educational goals. Key words: Job satisfaction, organisational commitment and primary school educators. Masters

Thesis (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng campus, 2012 After a review of the literature relevant to dismissal management systems been over time and across different government departments, this thesis confines it's relevant to case study of the department and implementation of a dismissal management system in the department of Justice (Master of the High Court). Collection followed for the relevant data by a discussion of the development and implementation of the dismissal management system at the Master of the High Court over period of five years from 1st June 2007 to 31st May 2011 . Next, an analysis of major themes that emerged from the research, in terms of important items for consideration in the development and implementation of a dismissal management system in the department of Justice. After analysing the relevant information, it became apparent that the dismissal management system has no direct influence on the delay of the Master of the High Court. Although the department of Justice is dismissal management systems undergoes continual improvement, significant inroads have been made into providing a sensible, clear and dynamic solution to the problem of rewarding efficient and effective dismissal management system in a number of ways. Masters