Histological investigation of burnt bones: a case study of angulate tortoises from the archaeological site, Diepkloof Rock Shelter, Western Cape, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Shafi Bhat ◽  
Anusuya Chinsamy ◽  
John Parkington
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Histological Investigation ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Rock Shelter

scholarly journals A Path Dependency Approach to Governance Practices at a Public University of the Western Cape, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 110
Author(s):  
Tom Mark Brown
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Path Dependency ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Governance Structures ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Governance Practices ◽  
Student Unrest

This paper investigates the governance practices embedded within governance structures at the disposal of students at a public tertiary education institution, and student unrest as a mechanism to sway decision-making and reform policy at the case study institution of higher learning. In particular, the study is guided by a qualitative research paradigm using a structured interview tool to gather primary data using the University of the Western Cape (UWC) situated in Cape Town, South Africa, as a bounded case study, against the backdrop of the 2015-2016 #FeesMustFall (FMF) protests. It is suggested in this paper that student unrest is not the main reason, but rather a symptom of the broader inadequacies of the current participatory mechanisms available in university governance structures in general, and at the UWC. Employing a Path Dependency Theoretical (PDT) Approach. The article concludes by analyzing the findings of the empirical research, by identifying several themes and sub-themes.

scholarly journals Information and knowledge sharing trends of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Western Cape, South Africa

2011 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faeda Mohsam ◽  
Pieter A. Van Brakel
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Explicit Knowledge ◽  
Civil Engineering ◽  
Storm Water ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Company Strategy ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Track Record

Background: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, are currently facing various financial and other obstacles, which may threaten their survival. Globalisation, the lowering of trade barriers and the reduction of import tariffs have resulted in increased international competition. Businesses are thus forced to undertake continuous improvements and innovation in order to survive, to keep abreast of change and to excel.Objectives: Effective knowledge sharing and consequent knowledge management (KM) have been identified as definite approaches to enhancing competitive advantage. The research therefore aimed to establish to what extent small enterprises embrace their knowledge sharing activities and whether their knowledge sharing activities are managed at all. Furthermore, it examined how their knowledge sharing can contribute to their competitive advantage.Method: A case study approach was followed for this research. Selected SMEs from the engineering sector were the subject of the case study and SME owners, directors and managers of consulting civil engineering firms were interviewed to determine whether there are mechanisms in place to ensure better knowledge sharing within SMEs.Results: In general, respondents had stated that they possessed special factors that set them above their competitors:• The company strategy and good reputation of completing projects within the required timeframe. In other words, they were well known for their track record in terms of service delivery. • Their specialty in terms of different focus areas, namely structural and civil engineering, water supply and storm water design, transportation, sewer design and storm water traffic. • The fact that they operated in silos. This means that the specialists in their specific fields operated independently in groups, separately from everyone else in the company. • Their good relationship with local authorities and other companies in the field. • Their multidisciplinary approach in incorporating all spheres of civil engineering, which gave them a niche in the market. • The vast knowledge and experience of the owners and directors.Conclusion: Each of the companies interviewed had unique skills that they can apply to their advantage. They were also found to be implementing KM processes such as sharing, creating and leveraging of information and knowledge, albeit in the absence of formal policies. It was therefore deduced that SME successes depend on how well they share their tacit and explicit knowledge; this will determine whether they would excel above their competitors.

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