GTE Practical Tutorial Letter 2016

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Tutorial letter 101/0/2016

Geotechnical Engineering II ( Practical)

GTE2PRA

Year Module

Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

This tutorial letter contains important informationabout your module.

Open Rubric


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CONTENTS

Page

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 4

2

PURPOSE OF AND OUTCOMES FOR THE MODULE............................................................... 4

2.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 4

2.2 Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................... 5

3 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS................................................................................... 6

3.1 Department .................................................................................................................................. 6

3.2 University .................................................................................................................................... 7

4

MODULE-RELATED RESOURCES ............................................................................................. 7

4.1 Prescribed books ........................................................................................................................ 7

4.2 Recommended books ................................................................................................................. 7

4.3 Electronic Reserves (e-Reserves) ............................................................................................. 7

5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE MODULE ............................................................... 8

6

MODULE-SPECIFIC STUDY PLAN ............................................................................................. 8

6.1 VENUE OPTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 8

6.1.1

OPTION 1: THE PREFERRED OPTION ...................................................................................... 8

a. VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AND CAPE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY ............. 8

b. OPTION 2: THE NON-PREFERRED OPTION ............................................................................. 8

c. ALTERNATIVE INSTITUTION ...................................................................................................... 8

6.1.2 OPTION 2 - APPROVAL OF ALTERNATIVE INSTITUTION ....................................................... 9

a. Submission of documentation to alternative institution .......................................................... 9

b.

Approval of institution by UNISA. .............................................................................................. 9

7

Rules for the practicum attendance and participation ............................................................. 9

7.1 Submission of Practicum Report ............................................................................................. 10

7.1.1 OPTION 1: THE PREFERRED OPTION .................................................................................... 10

7.1.2 OPTION 2: THE NON-PREFERRED OPTION ........................................................................... 11

8 MODULE PRACTICAL WORK AND WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING .................................. 11

8.1 ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................................................... 12

8.1.1

Assessment plan ...................................................................................................................... 12

8.2

General assignment numbers .................................................................................................. 12

8.2.1 Unique assignment numbers ...................................................................................................... 12

8.2.2

Due dates for assignments ......................................................................................................... 12


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8.3 Submission of assignments ........................................................................................................ 12

8.4 Website ...................................................................................................................................... 13

8.5 Plagiarism ................................................................................................................................... 13

8.6 A Signed Declaration .................................................................................................................. 14

8.7

Assignments ............................................................................................................................... 14

9 OTHER ASSESSMENT METHODS ........................................................................................... 25

10 EXAMINATION ........................................................................................................................... 25

11 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........................................................................................ 25

12 SOURCES CONSULTED ........................................................................................................... 25

13 CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................ 25

14 ADDENDUM ............................................................................................................................... 25


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1 INTRODUCTION

Dear Student

1.1 Tutorial matter

Some of this tutorial matter may not be available when you register. Tutorial matter that is not

available when you register will be posted to you as soon as possible, but is also available on

myUnisa.

2 PURPOSE OF AND OUTCOMES FOR THE MODULE

2.1 Purpose

To impact students with the fundamental principles of compaction and methods of

increasing the density of soil masses

To enable students to determine the hydraulic conductivity of different types of soil inthe laboratory or on site.

To determine the seepage loss through pervious homogeneous soil volumes under

impermeable structures and through earth dam walls using flow nets.

Students will also be able to deal with sample cases of anisotropic soil, and will know

to apply basic criteria to design graded filters.

To be able to distinguish between total normal stress, effective normal stress and

neutral stress, and determine the effects of gravity, seepage, and a variety of applied

surface loads on the vertical compressive normal stress at any position in a soil profile

To enable students to perform consolidation test on clay, interpret the results, and

determine the various compressibility coefficients of the clay.

Students will be able to calculate the primary and secondary consolidation settlement

of a foundation, and the time required for the process.


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To teach the principles of a shear strength. After completion of the contents students

should know how drainage condition affects the shear behaviour of soil, how the shear

strength of coarse and fine-grained soils differs, and how stress changes influence pore

water pressure.

Students should be able to perform calculations involving shear strength and

determine the shear strength parameters of soil by means of laboratory and on-site tests.

Students will be able to plan and execute a site investigation and subsurface

investigation program, including sampling of soils and coring rocks.

Students will also know how to perform a variety of in situ tests and derive

approximate soil properties from the results.

Students will be able to calculate lateral earth pressure on near vertical interfaces for

the at rest condition, as well as for the limiting active and passive condition, using the

theories by Rankine and Coulomb.

Students will also know how to evaluate the factors that have to be taken into

account in the analysis of a particular slope, decide on appropriate methods of analysis,

and to assess its stability

2.2 Outcomes

SOIL COMPACTION

MOVEMENT OF WATER THROUGH SOIL

STRESSES IN SOIL MASS

CONSOLIDATION SETTLEMENT

SHEAR STRENGTH OF SOIL

SUB-SURFACE EXPLORATION

LATERAL EARTH PRESSURE

SLOPE STABILITY


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SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

RETAINING WALLS

DEEP FOUNDATIONS

3 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS

Lecturer Mr Your lecturer is Mr H Ndlovu

Tel nr: 0735178896

E-mail: [email protected]

Technical Officer Mr Darlington Ikegwuoha (Tel) 0116709489

Email [email protected]/[email protected]

3.1 Department

Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering

Unisa (Florida Campus)

Private Bag x6

Florida

1710

Phone: 011 471 2048/3132

E-mail address:civil&[email protected]
mailto:civil&[email protected]:civil&[email protected]:civil&[email protected]:civil&[email protected]


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3.2 University

http://www.unisa.ac.za

4 MODULE-RELATED RESOURCES

4.1 Prescribed books

South African Geology for Mining, Metallurgical and Civil Engineering.

By: Lurir, J

Lupin Publishing

ISBN: 0620277971

Standard Methods of Testing Road Construction Materials: TMH1

By: Comm State Road Authorities

Dept of Transport

ISBN: 0798836539

4.2 Recommended books

There are no recommended books

4.3 Electronic Reserves (e-Reserves)

All course materials are available on myUnisa https://my.unisa.ac.za under the module course

code under Materials. Discussion forums are set up by your lecturer and available for

discussions with your peers https://my.unisa.ac.za . Some additional electronic resources are

available from the Library site (via www.unisa.ac.za).You may electronically post orupload your

assignments in line with the guidelines explained in the booklet:
http://www.unisa.ac.za/http://www.unisa.ac.za/https://my.unisa.ac.za/https://my.unisa.ac.za/https://my.unisa.ac.za/http://www.unisa.ac.za/


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5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE MODULE

Important information appears in your my Studies @ Unisa brochure.

6 MODULE-SPECIFIC STUDY PLAN

Use your my Studies @ Unisa brochure for general time management and planning skills.

6.1 VENUE OPTIONS

Learners have a choice of two options as to where they want to attend the practicum.

6.1.1 OPTION 1: THE PREFERRED OPTION

a. VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AND CAPE UNIVERSITY OFTECHNOLOGY

UNISA has entered into an agreement with the Vaal University of Technology and Cape

University of Technology, whereby UNISA learners may attend practicums at predetermineddates.

Annexure E contains a road map to the VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AND CAPE

UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY.

b. OPTION 2: THE NON-PREFERRED OPTION

c. ALTERNATIVE INSTITUTION

In the event of learners not being able to attend the Practicum at the Vaal University of

Technology OR Cape University of Technology the practicum may be performed at any other

University of Technology or similar institution, should facilities exist to carry out the practical

work.


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6.1.2 OPTION 2 - APPROVAL OF ALTERNATIVE INSTITUTION

a. Submission of documentation to alternative institution

Should the learner choose Option 2, the following documents must be submitted to the relevant

institution for their perusal and action:

Annexure A Practical Guide and Experiments

Annexure D Registration Form for Practicum Assignment 1

Learners must complete the personal information section, and provide the name of the

institution where they intend to do the practicum, as well as the contact name and telephone

number of the responsible laboratory staff member.

It is the sole responsibility of the learner to verify that the alternative institution have sufficient

facilities to effect the practicum and to comply with the UNISA practicum requirements.

b. Approval of institution by UNISA.

After submission of the registration form in Annexure D the learner must enquire from the

Lecturer

(Practicum) whether his application is approved.

Approval of an alternative institution is given on condition that no cost implication to UNISA is

applicable.

7 Rules for the practicum attendance and participation

The following rules for the practicum attendance and participation must be adhered to:


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The code of conduct as specified in Annexure B

The Practical Indemnity Form in Annexure C must be completed and returned to the lecturer

as part of Assignment 1.

The laboratory assistant or manager must verify your physical attendance and participation in

the workshop by signing the front page of your report. Failure to adhere to this requirement will

render your submission null and void.

To pass the practicum, the learner must obtain a sub-minimum of 50%

The learner must be directly involved in carrying out the practical work. In instances where the

number of learners attending a practical session necessitates in group-participation, each

learner of this group must do a specific section of the particular practicum and the task split

must be given in the learners report. Note your group number, if applicable.

The learner must record all relevant answers on the respective answer sheet for each

experiment.

7.1 Submission of Practicum Report

7.1.1 OPTION 1: THE PREFERRED OPTION

7.1.1.1 Vaal University of TechnologyAND Cape University of Technology

On completion of the practicum, the practicum report must be submitted to the lecturer or

laboratory assistant for assessment. The Vaal University of Technology will forward all

assessed practicals to UNISA.


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7.1.2 OPTION 2: THE NON-PREFERRED OPTION

7.1.2.2 ALTERNATIVE INSTITUTION

On completion of the practicum, the practicum report must be submitted to the manager or

laboratory assistant for assessment.

In the event of students not being able to attend the practical at the Vaal University of

Technology or Cape University of Technology, the practical may be carried out at any other

University of Technology or similar institution, should facilities exist to carry out the practical

work as outlined in this tutorial letter, and UNISA approves the institution.

Students must complete the personal information section, and provide the name of the

institution where they intend to do the practical. The responsible laboratory staff member must

enter their name, contact number, e-mail address, the list of experiments that can be conducted

and sign the document.

Approval of an alternative venue is on condition that the required practical work can be carried

out in full at the laboratory chosen at no cost to UNISA. All costs incurred by the student in

attending the practical at an alternative venue will be for the students personal account. UNISA

will not get involved in any monetary matters between a student and a third party.

If you are employed in a similar discipline, you may request to do the practical under the

auspices of a mentor from your company. The mentor must be a registered professional

person, such as a professional engineer, technologist etc. If in doubt, contact your lecturer.

The institution must also mark the completed Practical Report and you must submit themarked practical by the due date stated in this tutorial letter. It is your sole responsibility to

verify that the chosen institution has adequate facilities to carry out the practical as outlined in

annexure A.

8 MODULE PRACTICAL WORK AND WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING

This is a practical module .


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8.1 ASSESSMENT

8.1.1 Assessment plan

This is a year course. Use youre my Studies @ Unisa brochure for general time management and planning skills.

8.2 General assignment numbers

Assignments are numbered consecutively per module, starting from 01

8.2.1 Unique assignm ent numbers

Assignment 1 671485

Assignment 2 838982

8.2.2 Due dates for assig nments

Assignment 1 04 March 2016

Assignment 2 07 October 2016

8.3 Submission of assignments

Note: The cutoff dates given here are the official, last dates on which a given assignment may

be submitted. Students must adhere to these dates only. All other dates referring to cut-off

submission dates for assignments, as may be posted on myUnisa or elsewhere, refers to

administrative dates as managed by the Assignments Department and does NOT influence or

change the above dates


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8.4 Website

Please note that the department has a web site where additional information on the department

and the modules are available.

The address is:

http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=19740

Tutorial Letters are available from the myUnisa website. (See my Studies @ Unisa)

Should you encounter any problems in submitting an assignment on myUnisa, you may contact

the help line [email protected]

8.5 Plagiarism

An assignment is designed to be a product of your own study and your own thought. It is not

intended to be a piece of work which merely reproduces details, information or ideas from a

study guide, from books or articles, or from the Internet.

If you do this, you commit plagiarism. Plagiarism is the act of copying word for word with or

without acknowledgment from study sources (e.g. books, articles, the Internet). In other words,

you must submit your own ideas in your own words, sometimes interspersing relevant short

quotations that are properly referenced.

Yes, simply copying a few pages from the prescribed book is plagiarism. Pasting paragraphs

from Wikipedia into your assignment is plagiarism. And it does not stop being plagiarism if you

mention the source.

Skilled scientific writers can use direct block quotations to make a specific point. They know

what they are doing. You still need to develop your own voice, your own style of arguing the

point. Do not plagiarise.

Note that you also commit plagiarism if you copy the assignment of another student. We do

encourage you to work together and form study groups, but you are expected to prepare and

submit your own assignments.

When we receive two or more identical assignments, we are not able to work out who copied

from whom. We will therefore penalize both students.
http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=19740http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=19740mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=19740


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If you commit plagiarism you will be penalized and given no marks for your assignment.

This will have a serious effect on your chances to succeed in your studies because you

will have no semester mark.

Furthermore, you may be penalised or subjected to disciplinary proceedings by the University.

Plagiarism is also an offence in terms of the law.

8.6 A Signed Declaration

Every essay-type assignment we receive must include the following declaration along with your

name and the date:

I declare that this assignment is my own work and that all sources

quoted have been acknowledged by appropriate references.

We will subtract marks if this declaration is absent from your assignment, just as we willsubtract marks if your assignment does not have a Table of contents, List of references cited,and so on.

8.7 Assignments

This practical module has two (2) assignments. Both assignments are compulsory.

Assignment 1: Practical Indemnity Form (Annexure C)

Registration Form for Practicum (Annexure D)

Assignment 2: The Practicum (Annexure A)

Submit both assignments in the assignment covers provided.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING POINTS REGARDING

ASSIGNMENTS:

IT IS COMPULSORY TO SUBMIT ALL TWO (2) ASSIGNMENTS IN ORDER TO OBTAIN

EXAMINATION ENTRANCE.

NO LATE ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.


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KEEP A CLEAR COPY OF THE ASSIGNMENT FOR YOUR OWN REFERENCE. THIS IS

IMPORTANT, AS ASSIGNMENTS DO GET LOST.


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ANNEXURE A

PRACTICUM

SECTION 1: LABORATORY TESTS

The learner shall carry out the following tests on materials as prescribed in TMH1 Standardmethods of testing road construction materials.

Method A1 (a & b): Sieve analysis of gravel, sand and soil samples:

The determination of the liquid limit of soils by the flow curve method

The determination of the plastic limit and plasticity index of soils.

The determination of the percentage of material passing the 0,075 sieve in a soil sample

The determination of the grain size distribution in soils by means of a hydrometer.

SECTION 2: SOIL CLASSIFICATION

The learner will classify the soil sample used, according to both the USC system and AASHTOSystem.


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ANNEXURE B

PRACTICAL LEARNING - CODE OF CONDUCT

PREAMBLE

Co-operative education is an educational approach that integrates practical sessions into the

educational programme in order to ensure applied competence of graduates. Practical

sessions, whatever form they take, are an equally important component to the formal learning

components of the programme. No tuition provider can provide co-operative education on its

own. A collaborative effort between UNISA (as tuition provider); employers or community

settings (practical session providers) and learners (the learner) is necessary in order to

succeed.

UNISA will provide guidelines in order to provide for a high level of learning at the institution

where the learner undergoes practical sessions. The practical sessions form part of the overall

educational programme and offer an opportunity for learners to verify, in a practical way, what

they have learned and serve as fertile ground for sowing the seed for learning that will follow.

The objective of this code is to publicly state what conduct is expected from UNISA learners

during periods of practical sessions.

RIGHTS OF LEARNERS

Learners, like any member of a community, have both rights and obligations, for example:

A right to equal education, that does not discriminate among learners on the basis of race,

sex, colour, disability, religion or national origin. However, because practical sessions take

place at another institution, UNISA cannot be held accountable.


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A right to be informed of UNISA policies and academic programme requirements.

A right to privacy of personal matters and possessions.

A right to freedom of expression, within the parameters of the law.

A right to fair disciplinary procedures, which includes the right to know what they are accused

of and the right to respond with their side of the situation.

OBLIGATIONS OF UNISA LEARNERS

An obligation is a responsibility, which among others, ensures that the rights of others are

protected. The following obligations are not an exhaustive list, but serve as code of conduct of

what is expected from UNISA learners with regard to periods of practical sessions.

1. Registration

It is incumbent upon every learner who registers with UNISA to familiarise her/himself about the

practical session's components of the programme registered for and to comply with the

procedures and requirements of UNISA in this regard.

2. Assessment and progression

Each learner is responsible for compliance with the requirements pertaining to the practical

sessions of her/his educational programme and to follow the relevant procedures with regard to

assessment of practical sessions.

3. Compliance with employers policies, rules and regulations


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Learners are required to observe and uphold the policies, procedures and rules of the institution

that provide practical session opportunities. This includes, but is not limited to, being present for

laboratory sessions as per agreement with the institution, no absence without leave, punctuality,

and respecting the person and property of the institution and fellow learners.

4. Expected to participate actively and positively UNISA expects enthusiasm from its learners

Learners should actively engage in the practical session situation, learn from practical work

undertaken and ask questions to optimise their learning. Information necessary in order to

complete practical reports should be actively pursued. Materials necessary to complete reports

should be actively sought and legitimately obtained.

5. Intellectual property, honesty and individual work

Learners may not intentionally submit for evaluation material (plagiarism) that contains another

person's work. Another persons work may not be copied and submitted as ones own.

6. False information, forgery, alteration or misuse

False information or information furnished with the intent to deceive will not be tolerated. Neither

would forgery, alteration or misuse be tolerated. Learners will not make themselves guilty to any

form of abuse or unauthorised use of computer equipment or systems.

7. Confidentiality

Learners will respect the information of their practical session providers and will not disclose nor

permit or entitle any unauthorised person to have access to the guideline documents of the

institution in their possession or care. If need be, special arrangements may be made between

UNISA and a practical session provider to formally protect confidential or sensitive information.

8. Monitoring own progress (continuous self-assessment)


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Learners are required to progress with their practical session requirements, and ensure that

reports will be submitted on time. Should a learner experience difficulty, he/she should contact

the relevant UNISA staff for assistance or guidelines.

9. Serve as ambassadors of UNISA

Learners serve as ambassadors of UNISA and will refrain from any abusive physical contact or

any disorderly conduct. No form of harassment, sexual or other, will be tolerated. Learners will

not misrepresent or contradict UNISA; however, learners are expected at all times to act in such

a way that it demonstrates respect for the rights and privileges of others


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ANNEXURE C

PRACTICAL SESSIONS INDEMNITY FORM

I, (full names) - ______________________________________, a student of the UNISA hereby

expressly acknowledge that part of my programme of study involves practical sessions in an

appropriate work environment.

Each signatory hereof (be it the student, the parent/guardian and/or spouse) jointly and

collectively exempts, expressly release, acquit and forever discharge UNISA and all of their

members, functionaries, officials, employees, agents, successors and voluntary workers from all

liabilities, from any and all claims for injuries (including death), loss or damages irrespective of

whether such liability, injury, loss or damage arises as result of negligence on the part of any of

the mentioned parties.

Each signatory hereof expressly agree to hold harmless, fully indemnify and exempts UNISA

and all persons herein from all claims lodged by whomsoever or whatever nature and however

resulting while the student is undergoing practical sessions.

Signed on ___ day of _____________ 20___ at _____________________________

Signature of student: ______________________________

(Duly assisted by her/his parent/guardian, as may be required by law)

Signature of parent/guardian: _____________Printed name_____________

(Signed in her/his own capacity and/or as guardian of the applicant, as may be required by law)

Signature of spouse: ________________________

WITNESS: ____________________

WITNESS: _________________________


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ANNEXURE D - REGISTRATION FORM FOR PRACTICUMASSIGNMENT 1

PLEASE COMPLETE IN CLEAR BLOCK LETTERS AND SUBMIT AS

ASSIGNMENT 1

TO: Mr T Belay

STUDENT INITIAL AND SURNAME: ..................................................................................

STUDENT NO: .........................................

TEL NO: .................................................... (WORK)

CELL: ....

E-MAIL: ......................................................

OPTION 1: Practical at VUT

SUBJECT NAME & CODE PREFERED PRACTICAL DATE

(JUNE OR NOVEMBER)

SIGNATURE

GEOTECHNICAL

ENGINEERING II

(GTE2PRA)

OPTION 2: Practical at venue of student own arrangement

I confirm that I have discussed all aspects of the practical session with the responsible person

from .(name of institution) and that UNISA will in no way be liable for any

costs with respect to this practical session.

_______________________ ____________

SIGNATURE DATE


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ADDRESS TO THE CPUT CAMPUS

CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY : Bellville campus

SYMPHONY WAY

BELLVILLE SOUTH

ROOM 0.03 on the ground floor

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 3355'48.29"S

Longitude 1838'13.74"E


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9 OTHER ASSESSMENT METHODS

None

10 EXAMINATION

Use your my Studies @ Unisa brochure for general examination guidelines and examination

preparation guidelines.

11 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The my Studies @ Unisa brochure contains an A-Z guide of the most relevant study

information.

12 SOURCES CONSULTED

N/A

13 CONCLUSION

N/A

14 ADDENDUM

N/A

Documents

GTE Practical Tutorial Letter 2016