ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am very grateful to others for the final production of this work: Dr Kerry Redican, and Dr Jon Poole, for co-chairing the committee. I am also grateful to Dr Charles Baffi, Dr Donald McKeon, and Dr Jerry Niles for their various roles.
The support of my family, especially my wife Susan, has been immeasurable. She was always available when at times my perseverance seemed falling apart. Thank you darling for proving to be a very valuable companion to me. My children, Ndiuzani, Elizabeth, Fred, Njobva, Henry, and Mark Jr. have been supportive all the time. Thanks are also due to my parents, for their care and love to raise me and to teach me to respect and admire human endeavor. Thank you for teaching me that in everything I do, sky is the limit.
Finally, I thank God for His special blessings to enable me reach this far in my academic pursuit. Thank you Father. I will always count on YOU.