A methodology for modernising legacy web applications: subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual
- Authors: Malgraff, Maxine
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Management information systems , Information technology , Application software -- Development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64148 , vital:73657
- Description: One problem faced in the Information Systems domain is that of poorly maintained, poorly documented, and/or unmanageable systems, known as Legacy Information Systems (LISs). As a result of the everchanging web development landscape, web applications have also become susceptible to the challenges faced in keeping up with technological advances, and older applications are starting to display the characteristics of becoming Legacy Web Applications (LWAs). As retaining business process support and meeting business requirements is often necessary, one method of recovering vital LWAs is to modernise them. System modernisation aims to recover business knowledge and provide an enhanced system that overcomes the problems plagued by LISs. When planning to modernise an LWA, guidance and support are essential to ensure that the modernisation exercise is performed efficiently and effectively. Modernisation methodologies can provide this required guidance and support as they provide models, tools and techniques that serve as guiding principles for the modernisation process. Although many modernisation methodologies exist, very few offer a comprehensive approach to modernisation that provides guidelines for each modernisation phase, tools to assist in the modernisation and techniques that can be used throughout. Existing methodologies also do not cater for cases that include both the LWA and migration to modernised web-specific environments. This research study aimed to investigate modernisation methodologies and identify which methodologies, or parts thereof, could be adapted for modernising LWAs. Existing methodologies were analysed and compared using the definition of a methodology, as well as other factors that improve the modernisation process. Modernisation case studies were reviewed to identify lessons learned from these studies so that these could be considered when planning an LWA modernisation. The ARTIST methodology was the most comprehensive modernisation methodology identified from those researched and was selected as the most appropriate methodology for modernising an LWA. ARTIST was modified to the mARTIST methodology to cater for web-based environments.mARTIST was used to modernise an existing LWA, called OldMax, at an automotive manufacturer, anonymously referred to as AutoCo, to determine its ability to support the modernisation of LWAs. Additional tools and evaluation methods were also investigated and used in place of those recommended by ARTIST, where deemed appropriate for the modernisation of OldMax. Limitations set by AutoCo on the hosting and technical environments for the modernised application also required ARTIST to be adapted to better suit the use case. The steps taken during this modernisation were documented and reported on to highlight the effectiveness of mARTIST and the tools used. The result of this modernisation was that the modernised web application, ModMax, was evaluated to determine the success of the modernisation. The modernisation of OldMax to ModMax, using the mARTIST methodology, was found to be successful based on the criteria set by the ARTIST methodology. Based on this, mARTIST can successfully be used for the modernisation of LWAs. To support future modernisations, an evaluation method for determining technical feasibility was developed for LWA, and alternate tools that could be used throughout modernisation exercises were recommended. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Malgraff, Maxine
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Management information systems , Information technology , Application software -- Development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64148 , vital:73657
- Description: One problem faced in the Information Systems domain is that of poorly maintained, poorly documented, and/or unmanageable systems, known as Legacy Information Systems (LISs). As a result of the everchanging web development landscape, web applications have also become susceptible to the challenges faced in keeping up with technological advances, and older applications are starting to display the characteristics of becoming Legacy Web Applications (LWAs). As retaining business process support and meeting business requirements is often necessary, one method of recovering vital LWAs is to modernise them. System modernisation aims to recover business knowledge and provide an enhanced system that overcomes the problems plagued by LISs. When planning to modernise an LWA, guidance and support are essential to ensure that the modernisation exercise is performed efficiently and effectively. Modernisation methodologies can provide this required guidance and support as they provide models, tools and techniques that serve as guiding principles for the modernisation process. Although many modernisation methodologies exist, very few offer a comprehensive approach to modernisation that provides guidelines for each modernisation phase, tools to assist in the modernisation and techniques that can be used throughout. Existing methodologies also do not cater for cases that include both the LWA and migration to modernised web-specific environments. This research study aimed to investigate modernisation methodologies and identify which methodologies, or parts thereof, could be adapted for modernising LWAs. Existing methodologies were analysed and compared using the definition of a methodology, as well as other factors that improve the modernisation process. Modernisation case studies were reviewed to identify lessons learned from these studies so that these could be considered when planning an LWA modernisation. The ARTIST methodology was the most comprehensive modernisation methodology identified from those researched and was selected as the most appropriate methodology for modernising an LWA. ARTIST was modified to the mARTIST methodology to cater for web-based environments.mARTIST was used to modernise an existing LWA, called OldMax, at an automotive manufacturer, anonymously referred to as AutoCo, to determine its ability to support the modernisation of LWAs. Additional tools and evaluation methods were also investigated and used in place of those recommended by ARTIST, where deemed appropriate for the modernisation of OldMax. Limitations set by AutoCo on the hosting and technical environments for the modernised application also required ARTIST to be adapted to better suit the use case. The steps taken during this modernisation were documented and reported on to highlight the effectiveness of mARTIST and the tools used. The result of this modernisation was that the modernised web application, ModMax, was evaluated to determine the success of the modernisation. The modernisation of OldMax to ModMax, using the mARTIST methodology, was found to be successful based on the criteria set by the ARTIST methodology. Based on this, mARTIST can successfully be used for the modernisation of LWAs. To support future modernisations, an evaluation method for determining technical feasibility was developed for LWA, and alternate tools that could be used throughout modernisation exercises were recommended. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
Information technology (IT) measures needed In the automotive industry to prepare for a pandemic
- Authors: Marwayi, Sisanda
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Information technology , Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57864 , vital:58292
- Description: Information Technology is the application of technology to solve business or organisational problems on a broad scale. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a standstill to many businesses, including that of the automotive industry, where production was brought to halt, car sales plummeted and automotive industry employees were forced to work remotely. This study sought to understand the measures needed to be taken by the automotive industry in preparation for a pandemic. This study followed a deductive approach and the use of surveys was selected as a data collection tool. At the time of the study, the study population was permanently employed automotive industry employees based in Nelson Mandela Bay, working in administrative departments. These employees had access to ICT tools provided by the targeted company. The study aimed to investigate the IT measures needed by the automotive industry in preparation for a pandemic. More specifically, the study investigated IT infrastructure, financial support and communication, as well as IT skills and training, needed by the automotive industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay area for successful remote working. The empirical results were obtained from 127 automotive industry employees. The aim was to determine the extent of Remote Work Assessment in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive industry and whether IT infrastructure, Communication, Financial support, IT skills, IT personnel support and IT training were the strongest determinants of measuring IT needs in preparation for a pandemic. The findings of the study indicated that IT infrastructure, Communication, IT skills, IT personnel support and IT training were important determinants of Remote Work Assessment. The study also revealed that only financial support was deemed as an insignificant determinant of Remote Work Assessment. Furthermore, recommendations were made to automotive industry leaders and management to facilitate improved working conditions with government. This can lead to significantly better forecasting and vi measurement of IT needs for future pandemic preparation in the automotive industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Marwayi, Sisanda
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Information technology , Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57864 , vital:58292
- Description: Information Technology is the application of technology to solve business or organisational problems on a broad scale. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a standstill to many businesses, including that of the automotive industry, where production was brought to halt, car sales plummeted and automotive industry employees were forced to work remotely. This study sought to understand the measures needed to be taken by the automotive industry in preparation for a pandemic. This study followed a deductive approach and the use of surveys was selected as a data collection tool. At the time of the study, the study population was permanently employed automotive industry employees based in Nelson Mandela Bay, working in administrative departments. These employees had access to ICT tools provided by the targeted company. The study aimed to investigate the IT measures needed by the automotive industry in preparation for a pandemic. More specifically, the study investigated IT infrastructure, financial support and communication, as well as IT skills and training, needed by the automotive industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay area for successful remote working. The empirical results were obtained from 127 automotive industry employees. The aim was to determine the extent of Remote Work Assessment in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive industry and whether IT infrastructure, Communication, Financial support, IT skills, IT personnel support and IT training were the strongest determinants of measuring IT needs in preparation for a pandemic. The findings of the study indicated that IT infrastructure, Communication, IT skills, IT personnel support and IT training were important determinants of Remote Work Assessment. The study also revealed that only financial support was deemed as an insignificant determinant of Remote Work Assessment. Furthermore, recommendations were made to automotive industry leaders and management to facilitate improved working conditions with government. This can lead to significantly better forecasting and vi measurement of IT needs for future pandemic preparation in the automotive industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Use of Information Communication Technology for personal information management by University of Fort Hare students in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities
- Mafu, Phumelela https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-3150-0828
- Authors: Mafu, Phumelela https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-3150-0828
- Date: 2021-06
- Subjects: Information technology , Personal information management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20992 , vital:46884
- Description: This study investigated information communication technology for personal information management by the University of Fort Hare (UFH) students in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (FSSH). The objectives were to: find out which information communication technology applications and tools the students often use to acquire personal information; determine at what stage the students often experience a high influx of personal information and how to cope with the technology, and establish the challenges the students encounter when using information communication technology to manage personal information. The aim was to assess information communication technology for personal information management by UFH students in the FSSH. A sample of sixty respondents was randomly selected to represent a large population hoping that the results could be generalized to all FSSH students and make predictions. A quantitative research approach was chosen, utilizing the survey design and the Theory of Planned Behavior because of attitudes, behavioral control, and subjective norm. The findings reveal that 55percent of the students prefer to use portable devices, laptops to be specific to access and store information. Even though there are many search engines, 93percent of the students often use Google to search and access academic purposes on the internet. Their primary reason is that it is easy to access, download, and store information from Google. It was also established that 26percent of the students face challenges such as slow internet or damaged computers, unavailability of Wi-Fi, and crowded computer labs. This hindered their learning process. As a result, out of desperation, racing against time to submit assignments, students end up committing plagiarism. Moreover, the study's findings showed that 50percent of the students encounter information overload before they write their exams because, at this point, they are working towards collecting as much information as possible to be prepared for the exams. Furthermore, the study affirmed that 57percent of the students agree that possessing computer skills helps students in their academic journey and confirmed that students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds lack of computer skills negatively affect their academic performance. They need a quantum leap to acquire computer skills imperative for their information access, engagement, consumption, and knowledge production. , Thesis (MLIS) -- Faculty of Humanities, Social Science and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-06
- Authors: Mafu, Phumelela https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-3150-0828
- Date: 2021-06
- Subjects: Information technology , Personal information management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20992 , vital:46884
- Description: This study investigated information communication technology for personal information management by the University of Fort Hare (UFH) students in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (FSSH). The objectives were to: find out which information communication technology applications and tools the students often use to acquire personal information; determine at what stage the students often experience a high influx of personal information and how to cope with the technology, and establish the challenges the students encounter when using information communication technology to manage personal information. The aim was to assess information communication technology for personal information management by UFH students in the FSSH. A sample of sixty respondents was randomly selected to represent a large population hoping that the results could be generalized to all FSSH students and make predictions. A quantitative research approach was chosen, utilizing the survey design and the Theory of Planned Behavior because of attitudes, behavioral control, and subjective norm. The findings reveal that 55percent of the students prefer to use portable devices, laptops to be specific to access and store information. Even though there are many search engines, 93percent of the students often use Google to search and access academic purposes on the internet. Their primary reason is that it is easy to access, download, and store information from Google. It was also established that 26percent of the students face challenges such as slow internet or damaged computers, unavailability of Wi-Fi, and crowded computer labs. This hindered their learning process. As a result, out of desperation, racing against time to submit assignments, students end up committing plagiarism. Moreover, the study's findings showed that 50percent of the students encounter information overload before they write their exams because, at this point, they are working towards collecting as much information as possible to be prepared for the exams. Furthermore, the study affirmed that 57percent of the students agree that possessing computer skills helps students in their academic journey and confirmed that students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds lack of computer skills negatively affect their academic performance. They need a quantum leap to acquire computer skills imperative for their information access, engagement, consumption, and knowledge production. , Thesis (MLIS) -- Faculty of Humanities, Social Science and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-06
The readiness for the 4th industrial revolution by SARS towards 2030
- Authors: Botha, Reneé Chrystal
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: South African Revenue Service , Technological innovations -- Economic aspects , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50966 , vital:43176
- Description: The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is an autonomous agent that was established to collect taxes on behalf of the state. This mandate is shared across countries where the common thread of revenue collection agencies is that they all need to collect revenue, want participants within the system to act responsibly, the process to be fair and to act within the boundaries of legislation. It has become increasingly challenging for revenue collection agencies across the world to ensure tax compliance and ensure optimal revenue collection when unemployment rates are high, and the economy continues to struggle. It is a shared objective between revenue collection agencies to optimise revenue collection initiative and to narrow the tax gap. The technological advances in all sectors have grown at an exponential rate within a very short period. The WEF (2018) emphasised that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) brings with it an era of unprecedented innovation, technical change and global connectivity. Technology has become the key driver in assisting SARS to achieve its objectives to inform taxpayers of their responsibilities, make it easy for them to comply and ensure compliance to the tax laws. The primary objective of the research study is to investigate the possible factors that could influence the future state of revenue services, develop a series of alternative scenarios, and provide the preferred future of the South African Revenue Services towards 2030. The Six Pillars of futures studies provide a theory of futures thinking that links method and tools, that is developed through praxis (Inayatullah, 2012). The Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) was the preferred research tool used in this study to deepen the future analysis. Emphasis was placed on scenario planning and the creation of alternative futures for the South African Revenue Services towards 2030. The drivers of change that impacted the economy were identified and how it can be utilised to close the tax gap. SARS has been a victim of seizure where the destabilising of corporate governance and efficiency was the core objective. It is therefore important to understand the past and present to enable better planning. This paper aims to better understand the disruptors to industry and the opportunity to improve efficiency and effectiveness using technology associated with the 4IR. SARS has great potential in being globally competitive with other countries, if government, stakeholders and SARS leadership have a shared vision of what the future revenue services will look like, what its capabilities will be and resource availability to ensure this vision is realized. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences , Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Botha, Reneé Chrystal
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: South African Revenue Service , Technological innovations -- Economic aspects , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50966 , vital:43176
- Description: The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is an autonomous agent that was established to collect taxes on behalf of the state. This mandate is shared across countries where the common thread of revenue collection agencies is that they all need to collect revenue, want participants within the system to act responsibly, the process to be fair and to act within the boundaries of legislation. It has become increasingly challenging for revenue collection agencies across the world to ensure tax compliance and ensure optimal revenue collection when unemployment rates are high, and the economy continues to struggle. It is a shared objective between revenue collection agencies to optimise revenue collection initiative and to narrow the tax gap. The technological advances in all sectors have grown at an exponential rate within a very short period. The WEF (2018) emphasised that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) brings with it an era of unprecedented innovation, technical change and global connectivity. Technology has become the key driver in assisting SARS to achieve its objectives to inform taxpayers of their responsibilities, make it easy for them to comply and ensure compliance to the tax laws. The primary objective of the research study is to investigate the possible factors that could influence the future state of revenue services, develop a series of alternative scenarios, and provide the preferred future of the South African Revenue Services towards 2030. The Six Pillars of futures studies provide a theory of futures thinking that links method and tools, that is developed through praxis (Inayatullah, 2012). The Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) was the preferred research tool used in this study to deepen the future analysis. Emphasis was placed on scenario planning and the creation of alternative futures for the South African Revenue Services towards 2030. The drivers of change that impacted the economy were identified and how it can be utilised to close the tax gap. SARS has been a victim of seizure where the destabilising of corporate governance and efficiency was the core objective. It is therefore important to understand the past and present to enable better planning. This paper aims to better understand the disruptors to industry and the opportunity to improve efficiency and effectiveness using technology associated with the 4IR. SARS has great potential in being globally competitive with other countries, if government, stakeholders and SARS leadership have a shared vision of what the future revenue services will look like, what its capabilities will be and resource availability to ensure this vision is realized. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences , Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The Role of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Rural Development:
- Authors: Fikeni, Thandokazi Gugu
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Information technology , Communication in rural development , Rural development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19747 , vital:43232
- Description: Abstract text. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Fikeni, Thandokazi Gugu
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Information technology , Communication in rural development , Rural development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19747 , vital:43232
- Description: Abstract text. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
The use of information and communication technologies in agricultural development in rural areas: case of smallholder farmers in Umzimvubu Local Municipality
- Authors: Makaula, Zimasa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agricultural extension work , Information technology , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Agric (Agric Extension)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11994 , vital:39125
- Description: Proper and timeous communication amongst different social development participants is one of the main driving factors for successful human progress. Different platforms have been used by different industries across the globe to ensure that useful information is shared with relevant structures at appropriate times. The global increase on use and availability of Information Communication Technologies (ICT’s) has prompted a thorough analysis and study of their relevance on different industries. Much of the increase has been observed mainly on highly urbanized areas, where the majority of the population is literate and who are above the poverty line. Some researchers have argued that the language used in some of the ICT’s is limited to the elite few, while others highlight cost implications in the use of these ICTs. The agricultural industry is not immune to the debates that relate to the development of ICTs, it is in most cases at the center, due to its diverse nature (in terms of participation) and close linkage to human development. There seems to be a correlation between ICT usage and the economies of scale in agricultural development, where smallholder farmers tend to use less of highly modernized ICTs, while commercial large scale farmers use more of the modernized ICTs. This disparity amongst farmers is exacerbated in many areas by the differing support systems employed by the public extension services. This study was initiated in order to study the usage and relevance of the ICTs by the smallholder farmers of the Umzimvubu Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The research address the following research questions: 1. Which ICTs are owned by smallholder farmers of Umzimvubu local municipality? 2. Do smallholder farmers use ICTs to communicate agricultural information? 3. What are the types of ICT devices and services used by smallholder farmers for vi agricultural development? 4. What are the challenges faced by smallholder farmers when using ICTs to communicate agricultural information? A survey questionnaire was then developed to collect the relevant data from randomly selected six villages of Umzimvubu Local Municipality. The questionnaires structure employed both closed and open-ended questions that were administered using a face to face interview, conducted on the sample population in each village. The results indicated that the most common ICTs that were owned by smallholder farmers in the study area were: mobile phones (33%), televisions (TV) (28%), and radio (20%). The results also showed that communication amongst farmers (35%) and extension officers (35%) was the most notable use of mobile phone from the study area. The results also revealed that most smallholder farmers faced the following challenges when using ICTs to retrieve agricultural information; poor signal (40%), inconsistent broadcasting times for TV and radio agricultural programmes (35%), language barrier (15%) and lack of electricity (10%). The study, therefore, concludes that a majority of smallholder farmers from the study area own ICT devices necessary for rural agricultural development (mobile phones, TV and radio) that can be targeted by extension officers, policy makers, rural development implementing agencies and agro-industries to promote rural development. However, several challenges (language barrier, poor network signal and no electricity) limit the potential of these ICT devices and services from fully benefiting smallholder farmers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Makaula, Zimasa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agricultural extension work , Information technology , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Agric (Agric Extension)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11994 , vital:39125
- Description: Proper and timeous communication amongst different social development participants is one of the main driving factors for successful human progress. Different platforms have been used by different industries across the globe to ensure that useful information is shared with relevant structures at appropriate times. The global increase on use and availability of Information Communication Technologies (ICT’s) has prompted a thorough analysis and study of their relevance on different industries. Much of the increase has been observed mainly on highly urbanized areas, where the majority of the population is literate and who are above the poverty line. Some researchers have argued that the language used in some of the ICT’s is limited to the elite few, while others highlight cost implications in the use of these ICTs. The agricultural industry is not immune to the debates that relate to the development of ICTs, it is in most cases at the center, due to its diverse nature (in terms of participation) and close linkage to human development. There seems to be a correlation between ICT usage and the economies of scale in agricultural development, where smallholder farmers tend to use less of highly modernized ICTs, while commercial large scale farmers use more of the modernized ICTs. This disparity amongst farmers is exacerbated in many areas by the differing support systems employed by the public extension services. This study was initiated in order to study the usage and relevance of the ICTs by the smallholder farmers of the Umzimvubu Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The research address the following research questions: 1. Which ICTs are owned by smallholder farmers of Umzimvubu local municipality? 2. Do smallholder farmers use ICTs to communicate agricultural information? 3. What are the types of ICT devices and services used by smallholder farmers for vi agricultural development? 4. What are the challenges faced by smallholder farmers when using ICTs to communicate agricultural information? A survey questionnaire was then developed to collect the relevant data from randomly selected six villages of Umzimvubu Local Municipality. The questionnaires structure employed both closed and open-ended questions that were administered using a face to face interview, conducted on the sample population in each village. The results indicated that the most common ICTs that were owned by smallholder farmers in the study area were: mobile phones (33%), televisions (TV) (28%), and radio (20%). The results also showed that communication amongst farmers (35%) and extension officers (35%) was the most notable use of mobile phone from the study area. The results also revealed that most smallholder farmers faced the following challenges when using ICTs to retrieve agricultural information; poor signal (40%), inconsistent broadcasting times for TV and radio agricultural programmes (35%), language barrier (15%) and lack of electricity (10%). The study, therefore, concludes that a majority of smallholder farmers from the study area own ICT devices necessary for rural agricultural development (mobile phones, TV and radio) that can be targeted by extension officers, policy makers, rural development implementing agencies and agro-industries to promote rural development. However, several challenges (language barrier, poor network signal and no electricity) limit the potential of these ICT devices and services from fully benefiting smallholder farmers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A strategy for sustainable ICT development in deep rural environments
- Authors: Medupe, Tsietsi Jacob
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Information technology , Sustainable development Information technology -- Developing countries Rural development -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41438 , vital:36483
- Description: This study provides a strategy for sustainable Information and Communcation Technology (ICT) development in deep rural environments and describes a case study conducted within the community of the AmaJingqi traditional council. It investigates the sustainability of the ICT services within a rural environments, the income profile and affordability of different members of the community and the strategy formulation model. The study’s main focus is on creating a strategy to be used as a guideline for the successful development and implementation of sustainable ICT development in deep rural environments and on defining ICT Sustainability. Furthermore, the different ICT users are profiled based on affordability and access to services, and deep rural environments are also defined. Moreover, the study describes the complete composition of sustainable ICT. It discusses design science research methodology and the reasons why the method is used is motivated and advanced. The study also outlines various research paradigms and philosophies and a number of research strategies are also discussed. The literature review focuses on various policies and frameworks which have been formulated to advance the universal access of ICT services by rural communities. It also outlines some of the ICT initiatives which have failed and the reasons for the failures and what will be corrected for similar mistakes not to be repeated. The study discusses the concepts of a strategy framework that outlines the theoretical foundation of the strategy formulation model, strategy implementation and control. It also discusses the diagnostics and outlines the various strategy guiding polices. The strategy is validated, expert reviews are solicited and the strategy is revised and finalised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Medupe, Tsietsi Jacob
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Information technology , Sustainable development Information technology -- Developing countries Rural development -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41438 , vital:36483
- Description: This study provides a strategy for sustainable Information and Communcation Technology (ICT) development in deep rural environments and describes a case study conducted within the community of the AmaJingqi traditional council. It investigates the sustainability of the ICT services within a rural environments, the income profile and affordability of different members of the community and the strategy formulation model. The study’s main focus is on creating a strategy to be used as a guideline for the successful development and implementation of sustainable ICT development in deep rural environments and on defining ICT Sustainability. Furthermore, the different ICT users are profiled based on affordability and access to services, and deep rural environments are also defined. Moreover, the study describes the complete composition of sustainable ICT. It discusses design science research methodology and the reasons why the method is used is motivated and advanced. The study also outlines various research paradigms and philosophies and a number of research strategies are also discussed. The literature review focuses on various policies and frameworks which have been formulated to advance the universal access of ICT services by rural communities. It also outlines some of the ICT initiatives which have failed and the reasons for the failures and what will be corrected for similar mistakes not to be repeated. The study discusses the concepts of a strategy framework that outlines the theoretical foundation of the strategy formulation model, strategy implementation and control. It also discusses the diagnostics and outlines the various strategy guiding polices. The strategy is validated, expert reviews are solicited and the strategy is revised and finalised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An information extraction model for recommending the most applied case
- Authors: Padayachy, Thashen
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Information technology , Information storage and retrieval systems System design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43325 , vital:36794
- Description: The amount of information produced by different domains is constantly increasing. One domain that particularly produces large amounts of information is the legal domain, where information is mainly used for research purposes. However, too much time is spent by legal researchers on searching for useful information. Information is found by using special search engines or by consulting hard copies of legal literature. The main research question that this study addressed is “What techniques can be incorporated into a model that recommends the most applied case for a field of law?”. The Design Science Research (DSR) methodology was used to address the research objectives. The model developed is the theoretical contribution produced from following the DSR methodology. A case study organisation, called LexisNexis, was to help investigate the real-world problem. The initial investigation into the real-world problem revealed that too much time is spent on searching for the Most Applied Case (MAC) and no formal or automated processes were used. An analysis of an informal process followed by legal researchers enabled the identification of different concepts that could be combined to create a prescriptive model to recommend the MAC. A critical analysis of the literature was conducted to obtain a better understanding of the legal domain and the techniques that can be applied to assist with problems faced in this domain, related to information retrieval and extraction. This resulted in the creation of an IE Model based only on theory. Questionnaires were sent to experts to obtain a further understanding of the legal domain, highlight problems faced, and identify which attributes of a legal case can be used to help recommend the MAC. During the Design and Development activity of the DSR methodology, a prescriptive MAC Model for recommending the MAC was created based on findings from the literature review and questionnaires. The MAC Model consists of processes concerning: Information retrieval (IR); Information extraction (IE); Information storage; and Query-independent ranking. Analysis of IR and IE helped to identify problems experienced when processing text. Furthermore, appropriate techniques and algorithms were identified that can process legal documents and extract specific facts. The extracted facts were then further processed to allow for storage and processing by query-independent ranking algorithms. The processes incorporated into the model were then used to create a proof-of-concept prototype called the IE Prototype. The IE Prototype implements two processes called the IE process and the Database process. The IE process analyses different sections of a legal case to extract specific facts. The Database process then ensures that the extracted facts are stored in a document database for future querying purposes. The IE Prototype was evaluated using the technical risk and efficacy strategy from the Framework for Evaluation of Design Science. Both formative and summative evaluations were conducted. Formative evaluations were conducted to identify functional issues of the prototype whilst summative evaluations made use of real-world legal cases to test the prototype. Multiple experiments were conducted on legal cases, known as source cases, that resulted in facts from the source cases being extracted. For the purpose of the experiments, the term “source case” was used to distinguish between a legal case in its entirety and a legal case’s list of cases referred to. Two types of NoSQL databases were investigated for implementation namely, a graph database and a document database. Setting up the graph database required little time. However, development issues prevented the graph database from being successfully implemented in the proof-of-concept prototype. A document database was successfully implemented as an alternative for the proof-of-concept prototype. Analysis of the source cases used to evaluate the IE Prototype revealed that 96% of the source cases were categorised as being partially extracted. The results also revealed that the IE Prototype was capable of processing large amounts of source cases at a given time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Padayachy, Thashen
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Information technology , Information storage and retrieval systems System design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43325 , vital:36794
- Description: The amount of information produced by different domains is constantly increasing. One domain that particularly produces large amounts of information is the legal domain, where information is mainly used for research purposes. However, too much time is spent by legal researchers on searching for useful information. Information is found by using special search engines or by consulting hard copies of legal literature. The main research question that this study addressed is “What techniques can be incorporated into a model that recommends the most applied case for a field of law?”. The Design Science Research (DSR) methodology was used to address the research objectives. The model developed is the theoretical contribution produced from following the DSR methodology. A case study organisation, called LexisNexis, was to help investigate the real-world problem. The initial investigation into the real-world problem revealed that too much time is spent on searching for the Most Applied Case (MAC) and no formal or automated processes were used. An analysis of an informal process followed by legal researchers enabled the identification of different concepts that could be combined to create a prescriptive model to recommend the MAC. A critical analysis of the literature was conducted to obtain a better understanding of the legal domain and the techniques that can be applied to assist with problems faced in this domain, related to information retrieval and extraction. This resulted in the creation of an IE Model based only on theory. Questionnaires were sent to experts to obtain a further understanding of the legal domain, highlight problems faced, and identify which attributes of a legal case can be used to help recommend the MAC. During the Design and Development activity of the DSR methodology, a prescriptive MAC Model for recommending the MAC was created based on findings from the literature review and questionnaires. The MAC Model consists of processes concerning: Information retrieval (IR); Information extraction (IE); Information storage; and Query-independent ranking. Analysis of IR and IE helped to identify problems experienced when processing text. Furthermore, appropriate techniques and algorithms were identified that can process legal documents and extract specific facts. The extracted facts were then further processed to allow for storage and processing by query-independent ranking algorithms. The processes incorporated into the model were then used to create a proof-of-concept prototype called the IE Prototype. The IE Prototype implements two processes called the IE process and the Database process. The IE process analyses different sections of a legal case to extract specific facts. The Database process then ensures that the extracted facts are stored in a document database for future querying purposes. The IE Prototype was evaluated using the technical risk and efficacy strategy from the Framework for Evaluation of Design Science. Both formative and summative evaluations were conducted. Formative evaluations were conducted to identify functional issues of the prototype whilst summative evaluations made use of real-world legal cases to test the prototype. Multiple experiments were conducted on legal cases, known as source cases, that resulted in facts from the source cases being extracted. For the purpose of the experiments, the term “source case” was used to distinguish between a legal case in its entirety and a legal case’s list of cases referred to. Two types of NoSQL databases were investigated for implementation namely, a graph database and a document database. Setting up the graph database required little time. However, development issues prevented the graph database from being successfully implemented in the proof-of-concept prototype. A document database was successfully implemented as an alternative for the proof-of-concept prototype. Analysis of the source cases used to evaluate the IE Prototype revealed that 96% of the source cases were categorised as being partially extracted. The results also revealed that the IE Prototype was capable of processing large amounts of source cases at a given time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Building IKhwezi, a digital platform to capture everyday Indigenous Knowledge for improving educational outcomes in marginalised communities
- Authors: Ntšekhe, Mathe V K
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Information technology , Knowledge management , Traditional ecological knowledge , Pedagogical content knowledge , Traditional ecological knowledge -- Technological innovations , IKhwezi , ICT4D , Indigenous Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (I-TPACK) , Siyakhula Living Lab
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62505 , vital:28200
- Description: Aptly captured in the name, the broad mandate of Information and Communications Technologies for Development (ICT4D) is to facilitate the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in society to support development. Education, as often stated, is the cornerstone for development, imparting knowledge for conceiving and realising development. In this thesis, we explore how everyday Indigenous Knowledge (IK) can be collected digitally, to enhance the educational outcomes of learners from marginalised backgrounds, by stimulating the production of teaching and learning materials that include the local imagery to have resonance with the learners. As part of the exploration, we reviewed a framework known as Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), which spells out the different kinds of knowledge needed by teachers to teach effectively with ICTs. In this framework, IK is not present explicitly, but through the concept of context(s). Using Afrocentric and Pan-African scholarship, we argue that this logic is linked to colonialism and a critical decolonising pedagogy necessarily demands explication of IK: to make visible the cultures of the learners in the margins (e.g. Black rural learners). On the strength of this argument, we have proposed that TPACK be augumented to become Indigenous Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (I-TPACK). Through this augumentation, I-TPACK becomes an Afrocentric framework for a multicultural education in the digital era. The design of the digital platform for capturing IK relevant for formal education, was done in the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL). The core idea of a Living Lab (LL) is that users must be understood in the context of their lived everyday reality. Further, they must be involved as co-creators in the design and innovation processes. On a methodological level, the LL environment allowed for the fusing together of multiple methods that can help to create a fitting solution. In this thesis, we followed an iterative user-centred methodology rooted in ethnography and phenomenology. Specifically, through long term conversations and interaction with teachers and ethnographic observations, we conceptualized a platform, IKhwezi, that facilitates the collection of context-sensitive content, collaboratively, and with cost and convenience in mind. We implemented this platform using MediaWiki, based on a number of considerations. From the ICT4D disciplinary point of view, a major consideration was being open to the possibility that other forms of innovation—and, not just ‘technovelty’ (i.e. technological/- technical innovation)—can provide a breakthrough or ingenious solution to the problem at hand. In a sense, we were reinforcing the growing sentiment within the discipline that technology is not the goal, but the means to foregrounding the commonality of the human experience in working towards development. Testing confirmed that there is some value in the platform. This is despite the challenges to onboard users, in pursuit of more content that could bolster the value of everyday IK in improving the educational outcomes of all learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ntšekhe, Mathe V K
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Information technology , Knowledge management , Traditional ecological knowledge , Pedagogical content knowledge , Traditional ecological knowledge -- Technological innovations , IKhwezi , ICT4D , Indigenous Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (I-TPACK) , Siyakhula Living Lab
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62505 , vital:28200
- Description: Aptly captured in the name, the broad mandate of Information and Communications Technologies for Development (ICT4D) is to facilitate the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in society to support development. Education, as often stated, is the cornerstone for development, imparting knowledge for conceiving and realising development. In this thesis, we explore how everyday Indigenous Knowledge (IK) can be collected digitally, to enhance the educational outcomes of learners from marginalised backgrounds, by stimulating the production of teaching and learning materials that include the local imagery to have resonance with the learners. As part of the exploration, we reviewed a framework known as Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), which spells out the different kinds of knowledge needed by teachers to teach effectively with ICTs. In this framework, IK is not present explicitly, but through the concept of context(s). Using Afrocentric and Pan-African scholarship, we argue that this logic is linked to colonialism and a critical decolonising pedagogy necessarily demands explication of IK: to make visible the cultures of the learners in the margins (e.g. Black rural learners). On the strength of this argument, we have proposed that TPACK be augumented to become Indigenous Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (I-TPACK). Through this augumentation, I-TPACK becomes an Afrocentric framework for a multicultural education in the digital era. The design of the digital platform for capturing IK relevant for formal education, was done in the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL). The core idea of a Living Lab (LL) is that users must be understood in the context of their lived everyday reality. Further, they must be involved as co-creators in the design and innovation processes. On a methodological level, the LL environment allowed for the fusing together of multiple methods that can help to create a fitting solution. In this thesis, we followed an iterative user-centred methodology rooted in ethnography and phenomenology. Specifically, through long term conversations and interaction with teachers and ethnographic observations, we conceptualized a platform, IKhwezi, that facilitates the collection of context-sensitive content, collaboratively, and with cost and convenience in mind. We implemented this platform using MediaWiki, based on a number of considerations. From the ICT4D disciplinary point of view, a major consideration was being open to the possibility that other forms of innovation—and, not just ‘technovelty’ (i.e. technological/- technical innovation)—can provide a breakthrough or ingenious solution to the problem at hand. In a sense, we were reinforcing the growing sentiment within the discipline that technology is not the goal, but the means to foregrounding the commonality of the human experience in working towards development. Testing confirmed that there is some value in the platform. This is despite the challenges to onboard users, in pursuit of more content that could bolster the value of everyday IK in improving the educational outcomes of all learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A framework for the corporate governance of ICT in local government
- Delport, Petrus Marthinus Jacobus
- Authors: Delport, Petrus Marthinus Jacobus
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7015 , vital:21191
- Description: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become critical and pervasive in any well-run modern enterprise across all sectors, which include local government. As a result, ICT demands to be managed and governed in a sustainable manner. Therefore, local government should accept the responsibility of implementing good Corporate Governance of ICT (CGICT). Without sound CGICT, ICT is unable to support local government in the achievement of their strategic objectives. This will most likely result in local government not being able to serve the interests of the community. Even though local government is aware of their responsibility regarding CGICT, the Auditor-General reports that their attempts are unsatisfactory, in this regard. This is most probably due to the fact that ample information exists on guiding local government with `what' they should do towards good CGICT, but unfortunately a lack of guidance on `how' to achieve it. Thus, it is imperative for local government to adopt a CGICT framework which provides guidance not only on what they must do towards implementing good CGICT but also on how they should achieve it. In doing so, local government would most likely be able to properly manage and govern ICT and support the needs of the community. Therefore, the aim of this study is to report on research undertaken, in order to assist local government with a CGICT framework that is relevant to their unique environment. Accordingly, this CGICT framework aims to be usable and scallable to the needs of any sized local government entity. As a result, the CGICT framework aims to be simplistic in nature to promote self-implementation of sound CGICT in local government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Delport, Petrus Marthinus Jacobus
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7015 , vital:21191
- Description: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become critical and pervasive in any well-run modern enterprise across all sectors, which include local government. As a result, ICT demands to be managed and governed in a sustainable manner. Therefore, local government should accept the responsibility of implementing good Corporate Governance of ICT (CGICT). Without sound CGICT, ICT is unable to support local government in the achievement of their strategic objectives. This will most likely result in local government not being able to serve the interests of the community. Even though local government is aware of their responsibility regarding CGICT, the Auditor-General reports that their attempts are unsatisfactory, in this regard. This is most probably due to the fact that ample information exists on guiding local government with `what' they should do towards good CGICT, but unfortunately a lack of guidance on `how' to achieve it. Thus, it is imperative for local government to adopt a CGICT framework which provides guidance not only on what they must do towards implementing good CGICT but also on how they should achieve it. In doing so, local government would most likely be able to properly manage and govern ICT and support the needs of the community. Therefore, the aim of this study is to report on research undertaken, in order to assist local government with a CGICT framework that is relevant to their unique environment. Accordingly, this CGICT framework aims to be usable and scallable to the needs of any sized local government entity. As a result, the CGICT framework aims to be simplistic in nature to promote self-implementation of sound CGICT in local government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A process maturity framework of information security policy development life cycle
- Authors: Tuyikeze, Tite
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Computer security , Information technology , Computer crimes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26797 , vital:66010
- Description: Information security policy development involves more than policy formulation and implementation. Unless organisations explicitly recognise the various steps required in the development of a security policy, they run the risk of developing policies that are poorly thought out, incomplete, redundant and, irrelevant and which will not be fully supported by the users. This study argues that an information security policy has an entire life cycle through which it must pass through during its useful lifetime. A content analysis on information security policy development methods was conducted using secondary sources in the relevant literature. The outcome of the content analysis resulted in the proposal of a framework of information security policy development and implementation. The proposed framework outlines the various steps required in the development, implementation and enforcement of an effective information security policy. A survey of 400 security professionals was conducted in order to evaluate the concepts contained in the framework.This study also emphasises the importance of integrating a security maturity assessment process into the information security policy development life cycle. A key finding of this study is the proposed maturity assessment framework which offers a structured methodology for evaluating the maturity level of an information security policy. The framework presents an integrated and holistic approach to ensure the incremental process maturity of the organisation’s information security policy development process. In addition, organisations using the proposed framework will be able both to determine the current maturity levels of their information security policy development process and also to plan enhancements in the correct sequence. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
- Authors: Tuyikeze, Tite
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Computer security , Information technology , Computer crimes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26797 , vital:66010
- Description: Information security policy development involves more than policy formulation and implementation. Unless organisations explicitly recognise the various steps required in the development of a security policy, they run the risk of developing policies that are poorly thought out, incomplete, redundant and, irrelevant and which will not be fully supported by the users. This study argues that an information security policy has an entire life cycle through which it must pass through during its useful lifetime. A content analysis on information security policy development methods was conducted using secondary sources in the relevant literature. The outcome of the content analysis resulted in the proposal of a framework of information security policy development and implementation. The proposed framework outlines the various steps required in the development, implementation and enforcement of an effective information security policy. A survey of 400 security professionals was conducted in order to evaluate the concepts contained in the framework.This study also emphasises the importance of integrating a security maturity assessment process into the information security policy development life cycle. A key finding of this study is the proposed maturity assessment framework which offers a structured methodology for evaluating the maturity level of an information security policy. The framework presents an integrated and holistic approach to ensure the incremental process maturity of the organisation’s information security policy development process. In addition, organisations using the proposed framework will be able both to determine the current maturity levels of their information security policy development process and also to plan enhancements in the correct sequence. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
A framework for co-located collaborative business process modelling using touch technologies
- Authors: Snyman, Irene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Reengineering (Management) , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:10498 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021015
- Description: In recent years the field of Business Process Modelling (BPM) has gained increasing attention from both the business and research communities. One of the primary drivers for BPM is the improved understanding of Business Processes (BPs) and the competitive advantage gained over competitors. In addition, BPM can improve communication in an organisation and facilitate increased support for change management. BPM is a collaborative activity that needs to be carried out in a team environment, and Collaborative Business Process Modelling (CBPM) promotes improved readability, accuracy and quality of process models as well as a reduced workload for modellers. In spite of the increased popularity of CBPM, there is limited research related to the collaborative nature of the modelling tasks performed by modellers and specifically to the synchronisation of shared process models. In addition, tools and techniques to support CBPM do not support this synchronisation effectively or efficiently. This study proposes a conceptual framework for CBPM using touch technologies in a colocated collaborative environment. The main research problem addressed by this study is that modellers experience difficulties conducting BPM activities in a co-located collaborative environment. In order to address the research problem and clarify and elaborate on the problems of CBPM, a two-fold approach was undertaken. Firstly, after an in-depth literature review, a BPM survey was designed and then sent to modellers in South African Information Technology (IT) consulting companies in order to provide a more in-depth understanding of the status and challenges of CBPM in IT consulting organisations. The results revealed that available BPM software do not adequately cater for CBPM and software tools do not enforce versioning and synchronisation. In addition, hardware constraints were reported as well as problems with integrating different parts of the process model that the modellers were working on. The results of the survey also showed that the positive aspects of CBPM are that ideas could be shared and overall there is a better understanding of the BPs being modelled. The second part of the problem elaboration consisted of usability field studies with participants from both education and industry using a traditional popular BPM software tool, Enterprise Architect (EA). Whilst several benefits of CBPM were confirmed, several challenges were encountered, particularly with regard to the integration and synchronisation of models. To overcome the problems of CBPM, a framework was developed that allows for co-located CBPM using tablet PCs. The framework includes a developed prototype of the BPMTouch software which runs on tablet PCs, as well as some theoretical aspects of CBPM. The BPMTouch software supports effective and efficient CBPM and the synchronisation of process models since it allows multiple modellers to work together on one BP model, with each modeller using his/her own tablet. If one modeller makes changes to the model, the changes are immediately reflected on the tablets of the other modellers since the changes to the model are updated in real time. Modellers cannot draw on the same model simultaneously, however, everyone can see what the active modeller (active participant with the green flag) is doing. Other participants can then become the active modeller and make changes to the model once the flag has been released and re-allocated. The results from the field studies, industry surveys and usability evaluations were all incorporated into the BPMTouch software tool design and into the aspects of CBPM in order to assist with the process of co-located CBPM using touch technologies. Usability evaluations were carried out in which industry and student participants used BPMTouch to create an integrated model and simultaneously and synchronously create a process model. The evaluations of the BPMTouch prototype revealed that participants prefer this system over traditional BPM software since the BPMTouch removes the need for post modelling integration. The theoretical contribution of the framework consists of aspects proposing that organisations should take the potential benefits and challenges of CBPM into consideration and address the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) before embarking on a CBPM project. These aspects can help with decisions relating to CBPM. The use of this framework can improve the quality of process models, reduce the workload of modellers and in this way increase the success rate of CBPM projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Snyman, Irene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Reengineering (Management) , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:10498 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021015
- Description: In recent years the field of Business Process Modelling (BPM) has gained increasing attention from both the business and research communities. One of the primary drivers for BPM is the improved understanding of Business Processes (BPs) and the competitive advantage gained over competitors. In addition, BPM can improve communication in an organisation and facilitate increased support for change management. BPM is a collaborative activity that needs to be carried out in a team environment, and Collaborative Business Process Modelling (CBPM) promotes improved readability, accuracy and quality of process models as well as a reduced workload for modellers. In spite of the increased popularity of CBPM, there is limited research related to the collaborative nature of the modelling tasks performed by modellers and specifically to the synchronisation of shared process models. In addition, tools and techniques to support CBPM do not support this synchronisation effectively or efficiently. This study proposes a conceptual framework for CBPM using touch technologies in a colocated collaborative environment. The main research problem addressed by this study is that modellers experience difficulties conducting BPM activities in a co-located collaborative environment. In order to address the research problem and clarify and elaborate on the problems of CBPM, a two-fold approach was undertaken. Firstly, after an in-depth literature review, a BPM survey was designed and then sent to modellers in South African Information Technology (IT) consulting companies in order to provide a more in-depth understanding of the status and challenges of CBPM in IT consulting organisations. The results revealed that available BPM software do not adequately cater for CBPM and software tools do not enforce versioning and synchronisation. In addition, hardware constraints were reported as well as problems with integrating different parts of the process model that the modellers were working on. The results of the survey also showed that the positive aspects of CBPM are that ideas could be shared and overall there is a better understanding of the BPs being modelled. The second part of the problem elaboration consisted of usability field studies with participants from both education and industry using a traditional popular BPM software tool, Enterprise Architect (EA). Whilst several benefits of CBPM were confirmed, several challenges were encountered, particularly with regard to the integration and synchronisation of models. To overcome the problems of CBPM, a framework was developed that allows for co-located CBPM using tablet PCs. The framework includes a developed prototype of the BPMTouch software which runs on tablet PCs, as well as some theoretical aspects of CBPM. The BPMTouch software supports effective and efficient CBPM and the synchronisation of process models since it allows multiple modellers to work together on one BP model, with each modeller using his/her own tablet. If one modeller makes changes to the model, the changes are immediately reflected on the tablets of the other modellers since the changes to the model are updated in real time. Modellers cannot draw on the same model simultaneously, however, everyone can see what the active modeller (active participant with the green flag) is doing. Other participants can then become the active modeller and make changes to the model once the flag has been released and re-allocated. The results from the field studies, industry surveys and usability evaluations were all incorporated into the BPMTouch software tool design and into the aspects of CBPM in order to assist with the process of co-located CBPM using touch technologies. Usability evaluations were carried out in which industry and student participants used BPMTouch to create an integrated model and simultaneously and synchronously create a process model. The evaluations of the BPMTouch prototype revealed that participants prefer this system over traditional BPM software since the BPMTouch removes the need for post modelling integration. The theoretical contribution of the framework consists of aspects proposing that organisations should take the potential benefits and challenges of CBPM into consideration and address the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) before embarking on a CBPM project. These aspects can help with decisions relating to CBPM. The use of this framework can improve the quality of process models, reduce the workload of modellers and in this way increase the success rate of CBPM projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The use of Blackboard as a tool for the teaching and assessment of large classes in mathematics education: a case study of second year level Bachelor of Education students in one university in South Africa
- Authors: Riley, Alanna
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Blackboards , Blackboard drawing , Mathematics -- Study and teaching , College students , Educational change , Information technology , Teaching -- Aids and devices , College teaching , Assessment , Blended learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16182 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006237 , Blackboards , Blackboard drawing , Mathematics -- Study and teaching , College students , Educational change , Information technology , Teaching -- Aids and devices , College teaching , Assessment , Blended learning
- Description: This study locates the Blackboard Learning Management System as a Technology Enhanced Learning tool within the bounds of the discipline of eLearning and aimed to interrogate the use of Blackboard for the purposes of teaching, learning and assessment in large classes. It is evident from the literature reviewed that changes in both Higher Education in the South Africa with regards to policy and legislation in addition to international shifts towards increased access and participation in a fast paced, ever-evolving knowledge-based economy, providing the context for this work. The theoretical framework for this study is not unidimensional due to the fact that the educational field of eLearning as an area of specialisation draws on a multitude of theories in terms of their utility value for instructional design of courses utilising Information and Communications Technology as a mode of delivery. This study was conducted within the bounds of an interpretivist paradigm as the researcher sought to focus on the use of Blackboard and the experiences of the lecturers and students involved in the implementation thereof. The research design for this study took the form of a case study and a multiple case method was employed. The researcher collected data through personal interviews conducted with participating lecturers, while student data was collected by means of a qualitative survey which was conducted through the Blackboard Learning Management System. The data was analyzed by means of a thematic analysis, consistent with the interpretive paradigm chosen for this study. The findings of this study revealed that Blackboard was utilised effectively in order to facilitate communication, access to course resources and promoted more efficient assessment processes. The implementation was however not without challenges many of which were systemic and focused on the lack of resources available to the students. The implications of using Blackboard for teaching and assessment of large classes include the use of the Learning Management System as part of a multimodal method of course delivery in an effort to reach the multitude of registered students both conceptually as well as electronically. The recommendations arising from this study include consideration on the part of the faculty for a unified approach in the use of Blackboard for communication as well as deployment of resources. Additionally, this study may form the foundation of further studies in this field, with a focus on the active engagement and training of lecturers in order to integrate traditional teaching methods with blended learning opportunities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Riley, Alanna
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Blackboards , Blackboard drawing , Mathematics -- Study and teaching , College students , Educational change , Information technology , Teaching -- Aids and devices , College teaching , Assessment , Blended learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16182 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006237 , Blackboards , Blackboard drawing , Mathematics -- Study and teaching , College students , Educational change , Information technology , Teaching -- Aids and devices , College teaching , Assessment , Blended learning
- Description: This study locates the Blackboard Learning Management System as a Technology Enhanced Learning tool within the bounds of the discipline of eLearning and aimed to interrogate the use of Blackboard for the purposes of teaching, learning and assessment in large classes. It is evident from the literature reviewed that changes in both Higher Education in the South Africa with regards to policy and legislation in addition to international shifts towards increased access and participation in a fast paced, ever-evolving knowledge-based economy, providing the context for this work. The theoretical framework for this study is not unidimensional due to the fact that the educational field of eLearning as an area of specialisation draws on a multitude of theories in terms of their utility value for instructional design of courses utilising Information and Communications Technology as a mode of delivery. This study was conducted within the bounds of an interpretivist paradigm as the researcher sought to focus on the use of Blackboard and the experiences of the lecturers and students involved in the implementation thereof. The research design for this study took the form of a case study and a multiple case method was employed. The researcher collected data through personal interviews conducted with participating lecturers, while student data was collected by means of a qualitative survey which was conducted through the Blackboard Learning Management System. The data was analyzed by means of a thematic analysis, consistent with the interpretive paradigm chosen for this study. The findings of this study revealed that Blackboard was utilised effectively in order to facilitate communication, access to course resources and promoted more efficient assessment processes. The implementation was however not without challenges many of which were systemic and focused on the lack of resources available to the students. The implications of using Blackboard for teaching and assessment of large classes include the use of the Learning Management System as part of a multimodal method of course delivery in an effort to reach the multitude of registered students both conceptually as well as electronically. The recommendations arising from this study include consideration on the part of the faculty for a unified approach in the use of Blackboard for communication as well as deployment of resources. Additionally, this study may form the foundation of further studies in this field, with a focus on the active engagement and training of lecturers in order to integrate traditional teaching methods with blended learning opportunities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
User requirements framework for mobile government in the Western Cape
- Authors: Wilson, Fiona Michelle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Government communication systems , Internet in public administration , Electronic government information , Mobile communication systems , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9751 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008076 , Government communication systems , Internet in public administration , Electronic government information , Mobile communication systems , Information technology
- Description: Globally, mobile technology use, particularly the use of mobile phones, is becoming increasingly widespread. One consequence of this growth is mounting interest in using mobile technologies in the public sector, particularly in developing countries, because it is seen as enabling better access to information and services for citizens. Mobile government (m-government), defined as the use of mobile technologies and applications for public sector services, promises to extend access to public services to marginalised sectors of the population and is emerging as a new focus in the ongoing challenge to provide efficient, effective and accessible public services. Though interest in m-government is emerging in the provincial Western Cape Government (WCG) of South Africa, few guidelines exist in the WCG to inform the development of public sector mobile services. This absence impacts on service delivery and the primary objective of this study was to propose a set of guidelines that could guide the prioritisation of citizen facing public sector services for mobile implementation in the Western Cape. The study considered two areas namely, government and user needs. The primary research question was to determine what public sector services citizens need and how these services should be prioritised for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. To address this, three research sub-questions were formulated. The first question aimed to examine conceptions of mobile government. To achieve this a literature study and documentation review was conducted, from which factors influencing service prioritisation emerged. The second research question aimed to identify citizen needs that could inform mobile public sector services in the Western Cape. Thus a survey and interviews were conducted with citizens using the WCG community ICT centres (e-Centres). The third research question aimed to identify factors that impact on the prioritisation of citizen facing public sectors for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. The findings from the literature study, survey and interviews conducted were used to address this research question. The results from the three research sub-questions were triangulated to address the main objective of the study and from this a set of guidelines for prioritising mobile public sector services in the Western Cape was proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Wilson, Fiona Michelle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Government communication systems , Internet in public administration , Electronic government information , Mobile communication systems , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9751 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008076 , Government communication systems , Internet in public administration , Electronic government information , Mobile communication systems , Information technology
- Description: Globally, mobile technology use, particularly the use of mobile phones, is becoming increasingly widespread. One consequence of this growth is mounting interest in using mobile technologies in the public sector, particularly in developing countries, because it is seen as enabling better access to information and services for citizens. Mobile government (m-government), defined as the use of mobile technologies and applications for public sector services, promises to extend access to public services to marginalised sectors of the population and is emerging as a new focus in the ongoing challenge to provide efficient, effective and accessible public services. Though interest in m-government is emerging in the provincial Western Cape Government (WCG) of South Africa, few guidelines exist in the WCG to inform the development of public sector mobile services. This absence impacts on service delivery and the primary objective of this study was to propose a set of guidelines that could guide the prioritisation of citizen facing public sector services for mobile implementation in the Western Cape. The study considered two areas namely, government and user needs. The primary research question was to determine what public sector services citizens need and how these services should be prioritised for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. To address this, three research sub-questions were formulated. The first question aimed to examine conceptions of mobile government. To achieve this a literature study and documentation review was conducted, from which factors influencing service prioritisation emerged. The second research question aimed to identify citizen needs that could inform mobile public sector services in the Western Cape. Thus a survey and interviews were conducted with citizens using the WCG community ICT centres (e-Centres). The third research question aimed to identify factors that impact on the prioritisation of citizen facing public sectors for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. The findings from the literature study, survey and interviews conducted were used to address this research question. The results from the three research sub-questions were triangulated to address the main objective of the study and from this a set of guidelines for prioritising mobile public sector services in the Western Cape was proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A framework to enhance the mobile user experience in an Mlearning interaction
- Authors: Botha, Adele
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Educational technology , Information technology , Educational innovations , Teaching -- Aids and devices
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008163 , Educational technology , Information technology , Educational innovations , Teaching -- Aids and devices
- Description: The new millennium is witness to a telecommunications world that is vastly different from even the recent past with developments in the mobile sector having dramatically changed the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) landscape. Mobile cellular technology has proliferated faster than any previous technology and is now the most ubiquitous technology in the world. The focus of this thesis is the development of a framework to enhance the Mobile User Experience in an Mlearning interaction. This research is contextualised by the goal-oriented use of mobile cellular technologies in a formal educational environment. As such the study, although residing in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), acknowledges issues arising in the Education Domain as a specific field of application. The aim of the research was to investigate the components of a framework to enhance the Mobile User Experience in an Mlearning interaction. The development of the framework was facilitated by the exploration of: the Mobile User Experience factors and their impact, on the Mobile User Experience of learners participating in a goal-oriented Mlearning interaction. These critical factors were documented in terms of the Mobile User Experience components, and the relationships of these components to each other as well as the Mobile User Experience of an Mlearning interaction. The research, grounded in a phenomenological research philosophy, applied an inductive reasoning approach, and was operationalised through a single case study methodology. A qualitative research strategy was considered appropriate, as the phenomenon of User Experience is linked to the hedonistic attributes of the interaction. This study was conducted in four phases with focus on three embedded units of analysis. The three units of analysis were identified as: The learner as end user in an Mlearning interaction; The educator as designer of the Mlearning interaction; and The Mlearning interaction. The research revealed that the Mobile User Experience of an Mlearning interaction is affected by the mobile user, mobile use, mobile device, mobile business practices, mobile networks, mobile interaction and mobile context. Within the Mlearning interaction the significant components are the learners as mobile users, the enhance interactions, removal of barriers to the interaction, goal-oriented nature of the interaction and the ducational context. Identifying these components and their associated Mobile User Experience factors and impacts, present the main contribution of this thesis. In conclusion, the limitations of the study are documented and topics for future research are outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Botha, Adele
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Educational technology , Information technology , Educational innovations , Teaching -- Aids and devices
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008163 , Educational technology , Information technology , Educational innovations , Teaching -- Aids and devices
- Description: The new millennium is witness to a telecommunications world that is vastly different from even the recent past with developments in the mobile sector having dramatically changed the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) landscape. Mobile cellular technology has proliferated faster than any previous technology and is now the most ubiquitous technology in the world. The focus of this thesis is the development of a framework to enhance the Mobile User Experience in an Mlearning interaction. This research is contextualised by the goal-oriented use of mobile cellular technologies in a formal educational environment. As such the study, although residing in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), acknowledges issues arising in the Education Domain as a specific field of application. The aim of the research was to investigate the components of a framework to enhance the Mobile User Experience in an Mlearning interaction. The development of the framework was facilitated by the exploration of: the Mobile User Experience factors and their impact, on the Mobile User Experience of learners participating in a goal-oriented Mlearning interaction. These critical factors were documented in terms of the Mobile User Experience components, and the relationships of these components to each other as well as the Mobile User Experience of an Mlearning interaction. The research, grounded in a phenomenological research philosophy, applied an inductive reasoning approach, and was operationalised through a single case study methodology. A qualitative research strategy was considered appropriate, as the phenomenon of User Experience is linked to the hedonistic attributes of the interaction. This study was conducted in four phases with focus on three embedded units of analysis. The three units of analysis were identified as: The learner as end user in an Mlearning interaction; The educator as designer of the Mlearning interaction; and The Mlearning interaction. The research revealed that the Mobile User Experience of an Mlearning interaction is affected by the mobile user, mobile use, mobile device, mobile business practices, mobile networks, mobile interaction and mobile context. Within the Mlearning interaction the significant components are the learners as mobile users, the enhance interactions, removal of barriers to the interaction, goal-oriented nature of the interaction and the ducational context. Identifying these components and their associated Mobile User Experience factors and impacts, present the main contribution of this thesis. In conclusion, the limitations of the study are documented and topics for future research are outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The entrepreneurial orientation of selected ICT SMME's
- Authors: Whittaker, Donna
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Business enterprises , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8754 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011417 , Business enterprises , Information technology
- Description: Despite the demand for ICT skills, businesses are experiencing an ICT skills shortage. Constantly changing ICT technologies require business leaders to find qualified ICT professionals to implement new business strategies and business processes. The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector is experiencing a continued skills shortage and various initiatives have been launched to address the problem. Businesses continually struggle to find qualified and suitably skilled ICT personnel. As a result businesses have had to outsource their ICT requirements off-shore to obtain the required ICT skills and maintain their competitive advantage. In a country desperate for job creation, entrepreneurial inclination and start up of new businesses may play a pivotal role in the economic development and well being of individuals able to capitalise on the availability of ICT opportunities. Entrepreneurship is a critical factor in promoting innovation, creating employment opportunities and generating social and economic wealth in a country's economy. Sectors such as Information and Communication Technologies can be seen as archetypal entrepreneurial industries and can consequently play a key role in economic development. In the research that follows the author identifies an ICT skills shortage in South Africa. This is followed by an exploratory study that investigates the influence of psychological traits and socio-cultural variables on the entrepreneurial intent of selected ICT SMME’s in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area. The findings revealed that both psychological traits together with socio-cultural variables influence an individual’s intention to start up a business. The predominant psychological trait discovered during the research was perseverance. Family environmental issues were the dominant socio-cultural variable influencing entrepreneurial intention amongst the case study subjects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Whittaker, Donna
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Business enterprises , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8754 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011417 , Business enterprises , Information technology
- Description: Despite the demand for ICT skills, businesses are experiencing an ICT skills shortage. Constantly changing ICT technologies require business leaders to find qualified ICT professionals to implement new business strategies and business processes. The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector is experiencing a continued skills shortage and various initiatives have been launched to address the problem. Businesses continually struggle to find qualified and suitably skilled ICT personnel. As a result businesses have had to outsource their ICT requirements off-shore to obtain the required ICT skills and maintain their competitive advantage. In a country desperate for job creation, entrepreneurial inclination and start up of new businesses may play a pivotal role in the economic development and well being of individuals able to capitalise on the availability of ICT opportunities. Entrepreneurship is a critical factor in promoting innovation, creating employment opportunities and generating social and economic wealth in a country's economy. Sectors such as Information and Communication Technologies can be seen as archetypal entrepreneurial industries and can consequently play a key role in economic development. In the research that follows the author identifies an ICT skills shortage in South Africa. This is followed by an exploratory study that investigates the influence of psychological traits and socio-cultural variables on the entrepreneurial intent of selected ICT SMME’s in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area. The findings revealed that both psychological traits together with socio-cultural variables influence an individual’s intention to start up a business. The predominant psychological trait discovered during the research was perseverance. Family environmental issues were the dominant socio-cultural variable influencing entrepreneurial intention amongst the case study subjects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The extent of the use of ICT in schools in the Nelson Mandela Bay area
- Authors: Sonkwala, Mzikayise Richard
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Educational technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012284 , Educational technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Information technology
- Description: It is the 21st Century and the world is a global village. The development of technology like Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has thus become the dominant means of communication. Education has not been left out of this wave of change. In many countries Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has a clear impact in the development of educational curriculum. This cannot be said about South Africa where huge disparities in terms of ICT related resources still exist. There is a range of uses of ICT in South African schools and it varies according to the economic and social conditions where that school is located. For example, the former Model C schools are well-resourced in terms of computers and access to internet whilst township schools lack these resources. In township schools very few students are exposed to computers due to the limited number of computers and lack of properly qualified educators in the field of ICT. In the Nelson Mandela Bay area township schools only offer CAT (Computer Applications Technology) as an ICT related subject whilst the former Model C schools offer CAT and IT (Information Technology).This treatise attempts to show the digital divide that still exists between a former Model C school and a township school, and the impact it has in quality of education in these schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Sonkwala, Mzikayise Richard
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Educational technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012284 , Educational technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Information technology
- Description: It is the 21st Century and the world is a global village. The development of technology like Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has thus become the dominant means of communication. Education has not been left out of this wave of change. In many countries Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has a clear impact in the development of educational curriculum. This cannot be said about South Africa where huge disparities in terms of ICT related resources still exist. There is a range of uses of ICT in South African schools and it varies according to the economic and social conditions where that school is located. For example, the former Model C schools are well-resourced in terms of computers and access to internet whilst township schools lack these resources. In township schools very few students are exposed to computers due to the limited number of computers and lack of properly qualified educators in the field of ICT. In the Nelson Mandela Bay area township schools only offer CAT (Computer Applications Technology) as an ICT related subject whilst the former Model C schools offer CAT and IT (Information Technology).This treatise attempts to show the digital divide that still exists between a former Model C school and a township school, and the impact it has in quality of education in these schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Deriving value from IT investments within botique hotels: a Buffalo City case study
- Authors: Mathe, Thabelang
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Information technology , Hotels -- Finance , Boardinghouses -- Finance , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000975 , Information technology , Hotels -- Finance , Boardinghouses -- Finance , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- Finance
- Description: Even though many organizations invest in IT, the value that IT is expected to contribute is still not clearly understood. Researchers agree that IT has become a crucial element to business operations and business existence. However, while there is continued investment in new information technologies and systems, organizations are not certain whether significant value is derived from IT investments. The failure to realize good return on IT investments is ascribed to a lack of understanding of IT by organizations and also the failure by organizations to align IT strategies with business strategies. The lack of alignment leads to the failure to match the right IT to the correct task, which leads to the poor application of systems and poor allocation of human resources to tasks. Therefore, organizations such as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in particular Boutique Hotels, are noted for their failure to derive better IT value. Their unique characteristics are understood to be influential in the way IT is used and managed by affecting the delivery of value from technology. In order to enable Boutique Hotels to derive more value from IT, the IT governance frameworks, Val IT and CobiT (ITGI, 2007), were examined as these integrate good practices to ensure that an organization‘s IT supports the business objectives. In addition, the Task Technology Fit (TTF) (Goodhue and Thompson, 1995) and Gap Analysis (Heeks, 2001) theories were highlighted as these prescribe the platform ideal for more value to be derived from IT. The current status of Boutique Hotels in Buffalo City was assessed through the use of questionnaires and interviews. The collected data was analyzed and resulted in the development of a model that can be used by Boutique Hotels in order to derive more value from IT and to maximize the use of IT.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mathe, Thabelang
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Information technology , Hotels -- Finance , Boardinghouses -- Finance , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000975 , Information technology , Hotels -- Finance , Boardinghouses -- Finance , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- Finance
- Description: Even though many organizations invest in IT, the value that IT is expected to contribute is still not clearly understood. Researchers agree that IT has become a crucial element to business operations and business existence. However, while there is continued investment in new information technologies and systems, organizations are not certain whether significant value is derived from IT investments. The failure to realize good return on IT investments is ascribed to a lack of understanding of IT by organizations and also the failure by organizations to align IT strategies with business strategies. The lack of alignment leads to the failure to match the right IT to the correct task, which leads to the poor application of systems and poor allocation of human resources to tasks. Therefore, organizations such as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in particular Boutique Hotels, are noted for their failure to derive better IT value. Their unique characteristics are understood to be influential in the way IT is used and managed by affecting the delivery of value from technology. In order to enable Boutique Hotels to derive more value from IT, the IT governance frameworks, Val IT and CobiT (ITGI, 2007), were examined as these integrate good practices to ensure that an organization‘s IT supports the business objectives. In addition, the Task Technology Fit (TTF) (Goodhue and Thompson, 1995) and Gap Analysis (Heeks, 2001) theories were highlighted as these prescribe the platform ideal for more value to be derived from IT. The current status of Boutique Hotels in Buffalo City was assessed through the use of questionnaires and interviews. The collected data was analyzed and resulted in the development of a model that can be used by Boutique Hotels in order to derive more value from IT and to maximize the use of IT.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A model for the development of service agreements in the Information and Communication Technology sector
- Authors: Johnston, Robert
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Information technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Service industries -- Management , Service -- Level agreements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002772 , Information technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Service industries -- Management , Service -- Level agreements
- Description: SAs are documents that specify the business relationship between stakeholders to an outsourcing agreement. SAs specify this relationship in a legally binding manner that assists in managing expectations of the stakeholders about the service provision. According to Verma (1999), an SA is a precise statement of the expectations and obligations that exist in a business relationship between two organisation: the service provider and the client. In order for organizations to have successful outsourcing partnerships, they need well crafted methods of developing Service Agreements (SAs). Successful methods will produce a conclusive contract that will act as a working document that details the spirit of cooperation between the service provider and the service recipient. This research investigates the development of SAs in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, and proposes a model for their development. A number of models for SA development have been analysed. Models are analysed from leading researchers in the area, from software houses such as Microsoft and from international standards organisations such as the BS15000 which stipulates the ITIL framework. Eight development principles are identified and explored. An investigation into SAs and their development is conducted. A model is proposed that is composed of the development principles. The development of SAs was explored in an empirical study by means of a survey administered to industry practitioners and a series of interviews with managers in the ICT industry. The results of the study indicate varying levels of support for the development principles and limited relationship between the development principles and the success of the SA, as defined by the number of changes made to the SA after it is completed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Johnston, Robert
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Information technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Service industries -- Management , Service -- Level agreements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002772 , Information technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Service industries -- Management , Service -- Level agreements
- Description: SAs are documents that specify the business relationship between stakeholders to an outsourcing agreement. SAs specify this relationship in a legally binding manner that assists in managing expectations of the stakeholders about the service provision. According to Verma (1999), an SA is a precise statement of the expectations and obligations that exist in a business relationship between two organisation: the service provider and the client. In order for organizations to have successful outsourcing partnerships, they need well crafted methods of developing Service Agreements (SAs). Successful methods will produce a conclusive contract that will act as a working document that details the spirit of cooperation between the service provider and the service recipient. This research investigates the development of SAs in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, and proposes a model for their development. A number of models for SA development have been analysed. Models are analysed from leading researchers in the area, from software houses such as Microsoft and from international standards organisations such as the BS15000 which stipulates the ITIL framework. Eight development principles are identified and explored. An investigation into SAs and their development is conducted. A model is proposed that is composed of the development principles. The development of SAs was explored in an empirical study by means of a survey administered to industry practitioners and a series of interviews with managers in the ICT industry. The results of the study indicate varying levels of support for the development principles and limited relationship between the development principles and the success of the SA, as defined by the number of changes made to the SA after it is completed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Software quality assurance in a remote client/contractor context
- Authors: Black, Angus Hugh
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Computer software -- Quality control , Software engineering , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4648 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006615 , Computer software -- Quality control , Software engineering , Information technology
- Description: With the reliance on information technology and the software that this technology utilizes increasing every day, it is of paramount importance that software developed be of an acceptable quality. This quality can be achieved through the utilization of various software engineering standards and guidelines. The question is, to what extent do these standards and guidelines need to be utilized and how are these standards and guidelines implemented? This research focuses on how guidelines developed by standardization bodies and the unified process developed by Rational can be integrated to achieve a suitable process and version control system within the context of a remote client/contractor small team environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Black, Angus Hugh
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Computer software -- Quality control , Software engineering , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4648 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006615 , Computer software -- Quality control , Software engineering , Information technology
- Description: With the reliance on information technology and the software that this technology utilizes increasing every day, it is of paramount importance that software developed be of an acceptable quality. This quality can be achieved through the utilization of various software engineering standards and guidelines. The question is, to what extent do these standards and guidelines need to be utilized and how are these standards and guidelines implemented? This research focuses on how guidelines developed by standardization bodies and the unified process developed by Rational can be integrated to achieve a suitable process and version control system within the context of a remote client/contractor small team environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006