Includes abstract. / Includes bibliographical references. / The PhD study has found that ICT expansion has positively influenced democratic freedom, information sharing and dissemination and provides a public sphere for discourse among citizens of the eleven Middle Eastern countries. This thesis also found that ICT expansion positively influences economic freedom in the eleven Middle Eastern countries. However, differences between countries such as the educational attainment of their citizens and institutional resistance to ICT utilization both enhanced and restricted the relationship between ICT and economic freedom in the region

In the transition from the Millennium Development Goals to the Sustainable Development Goals, the importance of an integrated health system in which all health activities interact - including the multiple actors within the system - has gained greater recognition. In light of these transitions, the World Health Organisation and the Alliance for Health Policy and System Research called for a participatory leadership model, which engages with multiple health system actors in and out of the health system. It is a leadership model, which seeks to be inclusive of diverse and currently underrepresented stakeholders such as women. This leadership model is aligned with the gender equality movement in health leadership, which has rightfully gained global prominence over the last decade. However, it would be an oversimplification to assume all women in leadership positions have had to overcome similar obstacles. Treating women as a homogenous group tends to leave people out given the evidence that social identities culminate to produce unique experiences and therefore challenge feminist notions of the homogeneity of women. Drawing on data from a primary study on gender and leadership in South Africa, this study sought to explore the influence of gender, as it intersects with race and professional cadre, on the experiences of female health managers in the South African health system. The primary study noted that black females felt as though they were "left behind" throughout their leadership journey. This secondary analysis was undertaken using Bilge's intersectionality approach. It is a two-step qualitative analysis approach, which uses an understanding of intersectionality to extract data related to social identity and intersecting social identities. The analysis assessed 1) how gender, race and professional cadre discretely inform each participant's account and 2) how gender intersects with other social identities to create unique barriers for different women. It explored how intersecting identities might leave certain people behind - and how then to conduct health policy and systems research that can produce qualitative data necessary for creating formalised initiatives that address potential barriers. While recognising the enormous potential of participatory leadership, this study focused on the experiences of formally designated health managers who were able to reflect on their journey towards their current position and explain the barriers in this journey, related to their entangled social identities.

Digital labour is the creation of new products and services through mainly various digital media forms in exchange for a form of remuneration. Digital labour addresses some of their critical issues in South Africa, such as high unemployment, low income and others. Digital labour initiatives, particularly crowdsourcing and others are thought to provide essential benefits such as flexible working times and skills development. However, digital labour can also bring about drawbacks such as the exploitation of workers and low remuneration. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the attitudes toward and experiences of digital labour in South Africa, with a primary focus on crowdworkers in South Africa. A framework built from certain concepts described in the literature review would be used to guide the research. The main research questions would be concerned investigating how the attitudes and experiences affect the intention to participate, the initial and the continued participation in digital labour. The research data were obtained by conducting an online survey amongst 70 participants who would either be potential or current crowdworkers. The research data were analysed using a mixed methods approach, with quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques being used. From the research data collected, some notable findings that unearthed critical digital labour insights included the relationship between the attitude of personal information security and the initial participation in digital labour. This relationship was found to be considerably significant. Also, the relationship between the barrier of internet access cost and the actual participation in digital labour was not significant which was unexpected in a developing country context. The experiential expectations around a living wage and sharing of knowledge notably had the strongest relationship with the continued participation in digital labour of all the experience aspects. However some survey respondents, according to the qualitative responses, noted that the digital labour wages earned were very little compared to the abundant amount of work they would have to produce and therefore felt they were being exploited in their digital jobs. Other aspects such as client networking opportunities, digital skills and work opportunities had a considerable impact on digital labour experiences for digital workers in South Africa. Some major limitations that impacted the research included limited funding to meet the survey respondents' remuneration demands and difficulty in contacting respondents on crowdsourcing sites. The research yields a valuable contribution to the research community by identifying key theories that affect participation in digital labour. Also, by examining the workers' experiences and motivations, the research could provide critical insights for policymakers, platform owners and crowdworkers to utilise for making business decisions. Considerations for future research could be further explored around this research such as exploring the impact of social security for workers in digital labour to ensure fair work conditions and analysing aspects of digital labour more specifically for impoverished and rural communities.

The City of Cape Town (CoCT) experienced three years of drought, which led to the implementation of several water demand management (WDM) strategies by the management of the University of Cape Town (UCT) to facilitate efficient water-saving behaviours among water users. The goal of the WDM strategies was to reduce the rate of water consumption by up to 50% of the regular use. This study implemented a Persuasive Information Campaign (PIC) in four UCT student residences selected on the criteria that they had a smart meter. This study aimed to examine if a PIC disseminated through Short Messaging Service (SMS), email and both SMS and email could increase students' intention to save water. The use of the different channels was to test the effectiveness of each on students' intention to save water. The extended Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) was used as a theoretical model to guide the study in achieving its aim. The main constructs of the theory are attitude (a positive or negative evaluation of the benefits of performing a behaviour), social norms (an individual's social perception of performing a behaviour), perceived behavioural control (how easy or difficult performing a behaviour is), and intention to save water (how hard students are willing to try and how much effort they are planning to exert to save water). The additional constructs added to the theory were PIC (a persuasive message advocating for less water consumption by students), knowledge about the need for water-saving (students' perception about water-saving), and exposure to information about water crisis (sources and channels of information about water crisis). A total of 145 questionnaire responses were collected and analysed using the Partial Least Square Path Modelling (plspm) package in R software. The factor loading results from the data analysis showed that students who received the PIC by both SMS and email channel were the most persuaded to increase their intention to save water. While the students who received the PIC through SMS only was the next persuaded. The students who were least persuaded by the PIC were the ones who received the PIC by email only. The overall analysis revealed three main predictors of student's intention to save water, and these include students' knowledge about the need for water-saving (strong positive effect), attitude towards water-saving (strong positive effect), and perceived behavioural control vii (marginal positive effect). These results suggest that the more positive students' attitudes are towards water-saving, and the more knowledgeable they are about water-saving, the higher their intention to save water will be. Although PIC was not among the predictors of students' intention to save water, it had a strong positive effect on students' attitude towards water-saving. This effect also suggests that PIC is important in achieving attitudinal change among students. This study is the first study conducted using PIC as a new construct added to TPB and in the context of a higher institution of education.

Software development processes have been associated with severe conflicts between the development and operations teams. The problems further worsened by the occasional performance of activities such as planning, testing, integration, and releases. Many developing software development concepts reveal attempts to address these challenges. For instance, continuous integration is a practice that has emerged to reduce disconnects between development and IT operational deployments. In a comparable thread, the current emphasis on DevOps acknowledges that the integration between software development and its operational deployment needs to be a continuous whole. Problems involving the integration of software development and operations require positive synergy within DevOps teams. Team synergy brings about team effectiveness and performance as well as creating opportunities for innovation. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that influence team synergy between the development and operations teams in a DevOps environment. The researcher conducted a case study at one of South Africa's leading information and communication technology services providers. Thirteen participants were interviewed to provide insight into the research questions. Interviews were conducted at the premises of the participating organization in Cape Town. The participants in the study preferred pseudonyms instead of their actual names to preserve anonymity. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. During the analysis of the transcribed data, themes and categories were identified. The themes and categories that emerged from the data sources were aligned to the theoretical framework. The findings from this study describe enabling and inhibiting factors that influence the synergy between development and operations teams in a DevOps environment. Recognizing that DevOps teams face several challenges, the factors identified in this study provide insights into how organizations can influence the build and motivate their DevOps teams to achieve team synergy. The contribution to DevOps research is the application of a theoretical framework that suggests the importance of team social capital dimensions in the formation of team synergy. Based on its findings, this study recommends that further investigation and improvement on strategies to mitigate the factors that inhibit the dimensions of team social capital and prevent team synergy in a DevOps environment. The study also recommends a more detailed and practical demonstration to validate the value of the theoretical framework and continue to improve or extend it. This study revealed that DevOps teams operate in a complex and dynamic environment with many stakeholders and complex technical infrastructure. Based on this outcome, the study also suggests that future studies can take a different approach to create a different perspective on the synergy between DevOps teams by focusing on the behavior of the actors and complex problematic situations involving social activities.

Includes bibliographical references. / This study is about the use of information by people work roles. Although the use of information is a key issue in information systems theory and practice, it has received little attention from information systems researchers. Information systems research has been biased towards technology and its use. Our understanding of the use of information by people in work roles to guide the development of information svstems and information management is limited. The present study addresses this imbalance investigating the use of information by planners when they grapple with environmental issues in the development process. The study takes a behavioural perspective to develop a Grounded Theory of the use of information for environmental planning. The research emphasises the use of a qualitative research to understand the use information in relation to tasks and activities the planners perform in projects. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the workplace environment to collect data on the respondents have used information in projects that they had done before. Forty-four subjects were selected from five councils in Botswana. The evidence was corroborated by interviewing ten people outside council who were identified with help of the respondents in the councils. The data was analysed through a coding process in accordance the Grounded Theory techniques. The coding took place in multiple iterations, experts confirmed the results, and the respondents validated theory. The study demonstrates that the use of information by people in work roles can be explored empirically from a behavioural perspective using a qualitative approach – in particular, Grounded Theory. The study identified the processes, contexts, and behaviours relating to the use information. The main finding is the Grounded Theory of the use information for environmental planning. The theory has seven main categories - dynamic project information context, motivators, experiential knowledge, informational power, strategy for participation and pattern of information use. The pattern of information use is the core category. The dynamic project information context, motivators, experiential knowledge and role context influence the pattern of information use in a variety of ways. The pattern of information use generates the informational power base of the planners. The interpretation of the theory shows that the planners exercise their informational power through the strategy for participation in which they facilitate the environmental planning process for the production of environmental plans. The study shows that power relations endemic in environmental planning are essential determinants of the kind of information behaviour that planners exhibit. The findings provide a new way of thinking about developing information systems and information management for planners. It is suggested that when developing information systems for planners the developers should focus on systems functions that facilitate and enhance information behaviours that are induced by the power relations experienced by the planners.

Includes bibliographical references. / PMOs are complex organisational-specific entities. Companies are increasingly establishing PMOs in search of more favourable outcomes for their projects. However, these PMO organisational structures are rarely found to survive and are often disbanded or transformed every few years. The PMOs implemented in the public sector are faced with the task of justifying their value to business over time. These PMOs function in particularly stressful environments as they run complex projects that are driven by politics. The public sector provides a unique context in that organisational transformation is likely to occur every few years with the election of a new political cabinet. The notion of a PMO is a relatively new phenomenon with limited research available at present. There are few practical and theoretical guidelines identified in the research literature. The public sector environment has received even lesser research despite offering a unique organisational structure that commonly undertakes large, complex and political-focussed projects. The purpose of this study is to seek a better understanding of the contribution made to public sector PMO value in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. An understanding of the efficiency and effectiveness factors involved can aid managers in identifying where to focus their efforts to ensure value-add of new services and products are achieved in the public sector. A mixed method research approach was employed to investigate the public sector PMO organisational environment case study, using interviews and a complementary survey. A model of the factors that contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of a PMO was derived from the research literature. This was followed by an in-depth case study of a public sector PMO. The factors relevant to the case study were captured using interviews and then analysed using thematic analysis. The results were then compared to the model. The study revealed that most of the public sectors PMOs (77%) was found to be structured as virtual PMO offices with varying levels of capacity and authority. The results of the survey found that most of the PMOs focus in terms of efficiency was on productivity (60%), planning (20%), and profit (20%). In terms of effectiveness, the foci were mainly on responsiveness (40%) and flexibility, adaption and innovation (60%). It was concluded that project management maturity could be significantly improved by focussing on the areas that were lacking for these PMOs, i.e. benchmarking, hiring external consultants with PM knowledge and linking with external consultants.

The purpose of this dissertation was to describe the introduction of an online course to replace the current classroom-based staff training. The long term objective was to measure the efficacy, effectiveness and efficiency of the online training, and to establish whether a transfer of knowledge back to the workplace had occurred. This dissertation defines the relevant and persisting organisational concern that the previous training on offer was not efficient and not always effective either. The in depth literature review of e-learning implementations, success factors and barriers to adoption is followed by the discussion of the research philosophy and objectives. Action Design Research (ADR), a combination of Action Research and Design Research, was the research methodology chosen as it was deemed a good fit to address an actual problematic situation, in an organisational setting, by building an innovative IT artefact. This artefact addressed not only organisational and practitioner concerns, but also produced learning and academic theory. The implementation of the alpha and beta versions of the online course is then described. The results of the implementation and the link to both the ADR principles and the e-learning literature are discussed in detail. This research sought to address the core of the IS discipline by bringing an artefact into existence that would solve a need in the real world, and at the same time respond to calls from practitioners to provide practical solutions. The result was a tailor-made, in-house training course which facilitated the empowerment of the trainees whilst enhancing their knowledge and skills regarding the finance reporting system. This dissertation may be of interest to practitioners or organisations contemplating implementing online training courses, particular those seeking to further their knowledge regarding the efficacy and sustainability of computer-based learning in the workplace. Researchers may be interested in the use of ADR as an effective methodology. Future research could be undertaken concerning interaction in the organisational training environment, such as whether a “Q&A” type of interactive contact is more appropriate in the workplace than a discussion board, as well as the role job responsibility plays in both motivation and successful online training outcomes.

Today's organisations are characterised by high competition and a volatile business environment which continues to be a predicament for agile software development managers and practitioners. Software development frameworks that are designed to help organisations respond to these environments include a group of flexible methodologies known as Agile Software Development. However, reliance on mainly software techniques and tools might not be sufficient, hence the need to consider the capabilities of individual team members, particularly those of Business Analysts. Given that agile methodologies do not explicitly advocate the relevance of Business Analyst role, literature reveals ongoing debates regarding the role of Business Analysts in Agile Software Development teams. This can be attributed, in part, to a knowledge gap concerning the manner in which Business Analysts contribute to overall team capabilities, particularly those which are essential in enabling teams to respond to environmental changes. The purpose of this study was to address this gap by investigating how Business Analysts contribute to the Dynamic Capabilities of Agile Software Development teams. Adopting a deductive approach, this study adapted and applied a research model based on the Dynamic Capabilities theory to explore the value of business analysts in agile teams. This study is interpretive and was executed using a qualitative, single case-study research strategy directed at an Agile Software Development team in the financial services industry. Data was collected through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews; a group interview; nonparticipant observation; documentation; and physical artefacts. The thematic analysis technique was used to analyse the data. Findings reveal that there are several factors that allow Business Analysts to contribute to the Dynamic Capabilities of Agile Software Development teams which include: sharing business operations tacit knowledge; promptly sharing insights about requirement changes and assisting team members in completing tasks; as well as actively participating in sprint planning meetings. The findings also showed that Business Analysts experience difficulty in contributing to Dynamic Capabilities when they lack system, industry, and business rules knowledge. This study provides a useful contribution in two ways. Firstly, it proposes a model that can be applied by researchers to help explore ways in which individuals influence team dynamic capabilities. Secondly, this contribution is important for practitioners as it highlights how the knowledge, skills, and behaviours of Business Analysts may support or hinder their ability to contribute to the Dynamic Capabilities of Agile Software Development teams. This study can be used to inform the design of capacity development programmes for individual team members and Business Analysts, and thus help managers to curate teams which will best promote Dynamic Capabilities. Although substantial data was collected, this research was limited, to some extent, by restricted access to classified and confidential documents. It is proposed that future researchers consider applying a multiple case-study strategy to allow for comparative analysis between teams that operate in different contexts.

Around the world, there are millions of children who need palliative care from the moment they are diagnosed with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses, yet very few children have access to palliative care services. In many African countries, where palliative care is still new, many children with chronic illnesses continue to experience needless pain and suffering. The World Health Assembly Resolution 67.19 made a clear call for governments around the world to implement palliative care policies. Such policies should support the “comprehensive strengthening of health systems to integrate evidence-based, costeffective and equitable palliative care services in the continuum of care, across all levels of care”. However, despite these frequent calls, no specific policies target the provision of paediatric palliative care in Africa. This dissertation consists of three parts. Part A is the study protocol, which consists of the introduction and the study methodology. The study is qualitative in nature and it adopted the Walt and Gilson framework for extraction of data and analysis of palliative care policies in Africa. The study used publicly available policy documents, which were identified and obtained from government websites, international agencies' websites and through communication with palliative care experts. An excel spreadsheet was used to extract data, which was analysed thematically. Part B is a literature review of available published and unpublished work pertaining to paediatric palliative care in Africa. It provides the historical background of palliative care and defines palliative care and paediatric palliative care as well as exploring the general literature on paediatric palliative care, and the evidence on the existence of palliative care policies in Africa. Part C is a journal manuscript. It follows the structure and guidelines of the journal of the Health Policy and Planning. The manuscript begins with introduction and the study methods. Further, the study used publicly available policy documents on palliative care in Africa published from 2002 until 2018. An appropriate conceptual framework was chosen, and the results of the policy analysis are provided and followed by the discussion section and conclusions. The study findings indicate that few palliative care policies exist in Africa, and children's palliative care needs are not adequately included and addressed. The findings further show that there was no single policy targeting paediatric palliative care, and children were included among the larger population. As such, palliative care needs were not sufficiently addressed. Only three policies (South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Malawi) clearly address paediatric palliative care needs. The study, therefore, argues that for children with life threatening and life-limiting conditions to be free from pain, African governments need to formulate specific policies that will guide the provision of paediatric palliative care. This study is likely contribute to policy making processes, acts as a reference document for academics and students and provides an advocacy tool for activists, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society organizations (CSOs) working on children's welfare and human rights issues more broadly. Further, the findings of the study may contribute to formulating specific palliative care policies for children, particularly in African countries that lack such policies.