Thesis (Ph. D.)--Drexel University, 2007. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 197-211).

Thesis ( M. Phil (Informatics)) -- University of Pretoria, 2006. / Includes summary. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 78 - 87).

published_or_final_version / Business Administration / Master / Master of Business Administration

The purpose of this study is to understand the technical and social considerations of implementing business to business processes integration. In order to do so, a study was undertaken of two processes used by a local vehicle manufacturer to integrate their operations with those of their suppliers. Structuration theory was used to situate the findings. It was found that technology is a powerful enabler, but can also constrain human agency in terms of process execution. Competitive advantage, identified as the main driver for business to business process integration, is enabled by technological and process structures, but can only be maintained by enabling human agency. / Dissertation (MPhil(Informatics))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Informatics / MPhil / unrestricted

Thesis (MBus) -- AUT University, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references. Also held in print (ix, 77 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.) in the Archive at the City Campus (T 658.4038 TSC)

M.Inf. / In an environment of uncertainty, information has a potential competitive advantage for enterprises. South African enterprises, in metropolitan areas operate in a global market and must withstand the competitive pressure from other producers and from new alternative technologies and products. Managers therefore need an input of competitive information and must manage and utilise this information. This empirical study therefore investigates the extent to which small- and medium-sized enterprises in Acornhoek make use of business information for sustainable competitive advantage. An extensive literature review determining the information needs of business managers as well as how managers use and handle information in business enterprises is conducted. Based on the literature review, a survey method using pre-structured questionnaire is used. The study provides recommendations on how small- and medium-sized enterprises in Acornhoek should make use of business information to survive in a competitive environment. Finally, areas for further investigation on the subject of information as an economic resource for small– and medium–sized enterprises are provided.

M. Tech. Business Information Systems

M. Tech. Business Information Systems / Business Intelligence is a broad category of applications and technologies used for gathering, storing, analysing, and providing access to data. It provides historical, current and predictive views of business operations. By so doing organizations are in a position of continuously improving their performance in congruency with their mission and vision. As a result, organizations need to have in place effective Business Intelligence systems that could enable them process and access quality information so as support business processes. The ineffective use of Business Intelligence tools and lack of trust on the integrity of data has led to the deployment of duplicate systems and roles within many organisations. This creates an environment where organisations often have multiple systems that are only known in one business unit. More so, it has created isolations and unnecessary independences of business units as they tend to work in silos. In addition, this creates a negative impact on the overall organisational performance leading to the organisation incurring unnecessary costs. This study aimed at developing a model for enhancing Business Intelligence utilization in order to improve organisational performance.

M. Tech. Business Information Systems / The study aimed at conceptualizing a framework for maximizing Information Systems project maturity. Two factors led to the conception of the study namely, delays in Information Systems project maturity within the South African context and the resultant cost-savings that could be realized from applying appropriate Maturity Models, coupled with the proposed framework, towards reaching project maturity on schedule and on budget. To limit the scope, the South African Weather Service has been selected as the case for the research.

M. Tech. Business Information Systems / Business Intelligence is a broad category of applications and technologies used for gathering, storing, analysing, and providing access to data. It provides historical, current and predictive views of business operations. By so doing organizations are in a position of continuously improving their performance in congruency with their mission and vision. As a result, organizations need to have in place effective Business Intelligence systems that could enable them process and access quality information so as support business processes. The ineffective use of Business Intelligence tools and lack of trust on the integrity of data has led to the deployment of duplicate systems and roles within many organisations. This creates an environment where organisations often have multiple systems that are only known in one business unit. More so, it has created isolations and unnecessary independences of business units as they tend to work in silos. In addition, this creates a negative impact on the overall organisational performance leading to the organisation incurring unnecessary costs. This study aimed at developing a model for enhancing Business Intelligence utilization in order to improve organisational performance.