The purpose of this study was to investigate the implementation of Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system at Western Cape Government (WCG), South Africa. The study evaluated the state of the implementation in order to establish whether the system met information and records management requirements and objectives. A probability sampling was used on a total population of 51 respondents and participants. The data were triangulated using multi-methods, whereby both qualitative and quantitative approaches were adopted in a sequential manner. A structured online survey questionnaire, online interviews, and document analysis were used to collect data, which were descriptively analysed. The study revealed that although the WCG has embarked on digitisation projects, which culminated in the department-wide implementation of ECM, the system was not evaluated regularly and consistently. This resulted in an inability to capture the lessons learnt – as well as a failure to realise the full benefits of implementing the system. The findings also showed that ECM implementation at WCG encountered some challenges – for example, inadequate training provided to staff, lack of adequate technology infrastructure, and poor technical support with regard to systems for managing digital records – that impacted on the system’s efficiency. Some of the recommendations of the study are that WCG should consider conducting regular ECM reviews to determine whether the system performs as required in terms of bringing about expected benefits, such as easy retrieval of digitally stored content. Departments should also ensure that there is an alignment among various digital applications for the purpose of creating a single enterprise platform that promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing. A study of ECM implementation in other provinces would enable a comparison of how the system performs elsewhere, including how it could be used as a viable option for organisations to promote digitisation. / Information Science / M. Inf. (Information Science)

Bibliography: pages 184-207 / Digital records are either stored in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system or electronic content management (ECM), or managed without the benefit of either system. In many countries, public and private organisations have implemented ECM systems, some have implemented ERP systems and others generate digital records without the benefit of any controlled system. In most organisations such systems are not integrated resulting in duplication and fragmentation of records. The South African Water Utility company, Rand Water, has implemented both ERP and ECM systems. Investing in these systems as an organisation comes at a cost but it can add value when used optimally to improve the organisation’s productivity and efficiency. To achieve high productivity and efficiency, integration of an ERP system into an ECM system is a requirement but remains lacking. This qualitative study utilised the Actor Network Theory to explore the integration of ERP into ECM at the South African Water Utility company, Rand Water, with a view to developing a framework for integration of the systems. The study utilised a system analysis case design with fourteen interviews conducted at different levels in the organisation and diverse business units using ERP and ECM to perform their operational deliverables in line with the organisation’s business objectives. The interviews were augmented with data from document analysis of policies, specifications and functionalities of the systems to determine the feasibility of integration. The study established that the water utility company has implemented ERP systems (SAP) since 1994 and ECM system since 1991 (Papertrail and later IBM FileNet) with only information flow module integrated. The study suggested that to integrate ERP into ECM, human and non-human actors need to collaborate to ensure that the actor network being integrated is achieved. The study also presents a strategy discussion for integrating ERP into ECM. A further study on the transfer of digital records in ECM into archival custody is recommended. / Information Science / D. Phil. (Information Science)

This study identifies, tests and modifies factors for effective corporate online communication using a marketing public relations (MPR) perspective. An MPR perspective entails an integrated cross-disciplinary approach with a strong product and/or service focus. The need for the study is underscored by the fact that there is undoubtedly a lack of a theoretical framework in which to practise corporate online communication in the context of selling the organisation's products or services. In order to test the identified factors for effective corporate online communication, namely credibility, trust and long-term relationships, this study uses Q methodology as a research method and applies Q sorting as a means of data collection. Participants are asked to sort statements about corporate online communication in their preferred order of importance on a large board in the presence of the researcher. This is known as the Q sorting process. The identified factors are tested among 20 communicators and 20 receivers of corporate online communication. The participants' sortings of statements are compared by means of Q factor analysis and then analysed. The results of the study indicate that only one factor is perceived as an absolute significant factor for effective corporate online communication and that two of the factors necessitate modification. Consequently, based on the results, four factors are identified for effective corporate online communication, using an MPR perspective. These four factors are derived from the perspectives of both the communicators and receivers of corporate online communication and are included in a proposed theoretical framework of corporate online communication using an MPR perspective. / Communication / D. Litt et Phil.

The knowledge economy has brought about some new challenges for organisations. Accessing data and information in a logical manner is a critical component of information and knowledge management. Taxonomies are viewed as a solution to facilitate ease of access to information in a logical manner. The aim of this research was to investigate the role of taxonomies within organisations which utilise a knowledge management framework or strategy. An interview process was utilised to gain insight from leading organisations as to the use of taxonomies within the knowledge management environment. Organisations are starting to use taxonomies to manage multi-sourced environments and facilitate the appropriate sourcing of the organisations intellectual capital. Based on the research it is clear that taxonomies will play a central role in the coming years to help manage the complexity of the organisation's environment and ease the access to relevant information. / Information Science / M.Inf.

The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of access to and use of library electronic resources and their implications on remote users at the National Open University of Nigeria. Specific objectives were formulated to: find out the different types of electronic resources available in the NOUN Library; investigate academic staffs’ and students’ level of awareness of electronic resources available in the NOUN library; explore the various types of electronic resources used by academic staffs and students of NOUN; find out how academic staffs and students access and use electronic resources in NOUN library; analyze the policies that enable access to and use of electronic resources by academic staffs and students at NOUN; find out the perceptions and attitudes of academic staffs and students toward the electronic resources available in the NOUN library; and identify the challenges associated with access to and use of electronic resources by the academic staffs and students of NOUN. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and survey research method was employed. The study targeted 1,680 population samples of which include 1,513 Students, 140 Academic staffs, and 27 Academic Librarians. Probability (Stratified random and systematic) sampling and nonprobability (purposive) sampling methods were adopted. Two sample frames were used: Students - classified into subgroups (Level) in each selected study centers and Academic staff - classified into subgroups (academic staff/academic librarian). Online (Google form) self-administered closed-ended questionnaire was sent to participants’ email. Data collected were analyzed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). This finding revealed that electronic journals and electronic books are readily available in the NOUN library. Academic staff most likely, interact with the library staff or visit the library to be aware of library electronic resources, however, the students struggled to be aware through personal efforts. NOUN library creates awareness through the email and notice boards. The academic staff and students access and use the library electronic resources for various multidimensional purposes, however, there is a low patronage of these electronic resources by academic staff and students as less than 40% of academic staff and students access and use the library electronic resources. Electricity outage, low internet connectivity speed and high cost of access to internet were presented as challenges encountered while accessing and using electronic resources. Recommendations: the library management should develop awareness programmes that is appropriate for an ODL university community through the use of modern communication tools, and emphasy should be on the use of electronic resources in the university curriculum. / Information Science

Esta pesquisa trata do uso de uma metodologia de design participativo no desenvolvimento de um repositório de recursos educacionais abertos, o Arcaz. Discute aspectos da neutralidade e do determinismo da tecnologia dentro do contexto dos Estudos Sociais da Ciência e da Tecnologia e apresenta alguns conceitos da teoria crítica da tecnologia relacionados à construção democrática dos artefatos tecnológicos. Discute a herança filosófica dos movimentos que levaram ao surgimento do software livre, da educação aberta e dos recursos educacionais abertos e defende que o design participativo compartilha ideais similares. Apresenta conceitos de interação humano-computador e design de interação, além de design centrado no usuário, importantes para aprimorar a experiência do usuário em sistemas de informação. Aborda o design participativo como metodologia que possibilita a participação democrática dos usuários na construção tecnológica, promovendo o aprendizado mútuo e a voz ativa aos participantes. Desenvolve uma metodologia de design participativo adaptada ao contexto de uso do Arcaz e apresenta os procedimentos para a realização das reuniões conduzidas para aplicar as técnicas de design participativo ao repositório e os resultados obtidos. Conclui com um estudo de algumas das intervenções sugeridas no sistema e orientações para futuras aplicações de práticas participativas no desenvolvimento do repositório e uma lista de boas práticas, com foco nos princípios éticos que devem guiar o design participativo. / This research deals with the use of a participatory design methodology to develop a repository of open educational resources, the Arcaz. Discusses key aspects of neutrality and determinism of technology within the context of Social Studies of Science and Technology and presents some concepts of critical theory of technology related to the democratic construction of technological artifacts. Discusses the philosophical heritage of the movements that led to the emergence of free software, open education and open educational resources and argues that participatory design share similar ideals. It presents concepts of human-computer interaction, interaction design and user centered design, important to enhance the user experience in information systems. It addresses the participatory design as a methodology that allows the democratic participation of users in the technological construction, promoting mutual learning and active voice for the participants. Develops a participatory design methodology adapted to the Arcaz context of use and provides the procedures for the meetings conducted to apply participatory design techniques to the repository and the results obtained. It concludes with a study of some of the interventions suggested in the system and orientations for future applications of participatory practices in the development of the repository and a list of best practices, focusing on ethical principles that should guide the participatory design.

This study identifies, tests and modifies factors for effective corporate online communication using a marketing public relations (MPR) perspective. An MPR perspective entails an integrated cross-disciplinary approach with a strong product and/or service focus. The need for the study is underscored by the fact that there is undoubtedly a lack of a theoretical framework in which to practise corporate online communication in the context of selling the organisation's products or services. In order to test the identified factors for effective corporate online communication, namely credibility, trust and long-term relationships, this study uses Q methodology as a research method and applies Q sorting as a means of data collection. Participants are asked to sort statements about corporate online communication in their preferred order of importance on a large board in the presence of the researcher. This is known as the Q sorting process. The identified factors are tested among 20 communicators and 20 receivers of corporate online communication. The participants' sortings of statements are compared by means of Q factor analysis and then analysed. The results of the study indicate that only one factor is perceived as an absolute significant factor for effective corporate online communication and that two of the factors necessitate modification. Consequently, based on the results, four factors are identified for effective corporate online communication, using an MPR perspective. These four factors are derived from the perspectives of both the communicators and receivers of corporate online communication and are included in a proposed theoretical framework of corporate online communication using an MPR perspective. / Communication / D. Litt et Phil.

The knowledge economy has brought about some new challenges for organisations. Accessing data and information in a logical manner is a critical component of information and knowledge management. Taxonomies are viewed as a solution to facilitate ease of access to information in a logical manner. The aim of this research was to investigate the role of taxonomies within organisations which utilise a knowledge management framework or strategy. An interview process was utilised to gain insight from leading organisations as to the use of taxonomies within the knowledge management environment. Organisations are starting to use taxonomies to manage multi-sourced environments and facilitate the appropriate sourcing of the organisations intellectual capital. Based on the research it is clear that taxonomies will play a central role in the coming years to help manage the complexity of the organisation's environment and ease the access to relevant information. / Information Science / M.Inf.

Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) is facing challenges like duplication of work due to lack of a central repository for knowledge retention, loss of knowledge through expertise leaving the institution without knowledge being captured and over reliance on a few known subject matter experts as others have not been identified. Utilising the Knowledge Retention Strategy framework, this study sought to assess knowledge retention practices at KeMU, with a view to entrench the culture of sharing knowledge. The ultimate aim of this study was to develop a model for knowledge retention at institutions of higher learning which KeMU could adopt. The study relied on mixed method research (MMR) with qualitative and quantitative data mixed at collection, analysis, discussion and reporting levels. The study triangulated data collection tools which encompassed a questionnaire, interview, observation and review of documents to collect data from 106 respondents and 11 heads of departments respectively. These two groups were purposively selected as they play a key role in knowledge retention at KeMU. The study disclosed a variety of informal knowledge retention practices but formal practices like: documented work processes; training and development for specific job tasks; orientation for general and job specific; knowledge repositories; communities of practice; knowledge retention policies; knowledge recovery initiatives; and human resources processes and practices for knowledge retention were lacking. Considering the value placed on the above list of lacking essential practices for knowledge retention, KeMU is indeed in dire need for a solution to help retain operational relevant knowledge. The study formulated a KR model for institutions of higher learning that would help KeMU leverage its knowledge assets. The study recommends that KeMU should work out a knowledge retention policy on how to implement the best knowledge retention practices. A further study on measuring KM in an academic institution is recommended. / Information Science / M. Inf.

Propõe-se na presente dissertação divulgar e apresentar à pesquisadoras e pesquisadores a organização da informação e a educação aberta, a plataforma Zotero, uma ferramenta de gestão de referências, por meio de oficinas e tutorial. Expor o contexto histórico de construção desta ferramenta, na perspectiva das humanidades digitais, mostrar sua utilização para coleta, organização, citação, formatação, compartilhamento e contextualização histórica do conhecimento.Como exemplo de organização da informação foi utilizada a coleção de documentos da Lélia Gonzalez, do Projeto Memória, assim como a disponibilização do tutorial para uso da plataforma Zotero como um Recursos Educacionais Abertos (REA). Os procedimentos metodológicos adotados, a partir da abordagem qualitativa e exploratória, do levantamento bibliográfico que compõe a fundamentação teórica, no aspecto comparativo das ferramentas de gestão de referências, Zotero e Mendeley e a escolha pela Zotero para a organização da coleção Lélia Gonzalez, refletem as perspectivas das humanidades digitais, assim como as perspectivas da educação aberta para a aplicação das oficinas à pesquisadoras e pesquisadores. / This dissertation intends to publicize and to present to researchers the organization of information and the open education, the Zotero platform, a tool for management of references, through workshops and tutorial. It also aims at exposing the historical context of the making of that tool, from the perspective of digital humanities, to show its use for collecting, organizing, citing, formatting, sharing and historical contextualization of knowledge. Lélia Gonzalez's collection of documents from “Projeto Memória” (Memory Project) was used as an example of organization of information, as well as the tutorial regarding the use of Zotero platform as an Open Educational Resource (OER). Based on the qualitative and exploratory approach of the bibliographic survey that composes the theoretical foundation, the methodological procedures adopted on the comparative aspect of the reference management tools, Zotero and Mendeley, and the choice by Zotero for the organization of Lélia Gonzalez collection reflect the perspectives of the digital humanities, as well as the perspectives of open education for the application of workshops to researchers.