This research report captures a detailed exposition of an investigation on Knowledge Management (KM) practices in public and private sector entities in three industries (health, education and business loans) of Limpopo province – a proxy of the rural areas of South Africa. The investigation was necessitated by a need to understand KM in organisational context experiencing constraints in terms of resources that enable KM. It was found through an intensive literature review that there were very few empirical studies on KM practices of organisations operating in the rural areas, particularly in Africa. The theoretical framework of the study emanates from the knowledge-based view which has been popularised by the seminal work of Peter Drucker and Nonaka in the early half of the 90s. The knowledge-based view as presented in chapter 2 recognises the strategic role of knowledge in organisations. Its genesis is traced from the theories of classical scholars such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Various empirical studies of entities which have adopted the knowledge-based view are presented in chapter 2 of this report. The researcher observes from an intensive KM literature study that the average modern organisation could be categorised as knowledge-intensive considering that knowledge workers constitute the majority of its workforce. The definitions of a knowledge-based organisation and knowledge workers are presented in the operational definitions of key concepts. Arising from the identified gaps in KM literature as presented towards the end of chapter 2, this study was conducted as a comparative study between public and private sector entities in three research industries focusing on their extent of ICT application and degree of knowledge-oriented social factors for information and knowledge sharing. The investigation was guided by three research objectives as discussed in chapter 1 of this research report. The main purpose of the study was to answer two fundamental research questions as reflected in chapter 1. In answering the two research questions, the researcher identified four research hypotheses in line with the findings established from KM literature. These hypotheses are discussed in chapter 2 of this report.The underlying hypothesised statement guiding the study was to determine whether there were any significant differences in KM implementation between public and private sector entities in the three research industries in terms of four research constructs. These are: application of ICTs for knowledge and information sharing, degree of achievement of knowledge-based outcomes, tacit knowledge acquisition and the degree of knowledge-oriented social factors. Organisational culture, organisational structures, human resource practices and leadership comprised the social factors tested in the study. The research data were collected through a mixed research design approach combining the advantages of a survey instrument and interviews (this is fully reflected in chapter 3 of this research report). The research results (as presented in chapter 4) pointed to some form of significant differences in KM implementation between public and private sector entities in the education and business loans industry, but there were no significant differences in KM implementation between public and private sector entities in the health industry. Arising from the findings of the study, a model for improved KM implementation is presented in chapter 4 (figure 4.16). It was found during the investigation that all the research entities approached KM implicitly through KM related practices. KM related practices were found to be far more entrenched in the health industry (both public and private sector entities), the private sector entities in the education and business loans industries than was the case with the public sector entities in the education and business loans industries. In the entities where KM related practices were found to be entrenched, there were concerted efforts towards improved organisational processes. The study has managed to unravel the importance of KM related practices in laying the foundation for a formalised KM approach. / Graduate School of Business Leadership / D.B.L.

The application of information communication technologies (ICTs) in records management in many organisations underscores the need for the assessment of e-records readiness. This provides a useful guide in benchmarking, gauging progress and comprehending e-records management. This study examined e-record readiness in labour organisations with a view to proposing a framework for labour organisations in Botswana. The study was largely guided by a quantitative paradigm and used a survey research strategy. This was complemented by methodological triangulation of both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. All the 50 registered labour organisations in Botswana were surveyed, 45 of which responded, representing a response rate of 90%. Data was obtained through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, document review and observations. The study established that e-records readiness in labour organisations in Botswana was evident, low and evolving, evidenced by the slow adoption of ICTs; inadequate records management standards and practices; and low integration in the national e-readiness framework. The study confirmed that most labour organisations had embraced the utilisation of ICTs in their work; exhibited some form of records management function and acknowledged the existence of national policy directives and strategies on e-readiness. However, traditional ICTs mainly the fax and telephone, were more prevalently adopted and used than newer ones such as e-mail and the Internet. The use of social media technology (Web 2.0 - Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter) was yet to be explored. The management of both paper-based and electronic records was not satisfactory and fell short of best recognised records management standards and practice. The integration of labour organisations into national e-readiness initiatives as espoused in key policy proclamations within the context of the pursuance of a holistic knowledge and information society was slow and remained challenging. In order to foster successful e-records readiness in labour organisations, several recommendations were advanced that underscored effective ICT adoption and use, implementation of best records management practices and rigorous integration of labour organisations into the information and knowledge society in Botswana. In addition, an integrated framework for examining and understanding e-records readiness in labour organisations was proposed and documented. / Information Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)

The recent global growth and popularity of open and distance learning (ODL) has been attributed to its advantages, such as flexibility for students who wish to study while working. Moreover, ODL is an effective tool in extending participation to students from less privileged social groups who are unreachable due to geographic location or cannot access higher education due to diverse factors, such as financial constraints or domestic arrangements. In the light of this, this study investigated learner support in the Department of Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) at the University of South Africa (Unisa), the largest, dedicated ODL institution in South Africa. A review of literature identified the Community of Inquiry model proposed by Garrison, Anderson and Archer (2001) as useful in this context and I used it as a conceptual framework for the empirical inquiry that I undertook. A mixed method approach comprising two consecutive phases was employed to investigate the research questions. A self-designed questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data from a random sample of 400 students registered for the ABET Diploma module (Phase One) followed by face to face interviews with selected lecturers and students (Phase Two). The scope of the study was limited to ABET lecturers, ABET diploma students and to selected Unisa learner support systems, such as myUnisa which includes a web-based discussion forum. The findings of the inquiry were presented and discussed under three main headings: the findings of Phase One, the findings of Phase Two and a summary in which the findings of the two phases were integrated where appropriate. The themes that emerged from the questionnaire and the interviews demonstrate clearly that learner support in the ABET Department is crucial in ensuring learner success. Interlinking themes are as follows: the context of the students, levels of computer literacy, accessibility of Unisa learner support systems, student motivation and time management. Many ABET students live in remote areas of the country and have little or no access to internet facilities. However, the majority of students agreed that they would like to interact more with other students through myUnisa in future. Lecturers and students agreed that myUnisa was a vital tool in teaching the students online; yet both students and lecturers still regarded contact discussion classes as the most important form of learner support. The findings suggested that the distance between the university and the student still has to be reduced more to ensure that student support reaches all students equitably. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)

The study investigated the effect of accessibility and utilization of electronic resources by academic staff on productivity at the University of Calabar and the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. In order to determine the effect of accessibility and utilization of e-resources on productivity of academic staff, a lone hypothesis was formulated thus: there is no significant correlation between accessibility and utilization of e-resources and productivity of academic staff in Nigerian universities. The study adopted quantitative approach as research paradigm; with survey and bibliometrics as research methods. Questionnaire was used as the primary instrument for data collection on accessibility and utilization of e-resources and productivity of academic staff in the study. The population of 2035 academic staff and sample size of 586 academic staff were used for the study, and a response rate of 55.29% was obtained for data analysis. The data for the study were analysed with SPSS. The finding of the study revealed that there is significant correlation between accessibility and utilization of e-resources and productivity of academic staff at the surveyed universities (r=0.135; p=0.004), especially at the level of international publication (r=0.158; p=0.004). The study concluded that there is a positive effect due to accessibility and utilization of e-resources on productivity at the surveyed universities. Further findings of the study revealed a low level of electronic information environment at the surveyed universities in relation to global practices; although, the University of Ibadan was found to have a better electronic information environment than the University of Calabar. The result from questionnaire survey revealed that the University of Calabar was more productive than the University of Ibadan; the converse was obtained with bibliometric analysis as the University of Ibadan was found to be more productive than the University of Calabar. From the findings of the study the influence of demographic variables (discipline, gender, age, education and professional rank) on accessibility and utilization of e-resources was not significant at the surveyed universities. The study recommended increased investment in ICT facilities at the surveyed universities to promote increase in accessibility and utilization of e-resources by academic staff in research. / Information Science / D.Litt et. Phil. (Information Science)

Reading difficulties are of concern worldwide, as evidenced by a number of studies, including the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), the Centre for Evaluation & Assessment (CEA), and Progress in International Reading Literacy (PIRLS). In South Africa’s, Gauteng Province, in which this study was conducted, the Department of Education (DoE) launched campaigns, such as Foundations for Learning (FFL) and Annual National Assessment (ANA) to address this problem. The purpose of this study was to explore, explain and describe the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) to support learners experiencing reading difficulties in two public primary schools. The study was influenced by Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory of human learning that describes it as a social process and the origination of human intelligence in society or culture. It comprised skills, assumptions and practices that the researcher used when moving from paradigm to the empirical world. A qualitative approach was used to gain first-hand holistic understanding of the use of ICTs to support learners experiencing reading difficulties, with data collected using focus group interviews, individual interviews and observations. Participants were 18 members of the School Based Support Team (SBST) and two Learning Support Educators (LSEs) of the two selected primary schools. The use of ICTs as a support mechanism was explored, with a detailed view presented on the use of ICTs by the teachers during teaching and learning activities and how they supported learners experiencing reading difficulties. From the research findings, factors affecting learners experiencing reading difficulties were identified, including lack of resources (specifically ICTS) and lack of guidelines on identifying and providing support to the learners experiencing reading difficulties. Based on the findings, conclusions and recommendations were made and the researcher developed guidelines which could be used by teachers to provide ICTs support for learners with reading difficulties. / Educational Studies

This study investigated the interactive use of computer simulations (CS) and videos on magnetism in Grade 10 at four high schools in the Mpumalanga province. Magnetism is one of the sections of the Physical Sciences CAPS curriculum. Four MST high schools in the Badplaas/Mashishila circuits of the Gert Sibande district in Mpumalanga were used as a case study. Three schools were used as experimental groups while the fourth school was used as control group. The first group was taught using computer simulations. The second group was taught using videos. The third group was taught using both computer simulations and videos, and the fourth group was taught using normal traditional methods. Using the pre-post test non-equivalent control group design, it was found that learners in all the experimental groups, who were taught using either computer simulations or videos or both, achieved significantly higher scores after being subjected to the post-test than learners in the control group, who were taught only by the normal traditional method. Furthermore, learners who were taught using a combination of CS and videos achieved significantly higher scores than learners who were exposed to only CS or only videos. Class observations conducted during the study reported that the use of information communication technology (ICT) tools with learners in the experimental groups proved to be informative, motivational and inspirational. This was evidenced by active learner participation, the learners being able to make predictions after observations and provide scientific explanations of concepts through discussions. The use of ICT tools in the form of CS and videos proved to be an effective instrument which can enhance learning. / Physics / M. Sc. (Physics Education)

This research conceptualises IT infrastructure management at secondary schools in the WCED (Western Cape Education Department). This includes whether or not secondary schools in the WCED make use of a full time, on-site network administrator or whether a teacher acts as on-site network administrator. The literature review studied the effectiveness of IT infrastructure management which includes hardware, software, policies, computer network, security; staff management and BYOD (bring your own device). The management of IT infrastructure at secondary schools within the WCED differs widely from school to school, and its functionality depends on many factors. The quantitative study revealed problem areas within IT infrastructure management at secondary schools in the WCED. Furthermore the quantitative study also revealed that there is a need for best practice guidelines with regards to IT infrastructure management in order to improve service delivery. The literature review provided sources for best practice IT infrastructure management. / Rekenaar infrastruktuur by sekondere skole in die WKOD (Wes Kaapse Onderwys Departement) word in die navorsing beskryf. Die studie ondersoek verskillende strukture naamlike skole wat 'n voltydse netwerk administrateur het en skole waar 'n onderwyser die verantwoordelikheid aanneem van 'n netwerk administrateur. Die effektiewe beheer van rekenaar infrastrukture word bespreek. Dit sluit hardeware, sagteware, beleid formulasie, rekenaar netwerk, sekuriteit, personeel bestuur, en BYOD (bring jou eie toestel). Die bestuur van rekenaar infrastruktuur verskil van skool tot skool en die effektiewe bestuur daarvan word deur baie faktore beinvloed. Die kwantitatiewe studie het probleem areas vir die bestuur van rekenaar infrastruktuur by sekondere skole in die WKOD uitgewys. Die kwantitatiewe studie het verder die behoefte vir beste praktyk riglyne uitgewys om sodoende better dienslewering te verseker. Die literere studie het beste praktyk riglyne vir rekenaar infrastruktuur bestuur genoem. / Educational Leadership and Management

為深入瞭解「電子化政府」及ICT應用等相關方案對行政治理之影響，本研究檢視有關ICT應用與社會及公共行政發展之文獻，並以歷史分析之途徑，探討我國推動「電子化政府」之演進，並以「經濟部國際貿易局(以下簡稱國貿局)」為個案研究的對象，探討「電子化政府推動方案」，以及ICT應用方案之實施情形與經驗，以瞭解將ICT運用於公共行政系絡之整體背景與意義；並輔以問卷調查方式，調查行政人員實際運用ICT處理公共事務之現象，以評估公部門所推動之電子化政府計畫之成效，以及ICT應用對行政效能之影響；最後，歸納各項研究發現，陳述本研究之理論及實務意涵，並提供我國未來推動「電子化政府」計畫之建議。 本研究經綜合所獲得的證據後，認為ICT及其應用與當代社會及公共行政發展的關係，並非如「科技決定論」論述所接櫫的單一線性因果關係，認為僅需直接將ICT導入公共事務活動上，即能自動地出現新形態的治理關係與行政實務活動。事實上，ICT及其應用之發展與結果，係一複雜的「社會建構」過程（Bekkers, 1996）。在此一過程中，「ICT應用」與「行動者之認知」及所處之「社會系絡」進行互動；「社會系絡」框架出ICT及其應用的參考架構，並賦與ICT適當的社會意義，：「行動者之認知」則展現其對於ICT之理解與知覺；ICT應用不僅反映出所處系絡的權力、意義與文化價值等社會安排，並成為該體系「維持」及「再生產」的手段。故各類「ICT應用」之態樣，實為在特定社會系絡影響下，行動者之心智模式的一種「再現」。換言之，科技及其應用僅為僅為互動過程之因素之一，並非宰制性的力量。 本文認為ICT應用於公共事務所能產生的影響，係取決於科技應用之社會系絡及其價值與意義。將資訊科技導入公共事務活動上，本身並無法自行出現新型態的治理關係與行政實務，電子化政府的新型態治理與公共行政之發展，仍需透過對於社會正義、民主、自由及人道等價值之反思，役使資訊科技滿足人類與社會發展及成長之需求。

During the last two decades, there have been a number of policy and legislative changes in respect of South Africa’s intellectual property (IP) and the national system of innovation (NSI). In 2012, a Ministerial Review of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) landscape in South Africa made recommendations to improve the STI landscape and effectively the national system of innovation. The study provides a critical review of drafts of the national IP policy published in 2013 as well as the IP Framework released in 2016 for public comment. The review of the IP and the NSI are within the context of the National Development Plan (NDP), which outlines South Africa’s desired developmental goals. South Africa is part of the BRICS group of countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). The South African economy is characterised by a desire to move away from being dependent on resources and commodities, to becoming a more knowledge based and innovation driven economy. It is hoped that such a move would assist the country to address some of the social and economic development challenges facing South Africa, as captured in the NDP. South Africa has a functioning IP system, but its relationship with South Africa’s development trajectory is not established. More particularly, the extent to which the IP system relates to the innovation system and how these two systems must be aligned to enable South Africa to transition successfully from a country based on the production of primary resources and associated commodity-based industries to a viable knowledge-based economy is unclear. The Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) provides that IP must contribute to innovation and to transfer of technology and knowledge in a manner that is conducive to social and economic welfare. Certain provisions set out the foundations of intellectual property systems within the context of each member state. This study has thus explored the complex, complementary and sometimes contested relationships between IP and innovation, with particular emphasis on the potential of an intellectual property system to stimulate innovation and foster social and economic development. The study has also analysed the interconnectivity of IP and innovation with other WTO legal instruments, taking into account South Africa’s positioning within the globalised economy and in particular the BRICS group of countries. The research involved a critical review of South Africa’s IP and innovation policies, as well as relevant legislation, instruments, infrastructure, IP and innovation landscape, and relationship with international WTO legal instruments, in addition to its performance, given the developmental priorities and the globalised economy. The research documents patenting trends by South Africans using European Patent Office (EPO), Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), United States Patents and Trademarks Office (USPTO) databases over the period 1996-2015. A comparative analysis of patenting trends amongst BRICS group of countries has also been documented. The study also documents new findings, observations and insights regarding South Africa’s IP and innovation systems. Some of these, particularly in relation to higher education and research institutions, are directly attributable to the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act. More particularly, the public institutions are becoming relevant players in the NSI and are responsible for growth of certain technology clusters, in particular, biotechnology. At the same time, the study makes findings of a decline of private sector participation in patenting as well as R&D investment over the 20-year period. Recommendations are included regarding specific interventions to ensure coherence between the IP and innovation systems. Such coherence and alignment should strengthen the systems’ ability to stimulate innovation and foster inclusive development and competitiveness, which are relevant for addressing South Africa’s socio-economic development priorities. / Mercantile Law / LL. D.

This research conceptualises IT infrastructure management at secondary schools in the WCED (Western Cape Education Department). This includes whether or not secondary schools in the WCED make use of a full time, on-site network administrator or whether a teacher acts as on-site network administrator. The literature review studied the effectiveness of IT infrastructure management which includes hardware, software, policies, computer network, security; staff management and BYOD (bring your own device). The management of IT infrastructure at secondary schools within the WCED differs widely from school to school, and its functionality depends on many factors. The quantitative study revealed problem areas within IT infrastructure management at secondary schools in the WCED. Furthermore the quantitative study also revealed that there is a need for best practice guidelines with regards to IT infrastructure management in order to improve service delivery. The literature review provided sources for best practice IT infrastructure management. / Rekenaar infrastruktuur by sekondere skole in die WKOD (Wes Kaapse Onderwys Departement) word in die navorsing beskryf. Die studie ondersoek verskillende strukture naamlike skole wat 'n voltydse netwerk administrateur het en skole waar 'n onderwyser die verantwoordelikheid aanneem van 'n netwerk administrateur. Die effektiewe beheer van rekenaar infrastrukture word bespreek. Dit sluit hardeware, sagteware, beleid formulasie, rekenaar netwerk, sekuriteit, personeel bestuur, en BYOD (bring jou eie toestel). Die bestuur van rekenaar infrastruktuur verskil van skool tot skool en die effektiewe bestuur daarvan word deur baie faktore beinvloed. Die kwantitatiewe studie het probleem areas vir die bestuur van rekenaar infrastruktuur by sekondere skole in die WKOD uitgewys. Die kwantitatiewe studie het verder die behoefte vir beste praktyk riglyne uitgewys om sodoende better dienslewering te verseker. Die literere studie het beste praktyk riglyne vir rekenaar infrastruktuur bestuur genoem. / Educational Leadership and Management