No keywords provided in thesis / The rapid advancement of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the immense benefits they present to organisations have made ICT innovations prominent. However, there is a constant contention between ICTs that already exist in organisations and emerging digital technologies (DTs). The exponential rate at which these DTs evolve often overwhelms decision-makers. This study focused on the decisions of small medium enterprises (SMEs) whether to adopt emerging DTs or to continue using their existing ICTs: SME owners need to evaluate existing ICTs to gauge their usefulness before adopting emerging DTs. Existing decision tools are often insufficient, being based only on either financial evaluation models or ICT usage/adoption models. This study therefore reviewed ICT use, acceptance and adoption theories, as well as financial models, in identifying both the non-financial and financial factors relevant to the evaluation of existing ICTs. Using the Updated Information Systems Success Model as the base model, the study developed an integrated conceptual framework for the evaluation of existing ICTs. The conceptual framework was tested per the positivist philosophical paradigm using data collected from SME owners. Structural equation modeling was used to test and validate the framework. The key findings from the study are that the psychological views and personal experiences of SME owners play the most important role in the evaluation of existing ICTs; and are primarily driven by the social environment surrounding them. The thesis recommends that SME owners should not base their decisions to continue using the existing ICTs on their psychological views and personal experiences only. Such owners may be deceived into believing that emerging DTs are better than the existing ICTs, or vice versa. Rather, SME owners should also consider the performance of software and hardware; and the quality of the information from the existing ICTs. Some features of the existing ICTs, such as database, network, and cloud computing, do not seem to matter to the SME owners; nevertheless these factors are important to consider. The study contributed to Information Systems theory by scoping a body of literature specific to the evaluation of existing ICTs within SMEs in South Africa. The study also contributes to practice, in creating a framework that could assist SME owners to objectively evaluate existing ICTs before adopting emerging DTs. Future research, however, should consider qualitative methods to elicit other factors which may be relevant to the evaluation of existing ICTs / School of Computing / Ph. D (Information Systems)

M. Tech. (Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences), Vaal University of Technology. / Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become prevalent in our everyday business and personal lives. As such, users and organisations must know how to protect themselves against human errors that led to more companies losing or sharing information that should not be shared. The issue emanates from lack of ICT security culture both in individuals and organisations. This research is based on a wide theoretical review that is focused on proposing a conceptual model on technological, environmental and organisational factors that influence the adoption of ICT security culture and implementation in Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). Factors or determinants that influence the adoption of ICT security culture in SMMEs in the Gauteng province were investigated. Questionnaires were distributed to examine the perception of ICT security culture adoption among SMMEs in the Gauteng province South Africa. A sample of 647 individuals from different SMMEs in the Gauteng province returned the questionnaire. The results of the research study show that technological context (perceived benefits), environmental context (government regulations) and organisational context (management support) determinants have direct influence on the ICT security culture adoption. The recommendation is that information security awareness programmes must be put in place. Further research is recommended using more determinants that might have a positive impact toward the adoption of the ICT security culture. In order to minimize data breaches due to human error it is recommended that SMMEs around Gauteng Province in South Africa adopt the framework as outlined in this research study.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Curriculum Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / This study explored the use of information communication technology (ICT) to enhance teaching and learning in selected schools in Limpopo Province of South Africa. The study examined how ICT could be used to the advantage of the educator and learners in the classroom. The research is important because of the need to shift from teacher centred to learner centred approaches through using technology in the classroom. In addition, today’s learners are different from those of 20 years ago in that they are inquisitive and want to discover knowledge on their own. In the past twentyfive years that the researcher has been a teacher, she has seen a significant change in the learners’ attitude towards education. The current learners are energetic, enjoy change and are opposed to traditional teaching approaches that focus on rote learning. This qualitative research implemented the principle of life-long learning to increase a variety of educational mediums and promote the learners’ technology literacy. The research also sought to encourage the culture of learning through the development of learning skills. To achieve the study objectives, a case study design which is an aspect of qualitative research, was adopted. This led to a naturalistic inquiry which allowed the researcher to collect data by interacting with selected individuals in their everyday setting. The study exploits the constructive-interpretivist paradigm because this enabled the researcher to critically explore the use of ICT in enhancing teaching and learning at secondary schools. Data was collected through interviews with participants. Subsequently, the data was analysed to gain in-depth understanding about how educators implement and ensure quality teaching and learning through the use of ICT in the classroom. Data was transcribed verbatim and then grouped according to different themes. The research findings indicate that the use of ICT in the classroom promotes teaching and learning. ICT is an innovative tool which also allows diverse perspectives to emerge, enabling learners to develop a group identity.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study assesses the information policy of the Western Cape provincial government- of South Africa, with special emphasis on ICT for development in the general context of the global Information society. It is aimed at getting key lessons together for the Eritrean ICT policy development. The methodology used in this study include review of the literature on the ICT policy in Western Cape, South Africa and beyond, conducting interviews with key actors in Western Cape Provincial Government and site visits to Multi-Purpose Community Centres. The study analyses institutions, ICT policy processes, methodologies and challenges. The study concludes that although developing an ICT policy remains fundamental for developing countries like Eritrea, the main challenge lies in integrating new and old technologies into national development priorities. This cannot be achieved without building blocks such as adequate infrastructure, human and financial resources, and commitment to succeed in information age. A series of recommendations were put forward for Eritrea based on the analysis of the policy process and progress in South Africa in general and Western Cape Province in particular. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie studie word die beleid ten opsigte van inligting in die Wes-Kaapse provinsiale regering van Suid-Afrika bestudeer, met die klem veral op Inligting en Kommunikasie Tegnologie vir ontwikkeling in die algemene konteks van- die wereldwye inligting gemeenskap. Die doelwit van hierdie studie is om sleutellesse te leer wat kan help met die ontwikkeling van 'n beleid t.o.v. Inligting en Kommunikasie in Eritrea. Die metodologie wat gebruik is sluit in 'n oorsig van die literatuur oor die IKT (ICT) beleid in die Wes-Kaap, Suid-Afrika, en in ander lande; onderhoude met sleutelfigure in die Wes-Kaapse provinsiale regering; en besoeke aan Veeldoelige Gemeenskap Sentrums. Die studie ontleed instansies, IKT beleid prosesse, metodologie en uitdagings. In die studie word daar bevind dat, alhoewel die ontwikkeling van 'n Inligting en Kommunikasie beleid van fundamentele belang is vir ontwikkelende lande soos Eritrea, die hoofuitdaging daarin Iê om ou en nuwe tegnologie te integreer in die nasionale ontwikkelings prioriteite. Dit kan nie gedoen word sonder die boublokke van genoegsame infrastruktuur, menslike en finansiele hulpbronne, en verbintenis tot sukses in die inligtingsera nie. 'n Reeks aanbevelings word gemaak vir Eritrea, gegrond op die ontleding van die beleid, proses en vooruitgang van Suid-Afrika in die geheel, en veral van die Wes-Kaap.

Arivia.kom was formed out of a merger of the information technology (IT) departments of Eskom, Transnet and Denel. The aim was to address skilled staff losses and to achieve economies of scale. Agreements were drafted ensuring arivia.kom business patronage for a period of five years. Arivia.kom's commencement was accompanied by problems, affecting its customers to the extent that they indicated dissatisfaction with performance. This study established the extent of those problems, and the reasons for their occurrence. A market analysis was conducted with specific focus on customer and competitor analysis. An investigation was conducted into the quality of service, overall customer impression of the organisation since its inception, as well as performance against competitors. The major findings indicated that performance problems were not isolated incidents but consistent across the organisation. These problems stemmed from poor organisational design, poorly evolved organisational culture, unclear positioning and poor competitor and customer intelligence capability. / Business Management / M. Comm. (Business Management)

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Masters of Technology: Information Technology, Durban University of Technology. Durban. South Africa, 2015. / Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are ubiquitous nowadays, and there are many situations where they are overall perceived either as advantageous or as disadvantageous; but there are other situations where it is unknown whether they are overall advantageous or disadvantageous. For example, ICTs are perceived as advantageous for communication, but texting during driving is perceived as worse than drinking while driving. Concerning for example eLearning which is the use of ICTs in education, the fact that it has not yet eliminated the problem of poor academic performance raises the question as to whether ICTs are advantageous or not in education especially when one considers their high cost. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the perceptions of educators on the advantages and disadvantages of eLearning. This aim will be subdivided into three types of research objectives: (a) to select from existing literature suitable theories that can be applied to the examination of educators’ perceptions on the advantages and disadvantages of eLearning; (b) to design a model of the factors affecting educators’ perceptions on the advantages and disadvantages of eLearning; (c) to empirically test the above announced model; (d) to propose recommendations on how to optimize the impact of eLearning. Objectives a, b, and d were accomplished through the review of existing appropriate literature on teaching and learning, and on eLearning; but objective c was met through a survey of 65 educators of Camperdown town schools in the Pinetown district of KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The outcomes of these four objectives are as follows: (a) Constructivism, Progressivism, and Self-regulated learning can be used as suitable theories applicable to the examination of educators perceptions on the advantages and disadvantages of eLearning; (b) It makes sense to hypothesize that educators perceptions on the advantages and disadvantages of eLearning are affected by their demographics and by their adherence to learning theories; (c) Empirical test conducted by this study confirm that educators perceptions on the advantages and disadvantages of eLearning are affected by their adherence to constructivism and to progressivism; (d) It can be concluded that the impact of the use of ICTs on teaching and learning will be optimized through the deployment of constructivist and progressivist educators as champions of eLearning projects in schools.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Technology: Information Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / The use of mobile devices such as cell phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants and tablet computers is becoming prevalent in today’s world; and it is facilitating access to a vast amount of data, services and applications for the improvement of people’s lives. Advances in electronics and manufacturing technologies usually lead to the rapid release of newer and sleeker models with new features and capabilities. These newer models therefore render older models obsolete, and this pushes people to frequently replace their devices. The drawback of such frequent replacements is that a large number of devices are disposed and they end up as e-waste. The fact that e-waste constitutes a major hazard to human health and to the environment is the motivation behind this study whose aim is to examine the factors affecting the perceptions of teachers on the durability of cell phones in the e-learning context. This research aims was achieved through the content analysis of existing literature and through a survey of 67 secondary school teachers from the iLembe and UMgungundlovu district municipalities in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The attribution theory was selected as the theoretical framework for this study, and it led to the identification of four independent variables (Demographics, Intention, Knowledge, and Actual use) and of one dependent variable (Perceived Durability). The results of this study indicate that teaching experience and school location are the only two demographics that affect other variables from this research: School location affects cell phone durability, and teaching experience affects cell phone usage intentions. These results also indicate that all the variables of this research are linked except for the relationship between knowledge and perceived durability. One of the recommendations of this study is the proposal of a three year cycle for cell phone renewals in schools mobile learning projects in order to manage e-waste through e-recycling, and this recommendation is based on the finding of this research that teachers believe that cell phones generally lasts between two to three years. The main contribution of this study is to have examined the durability of mobile phones in the e-learning context and this is something new compared to all the studies reviewed by this research.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: When the government of national unity took over control of South Africa in 1994, their primary aims were to address the legacy of apartheid and bring democracy to all of their people. The legacy of the previous political dispensation, which favoured the minority, was to be eradicated. The aim of this new government was to make sure that all South Africans enjoy equality and receive equitable rewards from all economic activities. However, in order for this to be possible the new government was forced to introduce policies and legislation to facilitate that transformation. The Reconstruction and Development Programme, the Growth, Employment and Redistribution strategy, the Black Economic Empowerment Act and various sectoral charters are but a few that were introduced to facilitate change. Based on the literature review, it is evident that, although policies and procedures have been introduced, the process of implementation is far too complex to see change happen overnight. The study targets the Information, Communication and Technology (lCT) sector. This sector of industry is considered by the South African government as an integral component of ensuring economic prosperity and it is therefore an interesting topic for investigation. This sector was previously dominated by White South Africans. The aim of the study is to investigate the extent of economic transformation and black economic empowerment in the sector. There is also an interest to establish whether technical ICT skills and knowledge have filtered down adequately to previously disadvantaged individuals (PDls). The extent of transformation in the ICT sector is what the study aims to capture. The data collection process was conducted within a qualitative and quantitative research framework. The author plans to use an interpretive approach for the analysis of the findings. The data collected for the study were by means of structured questionnaires; however, the last section consisted of open-ended questions. The sample selected for this study was middle management officials, many of them highly skilled and working in a technical environment at these companies. The responses to the questionnaires reflected a diverse and seemingly ambiguous understanding of the ICT. Based on these perceptions, there is a clear indication that many of the respondents have a narrow view of what transformation for the sector really means. The answers to the questionnaires were analysed to test the hypothesis. According to the research findings, it appears that transformation of the ICT sector has not taken place successfully. The study concludes with recommendations for the ICT sector and a brief conclusion. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Toe die regering van nasionale eenheid in 1994 beheer oor Suid-Afrika geneem het, was sy hoofdoel om die nalatenskap van Apartheid aan te spreek en 'n demokratiese bestel vir die land en al sy mense te vestig. Die nalatenskap van die gewese politieke bestel, wat die minderheid bevoordeel het, sou uitgewis word. Die doel van hierdie nuwe regering was om te verseker dat aile Suid-Afrikaners gelyk behandel word en billike voordeel uit aile ekonomiese bedrywighede trek. Om dit egter moontlik te maak, is die nuwe regering gedwing om beleide en wetgewing in te stel om te verseker dat transformasie plaasvind. Die Heropbou- en Ontwikkelingsprogram, die Ekonomiese Groei en Herverdelingstrategie en verskeie sektorale handveste is maar enkele wat ingestel is om verandering te weeg te bring. Gebaseer op die letterkundige oorsig, is dit voor die hand liggend dat, hoewel daar beleide en prosedures ingestel is, die proses van toepassing geheel en al te ingewikkeld is om verandering oornag te sien gebeur. Hierdie studie is gerig op 'n spesifieke segment ekonomiese bydrae tot die ekonomie, die Informasie, Kommunikasie en Tegnologiese (lKT) sektor. Die sektor van die nywerheid word deur die regering as 'n integrale komponent beskou ten einde ekonomiese welvaart te waarborg en is derhalwe 'n interessante onderwerp om van naderby te bekyk. Die heersende opvatting is dat hierdie sektor voorheen deur blanke Suid-Afrikaners oorheers is, veral wat betref tegniese vaardighede en tegnologiese kennis. Die doel van die studie is om die omvang van ekonomiese transformasie en Swart Ekonomiese Bemagtiging binne hierdie sektor te ondersoek. Daar is ook intense belangstelling om te probeer vasstel of voorheen benadeeldes enigsins voordeel getrek het uit die bestaande tegniese IKT-vaardighede en kennis. Die navorsing oor mense se persepsie van die IKT-sektor is wat die studie beplan om vas te vang. Die inligtingsinsamelingsproses is binne 'n kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe raamwerk uitgevoer - die rede hiervoor was dat die navorser beplan het om 'n interpreterende benadering vir die analise van die bevindinge toe te pas. Inligting is deur middel van vraelyste versamel, maar die laaste afdeling het uit half onbepaalde vrae bestaan. Die monster wat vir hierdie studie gekies is, was middelvlakbestuurslede in diens van die IKT-ondernemings - vele van hulle was hoogs opgelei en het in 'n tegniese omgewing by hierdie ondernemings gewerk. Die reaksies op die vraelyste dui oorweldigend daarop dat daar 'n diverse en oenskynlike dubbelsinnige begrip van die IKT is. Gebaseer ap hierdie persepsies, is dit heel duidelik dat talle van die respondente 'n eng siening het oor wat transformasie werklik vir die sektor beteken. Die antwoorde op die vermelde vraelyste is geanaliseer om die hipotese te toets. Volgens die navorsingsbevindinge wil dit voorkom of transformasie van die IKT -sektor nie suksesvol plaasgevind het nie. Die studie sluit af met aanbevelings aan die IKT-sektor rakende transformasie-suksesse en dit word gevolg deur 'n kort slotwoord.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: RFID technology may be the most capable technology to address the track and trace requirements within the Agri-food supply chain. RFID technology has become a prominent research area in recent times, with multiple benefits being promised and envisaged. The list of applications and deployments within the supply chain is numerous, with the ambassadors of this technology promising increased supply chain effectiveness, inventory management capabilities and enhanced information visibility. Deregulations within the South African citrus industry created changes to the internal structure of the industry, with the requirements of enhanced information visibility for traceability becoming a high priority. Current information structures and initiatives are providing the basic requirements for the changing business environment, with limitations to real-time and visible information for improved decision-making and planning initiatives. The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify the critical success factors for RFID technology deployment in supply chains in general and to identify the critical success factors relevant to the South African citrus industry. The study also researched the benefits and challenges of deploying RFID technology within the South African citrus industry, relating to citrus supply chain performance improvements of RFID adoption. The research indicates that certain limitations and challenges pertinent to the citrus industry exist, which would require industry level priority for successful implementation of RFID technology within the South African citrus industry. This study provides the South African citrus industry with a guideline to address the current non-collective management of information, information systems and requirements and collaboration initiatives. The use of this research should be of great assistance to the South African citrus industry role-players by providing a strategic framework for addressing information improvement initiatives. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: RFID tegnologie kan moontlik die mees bevoegde tegnologie wees om die naspeurbaarheid vereistes van n Agri-voedsel voorsiening ketting aan te spreek. RFID tegnologie is huidiglik 'n prominente navorsingsgebied, met beloofde meervoudige voordele. Die lys van aanwendings en toepassings binne die voorsiening ketting is veelvoudig, met beloftes van die ambassadeurs van die tegnologie, vir verbeterde voorsienings ketting doeltreffendheid, inventaris bestuur en verhoogde inligtings sigbaarheid. Deregulasie van die Suid Afrikaanse sitrus industrie het interne strukturuele veranderinge in die industrie teweeg gebring, met prioriteit fokus vir verhoogde inligting sigbaarheid vir naspeurbaarheid doeleindes. Huidige inligting strukture en initiatiewe verskaf die basiese grondslag vir die deurlopende veranderende besigheids omgewing, met intyd en sigbaarheids inligtings beperkinge, vir verbeterde besluitneming en beplanning initiatiewe. Die doel van die ondersoekende studies was om die generiese kritieke sukses faktore van RFID tegnologie implementering en die kritieke sukses faktore direk verwant tot die Suid Afrikaanse sitrus industrie te identifiseer. Die studie het ook die voordele en uitdagings van RFID implementering binne die Suid Afrikaanse sitrus industrie nagevors, spesifiek verwant tot die prestasie verbeterings van RFID implementering in die sitrus voorsienings ketting. Die navorsing dui aan dat sekere beperkinge en uitdagings spesifiek tot die sitrus industrie bestaan wat industrie vlak prioriteit vereis, vir suksevolle implementasie van RFID tegnologie binne die Suid Afrikaanse sitrus industrie. Die resultate van die studie verskaf die Suid Afrikaanse sitrus industrie met 'n riglyn om die uitdagings van die huidige nie-kollektiewe bestuur van inligting, inligting stelsels en vereistes en samewerkings initiatiewe aan te spreek. Die gebruik van die navorsing behoort van groot waarde te wees vir die rolspelers van die Suid Afrikaanse sitrus industrie, in die verskaffing van 'n strategiese raamwerk vir die aanspreking van inligting verbeterings intiatiewe.

Despite the widespread adoption of Internet banking, no guidelines exist on what functionality the techno-savvy Generation-Y customer segment (20–37 years) expects from Internet banking websites. This research investigated the functionality that South African Generation-Y customers require from this transacting platform. A user-centred design philosophy with a mixed method research design was used. The technological characteristics of Generation-Y, abstracted from the literature, were aligned with functionality trends of future Internet banking websites to formulate an initial list of Internet banking functionality guidelines. These were evaluated using a survey and interviews, and were also used in a heuristic evaluation of the Internet banking platforms of five South African banks. The findings were integrated to synthesise functionality guidelines. A visual representation of these guidelines was constructed as wireframes for evaluation by Generation-Y users. This study makes a contribution by providing a validated list of Internet banking functionality guidelines for Generation-Y banking customers. / College of Engineering, Science and Technology / M. Tech. (Information Technology)