Information Communication Technologies are increasingly used in organisations’ market expansion strategies. These Information communication technologies provide organisations with opportunities such as ease of communication and movement of resources, making the entry into new markets a faster and less resource heavy process. When expanding throughout the African continent, the challenge presented in using this approach is that many African markets have underdeveloped information communication technology infrastructure. In considering this barrier, the extent to which information communication technology enables market expansion throughout the African continent is the topic which has been fully analysed and discussed. An exploratory research design and a qualitative method have been used in this study. The subjects of the data collection were three key individuals selected from a large South African retailer. These three individuals job roles spanned across the marketing and IT departments and were influential in the organisation’s expansion efforts throughout Africa. The findings of this study show that the levels of information communication technology infrastructure vary vastly from country to country on the African continent, noting South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia and Botswana as the more advanced nations with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda lagging in development. The findings also show that for retailers, the retail focused technology available in South Africa is not yet available in other African nations which causes challenges in offering the same value to consumers across the board. However, the finding show that the development of cloud-based systems has assisted in the widespread use of technologies without the need of heavy investments into physical locations.

Thesis (M. Com. (Business Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Information and communication technologies (ICT) and its impact in the economic, social and personal development has become an important object of scientific research in recent decades. Theoretical and empirical studies have demonstrated the necessity to gain and exploit positive outcomes such as productivity growth, organisation expansion, efficiency, effectiveness, competitiveness and so on of ICT adoption and implementation in various organisations. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to investigate the determinants of ICT adoption by SMEs for improved performance. The study utilised the quantitative research approach whereby a survey was conducted using convenience and snowball sampling methods. Data was tested for reliability using the Cronbach’ Alpha. Furthermore, descriptive analysis was conducted as well as correlation and regression tests. The questionnaire was developed from the empirical literature review. The determinants of ICT adoption were represented by perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial passion, personal factors, business characteristics and performance. Based on the results, SMEs should seek to adopt ICT using the determinants which were assessed as they show how effective a business can improve performance if these determinants are used to adopt ICT. Furthermore, more should be done by government to give support and awareness to SMEs on various aspects that can improve their businesses such as ICT. Keywords: ICT, SMEs, Determinants, Adoption, Performance

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Library and Information Studies at the University of Zululand, 2016. / Information literacy is fundamental for lifelong learning, especially for the teaching profession, where information is critical for imparting knowledge to students who are expected to be creative, critical thinkers and lifelong learners. The study investigates the information literacy skills and personal abilities of secondary school teachers in Lagos, Nigeria and Durban, South Africa. The following research questions and hypotheses were pursued in the study: the teachers’ perceptions about the need for information literacy; the purposes for which they need information; the types of information resource they access for teaching purposes; the frequency of use of information resources; the search strategies employed in using online information resources; the level of teachers’ information self-concept; and metacognitive abilities employed in using information resources. The study also embarks on an analytical evaluation of information literacy in the contexts of the two cities of Lagos and Durban. A proposed conceptual model was also suggested to ensure the information literacy of teachers in secondary schools. The study was guided by null hypotheses and tested at a 0.05 level of significance, to ascertain whether there were any significant differences in teachers’ perceptions of the need for information literacy, and also whether there was any significant difference in the information literacy, frequency of use of information, information search strategy, and metacognitive abilities of teachers in Lagos and Durban. The study adopted a post-positivist research paradigm combining both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies largely through multi case study research design. Data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews, observation and document analysis that included a literature review. The target population was secondary school teachers in Lagos and Durban. The sample for the research was drawn from teachers in government secondary schools in Lagos and Durban. Lagos State has 20 local governments, and at the time of the research a total teacher population of 8 329. Durban is divided into four Circuits representing 16 wards. Excluding primary schools, independent schools and combined secondary schools, there are 41 secondary schools and 4 887 teachers. Face and content validity was achieved through the verification of and response to the research instruments by academics in the Department of Information Studies at the University of Zululand. Dependability of the research instruments was achieved through a pilot survey that tested the instruments among 57 teacher-librarians at the University of Zululand. In addition, Cronbach alpha technique was used to determine the reliability of the instruments. The data collected for this research were subjected to reliability coefficient tests variable by variable. The outcome shows that the overall reliability coefficient, when all the items in the questionnaire were taken together, was .801 (r =.801). Therefore all the items in the questionnaire were found to be reliable, and hence the questionnaire was reliable, trustworthy and dependable. Interviews and observation were also used as instruments of data collection to triangulate and validate the research results obtained by the questionnaire. Multistage sampling technique was used in the first instance to purposively select samples from the two cities of Lagos and Durban in order to make comparisons. The second stage involved stratified random sampling, and the third stage applied simple random sampling. A sample of six local governments was selected from 20 in Lagos State, and referred to as primary sampling units (PSUs). Lagos State was divided into six educational districts (EDs). The first stage sampling involved selecting one local government out of three or four in each ED. The second stage sampling comprised a few secondary schools selected at random from all the schools in selected local governments, and the third stage was a selection of some teachers from all the teachers in the selected secondary schools. The selected local secondary schools were called secondary sampling units (SSUs). All the responding units in each SSU, i.e. the teachers, were given the questionnaires to fill in. Triangulation of three data gathering instruments enabled convergence measurement for confidence in the outcome of the research. Content analysis of the contextual setting relating to the information literacy environment in Nigeria and South Africa was done. The respondents were drawn from secondary school teachers in Lagos and Durban, with 368 valid questionnaires returned with useful responses, 193 (52.4%) in Lagos and 175 (47.6) in Durban. Eight librarians were also interviewed to validate the responses from the questionnaires, four in Lagos and four in Durban. The theoretical underpinning of this research was based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), which helps in understanding human-machine interface (HMI) through perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEU). The rationale for TAM is to present a foundation for ascertaining the impact of external variables on internal beliefs, personal abilities, attitude, mind-set and intention in attaining information literacy (IL) skills. This study evaluated the TAM’s main variables for information literacy acquisition such as perceived usefulness (the intention to use, user training, computer experience, system quality) and perceived ease of use (computer self-efficacy, perception of external control, ease of use, internet self-efficacy, efficacy of library use, computer anxiety, information anxiety, perceived enjoyment and objective usability, behaviour and intention). The study also contextualises the TAM by analysing and explaining how the variables are applied in relationship to IL among school teachers. The outcome provided a deeper understanding of how TAM applies to information communication and technology for development (ICT4D) in general and IL research in particular. The study revealed that teachers in Durban had a higher level of perception of the need for information literacy than their counterparts in Lagos. The inference from the study showed that teachers in the countries of study need information on a regular basis mainly for the purposes of teaching, and administrative and professional development. The study also showed that electronic information resources were infrequently used by the teachers. Regardless of government regulation stating the qualifications of school librarians, many of those employed in the two cities were not professionally qualified librarians. The study shows a significant level of decline in information literacy in relation to the ages of teachers. Younger teachers tend to possess a higher level of information literacy than their older colleagues, which makes in-service training imperative. Female teachers are significantly more information literate than their male counterparts. Many of the school libraries seem to have been afterthoughts, and the specifications for library building and planning were not observed as itemised by IFLA library building guidelines. The library environments showed that most of the facilities were not specifically built for the teachers, in terms of space and furniture. Interaction and collaboration between teachers and librarians is limited. The information in the literature review, and contextualisation of information literacy in Nigeria and South Africa present new insights. The study recommended that continuous training for teachers in information literacy is essential. School authorities should establish relationships between teachers and librarians, and employ qualified librarians capable of competently handling modern information facilities in the school library. The quality of library facilities should be improved for better information access and services, and encourage change in teacher’s perceptions about information literacy and services. Adequate funding for school libraries is essential to acquire resources and ensure maintenance. It is also recommended that librarians should receive regular education to cope with changes in information access, usage and services required in modern libraries.

Democracy depends on the civic and political engagement of individuals. Despite a growing body of research analyzing political engagement in the United States, little attention has been paid to the relationship between information and communication technologies (ICTs) and perceptions of citizens concerning civic participation. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationship between ICTs, perceptions of citizenship, and participatory preferences for 18- to 35-year-olds in the United States. Applying Olson's theory of collective action, the goal of the study was to understand how ICT use influenced changes in perceptions of citizenship between 2004 and 2014. A repeated cross-sectional design, pooling secondary data retrieved from the U.S. General Social Survey database, was used to answer the research questions on the effect of ICT use on perceptions and actions concerning citizenship and participation. The hypotheses were tested using multiple linear regression analysis. Study findings suggested that ICT use had no notable effect on changes in perceptions of citizenship. More specifically, results indicated that changes in perceptions and actions between 2004 and 2014 were not the result of ICTs, despite increasing ICT usage over the period. These findings indicate that ICTs are just tools, rather than agents of change. Acknowledging ICT use as a form of expression permits practitioners to deploy ICTs as tools to support civic engagement. Benefits from leveraging them as tools are likely to accrue individuals, society, and practitioners alike. The resulting implications for positive social change include increased participation as well as the adoption of democratic practices reflective of modern participatory demands and behaviors.

No description available.

This study will extend the current body of knowledge about how accessible and affordable information communication technologies (ICT; smartphones, tablets, and computers) can foster social interaction and reduce social isolation and loneliness in older adults aged 55 plus. The first study is a systematic literature review of existing studies on ICT and the willingness of older adults to use technology. The second study is quantitative research that investigates the trust and reasoning of older adults using ICT, like smartphones, tablets, and computers that foster social interaction and the level of technological ownership. The second study is conducted using research data through surveys conducted by Pew Research Center on behalf of Princeton University. Finally, the third study explores the level of ownership of technology and methods to reduce social isolation using ICT. The effectiveness of smartphones, tablets, and computers that foster social interaction were reviewed to create a sense of community to reduce social isolation.

This thesis will focus on the oppression and genocide towards the ethnic minority of the Rohingya in Rakhine state of Myanmar. The interest is upon the ways in which Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) utilizes discourse around national liberation, security and vulnerability to communicate with the international community about the oppression that the ethnic minority in Myanmar faces. In order to explore and understand the ways in which ARSA has communicated with the international community the social media platform X is utilised for a discourse analysis. The findings of the thesis are that the most common discourses that can be found in ARSA’s X output is connected to national liberation and identity.

The background and problem statement centre on the evolution of technology within teaching and learning, which involves undergraduate student nurses, as well as the use of social media as interactive teaching and communication tool. While examining the background to this topic, the researcher recognised a need to gain a deeper understanding of responsible social media use by undergraduate student nurses to the benefit of all the stakeholders, namely the Nursing Education Institution (NEI), applicable health care facilities, the patients and the student nurses. The study starts off with a literature review to peruse what is known about social media and information communication technology by undergraduate student nurses within a Higher Education (HE) environment. Literature shows that nurses in their work environment are not excluded from social media interaction processes. Within this context, social media offers improved contact and communication in general and in the working environment through the internet. The aim of this study is to explore and describe responsible use of social media by undergraduate student nurses. Methodology: The study followed a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design. All-inclusive, probable and purposive sampling (Brink, van der Walt & van Rensburg, 2006:134) was applied to select participants from a population of undergraduate student nurses (N=200, n=39). Prospective participants were informed by the researcher regarding the research by means of a Power Point slideshow and from there prospective participants had to make an informed decision to participate voluntarily in the research. Data was collected by means of an unstructured conversation between the researcher and participants via the real-time, online Chat Room of Sakai 2.9.1. Sakai 2.9.1 refers to an educational software platform which is a Java-based, service-oriented application used in an open source academic community. Sakai 2.9.1 is used within this context as a Course Management System and Virtual Learning Environment. The following questions were asked: “Tell me how you use your social media (e.g. Facebook™, Twitter™, WAYN™, LinkedIn™, WhatsApp™, etc.)”; “How do you access and on which device do you use social media?”, “What is your view of responsible social media use as a student nurse?” Although it was an all-inclusive sample and all members of the population were invited to participate, the sample size was established once the research reached data saturation (Brink et al., 2006:135). Thirty-nine participants (n=39) participated and the analysed results were first confirmed in a focus group. Six (6) main themes where identified, namely: social media as a quick academic reference; the social communication uses of social media; social curiosity; multiple social media registrations, but limited social media use; student nurses’ need for guidelines regarding responsible social media use and a need to share photographs on social media. The final conclusion was that student nurses entered the nursing profession with established social media skill. Yet, student nurses need guidance to divert social media use from a social perspective to social media use within a professional capacity. Recommendations for enhanced responsible social media use by student nurses where formulated. (Word count: 489) / MCur, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The background and problem statement centre on the evolution of technology within teaching and learning, which involves undergraduate student nurses, as well as the use of social media as interactive teaching and communication tool. While examining the background to this topic, the researcher recognised a need to gain a deeper understanding of responsible social media use by undergraduate student nurses to the benefit of all the stakeholders, namely the Nursing Education Institution (NEI), applicable health care facilities, the patients and the student nurses. The study starts off with a literature review to peruse what is known about social media and information communication technology by undergraduate student nurses within a Higher Education (HE) environment. Literature shows that nurses in their work environment are not excluded from social media interaction processes. Within this context, social media offers improved contact and communication in general and in the working environment through the internet. The aim of this study is to explore and describe responsible use of social media by undergraduate student nurses. Methodology: The study followed a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design. All-inclusive, probable and purposive sampling (Brink, van der Walt & van Rensburg, 2006:134) was applied to select participants from a population of undergraduate student nurses (N=200, n=39). Prospective participants were informed by the researcher regarding the research by means of a Power Point slideshow and from there prospective participants had to make an informed decision to participate voluntarily in the research. Data was collected by means of an unstructured conversation between the researcher and participants via the real-time, online Chat Room of Sakai 2.9.1. Sakai 2.9.1 refers to an educational software platform which is a Java-based, service-oriented application used in an open source academic community. Sakai 2.9.1 is used within this context as a Course Management System and Virtual Learning Environment. The following questions were asked: “Tell me how you use your social media (e.g. Facebook™, Twitter™, WAYN™, LinkedIn™, WhatsApp™, etc.)”; “How do you access and on which device do you use social media?”, “What is your view of responsible social media use as a student nurse?” Although it was an all-inclusive sample and all members of the population were invited to participate, the sample size was established once the research reached data saturation (Brink et al., 2006:135). Thirty-nine participants (n=39) participated and the analysed results were first confirmed in a focus group. Six (6) main themes where identified, namely: social media as a quick academic reference; the social communication uses of social media; social curiosity; multiple social media registrations, but limited social media use; student nurses’ need for guidelines regarding responsible social media use and a need to share photographs on social media. The final conclusion was that student nurses entered the nursing profession with established social media skill. Yet, student nurses need guidance to divert social media use from a social perspective to social media use within a professional capacity. Recommendations for enhanced responsible social media use by student nurses where formulated. (Word count: 489) / MCur, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The introduction of e-learning made way for advancements in learning and technology with individuals being exposed to electronic learning and teaching environments. At first, the introduction of e-learning into the educational sphere was intended to simply enhance traditional teaching and learning; however, technology then took the lead as a tool to materially enhance the concept of e-learning in education. Inevitably, technology’s impact on learning drove the delivery of electronic educational content but it also caused widespread debate about best practice in the design of e-learning systems. Since then, the phenomenal influx of technology enhancements that has been created has led most learners into a digital education era that cannot now function without it. At first, e-learning systems were forced to adapt to change as a result of e-learning trends and as a symbolic move from traditional learning to more innovative methods of learning and teaching. As such, e-learning remained affected by pedagogy, technology and curriculum changes outside of a structured, guided framework. Varying definitions exist as a result of the diverse understanding of the contributions and role of pedagogy and technology toward e-learning. There is a misconception and confusion of elearning attributed to the lack of a formally accepted definition which would identify with the need for pedagogy principles and guide researchers to apply models and frameworks to implement and improve the provision of e-learning systems. Although the effects of technology on learning are conclusive, the current dilemma is the lack of effective alignment of the pedagogy principles to suitable technology – an issue which has now become detrimental to learning. This study explores the various interpretations of e-learning definitions that allude to the incorporation of learning, technology and knowledge gained during e-learning interventions. However, as the research revealed a lack of any cohesive e-learning definition, this motivated the creation of a specific definition derived particularly for this study. In considering the role of technology in the e-learning environment, similar themes began to emerge that needed to be addressed holistically through e-learning. One of these themes was a need to focus on the formulation of a structured approach and pedagogical framework for the design and development of e-learning systems. The findings of the research identified e-learning frameworks and models that were in use. The outcome of an e-learning system framework drew on the research of extant models and frameworks and investigated the critical elements, particularly that of pedagogy in an e-learning environment. The proposed pedagogical framework for elearning was evaluated by means of a survey of organisations that produce e-learning systems. The findings of the survey were analysed to assess the alignment and relevance of the dimensions and elements in the framework to the design and development of e-learning systems. The proposed pedagogical e-learning framework is intended to add value to the design and development of e-learning systems with the core focus on pedagogy. In years to come, current and existing technologies and tools may become outdated, yet learning opportunities continue to evolve based on pedagogy, technology and curriculum requirements. By harmonising the synergy between pedagogy and technology, a pedagogically aligned e-learning framework can resolve the lack of pedagogy in elearning system design and development. / Information Science / M.Sc. (Information Systems)