Osborne & Gaebler在所著的「新政府運動」(Reinventing Government)一書中，曾引述戴明(W. D. Deming)博士所倡導的「全面品質管理」(Total Quality Management)概念指出：員工的參與才能有效的解決問題，因為員工最了解制度，而且最清楚癥結所在。這樣的提示，雖早被管理者重視且廣泛地運用在組織活動的設計範疇中，不過，就參與效能的評估與改善，仍有不少值得再予強調的課題。本研究既係依此觀點，藉由檢視使用者參與行政管理資訊系統發展過程之現象，提供一個思索的空間。 　　整體研究架構，以檢證Davis所提出的技術接受性模式為基準，同時透過此一模式了解使用者參與在系統使用行為上造成模糊結果的原因，進而提醒行政管理者，在系統發展或執行過程，勿陷入以效率掛帥的功能主義典範窠臼，對於溝通、平等與尊重等新人性主義典範所揭示的概念應予適度關注。也就是說，在民主的工作環境下，應將本身視為組織生活的目的，而非僅有工具性價值；參與效能的評估不僅須針對「結果」而且應顧及「過程」。 　　在上述要旨下，關於研究實體部分，經就文獻分析、實證調查結果的發現與筆者實務經驗，提出以下結論與建議： 　　（一）技術接受性模式，尚可適度詮釋國內行政管理資訊系統使用者的使用行為。惟其適用的分析情境、態度與行為關係之假定，仍有再作深入探究之必要。 　　（二）參與及系統使用行為關係之研究，不僅可透過置入中介變項的權變研究觀點來了解，分析使用者在這二行為間的心理歷程，對於改善參與效能而言，亦是一種可行的途徑。 　　（三）使用者對系統有用性及簡易性的認知，是影響系統使用態度、意向及行為的二大要素。其中有用性的認知更具決定性地位。 　　（四）使用者參與效能的模糊結果，除了源於理論欠紮實、研究模式過於簡化，以及研究方法上的瑕疵以外，研究上未仔細區辨系統使用情境之差異亦為主因。不過，參與究非萬靈丹，無定論的結果，並不代表即是一種錯誤。 　　（五）參與效能的改善，除了管理當局的支持與專家協助以外，有賴從加強系統發展者與使用者的教育訓練著手。 　　（六）自主性的系統使用情境下，使用行為（頻率）始能較正確地詮釋使用者接受程度。 　　（七）未來應重視以系統發展者與使用者互動作為分析單元的研究。 　　至於在行政管理實務上，本研究所欲表達的主要意念是：員工的參與及評估的步驟是缺一不可的。因為，沒有評估的參與，則參與無法發揮實際的效果，充其量僅具象徵性的價值；而僅有評估卻無參與活動，這樣的評估除了可能是膚淺、不切實際以外，在實務上存在的機率亦不大。公部門的決策及管理階層，面對高度層級節制的組織文化，能否擺脫「官大學問大」心態，而以恢宏的胸襟與氣度，善用與因應來自員工的意見，塑造具有參與效能的情境，將是成功地推展各項事務最基本的前提要件。

The support and promotion of public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges is fundamental in addressing South Africa’s intermediate-level and artisanal skills as shortages in these areas contribute to considerable unemployment in South Africa. These institutions have been earmarked by the South African government for extensive growth. Therefore, efficient and effective management and accurate decision-making within these institutions are essential. The evaluation of the management information systems (MISs) within these institutions, which provide data and information to inform institutional short-term and long-term management decision-making and day-to-day operations, should take place on a regular basis to so enhance the reliability and accuracy of the data and information. The problem is that no evidence of a methodology (artefact) for the evaluation of MISs at public TVET Colleges in South Africa could be found in the literature. Therefore, the rationale for this study is to develop a methodology for the evaluation of MISs at public TVET Colleges in South Africa. Hence the main research question for the study was formulated as: What are the components that constitute a methodology for the evaluation of a MIS at a public TVET College in South Africa? The study was conducted according to a design science paradigm. Design science is underpinned by a pragmatic philosophical paradigm which considers thought as a tool for prediction, problem solving and action. The Design Science Research Process (DSRP) model informed the research process utilised to develop the artefact for this problem centred initiated study. The iterated activities of the DSRP model which include: design, demonstrate, evaluate and and communicate, contributed to the refinement of the methodology (artefact). The artefact mainly underwent experimental evaluation to demonstrate its applicability. The methodology (artefact) was empirically evaluated at three cluster-random selected public TVET Colleges after all colleges, with similar MIS maturity levels, were clustered into groups.The study contributed to the extant knowledge base of: theory building, on different levels. The main theoretical contribution is the final evaluated methodology (DSR artefact) which enables IT practitioners and MIS managers at public TVET Colleges in South Africa to evaluate their MISs on a regular basis. The methodology (artefact) presents a theory for design and action which satisfies the conditions of importance, parsimony and novelty on a micro-level. The study furthermore contributed to the extant literature on the theory of MIS success evaluation by contributing to theory on the measurement of MIS success constructs and measuring of the relationships between the constructs. Another theoretical contribution is the innovative evidence-based method by which the public TVET Colleges were clustered. The clustering method was used to ensure a more rigorous sample selection technique than purposive or convenient sample selection of cases and is generalisable to other knowledge domain contexts. The research study furthermore produced results of interest to both technology-focused and management-focused audiences. For technology-focused audiences the processes by which the artefact was constructed and evaluated are described, thus establishing repeatability of the study and building the knowledge base for further research extensions by future design science researchers. The rigour of the artefact design process was complemented by a thorough presentation of the experimental design of the artefact’s field test in three public TVET College environments which provides sufficient detail for management audiences to determine if sufficient organisational resources exist for utilisation of the artefact. / Information Science / Ph. D. (Information Systems)

The support and promotion of public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges is fundamental in addressing South Africa’s intermediate-level and artisanal skills as shortages in these areas contribute to considerable unemployment in South Africa. These institutions have been earmarked by the South African government for extensive growth. Therefore, efficient and effective management and accurate decision-making within these institutions are essential. The evaluation of the management information systems (MISs) within these institutions, which provide data and information to inform institutional short-term and long-term management decision-making and day-to-day operations, should take place on a regular basis to so enhance the reliability and accuracy of the data and information. The problem is that no evidence of a methodology (artefact) for the evaluation of MISs at public TVET Colleges in South Africa could be found in the literature. Therefore, the rationale for this study is to develop a methodology for the evaluation of MISs at public TVET Colleges in South Africa. Hence the main research question for the study was formulated as: What are the components that constitute a methodology for the evaluation of a MIS at a public TVET College in South Africa? The study was conducted according to a design science paradigm. Design science is underpinned by a pragmatic philosophical paradigm which considers thought as a tool for prediction, problem solving and action. The Design Science Research Process (DSRP) model informed the research process utilised to develop the artefact for this problem centred initiated study. The iterated activities of the DSRP model which include: design, demonstrate, evaluate and communicate, contributed to the refinement of the methodology (artefact). The artefact mainly underwent experimental evaluation to demonstrate its applicability. The methodology (artefact) was empirically evaluated at three cluster-random selected public TVET Colleges after all colleges, with similar MIS maturity levels, were clustered into groups. The study contributed to the extant knowledge base of: theory building, on different levels. The main theoretical contribution is the final evaluated methodology (DSR artefact) which enables IT practitioners and MIS managers at public TVET Colleges in South Africa to evaluate their MISs on a regular basis. The methodology (artefact) presents a theory for design and action which satisfies the conditions of importance, parsimony and novelty on a micro-level. The study furthermore contributed to the extant literature on the theory of MIS success evaluation by contributing to theory on the measurement of MIS success constructs and measuring of the relationships between the constructs. Another theoretical contribution is the innovative evidence-based method by which the public TVET Colleges were clustered. The clustering method was used to ensure a more rigorous sample selection technique than purposive or convenient sample selection of cases and is generalisable to other knowledge domain contexts. The research study furthermore produced results of interest to both technology-focused and management-focused audiences. For technology-focused audiences the processes by which the artefact was constructed and evaluated are described, thus establishing repeatability of the study and building the knowledge base for further research extensions by future design science researchers. The rigour of the artefact design process was complemented by a thorough presentation of the experimental design of the artefact’s field test in three public TVET College environments which provides sufficient detail for management audiences to determine if sufficient organisational resources exist for utilisation of the artefact. / Information Science / Ph. D. (Information Systems)

Computing / M. Sc. (Information Systems)

The master’s thesis deals with the design of a management information system, which is represented by a set of dashboards and reports. The main purpose of the system is to provide technological and information support to the management of company in terms of managing strategic goals and business performance. The information obtained by analyzing the company and its surroundings are subsequently used for draft creation. The thesis draft contains a project plan for the design and implementation of the system, the design of the system itself - its content and technical aspects, furthermore, we also deal with the implementation of the system and the management of this change.

The purpose of this study was to develop a laboratory based Comprehensive Care, Management and Treatment of HIV and AIDS (CCMT) programme status reporting system using a methodological research study design. Quantitative data was collected using a request form and qualitative data was collected using structured questionnaires. For the study 1190 eligible CD4 samples were received, of which 1004 (84%) had a valid CCMT programme status. Overall 32% of the CD4 samples had a pre-ART status (n=383) and 52% had an ART status (n=621). The remaining 16% of CD4 samples (n=186) did not have a valid CCMT programme status. A pre-ART register was generated and assessed using a structured questionnaire. Based on the study findings a recommendation has been made to adopt the two-tick design for all NHLS request forms where programmatic data is collected. Additionally the CCMT programme status reporting system is recommended for rollout to other health districts / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health with specialisation in Medical Informatics)

Résumé Le cadre théorique de la contingence structurelle associe généralement « contexte, structure et performance » (Burns et Stalker, 1961; Woodward, 1965; Lawrence et Lorsch, 1967 ; Mintzberg, 1979).Le besoin de tester cette théorie dans l’environnement d’un pays sous développé (PSD) nous a conduit, dans cette recherche, à l’utilisation d’un cadre réduit basé uniquement sur des liens entre la technologie (remplacée par TI) et la structure (Galbraith, 1972 ; Lacrampe, 1974 ; Leifer, 1988). Notre cadre théorique s’appuie sur les approches managériales, économiques et organisationnelles des TI et de l’EDI (Leavitt, 1968 ; Scott Morton, 1991). Il utilise la théorie contingente de la gestion comptable (Otley, 1980; Chapman, 1997) et des systèmes d’information comptable AIS (Sutton, 1995; Maudlin et Ruchala, 1999; Baldwin et alii, 2000; Dunk, 2001) comme domaine d’opérationnalisation (système d’information fonctionnel). Ce travail commence par la constitution d’une boîte à outils contenant toutes les notions de base à utiliser (théories organisationnelles, TI - technologies de l'information, réseaux informatiques et EDI – échange des données informatisées), conformément aux principes fondateurs du MIS basés sur trois disciplines : Computer, Management et Organization Sciences (Culman et Swanson, 1986). La grille de lecture de la littérature est inspirée par la taxonomie de Urbaczenski, Jessup and Wheeler (2002) qui propose quatre catégories de recherche : économique, organisationnelle, technique et autre. Cette revue de la littérature permettra de proposer un modèle de recherche d’impact des TI et de l’EDI basé sur le cadre de référence structuro - fonctionnaliste et élaboré selon les principes de la théorie des systèmes. Le modèle de recherche utilise une structure causale conçue suivant l’impératif technologique (Markus et Robey, 1988). Il vise à expliquer l'impact organisationnel des TI à travers la stratégie (Porter et Millar, 1985; Wiseman, 1985 ; Palvia, Palvia et Zigli, 1990) sur la conception des MIS / AIS et des structures organisationnelles dans les entreprises d’un pays sous développé (PSD). Ce modèle d’impact organisationnel teste les hypothèses proposées, à partir des données d’une observation longitudinale (1970 à 2002) de quatorze (14) entreprises de la République Démocratique du Congo. Les entreprises échantillonnées de façon non probabiliste en deux catégories sont observées à travers l'introduction de l'EDI dans le système d’information comptable. Les tests de structure des données et de fonctionnement du modèle établissent l’impact des TI sur les structures organisationnelles et parfois sur les systèmes d’information, mais avec des nuances d’atténuation et de contribution suivant la nature de l’environnement ou l’usage de la stratégie. La conclusion de cette étude propose un processus d’apprentissage aux managers congolais pour éviter les dysfonctionnements organisationnels lors de l’adoption d’une nouvelle TI. Elle pose aussi le problème de validité des structures causales utilisées dans les recherches pour analyser l’impact organisationnel des TI. Abstract EDI adoption’s analysis in Congolese firms : an organizational structure impact of IT This research aims to identify the impact of IT (information technology) on organizational structure transformation in the firms of an under developed country. The framework of the contingency theory generally associates "context, structure and performance" (Burns and Stalker, 1961; Woodward, 1965; Lawrence and Lorsch, 1967; Mintzberg, 1979). The model of impact of TI and EDI suggested by this research uses a reduced framework only based on links between technology (replaced by IT) and structure (Galbraith, 1972; Lacrampe, 1974; Leifer, 1988). Based on the original paradigm of MIS, our theoretical framework uses managerial, economic and organizational approaches of IT and EDI (Leavitt, 1968; Scott Morton, 1991). It uses the contingent theory of accounting management (Otley, 1980; Chapman, 1997) and of accounting information systems (AIS - Sutton, 1995; Maudlin and Ruchala, 1999; Baldwin and alii, 2000; Dunk, 2001) as empirical field (functional information system). This workshop begins with the constitution of a toolbox containing all basic concepts to use (organization theories, IT - information technologies, computer networks and EDI – electronic data interchange), in accordance with the original MIS paradigm founded on three disciplines: Computer, Management and Organization Sciences (Culman and Swanson, 1986, p. 298). Then, we draw a theoretical framework of analysis which begins with a literature review inspired by Urbaczenski, Jessup and Wheeler’s taxonomy (2002). This literature review will allow to proposing a research model of IT and EDI designed according to the functionalist framework and system theory principles. The model of research uses a causal structure conceived according to the technological imperative (Markus and Robey, 1988). It aims at explaining the organizational impact of IT through the strategy (Porter and Millar, 1985; Wiseman, 1985; Palvia, Palvia and Zigli, 1990) on the design of MIS / AIS and the organizational structures in the companies of an under developed country (UDC). This study tests the hypotheses of the organizational impact‘s model suggested, basing from the data of a longitudinal observation (1970 to 2002) of fourteen (14) Congolese firms. The companies sampled by convenience in two layers are observed through the introduction of EDI into the accounting information system. The tests of data structure and of operating model performed on the introduction of accounting EDI, confirm the impact of IT on the organizational structures and sometimes on the information systems - IS. That with nuances of attenuation and contribution according to the nature of the environment or the use of the strategy. The conclusion of this study proposes a process of training to the congolese managers to avoid the organizational dysfunctions during the adoption of new IT. It poses also the problem of validity of the causal structures used in research to analyze the organizational impact of IT.

The purpose of this study was to develop a laboratory based Comprehensive Care, Management and Treatment of HIV and AIDS (CCMT) programme status reporting system using a methodological research study design. Quantitative data was collected using a request form and qualitative data was collected using structured questionnaires. For the study 1190 eligible CD4 samples were received, of which 1004 (84%) had a valid CCMT programme status. Overall 32% of the CD4 samples had a pre-ART status (n=383) and 52% had an ART status (n=621). The remaining 16% of CD4 samples (n=186) did not have a valid CCMT programme status. A pre-ART register was generated and assessed using a structured questionnaire. Based on the study findings a recommendation has been made to adopt the two-tick design for all NHLS request forms where programmatic data is collected. Additionally the CCMT programme status reporting system is recommended for rollout to other health districts / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health with specialisation in Medical Informatics)

Résumé<p>Le cadre théorique de la contingence structurelle associe généralement « contexte, structure et performance » (Burns et Stalker, 1961; Woodward, 1965; Lawrence et Lorsch, 1967 ;Mintzberg, 1979).Le besoin de tester cette théorie dans l’environnement d’un pays sous développé (PSD) nous a conduit, dans cette recherche, à l’utilisation d’un cadre réduit basé uniquement sur des liens entre la technologie (remplacée par TI) et la structure (Galbraith, 1972 ;Lacrampe, 1974 ;Leifer, 1988). <p>Notre cadre théorique s’appuie sur les approches managériales, économiques et organisationnelles des TI et de l’EDI (Leavitt, 1968 ;Scott Morton, 1991). Il utilise la théorie contingente de la gestion comptable (Otley, 1980; Chapman, 1997) et des systèmes d’information comptable AIS (Sutton, 1995; Maudlin et Ruchala, 1999; Baldwin et alii, 2000; Dunk, 2001) comme domaine d’opérationnalisation (système d’information fonctionnel).<p>\ / Doctorat en Sciences économiques et de gestion / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished