Over the last few decades, ecodesign has emerged as a promising approach to integrate environmental concerns into the product development process in order to minimize environmental impacts throughout the products material life cycle, without compromising other essential criteria such as performance and cost. Despite the recognition of the ecodesign potential benefits, its application has not reached companies worldwide mainly due to difficulties in the management of ecodesign, which include: lack of systematization of ecodesign practices; lack of integration into the product development process, management and corporate strategy; and lack of a method to support the selection of the most suitable ecodesign practices to be applied. This thesis introduces the Ecodesign Maturity Model (EcoM2), a framework aimed at supporting companies in the ecodesign implementation and management. The EcoM2 was developed in the context of the hypothetic-deductive approach combining the theoretical and empirical developments. Initially, a theoretical approach is adopted in order to have a deep knowledge and understanding about the issue, define the main elements of the model and elaborate the content of the theoretical version. The main research method adopted in this phase is the systematic literature review combined with experts evaluation, in order to improve the theoretical version. Subsequently, the improved version of the EcoM2 is further developed following an empirical approach, with the application of the EcoM2 in an action research. Finally, in order test hypothesis of the research, i.e. that the EcoM2 can support companies in the selection of ecodesign practices to be applied into the product development process, two case studies for theory-testing are carried out. The results indicate that the EcoM2 can successfully support companies in the selection of the most suitable ecodesign practices to be applied, based on the current maturity profile of the company on ecodesign implementation and its strategic goals and drivers. / Ao longo das últimas décadas, o ecodesign surgiu como uma abordagem promissora para integrar as questões ambientais ao processo de desenvolvimento de produtos de forma a minimizar os impactos ambientais ao longo de todo ciclo de vida material dos produtos, sem comprometer outros aspectos essenciais, tais como desempenho e custo. Apesar do reconhecimento dos benefícios potenciais do ecodesign, a sua aplicação ainda não é consolidada nas empresas em todo o mundo, principalmente devido às dificuldades na gestão do ecodesign, que incluem: falta de sistematização das práticas de ecodesign, falta de integração ao processo de desenvolvimento de produtos, gestão e estratégia empresariais; e falta de um método para apoiar a seleção das práticas de ecodesign a serem aplicadas. Esta tese apresenta o Modelo de Maturidade em Ecodesign (EcoM2), uma estrutura conceitual destinada a apoiar as empresas na aplicação e gestão do ecodesign. O EcoM2 foi desenvolvido no contexto da abordagem hipotético-dedutiva combinando o desenvolvimento teórico e empírico. Inicialmente, adota-se uma abordagem teórica de forma a obter conhecimento e entendimento sobre o assunto, definir os principais elementos do modelo e elaborar a versão teórica. O principal método de pesquisa adotado nessa fase é a revisão sistemática da literatura combinada com avaliação de especialistas, a fim de melhorar a versão teórica. Em sequência, a nova versão teórica do EcoM2 é aperfeiçoada por meio de uma abordagem empírica, com a aplicação do EcoM2 em uma pesquisa-ação. Finalmente, a fim de executar o teste da hipótese de pesquisa, isto é, de que o EcoM2 pode apoiar as empresas na seleção das práticas de ecodesign a serem aplicadas ao processo de desenvolvimento de produtos, são realizados dois estudos de caso para teste da teoria. Os resultados indicam que o EcoM2 pode apoiar as empresas na seleção das práticas de ecodesign, com base no perfil de maturidade atual da empresa na implementação do ecodesign e seus direcionadores e objetivos estratégicos.

A Produção mais Limpa (P+L) é uma abordagem preventiva de gestão ambiental destinada a reduzir a poluição na fonte. Apesar dos casos de sucesso, a literatura indica algumas barreiras que tem dificultado a implantação da P+L nas empresas. Entre essas barreiras estão o fato de sua aplicação ser pontual e pouco integrada à gestão das empresas e a falta de informações detalhadas e sistematizadas sobre práticas que podem ser aplicadas no processo de implantação da P+L. O principal objetivo deste trabalho é introduzir um Modelo de Maturidade de Produção mais Limpa para apoiar a implantação de produção mais limpa nas empresas. O Modelo de Maturidade proposto é composto por três elementos: Estágios de Maturidade, Práticas de Produção mais Limpa e Método de Aplicação para melhoria contínua. Para isso, uma revisão da literatura foi realizada com objetivo de identificar as principais dimensões de evolução em Produção mais Limpa e sistematizar práticas, técnicas e ferramentas de P+L que foram incluídas como parte do modelo. Além disso, a primeira versão do Modelo foi submetida à avaliação de especialistas com objetivo de melhorar sua descrição e consistência. Os principais benefícios que o modelo oferece tanto para área acadêmica como para as empresas são a sistematização do conhecimento sobre Produção mais Limpa, um conjunto de práticas, técnicas e ferramentas e um guia simplificado e visual para avaliar a condição atual e definir metas futuras para avançar na implantação da P+L. / Cleaner Production (CP) is a preventive environmental management approach aimed at reducing pollution at source. Despite the success stories, the literature indicates barriers that difficults the implementation of CP into companies. Among these barriers are the fact that the CP application is timely and poorly integrated with the management of companies and the lack of detailed and systematized information on practices that can be applied in the CP implementation process. The main objective of this work is to introduce a Cleaner production Maturity Model to support the implementation of cleaner production into companies. The Cleaner Production Maturity Model proposed is composed of three elements: Maturity stages, Cleaner Production Practices and Application Method for continuous improvement. For this, a literature review was conducted to identify the main evolution dimensions on cleaner production adoption and systematize CP practices, techniques and tools that were included into the model framework. Moreover the first version of Cleaner Production Maturity Model was submitted to experts evaluation in order to improve the framework description and consistency. The main benefits the model provides both to academic and business areas is a systamatization of cleaner production knowledge, a set of practices, techniques and tools and a simplified and visual guide to evaluate current condition and define future goals to advance the CP implementation into a company.

A Produção mais Limpa (P+L) é uma abordagem preventiva de gestão ambiental destinada a reduzir a poluição na fonte. Apesar dos casos de sucesso, a literatura indica algumas barreiras que tem dificultado a implantação da P+L nas empresas. Entre essas barreiras estão o fato de sua aplicação ser pontual e pouco integrada à gestão das empresas e a falta de informações detalhadas e sistematizadas sobre práticas que podem ser aplicadas no processo de implantação da P+L. O principal objetivo deste trabalho é introduzir um Modelo de Maturidade de Produção mais Limpa para apoiar a implantação de produção mais limpa nas empresas. O Modelo de Maturidade proposto é composto por três elementos: Estágios de Maturidade, Práticas de Produção mais Limpa e Método de Aplicação para melhoria contínua. Para isso, uma revisão da literatura foi realizada com objetivo de identificar as principais dimensões de evolução em Produção mais Limpa e sistematizar práticas, técnicas e ferramentas de P+L que foram incluídas como parte do modelo. Além disso, a primeira versão do Modelo foi submetida à avaliação de especialistas com objetivo de melhorar sua descrição e consistência. Os principais benefícios que o modelo oferece tanto para área acadêmica como para as empresas são a sistematização do conhecimento sobre Produção mais Limpa, um conjunto de práticas, técnicas e ferramentas e um guia simplificado e visual para avaliar a condição atual e definir metas futuras para avançar na implantação da P+L. / Cleaner Production (CP) is a preventive environmental management approach aimed at reducing pollution at source. Despite the success stories, the literature indicates barriers that difficults the implementation of CP into companies. Among these barriers are the fact that the CP application is timely and poorly integrated with the management of companies and the lack of detailed and systematized information on practices that can be applied in the CP implementation process. The main objective of this work is to introduce a Cleaner production Maturity Model to support the implementation of cleaner production into companies. The Cleaner Production Maturity Model proposed is composed of three elements: Maturity stages, Cleaner Production Practices and Application Method for continuous improvement. For this, a literature review was conducted to identify the main evolution dimensions on cleaner production adoption and systematize CP practices, techniques and tools that were included into the model framework. Moreover the first version of Cleaner Production Maturity Model was submitted to experts evaluation in order to improve the framework description and consistency. The main benefits the model provides both to academic and business areas is a systamatization of cleaner production knowledge, a set of practices, techniques and tools and a simplified and visual guide to evaluate current condition and define future goals to advance the CP implementation into a company.

Over the last few decades, ecodesign has emerged as a promising approach to integrate environmental concerns into the product development process in order to minimize environmental impacts throughout the products material life cycle, without compromising other essential criteria such as performance and cost. Despite the recognition of the ecodesign potential benefits, its application has not reached companies worldwide mainly due to difficulties in the management of ecodesign, which include: lack of systematization of ecodesign practices; lack of integration into the product development process, management and corporate strategy; and lack of a method to support the selection of the most suitable ecodesign practices to be applied. This thesis introduces the Ecodesign Maturity Model (EcoM2), a framework aimed at supporting companies in the ecodesign implementation and management. The EcoM2 was developed in the context of the hypothetic-deductive approach combining the theoretical and empirical developments. Initially, a theoretical approach is adopted in order to have a deep knowledge and understanding about the issue, define the main elements of the model and elaborate the content of the theoretical version. The main research method adopted in this phase is the systematic literature review combined with experts evaluation, in order to improve the theoretical version. Subsequently, the improved version of the EcoM2 is further developed following an empirical approach, with the application of the EcoM2 in an action research. Finally, in order test hypothesis of the research, i.e. that the EcoM2 can support companies in the selection of ecodesign practices to be applied into the product development process, two case studies for theory-testing are carried out. The results indicate that the EcoM2 can successfully support companies in the selection of the most suitable ecodesign practices to be applied, based on the current maturity profile of the company on ecodesign implementation and its strategic goals and drivers. / Ao longo das últimas décadas, o ecodesign surgiu como uma abordagem promissora para integrar as questões ambientais ao processo de desenvolvimento de produtos de forma a minimizar os impactos ambientais ao longo de todo ciclo de vida material dos produtos, sem comprometer outros aspectos essenciais, tais como desempenho e custo. Apesar do reconhecimento dos benefícios potenciais do ecodesign, a sua aplicação ainda não é consolidada nas empresas em todo o mundo, principalmente devido às dificuldades na gestão do ecodesign, que incluem: falta de sistematização das práticas de ecodesign, falta de integração ao processo de desenvolvimento de produtos, gestão e estratégia empresariais; e falta de um método para apoiar a seleção das práticas de ecodesign a serem aplicadas. Esta tese apresenta o Modelo de Maturidade em Ecodesign (EcoM2), uma estrutura conceitual destinada a apoiar as empresas na aplicação e gestão do ecodesign. O EcoM2 foi desenvolvido no contexto da abordagem hipotético-dedutiva combinando o desenvolvimento teórico e empírico. Inicialmente, adota-se uma abordagem teórica de forma a obter conhecimento e entendimento sobre o assunto, definir os principais elementos do modelo e elaborar a versão teórica. O principal método de pesquisa adotado nessa fase é a revisão sistemática da literatura combinada com avaliação de especialistas, a fim de melhorar a versão teórica. Em sequência, a nova versão teórica do EcoM2 é aperfeiçoada por meio de uma abordagem empírica, com a aplicação do EcoM2 em uma pesquisa-ação. Finalmente, a fim de executar o teste da hipótese de pesquisa, isto é, de que o EcoM2 pode apoiar as empresas na seleção das práticas de ecodesign a serem aplicadas ao processo de desenvolvimento de produtos, são realizados dois estudos de caso para teste da teoria. Os resultados indicam que o EcoM2 pode apoiar as empresas na seleção das práticas de ecodesign, com base no perfil de maturidade atual da empresa na implementação do ecodesign e seus direcionadores e objetivos estratégicos.

Information security is a common and ever-present concern for both private and public sector organizations. Information security protects information from a wide range of threats, risks, and vulnerabilities in order to ensure information availability, integrity and confidentiality, and hence business continuity. This research seeks to use a heuristic-based investigation of the Information Security Maturity Model (ISMM), developed by the author, combined with a thorough review of existing models, to suggest considerable extensions. This shall merit various applications leading to establish a connective body of knowledge and bridge a gap in existing literature and industry regarding the information security implementation in light of use of international standards and models. The ISMM model is neither based on a specific technology/protocol (e.g. PKI, IPSec, SSL) nor a certain system/product (e.g. Firewall, Antivirus, IDS), but rather an engineering approach towards a structured and efficient implementation of those technologies. The ISMM is a security-centric model that consists of five distinctive and ordered security layers, each of which has its own definition, scope, and characteristics. The model reflects the three key security processes (prevention, detection and recovery) and captures effects of people (visibility and sophistication) on every layer. It aims essentially to assess the maturity of any security implementation of any size and type (i.e. device, system, or environment). New extensions of the ISMM work are put forward. Literature review is augmented by introducing a new classification of information security models. Additionally, new abstractions are introduced, first: the abstraction of security conceptual boundaries, which signifies rational priorities and captures the unavoidable interferences between information and physical security in any security context, second: the abstraction of ratios of resources utilization (i.e. computational power, energy, memory, and other costs). Further extensions include a new attack model that classifies attacks in terms of their impact. This leads to a new approach for analyzing attacks and study adversary’s capabilities at different layers of both the ISMM and network models in the whole system, as one integrated entity against both single and hybrid attacks. As an example of one possible mapping and compatibility of the ISMM with other security-related models, the ISMM layers are mapped to their pertinent peers in network models (i.e. ISO/OSI and TCP/IP), which offers more information about security controls at each layer and its contribution to the actual overall security posture. The ISMM offers a prompt and structured approach to identify the current security state of small communication devices, computing platforms, and large computing environments in a consistent manner. A cost-effective realization is achieved through the optimization of IT and security expenditure. Therefore, the model assists to minimize deficiencies in security implementation. Also, the identification of needs and goals of the following level in the ISMM hierarchy allows a strategic approach proportional to allowable resources to take place, as a result, both goals are reached and cost is reduced much faster. This work is believed to facilitate grounds for future research endeavors such as applying these propositions on simulated examples, real life case studies, and developing a formula for the optimized distribution of security resources in a consistent manner with the best possible security level.

Information security is a common and ever-present concern for both private and public sector organizations. Information security protects information from a wide range of threats, risks, and vulnerabilities in order to ensure information availability, integrity and confidentiality, and hence business continuity. This research seeks to use a heuristic-based investigation of the Information Security Maturity Model (ISMM), developed by the author, combined with a thorough review of existing models, to suggest considerable extensions. This shall merit various applications leading to establish a connective body of knowledge and bridge a gap in existing literature and industry regarding the information security implementation in light of use of international standards and models. The ISMM model is neither based on a specific technology/protocol (e.g. PKI, IPSec, SSL) nor a certain system/product (e.g. Firewall, Antivirus, IDS), but rather an engineering approach towards a structured and efficient implementation of those technologies. The ISMM is a security-centric model that consists of five distinctive and ordered security layers, each of which has its own definition, scope, and characteristics. The model reflects the three key security processes (prevention, detection and recovery) and captures effects of people (visibility and sophistication) on every layer. It aims essentially to assess the maturity of any security implementation of any size and type (i.e. device, system, or environment). New extensions of the ISMM work are put forward. Literature review is augmented by introducing a new classification of information security models. Additionally, new abstractions are introduced, first: the abstraction of security conceptual boundaries, which signifies rational priorities and captures the unavoidable interferences between information and physical security in any security context, second: the abstraction of ratios of resources utilization (i.e. computational power, energy, memory, and other costs). Further extensions include a new attack model that classifies attacks in terms of their impact. This leads to a new approach for analyzing attacks and study adversary’s capabilities at different layers of both the ISMM and network models in the whole system, as one integrated entity against both single and hybrid attacks. As an example of one possible mapping and compatibility of the ISMM with other security-related models, the ISMM layers are mapped to their pertinent peers in network models (i.e. ISO/OSI and TCP/IP), which offers more information about security controls at each layer and its contribution to the actual overall security posture. The ISMM offers a prompt and structured approach to identify the current security state of small communication devices, computing platforms, and large computing environments in a consistent manner. A cost-effective realization is achieved through the optimization of IT and security expenditure. Therefore, the model assists to minimize deficiencies in security implementation. Also, the identification of needs and goals of the following level in the ISMM hierarchy allows a strategic approach proportional to allowable resources to take place, as a result, both goals are reached and cost is reduced much faster. This work is believed to facilitate grounds for future research endeavors such as applying these propositions on simulated examples, real life case studies, and developing a formula for the optimized distribution of security resources in a consistent manner with the best possible security level.

Maturity models represent a feasible approach towards assessing business processes and identifying their potential improvements. Specifically, the Process and Enterprise Maturity Model (PEMM) has attracted much attention since its publication in 2007. However, few studies have explored its practical applicability. The large size of some business processes suggests that assessing their maturity at a sub-process level can help to uncover hidden inefficiencies and understand more accurately existing complexities. This paper therefore aims to examine the degree of applicability of the PEMM to an individual sub-process. To this end, an action research study was conducted in an organizational sub-process at a large Swedish organization. Data collection entailed in-situ participant observations involving employees and managers who were working in the sub-process. The results indicate that the PEMM was a useful framework for conducting an in-depth maturity analysis and identifying feasible improvements, which evidence that the model was applicable to the studied sub-process.

This paper seeks to tackle the current confusion about the constituent dimensions of IT Governance (ITG) and inconsistent operationalisation approaches inhibiting advances in research and organisational ITG practice. Through a structured literature review of ranked high-quality publications augmented by a meta-case study with five underlying projects, we find nine distinct dimensions of ITG. The input-oriented dimensions Compliance Management, IT Investment Management and ITG Improvement have received little attention in earlier conceptualisations, while the more output-oriented dimensions Business/IT Alignment and Business Value Delivery have featured more often in related studies. Scope and application of ITG may depend on the organisational context and the intentional use, such as regulatory or strategic. Depending on the context, more research seems to be warranted to develop context-dependent measurement constructs of ITG that can be compared over studies. (author's abstract)

La présente thèse a pour objectif la conception d'un modèle de maturité des capacités organisationnelles spécifiques à la gestion des connaissances (MMCOSGC). Elle constitue une recherche fondamentale parce qu'elle cherche à comprendre les fondements du concept des capacités organisationnelles spécifiques à la gestion des connaissances (COSGC). Il s'agit en même temps d'une recherche appliquée, parce qu'elle utilise le MMCOSGC dans le but d'évaluer sa capacité à poser un diagnostic acceptable des COSGC dans une organisation quelconque. En effet, depuis une vingtaine d'années, les gestionnaires considèrent que certaines ressources et certaines capacités spécifiques des entreprises s'avèrent cruciales pour expliquer la performance d'une entreprise (Amit et Schoemaker, 1993). Un des défis à relever, pour les organisations, est d'identifier, de développer, de protéger et de déployer ces ressources dans une direction qui assure à l'entreprise l'avantage concurrentiel et la performance organisationnelle. En se basant sur la théorie des ressources pour identifier la connaissance comme ressource stratégique (Barney, 1991), la présente thèse combine les perspectives de la théorie du cycle de vie et de la téléologie pour expliquer le processus du développement des COSGC. Ainsi, la progression à travers différents niveaux de maturité se base sur la théorie du cycle de vie qui adopte la croissance organique comme unité heuristique afin d'expliquer les changements des comportements organisationnels et leur progression comme un processus. Or, depuis une vingtaine d'années, la littérature en gestion des connaissances (Abou-Zeid, 2002; Asoh et al, 2003) s'est surtout penchée sur l'alignement des stratégies de gestion des connaissances aux stratégies d'affaires afin de démontrer que cet alignement permettait d'atteindre la performance d'affaires. Cependant, Peppart et Ward (2004) constatent que l'alignement seul ne suffit pas pour atteindre la performance d'affaires, mais que c'est plutôt le développement des capacités organisationnelles spécifiques à une ressource qui contribue effectivement à atteindre la performance d'affaires. C'est pour cette raison que la présente thèse se penche sur le développement des capacités organisationnelles spécifiques à la gestion des connaissances, en tenant compte de trois dimensions: infrastructures, processus et compétences des personnes. Pour y arriver, le plan de la thèse respecte chaque étape de la méthodologie SSM (Soft System Methodology), le consensus sur les concepts clés des COSGC par la méthode Delphi et valide le MMCOSGC à l'aide de deux études de cas. Ainsi, les principaux résultats de la présente étude sont: 1-l'obtention du premier consensus au tour des concepts définissant les COSGC à l'aide de la méthode Delphi; 2-la conception du MMCOSG tenant compte des trois dimensions des COSGC issus du consensus Delphi; 3-l'application du MMCOSGC à deux organisations de santé qui prouve sa capacité à poser un diagnostic acceptable des COSGC au sein d'une organisation. Enfin, les résultats de la présente étude pourraient bien intéresser aussi bien les chercheurs que les praticiens, les gestionnaires et les décideurs au sein des organisations. ______________________________________________________________________________ MOTS-CLÉS DE L’AUTEUR : Capacités organisationnelles, Gestion des connaissances, Modèle de maturité, Méthodologie SSM, Méthode Delphi, Étude de cas.

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Telemedicine is de ned as an electronic exchange of medical information and/or the delivery of clinical health care over a distance, by means of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). South Africa is faced with the problem of providing health care to a population in urban, as well as across vast rural areas. In addition to this, the South African health care system must deal with economical imbalances and a shortage of human resources to provide quality health care. Telemedicine services could provide a solution. Since the introduction of the rst national telemedicine services initiative in the late 1990s, a number of South African telemedicine services have been implemented in the public health care system. The majority of these telemedicine services have been prone to failure and many were prematurely terminated. The circumstances which in uence the failure or success of these services are not unknown. The lack of insight, and the high failure rate of telemedicine services implemented in the South Africa were the reasons for conducting this study. The purpose of the study is to assess telemedicine services implemented in the Western Cape public health care sector. The purpose is also to provide recommendations for improving the current and future telemedicine services in the Western Cape and other provinces. A telemedicine services assessment was conducted on a total of 26 telemedicine services identi ed at 6 health care facilities located in the Western Cape. The assessments were based on the TeleMedicine Services Maturity Model (TMSMM), which was developed speci cally for the purpose of assessing telemedicine services. The TMSMM capability statements were used as a yardstick to assess the maturity of each of the elements of telemedicine services in terms of the three service level groups (micro-,meso- and macro-level) and ve telemedicine domains (man, machine, material, method and money). The assessment process included: (i) the identi cation of telemedicine services at the selected health care facilities; (ii) the gathering of the relevant telemedicine service data by means of structured interviews; (iii) the transformation of the complex ow of information into Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs); (iv) the loading of telemedicine services data into a data warehouse; and (v) the analysis of data by means of On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP), as well as box-and-whisker plots and statistical correlations. Based on the results of the TMSMM assessment, an electronic questionnaire was developed and administered amongst health care workers throughout the entire Western Cape. The questionnaire con rmed that the ndings from the TMSMM assessment are indeed representative of the entire Western Cape. The assessment of the telemedicine services provides information about the elements which a ect the success or failure of these services. This therefore addresses the initial research problem and ful ls the purpose of the study. These results were used as an input to the analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the delivery of telemedicine services in the Western Cape public health sector. For future references and studies, the SWOT analysis provides a point of departure for a strategic telemedicine services framework for a province like the Western Cape. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Telegeneeskunde, per de nisie, behels die deel van mediese inligting en/of die lewering van kliniese gesondheidsdienste oor 'n afstand, deur middel van inligting en kommunikasie tegnologie (ICT). Telegeneeskunde dienste is moontlik een van die oplossings vir die lewering van gesondheidsdienste vir 'n bevolking wat versprei is oor 'n groot landelike gebied binne 'n publieke gesondheidsektor wat mense hulpbronne kort om kwaliteit gesondheidsorg te lewer. Die publieke gesondeheidstelsel van Suid Afrika het 'n drie-dubbele las van siektes, ekonomiese wanbalans and 'n tekort aan mediese praktisyns. Sedert die eerste nasionale inisiatief vir telegeneeskunde dienste in die laat 1990s bekend gestel is, is 'n paar telegeneeskunde dienste in die publieke gesondheidsektor van Suid Afrika geïmplementeer. Die meerderheid van hierdie dienste blyk onsuksesvol te wees. The faktore wat die implementeringsukses beïnvloed is nog nie goed nagevors nie. Die doel van hierdie studie is om telegeneeskunde dienste wat in die Wes- Kaap publieke gesondheidsektor geïmplementeer is te ondersoek. Die doel is verdermeer om aanbevelings te maak met die oog op die verbetering van bestaande en toekomstige dienste in die Wes-Kaap asook ander provinsies. Eerstens is 'n telegeneeskunde diens assessering uitgevoer op 'n totaal van 26 dienste 6 fasiliteite. Hierdie assesserings is gebasseer of the Telegeneeskunde Diens Volwassenheidsmodel (TMSMM), wat ontwikkel is spesi ek met die doel om telegeneeskunde dienste te assesseer. Dit word gedoen deur die dienste te meet in terme van drie vlakke (mikro-, meso- en macrovlak) en vyf domeine (man, masjien, materiaal, metode en geld). Die TMSMM vermoeë-stellings word as maatstaaf gebruik. Die assesseringsproses sluit in (i) die identi sering van telegeneeskunde dienste by die aangewese gesondheidsfasiliteite; (ii) die versameling van relevante telegeneeskunde data deur middel van gestruktureerde onderhoude; (iii) die transformasie van komplekse inligtings vloei na data vloeidiagramme (DFDs); (iv) die laai van telegeneeskundige dinste data in 'n databasis; and (v) die analyse van data deur middel van aanlyn analitiese verwerking (OLAP) sowel as boxen- snorbaard gra k en statistiese korrelasies. Gebasseer op die resultate van die TMSMM assesseringsproses, is 'n elektroniese vraelys ontwikkel en geadministreer onder gesondheidswerkers regoor die Wes-Kaap ten einde te bevestig of die gevolgtrekkings van die TMSMM assessering die hele provinsie verteenwoordig. Die assessering van die telegeneeskundige dienste verskaf inligting in terme van die faktore wat die sukses van telegeneeskundie dienste beïnvloed. Sodoende word die aanvanklike navorsingsprobleem aangespreek. Hierdie resultate is toe gebruik as inset vir die analise van die sterk punte, swak punte, geleenthede en bedreigings (SWOT) in die publieke gesondheidsektor van die Wes-Kaap in terme van telegeneeskundige dienste. Hierdie SWOT-analise kan in die toekoms gebruik word as vertrekpunt vir die ontwikkeling van strategiese raamwerk vir die implementering van telegeneeskundige dienste in 'n provinsie soos die Wes-Kaap.