Background: Automation deployment is an innovative solution for organisations andbusinesses to improve efficiency and increase value. This study examines the impact ofleadership, learning culture and willingness to automation deployment and, therefore,organisational performance. Two types of leadership styles, participative and autocratic, havebeen selected to analyse their impact on the promotion and deployment of innovative solutionslike automation. The method to measure the success of the organisational performance wasbased on internal improvements of the team's efficiency and productivity using automated tools.An explanatory study was conducted using a questionnaire shared with 242 professionals in theICT industry in Europe to verify our hypotheses. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate whether leadership, learning cultureand employees’ willingness to change affect the automation deployment and how the latterimpacts the organisational performance. Methodology: A quantitative case study based on an online questionnaire using Google formshas been formed to collect data for analysis. Two multivariate regression models have beendeveloped to evaluate the 77 responses collected from the participants with familiarity andexposure to the automation technology. Results & Conclusions: The results align with the existing literature in the fields of innovation,organisational culture, and performance. More specifically, we discovered that the autocraticstyle negatively affects the automation deployment (B=-2.89, p=0.008), while learning culture(B=0.38, p=0.001,) and willingness to change (B=0.8, p=0,) could be considered as enablerssince both found with positive coefficients. Moreover, the automation deployment has beenidentified as a significant variable that affects organisational performance (B=1, p=0).Additionally, the findings from both models are underpinned by the existing literature provingtheir validity. Recommendations for future research: Future work could be focused on including otherleadership styles, such as transformational or entrepreneurial, to examine the impact onautomation deployment and organisational performance. Additionally, the performance couldbe evaluated based on the final service or product of the company, considering customers'feedback or financial terms. Last but not least, expanding the research to other organisationsthat are considering or have already deployed automation would shed more light on the effectto the organisational performance.

Research has shown that seniors are a group that use digital devices and the internet differently than the ”digital natives” born into the digital era. The senior group is growing and the population in this group is constantly changing. The purpose of this study is to investigate information seeking behaviour among seniors in everyday life practice, related to media- and information literacy. This is a qualitative study and the data was collected through four interviews with seniors in the ages 71-81 years old. The study has a theoretical frame in Reijo Savolainens ”Everyday Life Informations Seeking model”. I have used thematic analysis to identify codes and themes in the empiric material. The results show that the seniors in the study have adopted enough media- and information literacy to function in society and as they age they have less interest in keeping themselves updated with digitalization. The fast digital development and digital literacy is challenging and the seniors feel barriers with orienting in digital environments. The seniors have adopted digital media to both ”practical- and orienting information” but are using these in parallel with traditional media. The seniors have varied digital litteracy and there is some difference between the knowledge and needs of the people who took part in the study. The seniors have adopted the internet and new technology to be able to participate in society, they use the webb and apps for things such as banking, parking and communicating. The telephone is preferred for quick contacts and problem solving but when communicating with relatives and peers the seniors also use communication platforms such as WhatsApp, Facetime and Zoom.

Governments at all levels are faced with the challenge of transformation and the need to reinvent government systems in order to deliver efficient and cost effective services, information, and knowledge through information and communication technologies. Electronic government, or e-government, is defined as a way for governments to use the most innovative information and communication technologies, particularly web-based Internet applications, to provide citizens and businesses with more convenient access to government information and services, to improve the quality of the services, and to provide greater opportunities to participate in democratic institutions and processes. E-government presents a tremendous impetus to move forward in the 21st century with higher quality, cost-effective, government services, and a better relationship between citizens and government. Notwithstanding the tremendous potential of e-government applications to deliver public sector services more efficiently and effectively, the citizenry must adopt and continually leverage these virtual offerings, such as renewing a driver’s license, for measurable value to be gained. In the process of designing and developing Web-based services which offer citizens both appropriate information and worthwhile services that are more convenient than traditional government transactions, public sector agencies must thoroughly recognize the elements that impact citizen adoption of and satisfaction with e-government. This research considers theoretical foundations from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Web Trust Model (WTM), and SERVQUAL to form a parsimonious model of citizen adoption and satisfaction for e-government services. This theory-oriented framework unites three research areas by asserting that an amalgamation of factors – technology adoption, trust, and service quality – influence an individual’s adoption propensity and service quality perception. Significant findings suggest usefulness, or end-user convenience, to be the principal determinant of e-government adoption and satisfaction, unaffected even when controlling demographic variables such as race, income, and education are introduced. Additionally, future implications of this research are discussed.

No description available.

No description available.

In an era of increasing globalization and rapid technological evolution, SMEs are leveraging innovations to navigate complexities and seize opportunities in global markets. Various firms have adopted innovative technologies in their operations, with FinTech breakthroughs being a particularly interesting area for companies to explore. This qualitative study aims to provide a deeper understanding of how FinTech is reshaping pathways for SMEs to expand internationally beyond their domestic markets and seeks to explore the specific FinTech solutions facilitating this expansion. Utilizing a combination of methodological tools, including semi-structured interviews with key business players, real-life case studies, analysis of previous scientific research, and thematic exploration, the study employs an abductive research approach to gather comprehensive data and contribute significantly to the topic in question. The findings reveal that FinTech products and services significantly influence European SMEs, facilitating cross-border operations, improving access to foreign markets, and managing the risks of international business. Essential FinTech services identified include digital payments, online lending, cash flow management tools, and online billing and invoicing tools. The research also highlights that for certain underserved regions in Europe, FinTech solutions often represent the only viable option for international operations. Tech-driven SMEs and younger entrepreneurs are the most frequent consumers of FinTech technologies. While the future of FinTech is uncertain, its current importance in the SME landscape is clear, influencing both its continued relevance and potential for further evolution. Through this in-depth investigation, the thesis emphasizes FinTech’s transformative role in helping SMEs thrive in the international arena, making it a key aspect of the international business plans of SMEs.

Technology adoption could play a crucial role in shaping organizational competitiveness and sustainability in today's dynamic business landscape. This research project investigates the key factors influencing technology adoption processes within established organizations and explores their implications for organizational performance and innovation capabilities. Employing a qualitative method approach, the study combines qualitative data from interviews with key personnel, literatures related to technology adoption and various case studies from diverse sectors and technology. The research is guided by theoretical frameworks such as Innovation Diffusion Theory, Technology Acceptance Model, Organizational Culture Theory, and Change Management Theory, providing a comprehensive lens through which to examine technology adoption processes. Thematic analysis and comparative analysis are employed to identify patterns, themes, and differences across cases, illuminating the complexities and nuances of technology adoption within organizational contexts. The findings highlight the critical role of leadership support, organizational culture, communication strategies, and change management in facilitating successful technology adoption. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of fostering an innovation culture and aligning technology adoption strategies with organizational goals to enhance competitiveness and sustainability. The research contributes to both theoretical knowledge and practical insights by offering recommendations for organizational leaders and practitioners involved in technology adoption initiatives. Overall, this research advances our understanding of technology adoption processes and their implications for organizational dynamics, productivity, and long-term success in established organizations.

This study focuses on the telecommunication industry, specifically the mobile phone market at the base of the pyramid (BOP). A supply vs. demand stance is taken whereby demographic data offer insight into the demand while the location of telecommunication retail stores constitutes supply. The study furthermore makes extensive use of a GIS (geographical information system) which offers deeper insight into data and different applications thereof. Given the extensive nature of the data used in assessing the national market, a dashboard was developed as part of this research to ease data interpretation. The online map (GIS) and dashboard form an integral part of this report. Literature supports the targeting of the BOP as a viable market given the high volume of people in this market segment. Unconventional methods are, however, required to sustainably cater to this market. The development of multiple channels to target potential consumers has resulted in a dilution of the market in the retail environment. The retail channel however remains important in any company’s strategy to target the BOP. Telecommunication companies can not only benefit from the BOP but also offer benefits to the BOP. The World Bank has reported figures that show a 0.8% increase in GDP for every 10% increase in mobile penetration. Different sources identify the BOP by different income ranges. It became evident, however, that internationally the average applied to identify the BOP is households earning less than USD 3,000 (ZAR 31,440 at an exchange rate of R10.48 / USD) per annum. Although somewhat higher than the international average, the available data dictated that South Africa’s BOP be identified as households earning less than R38,200 per annum for the purposes of this research. Data indicate that 89% of households in South Africa have a mobile phone. By comparing the ownership of existing household goods this research found that of the 11% of households not owning a mobile phone, 6% would be willing to adopt a mobile phone. A tiered approach is followed in assessing the telecommunication opportunity for mobile phones in the BOP. The first tier assesses the entire market (all households in South Africa) at a municipal level. By including the total market, the opportunity in the BOP is put into perspective. The result was that the total BOP market offers a potential market of R563 million per month through 13.7 simcards. At the other end of the economic pyramid, the ROP offers a market of R2416 million per month through 14.6 million simcards. Thus, even though the BOP offers 48% of the total volume in the market, the value is only 19% of the total market. From a coverage perspective, 42% of BOP households are not covered by a telecom retailer whilst only 27% of the ROP households are not covered. A market of R247 million (through 5.8 million simcards) has been estimated in the BOP opposed to a R379 million market (through 5.8 million simcards) in the ROP. The second tier makes use of a case study to determine the viability of targeting the BOP. Moruleng Mall’s catchment area was analysed within the Moses Kotane municipality that offered a high opportunity as determined in the first tier of analysis. This case study made use of gravity modelling and found that Rustenburg’s retail offering would have limited influence and as such telecom retailers would have to revisit their strategy for the area. A number of shopping centre developments in rural areas were highlighted. Effectively while these developments are taking retail closer to the BOP or rual population, the market is diluted. From a retailer perspective, this makes it difficult to target an entire area through presence in one specific retail node or town. The ultimate finding of this this research suggests that it is in fact possible to target the BOP – however, that it is the ROP located between the BOP households that makes this a viable market. This suggests that it is rather not a question of the viability in targeting the BOP specifically but targeting the more dense rural areas that offer opportunity. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

This study focuses on the telecommunication industry, specifically the mobile phone market at the base of the pyramid (BOP). A supply vs. demand stance is taken whereby demographic data offer insight into the demand while the location of telecommunication retail stores constitutes supply. The study furthermore makes extensive use of a GIS (geographical information system) which offers deeper insight into data and different applications thereof. Given the extensive nature of the data used in assessing the national market, a dashboard was developed as part of this research to ease data interpretation. The online map (GIS) and dashboard form an integral part of this report. Literature supports the targeting of the BOP as a viable market given the high volume of people in this market segment. Unconventional methods are, however, required to sustainably cater to this market. The development of multiple channels to target potential consumers has resulted in a dilution of the market in the retail environment. The retail channel however remains important in any company’s strategy to target the BOP. Telecommunication companies can not only benefit from the BOP but also offer benefits to the BOP. The World Bank has reported figures that show a 0.8% increase in GDP for every 10% increase in mobile penetration. Different sources identify the BOP by different income ranges. It became evident, however, that internationally the average applied to identify the BOP is households earning less than USD 3,000 (ZAR 31,440 at an exchange rate of R10.48 / USD) per annum. Although somewhat higher than the international average, the available data dictated that South Africa’s BOP be identified as households earning less than R38,200 per annum for the purposes of this research. Data indicate that 89% of households in South Africa have a mobile phone. By comparing the ownership of existing household goods this research found that of the 11% of households not owning a mobile phone, 6% would be willing to adopt a mobile phone. A tiered approach is followed in assessing the telecommunication opportunity for mobile phones in the BOP. The first tier assesses the entire market (all households in South Africa) at a municipal level. By including the total market, the opportunity in the BOP is put into perspective. The result was that the total BOP market offers a potential market of R563 million per month through 13.7 simcards. At the other end of the economic pyramid, the ROP offers a market of R2416 million per month through 14.6 million simcards. Thus, even though the BOP offers 48% of the total volume in the market, the value is only 19% of the total market. From a coverage perspective, 42% of BOP households are not covered by a telecom retailer whilst only 27% of the ROP households are not covered. A market of R247 million (through 5.8 million simcards) has been estimated in the BOP opposed to a R379 million market (through 5.8 million simcards) in the ROP. The second tier makes use of a case study to determine the viability of targeting the BOP. Moruleng Mall’s catchment area was analysed within the Moses Kotane municipality that offered a high opportunity as determined in the first tier of analysis. This case study made use of gravity modelling and found that Rustenburg’s retail offering would have limited influence and as such telecom retailers would have to revisit their strategy for the area. A number of shopping centre developments in rural areas were highlighted. Effectively while these developments are taking retail closer to the BOP or rual population, the market is diluted. From a retailer perspective, this makes it difficult to target an entire area through presence in one specific retail node or town. The ultimate finding of this this research suggests that it is in fact possible to target the BOP – however, that it is the ROP located between the BOP households that makes this a viable market. This suggests that it is rather not a question of the viability in targeting the BOP specifically but targeting the more dense rural areas that offer opportunity. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Although Enterprise 2.0 collaboration technology toolsets present enterprises with a significant amount of business benefits, such as improved enterprise communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation; nevertheless, enterprises are still facing tremendous challenges in promoting and sustaining end-user adoption. The challenges associated with the adoption and promotion of Enterprise 2.0 collaboration technologies can often be linked to a resistance to change, a closed culture environment, and concerns pertaining to information security, technology complexity, as well as an unclear enterprise collaboration technology strategic roadmap. The primary objective of this study was to determine how generic guiding principles could facilitate the adoption and promotion of Enterprise 2.0 collaboration technologies within an enterprise environment. In support of the primary objective, our sub-objectives were to identify the challenges that enterprises, as well as enterprise end-users experience when adopting and promoting Enterprise 2.0 collaboration technologies, as well as to explore and describe the critical success factors for adopting and promoting Enterprise 2.0 collaboration technologies. A case study technique was used to gather the data from a large South African information and communications technology (ICT) enterprise operating within the retail sector based in Johannesburg. Enterprise end-users that formed part of the case study were selected by using purposive sampling. The end-users were selected, based on their experience, project sponsorship, as well as the project-participation roles performed in the adoption of their Enterprise 2.0 collaboration technology toolset. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on three (3) end-users, comprising a business analyst, a technology specialists and a senior executive. Furthermore, administered questionnaires were completed by five (5) end-users, who actively use their Enterprise 2.0 collaboration technology toolset on a daily basis, performing operational, as well as business administrative tasks. This study used a qualitative research approach. Since validity forms a vital role in any qualitative study, this research study incorporated three validity approaches, including: the theoretical, internal and external approaches. The theoretical and external validity approaches were used to validate the identified guiding principles through a systematic review of the existing literature, as well as reviews and comments obtained from two subject-matter experts representing independent enterprises. Furthermore, internal validity was employed to complement and substantiate the research findings, consisting of project documents and reports made available by the enterprise. The main contribution in this research study is a set of ten (10) guiding principles that could be applied by enterprises either planning to, or in the process of adopting an Enterprise 2.0 collaboration technology toolset. Furthermore, the guiding principles could assist enterprises in formulating a Enterprise 2.0 collaboration technology adoption strategy, incorporating key adoption elements, including commitment, promotion and sustainability. / Computing