<p>This research work investigates and reports on the contribution of usability and perceptual frameworks towards understanding and ultimately increasing usage of a sales website and a corporate marketing website for a major insurance company in South Africa. It investigates whether the application of usability principles to the sales web positively influences the usage of the sales web system as a tool by intermediaries, and in so doing help the organisation recoup their investment and lower operational costs. This financial services (traditionally insurance) company, like many organisations, is in the process of migrating key operational systems onto web platforms to take advantage of benefits such as the ubiquity of web access and services orientated architecture among others. The research reviewed key frameworks in the area of technology acceptance or usage namely  Nielsen‟s usability attributes (Nielsen, 2003)  The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), (Davis, 1989)&nbsp /  The Theory of Reasoned Action (Fishbein &amp / Ajzen, 1975)  The Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1985) / and derived a theoretical summative model (the Conceptual Research Model) that combined both usability and perceptual dimensions. The applicability of this summative model was empirically tested using quantitative data relating to system&nbsp / usage and user perception. Empirical evidence was gathered to prove and refine the Conceptual Research Model (CRM), and the data substantiated the inclusion of the constructs in the CRM, as well as the efficacy of the model in a financial services organisation. Through testing of the CRM, this research has also confirmed which specific attributes of usability can be focussed on to bring about positive change in users‟ usage behaviour and adoption of a website or web application.</p>

<p>This research work investigates and reports on the contribution of usability and perceptual frameworks towards understanding and ultimately increasing usage of a sales website and a corporate marketing website for a major insurance company in South Africa. It investigates whether the application of usability principles to the sales web positively influences the usage of the sales web system as a tool by intermediaries, and in so doing help the organisation recoup their investment and lower operational costs. This financial services (traditionally insurance) company, like many organisations, is in the process of migrating key operational systems onto web platforms to take advantage of benefits such as the ubiquity of web access and services orientated architecture among others. The research reviewed key frameworks in the area of technology acceptance or usage namely  Nielsen‟s usability attributes (Nielsen, 2003)  The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), (Davis, 1989)&nbsp /  The Theory of Reasoned Action (Fishbein &amp / Ajzen, 1975)  The Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1985) / and derived a theoretical summative model (the Conceptual Research Model) that combined both usability and perceptual dimensions. The applicability of this summative model was empirically tested using quantitative data relating to system&nbsp / usage and user perception. Empirical evidence was gathered to prove and refine the Conceptual Research Model (CRM), and the data substantiated the inclusion of the constructs in the CRM, as well as the efficacy of the model in a financial services organisation. Through testing of the CRM, this research has also confirmed which specific attributes of usability can be focussed on to bring about positive change in users‟ usage behaviour and adoption of a website or web application.</p>

Technology has been an integral part of human life since the 19th century’s Industrial Revolution, and the advancement of technologies has continued into the 21st century. Of all new emerging technologies, the computer has been identified as the most important, most complex and fastest emerging technology. In order for businesses to compete and survive within the business world, they are compelled to adopt new computer technologies. However, computers alone cannot improve organisational performance. Computers need to be accepted, optimally used and utilised by employees in order for an organisation to succeed. One such technology is SAP AG’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system which is a real-time, fully integrated business system used by more than 170 000 organisations in 120 countries. Measuring information system success has been a concern since its inception due to its complexity and difficulty to appraise. Researchers traditionally attempted to measure success by the delivering of a functional information system product within certain monetary and time constraints. Subsequently, evidence suggested that a more accurate measure of success lies within the field of system use. One model of assessing and predicting user acceptance and which has gained popularity in recent years is the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Apart from accepting the SAP ERP system, users should also be of the intention to continuously use it as a job requirement. The model for measuring user commitment is psychological attachment which determines whether the commitment is insincere and temporary, or long-lasting. Further, not only do users need to accept and continuously use an information technology like SAP ERP; they also need to be able to cope while using it. If not, psychological stress known as techno stress develops and prevents the optimal use of this system. With these three possible explanations for computer technology avoidance as a premise of departure, this study aims to determine the congruence, if any, between the sub-constructs of the TAM (perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude toward using, behavioural intention to use and actual system use), psychological attachment (compliance, identification and internalisation), and techno stress (negative computer thoughts) within a South African SAP ERP user environment. A cross-sectional survey design was used rendering a convenience sample of N = 241 from among the SAP ERP user fraternity at a South African steel manufacturer. The measuring instruments used were the 23-item Technology Acceptance Questionnaire (TAM), the 10-item Psychological Attachment Questionnaire (PAQ) and the 20-item Computer Thoughts Survey (CTS-C). Study 1 which was a literature review confirmed conceptual congruence in that although the technology acceptance model was the most parsimonious, powerful and widely applied theoretical model, it was constrained due to the omission of social influence (psychological attachment) as a contributing factor in the processes of behavioural change towards technology acceptance. Furthermore, it was found that techno stress lowers employee efficiency and creates dissonance in the work environment, resulting in acceptance, hesitance or resistance towards the technology in question. Congruence was established between the system itself (technology acceptance), social relationships (psychological acceptance), and inherent psychological stress (techno stress). The aim of study 2 was to test the technology acceptance model within a South African SAP ERP user environment. Structural equation modelling confirmed that positive inter-construct relationships exist between all TAM constructs. Actual system use, which is the measurement for technology acceptance, was directly affected by behavioural intention to use and indirectly by perceived usefulness. In turn, behavioural intention to use was directly affected by perceived usefulness, attitude toward using and indirectly by perceived ease of use. Attitude toward using was directly affected by perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. Perceived usefulness was directly affected by perceived ease of use. Study 3 revealed that internalisation had a direct positive effect on behavioural intention to use and an indirect effect on actual system use via behavioural intention to use. Furthermore, in this study identification had direct positive effects on internalisation, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and actual system use. Indirect effects emerged between identification and behavioural intention to use via internalisation as well as behavioural intention to use via perceived usefulness. Compliance, on the other hand, had negligible, negative direct effects on all TAM constructs of which the most prominent was that on attitude toward using. Results acquired from structural equation modelling in study four confirmed that weak negative relationships existed between techno stress and all TAM constructs. This finding is contrary to other studies and can be attributed to the fact that participants in this study were at large, proficient around SAP ERP and therefore experienced low levels of techno stress. Furthermore, aspects such as effective training, clear deadlines, effective teamwork, recurrent performance evaluations, job security, career development and realistic job load are all antidotes for techno stress which is believed to be current within the participant fraternity. In a concluding chapter the conclusions derived from the literature review, as well as the empirical research were presented and recommendations flowing from this research study were made. / PhD (Psychology), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2014

Do residents find value in smart home functions? How should these functions be designed to offer user benefit? These were the governing questions of this study that involved nearly 200 families in three different housing projects during five years of occupancy. The housing units were equipped with advanced smart homes solutions, electronic and digital devices to control them, and a set of functions to increase comfort, safety and security in the homes. The evaluations of the residents' use and benefits were accomplished in two different phases, i) evaluation of the user expectations' before and direct after occupancy and ii) long-term experiences after 3-5 years. A third phase of the study represents a radical shift in view. Issues related to innovation and organisation of service delivery were brought into the fore. The research is founded on the multiple case-based methodology. Literature studies were effected. Data acquisition was based on interviews and questionnaires. Theoretical models from different research areas were used in order to analyse observations and to arrive to grounded conclusions. Important conclusions include the fact that smart home functionalities must be developed as close as possible out of the users' genuine needs as experienced in their daily lives. Failure to attain accessibility to a certain function will cause disappointment and will be forsaken. To gain and over time preserve the user's trust in smart home functions or in a system as a whole is conclusive for the their use. Another conclusion is that a viable business model for smart homes must include the occupancy phase. Surveillance and maintenance of smart home systems must be secured over time. It is argued that the failure of establishing a viable long-term service to homes to the benefit to the user depends highly on the market’s ability to supply the homes with appropriate services over time. Possible ways to mediate revealed shortcomings are outlined and what role and responsibility the housing construction industry has to consider with the further development of smart homes. / QC 20100809

Public entities are faced with the problem of increasing the interest of stakeholders in their annual reports. The aim of this study was to identify the stakeholders of AISA who use the annual report, to investigate their perceptions of the AISA annual report and to determine whether it is used for decision making or accountability purposes. Data was collected by using questionnaires sent to a representative sample of the stakeholders and minutes of meetings and audio recordings of the interrogation of the annual report by the parliamentary accountability and oversight body over DST. The study found that the AISA stakeholders use the annual report for accountability purposes and not for decision making and it has a small readership as it is read mainly by internal stakeholders. The study recommends that public entities need to do much to inform the stakeholders of the availability of their annual reports. / Business Management / M. Com. (Accounting)

Este trabalho visa a realizar uma análise sistemática das diversas normas do Código de Processo Civil que tratam do abuso de situações jurídicas processuais. O tratamento desse tema é dividido em quatro partes. Em primeiro lugar, analisa-se a teoria geral do abuso do processo, que abrange a evolução histórica do abuso processual, a adoção da teoria do abuso do direito oriunda do Direito privado, os fundamentos da prevenção e da repressão dos comportamentos abusivos, os elementos essenciais que caracterizam o abuso do processo (objeto, sujeitos e requisitos do ato processual abusivo) e a discussão acerca da ilicitude do ato processual abusivo. Em seguida, considerando os elementos caracterizadores do abuso do processo, são identificadas e estudadas as hipóteses de abuso de situações jurídicas processuais previstas no Código de Processo Civil brasileiro. A terceira seção deste trabalho é dedicada às consequências jurídicas do abuso do processo e a algumas questões referentes à aplicação de sanções. Finalmente, na quarta parte, procede-se ao exame dos mecanismos destinados a prevenir o abuso de situações jurídicas processuais. / This work aims to do a systematic analysis of the different norms of the Brazilian Civil Procedure Code that deals with the abuse of procedural rights. The treatment of this subject is divided into four sections. In the first place, it analyses the general theory of abuse of process, which includes the historical evolution of abuse of process, the adoption of the theory of abuse of rights from civil law, the foundations of prevention and repression of abusive behaviors, the essential elements that characterize the abuse of process (its object, its subjects and the requisites of the abusive procedural act) and the discussion about the unlawfulness of the abusive procedural act. Subsequently, considering the distinguishing elements of abuse of process, it identifies and studies the fattispecies of abuse of procedural rights contained in the Brazilian Civil Procedure Code. The third section of this work is dedicated to the legal consequences of abuse of process and to some questions related to the application of sanctions. Finally, in the fourth section, it examines the legal devices aimed at preventing abuse of procedural rights.

L’italia è un paese che invecchia rapidamente. Oggi il marketing dedica una rinnovata attenzione a questo fenomeno, cercando di valorizzarne appieno le potenzialità. La ricerca analizza le caratteristiche peculiari del cliente “over 65” con l’obiettivo di comprenderne specificità e value driver e di orientare correttamente le azioni volte alla creazione di valore. L’analisi è stata condotta in tre ambiti distinti: 1) Grande distribuzione organizzata indagando il ruolo dell’in-store design rispetto alla progettazione dell’esperienza di acquisto del cliente silver con un focus specifico sul ruolo della nostalgia; 2) Settore bancario focalizzando l’attenzione sulle variabili più rilevanti per la creazione di fiducia e sulle relazioni tra fiducia ed importanza attribuita ad un set di variabili; 3) Settore sanitario, indagando la propensione alla spesa a fronte di elementi migliorativi del servizio ed il grado di accettazione di logiche di prezzo dinamico. La metodologia adottata è una survey condotta per mezzo di un questionario. I dati sono stati raccolti mediante interviste interpersonali e interviste CATI. Complessivamente, è stato raggiunto un campione di 1550 soggetti. I dati sono stati elaborati con analisi di moderazione/mediazione e analisi cluster. I risultati ottenuti hanno consentito di profilare i segmenti senior limitatamente ai loro value driver, evidenziando il ruolo della sfera sociale e relazionale, che si conferma la variabile più critica nell’orientare comportamenti e preferenze. / Italy is a rapidly aging country. Today marketing is showing a renewed attention to this phenomenon, trying to fully exploit its potential. The research analyzes the specific characteristics of the "over 65" customer with the objective of understanding its value drivers in order to correctly guide managerial actions aimed at providing value. The analysis was conducted in three different contexts: 1) Mass retailers, looking at the impact of in-store design solutions on silver customers experience with a specific focus on the role of nostalgia; 2) Banking sector, to identify the variables which impact the most on trust in banks and the financial sector and on the relationships between trust and the importance attributed to a set of other variables; 3) Healthcare sector, investigating the willingness to pay for service improvements and dynamic pricing degree of acceptance. The adopted methodology is a survey developed through questionnaires. Data were collected through personal interviews and CATI. Overall 1550 respondents were reached. Moderation/mediation analysis and cluster analysis were performed on the collected data. Results allow to define different segments of silver customers by identifying their value driver, especially highlighting the specific role played by social interactions.

Magister Commercii - MCom / The research focuses on the acceptance of new technologies within the telecommunications industry. The study examines three models namely Innovation theory, Theory of Reason Action (TRA), and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). This study explores the technology acceptance models in order to explain why certain monitoring officers at ICASA would prefer specific technologies over others. Models of interest could be the innovation theory, TRA and TAM. After reviewing both models, the author will examine the TAM in detail as a model of interest in this study. In turn, this model is expected to assist us to understand why monitoring officer's at ICASA would prefer a particular frequency monitoring technology over the other. / South Africa

Magister Commercii (Information Management) - MCom(IM) / This research work investigates and reports on the contribution of usability and perceptual frameworks towards understanding and ultimately increasing usage of a sales website and a corporate marketing website for a major insurance company in South Africa. It investigates whether the application of usability principles to the sales web positively influences the usage of the sales web system as a tool by intermediaries, and in so doing help the organisation recoup their investment and lower operational costs. This financial services (traditionally insurance) company, like many organisations, is in the process of migrating key operational systems onto web platforms to take advantage of benefits such as the ubiquity of web access and services orientated architecture among others. The research reviewed key frameworks in the area of technology acceptance or usage namely Nielsen‟s usability attributes (Nielsen, 2003). The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), (Davis, 1989). The Theory of Reasoned Action (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975). The Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1985); and derived a theoretical summative model (the Conceptual Research Model) that combined both usability and perceptual dimensions. The applicability of this summative model was empirically tested using quantitative data relating to system usage and user perception. Empirical evidence was gathered to prove and refine the Conceptual Research Model (CRM), and the data substantiated the inclusion of the constructs in the CRM, as well as the efficacy of the model in a financial services organisation. Through testing of the CRM, this research has also confirmed which specific attributes of usability can be focussed on to bring about positive change in users' usage behaviour and adoption of a website or web application. / South Africa

Notre étude s’intéresse au lien entre les représentations et les raisons du choix d’apprentissage du chinois au départ et à sa poursuite après un certain temps d’apprentissage. La première partie met en évidence la situation sociolinguistique du chinois dans une perspective diachronique concernant l’évolution de cette langue, de son statut en France et dans le monde. La seconde partie est consacrée à la définition des concepts utilisés dans nos analyses et à la présentation des enquêtes. La troisième partie tente d’identifier les représentations et d’évaluer leur impact sur l’engagement des apprenants dans leur apprentissage du chinois. L’enquête complémentaire permet de confirmer et de mettre en évidence que les représentations jouent un rôle très important dans ce domaine. En effet, les différents critères attribués au chinois par les apprenants évoluent. Ils peuvent par conséquent modifier la nature et l’intensité de leurs types d’engagement dans l’apprentissage en fonction de différents facteurs tels que le moment d’apprentissage, la durée, l’orientation des objectifs,ainsi qu’en fonction de la place que prend l’expérience de cet apprentissage dans leur vie quotidienne ou dans leur devenir. Ces modifications s’opèrent parfois sous l’influence des représentations de logiques externes (de sociabilité, familiales, institutionnelles ou professionnelles). La conclusion est l’occasion de faire, à partir des résultats obtenus, des suggestions didactiques susceptibles d’améliorer les pratiques en classe de chinois et de revivifier l’engagement des apprenants. / This thesis looks at how French students' ideas of the Chinese language affect their study of it. We focus on the way these ideas reflect the reasons for taking up Chinese in the first place, and how they develop as study proceeds. The first section discusses the sociolinguistic position of Chinese as it has changed over time, how its status has evolved in France and in the world. The second part lays out our concepts and the methods (questionnaires and interviews) employed in our research. In the third part we present our principal conclusions concerning students' ideas about Chinese and the effect of these on their commitment to their studies. Our relevant research lets us provide evidence confirming that these ideas have an important effect here. Actually, students evolve in their sense of the language. These changes can affect the nature and intensity of their commitment to their studies, depending on how they are when they begin, how long they stay with their study, and aims of study as they develop; also in the way they incorporate these studies into their daily lives and in their sense of the future. Sometimes these changes are influenced by externalities, having to do with sociabilty, friends, family, institutional or professional expectations. In conclusion we take the opportunity to make some suggestions, on the basis of our results, for changes in teaching Chinese which could improve classroom practice and revive the commitment of the students.