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  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
171

Moderní vyučovací metody ve výuce ekonomických předmětů / Modern teaching methods in economic subjects.

Maxa, Radek January 2014 (has links)
The main objective of this thesis is a comprehensive assessment of the practical usability and effectiveness of modern activating teaching methods in economic subjects in fulfilling the RVP economics and business and RVP Business Academy in comparison with traditional (standard) methods. To achieve this goal, a systematic clarification and evaluation of key elements of the choice of adequate methods of teaching, presentation and comparison of traditional, modern activating and comprehensive teaching methods was employed. Selected modern activating methods are described in detail, including the procedure and examples of their application in the teaching of management on the circuit of the secondary vocational schools. Current status in the use of teaching methods by teachers of economic subjects on selected secondary vocational schools was mapped and assessed through quantitative (structured interviewing of students and teachers) and qualitative (interview with trachet of economic subjects at selected schools, testing of students -- pretest and posttest) methods of empirical educational research and realization of experimental teaching. The results of the analysis of the usefulness and effectiveness of modern activating methods in achieving the educational goals of economic education in secondary vocational schools are summarized in the form of a SWOT analysis. The work, inter alia, examines and assesses the barriers in the application of modern methods of teaching, to what extent these methods contribute to the building of the desired competences of students and in particular the so-called, soft skills of students, verifies the effectiveness of the textbooks Management based on modern activating methods in meeting educational goals. The thesis provides outputs for management of secondary schools including, in particular, the RVP Business Academy and RVP economics and business, which may become a guideline, the stimulus for change methods and forms of teaching, the need to offset the interest of schools from traditional methods to modern activating methods. It can become a tool and an inspiration for each of economic subjects in the adoption and subsequent implementation of modern teaching methods, since it contains a procedure for their application. The intention of the processing of the research problem and solved in the framework of this thesis was to contribute to pedagogical theory and practice the findings supporting the need for qualitative changes in the process. It offers practical recommendations and observations, how should a teacher of economic subjects at secondary vocational schools to proceed with the introduction of modern activating methods. The chosen research methods and processes to provide a relatively large amount of data, the processing to get a deeper insight on the role, effectiveness and applicability of modern teaching methods in the environment of the contemporary secondary economic education.
172

An empirical framework for banking digitally unbanked seniors

Diako, Bongani Harry 10 1900 (has links)
Abstract in English and Afrikaans / The main thrust of the thesis is an empirical analysis of the problems experienced by unbanked seniors to conduct digital banking. Population ageing is a worldwide phenomenon and seniors’ numbers are projected to grow to beyond 1 billion people globally by this year (2020). Currently, seniors and other banking customers are surrounded by various forms of e-banking technologies. E-banking is further envisaged to be the catalyst of the financial inclusion of the unbanked people of all ages. However, the problem is that customers’ adoption of e-banking is a challenge for the banks. Seniors are particularly not willing to use e-banking. Thus, seniors stay digitally unbanked and this makes their inclusion into the financial marketplace a priority. How the banks could use e-banking to bank digitally unbanked seniors and, as a consequence improve financial inclusion, is the problem the study set out to resolve. Therefore, an empirical analysis of the problems experienced by unbanked seniors to conduct digital banking was conducted and, as a result, an empirical framework of how the banks can extend these services to this population segment was developed. An original theoretical framework primarily founded on the TAM and Baroudi’s customers’ technology design involvement theory was proposed. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with latent constructs was utilised. The measurement model was first estimated and then covariance matrix between variables served as input to estimate the structural coefficients between constructs. The study’s data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire survey, utilising a probability sampling method with a sample of 420 digitally unbanked seniors. A focus group with banking industry experts was also held to consider the findings. The study’s findings empirically verified the study’s model’s strength in determining digitally unbanked seniors’ willingness to use e-banking. Latent constructs under consideration included customer co-creation, awareness and empowerment, design, perceived ease of use, usefulness, cost, attitude, privacy and security, and trust. The findings demonstrate that design, attitude, privacy and security are statistically significant determinants of digitally unbanked seniors’ willingness to use e-banking. Managerial implications and recommendations are provided in the recommendations chapter. / Die hoofbetoog van die tesis is ’n empiriese ontleding van die probleme wat ervaar word deur ongebankte pensionarisse om hulle banksake digitaal te doen. Bevolkingsveroudering is ’n wêreldwye verskynsel en daar is voorspel dat die getal pensionarisse teen vanjaar (2020) 1 miljard mense wêreldwyd sou verbysteek. Tans is daar ’n groot verskeidenheid elektroniese bankdienste beskikbaar wat pensionarisse en ander bankkliënte kan gebruik om hulle banksake te doen. Daar word ook verwag dat elektroniese bankwese die katalisator sal wees van die finansiële insluiting van ongebankte mense van alle ouderdomme. Die probleem is egter dat die aanname van elektroniese bankwese deur kliënte ’n uitdaging vir banke is. Pensionarisse is veral nie gewillig om elektroniese bankdienste te gebruik nie, en hulle bly dus ongebank. Dit veroorsaak dat hulle insluiting in die finansiële mark ’n prioriteit is. Die probleem wat hierdie studie wil oplos is hoe die banke elektroniese bankwese kan gebruik om digitaal ongebankte pensionarisse te kry om bankdienste te gebruik. Dus is ’n empiriese ontleding uitgevoer van die probleme wat ongebankte pensionarisse ervaar om hulle banksake digitaal te doen. Gevolglik is ’n empiriese raamwerk ontwikkel van hoe die banke hulle dienste na hierdie bevolkingsegment kan uitbrei. ’n Oorspronklike, teoretiese raamwerk, wat hoofsaaklik gegrond is op die kliëntetegnologieontwerp-betrokkenheidsteorie van TAM en Baroudi, is voorgestel. Strukturele gelykstellingsmodellering (SEM) met lantente konstruksie is aangewend. Die metingsmodel is eers bereken en die kovariansiematriks tussen veranderlikes het gedien as inset om die strukturele koëffisiënte tussen konstrukte te bereken. Die studie se data is ingesamel deur middel van ’n gestruktureerde vraelysopname, met ’n waarskynlikheidsteekproefneming van 420 digitaal ongebankte pensionarisse. Daar is ook ’n fokusgroep met kundiges in die bankwese gehou om die bevindings te oorweeg. Die studie se bevindings het die studiemodel se vermoë om die gewilligheid te bepaal van digitaal ongebankte pensionarisse om elektroniese bankdienste te gebruik empiries bevestig. Latente konstrukte onder oorweging het medeskepping van kliënte, bewustheid en bemagtiging, ontwerp, waargenome gebruiksgemak, bruikbaarheid, koste, houding, privaatheid en sekuriteit, en vertroue ingesluit. Die bevindings demonstreer dat ontwerp, houding, privaatheid en sekuriteit statisties beduidende determinante is van digitaal ongebankte pensionarisse se gewilligheid om elektroniese bankdienste te gebruik. Bestuursimplikasies en aanbevelings word voorsien in die aanbevelingshoofstuk. / Business Management / D. B. L. (Marketing)
173

Rethinking revenue recognition

Dobler, Michael 05 December 2019 (has links)
Revenue recognition is one of the most crucial issues in financial reporting and the prevalent source for recent accounting scandals. International financial reporting standard setters are conducting a major project rethinking revenue recognition. Tentative proposals of the project Revenue Recognition feature an asset-liability approach relying on measurement at fair values or at allocated customer consideration amounts. This paper chooses construction contracts to illustrate and to evaluate the far-reaching changes implied by the proposals in a multi-period context. Main results suggest that the proposals are ambivalent in terms of relevance but critical in terms of reliability compared to the recent treatment under IAS 11. Particularly, a pure fair value approach yields irritating patterns of revenue recognition found inappropriate for stewardship purposes. While its adoption for revenue recognition under IFRSs is unlikely due to regulatory incompatibilities, measuring performance obligations at allocated consideration amount partly mitigates the concerns.
174

Mobile learning readiness : psychological factors influencing student's behavioural intention to adopt mobile learning in South Africa

Bellingan, Adele 01 1900 (has links)
With recent advances in technology, distance education has seen a move towards online and e-learning programmes and courses. However, many students in South Africa have limited access to computer technology and/or the Internet resources necessary for online learning. Worldwide trends have recently seen a growing emphasis on the use of mobile technology for learning purposes. High mobile penetration rates in South Africa means that mobile learning can potentially overcome many of the challenges associated with distanceand online learning. This research therefore aimed to explore adult distance education students’ mobile learning readiness in the South African context. Specifically, this study examined the influence of mobile learning self-efficacy, locus of control, subjective norm, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived behavioural control and attitude towards mobile learning on students’ behavioural intention to adopt mobile learning. In order to test a model predicting students’ behavioural intention, the conceptual framework guiding the investigation combined the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of the investigation combined the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and extended the model to include locus of control and mobile learning self-efficacy. A sample of 1070 students from a private higher education institution in South Africa participated in this study. Data were collected using an online survey questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis indicated that perceived ease of use contributed most significantly to behavioural intention to adopt mobile learning, followed by attitude towards mobile learning, subjective norm, perceived usefulness, perceived behavioural control and locus of control. Mobile learning self-efficacy did not significantly influence behavioural intention to adopt mobile learning. Overall, the model accounted for 44.8% of the variance in behavioural intention to adopt mobile learning. Significant differences in age, gender, race and household income existed with regard to several of the psychological constructs hypothesised to influence behavioural intention to adopt mobile learning. 4 Structural equation modelling was used to examine the fit between the data and the proposed model. The chi square goodness for fit test and the RMSEA indicated poor fit between data and model. Considering the sensitivity of the chi square statistic for sample size and the negative influence of too many variables and relationships on the RMSEA, a variety of alternative fit indices that are less dependent on the sample size and distribution were used to examine model fit. The GFI, AGFI, NFI and CFI all exceeded their respective acceptable levels, indicating a good fit with the data. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)
175

Användbarhet och användarvänlighet av smarta enheter i den egna bostaden hos unga konsumenter / Usefulness and ease of use of smart devices in the private home amongst young consumers

Nurmi, Sarah, Görander, Clara January 2023 (has links)
This thesis is written within the topic of Internet of Things (IoT) and smart homes among young adults in Sweden. Smart homes are taking up more and more space on the housing market and aim to make consumers' everyday lives easier. Factors behind buying a smart home present a gap of knowledge about who the potential buyers are among young adults. The essay is written with the aim of reviewing generation Y and Z’s ownership and regular use of smart home devices in their households in terms of usefulness and ease of use. The aim is also to gain an insight into the willingness of generation Y and Z to buy and pay for a smart home. By using previous research combined with a quantitative study in the form of a web survey, an analysis was formed from the consumers' responses. The result shows that young consumers have a broad knowledge of what IoT means with a majority having at least one smart device in their household. The willingness to buy and pay for smart homes is proving to be varied, with young consumers not yet convinced on the issue. The outcome of the thesis contributes to an interesting discussion about IoT and smart homes from different perspectives and gives you as a reader knowledge about smart home devices and their potential in the housing market.
176

L’utilisation de la technique d’amplification de Treponema pallidum dans le diagnostic des ulcères oro-génitaux liés à la syphilis / Clinical Usefulness of Polymerase Chain Reaction Targeting Treponema pallidum in the Diagnosis of Primary Syphilis Ulcers

Gayet-Ageron, Angèle 11 February 2015 (has links)
CONTEXTE La syphilis est une maladie ré-émergente depuis 2000. Son traitement est simple, mais son diagnostic est complexe. La technique d’amplification génique de Treponema pallidum (Tp-PCR) existe depuis 1990 mais le CDC l’a incluse dans sa définition de cas en janvier 2014. OBJECTIFS 1) Evaluer la performance diagnostique de la Tp-PCR à différents stades cliniques et milieux biologiques. 2) Mesurer la sensibilité, spécificité et les valeurs prédictives de la Tp-PCR en fonction de 3 groupes de référence dans des ulcères récents. 3) Comparer les performances des 2 principales cibles de Tp-PCR.MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES Premièrement, une revue systématique et méta-analyse des études publiées depuis 1990 ont été menées. Ensuite une étude multicentrique prospective a été conduite dans 5 villes européennes pendant 2 ans chez des patients avec un ulcère oro-génital. Tous ont reçu le test de référence local et 2 Tp-PCRs dans l’ulcère (gène tpp47 vs. polA). Les valeurs de sensibilité, spécificité et valeurs prédictives de la Tp-PCR ont été calculées comparativement au fond noir (FN), à la sérologie et à un gold standard amélioré. La concordance des 2 cibles a été évaluée par un coefficient kappa.RÉSULTATS PRINCIPAUX La méta-analyse conclut que la Tp-PCR a une meilleure performance dans les ulcères récents. L’étude clinique montre que la Tp-PCR décrit une meilleure performance comparativement au gold standard amélioré et a même une meilleure sensibilité que le FN. Les 2 cibles ont la même valeur diagnostique et une concordance quasi parfaite. CONCLUSIONS La Tp-PCR ciblant tpp47 ou polA est cliniquement utile pour diagnostiquer une syphilis primaire et pourrait même remplacer le FN sous certaines conditions. / BACKGROUND Syphilis has re-emerged in at-risk populations since 2000. Although the treatment of syphilis is simple, its diagnosis remains challenging. Treponema pallidum Polymerase Chain Reaction (Tp-PCR) has been used in the diagnosis of syphilis since 1990 but it is included in the case definition of the CDC since January 2014. OBJECTIVES 1) To assess the accuracy of Tp-PCR in various biological specimens and syphilis stages. 2) To measure its diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity and predictive values) in ulcers from early syphilis compared to three groups of reference. 3) To compare the accuracy of the two most currently used targets: tpp47 and polA genes.METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all studies published from 1990. We implemented a multicentre, prospective, observational study in 5 European cities between 09/2011 and 09/2013 among patients with an oral or genital ulcer suggestive of syphilis. All patients were tested with traditional reference tests plus 2 Tp-PCRs (tpp47 and polA). We estimated the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of Tp-PCR compared to darkfield microscopy (DFM), serology and an enhanced gold standard. We used the kappa coefficient to assess the agreement between the 2 targets.MAIN RESULTST p-PCR had the best accuracy in ulcers from early syphilis. Tp-PCR performed better when compared to the enhanced gold standard and had a higher sensitivity than DFM. The 2 Tp-PCRs had a similar accuracy and an almost perfect agreement.CONCLUSIONS Tp-PCR targeting either tpp47 or polA is clinically useful to confirm an early syphilis in smears and could even replace DFM under specific conditions.
177

Strategies for the reduction of alcohol and substance abuse among adolescents at two selected universities in Ethiopia

Alemayehu Nigatu Gebremichael 11 1900 (has links)
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the magnitude, behavioural issues and other contributing factors for alcohol and substance abuse, in order to develop a strategy for alcohol and substance abuse among Ethiopian university students. Method: An explorative, mixed method approach research was used. Data were collected from adolescents at Arbaminch and Wolaita Sodo universities that were purposively selected for this study. Review of literature resulted in the researcher developing questionnaire items for quantitative data (N=738) (Annexure F). Framework: The theory of planned behavior change was applied to guide the study. The theory was applied to enable understanding of behavioural intentions, individual attitudes and subjective norms surrounding performance of a specific behavior. This theory was applied to understand the problem among the student and as a framework for developing the strategy. Research Findings: The study highlighted alcohol and substance abuse among the university students was widespread. Behavioural findings showed that respondents have favorable attitudes but no intention to discontinue the use of alcohol and substances. Various factors including behavioural, environmental and policy issues have contributed to the problem. However, intervention packages and strategies to respond to the growing problem were non-existent or very minimal. Conclusion: Alcohol and substance abuse among university students has become global public health problem. However, university management did not have plans in place to attend to the problem. The researcher envisages that the implementation of these strategies would provide a workable intervention in reducing alcohol and substance abuse among students at the Ethiopian Higher Learning Centres. Recommendations: University management should step in and initiate urgent intervention measures. Adequate coordination among various stakeholders to respond to such a multi-dimensional problem is a necessity. The parliament has to revisit the current alcohol, drug and substance advertisement, circulation and trading related legislations including the use of ‘Khat which is Ethiopia’s unique problem. / Health Studies / D.Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)
178

Kalibrace měřícího zařízení aerodynamického tunelu VUT / Wind tunnel measuring equipment calibration

de Boer, Hendrik January 2021 (has links)
V této diplomové práci bylo zkoumáno téma kalibrace zařízení a sekcí ve vztahu k aerodynamickému tunelu na brněnském institutu leteckého inženýrství. Přístroje používané v aerodynamickém tunelu jsou kalibrovány a jsou popsány a provedeny kalibrace sekcí na testovací sekci. Kalibrační listy a šablony sestav jsou vytvořeny za účelem zjednodušení budoucích procesů. Nově kalibrovaná sestava se používá k provádění měření síly a probuzení na modelovém voze, která jsou porovnána s předkalibrací měření, aby dále ilustrovala užitečnost kalibrací.
179

Developing a conceptual framework for accountability in Namibian NGOs / Ontwikkeling van 'n konseptuele raamwerk vir aanspreeklikheid in Namibiese NRO's / U bveledza furemiweke ya zwishumiswa zwa u saukanya vhuḓifhinduleli ha dzi NGO kha ḽa Namibia

Simasiku, Andrew 11 1900 (has links)
Abstracts in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa / Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play an important and growing role within the global economy and towards public good. Given the escalating economic and social significance of NGOs, the practical importance of being able to demonstrate their accountability in a robust and comprehensive manner is increasingly being recognised. Perhaps surprisingly, the ability to demonstrate their non-financial accountability is also becoming increasingly important. However, various institutional logics have shaped the face of NGOs’ work, as well as their reporting and their accountability mechanisms. This study therefore examined annual reports of sampled NGOs within Namibia and analysed various institutional accountability logics that shape accountability and reporting in the sector. Extending the literature on accountability logics of NGOs to include local regulations logics, financial and non-financial logic and integrated reporting logic, the study adopted a qualitative illustrative case study of the HIV and AIDS sector in Namibia. To this end, it used 13 purposively selected NGOs, subjecting their documents to analysis and through the conducting of interviews to build both theory and practice. The data were then analysed using content analysis to theme the findings towards the novel contribution it was intended to make. The findings of the study are analysed and interpreted through the lens of the institutional logics theory. The findings indicated that, currently, NGOs do not disclose decision-useful information suitable for all major groups of stakeholders. It is clear from the study that funder and local context regulation logics are the dominant logics in shaping the accountability mechanisms of NGOs in Namibia. The results have an implication for understanding the reporting systems of NGOs, particularly in developing countries such as Namibia. It is argued that extended accountability logics, such as local accountability, financial and non-financial and integrated reporting, are emerging in the NGO sector. / Nie-regeringsorganisasies (NROs) speel 'n belangrike en groeiende rol in die globale ekonomie en in openbare belang. Gegewe die toenemende ekonomiese en sosiale rol van NROs, word hul praktiese belang en aanspreeklikheid meer prominent. Hul vermoë om nie-finansiële aanspreeklikheid te demonstreer, word ook toenemend belangrik. Institusionele logika het die werking, verslagdoening en aanspreeklikheidsmeganismes van NROs gevorm. Hierdie studie het die jaarverslae van NRO's in Namibië ondersoek en die institusionele logika wat aanspreeklikheid en verslagdoening in die sektor vorm, ontleed. 'n Kwalitatiewe illustrerende gevallestudie van die HIV en Vigs-sektor in Namibië bestaande uit 13 geselekteerde NROs is ingesluit om plaaslike regulasie-, finansiële- en nie-finansiële logika met verslagdoeningslogika in NROs te integreer. ‘n Ontleding en interpretasie, deur gebruikmaking van institusionele logika-teorie, het bevind dat NROs tans nie beslissingsinligting bekendmaak wat vir alle hoofgroep belanghebbers geskik is nie. Dit is duidelik uit die studie dat befondsings- en plaaslike konteksregulasie-logika die dominante invloede is wat die aanspreeklikheidsmeganismes van NROs in Namibië gevorm het. Die resultate het 'n invloed op die verstaan van verslagdoeningstelsels van NROs, veral in ontwikkelende lande soos Namibië. Die studie bevind dat uitgebreide aanspreekliksheidslogika, wat plaaslike aanspreeklikheid, finansiële en nie-finansiële asook geïntegreerde verslagdoening insluit, in die NRO-sektor na vore kom. / Zwiimiswa zwine zwa sa vhe zwa muvhuso (dzi NGO) dzi shuma mushumo wa ndeme na wa nyaluwo kha ikonomi ya ḽifhasi kha vhuḓi ha tshitshavha. Ho ṋetshedzwa u gonya ha ikonomi na ndeme ya matshilisano ya dzi NGO, ndeme ya nyito ya u kona u sumbedza vhuḓifhinduleli hadzo nga nḓila yo khwaṱhaho yo fhelelaho i khou engedzea na u dzhielwa nṱha. Ṱhaṅwe tshine tsha mangadza, vhukoni ha u sumbedza vhuḓifhinduleli hadzo hu si ha masheleni na hone ho engedza ndeme. Naho zwo ralo, zwiitisi zwo fhambanaho zwa zwiimiswa zwo fhaṱa mbonalo ya mushumo wa dzi NGO, na nḓila dzadzo dzou vhiga na vhuḓifhinduleli hadzo. Ṱhoḓisiso heyi nga zwenezwo yo ṱola mivhigo ya ṅwaha nga ṅwaha ya tsumbo dza dzi NGO kha ḽa Namibia na u saukanya zwiitisi zwo fhambanaho zwa vhuḓifhinduleli ha zwiimiswa zwine zwa fhaṱa vhuḓifhinduleli na kuvhigele kha sekithara. U engedza maṅwalwa nga ha zwiitisi zwa vhuḓifhinduleli ha dzi NGO u katela zwiitisi zwa ndaulo dzapo, zwiitisi zwa masheleni na zwi si zwa masheleni na tshiitisi tsha u vhiga ho ṱanganelaho, ṱhoḓisiso yo shumisa ngudo ya tsumbo ya khwaḽithethivi ya sekhithara ya HIV na AIDS kha ḽa Namibia. U swika zwino, yo shumisa dzi NGO dza 13 dzo nangwaho ho sedzwa vhukoni, u ṱana maṅwalo avho kha u saukanya na kha u ita inthaviwu u fhaṱa vhuvhili hazwo thyeori na nyito. Data yo ḓo saukanya nga murahu hu tshi khou shumiswa u saukanya zwi re ngomu kha u wana thero zwi tshi ḓa kha u bveledza phambano ine ya fanela u bveledzwa. Mawanwa a ngudo a saukanya na u ṱalutshedzwa nga kha kuvhonele kwa vhushaka ha tshiimiswa, maitele a matshilisano na zwine ha tendwa khazwo. Mawanwa o sumbedzisa zwauri, zwazwino, dzi NGO a dzi bviseli khagala mafhungo a tsheo a ndeme o teaho zwigwada zwoṱhe zwihulwane zwa vhadzhiamukovhe. Zwi tou vha khagala u bva kha ngudo uri vhalambedzi na zwiitisi zwa ndaulo ya nyimele yapo ndi zwiitisi zwihulwane kha u fhaṱa kuitele kwa vhuḓifhinduleli kha dzi NGO kha ḽa Namibia. Mvelelo dzo baḓekanywa na u pfesesa sisiṱeme dza kuvhigele kwa dzi NGO kha ḽa Namibia, nga maanḓa kha mashango ane a kha ḓi bvelela a nga ho sa Namibia. Ho rerwa nga ha u pfi zwiitisi nyengedzedzwa zwa vhuḓifhinduleli, zwi ngaho sa vhuḓifhinduleli hapo, u vhiga ho ṱanganelaho hu si ha masheleni na ha masheleni, hu bveledzwa kha sekhithara ya NGO. / Financial Accounting / D. Phil. (Accounting Science: Financial Accounting)
180

A user-centered usability and usefulness evaluation framework of digital libraries in the context of Ethiopia

Newayneh, Ketsela Gilats 03 1900 (has links)
Bibliography: leaves 207-224 / Abstracts and keywords following the Appendices / This thesis evaluates Ethiopian higher learning institutes’ digital libraries (DLs) for their usability and usefulness. The outcome contributes knowledge by helping to propel development efforts; satisfy DL stakeholders; provide information and fill information gaps; serve as cross-reference for academicians and researchers in the discipline; make decisions and solve managerial issues in DLs of the developing world; and provide scientific interests and merits for the advancement of information systems. When undertaking usability and usefulness evaluation research in DLs, there is no agreed-upon established conceptual framework that guides researchers in the developing world. Therefore, the overall objective of this research is to propose a framework for DL evaluation that fits into the context of developing countries. As the study is concerned with users’ internal attributes, the interpretive research paradigm is applied. A qualitative research approach is employed and a case study research design is followed. Multiple data-collection techniques, namely semi-structured interviews (17 respondents), open-ended questionnaires (17 respondents) and observations (4 observations) are employed. The study encompasses four public university DLs in Ethiopia. The participants have a positive perception of all attributes of usability. Most of the attributes of usefulness are also perceived positively, except coverage. The major challenges encountered by participants are network accessibility, interruption and speed, and access restrictions imposed on some DL content. DL benefits include easy access to the DL content, enhanced teaching and research, lower cost and easy sharing of contents. The expectations of users are ensuring resource availability and sustainability, overcoming the absence of user feedback and federated search problems, and improving network infrastructure and speed. The interaction triptych framework (ITF), which is used in the current study, is a well-known framework that is commonly implemented by researchers. However, since it does not incorporate the contextual situation of developing countries, ITF has some limitations. Therefore, based on the output of this empirical research and considering the usability and usefulness themes of ITF and its relationships with other socio-technical and contextual themes, a contextual DL evaluation framework is proposed. The proposed framework emphasises the social, institutional and contextual aspects of DLs. The proposed framework has six DL components, namely: DL user; content and collection; system and technology; services and support; user interface; and context. The proposed framework is called a digital library components interaction evaluation framework. / Lo mqondo uhlaziya imitapo yolwazi yedijithali (i-DLs) yezikhungo zokufunda ephezulu zase-Ethiopia ngokusebenziseka kwazo nokuba wusizo. Umphumela unikela ngolwazi ngokusiza ukuhambisa imizamo yentuthuko; ukwanelisa ababambiqhaza be-DL; ukuhlinzeka ngolwazi nokugcwalisa izikhala zolwazi; ukusebenza okubhekiswe kukho kwezifundiswa nabaphenyi emkhakheni; yenza izinqumo futhi ixazulule izingqinamba zokuphatha kuma-DL wezwe elisathuthuka; futhi unikeze izintshisekelo zesayensi kanye nokufaneleka ekuthuthukisweni kwezinhlelo zolwazi. Lapho wenza ucwaningo lokusebenziseka neliwusizo okuhlaziya kuma-DL, akukho luhlaka lomqondo okuvunyelwene ngalo oluhola abacwaningi ezweni elisathuthuka. Ngakho-ke, inhloso ephelele yalolu cwaningo ukuphakamisa uhlaka lokuhlaziya kwe-DL oluhambisana nomongo wamazwe asathuthuka. Njengoba ucwaningo luphathelene nezimpawu zangaphakathi zabasebenzisi, inqubo yocwaningo ehumushekayo iyasetshenziswa. Indlela yokucwaninga esezingeni elifanele iyasetshenziswa bese kulandelwa ukwakheka kocwaningo lwesifundo. Kusetshenziswa amasu amaningi wokuqoqa imininingwane, njengezingxoxo ezihlelwe kahle (abaphenduli abayi-17), imibuzo evulekile (abaphenduli abayi-17) kanye nokubhekwayo (okubhekwayo oku-4). Lolu cwaningo luhlanganisa ama-DL amane wemfundo ephakeme yomphakathi wase-Ethiopia. Abahlanganyeli banombono omuhle wazo zonke izici zokusebenziseka. Iningi lezimpawu eziwusizo zibonwa kahle futhi, ngaphandle kokumbozwa. Izinselela ezinkulu ababambiqhaza abahlangabezana ngazo ukufinyeleleka kwenethiwekhi, ukuphazamiseka nejubane, nemikhawulo yokufinyelela ebekiwe kokunye okuqukethwe kwe-DL. Izinzuzo ze-DL zifaka ukufinyelela okulula kokuqukethwe kwe-DL, ukufundiswa okuthuthukisiwe nocwaningo, izindleko eziphansi nokwabelana okulula kokuqukethwe. Okulindelwe abasebenzisi ukuqinisekisa ukutholakala kwezinsiza nokusimama, ukunqoba ukungabi bikho kwempendulo yomsebenzisi nezinkinga zokusesha ezihlanganisiwe, nokwenza ngcono ingqalasizinda yenethiwekhi nejubane. Uhlaka lokusebenzisana lwe-triptych (ITF), olusetshenziswa ocwaningweni lwamanje, uhlaka olwaziwa kakhulu olusetshenziswa ngokuvamile ngabaphenyi. Kodwa-ke, njengoba lungafaki isimo somongo samazwe asathuthuka, i-ITF inemikhawulo ethile. Ngakho-ke, ngokuya ngokukhishwa kwalolu cwaningo olunamandla kanye nokubheka ukusebenziseka nosizo lwezindikimba ze-ITF kanye nobudlelwano bayo nezinye izingqikithi zomphakathi nezobuchwepheshe nezingqikithi zomongo, kuhlongozwa uhlaka lokuhlaziya lomongo lwe-DL. Uhlaka oluhlongozwayo lugcizelela izici zenhlalo, zesikhungo nezingqikithi zomongo zama-DL. Uhlaka oluhlongozwayo lunezingxenye eziyisithupha ze-DL, okuyilezi: Umsebenzisi we-DL; okuqukethwe neqoqo; uhlelo nobuchwepheshe; izinsizakalo nokwesekwa; isikhombimsebenzisi somsebenzisi nomongo. Uhlaka oluhlongozwayo lubizwa ngohlaka lokuhlaziya kokusebenzisana kokuqukethwe komtapo wolwazi wedijithali. / Hierdie proefskrif evalueer Ethiopië se hoër leerinstellings se digitale biblioteke (DBe) ten opsigte van hulle bruikbaarheid en nuttigheid. Die uitkoms dra by tot kennis wat kan help om die ontwikkelingspogings aan te dryf; om belanghebbers van digitale biblioteke tevrede te hou; om inligting te verskaf en inligtingsgapings te vul; deur te dien as kruisverwysing vir akademici en navorsers in die vakgebied; om besluite te neem en bestuursaangeleenthede in digitale biblioteke van die ontwikkelende wêreld op te los; en om wetenskaplike belange en meriete vir die bevordering van inligtingstelsels te voorsien. Wanneer bruikbaarheids- en nuttigheidsevalueringsnavorsing in digitale biblioteke onderneem word, is daar geen ooreengekome, gevestigde raamwerk wat leiding aan navorsers in die ontwikkelende wêreld kan gee nie. Die algehele doelwit van hierdie navorsing was derhalwe om ’n raamwerk vir die evaluaering van digitale biblioteke voor te stel wat in die konteks van ontwikkelende lande pas. Omdat die studie gemoeid is met gebruikers se interne eienskappe, is die vertolkende paradigma gebruik. ’n Kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenadering is gebruik en ’n gevallestudie-navorsingsontwerp is gevolg. Veelvuldige data-insamelingstegnieke, naamlik semigestruktureerde onderhoude (17 respondente), oop vraelyste (17 respondente) en waarnemings (vier waarnemigs), is ingespan. Die studie sluit vier openbare universiteite se digitale biblioteke in Ethiopië in. Die deelnemers het ’n positiewe persepsie van al die eienskappe van bruikbaarheid. Die meeste van die eienskappe van nuttigheid word ook as positief waargeneem, met die uitsluiting van voorsiening. Die grootste uitdagings wat die deelnemers ervaar het, was netwerktoeganklikheid, -onderbrekings en -spoed en die toegangbeperkings wat sommige digitale biblioteke oplê. Voordele van digitale biblioteke sluit die volgende in: toegang tot digitalebiblioteekinhoud; beter onderrig en navorsing; laer koste; en die maklike deel van inhoud met ander. Die verwagtings van gebruikers verseker hulpbronbeskikbaarheid en -volhoubaarheid, en om die afwesigheid van gebruikersterugvoer en gefedereerde soekprobleme en die verbetering van netwerkinfrastruktuur en -spoed te oorkom. Die interaksietriptiekraamwerk (ITF) wat in hierdie studie gebruik is, is ’n bekende raamwerk wat algemeen deur navorsers geïmplementeer word. Omdat dit egter nie die kontekstuele situasie van ontwikkelende lande inkorporeer nie, het ITF sekere beperkings. Gebaseer op die uitset van hierdie empiriese navorsing en met die inagneming van die bruikbaarheids- en nuttigheidstemas van ITF en sy verhouding met ander sosio-tegniese en kontekstuele temas, word ’n kontekstuele digitalebiblioteekraamwerk derhalwe voorgestel. Die voorgestelde raamwerk beklemtoon die sosiale, institusionele en kontekstuele aspekte van digitale biblioteke. Die voorgestelde raamwerk het ses digitalebiblioteekkomponente, naamlik: digitalebiblioteekgebruiker; inhoud en insameling; stelsel en tegnologie; dienste en ondersteuning; gebruikerkoppelvlak; en konteks. Die voorgestelde raamwerk word ’n interaksie-evalueringsraamwerk vir digitalebiblioteekkomponente genoem. / School of Computing / D. Phil. (Information Systems)

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