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Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can have a role to play in transitioning into a sustainable society but it is important to consider that implementation of an ICT-based solution not always lead to sustainability. Kentaro Toyama (2015) has proposed a framework, what he refers to as “Preliminary Thoughts on a Taxonomy of Value for Sustainable Computing”, to be used for classification of sustainable ICT-projects. A working taxonomy for ICT-projects could provide an explicit evaluative framework to be used for evaluating whether a given project might or might not contribute to sustainability goals. The taxonomy includes three dimensions to consider when classifying ICT-projects: Impact - On sustainability Intention - Towards sustainability Effort  - For achieving Impact This thesis picks up where Toyama left off with the purpose of exploring if the taxonomy is a feasible approach for addressing ICT and sustainability. This is done by first adding a Secondary Level to the taxonomy with the goal of making the classification process more accurate, but more importantly for the purpose of this thesis, enable a more detailed analysis of the overall feasibility of the taxonomy. Four interviews are conducted with representatives from ICT-projects addressing sustainability. As a result of the interviews four problems are identified that have implications for the feasibility of the taxonomy and that need to be considered in any future and further attempts to operationalize it.

Serious game applications offer a more accessible and enjoyable way of enhancing cognitive abilities. Several studies have explored the possibility of using serious games as stimulation for patients with dementia, but only a few studies have provided valuable insights about the design of serious game applications with the purpose of preventing cognitive impairments. By pursuing a qualitative study with a co-design approach and an iterative design process, three prototypes were designed based on insights from expert interviews and evaluated by the intended user group by using visual walkthroughs, wizard of oz, and semi-structured interviews. The results indicate that social features are found to be the most engaging, that co-design is an important aspect of design for the user group, and that serious games are more suitable for preventing instead of treating cognitive impairments. Our study contributes to research by providing valuable insights on how to design a serious game application to cater to the needs of the user group as well as how to keep the user engaged through meaningful interactions.

Despite advancements in the search of equity, females still struggle to find acceptance in the field of information and communication technology. Research indicates that differences in perception of ability of ICT use begin to manifest in the middle school level. This mixed methods study explored the experiences and perceptions of 46 middle school females and males to expose possible influential factors about the use of ICT by females. The dissertation study occurred in two phases. The first phase involved a survey that was given to the entire middle school. Data from the survey provided participants for the second phase, which involved a focus group discussion with six female students in grades 7 and 8 to examine influential factors in the use of ICT. Findings indicated statistically significant differences between males and females exist at the study site. Females were more likely to (a) access ICT at the after school program and at a relative’s house; (b) identify a relative as an important influence in ICT; (c) share created media; (d) declare higher experience with Photoshop; (e) seek medicine as potential career and less likely to (f) report building a robot or invention using technology; (d) use ICT to play multi-user online games; (f) express interest in action, competition, and graphics in games (h) know terms such as firewall and torrent; (i) pursue careers as computer programmers, engineers, or computer game designers than their male counterparts. The findings support the need for school leadership establishing or enhancing a technology integration program to consider the difference between males and females as foundational cornerstone in the technology integration program.

The purpose of this research study was to identify the current self-reported technology leadership behaviors of principals in one public-school division in Virginia. Additionally, this study identified the difference, if any, in the self-reported technology leadership behaviors of principals across principal and school demographics. For this study Technology leadership was defined as "leadership practices and behaviors that support effective teaching and learning with technology as characterized by the ISTE-EL standards" (Schoenbart, 2019, p. 9). This quantitative descriptive study examined the essential role of principals as leaders responsible for successfully implementing technology integration plans. The researcher collected data via the Education Leaders Technology Survey (ELTS), developed by Dr. Adam Schoenbart, which assessed the 2018 International Society for Technology Education ¬Standards for Education Leaders (Schoenbart, 2019). Overall, the researcher used technology leadership scores and demographic data to describe principal technology leadership behaviors related to the following research questions: (1) To what extent do principals report exhibiting technology leadership behaviors? (2) What are the differences in reported principal technology leadership behaviors, if any, across the following demographic factors? (2a) principal demographic groups of gender identity, age, years of experience. (2b) school demographic groups of school type, size, community technology access, and socioeconomic status. The findings of the study suggested that principals (n = 23) are somewhat exhibiting technology leadership behavior and there is no difference in technology leadership behavior across principal or school demographic groups. Based on the finding of this study several implications for practice and recommendations for future research developed. / Doctor of Education / The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses, government organizations, churches and schools across the United States of America. In a matter of days, COVID-19 has dismantled traditional educational structures and school leaders at all levels have been forced into becoming technology leaders. Though schools are closed, the expectation of teaching and learning are still present and have transitioned to completely online environments. It is up to school leaders to guide school communities into virtual learning, but are principals prepared? This study examined the current technology leadership of principals in one public-school division in Virginia. Additionally, this study examined if a difference existed in principal reported technology leadership across principal and school demographic groups. Technology leadership can be summarized as practices that support effective teaching and learning with technology. Principal technology leadership scores were calculated based on responses to the online Education Leaders Technology Survey developed by Dr. Adam Schoenbart in 2019. The Education Leaders Technology Survey measured self-reported principal technology leadership based on the 2018 International Society for Technology in Education Standards for Education Leaders (Schoenbart, 2019). The results of this study indicated that principals report somewhat demonstrating technology leadership and report having a slightly higher opportunity to demonstrate technology leadership in their schools. Study findings also indicate that there are no differences in principal reported technology leadership across principal or school demographic groups. Based on the findings, several recommendations for principals, division leaders and principal preparation programs were made along with recommendations for future research on this topic.

Yes / Against a background of the low engagement of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in e-business this paper investigates the significance of hosted services and firm aggregations. Based on qualitative case studies of aggregations of SMEs the research shows how e-business based innovation can occur, and identifies the extent to which the aggregation factor contributes to this innovation. The research confirms existing understanding of the importance of network based aggregations but adds to this with further detail and examples, including the `outsourcing¿ of innovation to the application service providers (ASPs).

Yes / Purpose This study aims to provide insights into the scale and use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in managing medical devices in the NHS, with a focus on Reverse Exchange (RE) systems, as part of the broader Reverse Logistics (RL) systems, within which medical devices are returned and exchanged. Design/Methodology/Approach Two case studies were conducted with NHS Hospital Trusts, while another was built upon secondary resources. Primary findings were triangulated with information collected from the NHS Trusts’ reports, direct observation and a preliminary round of consultations with 12 healthcare professionals working in other NHS Trusts or Integrated Equipment Community Services. Findings The findings suggest that the sophistication of ICT implementation increases with the risks and value associated with medical devices. Operational attributes are derived from ICT implementations which can positively impact on RE performance. The forces that drive the adoption of ICT in the NHS include pressure from government, business partners and patients, competitive pressure, perceived benefits, organisation size, top management support and the availability of sufficient resources. Obstacles are mainly centred around the lack of sufficient resource. Research limitations/implications Although the Trusts that participated in this research are representative of different regions, the generalisation of the study results may be limited by the size of the sample organisations, so the results can only provide insights into the research problem. As this work is exploratory in nature, there is insufficient data on which to form definitive recommendations. Practical implications NHS Trusts may use the 6 operational attributes identified and verified by the case studies to benchmark their ICT implementation for device management. The actual and potential benefits of ICT implementation could inform technology development and encourage the uptake of ICT in healthcare. Governmental bodies can utilise this information to develop directives to actively drive ICT adoption in device management and the associated RE system. A well-considered training programme is needed to improve staff ICT skills in order to fully realise the potential of ICT systems which support the effective RE of medical devices. Originality/value The results suggest that ICT supported reverse exchange of medical devices backs up the supply chain reduces capital costs and medical risks and, facilitates the redeployment of funds to frontline medical treatment.

Yes / Electronic diplomacy (E-diplomacy) is the use of technology by nations to define and establish diplomatic goals and objectives and to efficiently carry out the functions of diplomats. These functions include representation and promotion of the home nation, establishing both bilateral and multilateral relations, consular services and social engagement. It encapsulates the adoption of multiple ICT tools over the Internet to support a nation’s interests in other countries while ensuring that foreign relations are improved between the countries. Given its embryonic nature, little scholarly research has been undertaken to study its influence on diplomatic functions and the various factors that influence its implementation. This paper applies the Interpretative Structural Modelling (ISM) methodological approach to identify factors that impact the implementation of e-diplomacy and to determine their causal relationship and rankings. This study applies the ISM methodology to the subject of e-diplomacy. The ISM-based model provides a framework for practitioners to aid decision-making and manage the implementation of e-diplomacy.

Technology has become part of society’s everyday functions, changing rapidly and providing widespread mobility. In South Africa alone, the amount of internet users grew from 8,5 million to 24,9 million in only three years (2011-2014). Currently 90% of these users access this facility from their mobile devices. This statistic illustrates the trend that South Africans are moving towards a continually connected lifestyle, a situation in which information and communication technology (ICT) seems to have become omnipresent. Due the rapid growth of ICT technology and its adoption into people’s lives (both personally and professionally) the influence of such a phenomenon needed to be investigated to understand its impact on individuals and society. Thus, the objective of the present research was to explore the role ICT plays in employees’ work and family domain. The research followed a qualitative research approach and made use of snowball sampling. The sample of participants (N=25) were mostly employees from a professional organisation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data and the interviews were recorded, transcribed and processed through thematic analyses. The analyses revealed the following four main themes with sub-themes flowing from it: 1) the usage of ICT; 2) the role of ICT usage; 3) the challenges relating to ICT usage; and 4) managing work-life interaction by using ICT. Theme 2 lend itself to be sub-divided into four minor subthemes namely: 1) the positive role of ICT usage; 2) the negative role of ICT usage; 3) the role ICT plays in relationships; and 4) the increased expectations brought about by ICT usage. The current research was not without certain limitations, which should be noted. The researcher only investigated the employees themselves and did not extend the unit of analysis to include the household of employees (esp. the partner or spouse). In addition, the majority of the participants were Afrikaans-speaking males, which is not a true reflection of the multicultural society of South Africa promoting gender equality in the work place. Based on the findings of the present research, various recommendations could be made. Future research could firstly enlarge the sample to be more representative of South Africa’s multicultural and diverse society, and secondly, to include the partner or spouse of employees. Organisations should also consider the implementation of various policies on ICT usage. These directives could include the following: a policy to ensure across the board ICT implementation; an after-work hours policy to ensure as little as possible infringement on employees work-life interaction; and a hierarchical policy ensuring the correct communication channels are followed. Lastly, future research could also do multiple comparative studies on the differences between the degree of ICT adoption, or the amount of ICT devices employees utilise and the impact this has on their work-life interaction. Such research can also investigate how the decrease in face-to-face communication impacts social interaction in both the work and nonwork domains and thereby affects employees’ work-life interaction. / MCom (Industrial Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Technology has become part of society’s everyday functions, changing rapidly and providing widespread mobility. In South Africa alone, the amount of internet users grew from 8,5 million to 24,9 million in only three years (2011-2014). Currently 90% of these users access this facility from their mobile devices. This statistic illustrates the trend that South Africans are moving towards a continually connected lifestyle, a situation in which information and communication technology (ICT) seems to have become omnipresent. Due the rapid growth of ICT technology and its adoption into people’s lives (both personally and professionally) the influence of such a phenomenon needed to be investigated to understand its impact on individuals and society. Thus, the objective of the present research was to explore the role ICT plays in employees’ work and family domain. The research followed a qualitative research approach and made use of snowball sampling. The sample of participants (N=25) were mostly employees from a professional organisation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data and the interviews were recorded, transcribed and processed through thematic analyses. The analyses revealed the following four main themes with sub-themes flowing from it: 1) the usage of ICT; 2) the role of ICT usage; 3) the challenges relating to ICT usage; and 4) managing work-life interaction by using ICT. Theme 2 lend itself to be sub-divided into four minor subthemes namely: 1) the positive role of ICT usage; 2) the negative role of ICT usage; 3) the role ICT plays in relationships; and 4) the increased expectations brought about by ICT usage. The current research was not without certain limitations, which should be noted. The researcher only investigated the employees themselves and did not extend the unit of analysis to include the household of employees (esp. the partner or spouse). In addition, the majority of the participants were Afrikaans-speaking males, which is not a true reflection of the multicultural society of South Africa promoting gender equality in the work place. Based on the findings of the present research, various recommendations could be made. Future research could firstly enlarge the sample to be more representative of South Africa’s multicultural and diverse society, and secondly, to include the partner or spouse of employees. Organisations should also consider the implementation of various policies on ICT usage. These directives could include the following: a policy to ensure across the board ICT implementation; an after-work hours policy to ensure as little as possible infringement on employees work-life interaction; and a hierarchical policy ensuring the correct communication channels are followed. Lastly, future research could also do multiple comparative studies on the differences between the degree of ICT adoption, or the amount of ICT devices employees utilise and the impact this has on their work-life interaction. Such research can also investigate how the decrease in face-to-face communication impacts social interaction in both the work and nonwork domains and thereby affects employees’ work-life interaction. / MCom (Industrial Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015