Magister Commercii - MCom / Information and communication technologies (ICT) have changed the way healthcare processes are being documented. This results in better quality and ethical vigilance to ensure a more accurate form of data recordkeeping (Stevenson, Nilsson, Petersson & Johansson, 2010). Health care in South Africa, is facing major issues relating to patient care, such as delays in patients receiving medical care. According to the national Department of Health, the improvement of public healthcare facilities is crucial (McIntyre & Ataguba, 2017). Information and communication technology (ICT) has the ability to significantly alter the status of healthcare services in the Western Cape, which can be achieved through the role of an electronic healthcare record (EHR).

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The increased pervasiveness of information communication and technology and increasing internet access creates anticipation for how contemporary technologies can address critical developmental problems. Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death globally, even though more than 40% of the deaths are premature and avoidable. Diabetes is such a disease that causes 80% of non-communicable disease deaths in low and middle-income countries. Diabetes is also the leading cause of death in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Diabetes thus constitutes a challenge to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 that focuses on health and well-being for all people, at all ages. The potential of technology, such as the use of m-health applications, is recognised as a means to advance the Sustainable Development Goals through supporting health systems in all countries.

Twenty-first-century competencies have been identified as vital thinking and working skills for the 21st century. Students could contribute to social change by using information and communication technology (ICT) while developing 21st-century competencies, but this type of experience is not frequent at schools. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the experiences of 2 middle-school teachers and their 6th-grade students as they used critical literacy strategies and ICT to promote 21st-century competencies and critical democracy in a Midwestern public school. This case study was guided by the critical democracy, critical pedagogy, and competency-based education theories. The research questions asked what the experiences of the teachers and the students were, what were the reflections of the teachers about their teaching practices, and what were the students’ reflections about their learning experiences. Data were gathered through interviews, students’ online discussion forums, and artifacts. An adapted analytic induction process was used to analyze the data and explain the phenomenon. The key findings generally supported the framework developed by the Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21), which is a coalition of businesses, education leaders, and policymakers whose goal is to promote 21st-century competencies in schools. However, the findings indicated that when applying the P21 Framework for social change purposes, an international human rights perspective needs to be added. This study demonstrated how students can develop 21st-century competencies through the implementation of ICT to address injustice and inequity in society and contribute to positive social change.

This thesis was developed to investigate the current models of sustainable development and architectural working and design practice and process to respond to the challenges of the current era defined as the Information Age. This thesis proposes a new model of sustainable development aligned to architecture and the Information Age, and a new integrated systems-design methodology to support it. Buildings were defined by le Corbusier in 1927 as ‘machines for living in’1 on the premise that these buildings facilitated our day-to-day user experience. The role of architecture as a facilitator for a sustainable existence is therefore subject to continued investigation. While there has been an increasing interest in environmental issues and ‘green building’, built environments have consequently failed to effectively holistically integrate core sustainable development principles in architecture. When compared to the definition of sustainable development in the UN Brundlandt Report of 1987, further research into an architectural design methodology is required to enable and plan for the long-term success of our built environments for current and, importantly, future generations. The practices and production of architecture risk being limited to reactively monitoring the design and construction processes for fixed moments in time, usually after the problem has presented itself. This is representative of localised, yet much publicised trends involving quantifiable rating systems for building performance. This does not contribute to long-term sustainability of the architectural product, nor the core principle of sustainable development to adequately meet the needs of current and future generations. The gravitation towards these easily-followed, yet limited-in-scope checklist processes is symptomatic of concepts of sustainable development remaining too broad and fragmented to facilitate focused, industry-appropriate implementation and design. The digital and information-based revolution has arrived, and humankind has now progressed to the point where constant and pervasive access to information and communication in a world of connected systems has changed the way we live and work. This is occurring at an exponential rate within what have been termed ‘knowledge-based societies’. Furthermore, the influence of the Information Age continues to manifest itself in the built environment through advancement of concepts and initiatives such as Smart Cities, intelligent buildings, and the Internet of Things. However, architectural approach and its emphasis on the building as a finite product comes at the expense of a holistic and integrated systems approach, and therefore requires investigation towards a revised design methodology. This thesis will begin by investigating the concept of sustainable development from its original inception to existing interpretations, and will interrogate its continued significance as a decades-old concept to the Information Age. This will be undertaken on the basis that sustainable development primarily aligns itself to the needs of humankind (current and future generations) and as such remains timeless as a core concept. However, the criteria that define sustainable development require investigation based on: a) their suitability towards human need in the context of knowledge-based societies and the Information Age, as well as b) their appropriateness for focused implementation in the scope of the built environment. In this aim, newly proposed criteria will be assimilated into a revised model for sustainable development, from which a methodology for design is developed. This will address the nature of the architectural process towards the creation of sustainable building solutions as a function of a systems approach, rather than a product approach. An integrated systems-design methodology is proposed, promoting the evolution of sustainable development theory in architecture for greater applicability to the Information Age. This systems-design methodology proactively identifies criteria for solving a given problem and the development of alternative solutions, while the proposed revised model for sustainable development is integrated to achieve a holistic building solution based on a systems process. This is inclusive of product (systems solution) delivery into the operation phase. The designer and project information model therefore transition into ‘information custodian’ and repository for knowledge gathering and exchange respectively, to the benefit of current and future stakeholders. This is addressed through various stages in design development and implementation, which apply contextually-based requirements of proposed sustainable development criteria, while catering for aspects of future flexibility, user experience, and knowledge-based development. This methodology expects the design practitioner to apply multi-dimensional evaluation and assessment tools at their discretion, and accommodate changing project dynamics over its life cycle. This implementation will benefit from future research and the introduction of new technologies to aid the process. This may furthermore be affected by new regulatory policy and guidelines affecting architects and the built environment. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2018. / Architecture / PhD / Unrestricted

The flipped classroom as an educational model is perfectly aligned with the current demands of higher education. Therefore, the objectives of this article were to carry out a bibliometric analysis of the scientific production of the flipped classroom in higher education (2012-2020) and to propose a framework for its implementation in face-to-face, blended or online learning modalities. The records were recovered from the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus, from which, after a five-phase methodological process, a consolidated dataset of 782 documents was obtained. The results showed the importance of the subject matter as scientific production reflected a continuous growth during the period of study. For their part, the most productive authors come from various institutions worldwide with an H index of over 50. The collaboration indicators show the growth trend of these indexes over the years, which reflects the capacity to generate national and international impact in the documents published in collaboration. The keywords co-occurrence analysis showed that the flipped classroom as a technological and innovative approach is complemented by active learning, blended learning, e-learning, ICT, teaching method, among others. Finally, a framework with five components was proposed as a basic guide for the implementation of the flipped classroom in higher education. / Revisón por pares

The construction industry is known for its inefficiency, with projects exceeding budgets and not completing on time. It is claimed that these problems stem from the industry’s characteristics and affect the project’s success. Research has increased within the field of construction supply chains and construction supply chain management as a way to increase coordination and improve project performances. However, the industry and the companies within have a long way to go before construction supply chain management is integrated. This study presents problems that are manageable for a general contractor and what enabler can be implemented to facilitate the integration of construction supply chain management and coordination. The study investigates a Swedish project and its current situation, where the collected data from interviews belong to either people, processes, or contexts. The study identifies 22 problems and 21 enablers from interviews, literature, and frameworks. Early on in the study, it is noted that problems are linked and affect various disciplines. Consequently, if one problem arises it affects other disciplines. Therefore to understand the problems origin and connections will the opted analysis provide their association to each other and their belonging to either the construction or supply process. Based on the belonging, the problems are sorted if they are considered manageable for a general contractor and relate to either organizational efforts, management of the information flow, or relationships. The study also provides proposed applications for information and communication technology. Furthermore, initial steps towards integrating construction supply chain management for a general contractor this is done by initiating ’supply chain integration’ and develop integrating processes, products, and services. It is recommended that this should be done by mapping the current state of the supply and construction process, identifying individuals who are familiar with supply chain methods, and involve them in works for improvement. The second step is to develop an organizational and team culture that is open for change and supports integration. Once the culture has been established, more effort and resources can be added towards building relationships and develop construction supply chain collaborations. Proposed enablers are among several to develop selection criteria to determine suppliers and subcontractors and adapt resources such as time and money accordingly. Since subcontractors are responsible for the supply process, it is recommended that goals and evaluation criteria for these actors should be developed based on supply chain performances and form the basis for evaluating subcontractors. This study confirms previous studies where the general contractors’ ability to cooperate and their practices are affected by the owners’ demand and preferred methods. Therefore it is required that the general contractor’s ability to adapt accordingly is increased. Consequently, the need for new management principles that are highly adaptive and easy to use is demonstrated. The compiled results indicate an imbalance of responsibilities and a lack of ownership for changing the industry and showing the need for new management principles. Which leaves the question, who is responsible for changing the industry? Even though this is a complex question, as indicated in the study, there are actions that a general contractor can take to integrate construction supply chain management and increase coordination.

Industry 4.0 is a concept that emphasizes system and process automation, digitalization, and data interchange in the workplace. Its purpose is to create a smart factory that will cut lead times and increase system productivity by responding to client demand or unforeseen circumstances. Manufacturing, supply chain (SC), and logistics could all benefit from this notion. Industry 4.0 adoption in supply chain management (SCM) is a new and important topic that requires further investigation.  This study is to research the impact of Industry 4.0 on supply chains based on probable Industry 4.0 drivers and barriers. For future supply chains, Industry 4.0 is expected to introduce new difficulties and opportunities. The study addressed a number of issues and provided a method for effectively adapting and integrating the Industry 4.0 concept into supply chains. The research should help supply chain manager’s better grasp the challenges of integrating Industry 4.0 in their networks. Simulation study enables for the assessment of Industry 4.0 adoption in terms of its impact on SC performance, as well as the incorporation of both the drivers and impediments of this technological change. A conceptual framework for Industry 4.0 use in supply chains is proposed in addition to giving an empirical basis for this relationship.  Then we examined the 4.0 industry in Zagros Petrochemical Company. The statistical population in this study is the official employees of Zagros Petrochemical. Then, in order to evaluate the impact of Industry 4.0 on the supply chain management of Zagros Petrochemical Company, a supply chain management methods questionnaire was used. The tool of analysis in this research is a questionnaire which was converted into mathematical output through SPSS software and was statistically analyzed. Using inferential statistics (T-Test), it was found that Industry 4.0 has a significant effect on Zagros Petrochemical Company.  Then, using Friedman test, the rank of the studied features was compared. Cochran's sampling formula was used for sampling at 5% error level. In the end, based on inferential statistics, it was found that considering that in the first question of the research, the p-value obtained is more than 0.05, unlike the rest of the research questions, the null hypothesis is not rejected. Therefore, it can be inferred that Industry 4.0 is not effective in terms of strategic partnership with the supply chain management supplier of Zagros Petrochemical Company.

This thesis looks to explore from a user-centered standpoint, which mobile application features are relevant in the social integration of new arrivals in Sweden. Mobiles are used by individuals who are moving away from home not only to stay connected to their close ones but also as a way for empowerment and adaption in their new homes. Access to information helps immigrants to face the new challenges new host societies present. Nowadays mobiles and more specifically smartphones are becoming the principal sources for new arrivals to obtain information. As mobiles become more common among immigration groups, governments and institutions are turning to them as new ways for addressing migration challenges such as integration. This thesis, through a participatory design study, explores possible mobile digital application features that could be relevant in the social integration of immigrants. The goal is to develop through a cooperative and co-design method a prototype of a mobile application that can fit better with the necessities of new arrivals and can also facilitate better ways for social integration. As a result, it could be determinate that features that provide users the ability to gather information from one source are the most important for immigrants. Additionally, users want to be able to have control over the information they are receiving according to what phase they are at the integration process. Also, digital features seem not to be enough and digital and offline cooperation are suggested. In the process, participants provided innovative ways on how integration challenges can be addressed.

Many virtual team leaders lack strategies to build and maintain trust among virtual team members, which affects performance and productivity. The purpose of this exploratory single case study was to provide organizational leaders with information about the strategies that virtual team leaders use to build and maintain trust among virtual team members to enhance job performance. Cognition-based and affect-based theories of interpersonal relationships were used as a conceptual framework. In-depth, semistructured electronic interviews were conducted with 10 virtual team leaders of a multinational global organization specializing in management consulting and technology services that has headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. Interview data and documents from virtual team memos and progress reports were content analyzed with NVivo software, and member checking was used to validate transcribed data. Two major thematic categories emerged from data analysis (a) the need for effective organizational and leadership skills and (b) strategies for building and maintaining trust among virtual team members. Recommendations include reevaluating the hiring processes of virtual team leaders and members, providing adequate cross-cultural training to virtual team leaders and members, creating effective strategies for interpersonal relationships, and investing in communication technologies that foster face-to-face collaboration. Building and maintaining trust among virtual team members helps increase team performance and productivity. Implications for social change include promoting social stability, reducing projects' failure, and improving the bottom line.

The construction industry today is entirely dependent on the work of projects and these projects are associated with a numerous amount of risks. In order to manage and control these risks, research has shown that efficient strategies are needed, thus, to be able minimize different deviations throughout the entire project life cycle. Functioning risk management is essential for successful construction projects. Research has also shown that the importance of digitalization in the construction industry is increasing rapidly and a result of this technology advancement is an increase in the amount of information that needs to be stored, shared and communicated across the project. In addition, information management is a significant factor in how quality in risk management is maintained, and it is vital to adopt information and communication technologies (ICT) to support this. For ICTs to be accepted, adopted and to reach their full potential it is of essence to understand how users perceive working in a digital environment and to share information and communicate digitally. Thereby, this study aims to study how users perceive a new ICT-tool for digital information sharing and communication, as well as the potential of the ICT-tool to influence the work of risk management within the project. To be able to approach the research questions, elicit data was gathered through a qualitative, empirical case study including interviews, observations and a questionnaire. The case study is delimited to a construction project, Building 61, at Danderyds Hospital and their work of risk-management. The case study analyzes how users perceive the increase of use of digital information sharing and communication of risks followed by the recently implemented ICT-tool, Jira Software. Findings shows that the user perception of communication and sharing information through the ICT-tool is perceived as positive and contributes to the improvement of the management of risks. But even though the amount of information now can be transferred and shared through one platform, and increasing the accessibility, it is found that sharing information and communicating digitally does not eliminate the need for interactive communication in the work of risks. Additionally, despite provided training, there is still need for further integration into existing workprocesses in order to utilize the amount of information generated on to the ICT-tool. Conclusively, the use of the new ICT-tool has been perceived as very useful, but it has also given rise to new challenges, mainly concerned the ability to find information in the tool, which needs to be overcome in order for the ICT to reach its full potential and to improve the work with risk management. / Byggbranschen idag är beroende av projekt och dessa projekt är förknippade med ett stort antal risker. För att hantera och kontrollera dessa risker har forskning visat att effektiva strategier behövs för att minimera olika avvikelser under hela projektets livscykel. God riskhantering är, därav, avgörande för att åstadkomma lyckade byggprojekt. Forskning visar även på att betydelsen av digitalisering i byggbranschen ökar snabbt och ett resultat av denna tekniska utveckling är en ökning av mängden information som måste lagras, delas och kommuniceras över hela projektet. Dessutom är informationshantering en viktig faktor i hur kvaliteten i riskhanteringen upprätthålls, och det är viktigt att använda informations- och kommunikationsteknik (IKT) för att stödja detta. För att IKT ska accepteras, antas men också nå sin fulla potential är det väsentligt att förstå hur användaren uppfattar arbetet i en digital miljö och att dela information och kommunicera digitalt. Denna studie syftar därmed till att studera hur användarna uppfattar ett nytt IKT-verktyg för digital informationsdelning och kommunikation, liksom potentialen för IKT-verktyget att påverka arbetet med riskhantering inom projektet. För att besvara forskningsfrågorna samlades data in genom en kvalitativ och empirisk fallstudie med intervjuer, observationer och en enkät. Fallstudien avgränsas till ett byggprojekt, Byggnad 61, vid Danderyds Sjukhus och deras arbete med riskhantering. Fallstudien analyserar hur användarna uppfattar ökningen av användningen av digital informationsdelning och kommunikation av risker följt av det nyligen implementerade IKTverktyget Jira Software. Resultaten visar att användarens uppfattning kring kommunikation och delning av information via IKT-verktyg uppfattas som positiv och bidrar till förbättring av hanteringen av risker. Men även om mängden information nu kan överföras och delas via en plattform och samtidigt öka tillgängligheten, konstateras det att delning av information samt att kommunicera digitalt inte eliminerar behovet av interaktiv kommunikation i riskarbetet. Trots tillhandahållen utbildning av verktygen så finns det fortfarande behov av ytterligare integration i den befintliga arbetsprocessen för att utnyttja mängden information som genereras till IKT-verktyget. Sammanfattningsvis har användningen av det nya verktyget upplevts som mycket användbart, men det har också gett upphov till nya utmaningar, främst förmågan att hitta information i verktyget, vilket är en utmaning som måste övervinnas för att IKT ska nå dess fulla potential och förbättra arbetet med riskhantering.