This study investigates the critical success factors involved in agile systems development projects. Various systems development methodologies and project management methodologies are presented with their underlying principles, strengths and weaknesses. Thereafter the critical success factors adopted from the work of Chow and Cao (2007) are presented. A positivistic research paradigm was chosen for data collection and analysis. The survey method was chosen for data collection. A questionnaire was sent to multiple respondents in a predominantly agile work environment, which resulted in a total of 129 respondents in various business sectors. The results were analysed by implementing multiple correlation and regression statistics as well as descriptive statistics. The results show that there are in fact 16 critical success factors that have a direct impact on the success of agile systems development projects. Agile systems development methodologies have been increasing in use during the last 3 years, and most organisations are implementing some form of project management methodology. The first recommendation is based on the findings that strong customer involvement and the appropriate management of the agile process with a satisfactory amount of documentation resulted in greater process success. Therefore, organisations should encourage these critical success factors when implementing an ASDM as this has a positive effect on the project outcome. The appropriate management of the agile process with a satisfactory amount of documentation, the application of good design practices and technical knowledge to a project, and a cooperative organizational culture instead of hierarchical are three of the key critical success factors that were positively related to the success of the product. By focussing on these critical success factors, the success of the entire project can be predicted. / Thesis (MCom (Computer Science & Information Systems))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

This study investigates the critical success factors involved in agile systems development projects. Various systems development methodologies and project management methodologies are presented with their underlying principles, strengths and weaknesses. Thereafter the critical success factors adopted from the work of Chow and Cao (2007) are presented. A positivistic research paradigm was chosen for data collection and analysis. The survey method was chosen for data collection. A questionnaire was sent to multiple respondents in a predominantly agile work environment, which resulted in a total of 129 respondents in various business sectors. The results were analysed by implementing multiple correlation and regression statistics as well as descriptive statistics. The results show that there are in fact 16 critical success factors that have a direct impact on the success of agile systems development projects. Agile systems development methodologies have been increasing in use during the last 3 years, and most organisations are implementing some form of project management methodology. The first recommendation is based on the findings that strong customer involvement and the appropriate management of the agile process with a satisfactory amount of documentation resulted in greater process success. Therefore, organisations should encourage these critical success factors when implementing an ASDM as this has a positive effect on the project outcome. The appropriate management of the agile process with a satisfactory amount of documentation, the application of good design practices and technical knowledge to a project, and a cooperative organizational culture instead of hierarchical are three of the key critical success factors that were positively related to the success of the product. By focussing on these critical success factors, the success of the entire project can be predicted. / Thesis (MCom (Computer Science & Information Systems))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Auditing, as a subset of the accounting discipline, is an inherently difficult subject to learn and teach. There have been various challenges, problems and criticisms regarding traditional auditing and accounting education. Auditing lecturers therefore have a responsibility to investigate methods or aids that can assist lecturers in addressing these challenges, problems and criticisms in order to educate future auditors who have the knowledge, understanding and skills to function effectively in the workplace. The primary objective of this study was therefore to evaluate whether the learning and lecturing difficulties experienced may be addressed effectively through the use of an educational auditing information technology-based game, which was developed during the course and as a result of this study. The perceptions of third-year auditing students at North-West University regarding the use of this game as an educational aid in auditing education were tested through a questionnaire that was also developed as part of this study. The study involved dividing the participants into an experimental and control group. The experimental group played the educational computer game, while the control group completed the case question from which the educational game was developed. The students then completed the same questionnaire. The main findings of the study were that the educational computer game was equal in educational value to the case method, while factors such as joy, engagement and motivation were rated higher for the computer game than for the case method. / MCom (Accountancy), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Auditing, as a subset of the accounting discipline, is an inherently difficult subject to learn and teach. There have been various challenges, problems and criticisms regarding traditional auditing and accounting education. Auditing lecturers therefore have a responsibility to investigate methods or aids that can assist lecturers in addressing these challenges, problems and criticisms in order to educate future auditors who have the knowledge, understanding and skills to function effectively in the workplace. The primary objective of this study was therefore to evaluate whether the learning and lecturing difficulties experienced may be addressed effectively through the use of an educational auditing information technology-based game, which was developed during the course and as a result of this study. The perceptions of third-year auditing students at North-West University regarding the use of this game as an educational aid in auditing education were tested through a questionnaire that was also developed as part of this study. The study involved dividing the participants into an experimental and control group. The experimental group played the educational computer game, while the control group completed the case question from which the educational game was developed. The students then completed the same questionnaire. The main findings of the study were that the educational computer game was equal in educational value to the case method, while factors such as joy, engagement and motivation were rated higher for the computer game than for the case method. / MCom (Accountancy), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Dissertation (PhD (Educational Management))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Education Management and Policy Studies / unrestricted

Professional development of teachers is a much-investigated area of research; however, teachers still complain that these endeavours do not cater for their specific needs. This problem arises from teachers‟ need to have more frequent professional development activities whereby it is possible to enhance their knowledge and skills regarding specific areas effectively. Multimedia, in other words the use of various media such as video, pictures, narration and animation, is a possible tool to address certain needs in professional development. Furthermore, the incorporation of multimedia into professional development by making use of a digital versatile disc allows for professional development to occur within a distance mode of delivery setting. This research was done to investigate and understand how Information Technology teachers experience the incorporation of multimedia into professional development by means of digital versatile disc. In order to accomplish this research endeavour, an investigation into the body of scholarly knowledge was executed focused on professional development of teachers, specifically with regard to needs expressed in previous studies. Furthermore, the body of scholarly knowledge regarding the implementation of multimedia as an enhancement to professional development was also investigated in order to synthesise how the researcher should go about implementing it. From the knowledge gained, the researcher developed the professional development digital versatile disc, specifically focused on the programming language Scratch. This programming language is an addition to the Information Technology syllabus and therefore teachers were assisted in their endeavour to acquire knowledge and skills regarding the implementation of such a new programming language. An empirical study was conducted, specifically focusing on the experience of three teachers to determine how they experience multimedia-based professional development. All three participants expressed that they enjoyed the use of multimedia in professional development and that a digital versatile disc of this type had a place in their professional development endeavours; however, a need for personal interaction with the facilitator as well as colleagues still exists. / Thesis (MEd (Computer Science Education))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Professional development of teachers is a much-investigated area of research; however, teachers still complain that these endeavours do not cater for their specific needs. This problem arises from teachers‟ need to have more frequent professional development activities whereby it is possible to enhance their knowledge and skills regarding specific areas effectively. Multimedia, in other words the use of various media such as video, pictures, narration and animation, is a possible tool to address certain needs in professional development. Furthermore, the incorporation of multimedia into professional development by making use of a digital versatile disc allows for professional development to occur within a distance mode of delivery setting. This research was done to investigate and understand how Information Technology teachers experience the incorporation of multimedia into professional development by means of digital versatile disc. In order to accomplish this research endeavour, an investigation into the body of scholarly knowledge was executed focused on professional development of teachers, specifically with regard to needs expressed in previous studies. Furthermore, the body of scholarly knowledge regarding the implementation of multimedia as an enhancement to professional development was also investigated in order to synthesise how the researcher should go about implementing it. From the knowledge gained, the researcher developed the professional development digital versatile disc, specifically focused on the programming language Scratch. This programming language is an addition to the Information Technology syllabus and therefore teachers were assisted in their endeavour to acquire knowledge and skills regarding the implementation of such a new programming language. An empirical study was conducted, specifically focusing on the experience of three teachers to determine how they experience multimedia-based professional development. All three participants expressed that they enjoyed the use of multimedia in professional development and that a digital versatile disc of this type had a place in their professional development endeavours; however, a need for personal interaction with the facilitator as well as colleagues still exists. / Thesis (MEd (Computer Science Education))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Both globally and locally, agriculture faces ever increasing challenges such as high input costs, strict environmental laws, decrease in land for cultivation and an increase in demand due to the growing global population. Profitability and sustainability requires more effective production systems. Precision agriculture is identified as such a system and is built upon a system approach that aims to restructure the total system of agriculture towards low input, high efficiency and sustainable agriculture. The aim of this study was to analyse the state of precision agriculture in the summer grain producing areas of South Africa, specifically the North West and Free State provinces. In order to achieve this, a literature study was conducted. During the literature study the term ‘precision agriculture’ was defined and discussed. The precision agriculture cycle and its components were explained and benefits of precision agriculture were identified. The literature study was concluded with identifying and discussing the most widely used and most beneficial technologies as well as reasons for slow adoption. Findings from the literature study were used to investigate the state of precision agriculture locally. In order to achieve this, a quantitative approach was used and information was collected by means of an empirical study using a questionnaire. Questionnaires were distributed to farmers using selling agents of an agricultural company that is well represented in the targeted areas. The data was then statistically analysed. The survey showed that only 52% of summer grain producing farmers in the North West and Free State provinces of South Africa practises precision agriculture as defined in the v literature study. The study also revealed that the majority of precision agriculture farmers are over the age of 40, have more than 16 years of farming experience, are well educated, cultivate more than 1,000 hectares and uses none or little irrigation. The most commonly used precision agriculture technologies were grid soil sampling and yield monitors. The perception among most of the farmers was that precision technologies are not very affordable, not easily available and that it lacks proper testing with regards to efficiency. The group of summer grain–producing farmers that have correctly implemented precision agriculture as per definition stated that the benefits they derived from precision technologies include reduction in input costs, increased outputs and improved management skills. Too high implementation costs and technologies not providing enough benefits were among the main reasons farmers do not implement precision agriculture. It was concluded that a significant effort and amount of work is needed to increase the use of precision agriculture among summer grain–producing farmers in the targeted areas. A consolidated effort from government, agricultural institutions and agricultural companies will be needed to achieve this goal. Implementing precision agriculture as a system will require education (from primary to tertiary institutions) and improved marketing strategies. Only then will precision technologies be able to help meet the future demands placed on the agriculture sector. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Both globally and locally, agriculture faces ever increasing challenges such as high input costs, strict environmental laws, decrease in land for cultivation and an increase in demand due to the growing global population. Profitability and sustainability requires more effective production systems. Precision agriculture is identified as such a system and is built upon a system approach that aims to restructure the total system of agriculture towards low input, high efficiency and sustainable agriculture. The aim of this study was to analyse the state of precision agriculture in the summer grain producing areas of South Africa, specifically the North West and Free State provinces. In order to achieve this, a literature study was conducted. During the literature study the term ‘precision agriculture’ was defined and discussed. The precision agriculture cycle and its components were explained and benefits of precision agriculture were identified. The literature study was concluded with identifying and discussing the most widely used and most beneficial technologies as well as reasons for slow adoption. Findings from the literature study were used to investigate the state of precision agriculture locally. In order to achieve this, a quantitative approach was used and information was collected by means of an empirical study using a questionnaire. Questionnaires were distributed to farmers using selling agents of an agricultural company that is well represented in the targeted areas. The data was then statistically analysed. The survey showed that only 52% of summer grain producing farmers in the North West and Free State provinces of South Africa practises precision agriculture as defined in the v literature study. The study also revealed that the majority of precision agriculture farmers are over the age of 40, have more than 16 years of farming experience, are well educated, cultivate more than 1,000 hectares and uses none or little irrigation. The most commonly used precision agriculture technologies were grid soil sampling and yield monitors. The perception among most of the farmers was that precision technologies are not very affordable, not easily available and that it lacks proper testing with regards to efficiency. The group of summer grain–producing farmers that have correctly implemented precision agriculture as per definition stated that the benefits they derived from precision technologies include reduction in input costs, increased outputs and improved management skills. Too high implementation costs and technologies not providing enough benefits were among the main reasons farmers do not implement precision agriculture. It was concluded that a significant effort and amount of work is needed to increase the use of precision agriculture among summer grain–producing farmers in the targeted areas. A consolidated effort from government, agricultural institutions and agricultural companies will be needed to achieve this goal. Implementing precision agriculture as a system will require education (from primary to tertiary institutions) and improved marketing strategies. Only then will precision technologies be able to help meet the future demands placed on the agriculture sector. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Text in English with summaries and keywords in English, Afrikaans and Zulu / Bibliography: leaves 294-314 / How does an organisation turn good results into great results? What makes one organisation good and another great? What defines high performance organisations? Which aspects within an organisation play vital roles into taking an organisation from good to great? Are some aspects more important than others, if so, which ones? These questions have been explored and researched over the years and various researchers have proposed different theories and models that impact high performance as well as definitions around high performance with mixed results. The general aim of this research was to develop and validate a High Performance Model for an IT organisation. The concept of high performance was explored in terms of how to define high performance, which high performance models and frameworks have been developed within the literature and what sustains high performance. These existing High Performance Organisation (HPO) models and frameworks were evaluated against an identified set of criteria to arrive at a definitive theoretical model of high performance. The theoretical HPO model was developed based on the evaluation of the literature reviews together with the existing HPO model of the participating IT organisation. The main purpose of the empirical research was to gather data by means of three questionnaires, over six years, which were used to statistically determine the organisational and behavioural constructs that influence High Performance in an IT organisation in South Africa. Furthermore, the researcher developed an empirical model to verify the theoretical model. A quantitative empirical research paradigm using the survey method was followed and explanatory and descriptive research was used in this study. An HPO questionnaire was developed and administered to employees. Over the six years and three questionnaire administrations, 3,451 employees participated. A new best fitting HPO model was postulated based on new constructs postulated in the factor analysis. The model indicated that Leadership, Knowledge Management – team, Strategic Focus as well as Job Satisfaction especially contributed to high performance within the participating organisation, as well as that strong relationships exist between the HPO factors. This research should contribute towards longitudinal studies on high performance as well as a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence high performance, within South Africa but also globally. The new HPO model should assist organisations and practitioners in measuring high performance in any organisation after validation. With increased competition and globalisation organisations struggle to survive, this study can provide a roadmap for organisations to obtain and sustain high performance. / Hoe kan ‘n organisasie goeie resultate in uitnemende resultate verander? Wat maak een organisasie goed en ‘n ander een uitnemend? Hoe word hoë prestasie organisasies gedefinieer? Watter aspekte binne ‘n organisasie speel die belangrikste rol om die organisasie van goed na uitnemend te neem? Is sommige aspekte belangriker as ander, indien wel, watter? Hierdie vrae is al deur die jare heen ondersoek en nagevors. Verskeie navorsers het verskillende definisies, teorieë en modelle wat hoe prestasie beïnvloed word ontwikkel, met gemengde resultate. Die algemene doel van hierdie navorsing was om ‘n Hoë Prestasie (HP) Model vir ‘n IT organisasie te ontwikkel en te bekragtig. Die konsep van hoë prestasie word ondersoek, meer spesifiek, die definisie van hoë prestasie, watter hoë prestasie modelle en raamwerke al ontwikkel is in die literatuur en wat hou hoë prestasie in stand. Die bestaande HP modelle en raamwerke word ge-evalueer teen kriteria wat vooraf geïdentifiseer is om sodoende ‘n beslissende teoretiese model vir hoë prestasie te onwikkel. Die teoretiese HP model was ontwikkel op grond van literatuur evaluasies, tesame met die bestaande HP model van die deelnemende IT organisasie. Die hoofdoel van die empiriese navorsing was om data te versamel deur middel van drie vraelyste, oor ‘n tydperk van ses jaar, wat gebruik is om te bepaal watter organisasie- en gedragsveranderlikes beïnvloed hoë prestasie in die deelnemende Suid-Afrikaanse IT organisasie. Die navorser het ook ‘n empiriese model ontwikkel om die teoretiese model te verifieer. ‘n Kwantitatiewe empiriese navorsingsparadigma, insluitend die vraelysmetode, was gevolg in hierdie navorsingstudie, sowel as verklarende en bevestigende navorsing. ‘n HP vraelys was ontwikkel en geadministreer. Gedurende die ses jaar en drie vraelys administrasies, het 3,451 werknemers deelgeneem. ‘n Nuwe en beter-passende HP model word gepostuleer, gebaseer op nuwe konstrukte gepostuleer in die faktoranalise. Die model wys dat Leierskap, Kennisbestuur—span, Strategiese Fokus, asook Werksbevrediging—veral bydra tot hoë prestasie in die deelnemende organisasie en dat sterk verhoudings bestaan tussen dié HP faktore. Die navorsing behoort by te dra tot longutidinale studies van hoë prestasie, asook ‘n omvattende begrip van die faktore wat hoë prestasie beïnvloed, op globale vlak, maar ook binne die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks. Die nuwe HP model behoort organisasies en praktisyns te help om hoë prestasie te meet in enige IT organisasie, nadat bekragtiging gedoen is. Met toenemende kompetisie en globalisering, sukkel organisasies om kop bo water te hou, dus kan hierdie studie ‘n padkaart bied na die verkryging en handhawing van hoë prestasie. / Ngabe inhlangano ikwenza kanjani ukwenza ukusuka kwimiphumela emihle ibe nemiphumela yezinga eliphezulu kakhulu? Ngabe yini okwenza ukuthi inhlangano ethile ibe yinhle kanti enye ibe sezingeni eliphezulu kakhulu? Ngabe yini okuchaza inhlangano esebenza ngezinga eliphezulu kakhulu? Ngabe yiziphi izinto kwinhlangano ezidlala indima ebalulekile ekwenzeni ukuthi inhlangano isuke ezingeni elihle iye kweliphezulu kakhulu? Ngabe kukhona izinto ezibalulekile ukudlula ezinye, uma zikhona, ngabe yiziphi? Le mibuzo iye yacutshungulwa nokucwaningwa eminyakeni eminingi kanti abacwaningi abehlukene baphakamise amathiyori ehlukene kanye namamodeli athinta umphumela wezinga eliphezulu kanye nezincazelo ngokusebenza kwezinga eliphezulu, ngemiphumela ehlukene. Inhloso enabile yalolu cwaningo bekuwukwenza kanye nokuqinisekisa imodeli ye-high performance model (HPO) ngokwenhlangano ye-Information Technology (IT). Kuye kwahlolisiswa umbono wokusebenza ngezinga eliphezulu ngokulandela indlela yokuchaza ukusebenza ngezinga eliphezulu, nokuthi ngabe yiwaphi amamodeli okusebenza ngezinga eliphezulu nezinhlaka ezenziwe ngaphansi kwemibhalo, kanye nokuthi yini ukuqikelela ukuqhubeka kokusebenza ngezinga eliphezulu. Amamodeli akhona e-HPO kanye nezinhlaka zahlolwa ngaphansi kwama-criteria aboniwe akhona ukuze kufinyelelwe kwithiyori echazayo ngemodeli yokusebenza ngezinga eliphezulu. Ithiyori yemodeli ye-HPO yenziwe ngokulandela uhlolo lwemibhalo ebuyekeziwe kanye nokulandela imodeli ye-HPO ekhona kwinhlangano ye-IT ebingenele ucwaningo. Inhloso enkulu yocwaningo olunobufakazi bekuwukuqoqa idata ngokwenza uhla lwemibuzo emithathu, esikhathini seminyaka eyisithupha, kanti yasetshenziswa ukunquma ngezinto ezihlukene eziphathelene nenhlangano kanye nokuziphatha kwayo okunomthelela ekusebenzeni ngezinga eliphezulu kwinhlangano ye-IT eNingizimu Afrika. Kanti futhi, umcwaningi wenze imodeli yobufakazi ukuqinisekisa imodeli yethiyori. Kulandelwe ipharadayimi yocwaningo lwamanani ngokusebenzisa inqubo ye-survey kanye nocwaningo lwencazelo nengcaciso okusetshenziswe kulolu cwaningo. Kwenziwe uhla lwemibuzo yeHPO yasetshenziswa kubasebenzi. Eminyakeni eyisithupha kusetshenziwswe uhla oluthathu lwemibuzo, kubasebenzi ababambe iqhaza abangu 3, 451. Imodeli engcono kakhulu ye-HPO iye yasetshenziswa ngokulandela uhlelo olusha olwenziwe kwinqubo yohlaziyo. Imodeli ibonise ukuthi Ubuholi, kanye Nokuphathwa koLwazi – ithimba, Ukugxilisa kwinhloso ethile kanye Nokuneliseka Ngomsebenzi ikakhulukazi yikho okunomthelela ekusebenzeni ngezinga eliphezulu enhlanganweni ebamba iqhaza. Imiphumela ibonise nobudlelwane obukhulu obuqinile obukhona phakathi kwezinto eziphathelene ne-HPO, ikakhulukazi phakathi Kwenhlangano Yokuphathwa Kolwazi, okuhambelane kakhulu ngokuqinile nezinto ezinhlano kweziyisishagalolunye eziphathelene ne-HPO. Ucwaningo lungathela esivivaneni ekuqondisiseni okujulile kwizinto ezinomthelela ekusebenzeni ngezinga eliphezulu, kuwo wonke umhlaba kanye neNingizimu Afrika ngokwayo. Imodeli entsha ye-HPO ingasiza inhlangano kanye nabasebenzi ekukaleni ukusebenza ngezinga eliphezulu kunoma yiyiphi inhlangano ye-IT, ngemuva kokuqinisekiswa. Ngokukhula kokuqhudelana kanye ne-globalisation, izinhlangano zikuthola kunzima ukuqhubekela phambili, lolu cwaningo lungahlinzeka ngomhlahlandlela kwizinhlangano ukuthola indlela yokusebenza ngezinga eliphezulu nokugcina lezo zindlela zokusebenza ngezinga eliphezulu. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / D. Phil. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)