Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) integration has become an important topic in the rapidly evolving recruitment landscape in order to maintain ethical decision-making and increase stakeholder confidence. This thesis investigates the integration of XAI models into hiring procedures, aiming to establish a transparent and consistent decision-making environment that mitigates potential biases and addresses ethical concerns inherent in AI-driven systems. The research envisions a future where AI not only supports but enhances the capabilities of HR professionals and hiring managers by providing deeper insights and more precise candidate evaluations. By doing so, the study contributes valuable insights aimed at optimizing recruitment processes, thereby increasing efficiency and effectiveness of the recruitment process. The research explores how XAI can support and enhance the capabilities of HR professionals and hiring managers by providing deeper insights and more accurate evaluations of candidates. It also assesses the practical implications of employing XAI, its impact on recruitment outcomes, and the ethical dimensions of utilizing such advanced technologies in organizational settings.

Digital transformation and the process of large organizational change is a complex undertaking. To ease the process, organizations can employ champions who act as facilitators, guiding individuals towards a desired outcome. In this study, we explore the function and purpose of champions, investigate which qualities and responsibilities can be emulated by AI, and the resulting implications for organizations. A qualitative research strategy was conducted through semi-structured interviews with experienced professionals in the area of digital transformation and AI.  The findings of the thesis prove the effectiveness of a top-down and bottom-up approach in overcoming resistance to change, where champions play a pivotal role as enablers. In practice however, challenges in time constraints and lack of recognition hinder the effectiveness of champions. Our findings show that AI, specifically foundation models with related techniques, can shoulder a significant part of the champions responsibilities. Knowledge sharing is central to change and an AI solution can enhance the access to organizational knowledge through continuous availability and consistent communication, guiding users through complex processes and systems. Limitations in the technique are found in offering proactive support and understanding implicit and nuanced organizational processes. The organizational implications reside in navigating the rapid advancements of AI, as organizations need to promote continuous learning and standardize processes to maximize the value of foundation models. Remaining model agnostic is important, andÄmdeveloping AI and data governance frameworks is essential to ensure alignment with the overall organizational strategy.  What is clear is that foundation models and the new generation of AI mark the beginning of a technological shift. AI should be viewed as a collaborative tool to enhance productivity, which will necessitate a shift in roles and responsibilities towards strategic and critical thinking. To maintain a competitive edge, organizations must dedicate time and resources to adopt new AI technologies.

This thesis focuses on enhancing the internal cooling mechanisms of ABB’s Omnicore V400XT control cabinets, which are integral to robotic operations. The research aims to mitigate thermal inefficiencies and eliminate hot spots by improving air distribution within the cabinets. SolidWorks flow simulations and experimental validationswere employed to assess various fan housing designs and air chamber configurations. Results indicate that the introduction of an elevated air chamber outlet significantly improves air distribution, ensuring higher air velocities across critical components. This modification also presents the challenge of air potentially exiting the chamber prematurely, thus reducing the cooling efficiency through convection and conduction. Experimental data corroborate that while the elevated air chamber outlet enhances air distribution, the overall average temperature within the cabinet remains largely unaffected by different fan designs. This suggests that the rotational force exerted by the fan directs airflow towards the cabinet walls rather than the components, limitingthe cooling efficiency. Tools such as Simscape and 3D printing were utilised for prototype development and testing. These findings provide a cost-effective approach to improving thermal management in robotic control cabinets, potentially setting a new standard for industrial applications. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of robotic control systems, contributing to the advancement of industrial automation.

Translation dictation (TD) is a translation technique that was widely used before professional translators’ workstations witnessed the massive influx of typewriters and personal computers. In the current era of globalization and of information and communication technologies (ICT), and in response to the growing demand for translation, certain translators and translator trainers throughout the world are seeking to (re)integrate dictation into the translation practice. Contrary to a few decades ago, when the transcription of translated texts was typically carried out by professional typists, the translation industry is currently turning to voice recognition (VR) technologies—that is, computer tools that serve to transcribe dictations automatically. Although off-the-shelf VR systems are not specifically conceived for professional translation purposes, they already seem to provide a more ergonomic and efficient approach, for those translators who are already using them, than does the conventional method, i.e., typing on a computer keyboard. This thesis introduces the notion of Interactive Translation Dictation (ITD), a translation technique that involves interaction with a VR system. The literature review conducted for this research indicated that integrating VR technologies into the practice of translation is not new; however, it showed that past efforts have proved unsuccessful. Moreover, an analysis of the needs of translators who use VR systems shed light on why translators have turned to VR software and what their opinions of these tools are. This analysis also allowed us to identify the challenges that VR technology currently presents for professional translation. This thesis is intended as a first step towards developing translation tools that are both ergonomic, i.e., that take into account the human factor, and efficient, allowing translators to meet the needs of the current translation market. The thesis also advocates a renewal of translator training programs. Integrating ITD into translation training and practice means (re)integrating spoken translation techniques that were used in the past and VR technologies that are now emerging. For such integration to be effective, significant technical, cognitive and pedagogical challenges will first need to be overcome. / La traduction dictée (TD) est une technique de traduction amplement utilisée avant l’arrivée massive des machines à écrire et des ordinateurs personnels sur les postes de travail des traducteurs professionnels. À l’heure actuelle, devant la demande croissante de traduction à l’ère de la mondialisation et des technologies de l’information et des communications (TIC), certains traducteurs en exercice et des formateurs en traduction du monde entier considèrent la (ré)intégration de la TD à la pratique traductive. Contrairement à la méthode d’il y a quelques décennies, où la transcription des traductions était normalement produite par un copiste professionnel, on considère l’utilisation des technologies de reconnaissance vocale (RV) : des outils informatiques pouvant prendre en charge la transcription de dictées. Bien que les systèmes de RV sur le marché ne soient pas adaptés à la pratique de la traduction spécifiquement, ils semblent apporter, à ceux qui les utilisent déjà, une approche plus ergonomique et plus efficace que la méthode conventionnelle, c’est-à-dire la saisie au clavier d’ordinateur. La présente thèse introduit la notion de traduction dictée interactive (TDI) comme technique de traduction en interaction avec un système de RV. Lors de la revue de la littérature pour le présent projet, nous avons constaté que l’intérêt à intégrer la RV à la traduction professionnelle n’est pas nouveau, mais que les efforts précédents n’ont pas connu de succès définitif. Également, une analyse des besoins de certains traducteurs utilisant des systèmes de RV nous a éclairé sur la nature des motivations de ces traducteurs à se tourner vers la RV, sur leurs opinions vis-à-vis de cette dernière et sur les difficultés que posent les systèmes de RV pour les tâches d’ordre traductif. Notre thèse se veut un premier pas vers la conception d’outils d’aide à la traduction à la fois ergonomiques, c’est-à-dire prenant en compte le facteur humain, et efficaces, permettant de combler les besoins actuels du marché de la traduction. Elle se veut également une proposition de renouvèlement des programmes de formation à la traduction. Intégrer la TDI à la formation et à la pratique traductives, c’est (ré)intégrer des techniques de traduction orale utilisées par le passé et des technologies émergentes de RV. Et pour que cette intégration soit optimale, des défis importants d’ordre technique, cognitif et pédagogique restent à être surmontés.

Translation dictation (TD) is a translation technique that was widely used before professional translators’ workstations witnessed the massive influx of typewriters and personal computers. In the current era of globalization and of information and communication technologies (ICT), and in response to the growing demand for translation, certain translators and translator trainers throughout the world are seeking to (re)integrate dictation into the translation practice. Contrary to a few decades ago, when the transcription of translated texts was typically carried out by professional typists, the translation industry is currently turning to voice recognition (VR) technologies—that is, computer tools that serve to transcribe dictations automatically. Although off-the-shelf VR systems are not specifically conceived for professional translation purposes, they already seem to provide a more ergonomic and efficient approach, for those translators who are already using them, than does the conventional method, i.e., typing on a computer keyboard. This thesis introduces the notion of Interactive Translation Dictation (ITD), a translation technique that involves interaction with a VR system. The literature review conducted for this research indicated that integrating VR technologies into the practice of translation is not new; however, it showed that past efforts have proved unsuccessful. Moreover, an analysis of the needs of translators who use VR systems shed light on why translators have turned to VR software and what their opinions of these tools are. This analysis also allowed us to identify the challenges that VR technology currently presents for professional translation. This thesis is intended as a first step towards developing translation tools that are both ergonomic, i.e., that take into account the human factor, and efficient, allowing translators to meet the needs of the current translation market. The thesis also advocates a renewal of translator training programs. Integrating ITD into translation training and practice means (re)integrating spoken translation techniques that were used in the past and VR technologies that are now emerging. For such integration to be effective, significant technical, cognitive and pedagogical challenges will first need to be overcome. / La traduction dictée (TD) est une technique de traduction amplement utilisée avant l’arrivée massive des machines à écrire et des ordinateurs personnels sur les postes de travail des traducteurs professionnels. À l’heure actuelle, devant la demande croissante de traduction à l’ère de la mondialisation et des technologies de l’information et des communications (TIC), certains traducteurs en exercice et des formateurs en traduction du monde entier considèrent la (ré)intégration de la TD à la pratique traductive. Contrairement à la méthode d’il y a quelques décennies, où la transcription des traductions était normalement produite par un copiste professionnel, on considère l’utilisation des technologies de reconnaissance vocale (RV) : des outils informatiques pouvant prendre en charge la transcription de dictées. Bien que les systèmes de RV sur le marché ne soient pas adaptés à la pratique de la traduction spécifiquement, ils semblent apporter, à ceux qui les utilisent déjà, une approche plus ergonomique et plus efficace que la méthode conventionnelle, c’est-à-dire la saisie au clavier d’ordinateur. La présente thèse introduit la notion de traduction dictée interactive (TDI) comme technique de traduction en interaction avec un système de RV. Lors de la revue de la littérature pour le présent projet, nous avons constaté que l’intérêt à intégrer la RV à la traduction professionnelle n’est pas nouveau, mais que les efforts précédents n’ont pas connu de succès définitif. Également, une analyse des besoins de certains traducteurs utilisant des systèmes de RV nous a éclairé sur la nature des motivations de ces traducteurs à se tourner vers la RV, sur leurs opinions vis-à-vis de cette dernière et sur les difficultés que posent les systèmes de RV pour les tâches d’ordre traductif. Notre thèse se veut un premier pas vers la conception d’outils d’aide à la traduction à la fois ergonomiques, c’est-à-dire prenant en compte le facteur humain, et efficaces, permettant de combler les besoins actuels du marché de la traduction. Elle se veut également une proposition de renouvèlement des programmes de formation à la traduction. Intégrer la TDI à la formation et à la pratique traductives, c’est (ré)intégrer des techniques de traduction orale utilisées par le passé et des technologies émergentes de RV. Et pour que cette intégration soit optimale, des défis importants d’ordre technique, cognitif et pédagogique restent à être surmontés.

Translation dictation (TD) is a translation technique that was widely used before professional translators’ workstations witnessed the massive influx of typewriters and personal computers. In the current era of globalization and of information and communication technologies (ICT), and in response to the growing demand for translation, certain translators and translator trainers throughout the world are seeking to (re)integrate dictation into the translation practice. Contrary to a few decades ago, when the transcription of translated texts was typically carried out by professional typists, the translation industry is currently turning to voice recognition (VR) technologies—that is, computer tools that serve to transcribe dictations automatically. Although off-the-shelf VR systems are not specifically conceived for professional translation purposes, they already seem to provide a more ergonomic and efficient approach, for those translators who are already using them, than does the conventional method, i.e., typing on a computer keyboard. This thesis introduces the notion of Interactive Translation Dictation (ITD), a translation technique that involves interaction with a VR system. The literature review conducted for this research indicated that integrating VR technologies into the practice of translation is not new; however, it showed that past efforts have proved unsuccessful. Moreover, an analysis of the needs of translators who use VR systems shed light on why translators have turned to VR software and what their opinions of these tools are. This analysis also allowed us to identify the challenges that VR technology currently presents for professional translation. This thesis is intended as a first step towards developing translation tools that are both ergonomic, i.e., that take into account the human factor, and efficient, allowing translators to meet the needs of the current translation market. The thesis also advocates a renewal of translator training programs. Integrating ITD into translation training and practice means (re)integrating spoken translation techniques that were used in the past and VR technologies that are now emerging. For such integration to be effective, significant technical, cognitive and pedagogical challenges will first need to be overcome. / La traduction dictée (TD) est une technique de traduction amplement utilisée avant l’arrivée massive des machines à écrire et des ordinateurs personnels sur les postes de travail des traducteurs professionnels. À l’heure actuelle, devant la demande croissante de traduction à l’ère de la mondialisation et des technologies de l’information et des communications (TIC), certains traducteurs en exercice et des formateurs en traduction du monde entier considèrent la (ré)intégration de la TD à la pratique traductive. Contrairement à la méthode d’il y a quelques décennies, où la transcription des traductions était normalement produite par un copiste professionnel, on considère l’utilisation des technologies de reconnaissance vocale (RV) : des outils informatiques pouvant prendre en charge la transcription de dictées. Bien que les systèmes de RV sur le marché ne soient pas adaptés à la pratique de la traduction spécifiquement, ils semblent apporter, à ceux qui les utilisent déjà, une approche plus ergonomique et plus efficace que la méthode conventionnelle, c’est-à-dire la saisie au clavier d’ordinateur. La présente thèse introduit la notion de traduction dictée interactive (TDI) comme technique de traduction en interaction avec un système de RV. Lors de la revue de la littérature pour le présent projet, nous avons constaté que l’intérêt à intégrer la RV à la traduction professionnelle n’est pas nouveau, mais que les efforts précédents n’ont pas connu de succès définitif. Également, une analyse des besoins de certains traducteurs utilisant des systèmes de RV nous a éclairé sur la nature des motivations de ces traducteurs à se tourner vers la RV, sur leurs opinions vis-à-vis de cette dernière et sur les difficultés que posent les systèmes de RV pour les tâches d’ordre traductif. Notre thèse se veut un premier pas vers la conception d’outils d’aide à la traduction à la fois ergonomiques, c’est-à-dire prenant en compte le facteur humain, et efficaces, permettant de combler les besoins actuels du marché de la traduction. Elle se veut également une proposition de renouvèlement des programmes de formation à la traduction. Intégrer la TDI à la formation et à la pratique traductives, c’est (ré)intégrer des techniques de traduction orale utilisées par le passé et des technologies émergentes de RV. Et pour que cette intégration soit optimale, des défis importants d’ordre technique, cognitif et pédagogique restent à être surmontés.

No description available.

Considering the point that existing WIL programmes are somewhat amorphous and do not optimally utilise available technologies, the TUT decided to embrace a technology-based WIL framework for improving its WIL programmes. Inspired by the fact that assessment is fundamental to the success of any WIL programme, the researcher wanted to attend to e-assessment within the context of WIL. Hence, this study intended to identify and examine the factors that should be included in the development of e-assessment as component of WIL. In addition, it was also aimed at determining the resultant experiences, emanating from the determined factors, of the implementation of e-assessment as component of WIL. By conducting a literature and an empirical study, the purpose of the study was realised. Based on the literature study, the importance and relevance of WIL as authentic learning experience was described, while e-assessment was explained, discussed and justified within the context of WIL. For the empirical study, a sequential, embedded mixed-methods research design, anchored in an exploratory case study, was executed in two phases. In Phase 1, the factors that should be included in the development of e-assessment as component of WIL were determined by means of individual interviews with institutional WIL coordinators and a document study of relevant TUT documents. From the data obtained in this phase of the study, a prototype of e-assessment as component of WIL was developed and implemented. In Phase 2, online questionnaires and online individual interviews, supplemented by face-to-face focus group interviews, were used to uncover the experiences of workplace mentors and WIL students of the implementation of the prototype of e-assessment as component of WIL. The key findings of the empirical study confirmed that assessment is fundamental to the success of WIL. Although optimism about the implementation of e-assessment was revealed, the empirical data further indicated that a variety of factors needs to be considered for its successful implementation. Amongst others, it was suggested that e-assessment should be institutionally driven; that special care should be taken to ensure access to and availability of appropriate technology; that all stakeholders should be subjected to proper orientation and training regarding e-assessment, and that collaboration between the workplace and the academic institution should be improved. It was furthermore suggested that assessment tasks should meaningfully relate to the realities of the workplace; that the development of assessment tasks should be meticulously done and that such tasks should be regularly revised and that attention should be given to constructive feedback to enable student growth and development. By considering the experiences regarding the implementation of the prototype of e-assessment, a more sophisticated version was proposed. The study concluded by indicating its limitations and suggested areas for further research. In the final analysis it was resolved that this study laid the foundation for exploring e-assessment in the context of WIL more vigorously, since e-assessment shows remarkable potential to benefit students, academic departments and workplace environments. / PhD (Learning and Teaching)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2015

Considering the point that existing WIL programmes are somewhat amorphous and do not optimally utilise available technologies, the TUT decided to embrace a technology-based WIL framework for improving its WIL programmes. Inspired by the fact that assessment is fundamental to the success of any WIL programme, the researcher wanted to attend to e-assessment within the context of WIL. Hence, this study intended to identify and examine the factors that should be included in the development of e-assessment as component of WIL. In addition, it was also aimed at determining the resultant experiences, emanating from the determined factors, of the implementation of e-assessment as component of WIL. By conducting a literature and an empirical study, the purpose of the study was realised. Based on the literature study, the importance and relevance of WIL as authentic learning experience was described, while e-assessment was explained, discussed and justified within the context of WIL. For the empirical study, a sequential, embedded mixed-methods research design, anchored in an exploratory case study, was executed in two phases. In Phase 1, the factors that should be included in the development of e-assessment as component of WIL were determined by means of individual interviews with institutional WIL coordinators and a document study of relevant TUT documents. From the data obtained in this phase of the study, a prototype of e-assessment as component of WIL was developed and implemented. In Phase 2, online questionnaires and online individual interviews, supplemented by face-to-face focus group interviews, were used to uncover the experiences of workplace mentors and WIL students of the implementation of the prototype of e-assessment as component of WIL. The key findings of the empirical study confirmed that assessment is fundamental to the success of WIL. Although optimism about the implementation of e-assessment was revealed, the empirical data further indicated that a variety of factors needs to be considered for its successful implementation. Amongst others, it was suggested that e-assessment should be institutionally driven; that special care should be taken to ensure access to and availability of appropriate technology; that all stakeholders should be subjected to proper orientation and training regarding e-assessment, and that collaboration between the workplace and the academic institution should be improved. It was furthermore suggested that assessment tasks should meaningfully relate to the realities of the workplace; that the development of assessment tasks should be meticulously done and that such tasks should be regularly revised and that attention should be given to constructive feedback to enable student growth and development. By considering the experiences regarding the implementation of the prototype of e-assessment, a more sophisticated version was proposed. The study concluded by indicating its limitations and suggested areas for further research. In the final analysis it was resolved that this study laid the foundation for exploring e-assessment in the context of WIL more vigorously, since e-assessment shows remarkable potential to benefit students, academic departments and workplace environments. / PhD (Learning and Teaching)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2015

Credit card fraud losses within the South African credit card market in 2006 exceeded R257M. A portion of these losses (R179M) are within the borders of South Africa and its common monetary area partners. This represents a startling 70% of credit card fraud on magnetic stripe cards used within the borders of South Africa. The South African credit card industry adopts floor limits at certain merchants and merchant categories. South Africa is one of a few countries in the world that still adopt floor limits on credit cards within its payment card industry. Credit card transactions on magnetic-stripe cards conducted below the merchant’s designated floor limit do not go to the issuing bank for authorization. The first time the issuing bank acknowledges these transactions is when they are settled on average two days later. The rationale for not adopting zero floor limits within the South African credit card market is the supposed inability of the existing telecommunications infrastructure to handle the volume and frequency of data submitted by merchants for authorization. The impact of reduced fraud and bad debt losses through adopting a zero floor limit in relation to merchant operational costs is the basis of the research. The research also aims to examine the Proposition that the existing telecommunications infrastructure is unable to support a zero floor limit proposal.