Information Technology is seen as that which makes one's life
easier, fun and more comfortable. When a new cellular phone is
launched one is eager to see what the new phone has to offer, and often
one convinces oneself that the new device is required. This study
investigates what happens to redundant or obsolete electronic devices
like cellular phones, computers and other electronic devices. Are
these devices stored, donated, thrown out with the garbage or are they
recycled? Information from academic sources and from all types of
media, including television, print and electronic was searched to enhance
the survey that was undertaken. Both the informal and formal
sectors of recycling were investigated. A questionnaire was used to
supplement the information found in different kinds of sources. The
collected data was interpreted through the use of SPSS. Descriptive
as well as inferential statistics was used to draw conclusions and
make inferences. An investigation into legislation controlling the disposal
of e-waste is included in this study. International, national, provincial
and local government legislation is outlined. The objectives of
recycling electronic waste are listed together with the challenges that
face the pro-recyclers. The quantitative research methodology approach
has been employed for this research. A key technique used in
this study is the Research Onion. Data analysis and interpretation are
based on the p-value, Pearson's chi-square and Spearman's correlation.
The study has really been an eye opener in that it considers the
“darker side” of Information Technology. The “darker side” of Information
Technology refers to the disposal of obsolete or broken
electronic devices in a manner that is harmful to the environment.
The cost or lack of profit is the main driving force for incorrect disposal
methods. This study has found that the best method of disposal
is the take back system, where manufacturers of electronic devices
are responsible for the safe disposal of the devices that they manufactured. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/9557 |
| Date | January 2010 |
| Creators | Naidoo, Karunagaran. |
| Contributors | Klopper, Rembrandt M. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | en_ZA |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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