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Applying information architecture in design thinking : ideating solutions to the wicked problem of addiction

  • Authors: Hobbs, Jason Richard
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Industrial design , Design and technology , Information technology , Information organization
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/485650 , uj:44150
  • Description: Abstract: This research project explores the use of Information Architecture (IA) in Design Thinking for the purposes of ideating solutions to wicked problems. A constructivist account of IA is advanced in this study offering new perspectives, distinct to those offered by the mainstream IA employed in digital design, heralding from Library and Information Science. This reframing of IA creates a new space to explore what value may be found lying dormant in the relationship between IA and DT, and Design in general. The Research Through Design (RTD) methodology serves to support the constructive nature of this inquiry. In RTD, the researcher operates both in the role of designer and researcher, executing and critically reflecting upon a design project. For this study, a design project was conducted to address the complex social problem of addiction as it manifests in Johannesburg, South Africa. A new form of IA, Conceptual IA (CIA), is notionally developed to observe and discuss IA when enacted in Ideation following the DT process-method. The findings and conclusions offered emerge from qualitative analysis of observations and reflection upon the design project’s enactment. Within its scope, the study reveals that IA, as reframed, can be understood as operating tacitly within design (and the world) as that which contains and transmits socio-ontological meaning, decoded, recoded and encoded in design. Explicit use of IA methods, tools and techniques greatly enhanced synthetic cognition across the whole of the DT process-method enacted. Furthermore, CIA conducted in Ideation provided the concept for a social systems solution central to a strategy design which synthetically resolved the challenges presented by the wicked problem of addiction. IA and design developed to realise the concept, as blueprints, describe how use of the system in the world triggers a transformation and transcendence of this concept: in use, the IA of the concept being embedded within the structural form of the designed object, comes to be a new socio-ontological phenomena. In this way, a (speculative) theoretical account is given for how an instrumental / ontological mediation of social reality may occur, at scale, by IA employed in Design. , M.A. (Design)
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Investigating the challenges of information technology on the supply chain of the pharmaceutical industry

The role of data and information security governance in protecting public sector data and information assets in national government in South Africa

  • Authors: Masilela, Lucia , Nel, Danielle
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Information technology , Digital government , Data governance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/479811 , uj:43413 , ISSN: (Online) 2310-2152 , Citation: Masilela, L. & Nel, D., 2021, ‘The role of data and information security governance in protecting public sector data and information assets in national government in South Africa’, Africa’s Public Service Delivery and Performance Review 9(1), a385. https:// doi.org/10.4102/apsdpr. v9i1.385
  • Description: Abstract: Background: The deployment of information and communications technology (ICT) in the public sector, has been exposed to increasing security breaches and cyber-related crimes that have resulted in unauthorised access, theft, fraud and misuse of highly confidential, classified and sensitive public sector data and information (PSDI) assets. The government, as one of the biggest collectors and distributors of PSDI assets, needs to be constantly aware of the risks associated with the collection, classification, storage and dissemination of critical PSDI assets. The lack of sufficient data and information security measures could pose significant security risks that could impact on state security, thus causing national working relationships to be strained, which presents gaps and opportunities for external intruders to capitalise on the mistrust of the government to infiltrate further attacks on critical Information Technology (IT) infrastructure and systems. In order to mitigate and counteract critical and sensitive data and information-related crimes, the government must understand and analyse the importance of data and information security governance (DISG) and how it should be institutionalised through an integrated approach to improve and protect PSDI assets. Aim: The aim of this article is to analyse the institutionalisation of DISG measures government has implemented towards the protection of PSDI assets. Setting: The research setting is in three national government departments, namely the Department of Energy (DoE), the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST). This study investigates how the strategic combination of data governance (DG) and information security governance (ISG) practices and principles could be implemented and incorporated as one of the various approaches in public sector institutions to improve the DISG management functions of an organisation’s overall data and information systems and processes. Methods: The research approach is qualitative, and the research methodology includes a multiple case study design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and was triangulated with literature review. Primary data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The research findings are presented according to the McKinsey 7S model, which served as the analytical framework in the study. The research findings indicate that the institutionalisation of DISG management practices and functions in the South African public sector context are very limited, and there is a dominant focus on IT and IT security. It was also identified that DISG policies, practices, and systems have been found to be lacking in public sector management and governance functions. Conclusion: The study concludes that there is currently a lack of sufficient DISG policies, management practices and systems, particularly in the national sphere of government.
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The role of ICTs in collaboration in secondary mathematics departments

  • Authors: Schutte, Peter Michael
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Mathematics - Study and teaching (Secondary) , Information technology , Education - Effect of technological innovations on
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/486108 , uj:44207
  • Description: Abstract: The focus of this study was on the phenomenon of collaboration and the related role of ICTs, in the context of teachers working together in a secondary mathematics department. The learning theory of communities of practice, as it related to teachers in a mathematics subject department, and the field of social network analysis, gave the researcher the main theoretical framework from which to begin the investigation. Collaboration was limited in scope to represent that of advice and/or information collaborative interactions and joint work collaborative interactions. This was based on precedents in the most closely related studies and to ensure the research was feasible for the size of the study. The major motivation for doing the study was anchored in the widely recognised need for a better understanding of teacher collaboration, especially as it relates to modern educational systems that effectively leverage the power of networks and ICTs. The intention of the study was to uncover the underlying patterns of collaboration that took place in these departments, the value they added to the department and how they may be improved, given emerging best practice in this area. The study was completed in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic of the 2020 South African school year, which by necessity meant these departments were even more heavily reliant on ICTs than in conventional school years. The specific sample of schools examined consisted of five secondary mathematics departments, from high performing, quintile 5 government schools in Cape Town, South Africa. The researcher used a sequential explanatory mixed methods design to investigate the role of ICTs in collaboration amongst the teachers in these departments, and their related personal networks. Initially, the researcher gathered quantitative data using a recognised social network survey and then analysed this data using descriptive statistics and social network analysis methods. Thereafter, key informers were identified and engaged in semi-structured interviews related to emerging trends and the primary research objectives. This qualitative data was analysed using thematic content analysis methods. A final stage of interpretation followed, from which findings based on data from the entire study could be drawn. The findings indicated that ICTs played a significant role in providing a communication medium, largely email and apps connected to email, that allowed collaboration to take place and for schools to continue to function during challenging circumstances. The networks of collaborative interactions identified in the study exhibited patterns of subgroupings, high status connected individuals and a higher frequency of advice and information collaborative interactions, compared to the frequency of joint work. The effort from teachers to adapt their traditional workflows to utilize ICTs revealed an ability to rapidly upskill and the more vi transparent digital ways of working allowed teachers to learn from each other in previously underutilized or unknown ways. However, the findings also indicated teachers rarely go outside their departments for collaborations, with only a small minority, with pre-existing strong connections, observed doing so in this study. This study makes a unique contribution in giving a real representation and measurement of how collaboration takes place, from which future studies will benefit as they attempt to better understand the complex phenomenon of collaboration. , M.Ed. (ICT in Education)
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A framework to enhance database models

  • Authors: Tshontsho, Kaluba Mulunda
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Databases , Database management , Information technology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/474655 , uj:42791
  • Description: Abstract: This study demonstrates that the framework to enhance a database model (FEDM) consists of formulating the model design and expected opeartion fron which the physical model for the database is derived.These frameworks differ in that they are models applicable specific database models. Thus use of an inappropriate model to develop a FEDM results in bad database model... , M.Com. (Information Technology)
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Accounting teachers’ perceived professional identity when integrating technologies into teaching

  • Authors: Adeyemi, Daphne
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Accounting - Study and teaching , Educational technology , Information technology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/486242 , uj:44223
  • Description: Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of accounting teachers regarding their professional identity when integrating technologies into their classroom practice. Located in the interpretivist paradigm, the study adopted the qualitative approach and phenomenology as the strategy of inquiry. Individual interviews were utilised as the data collection method. A total sample size of five accounting educators was used from purposefully sampled schools in the Gauteng’s district-12 province. The data analysis process followed a thematic approach through use of Atlas.ti. Among the key findings of the study was the view that accounting educators’ beliefs, values and practices shape their professional identity in practice. The conclusion drawn from the study was that, despite having an enormous quest for integrating ICT into the accounting curriculum to entrench their professional identity, accounting educators are sometimes constrained by the challenges they endure in integrating ICT into their accounting pedagogy. For example, and contrary to expectations, the degree of ICT integration within the accounting curriculum does not correspond directly with the availability of the hardware, software, or Internet connectivity in the schools. Further to this, the attitude of members of the School Management Teams (SMTs) in supporting the process of ICT integration in the accounting curriculum, was shown to have a limited encouraging effect. Informed by these constraints, the recommendations made include the need for the SMTs to ensure that the process of integrating ICT into the accounting curriculum and pedagogy is enhanced through targeted efforts to ensure computer availability, financial support and the presence of a sound ICT policy that supported the schools to devise strategies that ensure that ICT is integrated across all the accounting classes. The recommendations also point to the need for proper hardware and software infrastructure and connectivity options to support the accounting educators and learners in their schools. , M.Ed. (Information and Communication Technology in Education)
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Appraisal of the drivers of smart city development in South Africa

Digital environment evolution modelling and simulation

  • Authors: Bengis, Merrick Kenna
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Computer science , Computer simulation , Information technology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/458387 , uj:40713
  • Description: Ph.D. (Computer Science and Software Engineering) , Abstract: The concurrent growth of the human population and advancement in technology, together with ever-changing social interaction, has led to the creation of a large, abstract and complex entity known as the Digital Environment. In the current world, the Digital Environment, which is continually growing and ever-evolving, is now almost unrecognisable from what it started off as nearly 50 years ago. The human population has grown rapidly in the past century, growing to nearly 8 billion people in 2019, already double the population from 1975. This has created a world with more people than ever before, all of whom have a need to communicate with others, share information and form communities. Technology also experienced unprecedented advancements in this time, with important inventions such as electricity, computational machines, and communication networks. These technologies grew and allowed for people around the world to communicate as if they were next to each other, facilitated by the advent of the Internet. Presently, people all around the world are creating, sharing, and consuming information, while forming online communities, and also growing the physical footprint of the Internet and all connected devices. The intersection of these events formed the Digital Environment: an amalgamation of the physical, digital and cyber worlds. It is evident how rapidly and completely the Digital Environment has evolved in the past few decades, so what is in store for the future? Can people prepare for what the Digital Environment is to become and possibly even change its course? This thesis proposes a novel model for the simulation and prediction of the evolution of the Digital Environment: the Digital Environment Evolution Modelling and Simulation model or DEEv-MoS. The DEEv-MoS model proposes a method that makes use of well-developed and commonly used fields of research to create a holistic simulation of the Digital Environment and its many parts. Through the use of intelligent agents, entity component systems and machine learning, accurate simulations can be run to determine how the future digital landscape will grow and change. This allows researchers to further understand what the future holds and prepare for any eventualities, whether they are positive or negative...
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Disruptive technology adoption in the information technology (IT) industry

  • Authors: Kimmie, Shamiel
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Disruptive technologies , Information technology , Technological innovations
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/474663 , uj:42792
  • Description: Abstract: The continuous display of novice technologies is unfolding in many industries. Almost any advancement in technology is labelled as ground-breaking. Some of these technologies have the potential to disrupt the existing state of affairs. It is therefore of great importance when adopting a technology for a business that decision makers understand these technologies and prepare accordingly. The term disruptive technology is explained in comparison to emerging technology and disruptive innovation in this research study... , M.Com. (Information Technology)
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Investigating perceived competitive edge gained through information system use

An information technology competency framework for entry level human resource strategic partners

Co-designing digital information-seeking activities with and for the small-scale farmers of the Siyakhana Initiative

  • Authors: Donaldson, Tasmin Jade
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Human-computer interaction , Design - Data processing , Information technology , Farmers
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/411600 , uj:34596
  • Description: Abstract: Information is paramount to empowering people and communities, laying the foundations for “equality, sustainability and prosperity” as a critical driver of progress (Garrido & Wyber 2017:7). While only half of the world’s population has access to devices, let alone online services, the need to foster the growth of an information-empowered society is more significant than it has ever been (Garrido & Wyber 2017:7). Information Communication Technology (ICT) provides this mechanism, with mobile technologies playing a significant role; however, having access to information and having the ability to connect is meaningless if people cannot apply information to ‘real-world problems’ (Garrido & Wyber 2017:7,46). The following dissertation describes an interaction design (IxD) project that follows a Research Through Design (RTD) methodology. The study aimed to improve information-seeking activities with and for small-scale farmers, namely the farmers of the Siyakhana Initiative, using an experience-centred approach. The research leveraged a unique combination of activity-based models providing the theoretical underpinning of the study. The co-design process used a novel integration of contextmapping and IxD to identify small-scale farmer’s motivations and aspirations related to their information needs and information-seeking behaviours. The outcome of the study was the co-design of a prototyped concept using the affordances offered by digital technology to improve the way that small- scale farmers find, use and share information. , M.A. (Design)
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Effects of outsourcing on employment generation : evidence from the telecommunications sector of Uganda

Evaluating the impact of integrating information and communication technologies in accounting education : a case study at the University of Johannesburg

Managing information technology service delivery : a conceptual frame work

  • Authors: Sliep, Rachel Marie
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Information technology - Management , Management information systems , Information technology , Strategic planning
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/422288 , uj:36030
  • Description: Abstract: Managing information technology (IT) in higher education institutions (HEIs) is not merely difficult but has almost become impossible. Information technology (IT) leaders in HEIs face a challenge to integrate and provide for the continuous accelerating transformation of technology and the way it is applied in HEIs to improve the quality of IT service delivery to satisfy their stakeholders’ expectations. IT leaders need to embrace change with the understanding that IT will need more than a secure set of knowledge and skills in today’s technology demands required from the unique composition of stakeholders. To position HEIs in their current marketplace and ensure competitive advantage, just implementing new technologies and innovations is not nearly enough. It is a requirement from institutional leaders to recognise IT as a key business enabler and to ensure that IT is positioned within the organisation as an investment rather than a cost. Key requirements for IT leadership are to recognise, agree and integrate various frameworks to ensure stability and agility when addressing the continuous challenges of HEIs and providing them with a dynamic application landscape and borderless end-user experience. IT departments within HEIs should dynamically change their philosophy, standards and way of thinking to meet the rapidly changing, everyday organisational demands. .. , Ph.D. (Information Technology Management)
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Project implementers’ perspectives on the deployment and uptake of Information Communication Technology for development initiatives

  • Authors: Nyoni, Ntombiyokusa
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Information technology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/414216 , uj:34927
  • Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: The implementation of Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) is increasing through the introduction of various projects. The main aim of this research study was to explore the perception of the project implementers on factors that affect uptake and deployment of ICT4D projects in a South African based organization namely, Digify Africa. A qualitative research method was utilized. In-depth interviews were conducted with the Digify Africa project managers. The findings from the interviews revealed that the main factors of ICT4D project uptake and deployment at Digify Africa were: 1. Social contextualization, 2. Funding from donors because most projects relied on external funding 3. Collaboration because in all the projects the project managers worked with other organizations. The limitations of the study included the following: This data was collected from four project managers who were in charge of the implementations of the ICT4D project this may yield biased information; This is a cross-sectional research, therefore there are time constraints because the research was conducted in a short period. The findings of the study are valuable for project managers in the future adoption of ICT4D projects. The future research recommended was a study emphasizing the importance and the benefits of ICT4D, which is a very wide discipline. Lately, there has been a rise in micro jobs through online platforms. A research in the influences and challenges of these online platforms in the South African context would be important because online micro-jobs create a new job market.
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A review of best practices for enterprise enablement

  • Authors: Ntwagae, Kegomoditswe Freda
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Engineering - Management , Enterprise resource planning , Information technology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/393671 , uj:32580
  • Description: Abstract : Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) is a central database that enables organisations to manage efficient and effective use of resources such as inventory, finance and Human Resources (HR). By measuring the performance of equipment and labour through the implementation of the ERP system, manufacturers can reduce downtime and bottlenecks, thereby increasing output and customer product delivery. The significance of this research is derived from thorough examination of regular ERP system implementation failures in organisations as a result of various challenges that are faced prior to, and post, the implementation phase - in most cases both. Despite the size of the investment, organisations’ attempts to achieve the desired ERP benefit in the short-term and long-term have proven to be problematic. This research describes the challenges encountered during the various stages of the ERP implementation project life cycle. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) is adopted to obtain data from multiple sources with the aim of producing consistent conclusions. A thematic analysis identifies patterns in data that are sufficiently significant to address research questions or make significant statements about particular subjects. The study approach includes a bibliographic research review, specifically utilising internet-based search engines. It identifies 19 ERP challenges, the most common of which are inadequate top management support and involvement. The review also reveals that ERP systems are adopted by manufacturers for a variety of reasons such as: improved information flow; improved communication; competitive advantage; financial gain; improved efficiency; improved supplier and customer relationships; inventory management and optimisation; better and structured decision-making; traceability; as well as, organisational growth and learning. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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Effective conflict management as a risk management strategy in Agile development environment

  • Authors: Tshabalala, Mothepane Maria
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Information technology , Computer software - Development , Conflict management , Agile software development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/414125 , uj:34915
  • Description: Abstract: Background: Whenever teams are created with the purpose of working together to deliver a software product, conflictrisk is always inherent; some even argue it is necessary. This is because the teams consist of various roles that have differing aims, expectations, views, values, or even purposes. However, these differing purposes or expectations can have either a negative or positive effect on the overall successful delivery of a software product. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the conflict-risk that exists in a software development project managed using the Agile methodology with the purpose of developing an effective conflict management framework to manage conflict-risk. Methods: An online questionnaire as well as semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 189 Agile development professionals South Africa. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were employed, resulting in a framework for effective conflict management within Agile development environments. Results: There is existence of conflict-risk in Agile projects. Since Agile is interactive and collaborative, it leads to high chances of differing views among team members, causing numerous disagreements that results to conflict-risk. The study has also found that the existence of such conflict-risk has negative and positive effect on the development environment, and this is dependent on how the conflict-risk is mitigated and managed when it arises. Finally, the study identified approaches to manage conflict-risk effectively within the Agile environment, inclusive of contingencies like effective communication, skilled resources, effective discussions and negotiations as well as strategies like accommodate, collaborate and compromise. Identification of such contingencies and strategies led to the development of a framework for effective conflict-risk management for projects managed using the Agile methodology. Conclusions: The findings from this study may be utilised to give Agile professionals such as product owners and scrum masters some direction on contingencies and strategies that can be applied to manage the conflict-risk within Agile development environments... , M.Com. (Information Technology Management)
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The influence of ICT tools and project management maturity on virtual team performance

  • Authors: Katane, Jacqueline
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Virtual work teams , Communication in organizations , Teams in the workplace - Computer networks , Information technology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/282975 , uj:30503
  • Description: Abstract: The expansion of organisations causes them into offering their products or services and/or consuming products and services that are offered abroad. It is no longer sufficient for organisations to operate locally if their desire is to reach their full potential. Broadening their scope provides the organisations with the desired growth. For the link between organisations and their offshore customers or suppliers to exist there needs to be communication across borders. Teams are formed between the different employees from the different locations to achieve a specified goal. The team members are not co-located and they need the assistance of information communications technology (ICT) tools to communicate with one another. This kind of team is referred to as a virtual team. A lot of attention has been given to virtual teams over the years but despite this attention, there is still little knowledge available about how to manage them (Dulebohn & Hoch, 2017). This indicates that there is still an opportunity to explore the success factors of virtual teams. Poor management of projects can cause the failure of a project (Anantatmula & Rad, 2013). This suggests that an organisation should invest in the maturity of their project management to ensure the success of their virtual projects. The research goal is to investigate the influence that information and communication technology tools and project management maturity has on the performance of virtual teams. This research looks at extended factors on virtual team performance which are: leadership, communication and trust. A good leader needs to have good communication skills in order to successfully coordinate a virtual team. Trust is needed for the virtual team to have honest communication among themselves. Face to face contact in virtual teams is minimal to none, affecting the performance of a virtual team and impacting on the authority and leadership in the virtual team. This also has an impact on the trust among virtual team members and the level of accountability by virtual team members. Virtual teams rely on ICT tools for communication and these tools are emerging at a frequent rate. This research aims to discover if keeping up with emerging ICT tools can supply virtual team members with improved communication which in turn will improve their performance... , M.Tech. (Applied Information Systems)
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The information technology governance disclosures of state-owned entities

  • Authors: Vutabwarova, Nancy
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Auditing - Data processing , Information technology , Public sector
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/272246 , uj:28972
  • Description: M.Com. (Computer Audting) , Abstract: Most organisations are now dependent on the use of information technology for their business operations and this has brought about an increase in information technology related spending. For most organisations with this excessive spend on information technology, there are also many unsuccessful information technology projects leading to fruitless expenditure. There is a need for organisations to implement information technology governance effectively. Effective information technology governance will result in beneficial information technology spend and consequently the reduction of unnecessary costs and overruns, and exploitation of information technology to enhance an organisation’s strategy. Information technology governance disclosures in an integrated report are important; they are an effective way for an organisation to communicate to stakeholders how they have implemented information technology governance. Globally state-owned entities (SOEs) contribute 20% to investments. Therefore these entities play a vital part to the South African economy; and thereby making public accountability for money spend by these entities particularly important. SOEs entities also use information technology extensively in their operations, just like their counterparts in the private sector. Information technology governance is therefore of utmost importance in the public sector as well. This study sought to investigate whether listed SOEs have adequately disclosed information technology governance in their integrated reports. This was achieved through a content analysis of the information technology governance disclosures contained in the SOEs’ integrated reports and compared to the principles contained in the King codes. The majority of SOEs do provide some disclosures regarding information technology governance; however, most of these disclosures are not sufficiently detailed. The integrated report disclosures reveal that only one SOE has fully complied with the King III code. Therefore, SOEs have a long way to go in terms of information technology governance disclosure requirements...
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