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Business process reengineering in integrating enterprise ressource planning (ERP) and bank systems in consulting companies : a case study of parity software in South Africa

  • Authors: Bakam Fotso Epse Kuate, Genevieve
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Enterprise resource planning - Software , Management information systems , Reengineering (Management) , Internet banking
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269627 , uj:28644
  • Description: M.Tech. (Operations Management) , Abstract: One of the aspect of the greener future is about reengineering information technology (IT) through system integration. The thesis challenges the concept of Business Process Reengineering (BPR) in integrating enterprise resource planning (ERP) and bank systems in consulting companies. This thesis is based on the research carried out at Parity software, as the biggest consulting company in South Africa that uses business systems and develop additional management systems to meet customer’s expectations. The four big South African banks namely First National Bank, Absa, Standardbank and Nedbank are already offering online business banking applications that can be easily integrated with other payment software through cloud computing. However, point-to-point integration between financial ERP and bank systems remain a huge challenge. The thesis aims at designing a business integration model that will be the backbone of new software development in the field of automatic and direct payment transactions between corporate and bank systems. Using model-driven architecture, the designed model intends to present benefits of direct integration that will reduce long payment process and end import and export of bank files. Following theoretical, conceptual and empirical approaches, the literature review shows the gap between standard business process reengineering and business process reengineering applied to system integration and thus define survey items. The research methodology used is a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. The thesis uses qualitative research design to develop reengineering model using cross-functional flowchart design process from Microsoft Visio professional. Quantitative research design is used to analyse data collected from the likert scale questionnaire and to interpret descriptive statistics and correlational method to test hypothesis. Research findings showed that there is a positive and statistical significant relationship between dependent variables namely business factors, financial ERP system and IT architecture and the BPR Integration (BPRI) model known as independent variables. Additionally, interviews regarding customer’s expectations showed that 85% of customers are looking forward for a direct and automated payment solution that will reduce payment cycle and increase their profitability. Extensive research should be done to redesign the proposed integration model using computer and data language to facilitate execution by IT people.
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The significance of facilitation skills for business process engineering : financial institutions

  • Authors: Choshi, Madimetja Frans
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Reengineering (Management) , Organizational effectiveness , Management information systems , Strategic planning , Financial institutions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213386 , uj:21146
  • Description: Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate the lack of communication and facilitation skills negatively affecting the success of business process improvement projects conducted by engineers within the financial institutions. Recent studies have shown that successful and sustainable process improvement initiatives partially dependent on stakeholder (all levels) support and buy-in within any service industry. Resistance by the stakeholders has become a major concern in implementing improvement initiatives because the project outcomes are not clearly understood. An organisations ability to constantly improve processes enables it to constantly meet customer expectations and protect or improve its competitive edge. The first chapter provides insights on the certain causes and failures of business process improvement initiatives based on the research title. The chapter highlights certain information from past research conducted within the background and introduction. It further provides the significance of the study, brief introduction to each chapter and objectives the researcher wanted to achieve. In chapter two, literature information is provided to further support the study conducted. The literature focuses on business processes, business process improvement, common best practise methodologies and how they relate to facilitation. A survey was conducted by 21 experienced process engineers to analyse the process improvement projects failures researched. The outcomes indicated that most projects fail as a result of lack of leadership support, poor change management and project buy-in. The researcher further provides recommendations on how to better manage, get support and implement successful business process initiatives using facilitation skills. The researcher perceives facilitation skills as the added catalyst to ensuring positive outcome for business process improvement initiatives. The researcher anticipates that information will provide readers with a different perspective of the challenges experienced by engineers in service industries and ideas for future development of business process improvement methodology. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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Information systems project failure : a managerial approach

  • Authors: De Beer, André
  • Date: 2011-11-24
  • Subjects: Management information systems , Information resources management , Computer system failures , System failures (Engineering) , Project management
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:1734 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4083
  • Description: M.Ing. , Failure is a part of every day life. Information systems project failures are reported regularly in the media. The growth of the information technology industry in its entirety has been very dramatic over the last decade. Large information systems projects have always posed as a challenge for development teams and organizations. The nature of these challenges have increased with the growth of information systems projects over the last decade. With the critical role that information systems have in organizations, it is critical that information systems are delivered on time within budget and according to the requirements. Unfortunately many of the information systems projects that have been started, are cancelled, not on time or over budget. It is the purpose of this dissertation to discuss some of the managerial causes of why information systems projects fail, and also to address issues that could prevent the failure of information systems projects.
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Information and knowledge management in support of legal research in a digital information environment

  • Authors: Du Plessis, Tanya
  • Date: 2009-01-08T13:03:45Z
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Information technology , Information superhighway , Digital libraries , Law libraries , Law librarians , Law firms , Legal research , Management information systems
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:14754 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1834
  • Description: D. Litt. et Phil. , The main research question addressed by this study is whether the application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has an effect on the practice of law, and specifically whether information and knowledge management affects the process of legal research. Various issues are considered in this regard, including what the concept of knowledge management (KM) entails in a law firm and what the current KM trends are in South African law firms. To this extent an investigation follows of the global trends in the application of ICTs for legal research purposes and what the specific applications are of KM in support of legal research. Furthermore, this study investigates how information technology applications and KM systems and strategies can support the legal research process and what the benefits of KM are to legal research. This entails a study of the unique characteristics of legal research in a digital information environment and of the challenges legal researchers face in a changing information environment. Subsequently the skills and tools that are required for effective digital legal research are discussed. This research also considers the effect the changing information environment has on the role of the legal information professional, which includes an investigation of the reasons why legal information professionals can and should support lawyers in their legal research activities. Specifically, this study considers the roles, skills and competencies of legal information professionals as knowledge managers, digital librarians and trainers of legal research skills in a changing information environment. Lastly, this study investigates whether current legal research skills training offers useful guidelines to future digital legal researchers.
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An information systems portfolio, programme and project management governance framework

  • Authors: Erasmus, Lodewikus Johannes
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Management information systems , Project management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/451276 , uj:39757
  • Description: Abstract: This thesis concerns the governance of information systems (IS) projects. Practice and literature indicate that most IS projects cannot be considered as successfully delivered. The outcome of an IS project is the culmination of a vast chain of processes and practices that require guidance to achieve a desired outcome. This guidance of behaviour is referred to as governance. To this end, the concept of governance was explored to determine its foundations. Various theories of governance seem pertinent to the matter when the four dimensions of governance are used as context. Governance practices are applied in a governance context influenced by the power dimension, steering ability, source of influence and method of steering... , Ph.D. (IT Management)
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The development of a decision support system for decisions in property development in South Africa

  • Authors: Haupt, Hermann Rocher
  • Date: 2014-02-10
  • Subjects: Management information systems , Decision support systems
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:3684 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9068
  • Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , The ultimate objective of this research report was to develop a Decision Support System, (DSS), that can be used by property professionals to enable them to make better decisions regarding property development in South Africa. The DSS addresses the problem of numerous uncertain variables in property development investment decisions. The capability of the computer to do repetitive calculations with different combinations of variables, with probabilities linked to each variable, was used in a Monte Carlo analysis. The DSS was developed on a "Lotus 1-2-3™ Release 4 for Windows" spreadsheet which makes the program adaptable to suit specific applications if the need arises. The DSSwill, however, be able to address the majority of property developments without any adaptation. The DSS was appraised by property professionals and the comments received from the respondents indicate that the primary objective stated was achieved. The DSS is best suited for property investors who are also involved in the early development phases.
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An information technology competency framework for entry level human resource strategic partners

Enterprise architecture adoption in the integrated justice system of South Africa

  • Authors: Katz, H.S.
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Internet in public administration , Electronic government information , Enterprise application integration (Computer systems) , Management information systems
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/414916 , uj:35013
  • Description: Abstract: This dissertation is aimed at exploring the benefit derived from the implementation of Enterprise Architecture (EA) in the context of the South African Government. The South African Government established an e-government policy which placed into the mainstream the use of EA to facilitate the integration of disparate systems to ensure government services reaches the citizen faster and more efficient. However, there is a general scarcity of literature that assess the implementation of EA in the South African government, or the benefit derived from its implementation. As such, the Integrated Justice System (IJS) was chosen as a case study for assessing EA implementation and benefit realisation in the South African context. The IJS is the singular body charged with promoting the collaboration and integration of various departments within the Criminal Justice System (CJS). The dissertation starts off with creating a general understanding of the key concepts and benefits of EA as a discipline, and more especially the benefits to be derived from its implementation. This theoretical understanding is compared against the expected outcomes of the South African Government e-government policy, contrasted against the perceived benefit realised from the IJS implementation of EA. The main findings of the dissertation include the fact that the IJS managed to successfully develop its own data model, and managed to successfully replicate it across the various departments in the cluster. This implementation brought about both direct and strategic benefits to the cluster as well as on individual member departments. The dissertation concluded that the derived benefit of the EA effort seems to be localised to the IJS cluster, and an opportunity exist to replicate the model and processes to other departments and clusters within the sphere of government. , M.Com. (Business Management)
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Evaluation of an enterprise resource planning system as a performance enhancing tool for non-profit organisations

  • Authors: Khan, Obaid Ullah
  • Date: 2012-06-06
  • Subjects: Information storage and retrieval systems , Non-profit organizations , Management information systems , Enterprise resource planning systems
  • Type: Mini-Dissertation
  • Identifier: uj:2489 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4943
  • Description: M.Comm. , Non-profit organisations are generally self-regulated bodies and usually manage their operations in an independent manner. This self-management aspect of non-profit organisations can create room for unethical behaviour such as mismanagement and poor performance. As public benefit organisations that primarily function because of donor funding, there is increased pressure from funders and stakeholders for non-profit organisations to provide greater accountability and transparency relating to their work. An information technology solution that can assist non-profit organisations in achieving greater accountability and transparency, as well as improvement in resource utilisation, is the implementation and use of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. However, whether such systems can improve the performance of non-profit organisations and their accountability to stakeholders has not been widely researched. This exploratory study aimed at identifying whether the use of an ERP system at two non-profit organisations (one based in South Africa and the other in Taiwan) assisted in accountability and transparency in their operations. Furthermore, it was investigated whether the use of an ERP system assists with optimal resource unitisation. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through the use of an interview guide with six senior managers to assess whether they perceived that the use of an ERP system promoted accountability and transparency. An electronic survey was distributed to a population of 271 users of the system (with 85 completed responses) to gain insight into user perceptions regarding performance improvement through use of an ERP system. Overall, three participants from the South African non-profit organisation suggested that the Maconomy ERP system was beneficial in achieving accountability and transparency goals. They indicated that they system provided them with the ability to monitor and control project activities at the organisation. The three participants from the Taiwanese non-profit organisation indicated that Maconomy ERP system assisted them with accountability and transparency objectives in a limited way. They further suggested that they realise that the system has the potential to assist them further with this requirement as it is still to be rolled out to the entire organisation. Furthermore, most respondents at the South African organisation perceived that the use of the Maconomy ERP system improves operational and personal performance. With regard to the survey, the majority of respondents reported that they understood the system and perceived that it provides value to the organisation. Most respondents at the Taiwanese non-profit organisation perceived that the Maconomy ERP system is beneficial to their organisation; however, most suggested that it does not improve their personal performance. A difference in length of the exposure to the system by respondents could be the cause of the differences in perceptions regarding personal performance. Overall, most of the respondents at both organisations perceived that adopting the Maconomy ERP system to improve performance at their organisation was the correct decision.
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The role of internal auditing on information technology within the banking industry

  • Authors: Khanyile, Bridgette
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Banks and banking - Technological innovations , Management information systems , Banks and banking - Information technology , Financial services industry
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/420075 , uj:35751
  • Description: Abstract: The Information Technology (IT) is a complex system used to conduct and process banking transactions. As a consequence, banking relies heavily on IT. Since banking transactions take place on an IT driven system, the systems’ infrastructure and security become the bank’s core functions. However, IT does have its risks and challenges, such as confidentiality issues, security breaches, non-compliance with regularity and poor quality services. IT governance is a framework that ensures that an organisation’s IT infrastructure supports the achievement of its corporate objectives. In the banking industry, IT governance plays a vital role, especially in the internal auditing function. Internal auditors are mandated by the Institute of Internal Audit’s standards to provide reasonable and objective assurance regarding the proper functioning of IT departments. This study considers the role of the internal audit function in IT governance in the South African banking industry. The study also highlights the IT governance risks that exist in the banking industry in South Africa. This is achieved through an extensive literature review on the governance frameworks and recommended practices for effective governance as well as the role and responsibilities of internal auditors in reducing IT risks. The study used purposive sampling to examine the integrated annual reports of the major banks in South Africa. The findings show that the banks demonstrate sound internal control systems while their internal audit approach reflects the effective and efficient implementation of systems, with embedded risk management practices, to ensure risk reduction. , M.Com. (Computer Auditing)
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Achieving customer data integration through master data management in enterprise information management

  • Authors: Lerche, Stephen
  • Date: 2014-06-19
  • Subjects: Management information systems , Enterprise application integration (Computer systems)
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:11552 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11259
  • Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Data and the use thereof, is considered to be a source of competitive advantage for organisations. In order to achieve this it needs to be managed appropriately, and existing literature considers enterprise information management (EIM) to be the foundation for organisations to manage information successfully. (For the purposes of this dissertation, data and information will be treated as analogous concepts.) Key contributing factors to the success of EIM have been identified as ensuring data governance is in place, and that there is a focus on data quality. Within EIM, a key set of data that must be managed effectively is customer data. In many organisations – including the financial services organisation that is the focus of this study – customer data is held in disparate systems across the organisation. Creating a single view of how customers interact with an organisation is deemed of crucial importance for future organisational growth, and the initiatives that organisations undertake to create this view is referred to in the literature as customer data integration (CDI). In order for CDI to be successful, master data management (MDM) needs to be addressed; this will ensure that core data is managed consistently across the disparate systems. This study sought to determine how the concepts of EIM, CDI and MDM were being applied in the organisation under review, and how closely this application matched the recommendations of the literature. In addition, the study sought to uncover additional factors that had an impact on customer data integration, and information management in general, in the organisation. What was found is that in the organisation in question, how information management is being addressed is consistent with the literature in some areas – primarily the importance of a single view of customer and the supporting roles of information governance and data quality – but divergent in others, the key area being that there is no EIM strategy in the organisation that drives a consolidated approach to information management. Organisational culture was also highlighted by the literature as being a critical influencer on how information is managed, and this was supported by the findings. Additional factors that were found to have a significant influence on data management – which were not highlighted by the literature – included the importance of processes, and especially for CDI the critical role played by legislation, in particular the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA). An additional crucial factor, again not highlighted by the literature, is the difficulty organisations have in placing an actual financial value on the use of information. Although intrinsically it is understood that information is valuable, the difficulty in ascribing an explicit value to it is a key inhibitor (in conjunction with organisational culture), to the organisation initiating data management projects at a strategic level, and instead having to address data management as a component of projects driven by individual business units.
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Signification framework of a business intelligence tool for SME business decision-making

  • Authors: Magoma, Tshepo Confidence
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Business intelligence , Decision making , Business - Decision making , Business - Data processing , Management information systems
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/403257 , uj:33783
  • Description: Abstract : Business Intelligence (BI) tools are being adopted more frequently, especially in large organisations that have the resources to deploy it. BI tools are allowing businesses to optimise their decision-making process and sustain competitive advantage. There is, however, limited published research into how BI tools are being used by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as limited research in terms of the affordable features from IBM Cognos that support SMEs’ decision-making needs. Application of the key features of BI tools are helping organisations to take decisions to ensure their sustainable growth and competitive advantage. BI is also vast and complex hence it requires skilled human resources, and it makes the development and maintenance of BI highly expensive for SMEs. The main motivation of the research has been associated with the fact that finding a BI tool that is cost efficient for SMEs can be important for the success of the business and to cater effectively to their decision-making needs. Objective The study’s purpose was to determine which of the fundamental features of IBM Cognos are affordable features for addressing the business needs of SMEs. The objective was to analyse the significance of BI tools in the SMEs by identifying affordable and suitable features from IBM Cognos based on SMEs’ needs and business functions using a signification framework. Method A quantitative research method has been used in which primary method of data collection has been adopted. With respect to this, data collection instrument chosen for the research is in the form of a questionnaire online survey which was sent to the respondents through survey monkey. The sample size for this research was 200 research participants, and amongst these total 200 research participants, 80 participants were BI Consultants from consultancy firms and with the composition of their own consultancy firm’s clients, the other participants were 60 iv SME BI developers and 60 SME managers. For the purpose of data analysis, this research has used SPSS software and Microsoft Excel and analysed the results by using demographic and frequency analysis. Results The findings of this research have revealed that BI is a broad field and can be used as a tool for solving various issues faced by the SMEs. BI tool is able to solve issues through their features. All the questions asked from the respondents were associated with the features of BI and how they are effective for decisionmaking in SMEs. The features of IBM Cognos are cost effective but not necessarily affordable in the context of SME business needs. Affordability was identified as the mediating variable in this study. Conclusion The research has concluded that the SMEs established in South Africa should adopt the IBM Cognos tool for supporting their decision-making process and needs. The implementation of low cost and affordable features is important for SMEs but it requires a specialised IT employee for managing and running the tool. This tool would help the SMEs in articulating solutions based on the issues as well as making operational decisions that would improve the growth and profitability of the business. Overall, it has been indicated from the study that IBM is an important tool for the SMEs in that, it aids in gathering relevant data and further interpreting the data for making effective decisions. , M.Com. (Business Management)
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Developing a framework for evaluation of a digital maintenance management system

  • Authors: Maleho, M.S.
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Management information systems
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/393687 , uj:32582
  • Description: Abstract : The increasing demand for productivity, quality and availability is driving the need for the effective management of physical assets. The depletion of traditional cost cutting, the disadvantages associated with rapid growth and the management of change has caused companies to explore more effective and efficient options. Not only do organisations have to meet customer needs and improve the availability and performance of equipment, organisations also need to do so while also reducing operational costs. These factors have led to the increasing concentration on reliability within the business sector, specifically strategic maintenance management. Maintenance is one of the most important variables of reliability and forms an integral part of productivity improvement. Digital maintenance management systems are software-based systems used for managing and controlling plant and equipment maintenance in modern manufacturing and service industries. Many companies make use of such systems to ensure the effective management of physical assets, which plays an enormously important role in maintaining a profitable business. The application of digitalization requires strategic planning, advances in technology need to be put in a business context to ensure that they are aligned with the overall objectives of the company. Efficient and effective maintenance management strategies enable organisations to attain desired levels of equipment availability, reliability and maintainability. Once the strategic maintenance management plan has been developed, various maintenance management systems are used to implement, control and monitor of the plan. The mining industry is undergoing significant market challenges such as increasing depths in shafts, fluctuating commodity prices and international competition. In order to cope with these challenges, integrated business processes are required. Literature suggests that Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) are the best solutions for integrating business processes. Historically, selecting a digital maintenance management system was simple and required minimal research, however, as markets become saturated with various types of maintenance software and technologies become more advanced, selecting digital maintenance management systems is becoming more complex. There are various methods for evaluating and selecting digital maintenance management systems. The research approach for this ... , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
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An executive information system of Eureka DIY solution

Ensuring succesful ERP implementations using the vision-to-project framework

  • Authors: Marnewick, Carl
  • Date: 2011-09-15T08:16:55Z
  • Subjects: Enterprise resource planning systems , Management information systems , Business planning , Project management
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:7219 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3852
  • Description: PhD. (Computer Science) , Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are implemented within organisations to enable them to work more efficiently and enhance productivity. They also ensure that different levels of information are available to managers within the organisation for strategic and tactical decision-making. The implementation of ERP systems is often associated with great costs, they are resource intensive and cover the whole organisation. The implementation of ERP systems is perceived as a project that often fails owing to overrun on cost and time. The return on investment (ROI) is also often questioned once an ERP system has been implemented, since the organisation does not always see the benefits of the ERP system versus the effort and cost of implementing it. The purpose of this thesis is twofold: firstly it determines what an ERP system is and whether it can be subdivided into different components. The focus of this section is on the operational side of an ERP system to determine how it is managed and operated within an organisation. The second focus is on the way that ERP systems are implemented and the management that goes hand in hand with this implementation. The first focus area is addressed by developing a model that explains ERP and the different components within it. It describes the interactions between the different components and how the ERP system affects the organisation. This model provides a better understanding of an ERP system and shows the technology to be mature. The second focus area is addressed by a framework that assists organisations in deriving projects from the organisational vision. This ensures that the implementation of an ERP system will directly support the organisation’s vision and strategies. This addresses the issue of determining the value of the ERP system as well as ROI. The framework also provides alternative ways and methods that can be used to implement ERP systems. The value of this research is firstly that it provides a holistic model of what constitutes an ERP system and its effect on the organisation. ERP systems change not only the financial systems, but also the way the organisation operates. They introduce organisational change. The value of the framework is that it can assist organisations in identifying and implementing projects that will enable the implementation of the organisation’s vision and strategies. This will eliminate any favoured projects that are not in support of the organisation’s vision and can save the organisation’s scarce resources that would have been wasted on these projects. The framework can also assist organisations in determining if they must implement an ERP system and what value this implementation will have for the organisation.
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Towards a management information system for use in the strategic management of South African consulting engineering firms

  • Authors: Marshall, Thomas
  • Date: 2009-01-22T05:37:11Z
  • Subjects: Engineering firms , Management information systems , Strategic planning
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:14815 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1940
  • Description: D.Ing. , This study documents the process whereby a practical and relevant industry-wide strategic management information system (SMIS) was developed for the South African consulting engineering industry. The SMIS was designed to provide South African consulting engineers with an improved understanding of the business environment in which they operate and to provide some advance warning of new trends in order to extend the strategic planning horizons of management and owners of consulting engineering firms. This was done against a background of very limited availability of current industry statistics. A literature survey of available historical or secondary data relating to the South African consulting engineering, building and construction industries was conducted in order to determine the relevance and usefulness of such data for the purposes of developing the SMIS. This survey provided background information on the consulting engineering industry, relevant aspects of the South African business environment and the impact of changes in this environment on the local consulting engineering industry. The importance and principles of strategic planning and strategic management are discussed, with specific reference to the nature of environmental scanning. The use of management information systems in the business environment is reviewed with specific emphasis on the application of management information systems in consulting engineering enterprises. The quantitative secondary data collected in the literature survey was used as a benchmark or reference databank to calibrate and/ or evaluate the accuracy of the information collected through ten regular industry surveys that were conducted to collect statistically representative primary data. The secondary and primary data were used to construct a number of time series for each of three key indicators of the health of the South African consulting engineering industry, namely employment, salaries and fee income. The SMIS developed, consists of: • A system to identify new key issues in the business environment and to decide on issues that no longer require further monitoring, • a system of industry surveys at fixed intervals, using both quantitative and qualitative survey techniques, • a system to capture and interpret survey data, • updating time series for key business indicators with latest survey data, and • producing reports on the state of the industry, including limited short term forecasts for business conditions. The SMIS has proved itself useful and provides information to assist strategic management in the South African consulting engineering industry, especially in decision situations regarding large strategic management issues. The system also manages to address the needs of other current and potential users of the system, such as operational managers, industry lobbyists, media liaison and public relations managers, human resources managers, construction contractors etc. The SMIS furthermore complies with all the specific criteria that were set at the commencement of this study, such as confidential handling of source data, affordability and sustainability and, by improving general understanding of the business of consulting engineering in South Africa, contributes to the previously existing knowledge base.
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Enhancing enterprise resource planning and manufacturing execution system efficiency with simulation-based decision support

  • Authors: Medoh, Chuks Nnamdi
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Enterprise resource planning , Enterprise resource planning - Software , Enterprise application integration (Computer systems) , Management information systems , Business planning
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225231 , uj:22743
  • Description: Abstract: Business corporates inclusive of large, medium and small-scale entities traditionally conducts activities based on business processes. Large multinationals have adopted various automation systems at various levels of business units, in capturing essential business activities across the entity. These automation systems, inclusive of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Plant systems has been adopted by larger corporates in executing and optimizing business functions. These large multinationals are described as complex entities with complex business structures inclusive of business processes. The effect of automation, escalations and other critical variables influencing these business processes has not been effectively quantified. “Systems thinking” adds the complexity of integrating all enterprise functions but creates a framework for evaluating the limitations and synergies so as to optimize these processes. This research focuses on the development and configuration of a simulation model for modelling enterprise maturity, directing attention to process maturity relative to the turnaround time of business processes. This research approach includes hierarchical layout and segregation of these business processes, investigated adopting business process tools, techniques, and methodologies aligned with systems thinking approach. A simulation framework is configured and tested adopting scenario impact assessments based on certain key business variables aligned with associated critical constraints conditions. Optimization framework of these business variables is adopted in presenting an integrated case. The results prove that a simulation model potentially benefits a complex organization specific to evaluating time taken to conduct business processes. The results indicate that interdependent processes can be modelled together with determining impacts of multiple variables in reducing interdependent business process time. This implies that business entities can adopt and utilize outputs of this research to serve as a navigation tool specific to business process time when optimizing shop floor together with top floor communications and vice versa. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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Service oriented architecture governance tools within information security

  • Authors: Mokgosi, Letlhogonolo
  • Date: 2012-06-07
  • Subjects: Service oriented architecture (Computer science) , Information security , Computer security , Information technology management , Management information systems , Computer networks - Security measures , Computer network architectures , Software architecture , Computer architecture
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:8655 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5010
  • Description: M.Tech. , Service Oriented Architecture has many advantages. For example, organisations can align business with Information Technology, reuse the developed functionality, reduce development and maintain cost for applications. Organisations adopt Service Oriented Architecture with the aim of automating and integrating business processes. However, it has information security vulnerabilities that should be considered. For example, applications exchange information across the Internet, where it can be tampered with. Information security is therefore one of the crucial qualities that need to be satisfied within information systems. This dissertation addresses the issue of information security within Service Oriented Architecture applications. Some organisations rely on Service Oriented Architecture governance tools when securing information in their Service Oriented Architecture environment. However, they may purchase them without investigating whether they include information security. The aim of this dissertation is to analyse whether these tools include information security. Each tool is benchmarked against the five information security services, defined by the ISO 7498/2 document and including identification and authentication, authorisation, confidentiality, integrity and non-repudiation. The dissertation concludes with a table summarising the results. This dissertation offers decision-makers information that can assist them in analysing whether Service Oriented Architecture governance tools includes information security. It also assists organisations to be aware of security vulnerabilities within Service Oriented Architecture applications, and the consequences that may arise if information security measures are ignored.
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Determinants of the penetration of Software as a Service (SAAS) for improving customer service

  • Authors: Motloung, Terence
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Enterprise resource planning , Management information systems , Information technology - Management , Information technology - Customer services , Performance technology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/292281 , uj:31760
  • Description: M.Com. (Information and Knowledge Management) , Abstract: Due to immense competitive pressure which arises in the automotive industry, decision makers at Cummins Inc. are confronted by difficulties to implement effective and timely business decisions which are data-driven. The business has therefore decided to deploy new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Information Technology Applications (ITA) such as Distribution Management Systems and Guidance Application to enhance information flows and enable decision makers within the business to execute strategies that are data-driven. As a result, the business experiences some difficulties when it comes to aligning the business unit’s strategies with the corporate strategy and the cause of this is the disinvestment in the management of information systems within the branches. Therefore, the results of this challenge will normally affect the organisation negatively and this can be demonstrated when one is analysing the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).The research method selected for this study is a mixed method. It has allowed the researcher to collect two dataset points, the quantative and qualitative information. The data was collected through surveys, interviews with participants to fully grasp their views. The analysis was done by interpreting the responses from partcipants by using analytical tools such as Minitab and smart survey analytical tool. Furthermore, integration of the enterprise resource plan, Software as a service and management information systems can enable users within the business to collect, process, store and extract data to support the managerial role of utilising information technology to enhance business and profits. According to anecdotal evidence, there are challenges which limit the implementation of SaaS at CAME (Cummins Africa Middle East) and in this case, it is recommended that the organisation evaluates its requirements before it can proceed with new technologies. It further states that new ERP-systems and applications to be deployed in the organisation, should be able to deal with more holistic business information and allow system integration to take place. Therefore, failure to invest into an ERP which can perform these functions would then lead the business into an environment where people take decisions based on feelings and not on data. In the long run this will not contribute to the organisation improving customer service.
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Information environment of the teleworker

  • Authors: Nortje, Helena J.
  • Date: 2009-01-12T07:22:21Z
  • Subjects: Knowledge workers , Telecommuting , Management information systems
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:14774 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1852
  • Description: M.A. , The information economy, brought about by the advances in information and communications technology, has led to significant changes in the work environment. Organisations and workers must be flexible and are required to adjust quickly to demands from external and internal market forces. Employees are expected to be knowledge workers who are not only computer literate, but information literate as well. The high demand for flexibility has led to a trend that allows workers to perform their duties in locations outside of their traditional workspace. This trend has been named teleworking or telecommuting. A literature study revealed similarities and differences between the work environment of the knowledge worker and that of the teleworker. Both the teleworker and the knowledge worker are interacting in an environment that consists of individual, group and organisational processes. These processes are interrelated and none of them can be viewed in isolation. The factors that influence the knowledge worker also affect the teleworker, but the extent and focus of the influence vary. The features of the work environment of the knowledge worker and the teleworker provided the context for investigating the information environment of both. The information environment of the knowledge worker revealed certain distinct features, such as the manner in which documents and information were managed and the systems that were used. These features were compared with the information environment of the teleworker through an investigation of teleworkers in South Africa. Although very few, if any, South African organisations were involved in formal teleworking programmes, it was possible to establish certain trends through employees who had an ad hoc arrangement with their organisations. In conclusion, it was found that the information environment of the teleworker was somewhat similar to that of the knowledge worker, but certain distinctions also came to the fore. Further areas for research were also identified.
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