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An investigation into the importance of a successful SAP/R3 implementation in the power tool warehousing industry in Gauteng`

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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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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Developing a scaleable information architecture for an enterprise wide consolidated information management platform

  • Authors: Van der Walt, Pieter Willem
  • Date: 2009-01-15T13:10:59Z
  • Subjects: Information organization , Management information systems , Information technology , Information audits , Information resources management
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:14794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1870
  • Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , This research addresses the concept of “information architecture” as a way of visualising and describing the various information assets and interaction of these assets within the organisation. The research further provides definitions of information and contextualises the information audit and information model as key tool for the information manager in establishing the information architecture. The establishment of the information architecture is illustrated through a case study within a large conglomeration of companies requiring a scaleable information architecture in order to address its information requirements. Through a process of interviews the information requirements of key decisions makers are established. These requirements are translated into an information architecture that forms the basis of support in delivering future information requirements for the company. The results of this research have been successfully implemented and now form the foundation of all future information management projects within this particular case study.
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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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The feasibility of single source strategic partnerships in relation to plant control networks

  • Authors: Willcock, Peter Richard
  • Date: 2010-10-04T08:02:29Z
  • Subjects: Management information systems , Automation
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:6912 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3423
  • Description: M.Comm. , The potential information available to managers through the management information system is considerably greater than a decade ago. Managers can through web portals view exactly where a product is in the manufacturing process anywhere in the world. The significant difference lies in how the information is passed from the control engineering layer to the business information layer. Substantial leaps forward have been achieved in the transparency of the various networks. In a manufacturing plant, information, right down to a pulse from the simplest sensor, can now immediately be shown to a user on the internet a thousand kilometres away. Making information from the factory floor available in real-time into the management system in the correct format, is not as simple as might appear. Over the past decade plant automation systems and business information systems have become more integrated than ever before. The organization’s management must make the correct, informed choice of networks for each application. Management must be aware of the various automation networks and their limitations. Management must also take cognisance of the possible compatibility issues associated with choices of networks and the associated automation equipment. Management needs to consider from whom and how to source the plant control networks. Supply chain management techniques have lead the trend in many industries to move to fewer, more strategic suppliers. The possibility of a single source strategic supplier relationship is investigated. The first part of research aims to determine whether a single supplier is a technically-sound solution. A number of automation networks are researched, their usability, industry support and future potential evaluated. iii These included various fieldbus networks and the newer reputedly more universal industrial Ethernets. The literature suggested that the solutions proposed by some of the major suppliers should be comprehensive. The research concurred that the offerings of two major worldwide automation suppliers were sufficiently all-inclusive. The second part of the research investigated whether strategic partnering is sound business practice. The customer to supplier relationship is examined. The advantage to both parties of pursuing a closer relationship is explored. The literature reported benefit and an increase in closer supplier partnering in other industries. The research confirmed that there was indeed benefit in a closer customer supplier relationship in the automation industry. The results of the literature study and the research conducted conclude that a single-vendor plant control network is feasible. Moreover entering a strategic partnership with a single automation supplier is best business practice.
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Creating strategic value through a standard business information system : an exploratory study

  • Authors: Papageorgiou, Elmarie
  • Date: 2010-10-25T06:30:21Z
  • Subjects: Management information systems
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:6936 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3446
  • Description: D.Comm. , This research was initially motivated for the concern with the fact that there are so many Executive Information Systems (EISs) and other information systems available in listed Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) companies as the content varies dramatically from company to company or sometimes from division to division in the same Group. This could lead to confusion for the user and interferes with decisionmaking. To maximise use, but minimise confusion it is therefore important to make sure that all information is in a standard format between the different divisions of the company within the industry. In order to do so, it was considered necessary to conduct an exploratory study to investigate the existence of an EIS in companies. Top management, executives, directors, senior managers and potential other users of EISs are firstly not always informed of the existence of an EIS, and/or secondly, unaware of the fact that they can use an EIS as a tool to report and analyse their companies on a day-to-day basis.Over the past few years, an increasing number of companies have implemented an EIS. EISs are used to effectively analyse, evaluate and compare companies’ financial statements and performances. Although users, at all levels of the business, have used an EIS, its success and shortcomings have yet to be documented conclusively at the level of the companies in a South African (SA) context. This research investigates whether listed JSE companies need a ‘standard’ ‘BIS to use as a tool to analyse and measure their performances.The input of all users of an EIS Synopsis iii with regard to unmet needs will have a significance impact on the content of an EIS; this in turn could result in ensuring them a key role in shaping the future of companies.
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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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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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A framework for the strategic deployment of business intelligence systems

  • Authors: Waterson, Elton
  • Date: 2012-06-05
  • Subjects: Business intelligence management , Information technology management , Business - Decision making , Management information systems
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:2445 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4903
  • Description: M.Tech. , Business Intelligence (BI) is a method used to improve on business decision-making, using collections of software applications and tools to view historical, current and predictive operations of a business. However, a company‟s BI solution will not be successful if it is not implemented in a comprehensive and strategic manner. There are three key issues that prevent organisations from benefiting from BI systems. These issues include the lack of pervasiveness of BI systems, managing a variety of non-related systems that do not work well together and using traditional methods that have not evolved to meet organisational needs (Koehler, 2008). BI vendors misinform many business users that BI tools are usable by all users in an organisation, and end up been too complex for the average user to use. The first mistake an organisation makes when assessing a BI system is neglecting to include business users on selecting the best option, although they will be the main users of the solution (Quinn, 2007). Many Information Technology (IT) departments ask for BI systems based on the assumption that once it is built, that users will automatically see the benefits. BI applications require a clear and intimate understanding of the business itself and it is only by working on business and IT issues in tandem that the real value of BI is realised (Hostmann, 2007).
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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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A proactive change management database system for use in the civil engineering industry

  • Authors: Strydom, John Hendrik
  • Date: 2012-06-07
  • Subjects: Civil engineering , Management information systems , Change - Management , Database management
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:8704 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5057
  • Description: M. Ing. , Change management is a crucial component in the daily activities inherent within the civil engineering industry, which if used effectively, can mitigate the impact of project scope changes and be beneficial to the life cycle of the a project. Project scope changes regularly occur during the construction phase of civil engineering projects, and normally result in severe disruptions. Although scope changes during the implementation phase are avoided where possible, their existence is a practical reality. These changes can be managed by a Change Management System (CMS) that can minimize the impact of these changes. This dissertation investigates different change management systems, which are used by major companies to mitigate the impact of project scope changes. Case studies on change management systems are provided, and the advantages and disadvantages of these systems are discussed. These change management systems were used as a reference axis for a newly proposed project scope change management system, namely the Proactive Change Management Database System (PACMDS). The PACMDS was developed by the author, to minimize the impact of scope changes in civil projects. In a survey done to establish whether the PACMDS would be effective in mitigating project scope changes, it was found that the PACMDS would assist in managing project scope changes effectively.
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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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Information management and globalisation : utilising information management systems in financial systems

  • Authors: Roberts, Ridwaan
  • Date: 2012-08-23
  • Subjects: Management information systems , Financial services industry , Online information services , Globalization , Electronic commerce
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:3071 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6491
  • Description: M.Comm. , The Financial Services industry is in the throes of significant changes and challenges. Managers confronted with the metoric of the "information age" may experience a variety of emotions, ranging from excitement to suspicion or even outright scepticism. What has changed is that more and more businesses are defining their strategies in terms of information or knowledge. Today we hear and read much about "the learning organisation", "working knowledge", "knowledge networks", "business ntelligence", "competitor intelligence". These concepts may be popular to all but to executives they need to be clear — they make strategic decisions. Executives must realise these MIS, CIS and Expert Systems, are more than tools, they are a way of life, a way to gain strategic competitive advantage in a new market — called global isation. Managers need to rely on knowledge to make decisions and add value to the financial performance and use their collective experience without becoming bogged down in methodological or technological complexity. Biggest is no longer necessary the best. Today it is often more profitable to focus attraction the best customers than to attempt to reduce cost. Executives should be cautious, even suspicious; of the technological and software solutions being offered and sceptical that one concept can do it all. This is not surprising because we are dealing with knowledge, information and above all people. Add these together and we are to paraphrase the physicist, Freeman Dyoon, "infinite in all direction". Nevertheless companies understand that past experience has shown that common purpose, culture and focus can mobilise people for profitable and personally rewarding creativity and achievement. The future competitive landscape demands no less!
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A strategy for managing examination security at tertiary institutions in South Africa

  • Authors: van Zyl, Marthinus Petrus
  • Date: 2012-09-11
  • Subjects: Examinations , Management information systems , Higher education management , Computer security , Data protection
  • Type: Mini-Dissertation
  • Identifier: uj:9958 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7354
  • Description: M.B.A. , More and more policy makers in South Africa’s educational environment are focusing on the impact of digital developments on lifelong learning, electronic publishing, computer-mediated communication and the growth of virtual universities. Johnson and Scholes (1999:475) state that increased availability and quality of information can enhance an organisation’s competency both by reducing the cost of processes and by improving their quality. Managers need to be clear about how these improvements in information technology should influence the way in which they manage their business processes and the benefits associated with the costs of these electronic services. President Thabo Mbeki has stated that universities have a key role to play in improving the quality of life of all South African citizens since education is the key to unlocking each person's potential and improving the quality of life in general (Le Roux, 2005). Mbeki also emphasized that South African universities should emerge from the current process of change, ready to compete with the best institutions in the world. Mbeki asserted that change must guarantee that South Africa catches up with the best in the world in terms of the generation and use of knowledge capital to create the winning society that South Africa yearns for. It must guarantee that South Africa produces the intelligentsia who must be at the cutting edge of our process of renaissance.
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The extent, issues and trends of enterprise resource planning system usage in South Africa

  • Authors: Worst, B.
  • Date: 2012-09-11
  • Subjects: Computer integrated manufacturing systems -- South Africa , Information storage and retrieval systems , Management information systems
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:9941 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7339
  • Description: M.Comm. , The concept is not new, but there are certain factors that complicated the application of this concept in actual practise: The rapid advances in technology, engineering and business processes, have left today's enterprise with a multitude of different computer applications to choose from. This puzzle consists of many variables, including : hardware, application software, operating systems, data bases and networks. An indication of the complexity of offerings available in the market today is reflected by a survey conducted by Paras on Process MRP Systems (Paras, 1992:7-28). The research problem is therefore to investigate the extent of usage of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems in South Africa. The research project has the following objectives: To determine the extent of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System usage in South African Industrial companies. To determine the different functional areas that ERP functionality is applied to in these companies, as well as trends in this area. To determine levels of support currently available to the South African Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System user. To determine the benefits realised . out of implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) functionality. This research explores the extent to which Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) functionality are being used in South Africa. As these systems are mainly used in Industrial companies, this research is limited to Industrial companies within South Africa. Companies in both the discrete and process environments are included in the study. Due to the cost of implementing such systems, these companies tend to be companieswith more than 100 employees, although relevant companies with fewer employees have been included. The larger majority of the companies operate in a distributed environment, with sites spread throughout South Africa, and in neighbouring and overseas countries. Due to the exploratory nature of the research problem, and the limited full enterprise wide use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems in South Africa, the scope will be wide, with the intent of this study to gain a broad perspective of the topic.
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Riglyne vir die ontwikkeling en implementering van 'n bestuursinligtingstelsel vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Vervoerdienste

  • Authors: Petkoon, Leopold John
  • Date: 2014-02-04
  • Subjects: South African Transport Services , Management information systems
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:7995 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8932
  • Description: M.Comm. , The South African Transport Services is one of the largest undertakings in the Republic of South Africa. It is a multi-modal undertaking employing approximately 212 000 people and has a turnover in excess of R8 000 million per annum. During a strategic planning excercise the top management of the South African Transport Services identified an effective management information system as a critical success factor to the well being of the undertaking on the premise that information forms the basis for sound management decision-making. The need for relevant information for decision-making has never been more real than at present. The South African Transport Services is facing a market situation of ever-increasing competition. As the move towards deregulation in the RSA gathers momentum, the competition will become even greater. The information resource will have to respond to the challenge and provide management with timely, relevant information to make sound decisions. This study has as its goal the setting of a number of guidelines which will enable the management of the South African Transport Services to prepare a strategic information plan for the undertaking. As a result of the conclusions drawn from the literature study an investigation was conducted into the characteristics of the South African Transport Services with the accent on the present availability, distribution and use of information. This study was undertaken at three levels. At the first level stock was taken of the formal information which is at present supplied to top management. A number of conclusions were drawn as to the application, volume, relevance, accuracy and timeliness of the information. At the same time the views of top management were obtained on their perception of the most important information problems in the South African Transport Services.
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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 executive information system of Eureka DIY solution

Security features on IBM AS/400 processors : a practical study for implementation at Impala Platinum Limited

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