A socio-technical systems cybersecurity optimisation process : the systems engineering management approach
- Authors: Malatji, Masike
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cyberspace - Security measures , Computer networks - Security measures , Cyberterrorism
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/417550 , uj:35366
- Description: Abstract: Despite the emergence of artificial intelligence-powered enterprise systems security solutions, it was found that at least 90% of malicious cyberattacks resulted from human behaviour or error. This and various other studies over the past 11 years confirmed that the human being remains the weakest link in the entire enterprise systems security chain. In addition, evidence seemed to suggest that many enterprises are still taking overly techno-centric approaches to cybersecurity risk and increase the chances of missing the bigger picture. With that, the study sought to understand how a bigger enterprise systems security picture could be realised. In particular, the aim of this study was to identify and address socio-technical security gaps in existing enterprise systems security frameworks, which encompass information security, cybersecurity, information technology security and physical security. The importance of the study was to highlight that taking overly techno-centric approaches to enterprise systems security risk has not yielded significantly positive results for organisations. A big picture approach is required to attain a holistic enterprise systems security optimisation state. A socio-technical approach to enterprise systems security was adopted to develop the ‘big picture’ solution. This was achieved through the application of the socio-technical systems theory to the enterprise systems security domain. The cornerstone and foundation of the socio-technical systems approach is joint optimisation, which is a technique that is more concerned with harnessing the best of both the technical and social (including human) aspects of an enterprise structure and processes. This culminated into the development of an integrated management process to identify and address socio-technical security gaps in existing enterprise systems security programs. A mixed-methods research approach where the focus group, in-depth personal interviews and online surveys were employed to test for the validation of the integrated management process was adopted. This resulted in the finalisation and desktop application of the integrated management process on the COBIT® 5 for Information Security framework. Thus, the management process for security joint optimisation would benefit the information security, cybersecurity and information technology security community of practitioners to holistically optimise enterprise systems security practices. Moreover, the management process would benefit, especially those, who practice enterprise systems security at strategic (policy driven) and tactical (guideline driven) levels for security joint optimisation at operational level. , D.Ing. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Malatji, Masike
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cyberspace - Security measures , Computer networks - Security measures , Cyberterrorism
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/417550 , uj:35366
- Description: Abstract: Despite the emergence of artificial intelligence-powered enterprise systems security solutions, it was found that at least 90% of malicious cyberattacks resulted from human behaviour or error. This and various other studies over the past 11 years confirmed that the human being remains the weakest link in the entire enterprise systems security chain. In addition, evidence seemed to suggest that many enterprises are still taking overly techno-centric approaches to cybersecurity risk and increase the chances of missing the bigger picture. With that, the study sought to understand how a bigger enterprise systems security picture could be realised. In particular, the aim of this study was to identify and address socio-technical security gaps in existing enterprise systems security frameworks, which encompass information security, cybersecurity, information technology security and physical security. The importance of the study was to highlight that taking overly techno-centric approaches to enterprise systems security risk has not yielded significantly positive results for organisations. A big picture approach is required to attain a holistic enterprise systems security optimisation state. A socio-technical approach to enterprise systems security was adopted to develop the ‘big picture’ solution. This was achieved through the application of the socio-technical systems theory to the enterprise systems security domain. The cornerstone and foundation of the socio-technical systems approach is joint optimisation, which is a technique that is more concerned with harnessing the best of both the technical and social (including human) aspects of an enterprise structure and processes. This culminated into the development of an integrated management process to identify and address socio-technical security gaps in existing enterprise systems security programs. A mixed-methods research approach where the focus group, in-depth personal interviews and online surveys were employed to test for the validation of the integrated management process was adopted. This resulted in the finalisation and desktop application of the integrated management process on the COBIT® 5 for Information Security framework. Thus, the management process for security joint optimisation would benefit the information security, cybersecurity and information technology security community of practitioners to holistically optimise enterprise systems security practices. Moreover, the management process would benefit, especially those, who practice enterprise systems security at strategic (policy driven) and tactical (guideline driven) levels for security joint optimisation at operational level. , D.Ing. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
Critical success factors as enablers to achieving QMS benefits : an engineering organisational case study
- Authors: Zwane, Siyabonga
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Quality control , Quality control - Standards , Total quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/425138 , uj:36386
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: The ISO quality management system represents a mechanism that can drive change in organisation as well as an entry tickets into certain markets for certain organisations. When implemented correctly and for the correct reasons, the quality management system has been proven to produce operational as well as financial improvements. Organisations have reportedly often struggled to access the benefits that the system offers despite achieving formal certification of the ISO quality management system. This study intends to determine the benefits that the quality management system has to offer to organisations that achieve certification as well as to determine the critical success factors organisation can implement in order to access these benefits. This will assist organisations to gain an understanding of what to expect from achieving formal certification and the steps that should be taken to guarantee benefits that are beyond achieving certification. The study utilises a single case study which was a single organisation certified quality management system and measures the benefits observed from implement this quality management system were assessed against those observed from reviewing literature. The case study was evaluated as best suited method to assist this study as it afforded the researcher in-depth and descriptive response on why organisation implement the ISO quality management system and don’t achieve benefits that are beyond achieving certification. The study found that the implementation of the quality management system does lead to benefits that are beyond certification, benefits which in this study are classified as primary, secondary and tertiary. It was found that the effort employed when adapting the system to suit the organisations' practices while adhering to ISO requirements is key to realising benefits coupled with the utilisation of the 21 identified critical success factors. This research suggests that realising benefits is linked to organisations being intentional about how they implement and maintain the QMS and that constantly reviewing practices for areas of non-conformances and to identify areas of improvements early assist the organisation get the best out of the system.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Zwane, Siyabonga
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Quality control , Quality control - Standards , Total quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/425138 , uj:36386
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: The ISO quality management system represents a mechanism that can drive change in organisation as well as an entry tickets into certain markets for certain organisations. When implemented correctly and for the correct reasons, the quality management system has been proven to produce operational as well as financial improvements. Organisations have reportedly often struggled to access the benefits that the system offers despite achieving formal certification of the ISO quality management system. This study intends to determine the benefits that the quality management system has to offer to organisations that achieve certification as well as to determine the critical success factors organisation can implement in order to access these benefits. This will assist organisations to gain an understanding of what to expect from achieving formal certification and the steps that should be taken to guarantee benefits that are beyond achieving certification. The study utilises a single case study which was a single organisation certified quality management system and measures the benefits observed from implement this quality management system were assessed against those observed from reviewing literature. The case study was evaluated as best suited method to assist this study as it afforded the researcher in-depth and descriptive response on why organisation implement the ISO quality management system and don’t achieve benefits that are beyond achieving certification. The study found that the implementation of the quality management system does lead to benefits that are beyond certification, benefits which in this study are classified as primary, secondary and tertiary. It was found that the effort employed when adapting the system to suit the organisations' practices while adhering to ISO requirements is key to realising benefits coupled with the utilisation of the 21 identified critical success factors. This research suggests that realising benefits is linked to organisations being intentional about how they implement and maintain the QMS and that constantly reviewing practices for areas of non-conformances and to identify areas of improvements early assist the organisation get the best out of the system.
- Full Text:
Determining the potential benefits of the engineering mentoring programs for graduates
- Authors: Ilemobade, Ozofu Olabisi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Engineering - Management , College graduates , Mentoring
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/393628 , uj:32575
- Description: Abstract: Engineering graduates’ inability to apply theoretical knowledge in actual practice has become a major challenge in getting them integrated into the workplace and the industry. This inability has also affected the prospect of preparing and developing the future generations of engineering professionals. As a result, both the engineering and construction industries in South Africa are faced with the difficulty of sourcing the relevant engineering workforce. Furthermore engineering graduates cannot be successful in the industry without the relevant competency. Mentoring has been established as a tool for personal and professional development. This study explores mentoring benefits and how mentoring can be utilised to build practical skills needed by the engineering graduates for the purpose of integration and establishment in the industry. Existing engineering professionals should endeavour to engage in mentoring in order to bridge the skills gap between them and the engineering graduates by creating opportunities for them to access practical skills. This study used a qualitative research methodology. Interviews were conducted with seven engineering, construction and academic professionals who perceived mentoring as one of the vital tools in getting the graduates competent. Based on the analysis of data collected during a semi-structured interview with the participants, it was evident that participants viewed mentoring as a vital tool in equipping graduates with the relevant skills for the workplace and the industry. The implication of this study is that engineering graduates will acknowledge the significance of mentoring in exposing them to experiential learning, and organisations will be encouraged to support mentoring in generating competent human resources. , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ilemobade, Ozofu Olabisi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Engineering - Management , College graduates , Mentoring
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/393628 , uj:32575
- Description: Abstract: Engineering graduates’ inability to apply theoretical knowledge in actual practice has become a major challenge in getting them integrated into the workplace and the industry. This inability has also affected the prospect of preparing and developing the future generations of engineering professionals. As a result, both the engineering and construction industries in South Africa are faced with the difficulty of sourcing the relevant engineering workforce. Furthermore engineering graduates cannot be successful in the industry without the relevant competency. Mentoring has been established as a tool for personal and professional development. This study explores mentoring benefits and how mentoring can be utilised to build practical skills needed by the engineering graduates for the purpose of integration and establishment in the industry. Existing engineering professionals should endeavour to engage in mentoring in order to bridge the skills gap between them and the engineering graduates by creating opportunities for them to access practical skills. This study used a qualitative research methodology. Interviews were conducted with seven engineering, construction and academic professionals who perceived mentoring as one of the vital tools in getting the graduates competent. Based on the analysis of data collected during a semi-structured interview with the participants, it was evident that participants viewed mentoring as a vital tool in equipping graduates with the relevant skills for the workplace and the industry. The implication of this study is that engineering graduates will acknowledge the significance of mentoring in exposing them to experiential learning, and organisations will be encouraged to support mentoring in generating competent human resources. , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
- Full Text:
Water resource management : an analysis of operations and maintenance activities of an informal settlement
- Authors: Izaaks, Godwin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Water resources development - South Africa , Water-supply - Management - South Africa , Squatter settlements - South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/424710 , uj:36332
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: This research, studied water resource management by investigating and analysing operations and maintenance activities of an urban informal settlement in South-Africa. Water has been identified as being one of the top global risks. This can develop into a global crisis, if no understanding from current informal settlements can be generated to verify the effectiveness of the current water policies and frameworks (water governance). Informal settlements are growing at an alarming rate within urban areas due to a housing need. Local governments should however, provide water and sufficient services delivery that is enshrined within the Constitution of South-Africa. If growth of informal settlements is left at current uncontrollable levels, which will negatively impact the water services provision and will also affect the operations and maintenance. This then could be the onslaught of the water crisis within South-Africa. Water resource management would be under stress and local governments should put measures in place now to change the current water governance approach within informal settlements. Therefore, the global perception still exists that service delivery within informal settlements are inadequate and the research endeavour to see if this is still valid. The research was designed as a case study of an urban South-African informal settlement to understand water resource management via operations and maintenance activities. The study investigated the operations and maintenance activities recorded from 2010 to 2019. The approach for the study was to develop the research questions, to collect the data, verify the data set, categorise the data and last to analysis the data. Within this case study only secondary data was used to be verified with literature, which brought forth some new discoveries. The results definitely change the current perception, which states that the metropolitan municipality provides adequate basic water services within the urban informal settlement, albeit that there still are a host of challenges. Local governments can benefit from this research study to best understand the operations and maintenance activities and therefore provide an adequate level of service in terms of water provision. This study showcases the different levels of services provision which municipalities can use to improve the water resource management and improve governance of water within informal settlements. Therefore, the metropolitan municipality should communicate effectively these type statistics to the inhabitants and the public.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Izaaks, Godwin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Water resources development - South Africa , Water-supply - Management - South Africa , Squatter settlements - South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/424710 , uj:36332
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: This research, studied water resource management by investigating and analysing operations and maintenance activities of an urban informal settlement in South-Africa. Water has been identified as being one of the top global risks. This can develop into a global crisis, if no understanding from current informal settlements can be generated to verify the effectiveness of the current water policies and frameworks (water governance). Informal settlements are growing at an alarming rate within urban areas due to a housing need. Local governments should however, provide water and sufficient services delivery that is enshrined within the Constitution of South-Africa. If growth of informal settlements is left at current uncontrollable levels, which will negatively impact the water services provision and will also affect the operations and maintenance. This then could be the onslaught of the water crisis within South-Africa. Water resource management would be under stress and local governments should put measures in place now to change the current water governance approach within informal settlements. Therefore, the global perception still exists that service delivery within informal settlements are inadequate and the research endeavour to see if this is still valid. The research was designed as a case study of an urban South-African informal settlement to understand water resource management via operations and maintenance activities. The study investigated the operations and maintenance activities recorded from 2010 to 2019. The approach for the study was to develop the research questions, to collect the data, verify the data set, categorise the data and last to analysis the data. Within this case study only secondary data was used to be verified with literature, which brought forth some new discoveries. The results definitely change the current perception, which states that the metropolitan municipality provides adequate basic water services within the urban informal settlement, albeit that there still are a host of challenges. Local governments can benefit from this research study to best understand the operations and maintenance activities and therefore provide an adequate level of service in terms of water provision. This study showcases the different levels of services provision which municipalities can use to improve the water resource management and improve governance of water within informal settlements. Therefore, the metropolitan municipality should communicate effectively these type statistics to the inhabitants and the public.
- Full Text:
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »