Measuring the effectiveness of an information architecture
- Niemand, Cornelius Johannes Petrus
- Authors: Niemand, Cornelius Johannes Petrus
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Information storage and retrieval systems - Evaluation , Management information systems - Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/282457 , uj:30430
- Description: Ph.D. (Information Management) , Abstract: The current economical perspective is an economy based on information, where individual, group and societal existence are dependent on the notion of informational flexibility. Informational flexibility relates to the ability of the management of the organisation to alter the information architecture to meet the changing needs and wants of the users of information in a speedy, cost-effective manner without losing any of the characteristics of the information. Thus, informational flexibility may be regarded as the new core capability that can increase the longevity of the organisation as a provider of goods and services. In order for the organisation to sustain competitiveness and curb costs, the fundamental architecture and architecting process of the organisation need to be flexible. To date no management tool existed to act as a controlling mechanism in analysing the effectiveness of the structuring of information to mitigate the ever-changing business environment. The intent of the current study is to provide managers with a matrix incorporating the elements of information auditing and enterprise architecture to measure the effectiveness of the information architecture. Considering the aforesaid, the objective of the study is to determine the current challenges of an information architecture and the potential contribution of information audit methodologies to measure the effectiveness of an information architecture. The key findings of the study include the fact that although the current business environment is still prone to traditional methods of consuming information, businesses are searching for new avenues and ways to do business. The findings suggest that the key to unlocking the success of the organisation is the architecture of data and information as fundamental part of the organisational system. From a South African perspective, the notion of information architecture is known and acknowledged, but limited implementation of comprehensive information architectures exists. It should also be noted that the maturity and the need for an information architecture will determine the use of formal and/or informal information architecture methodology to measure or control the facets of an information architecture. The result of applying the Delphi technique indicated that the information architectural elements of contextualisation, audit, governance, flexibility and administration should be measured to determine the effectiveness of an information architecture. The elements identified as...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Niemand, Cornelius Johannes Petrus
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Information storage and retrieval systems - Evaluation , Management information systems - Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/282457 , uj:30430
- Description: Ph.D. (Information Management) , Abstract: The current economical perspective is an economy based on information, where individual, group and societal existence are dependent on the notion of informational flexibility. Informational flexibility relates to the ability of the management of the organisation to alter the information architecture to meet the changing needs and wants of the users of information in a speedy, cost-effective manner without losing any of the characteristics of the information. Thus, informational flexibility may be regarded as the new core capability that can increase the longevity of the organisation as a provider of goods and services. In order for the organisation to sustain competitiveness and curb costs, the fundamental architecture and architecting process of the organisation need to be flexible. To date no management tool existed to act as a controlling mechanism in analysing the effectiveness of the structuring of information to mitigate the ever-changing business environment. The intent of the current study is to provide managers with a matrix incorporating the elements of information auditing and enterprise architecture to measure the effectiveness of the information architecture. Considering the aforesaid, the objective of the study is to determine the current challenges of an information architecture and the potential contribution of information audit methodologies to measure the effectiveness of an information architecture. The key findings of the study include the fact that although the current business environment is still prone to traditional methods of consuming information, businesses are searching for new avenues and ways to do business. The findings suggest that the key to unlocking the success of the organisation is the architecture of data and information as fundamental part of the organisational system. From a South African perspective, the notion of information architecture is known and acknowledged, but limited implementation of comprehensive information architectures exists. It should also be noted that the maturity and the need for an information architecture will determine the use of formal and/or informal information architecture methodology to measure or control the facets of an information architecture. The result of applying the Delphi technique indicated that the information architectural elements of contextualisation, audit, governance, flexibility and administration should be measured to determine the effectiveness of an information architecture. The elements identified as...
- Full Text:
An analysis of the demand for business aircraft among the corporate sector in South Africa
- Mabotja, Mpo Joel, Mampana, Ngoasheng Jacob, Tavengwa, Bernard
- Authors: Mabotja, Mpo Joel , Mampana, Ngoasheng Jacob , Tavengwa, Bernard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Aeronautics, Commercial - South Africa , Demand (Economic theory)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/372154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/292232 , uj:31754
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: Purpose and research objectives: the purpose of this study was to provide an accurate and comprehensive market assessment for business aircraft in South Africa, in order to ascertain whether it was growing to its full potential or not. The primary research objective was to determine the extent of demand for business aircraft in South Africa, as well as the nature and characteristics of the users and non-users of business aircraft among the top 100 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Problem investigated: the market for business aircraft in Africa, and South Africa in particular lacks comprehensive information regarding the needs, nature and characteristics of existing and potential users. Where available, the information is limited, incomplete and contained in disparate sources. Methodology: A pragmatic research philosophy guided an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design which consisted of two phases. The first qualitative phase focused on the gathering of data through in-depth face-to-face interviews with business aviation experts. Findings from this qualitative research were then utilised to develop a structured research questionnaire which was distributed to the top 100 JSE listed companies as the second and quantitative phase of the research. To supplement questionnaire responses, telephonic and face-to-face interviews were conducted. An in-depth analysis of the responses was conducted, discussed and findings presented. Findings: The core finding of this study was that the potential future growth of the business aircraft market was most likely to come from existing users, with marginal growth from new entrants in the market. It was also found that costs factors were among the main deterrents to the utilisation of business aircraft. Originality/value: The research provided market intelligence necessary to guide business aviation companies to efficiently service or expand their market for business aircraft in South Africa and further contributed to the existing aviation body of knowledge. Conclusion: The study concluded that growth for the business aircraft market was likely to come from current users and that the need was based on the operational nature of the users. It was further discovered that costs were a major factor in deterring new users but that the deterrents were not always borne on facts but rather on perceptions. It was thus...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mabotja, Mpo Joel , Mampana, Ngoasheng Jacob , Tavengwa, Bernard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Aeronautics, Commercial - South Africa , Demand (Economic theory)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/372154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/292232 , uj:31754
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: Purpose and research objectives: the purpose of this study was to provide an accurate and comprehensive market assessment for business aircraft in South Africa, in order to ascertain whether it was growing to its full potential or not. The primary research objective was to determine the extent of demand for business aircraft in South Africa, as well as the nature and characteristics of the users and non-users of business aircraft among the top 100 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Problem investigated: the market for business aircraft in Africa, and South Africa in particular lacks comprehensive information regarding the needs, nature and characteristics of existing and potential users. Where available, the information is limited, incomplete and contained in disparate sources. Methodology: A pragmatic research philosophy guided an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design which consisted of two phases. The first qualitative phase focused on the gathering of data through in-depth face-to-face interviews with business aviation experts. Findings from this qualitative research were then utilised to develop a structured research questionnaire which was distributed to the top 100 JSE listed companies as the second and quantitative phase of the research. To supplement questionnaire responses, telephonic and face-to-face interviews were conducted. An in-depth analysis of the responses was conducted, discussed and findings presented. Findings: The core finding of this study was that the potential future growth of the business aircraft market was most likely to come from existing users, with marginal growth from new entrants in the market. It was also found that costs factors were among the main deterrents to the utilisation of business aircraft. Originality/value: The research provided market intelligence necessary to guide business aviation companies to efficiently service or expand their market for business aircraft in South Africa and further contributed to the existing aviation body of knowledge. Conclusion: The study concluded that growth for the business aircraft market was likely to come from current users and that the need was based on the operational nature of the users. It was further discovered that costs were a major factor in deterring new users but that the deterrents were not always borne on facts but rather on perceptions. It was thus...
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An intranet-enabled platform to improve knowledge sharing collaboration and content management
- Authors: Khumalo, Sithembiso
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Microsoft SharePoint (Electronic resource) , Edcon Limited Group (Firm : South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/82557 , uj:18972
- Description: Abstract: The full benefit of SharePoint as a Web application for content management, knowledge sharing and collaboration in support of meeting business objectives is not fully realised at Edcon. The implementation of SharePoint within Edcon gives a clear indication that the organisation recognises its potential, however, the requirement for Edcon to determine whether the implementation of SharePoint meets their users’ needs in terms of knowledge sharing, collaboration and content management needed to be investigated within Edcon Limited Group. The objectives of the study were to determine how SharePoint enables Edcon to share knowledge, collaborate and manage its content; to investigate the value brought by SharePoint within Edcon and to establish the process for improving the use of SharePoint within Edcon. The main research question determined how the current use of Microsoft SharePoint at Edcon addressed the users’ needs for knowledge sharing, collaboration and content management. The study therefore sought to determine how SharePoint can enable Edcon to improve knowledge sharing, collaboration and content management in order to effectively achieve organisational goals. Intepretivism was used for this study because it aims to interpret the different perspectives of Edcon SharePoint users with regards to their use of the web enabled platform. The ideal sample on whom this research was conducted was two employees of Edcon responsible for the development of SharePoint in the organisation. They helped determine if the implementation of SharePoint was developed considering the users’ needs and to also find out how SharePoint was... , M.Phil. (Information Management)
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- Authors: Khumalo, Sithembiso
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Microsoft SharePoint (Electronic resource) , Edcon Limited Group (Firm : South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/82557 , uj:18972
- Description: Abstract: The full benefit of SharePoint as a Web application for content management, knowledge sharing and collaboration in support of meeting business objectives is not fully realised at Edcon. The implementation of SharePoint within Edcon gives a clear indication that the organisation recognises its potential, however, the requirement for Edcon to determine whether the implementation of SharePoint meets their users’ needs in terms of knowledge sharing, collaboration and content management needed to be investigated within Edcon Limited Group. The objectives of the study were to determine how SharePoint enables Edcon to share knowledge, collaborate and manage its content; to investigate the value brought by SharePoint within Edcon and to establish the process for improving the use of SharePoint within Edcon. The main research question determined how the current use of Microsoft SharePoint at Edcon addressed the users’ needs for knowledge sharing, collaboration and content management. The study therefore sought to determine how SharePoint can enable Edcon to improve knowledge sharing, collaboration and content management in order to effectively achieve organisational goals. Intepretivism was used for this study because it aims to interpret the different perspectives of Edcon SharePoint users with regards to their use of the web enabled platform. The ideal sample on whom this research was conducted was two employees of Edcon responsible for the development of SharePoint in the organisation. They helped determine if the implementation of SharePoint was developed considering the users’ needs and to also find out how SharePoint was... , M.Phil. (Information Management)
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User perspectives on document management efficiency at Eskom
- Authors: Mabitsela, Mamatshetshe
- Date: 2014-05-05
- Subjects: Information resources management , Data mining , Total quality management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10933 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10506
- Description: M.Phil. (Information Management) , An efficient document management system is one that considers the user’s needs for information and the ability of the system to provide valuable information that matches certain characteristics. When users utilise a document management system (DMS) they require a system that they perceive will make their work easier. The efficient and effective use of a DMS depends on how receptive the users are to technology and their intention in using the system. The documents in the document management system are corporate knowledge and should therefore be stored in a central repository such as the DMS, where the company’s corporate memory cannot be lost. The DMS has all the capabilities to keep documents safe where the documents can be accessed again. To measure the technology acceptance of end users, research has identified the technology acceptance model (TAM) as the ideal method. TAM is tailored to elaborate on computer usage, perceived ease of use, attitudes toward using and usage behaviour. The research stream on technology acceptance and use has become one of the most prolific and is claimed to be the most mature research in the modern information system field. The problem identified was to analyse the user’s behavioural intent towards effectively utilising the Eskom in-house document management system. The purpose was to investigate the use of the document system that is currently in place at Eskom and determine user perspectives. Employees working in Eskom cannot afford to neglect using the document management system on a regular basis. Important documents relevant for everyday work are stored in the system, and all employees are granted access to these documents. Given these considerations, users’ perceptions of the in-house document system cannot be taken for granted, and these issues were researched. The findings from the TAM variables showed that perceptions of users towards the DMS were divided, while half of the users were satisfied with the information, system, usefulness and ease of using the system the other half was not satisfied. A division in opinion emerged whether the system should be replaced or rather improved. Benefits of both options were weighed and the study suggested that the system be replaced.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mabitsela, Mamatshetshe
- Date: 2014-05-05
- Subjects: Information resources management , Data mining , Total quality management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10933 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10506
- Description: M.Phil. (Information Management) , An efficient document management system is one that considers the user’s needs for information and the ability of the system to provide valuable information that matches certain characteristics. When users utilise a document management system (DMS) they require a system that they perceive will make their work easier. The efficient and effective use of a DMS depends on how receptive the users are to technology and their intention in using the system. The documents in the document management system are corporate knowledge and should therefore be stored in a central repository such as the DMS, where the company’s corporate memory cannot be lost. The DMS has all the capabilities to keep documents safe where the documents can be accessed again. To measure the technology acceptance of end users, research has identified the technology acceptance model (TAM) as the ideal method. TAM is tailored to elaborate on computer usage, perceived ease of use, attitudes toward using and usage behaviour. The research stream on technology acceptance and use has become one of the most prolific and is claimed to be the most mature research in the modern information system field. The problem identified was to analyse the user’s behavioural intent towards effectively utilising the Eskom in-house document management system. The purpose was to investigate the use of the document system that is currently in place at Eskom and determine user perspectives. Employees working in Eskom cannot afford to neglect using the document management system on a regular basis. Important documents relevant for everyday work are stored in the system, and all employees are granted access to these documents. Given these considerations, users’ perceptions of the in-house document system cannot be taken for granted, and these issues were researched. The findings from the TAM variables showed that perceptions of users towards the DMS were divided, while half of the users were satisfied with the information, system, usefulness and ease of using the system the other half was not satisfied. A division in opinion emerged whether the system should be replaced or rather improved. Benefits of both options were weighed and the study suggested that the system be replaced.
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Smart devices as catalysts in gathering and sharing information for tertiary students
- Authors: Dhlamini, E.J.
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/292054 , uj:31733
- Description: Abstract: Mobile technology, as a developing technology, has shown great promise and potential for both academic and social activities of students. Many students are now owning smart devices and using them in their daily activities. Smart devices such as smartphones and tablets are becoming increasingly important for students, especially tertiary students, as they use them frequently for their daily information activities. There is a growing trend of students using their smart devices to share coursework information, and accessing social media platforms. However, for the role of smart devices to be well received and appreciated in information gathering and sharing activities, it is essential to understand how students as users perceive the role of smart devices. The perception of students in the usage of their smart devices can play a crucial role in assisting lecturers, academic researchers and administrators at tertiary institutions to better understand the needs of students. The main aim of this study was to establish how smart device usage can facilitate information gathering and sharing for tertiary students. The innovation diffusion theory (IDT) has been applied in this study as the most suitable foundation, because, as students are increasingly adopting smart devices, and as they are evolving frequently, they follow a process of innovation that is shared over time. The mixed method sequential research (MMR) approach using questionnaires and interviews was used to collect data. The first phase involved the collection and analyses of data using questionnaires. Questionnaires were sent online, as well as in paper format to 315 respondents and 112 questionnaires were returned. The second phase used the collection and analysis of data, using interviews. The interview respondents were selected randomly, and the interviews were conducted face-to-face. Thereafter a holistic data analyses was conducted and triangulated with relevant literature. The results of the study have indicated that students use their smart devices for accessing and sharing coursework activities such as announcements, handouts, lecture notes and articles. Students also indicated the fact that smart devices are easy to carry around, less complex, have ability to perform multiple searches, and provide for easy access to social media platforms. Students also suggested the need for the MCom Office to assist in promoting student work using social media platforms. The implications and contributions of the study are that, although students use their smart devices regularly, they still need to understand the in-depth information in terms of what can and cannot be shared using social media platforms. Furthermore, the suggestions from students indicate that they may need more insight into relevant policies, such as Social Media Policy and Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act; relating to publishing of information. The study was limited in terms of number of responses, where it may be very beneficial to include other departments, and establish whether these implications are applicable to other departments at UJ. , M.Phil. (Information Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dhlamini, E.J.
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/292054 , uj:31733
- Description: Abstract: Mobile technology, as a developing technology, has shown great promise and potential for both academic and social activities of students. Many students are now owning smart devices and using them in their daily activities. Smart devices such as smartphones and tablets are becoming increasingly important for students, especially tertiary students, as they use them frequently for their daily information activities. There is a growing trend of students using their smart devices to share coursework information, and accessing social media platforms. However, for the role of smart devices to be well received and appreciated in information gathering and sharing activities, it is essential to understand how students as users perceive the role of smart devices. The perception of students in the usage of their smart devices can play a crucial role in assisting lecturers, academic researchers and administrators at tertiary institutions to better understand the needs of students. The main aim of this study was to establish how smart device usage can facilitate information gathering and sharing for tertiary students. The innovation diffusion theory (IDT) has been applied in this study as the most suitable foundation, because, as students are increasingly adopting smart devices, and as they are evolving frequently, they follow a process of innovation that is shared over time. The mixed method sequential research (MMR) approach using questionnaires and interviews was used to collect data. The first phase involved the collection and analyses of data using questionnaires. Questionnaires were sent online, as well as in paper format to 315 respondents and 112 questionnaires were returned. The second phase used the collection and analysis of data, using interviews. The interview respondents were selected randomly, and the interviews were conducted face-to-face. Thereafter a holistic data analyses was conducted and triangulated with relevant literature. The results of the study have indicated that students use their smart devices for accessing and sharing coursework activities such as announcements, handouts, lecture notes and articles. Students also indicated the fact that smart devices are easy to carry around, less complex, have ability to perform multiple searches, and provide for easy access to social media platforms. Students also suggested the need for the MCom Office to assist in promoting student work using social media platforms. The implications and contributions of the study are that, although students use their smart devices regularly, they still need to understand the in-depth information in terms of what can and cannot be shared using social media platforms. Furthermore, the suggestions from students indicate that they may need more insight into relevant policies, such as Social Media Policy and Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act; relating to publishing of information. The study was limited in terms of number of responses, where it may be very beneficial to include other departments, and establish whether these implications are applicable to other departments at UJ. , M.Phil. (Information Management)
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Knowledge portal creation for postgraduate studies through online communities
- Authors: Loots, Riaan
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/403249 , uj:33781
- Description: Abstract : Technological advances are sparking knowledge creation through ideas and theories, creating entirely new ways of consuming goods and services. Education can help people ride the wave of change by giving students the needed 21st-century work skills. Digital technologies can unleash new ways of owning knowledge through interactive teaching and learning models while encouraging collaboration between academics and students. The educational industry is continuously challenged to innovate in order to remain relevant and survive technological disruption. One demand on resources is learning and specifically the concept of collaborative learning. The role of knowledge repositories to achieve research output allows for collaboration and strengthening of research capacity while improving the quality of the output. An in-depth literature review was performed that focused on traditional pedagogical principles and its combined application with Web 2.0 technologies. A design-based research (DBR) method was followed from a pragmatic perspective in a qualitative setting to find a model that contributes to the teaching of postgraduate students in an ever-demanding and transforming knowledge economy. The primary objective of this study was to determine how an online community and knowledge repository could contribute to the management and facilitation of knowledge creation and sharing when teaching postgraduate students. The DBR component of this study was to implement a conceptualised model using qualitative data analysis to measure the outcome of the conceptualisation in attaining benefits for all stakeholders involved. The study has shown how digital technologies provide new ways of owning knowledge, through interactive teaching and learning models, it has further shown how knowledge repositories can successfully achieve research output through collaboration and strengthening of research capacity while improving the quality of output. , M.Phil. (Information Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Loots, Riaan
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/403249 , uj:33781
- Description: Abstract : Technological advances are sparking knowledge creation through ideas and theories, creating entirely new ways of consuming goods and services. Education can help people ride the wave of change by giving students the needed 21st-century work skills. Digital technologies can unleash new ways of owning knowledge through interactive teaching and learning models while encouraging collaboration between academics and students. The educational industry is continuously challenged to innovate in order to remain relevant and survive technological disruption. One demand on resources is learning and specifically the concept of collaborative learning. The role of knowledge repositories to achieve research output allows for collaboration and strengthening of research capacity while improving the quality of the output. An in-depth literature review was performed that focused on traditional pedagogical principles and its combined application with Web 2.0 technologies. A design-based research (DBR) method was followed from a pragmatic perspective in a qualitative setting to find a model that contributes to the teaching of postgraduate students in an ever-demanding and transforming knowledge economy. The primary objective of this study was to determine how an online community and knowledge repository could contribute to the management and facilitation of knowledge creation and sharing when teaching postgraduate students. The DBR component of this study was to implement a conceptualised model using qualitative data analysis to measure the outcome of the conceptualisation in attaining benefits for all stakeholders involved. The study has shown how digital technologies provide new ways of owning knowledge, through interactive teaching and learning models, it has further shown how knowledge repositories can successfully achieve research output through collaboration and strengthening of research capacity while improving the quality of output. , M.Phil. (Information Management)
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