A conceptual information technology project management assurance framework
- Authors: Mkoba, Elizabeth Sylvester
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/282548 , uj:30441
- Description: Ph.D. , Abstract: Most organisations continue to align project activities with their business strategy to achieve strategic objectives and create business value. Most of these organisations have adopted information technology (IT) to increase performance and productivity, improve service delivery to customers and create competitive advantage in the market. Some of these initiatives are managed as IT projects. Despite this investment in IT, IT projects still fail at an alarming rate. These failed IT projects resulted in organisations wasting huge amounts of money and not realising a return on their IT investments. The purpose of this study was fourfold. Firstly, it explored the reasons why information technology (IT) projects are still failing. Secondly, it determined the factors influencing project success. Thirdly, it determined whether a positive relationship between project auditing and project success exists. Fourthly, it examined how project assurance can effectively mitigate IT project failure. These focus areas were addressed by developing a conceptual information technology project management assurance framework to successfully deliver IT projects in organisations. The research methodology employed a mixed-methods design which combined both qualitative and quantitative research methods. First, the qualitative research method was used to validate the conceptual framework through focus group discussion which was composed of IT project managers from South Africa. The results of qualitative data analysis were used to build an instrument to collect data in the follow-up quantitative research. The quantitative research method used survey questionnaires to validate the conceptual framework amongst IT project managers from Africa. The data were analysed using Atlas.ti 7.0 and SPSS 24.0. Factor analysis was conducted to determine possible correlations between the variables and factors as well as to determine how the conceptual information technology project management assurance framework fits the data. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to construct the conceptual framework. The key findings of this research are that project assurance can effectively mitigate IT project failure and the following factors influence IT project success: project auditing, top management involvement, project management methodology adherence, secure project deliverables, support and maintenance, and benefits realisation. The research also reveals that there is a strong correlation between the identified factors that influence IT project success. These factors were important in the development of a conceptual information technology project management assurance framework...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mkoba, Elizabeth Sylvester
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/282548 , uj:30441
- Description: Ph.D. , Abstract: Most organisations continue to align project activities with their business strategy to achieve strategic objectives and create business value. Most of these organisations have adopted information technology (IT) to increase performance and productivity, improve service delivery to customers and create competitive advantage in the market. Some of these initiatives are managed as IT projects. Despite this investment in IT, IT projects still fail at an alarming rate. These failed IT projects resulted in organisations wasting huge amounts of money and not realising a return on their IT investments. The purpose of this study was fourfold. Firstly, it explored the reasons why information technology (IT) projects are still failing. Secondly, it determined the factors influencing project success. Thirdly, it determined whether a positive relationship between project auditing and project success exists. Fourthly, it examined how project assurance can effectively mitigate IT project failure. These focus areas were addressed by developing a conceptual information technology project management assurance framework to successfully deliver IT projects in organisations. The research methodology employed a mixed-methods design which combined both qualitative and quantitative research methods. First, the qualitative research method was used to validate the conceptual framework through focus group discussion which was composed of IT project managers from South Africa. The results of qualitative data analysis were used to build an instrument to collect data in the follow-up quantitative research. The quantitative research method used survey questionnaires to validate the conceptual framework amongst IT project managers from Africa. The data were analysed using Atlas.ti 7.0 and SPSS 24.0. Factor analysis was conducted to determine possible correlations between the variables and factors as well as to determine how the conceptual information technology project management assurance framework fits the data. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to construct the conceptual framework. The key findings of this research are that project assurance can effectively mitigate IT project failure and the following factors influence IT project success: project auditing, top management involvement, project management methodology adherence, secure project deliverables, support and maintenance, and benefits realisation. The research also reveals that there is a strong correlation between the identified factors that influence IT project success. These factors were important in the development of a conceptual information technology project management assurance framework...
- Full Text:
A formal approach to the optimisation of information technology risk management
- Authors: Badenhorst, Karin Petra
- Date: 2014-09-30
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Risk management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:12438 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12225
- Description: Ph.D. (Computer Science) , Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
- Authors: Badenhorst, Karin Petra
- Date: 2014-09-30
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Risk management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:12438 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12225
- Description: Ph.D. (Computer Science) , Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
A framework to measure the value of Agile software projects
- Authors: Van Wyk, Louis
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Agile software development
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/292419 , uj:31777
- Description: M.Com. (Information Technology Management) , Abstract: Software projects delivered following an Agile approach are deemed more successful than those following a traditional methodology such as Waterfall. This notion is supported by multiple studies, including the 2015 Chaos Report. The purpose of this study was to determine how the success of Agile software projects is measured, rather than to confirm the results of previous studies. This study focused on the Agile principles highlighted in the Agile Manifesto and investigated whether Agile practitioners consider these principles as success factors. It was important to determine what other success factors are currently used to ensure the successful delivery of Agile software projects. The Total Quality Framework (TQF) was adopted as a research design to maximise the quality of the data and to build the readers’ confidence in the research outcomes. An inductive approach was selected to establish an acceptance criterion or theory that can be verified through further studies. The objectives to achieve the research goal were very specific and required conversations with experienced participants with an in-depth knowledge of Agile software projects. The research method best suited to collect the rich data required was semi-structured interviews; therefore the approach followed in this study was a qualitative research approach. The TQF is based on four principles: credibility, analysability, transparency and usefulness. It was important for the researcher to adhere to these principles so that the results formulated could be generalised internally as well as externally. It is important that the results and outcome of the research be useful, i.e. the research outcome was to design a framework that Agile practitioners can use. The assumption and key finding is that all twelve Agile principles are deemed to be critical success factors in Agile software projects. Another finding is that eight of the twelve principles are also considered success measures. Traditional success measures are still considered success measures, but not deemed the only measure of success. Agile software projects consider multiple success measures, but are ultimately deemed a success when the business value has been realised. The primary success measures recognised for Agile software projects include strategic success, business success, product success and project success, measured at different stages after the product has been delivered. The product of this research is a framework consisting of 30 control objectives and 46 supporting practices that could be considered when implementing Agile software projects. The framework includes Agile-specific success factors that would improve the value delivered on Agile software projects. It further highlights the success measures that are relevant to all software projects. This framework, named COSAF, is the first version and it is the researcher’s vision that it will be implemented, adopted and improved to increase the success rate of software projects across the globe.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van Wyk, Louis
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Agile software development
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/292419 , uj:31777
- Description: M.Com. (Information Technology Management) , Abstract: Software projects delivered following an Agile approach are deemed more successful than those following a traditional methodology such as Waterfall. This notion is supported by multiple studies, including the 2015 Chaos Report. The purpose of this study was to determine how the success of Agile software projects is measured, rather than to confirm the results of previous studies. This study focused on the Agile principles highlighted in the Agile Manifesto and investigated whether Agile practitioners consider these principles as success factors. It was important to determine what other success factors are currently used to ensure the successful delivery of Agile software projects. The Total Quality Framework (TQF) was adopted as a research design to maximise the quality of the data and to build the readers’ confidence in the research outcomes. An inductive approach was selected to establish an acceptance criterion or theory that can be verified through further studies. The objectives to achieve the research goal were very specific and required conversations with experienced participants with an in-depth knowledge of Agile software projects. The research method best suited to collect the rich data required was semi-structured interviews; therefore the approach followed in this study was a qualitative research approach. The TQF is based on four principles: credibility, analysability, transparency and usefulness. It was important for the researcher to adhere to these principles so that the results formulated could be generalised internally as well as externally. It is important that the results and outcome of the research be useful, i.e. the research outcome was to design a framework that Agile practitioners can use. The assumption and key finding is that all twelve Agile principles are deemed to be critical success factors in Agile software projects. Another finding is that eight of the twelve principles are also considered success measures. Traditional success measures are still considered success measures, but not deemed the only measure of success. Agile software projects consider multiple success measures, but are ultimately deemed a success when the business value has been realised. The primary success measures recognised for Agile software projects include strategic success, business success, product success and project success, measured at different stages after the product has been delivered. The product of this research is a framework consisting of 30 control objectives and 46 supporting practices that could be considered when implementing Agile software projects. The framework includes Agile-specific success factors that would improve the value delivered on Agile software projects. It further highlights the success measures that are relevant to all software projects. This framework, named COSAF, is the first version and it is the researcher’s vision that it will be implemented, adopted and improved to increase the success rate of software projects across the globe.
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A qualitative study of leaders’ work identity in outsourced projects
- Authors: Lategan, Liesel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Information technology - Contracting out , Information technology - Management , Project management , Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/293611 , uj:31928
- Description: Abstract: Orientation The study explored the experiences of ten information technology (IT) project- and programme managers who led outsource projects. It explains the complex nature of outsourcing and requirements in leading inter-organisational teams. Implementation of these outsource projects is often concluded with varying degrees of success, and poor results lead to loss of income, reputation, and intellectual property, which impact people’s work identity. The study focused on the roles these leaders have to fulfil, what motivates them, and personal attributes required to deliver successful outcomes. Finally, the strategies and competencies the project- and programme managers developed to form and maintain their work identity are also discussed. Research purpose The purpose of the study was to explore the work identity of leaders working in complex inter-organisational structures through outsource arrangements. Motivation for the study The study was motivated by my own experiences as an IT project- and programme manager leading outsource teams. More specifically, I wanted to explore my observation of leaders having various levels of success in delivering projects. In addition, I was curious about how they managed themselves and what motivated them. Lastly, I wanted to know how they managed team viability within a complex inter-organisational team, creating an environment where team members wanted to work together on future projects. Research design A qualitative grounded theory research design was employed. Convenience- and snowball sampling were used in selecting ten research participants. Data was collected, first, by conducting interviews asking open-ended questions, followed by semi-structured interviews to clarify the participants’ everyday experiences. Finally, the interviews were transcribed and, with the aid of computerised qualitative data analysis software (ATLAS.ti), thematic data analysis was undertaken. Research findings The findings identified seven themes related to leaders building and maintaining their work identities. This informed a conceptual model of leaders’ work identity within an... , M.Phil. (Personal and Professional Leadership)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lategan, Liesel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Information technology - Contracting out , Information technology - Management , Project management , Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/293611 , uj:31928
- Description: Abstract: Orientation The study explored the experiences of ten information technology (IT) project- and programme managers who led outsource projects. It explains the complex nature of outsourcing and requirements in leading inter-organisational teams. Implementation of these outsource projects is often concluded with varying degrees of success, and poor results lead to loss of income, reputation, and intellectual property, which impact people’s work identity. The study focused on the roles these leaders have to fulfil, what motivates them, and personal attributes required to deliver successful outcomes. Finally, the strategies and competencies the project- and programme managers developed to form and maintain their work identity are also discussed. Research purpose The purpose of the study was to explore the work identity of leaders working in complex inter-organisational structures through outsource arrangements. Motivation for the study The study was motivated by my own experiences as an IT project- and programme manager leading outsource teams. More specifically, I wanted to explore my observation of leaders having various levels of success in delivering projects. In addition, I was curious about how they managed themselves and what motivated them. Lastly, I wanted to know how they managed team viability within a complex inter-organisational team, creating an environment where team members wanted to work together on future projects. Research design A qualitative grounded theory research design was employed. Convenience- and snowball sampling were used in selecting ten research participants. Data was collected, first, by conducting interviews asking open-ended questions, followed by semi-structured interviews to clarify the participants’ everyday experiences. Finally, the interviews were transcribed and, with the aid of computerised qualitative data analysis software (ATLAS.ti), thematic data analysis was undertaken. Research findings The findings identified seven themes related to leaders building and maintaining their work identities. This informed a conceptual model of leaders’ work identity within an... , M.Phil. (Personal and Professional Leadership)
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Adapting information technology management for effective information technology strategy leadership
- Authors: Langa, Mthandeni
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237644 , uj:24352
- Description: M.Com. , Abstract: In this dissertation, it is argued that the lack of consistent information technology (IT) and organisational strategies heightens the proclivity to cancel IT initiatives in a given industry sector. Organisational strategy loosely conveys a compounded perspective pertaining to business and organisational strategies. In theory business, IT and organisational strategies are reasoned to hinge on efficient enterprise IT integration concepts that contextualise conceptual links between business, IT and organisational architectures to best address contextual business and socioeconomic needs. However, an effective socioeconomy demands contextual awareness of strategic management of IT, leadership and management, geopolitical and other factors affecting the evolutionary nature of the IT industry, enterprise architecture, enterprise risk optimisation and principles of governance and management. Business and IT leadership’s contextual awareness is necessitated by the concept of levels of abstraction inherent in the principles of separation of concerns. Hence the strategic use of the concept in ‘opinion’ formulation within the paradigm of a sociotechnical system design, development and management. Thus, optimal business performance demands that business and IT leadership and management develop mechanisms to establish symbiosis between governance and management principles, glued together by an adaptive enterprise-wide standard architecture. There is therefore a contended need to integrate IT, processes and strategies. This demands that business and IT professionals possess an interdisciplinary and a multidisciplinary set of competencies. The perceived set of competencies supposedly help professionals to effectively navigate the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary nature of the concept of information technology management (ITM). Thus the resulting entangled sociotechnical system constituents, responsible for the overall perspective of the ITM concept, are constructs representing the challenge imposed by the journey to purposefully adapt ITM for effective IT strategy leadership for a globally competitive economic system. The research balances deontological and teleological philosophical theories, embracing an advanced mixed research methodology and embedding limited quantitative methods in a predominantly qualitative study. These theories underline systemic and deliberate practice aimed at optimising similarly credible research findings as well as provide a realistic perspective. Consequently, analysis employs a systematic approach based on four contextual themes, viz. administrative, investment management, management and technology practices and a closing perspective, in deliberate efforts to optimise triangulation. The outcome is an adaptive ITM process model facilitating discovery, construction, governance and management of a purposeful sociotechnical system in any given geopolitical context. Thus the adaptive ITM process model can benefit both academics and practitioners in their respective quests to contextualise philosophies and concretise processes sustaining purposeful sociotechnical system design, development and management. In principle, the research introduces a general theory of collaboration theoretically thriving on ITM as the art, philosophy and science of orchestrating strategic management principles to enliven the value of IT in pursuit of an optimum strategic intent in a continuum.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Langa, Mthandeni
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237644 , uj:24352
- Description: M.Com. , Abstract: In this dissertation, it is argued that the lack of consistent information technology (IT) and organisational strategies heightens the proclivity to cancel IT initiatives in a given industry sector. Organisational strategy loosely conveys a compounded perspective pertaining to business and organisational strategies. In theory business, IT and organisational strategies are reasoned to hinge on efficient enterprise IT integration concepts that contextualise conceptual links between business, IT and organisational architectures to best address contextual business and socioeconomic needs. However, an effective socioeconomy demands contextual awareness of strategic management of IT, leadership and management, geopolitical and other factors affecting the evolutionary nature of the IT industry, enterprise architecture, enterprise risk optimisation and principles of governance and management. Business and IT leadership’s contextual awareness is necessitated by the concept of levels of abstraction inherent in the principles of separation of concerns. Hence the strategic use of the concept in ‘opinion’ formulation within the paradigm of a sociotechnical system design, development and management. Thus, optimal business performance demands that business and IT leadership and management develop mechanisms to establish symbiosis between governance and management principles, glued together by an adaptive enterprise-wide standard architecture. There is therefore a contended need to integrate IT, processes and strategies. This demands that business and IT professionals possess an interdisciplinary and a multidisciplinary set of competencies. The perceived set of competencies supposedly help professionals to effectively navigate the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary nature of the concept of information technology management (ITM). Thus the resulting entangled sociotechnical system constituents, responsible for the overall perspective of the ITM concept, are constructs representing the challenge imposed by the journey to purposefully adapt ITM for effective IT strategy leadership for a globally competitive economic system. The research balances deontological and teleological philosophical theories, embracing an advanced mixed research methodology and embedding limited quantitative methods in a predominantly qualitative study. These theories underline systemic and deliberate practice aimed at optimising similarly credible research findings as well as provide a realistic perspective. Consequently, analysis employs a systematic approach based on four contextual themes, viz. administrative, investment management, management and technology practices and a closing perspective, in deliberate efforts to optimise triangulation. The outcome is an adaptive ITM process model facilitating discovery, construction, governance and management of a purposeful sociotechnical system in any given geopolitical context. Thus the adaptive ITM process model can benefit both academics and practitioners in their respective quests to contextualise philosophies and concretise processes sustaining purposeful sociotechnical system design, development and management. In principle, the research introduces a general theory of collaboration theoretically thriving on ITM as the art, philosophy and science of orchestrating strategic management principles to enliven the value of IT in pursuit of an optimum strategic intent in a continuum.
- Full Text:
Adapting IT management for effective IT strategy leadership
- Langa, Mthandeni, Marnewick, Carl
- Authors: Langa, Mthandeni , Marnewick, Carl
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/373894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/231957 , uj:23644 , Citation: Langa, M. & Marnewick, C. 2017. Adapting IT management for effective IT strategy leadership. International Association for Management of Technology IAMOT 2017 Conference Proceedings.
- Description: Abstract: This article argues that the lack of consistent information technology (IT) and organisational strategies heightens the proclivity to cancel IT initiatives. Organisational strategy loosely conveys a compounded perspective pertaining to business and organisational strategies. The combination of these strategies logically hinge on efficient enterprise IT integration concepts contextualising conceptual links between their respective architectures to best suit prevailing business and socioeconomic needs. However, an effective socioeconomy demands contextual strategic management of IT, aligned with geopolitical and other factors affecting the nature of IT, to optimise the applied context of principles of governance and management. Strategic management of IT is alleviated by the concept of levels of abstraction inherent in the principle of separation of concerns. Hence the strategic use of the concept in ‘opinion’ formulation within the paradigm of a sociotechnical system design, development and management. Accordingly, optimal business performance demands that business and IT leadership and management develop mechanisms to establish symbiosis between governance and management principles, glued together by an adaptive enterprise‐wide standard architecture. There is therefore a contended need to integrate IT, processes and strategies. This demands that business and IT professionals possess an interdisciplinary and a multidisciplinary set of competencies. The perceived set of competencies supposedly help professionals to effectively navigate the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary nature of information technology management (ITM). Thus the ensuing sociotechnical system constructs represent the challenge imposed by the journey to purposefully adapt ITM for effective IT strategy leadership for a competitive economic system. The research used an advanced mixed research methodology embedding quantitative methods in a qualitative study...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Langa, Mthandeni , Marnewick, Carl
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/373894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/231957 , uj:23644 , Citation: Langa, M. & Marnewick, C. 2017. Adapting IT management for effective IT strategy leadership. International Association for Management of Technology IAMOT 2017 Conference Proceedings.
- Description: Abstract: This article argues that the lack of consistent information technology (IT) and organisational strategies heightens the proclivity to cancel IT initiatives. Organisational strategy loosely conveys a compounded perspective pertaining to business and organisational strategies. The combination of these strategies logically hinge on efficient enterprise IT integration concepts contextualising conceptual links between their respective architectures to best suit prevailing business and socioeconomic needs. However, an effective socioeconomy demands contextual strategic management of IT, aligned with geopolitical and other factors affecting the nature of IT, to optimise the applied context of principles of governance and management. Strategic management of IT is alleviated by the concept of levels of abstraction inherent in the principle of separation of concerns. Hence the strategic use of the concept in ‘opinion’ formulation within the paradigm of a sociotechnical system design, development and management. Accordingly, optimal business performance demands that business and IT leadership and management develop mechanisms to establish symbiosis between governance and management principles, glued together by an adaptive enterprise‐wide standard architecture. There is therefore a contended need to integrate IT, processes and strategies. This demands that business and IT professionals possess an interdisciplinary and a multidisciplinary set of competencies. The perceived set of competencies supposedly help professionals to effectively navigate the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary nature of information technology management (ITM). Thus the ensuing sociotechnical system constructs represent the challenge imposed by the journey to purposefully adapt ITM for effective IT strategy leadership for a competitive economic system. The research used an advanced mixed research methodology embedding quantitative methods in a qualitative study...
- Full Text:
Change management in software implementation projects
- Authors: Phiri, Asante
- Date: 2013-05-27
- Subjects: Organizational change , Computer software , Information technology - Management , Project management
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:7546 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8404
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Organizations sometimes invest in expensive and extensive operational software systems or packages in order to improve certain aspects of the organization. Change from one system to another is predominantly brought about by some sort of perceived added value. This added value is identified by a few individuals in an organization and must then be demonstrated and marketed to management as well as the system end-users, in order to obtain buy-in. Although software systems have become a prominent fixture in organizations, the success rates for software implementation projects remain reportedly quite poor. Researchers noted that 56% - 90% of software implementation projects are late or over budget and only 30% are successful. Potentially, the process of changing software systems is inherently fraught with resistance. This resistance towards this change and the management thereof can prove to be the deciding factor in the success or failure of the new software system. Presumably, there is a role for change management in software implementation projects. In order to understand the role of change management in software implementation projects, the current research aims to carry out an extensive literature review on change management and software implementation project challenges. Software implementation projects are often executed in a project management framework. Consequently, the literature review firstly investigates project management principles, standards and methodologies. Secondly, the literature review peers into several critical success factors that research has identified for software implementation projects. Lastly, the intricacies of change management psychology and organizational resistance are researched. The findings of the research indicate that change management plays a pivotal role in the success of software implementation projects. The role of change management in software implementation projects is to manage the individuals’ and organizational resistance such that the adoption of the new software or system is facilitated.Despite the availability of information regarding change management, the research indicates that a lot of software implementation projects fail because the required change management effort is underestimated by the organization. The current research raises questions regarding the level of change management awareness and proficiency amongst project managers and the suitability of project management standards and methodologies for software implementation projects.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Phiri, Asante
- Date: 2013-05-27
- Subjects: Organizational change , Computer software , Information technology - Management , Project management
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:7546 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8404
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Organizations sometimes invest in expensive and extensive operational software systems or packages in order to improve certain aspects of the organization. Change from one system to another is predominantly brought about by some sort of perceived added value. This added value is identified by a few individuals in an organization and must then be demonstrated and marketed to management as well as the system end-users, in order to obtain buy-in. Although software systems have become a prominent fixture in organizations, the success rates for software implementation projects remain reportedly quite poor. Researchers noted that 56% - 90% of software implementation projects are late or over budget and only 30% are successful. Potentially, the process of changing software systems is inherently fraught with resistance. This resistance towards this change and the management thereof can prove to be the deciding factor in the success or failure of the new software system. Presumably, there is a role for change management in software implementation projects. In order to understand the role of change management in software implementation projects, the current research aims to carry out an extensive literature review on change management and software implementation project challenges. Software implementation projects are often executed in a project management framework. Consequently, the literature review firstly investigates project management principles, standards and methodologies. Secondly, the literature review peers into several critical success factors that research has identified for software implementation projects. Lastly, the intricacies of change management psychology and organizational resistance are researched. The findings of the research indicate that change management plays a pivotal role in the success of software implementation projects. The role of change management in software implementation projects is to manage the individuals’ and organizational resistance such that the adoption of the new software or system is facilitated.Despite the availability of information regarding change management, the research indicates that a lot of software implementation projects fail because the required change management effort is underestimated by the organization. The current research raises questions regarding the level of change management awareness and proficiency amongst project managers and the suitability of project management standards and methodologies for software implementation projects.
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Creating tomorrow's financial services organisations : unlocking the business benefits for total customer satisfaction
- Authors: Swart, Jacques Matthew
- Date: 2012-08-14
- Subjects: Financial services industry - Customer services , Reengineering (Management) , Information technology - Management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5681
- Description: M.Comm. , The aim of this study is to consider how to create tomorrow's financial services organisations. Information technology and business reengineering are important within financial services organisations and have a prominent role to play in using the long-term viability of the organisation. Customers' interaction with a new technology environment has resulted in higher levels of customer satisfaction with a corresponding demand for customised and specialised services instead of traditional standardised banking services. The constant challenge of all banks, however, should be to keep abreast of change by translating business intelligence into innovative strategies. Customer's demands will dictate the new wave of banking for years to come. Ultimately, the change will come in whatever form the market and consumers demand. Business success therefore depends not only on the development of an excellent strategy but also on its effective execution. With the best will in the world, companies can develop a convincing strategy to take business forward, provide excellent products and expand the customer base. Unless companies have the appropriate supporting cultural and technological skills to enable rapid and efficient response to customers' needs, they will undoubtedly fail. Another aspect that is discussed in the thesis is the close interrelationship between marketing and business requirements in product innovation within the banking industry, specific to customer demands. The objective of this study is to give an insight into better-informed decisionmaking and the important role that business process re-engineering can play as an overall strategic resource in financial services companies to gain a competitive advantage. The efficient and effective use of information as a strategic resource in a financial services company is becoming more and more important. The real competition is for market share and trying to satisfy the needs of customers. Finally, the aim of this study is to address the importance of how to obtain a better return on information, for managers to make informed decisions that are better, quicker, more accurate and timely.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Swart, Jacques Matthew
- Date: 2012-08-14
- Subjects: Financial services industry - Customer services , Reengineering (Management) , Information technology - Management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5681
- Description: M.Comm. , The aim of this study is to consider how to create tomorrow's financial services organisations. Information technology and business reengineering are important within financial services organisations and have a prominent role to play in using the long-term viability of the organisation. Customers' interaction with a new technology environment has resulted in higher levels of customer satisfaction with a corresponding demand for customised and specialised services instead of traditional standardised banking services. The constant challenge of all banks, however, should be to keep abreast of change by translating business intelligence into innovative strategies. Customer's demands will dictate the new wave of banking for years to come. Ultimately, the change will come in whatever form the market and consumers demand. Business success therefore depends not only on the development of an excellent strategy but also on its effective execution. With the best will in the world, companies can develop a convincing strategy to take business forward, provide excellent products and expand the customer base. Unless companies have the appropriate supporting cultural and technological skills to enable rapid and efficient response to customers' needs, they will undoubtedly fail. Another aspect that is discussed in the thesis is the close interrelationship between marketing and business requirements in product innovation within the banking industry, specific to customer demands. The objective of this study is to give an insight into better-informed decisionmaking and the important role that business process re-engineering can play as an overall strategic resource in financial services companies to gain a competitive advantage. The efficient and effective use of information as a strategic resource in a financial services company is becoming more and more important. The real competition is for market share and trying to satisfy the needs of customers. Finally, the aim of this study is to address the importance of how to obtain a better return on information, for managers to make informed decisions that are better, quicker, more accurate and timely.
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Determinants of the penetration of Software as a Service (SAAS) for improving customer service
- Authors: Motloung, Terence
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Enterprise resource planning , Management information systems , Information technology - Management , Information technology - Customer services , Performance technology
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/292281 , uj:31760
- Description: M.Com. (Information and Knowledge Management) , Abstract: Due to immense competitive pressure which arises in the automotive industry, decision makers at Cummins Inc. are confronted by difficulties to implement effective and timely business decisions which are data-driven. The business has therefore decided to deploy new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Information Technology Applications (ITA) such as Distribution Management Systems and Guidance Application to enhance information flows and enable decision makers within the business to execute strategies that are data-driven. As a result, the business experiences some difficulties when it comes to aligning the business unit’s strategies with the corporate strategy and the cause of this is the disinvestment in the management of information systems within the branches. Therefore, the results of this challenge will normally affect the organisation negatively and this can be demonstrated when one is analysing the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).The research method selected for this study is a mixed method. It has allowed the researcher to collect two dataset points, the quantative and qualitative information. The data was collected through surveys, interviews with participants to fully grasp their views. The analysis was done by interpreting the responses from partcipants by using analytical tools such as Minitab and smart survey analytical tool. Furthermore, integration of the enterprise resource plan, Software as a service and management information systems can enable users within the business to collect, process, store and extract data to support the managerial role of utilising information technology to enhance business and profits. According to anecdotal evidence, there are challenges which limit the implementation of SaaS at CAME (Cummins Africa Middle East) and in this case, it is recommended that the organisation evaluates its requirements before it can proceed with new technologies. It further states that new ERP-systems and applications to be deployed in the organisation, should be able to deal with more holistic business information and allow system integration to take place. Therefore, failure to invest into an ERP which can perform these functions would then lead the business into an environment where people take decisions based on feelings and not on data. In the long run this will not contribute to the organisation improving customer service.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Motloung, Terence
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Enterprise resource planning , Management information systems , Information technology - Management , Information technology - Customer services , Performance technology
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/292281 , uj:31760
- Description: M.Com. (Information and Knowledge Management) , Abstract: Due to immense competitive pressure which arises in the automotive industry, decision makers at Cummins Inc. are confronted by difficulties to implement effective and timely business decisions which are data-driven. The business has therefore decided to deploy new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Information Technology Applications (ITA) such as Distribution Management Systems and Guidance Application to enhance information flows and enable decision makers within the business to execute strategies that are data-driven. As a result, the business experiences some difficulties when it comes to aligning the business unit’s strategies with the corporate strategy and the cause of this is the disinvestment in the management of information systems within the branches. Therefore, the results of this challenge will normally affect the organisation negatively and this can be demonstrated when one is analysing the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).The research method selected for this study is a mixed method. It has allowed the researcher to collect two dataset points, the quantative and qualitative information. The data was collected through surveys, interviews with participants to fully grasp their views. The analysis was done by interpreting the responses from partcipants by using analytical tools such as Minitab and smart survey analytical tool. Furthermore, integration of the enterprise resource plan, Software as a service and management information systems can enable users within the business to collect, process, store and extract data to support the managerial role of utilising information technology to enhance business and profits. According to anecdotal evidence, there are challenges which limit the implementation of SaaS at CAME (Cummins Africa Middle East) and in this case, it is recommended that the organisation evaluates its requirements before it can proceed with new technologies. It further states that new ERP-systems and applications to be deployed in the organisation, should be able to deal with more holistic business information and allow system integration to take place. Therefore, failure to invest into an ERP which can perform these functions would then lead the business into an environment where people take decisions based on feelings and not on data. In the long run this will not contribute to the organisation improving customer service.
- Full Text:
Ensuring global IT project performance through effective stakeholder management
- Mutakyahwa, Augustine Andrew
- Authors: Mutakyahwa, Augustine Andrew
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/485391 , uj:44118
- Description: Abstract: Multinational organisations continue to operate and invest in Information Technology (IT) projects across numerous national borders in order to expand the business operations, increase performance and meet the needs of stakeholders. The implementation of global IT projects requires adherence to multiple governance frameworks, as well as appropriately managing stakeholders’ expectations. It is evident that the implementation of governance frameworks is still not followed in most of the multinational organisations. Meeting the heterogeneous stakeholders’ needs and expectations across different countries, adds to the complexity of managing global IT projects. This study explores the multinational organisations’ perceptions and practices of the governance and stakeholder management practices in global IT projects. The study examined the key governance structures followed during the implementation of global IT projects. It determined what key stakeholders required from the governance structures for global IT project performance and how they were managed. In order to establish the relationship of the governance frameworks and stakeholder management, a conceptual framework was developed to ensure global IT project performance. A qualitative method was used in this study to collect the data. Interviews were conducted with project managers and practitioners, who had implemented global IT projects for multinational organisations. The data were analysed using Atlas.ti. Causal loop diagrams were developed to determine the causal relationship between the performance factors. The key findings of this study were that governance structures, global factors and stakeholder management processes were inseparable when managing global IT projects. The theoretical implication of this findings are that both local and foreign governance frameworks, as well as the stakeholders in the global perspectives, are key for global IT project performance. The practical implications of this findings is that proposed conceptual framework provided a good understanding for project managers to proactively identify, analyse, engage and monitor the key stakeholders from the corporate governance-, IT governance- and project governance frameworks, as well as the global factors. , Ph.D. (Information Technology Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mutakyahwa, Augustine Andrew
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/485391 , uj:44118
- Description: Abstract: Multinational organisations continue to operate and invest in Information Technology (IT) projects across numerous national borders in order to expand the business operations, increase performance and meet the needs of stakeholders. The implementation of global IT projects requires adherence to multiple governance frameworks, as well as appropriately managing stakeholders’ expectations. It is evident that the implementation of governance frameworks is still not followed in most of the multinational organisations. Meeting the heterogeneous stakeholders’ needs and expectations across different countries, adds to the complexity of managing global IT projects. This study explores the multinational organisations’ perceptions and practices of the governance and stakeholder management practices in global IT projects. The study examined the key governance structures followed during the implementation of global IT projects. It determined what key stakeholders required from the governance structures for global IT project performance and how they were managed. In order to establish the relationship of the governance frameworks and stakeholder management, a conceptual framework was developed to ensure global IT project performance. A qualitative method was used in this study to collect the data. Interviews were conducted with project managers and practitioners, who had implemented global IT projects for multinational organisations. The data were analysed using Atlas.ti. Causal loop diagrams were developed to determine the causal relationship between the performance factors. The key findings of this study were that governance structures, global factors and stakeholder management processes were inseparable when managing global IT projects. The theoretical implication of this findings are that both local and foreign governance frameworks, as well as the stakeholders in the global perspectives, are key for global IT project performance. The practical implications of this findings is that proposed conceptual framework provided a good understanding for project managers to proactively identify, analyse, engage and monitor the key stakeholders from the corporate governance-, IT governance- and project governance frameworks, as well as the global factors. , Ph.D. (Information Technology Management)
- Full Text:
Evaluating the career status of IT professionals
- Authors: Dhanpat, N.
- Date: 2015-06-08
- Subjects: Information technology , Information technology - Management , Information technologists
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6185 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14071
- Description: Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Dhanpat, N.
- Date: 2015-06-08
- Subjects: Information technology , Information technology - Management , Information technologists
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6185 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14071
- Description: Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text: false
Evolutionary cybersecurity governance : a post-structuralist framework
- Authors: Ngwenya, Cosmas
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Computer security - Management , Information technology - Management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/478785 , uj:43282
- Description: Abstract: Cybersecurity management is often seen as complex and non-linear because of the constantly evolving factors such as technology, agents, and the type and nature of cyber threats that make it difficult to design sustainable interventions. Importantly, institutions, society and markets are in a continuous process of evolution. It is this evolution that makes cybersecurity governance complex to manage. Management is currently faced with an insufficient understanding of sustainable interventions that would address the evolution of cybersecurity governance in meaningful ways. This study addresses this conundrum by drawing on theories such as social systems theory and post-structuralism from management and information systems disciplines to develop a solid framework for effective cybersecurity governance. The quantitative research that was carried out drew important constructs that would assist in understanding cybersecurity governance. These constructs were tested empirically to determine which of them would most likely address a sustainable cybersecurity governance approach. The quantitative research approach was useful since it was effective in answering the quantifiable ‘what’ and ‘how’ types of questions... , M.Com. (Information Technology Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ngwenya, Cosmas
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Computer security - Management , Information technology - Management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/478785 , uj:43282
- Description: Abstract: Cybersecurity management is often seen as complex and non-linear because of the constantly evolving factors such as technology, agents, and the type and nature of cyber threats that make it difficult to design sustainable interventions. Importantly, institutions, society and markets are in a continuous process of evolution. It is this evolution that makes cybersecurity governance complex to manage. Management is currently faced with an insufficient understanding of sustainable interventions that would address the evolution of cybersecurity governance in meaningful ways. This study addresses this conundrum by drawing on theories such as social systems theory and post-structuralism from management and information systems disciplines to develop a solid framework for effective cybersecurity governance. The quantitative research that was carried out drew important constructs that would assist in understanding cybersecurity governance. These constructs were tested empirically to determine which of them would most likely address a sustainable cybersecurity governance approach. The quantitative research approach was useful since it was effective in answering the quantifiable ‘what’ and ‘how’ types of questions... , M.Com. (Information Technology Management)
- Full Text:
Exigencies of Computer System failure situations : influence on Information Security behaviour
- Authors: Van den Bergh, Maureen
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Computer system failures , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/422312 , uj:36033
- Description: Abstract: In the technology-people-management chain, people are predominantly identified as the weakest link in properly securing information systems. Previous information security studies pursued an understanding of information security behaviour by investigating internal and external factors influencing such behaviour. With some information security studies placing great significance on the role of the situation, an external factor, when investigating human behaviour. Psychological Situationism research emphasises that behaviour is shaped mainly by the exigencies of a particular situation. An examination of information security literature indicated that the exigencies of computer system failure situations had not been explored as an external factor in influencing information security behaviour. Computer system failure situations are perceived by employees as crises that interrupt or prevent them from performing their everyday tasks. Irrespective of the technological failure, employees still need to get the job done. Because the situation and its exigencies are influential in determining and shaping behaviour, it has the potential to negatively influence employee information security behaviour. Insecure employee behaviour could cause negative outcomes for organisations, such as financial loss and damage to reputation. .. , Ph.D. (Applied Information Systems)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van den Bergh, Maureen
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Computer system failures , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/422312 , uj:36033
- Description: Abstract: In the technology-people-management chain, people are predominantly identified as the weakest link in properly securing information systems. Previous information security studies pursued an understanding of information security behaviour by investigating internal and external factors influencing such behaviour. With some information security studies placing great significance on the role of the situation, an external factor, when investigating human behaviour. Psychological Situationism research emphasises that behaviour is shaped mainly by the exigencies of a particular situation. An examination of information security literature indicated that the exigencies of computer system failure situations had not been explored as an external factor in influencing information security behaviour. Computer system failure situations are perceived by employees as crises that interrupt or prevent them from performing their everyday tasks. Irrespective of the technological failure, employees still need to get the job done. Because the situation and its exigencies are influential in determining and shaping behaviour, it has the potential to negatively influence employee information security behaviour. Insecure employee behaviour could cause negative outcomes for organisations, such as financial loss and damage to reputation. .. , Ph.D. (Applied Information Systems)
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Improving the management of inappropriate utilisation of information technology by university students
- Authors: Ramoshaba, Sefoko
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Information technology - Security measures , Information technology - Moral and ethical aspects , College students
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/262429 , uj:27702
- Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , Abstract: The information technology (IT) revolution has brought about many global changes, revolutionalising the world in the way people live, learn, work and interact with one another. It has improved the conditions of living in a dramatic manner, from office paper work to computerised office space and automated manufacturing plants. The IT revolution has also brought with it ethical challenges, where human beings are tempted into using IT to commit crime and unethical behaviour. This has led to the challenges of IT ethics, and how to manage the challenges. Ethical problems related to the inappropriate utilisation of IT have been transplanted from society to the university environment. Universities are experiencing the same and/or more drastic kinds of unethical behaviour. These behaviours have been committed through the inappropriate utilisation of IT by students. The increment is because of the ever-increasing sophistication of new IT devices. This research project sought answers for the better management of inappropriate utilisation of IT by students. The current literature was assessed in order to find out how students use IT to commit unethical behaviour, and the types of IT devices students utilise to do this. Students inter alia use wristwatches, cellphones, laptops, computers, cigarette lighters, ultra-violet lights, USBs, translation software, calculators, pagers, websites, printers, scanners, portable wireless devices, photoshop, electronic pens, video cameras, portable radios, faxes and emails. Students use these devices to commit the following unethical activities, among others: online plagiarism, computer fraud, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, e-cheating, hacking, cybervandalism, distributions of viruses, flaming, cyberharrassment, pornography, sexting, hiring people online to write up academic projects on their behalf, sharing of individual academic projects against the instruction of their lecturers, online fights, theft of IT devices, damage to IT networks, piracy, and copyright infringements...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ramoshaba, Sefoko
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Information technology - Security measures , Information technology - Moral and ethical aspects , College students
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/262429 , uj:27702
- Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , Abstract: The information technology (IT) revolution has brought about many global changes, revolutionalising the world in the way people live, learn, work and interact with one another. It has improved the conditions of living in a dramatic manner, from office paper work to computerised office space and automated manufacturing plants. The IT revolution has also brought with it ethical challenges, where human beings are tempted into using IT to commit crime and unethical behaviour. This has led to the challenges of IT ethics, and how to manage the challenges. Ethical problems related to the inappropriate utilisation of IT have been transplanted from society to the university environment. Universities are experiencing the same and/or more drastic kinds of unethical behaviour. These behaviours have been committed through the inappropriate utilisation of IT by students. The increment is because of the ever-increasing sophistication of new IT devices. This research project sought answers for the better management of inappropriate utilisation of IT by students. The current literature was assessed in order to find out how students use IT to commit unethical behaviour, and the types of IT devices students utilise to do this. Students inter alia use wristwatches, cellphones, laptops, computers, cigarette lighters, ultra-violet lights, USBs, translation software, calculators, pagers, websites, printers, scanners, portable wireless devices, photoshop, electronic pens, video cameras, portable radios, faxes and emails. Students use these devices to commit the following unethical activities, among others: online plagiarism, computer fraud, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, e-cheating, hacking, cybervandalism, distributions of viruses, flaming, cyberharrassment, pornography, sexting, hiring people online to write up academic projects on their behalf, sharing of individual academic projects against the instruction of their lecturers, online fights, theft of IT devices, damage to IT networks, piracy, and copyright infringements...
- Full Text:
Information retrieval and processing with the use of intelligent mobile software agents
- Authors: Kolb, Derek
- Date: 2014-02-05
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Information technology - Management , Information storage and retrieval systems
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3655 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9040
- Description: M.A. (Information Technology) , The Internet contains large amounts of information that researchers can use, however, finding the required relevant information can be a lengthy exercise. Internet search engines, such as Google, allow users to search the Internet but these search engines only supply lists of information that "could" be relevant thereby forcing us, the users, to manually examine the list to select the relevant information that we require. Instead of requiring users to use Internet search engines to find lists of possibly useful information, it would be advantageous to have a system that would give an academic user a research summary report for the specified research query. This research summary report can be formatted in such a manner that would allow the user to have a list of links to the relevant information obtained, which could be used as an aid in the researcher's research projects. The design of the Mobile Agent Information Processing (MAIP) model and prototype relied heavily on mobile software agents (MSA). These MSAs will move from the creator system (the user's computer) to other known peer computer systems participating in the MAIP system. Whilst the MSAs are on the remote computer systems, relevant information is extracted from any of the text documents that are acknowledged as available by the remote host system. The extracted information will be returned to the creator system by each MSA where it will be processed and used to create the research summary report. The MAIP model is designed to locate, retrieve, and summarise information that is relevant to a researcher's research query, it can, therefore, be said that the MAIP model meets all the stated research objectives. The new and innovative model is deemed to offer an effective and feasible technology solution to the problem of information overload that exists within the electronic environment.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kolb, Derek
- Date: 2014-02-05
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Information technology - Management , Information storage and retrieval systems
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3655 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9040
- Description: M.A. (Information Technology) , The Internet contains large amounts of information that researchers can use, however, finding the required relevant information can be a lengthy exercise. Internet search engines, such as Google, allow users to search the Internet but these search engines only supply lists of information that "could" be relevant thereby forcing us, the users, to manually examine the list to select the relevant information that we require. Instead of requiring users to use Internet search engines to find lists of possibly useful information, it would be advantageous to have a system that would give an academic user a research summary report for the specified research query. This research summary report can be formatted in such a manner that would allow the user to have a list of links to the relevant information obtained, which could be used as an aid in the researcher's research projects. The design of the Mobile Agent Information Processing (MAIP) model and prototype relied heavily on mobile software agents (MSA). These MSAs will move from the creator system (the user's computer) to other known peer computer systems participating in the MAIP system. Whilst the MSAs are on the remote computer systems, relevant information is extracted from any of the text documents that are acknowledged as available by the remote host system. The extracted information will be returned to the creator system by each MSA where it will be processed and used to create the research summary report. The MAIP model is designed to locate, retrieve, and summarise information that is relevant to a researcher's research query, it can, therefore, be said that the MAIP model meets all the stated research objectives. The new and innovative model is deemed to offer an effective and feasible technology solution to the problem of information overload that exists within the electronic environment.
- Full Text:
Information technology project managers’ commitment to sustainability
- Authors: Clinning, Grant
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124491 , uj:20923
- Description: Abstract: The concept of sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the face of dwindling resources and increasing demand, boding ill for future generations. Despite this, there are still many industries and disciplines in which sustainability is not actively addressed. The ability to meet current and future needs is not an issue from which IT projects are exempt. Ensuring sustainability requires managing sustainability in all activities. The field of IT and sustainability is one in which literature is appearing, albeit at a slow pace and this leaves many unanswered questions on, among other things, the state of sustainability in IT projects and the commitment of IT project managers to sustainability. In not knowing what the state of sustainability is, potential shortcomings remain unknown, and corrective action cannot be taken. This research focused on assessing the commitment of IT project managers to sustainability and, by extension, the state of sustainability in IT projects. The quantitative research methodology was followed through the use of a survey in the form of a structured questionnaire. This research was cross-sectional as the focus was to assess the state of sustainability at a single point in time. IT project managers were randomly sampled to get an objective view of how committed they are to sustainability. This research made use of a project management sustainability maturity model to measure the extent to which sustainability is addressed in IT projects. Furthermore, the underlying structure of sustainability in project management was assessed through the use of factor analysis in order to determine if it differed for IT projects. This research found that IT project managers are not committed to sustainability. While the economic dimension showed the best results, they were not ideal; it is, however, the social and environmental dimensions that require the most attention. This poor performance is not limited to select aspects within each dimension as each dimension’s aspects are in a similarly poor state. The results also indicate that the structure of sustainability in projects may not be static and may differ between projects of different types. This research suggests that sustainability needs to become a focus for IT project managers. However, for this to happen, they need to recognise the importance of sustainability and acquire the relevant knowledge. This research shows that as a means to address sustainability, projects can be broken down into aspects according to the three dimensions of sustainability. Each aspect can then be assessed to determine how the project is performing with regard to sustainability, resulting in an actionable base from which to address sustainability. Keywords: Sustainability, project management, IT project management, sustainability maturity... , M.Com. (Information Technology Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Clinning, Grant
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124491 , uj:20923
- Description: Abstract: The concept of sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the face of dwindling resources and increasing demand, boding ill for future generations. Despite this, there are still many industries and disciplines in which sustainability is not actively addressed. The ability to meet current and future needs is not an issue from which IT projects are exempt. Ensuring sustainability requires managing sustainability in all activities. The field of IT and sustainability is one in which literature is appearing, albeit at a slow pace and this leaves many unanswered questions on, among other things, the state of sustainability in IT projects and the commitment of IT project managers to sustainability. In not knowing what the state of sustainability is, potential shortcomings remain unknown, and corrective action cannot be taken. This research focused on assessing the commitment of IT project managers to sustainability and, by extension, the state of sustainability in IT projects. The quantitative research methodology was followed through the use of a survey in the form of a structured questionnaire. This research was cross-sectional as the focus was to assess the state of sustainability at a single point in time. IT project managers were randomly sampled to get an objective view of how committed they are to sustainability. This research made use of a project management sustainability maturity model to measure the extent to which sustainability is addressed in IT projects. Furthermore, the underlying structure of sustainability in project management was assessed through the use of factor analysis in order to determine if it differed for IT projects. This research found that IT project managers are not committed to sustainability. While the economic dimension showed the best results, they were not ideal; it is, however, the social and environmental dimensions that require the most attention. This poor performance is not limited to select aspects within each dimension as each dimension’s aspects are in a similarly poor state. The results also indicate that the structure of sustainability in projects may not be static and may differ between projects of different types. This research suggests that sustainability needs to become a focus for IT project managers. However, for this to happen, they need to recognise the importance of sustainability and acquire the relevant knowledge. This research shows that as a means to address sustainability, projects can be broken down into aspects according to the three dimensions of sustainability. Each aspect can then be assessed to determine how the project is performing with regard to sustainability, resulting in an actionable base from which to address sustainability. Keywords: Sustainability, project management, IT project management, sustainability maturity... , M.Com. (Information Technology Management)
- Full Text:
Managing information technology service delivery : a conceptual frame work
- Authors: Sliep, Rachel Marie
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Management information systems , Information technology , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/422288 , uj:36030
- Description: Abstract: Managing information technology (IT) in higher education institutions (HEIs) is not merely difficult but has almost become impossible. Information technology (IT) leaders in HEIs face a challenge to integrate and provide for the continuous accelerating transformation of technology and the way it is applied in HEIs to improve the quality of IT service delivery to satisfy their stakeholders’ expectations. IT leaders need to embrace change with the understanding that IT will need more than a secure set of knowledge and skills in today’s technology demands required from the unique composition of stakeholders. To position HEIs in their current marketplace and ensure competitive advantage, just implementing new technologies and innovations is not nearly enough. It is a requirement from institutional leaders to recognise IT as a key business enabler and to ensure that IT is positioned within the organisation as an investment rather than a cost. Key requirements for IT leadership are to recognise, agree and integrate various frameworks to ensure stability and agility when addressing the continuous challenges of HEIs and providing them with a dynamic application landscape and borderless end-user experience. IT departments within HEIs should dynamically change their philosophy, standards and way of thinking to meet the rapidly changing, everyday organisational demands. .. , Ph.D. (Information Technology Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sliep, Rachel Marie
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Information technology - Management , Management information systems , Information technology , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/422288 , uj:36030
- Description: Abstract: Managing information technology (IT) in higher education institutions (HEIs) is not merely difficult but has almost become impossible. Information technology (IT) leaders in HEIs face a challenge to integrate and provide for the continuous accelerating transformation of technology and the way it is applied in HEIs to improve the quality of IT service delivery to satisfy their stakeholders’ expectations. IT leaders need to embrace change with the understanding that IT will need more than a secure set of knowledge and skills in today’s technology demands required from the unique composition of stakeholders. To position HEIs in their current marketplace and ensure competitive advantage, just implementing new technologies and innovations is not nearly enough. It is a requirement from institutional leaders to recognise IT as a key business enabler and to ensure that IT is positioned within the organisation as an investment rather than a cost. Key requirements for IT leadership are to recognise, agree and integrate various frameworks to ensure stability and agility when addressing the continuous challenges of HEIs and providing them with a dynamic application landscape and borderless end-user experience. IT departments within HEIs should dynamically change their philosophy, standards and way of thinking to meet the rapidly changing, everyday organisational demands. .. , Ph.D. (Information Technology Management)
- Full Text:
Online reputation management at a HEI : social media managers’ views
- Radikariki, Nthabiseng Michelle
- Authors: Radikariki, Nthabiseng Michelle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social media - Management , Information technology - Management , Social media in education
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/421306 , uj:35906
- Description: M.A. (Strategic Communication) , Abstract: The role of social media managers in Higher Education Institutions (HEI) managing online reputation management has become a multifaceted and challenging profession in today’s contemporary world; this is due to technological advancements, virtual communities where information is easily created, accessible and shared openly and freely among these communities thus affecting an organisation’s reputation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ’s) social media managers in faculties regarding their role in managing the online reputation of a HEI. The study further intended to explore if social media managers have clearly defined roles that are guided by the UJ social media policy and appropriate training to assist in executing their roles effectively and strategically when a crisis occurs. The literature discusses three key concepts namely online reputation management, social media and strategic communication. The population of this study was specialist staff members at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), appointed with the task of managing the social media of the university and/or faculties. This research made use of a census to investigate their perceptions regarding their role as social media managers. The census consisted of two staff members from the College of Business and Economics, seven marketing executives from UJ Faculties (who manage social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter) and the UJ social media manager. Data was collected by means of an interview schedule using semi-structured open-ended questions during face-to-face interviews. The semi-structured open-ended questions included the use of probes to elicit detailed information. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis by identifying common themes and differences. The research findings showed that although social media managers in faculties and departments are aware of their roles and responsibilities, a crises plan needed to be made available to all social media managers in faculties and departments of a HEI, should a crisis occur. The researcher recommends that social training should be compulsory to all faculty and department social media managers and that the social media policy needs to be simplified and shortened.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Radikariki, Nthabiseng Michelle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social media - Management , Information technology - Management , Social media in education
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/421306 , uj:35906
- Description: M.A. (Strategic Communication) , Abstract: The role of social media managers in Higher Education Institutions (HEI) managing online reputation management has become a multifaceted and challenging profession in today’s contemporary world; this is due to technological advancements, virtual communities where information is easily created, accessible and shared openly and freely among these communities thus affecting an organisation’s reputation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ’s) social media managers in faculties regarding their role in managing the online reputation of a HEI. The study further intended to explore if social media managers have clearly defined roles that are guided by the UJ social media policy and appropriate training to assist in executing their roles effectively and strategically when a crisis occurs. The literature discusses three key concepts namely online reputation management, social media and strategic communication. The population of this study was specialist staff members at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), appointed with the task of managing the social media of the university and/or faculties. This research made use of a census to investigate their perceptions regarding their role as social media managers. The census consisted of two staff members from the College of Business and Economics, seven marketing executives from UJ Faculties (who manage social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter) and the UJ social media manager. Data was collected by means of an interview schedule using semi-structured open-ended questions during face-to-face interviews. The semi-structured open-ended questions included the use of probes to elicit detailed information. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis by identifying common themes and differences. The research findings showed that although social media managers in faculties and departments are aware of their roles and responsibilities, a crises plan needed to be made available to all social media managers in faculties and departments of a HEI, should a crisis occur. The researcher recommends that social training should be compulsory to all faculty and department social media managers and that the social media policy needs to be simplified and shortened.
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Risk management in information technology projects
- Authors: Antony, Tessy
- Date: 2012-08-01
- Subjects: Risk management , Risk management - Data processing , Project management , Information technology - Management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8902 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5374
- Description: M.Ing. , Information Technology (IT) projects are typically accompanied by a wide variety of complex risks. The rapid rate at which technology is currently changing requires the use of updated processes for project risk management in the IT industry. This paper investigates the active management of risk by focusing on the causes of such risk and developing indicators to track project risk throughout all project phases. The current research focuses on Project Risk Management as described in the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK®) Fourth Edition, detailing the tools and techniques needed to make risk management work in IT projects. This Project Management Institute (PMI) Standard has been adopted for the current research as it is widely accepted by many organisations in order to ensure greater return on investment and other benefits from projects. The PMI’s PMBoK® details an approach to project risk management which includes the process concerned with identifying, analysing, prioritising and mitigating risk at regular intervals. Specifically, it focuses on budget-related risks in order to reduce IT project failure due to budget overruns. Risk measurement and risk control are also incorporated to achieve a sustainable risk management system for IT projects. Finally, a private sector IT project is used as case study in order to apply the research in practice. This case study makes use of Accenture's maturity model concept, which helps us to understand this organisation’s benchmarking in recent years.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Antony, Tessy
- Date: 2012-08-01
- Subjects: Risk management , Risk management - Data processing , Project management , Information technology - Management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8902 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5374
- Description: M.Ing. , Information Technology (IT) projects are typically accompanied by a wide variety of complex risks. The rapid rate at which technology is currently changing requires the use of updated processes for project risk management in the IT industry. This paper investigates the active management of risk by focusing on the causes of such risk and developing indicators to track project risk throughout all project phases. The current research focuses on Project Risk Management as described in the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK®) Fourth Edition, detailing the tools and techniques needed to make risk management work in IT projects. This Project Management Institute (PMI) Standard has been adopted for the current research as it is widely accepted by many organisations in order to ensure greater return on investment and other benefits from projects. The PMI’s PMBoK® details an approach to project risk management which includes the process concerned with identifying, analysing, prioritising and mitigating risk at regular intervals. Specifically, it focuses on budget-related risks in order to reduce IT project failure due to budget overruns. Risk measurement and risk control are also incorporated to achieve a sustainable risk management system for IT projects. Finally, a private sector IT project is used as case study in order to apply the research in practice. This case study makes use of Accenture's maturity model concept, which helps us to understand this organisation’s benchmarking in recent years.
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Systematic innovation : a comprehensive model for business and management with treatment on a South African case
- Authors: Krüger, Louis L.S.J.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Industrial management , Information technology - Management , Business enterprises , Continuous improvement process
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/413098 , uj:34789
- Description: Abstract: This thesis addresses innovation of business and management with the purpose of advancing innovation in South Africa. A Design Science Research methodology is utilised to evaluate the current knowledge base of business and management innovation and construct a high level model for Management Innovation that pertains to all management areas of business including technology and innovation management. This thesis evaluates Learn-by-Experimentation (Trial and Error), Van Gundy’s Structured Creative Processes and Mann’s model constructed in practice. The Learn-by-Experimentation is a methodology only suited for physical innovation. The Structured Creative Processes are found to be of a generic nature which is not suitable for Innovation of Business and Management. Mann’s model is a projection of TRIZ onto business and management that addresses a subset of the business areas. The literature study in this thesis showed the identification of innovation opportunities was explicitly addressed by Van Gundy and implicitly treated by Mann. The “General Internet Access” for South Africans, as envisioned in the National Development Plan to stimulate economic growth, has been analysed for systematic innovation potential and did not render the desired outcome. The NDP will require further development to enable systematic innovation. In the course of this research a spiral innovation model for systematic business and management is developed through intensive literature analysis to cover the identified gaps. The model consists of the following steps: 1. Identification 2. Analysis and Definition 3. Select Approach 4. Create Potential Solutions 5. Verify and Validate Solutions 6. Implement the best Verified and Validated Solution with the idea to converge towards an Ideal Final Result. The results of this study is a contribution to the knowledge base of business and management innovation. , D.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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- Authors: Krüger, Louis L.S.J.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Industrial management , Information technology - Management , Business enterprises , Continuous improvement process
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/413098 , uj:34789
- Description: Abstract: This thesis addresses innovation of business and management with the purpose of advancing innovation in South Africa. A Design Science Research methodology is utilised to evaluate the current knowledge base of business and management innovation and construct a high level model for Management Innovation that pertains to all management areas of business including technology and innovation management. This thesis evaluates Learn-by-Experimentation (Trial and Error), Van Gundy’s Structured Creative Processes and Mann’s model constructed in practice. The Learn-by-Experimentation is a methodology only suited for physical innovation. The Structured Creative Processes are found to be of a generic nature which is not suitable for Innovation of Business and Management. Mann’s model is a projection of TRIZ onto business and management that addresses a subset of the business areas. The literature study in this thesis showed the identification of innovation opportunities was explicitly addressed by Van Gundy and implicitly treated by Mann. The “General Internet Access” for South Africans, as envisioned in the National Development Plan to stimulate economic growth, has been analysed for systematic innovation potential and did not render the desired outcome. The NDP will require further development to enable systematic innovation. In the course of this research a spiral innovation model for systematic business and management is developed through intensive literature analysis to cover the identified gaps. The model consists of the following steps: 1. Identification 2. Analysis and Definition 3. Select Approach 4. Create Potential Solutions 5. Verify and Validate Solutions 6. Implement the best Verified and Validated Solution with the idea to converge towards an Ideal Final Result. The results of this study is a contribution to the knowledge base of business and management innovation. , D.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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