The provisioning of information and communication technology resources in the Mpumalanga Department of Education in FET schools in the Gert Sibande district.
- Authors: Mofokeng, Peter Lebetse
- Date: 2008-10-14T11:23:56Z
- Subjects: Mpumalanga (South Africa) , universities and colleges , information technology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:12030 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1177
- Description: M.Ed. , This research provides an analysis on provisioning of information and communication technology (ICT) resources at public further education and training (FET) at Gert Sibande region in Mpumalanga province. In particular the research focuses on the readiness of public FET schools in Gert Sibande region to implement e-Education policy. The main purpose of this inquiry is to conduct baseline surveys focused on the factors that may influence the provisioning of ICT resources in the Gert Sibande region in the MDE. The literature study revealed that computers can deliver and promote high quality education (Kuperstein and Gentile, 1998: 87). Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adds more value to education systems (Forcier, 1996). Since the use of ICT in schools has been shown to be effective, many educators, parents and students already believe that ICT should be the integral part of the South African Education System (Department of Education, 1996). In this study I have collected quantitative data from the participants through survey questionnaires from both the school management teams (SMT) and ICT officials at Gert Sibande region. From the findings on analysis of data, I clustered survey questions (See Annexure A & B) with similar focus into four categories each of which will be explained in greater detail in chapter 4 and 5, namely: • White paper 7 (Interaction), derived from question 4 and 7, • Capacity development of ICT literacy of educators, resultant of question 2 • Policies on distribution/provisioning of ICT resources, derived from question 5, 6, 7 and 8, and • Feasibility of White paper 7 on e-education derived from question 9 and 10. , Prof. D. van der Westhuizen
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- Authors: Mofokeng, Peter Lebetse
- Date: 2008-10-14T11:23:56Z
- Subjects: Mpumalanga (South Africa) , universities and colleges , information technology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:12030 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1177
- Description: M.Ed. , This research provides an analysis on provisioning of information and communication technology (ICT) resources at public further education and training (FET) at Gert Sibande region in Mpumalanga province. In particular the research focuses on the readiness of public FET schools in Gert Sibande region to implement e-Education policy. The main purpose of this inquiry is to conduct baseline surveys focused on the factors that may influence the provisioning of ICT resources in the Gert Sibande region in the MDE. The literature study revealed that computers can deliver and promote high quality education (Kuperstein and Gentile, 1998: 87). Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adds more value to education systems (Forcier, 1996). Since the use of ICT in schools has been shown to be effective, many educators, parents and students already believe that ICT should be the integral part of the South African Education System (Department of Education, 1996). In this study I have collected quantitative data from the participants through survey questionnaires from both the school management teams (SMT) and ICT officials at Gert Sibande region. From the findings on analysis of data, I clustered survey questions (See Annexure A & B) with similar focus into four categories each of which will be explained in greater detail in chapter 4 and 5, namely: • White paper 7 (Interaction), derived from question 4 and 7, • Capacity development of ICT literacy of educators, resultant of question 2 • Policies on distribution/provisioning of ICT resources, derived from question 5, 6, 7 and 8, and • Feasibility of White paper 7 on e-education derived from question 9 and 10. , Prof. D. van der Westhuizen
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The readiness of teachers to integrate information and communication technology for learning in a selected school in the GautengOnline project.
- Hlatshwayo, Nomathemba Faustinah
- Authors: Hlatshwayo, Nomathemba Faustinah
- Date: 2008-08-21T12:49:49Z
- Subjects: Gauteng (SouthAfrica) , GautengOnline project , teachers in service training , computer assisted instruction , educational technology , information technology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3640 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/901
- Description: This study is aimed at providing the reader with a detailed description of the readiness of teachers to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for learning in a selected school in the GautengOnline (GoL) Project, through qualitative research design that used various data collecting methods: Questionnaire, observations and interview. A large number of teachers showed some interest in using ICT learning but had difficulties on how to get started due to the lack of suitable ICT skills. It has been observed that computers in this school are mainly used by a few teachers for administration purposes. Four teacher participants were interviewed individually to find how ready were they to integrate ICT for learning after the GoL training has been completed. The interviews revealed that there was no ICT integration that was taking place in this school due to training that left them with insufficient ICT integration skills and knowledge. The research results provided evidence that there was poor utilisation of ICT integration in this school, though teachers were interested in using computers. The research indicated that many teachers are reluctant to attempt to integrate computers into teaching and learning without ICT teaching assistance. Teaching assistance may only need to be for a limited period until teachers gain confidence and competence, although the need for technical assistance is likely to be permanent. In the literature review, ideas are given on how ICT can be integrated for learning and the aims of ICT integration are also provided for teachers to obtain knowledge of what is required of them in ICT integration. In the final chapter, recommendations for further research are highlighted to make ICT integration possible in this selected school. Lack of skills and knowledge of how to use ICT for learning has led the teachers in this school to take no notice of how learners can benefit in learning with computers.Clearly, there is still a long way to go before some schools and some teachers are able to use computers as effectively and efficiently for teaching and learning. The Gauteng Department of Education and the GautengOnline project will need to ensure that usage of ICT in individual schools and classes does not fall below acceptable ICT standards. , Prof. D. van der Westhuizen
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- Authors: Hlatshwayo, Nomathemba Faustinah
- Date: 2008-08-21T12:49:49Z
- Subjects: Gauteng (SouthAfrica) , GautengOnline project , teachers in service training , computer assisted instruction , educational technology , information technology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3640 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/901
- Description: This study is aimed at providing the reader with a detailed description of the readiness of teachers to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for learning in a selected school in the GautengOnline (GoL) Project, through qualitative research design that used various data collecting methods: Questionnaire, observations and interview. A large number of teachers showed some interest in using ICT learning but had difficulties on how to get started due to the lack of suitable ICT skills. It has been observed that computers in this school are mainly used by a few teachers for administration purposes. Four teacher participants were interviewed individually to find how ready were they to integrate ICT for learning after the GoL training has been completed. The interviews revealed that there was no ICT integration that was taking place in this school due to training that left them with insufficient ICT integration skills and knowledge. The research results provided evidence that there was poor utilisation of ICT integration in this school, though teachers were interested in using computers. The research indicated that many teachers are reluctant to attempt to integrate computers into teaching and learning without ICT teaching assistance. Teaching assistance may only need to be for a limited period until teachers gain confidence and competence, although the need for technical assistance is likely to be permanent. In the literature review, ideas are given on how ICT can be integrated for learning and the aims of ICT integration are also provided for teachers to obtain knowledge of what is required of them in ICT integration. In the final chapter, recommendations for further research are highlighted to make ICT integration possible in this selected school. Lack of skills and knowledge of how to use ICT for learning has led the teachers in this school to take no notice of how learners can benefit in learning with computers.Clearly, there is still a long way to go before some schools and some teachers are able to use computers as effectively and efficiently for teaching and learning. The Gauteng Department of Education and the GautengOnline project will need to ensure that usage of ICT in individual schools and classes does not fall below acceptable ICT standards. , Prof. D. van der Westhuizen
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Key determinants in strategic realignment within a digital global business environment.
- Authors: Weeks, Richard Vernon
- Date: 2008-05-06T10:11:46Z
- Subjects: communication and technology , information technology , organizational change management , globalization , strategic planning
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6815 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/324
- Description: Information and communication technology is rapidly transforming the world of business. It in particular has played a significant role in globalisation, the ramifications of which South Africa can ill afford to ignore. A key facet of emerging innovative technologies and globalisation is the environmental uncertainty, complexity and turbulence it has engendered. Traditional strategic management paradigms and practice are largely founded on the assumption of environmental predictability, a reality that is rapidly being eroded. This thesis attempts to determine to what degree strategic management theory still correlates with contemporary strategic management practice. Various levels of environmental uncertainty are defined in order to gain clarity as to strategic management processes that are best suited for dealing therewith. Three key determinants are identified as having a significant impact on the strategic realignment of business institutions within a global business environment, namely information and communication technology, business systems, and change management. A central tenet that emerges from the study is the need for a framework to integrate the first two mentioned determinants at strategic and operational levels, while taking due cognisance of the human resources implications involved. Human emotions, feelings, relationships, fears, values, beliefs and aspirations collectively assume relevance as dimensions that can either inhibit or facilitate the strategic realignment process. These dimensions are analysed with reference to the concepts “emotional intelligence” and “organisational culture” in order to gain a greater understanding of the role they play in strategy formulation and implementation. Leadership is also identified as being business critical in managing strategic realignment. The findings of this study serve as a source of reference for researchers and practitioners who are attempting to formulate and implement strategy within contexts that are best described as being uncertain, complex and subject to discontinuous change. , Prof. N. Lessing
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- Authors: Weeks, Richard Vernon
- Date: 2008-05-06T10:11:46Z
- Subjects: communication and technology , information technology , organizational change management , globalization , strategic planning
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6815 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/324
- Description: Information and communication technology is rapidly transforming the world of business. It in particular has played a significant role in globalisation, the ramifications of which South Africa can ill afford to ignore. A key facet of emerging innovative technologies and globalisation is the environmental uncertainty, complexity and turbulence it has engendered. Traditional strategic management paradigms and practice are largely founded on the assumption of environmental predictability, a reality that is rapidly being eroded. This thesis attempts to determine to what degree strategic management theory still correlates with contemporary strategic management practice. Various levels of environmental uncertainty are defined in order to gain clarity as to strategic management processes that are best suited for dealing therewith. Three key determinants are identified as having a significant impact on the strategic realignment of business institutions within a global business environment, namely information and communication technology, business systems, and change management. A central tenet that emerges from the study is the need for a framework to integrate the first two mentioned determinants at strategic and operational levels, while taking due cognisance of the human resources implications involved. Human emotions, feelings, relationships, fears, values, beliefs and aspirations collectively assume relevance as dimensions that can either inhibit or facilitate the strategic realignment process. These dimensions are analysed with reference to the concepts “emotional intelligence” and “organisational culture” in order to gain a greater understanding of the role they play in strategy formulation and implementation. Leadership is also identified as being business critical in managing strategic realignment. The findings of this study serve as a source of reference for researchers and practitioners who are attempting to formulate and implement strategy within contexts that are best described as being uncertain, complex and subject to discontinuous change. , Prof. N. Lessing
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A framework for ethical information security.
- Authors: Trompeter, Colette
- Date: 2008-05-06T10:10:35Z
- Subjects: computer security , data protection , information technology , business ethics
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/314
- Description: Organisations are under constant pressure to comply with information security requirements. However, this seldom happens. Information security is like a patchwork quilt - the protection it provides is only as good as its weakest stitch. The electronic business revolution has compounded this situation, as millions of dollars are being tossed about, and rules and regulations have yet to be written. Another problem is that information has to be protected over a geographically dispersed network. It stands to reason then that instances of unethical, even criminal, behaviour are growing exponentially. The principal aim of this research was to consider information security from an ethical perspective. Information security has been a well researched topic for several years. Therefore an investigation was carried out as to whether information security conforms to what individuals and organisations deem as being morally and behaviourally correct. An investigation was carried out into the age-old philosophy of ethically correct behaviour. This was then applied to information security and three ethical information security controls were identified that could provide protection in this e-business environment. A framework was developed to illustrate how a “pillar of strength” can be established in organisations to create an awareness of ethically correct behaviour in securing information. This framework was applied to recently accepted information security standards to test their applicability to the creation of ethical awareness. The research concludes by determining the ability of organisations to adhere to ethically correct behavioural patterns in information security. , Prof. J.H.P. Eloff
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- Authors: Trompeter, Colette
- Date: 2008-05-06T10:10:35Z
- Subjects: computer security , data protection , information technology , business ethics
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/314
- Description: Organisations are under constant pressure to comply with information security requirements. However, this seldom happens. Information security is like a patchwork quilt - the protection it provides is only as good as its weakest stitch. The electronic business revolution has compounded this situation, as millions of dollars are being tossed about, and rules and regulations have yet to be written. Another problem is that information has to be protected over a geographically dispersed network. It stands to reason then that instances of unethical, even criminal, behaviour are growing exponentially. The principal aim of this research was to consider information security from an ethical perspective. Information security has been a well researched topic for several years. Therefore an investigation was carried out as to whether information security conforms to what individuals and organisations deem as being morally and behaviourally correct. An investigation was carried out into the age-old philosophy of ethically correct behaviour. This was then applied to information security and three ethical information security controls were identified that could provide protection in this e-business environment. A framework was developed to illustrate how a “pillar of strength” can be established in organisations to create an awareness of ethically correct behaviour in securing information. This framework was applied to recently accepted information security standards to test their applicability to the creation of ethical awareness. The research concludes by determining the ability of organisations to adhere to ethically correct behavioural patterns in information security. , Prof. J.H.P. Eloff
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Open source software as a value alternative to commercial software.
- Authors: Kok, Frits
- Date: 2008-04-23T05:31:06Z
- Subjects: information technology , open source software , computer software
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8550 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/275
- Description: Chapter 2 starts by discussing the approach to take when evaluating open source software from a value perspective, in other words, to look past the “excitement” in order to make an objective, fact-based decision. To identify value aspects, the customer activity cycle is used. This cycle defines three phases of activity – pre, during and post, with value contributions possible at each phase. The pre phase is then elaborated upon in this chapter – a phase where the decision on “what” is made. In other words, what product is most necessary for an organisation based on its current requirements in the value chain, the value delivery network as well as minimising the type of risks involved. , Prof. N. Lessing
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- Authors: Kok, Frits
- Date: 2008-04-23T05:31:06Z
- Subjects: information technology , open source software , computer software
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8550 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/275
- Description: Chapter 2 starts by discussing the approach to take when evaluating open source software from a value perspective, in other words, to look past the “excitement” in order to make an objective, fact-based decision. To identify value aspects, the customer activity cycle is used. This cycle defines three phases of activity – pre, during and post, with value contributions possible at each phase. The pre phase is then elaborated upon in this chapter – a phase where the decision on “what” is made. In other words, what product is most necessary for an organisation based on its current requirements in the value chain, the value delivery network as well as minimising the type of risks involved. , Prof. N. Lessing
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Information technology: management issues in outsource contracts.
- Authors: Coetzee, Dirkie
- Date: 2008-04-22T06:17:17Z
- Subjects: information technology , contracting out
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8513 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/266
- Description: This study concerns the investigation of management issues within information technology outsourcing contracts. The information technology outsourcing life cycle is used as the flow structure for the investigation. The associated user expectations that occur in each of the phases of the information technology outsourcing life cycle are identified. Following the identification of the management and user expectation issues in each phase of the outsource life cycle, the “Coetzee solution framework” is introduced to ensure that the identified management problems are addressed in a structured approach. The solution framework is described in the context of each phase of the information technology outsourcing life cycle. As business process outsourcing is emerging as a long term business solution, the trends in business process outsourcing with the related factors that are contributing to the growth of business process outsourcing are investigated. The inhibitors that slow down the progress of acceptance for business process outsourcing are also investigated. The interdependence of information technology outsourcing and business process outsourcing is also shortly reviewed. , Prof. N. Lessing
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- Authors: Coetzee, Dirkie
- Date: 2008-04-22T06:17:17Z
- Subjects: information technology , contracting out
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8513 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/266
- Description: This study concerns the investigation of management issues within information technology outsourcing contracts. The information technology outsourcing life cycle is used as the flow structure for the investigation. The associated user expectations that occur in each of the phases of the information technology outsourcing life cycle are identified. Following the identification of the management and user expectation issues in each phase of the outsource life cycle, the “Coetzee solution framework” is introduced to ensure that the identified management problems are addressed in a structured approach. The solution framework is described in the context of each phase of the information technology outsourcing life cycle. As business process outsourcing is emerging as a long term business solution, the trends in business process outsourcing with the related factors that are contributing to the growth of business process outsourcing are investigated. The inhibitors that slow down the progress of acceptance for business process outsourcing are also investigated. The interdependence of information technology outsourcing and business process outsourcing is also shortly reviewed. , Prof. N. Lessing
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Werksbevrediging en motivering met verwysing na die inligtingstegnologiebedryf : 'n kritiese evaluaring.
- Authors: Geldenhuys, Deon
- Date: 2008-04-22T06:16:58Z
- Subjects: information technology , employee motivation , job satisfaction
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8480 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/263
- Description: Workers who are adequately motivated derive satisfaction from their jobs. Their productivity is enhanced and therefore employees’ job satisfaction deserves serious attention from managers and researchers in various disciplines [DO95]. Human behaviour is complex and the study of motivation searches for answers to perplexing questions that revolve around human nature. Numerous theories of motivation have been developed and those of some of the best-known authors such as Maslow, Herzberg, McGregor, McClelland, Atkinson, Hackman and Oldham, Vroom and Porter and Lawler will be discussed. Possible implications of the application and manifestation of the theories in an information technology environment are also thrashed out, and the potential integration of the existing theories and the relationship between motivation and job satisfaction, are considered. The function of an information technology environment is to provide a professional service to internal as well as external customers and successful companies manage much more than their assets and records. The focus is also on relationships with clients, employees, shareholders, and stakeholders and how well this service will be rendered depends upon the self-motivation of the employees. Job satisfaction within an institution serves as an indicator of morale as well as of a successful operation and findings of motivation and job satisfaction can be very useful to both management and their staff. Many businesses are still structured according to an outdated business model of management style that has become obsolete in an information age. Management must seriously address job satisfaction issues if the company wants to prosper and survive. , Prof. W. Backer
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- Authors: Geldenhuys, Deon
- Date: 2008-04-22T06:16:58Z
- Subjects: information technology , employee motivation , job satisfaction
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8480 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/263
- Description: Workers who are adequately motivated derive satisfaction from their jobs. Their productivity is enhanced and therefore employees’ job satisfaction deserves serious attention from managers and researchers in various disciplines [DO95]. Human behaviour is complex and the study of motivation searches for answers to perplexing questions that revolve around human nature. Numerous theories of motivation have been developed and those of some of the best-known authors such as Maslow, Herzberg, McGregor, McClelland, Atkinson, Hackman and Oldham, Vroom and Porter and Lawler will be discussed. Possible implications of the application and manifestation of the theories in an information technology environment are also thrashed out, and the potential integration of the existing theories and the relationship between motivation and job satisfaction, are considered. The function of an information technology environment is to provide a professional service to internal as well as external customers and successful companies manage much more than their assets and records. The focus is also on relationships with clients, employees, shareholders, and stakeholders and how well this service will be rendered depends upon the self-motivation of the employees. Job satisfaction within an institution serves as an indicator of morale as well as of a successful operation and findings of motivation and job satisfaction can be very useful to both management and their staff. Many businesses are still structured according to an outdated business model of management style that has become obsolete in an information age. Management must seriously address job satisfaction issues if the company wants to prosper and survive. , Prof. W. Backer
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