The influence of ICT tools and project management maturity on virtual team performance
- Authors: Katane, Jacqueline
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Virtual work teams , Communication in organizations , Teams in the workplace - Computer networks , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/282975 , uj:30503
- Description: Abstract: The expansion of organisations causes them into offering their products or services and/or consuming products and services that are offered abroad. It is no longer sufficient for organisations to operate locally if their desire is to reach their full potential. Broadening their scope provides the organisations with the desired growth. For the link between organisations and their offshore customers or suppliers to exist there needs to be communication across borders. Teams are formed between the different employees from the different locations to achieve a specified goal. The team members are not co-located and they need the assistance of information communications technology (ICT) tools to communicate with one another. This kind of team is referred to as a virtual team. A lot of attention has been given to virtual teams over the years but despite this attention, there is still little knowledge available about how to manage them (Dulebohn & Hoch, 2017). This indicates that there is still an opportunity to explore the success factors of virtual teams. Poor management of projects can cause the failure of a project (Anantatmula & Rad, 2013). This suggests that an organisation should invest in the maturity of their project management to ensure the success of their virtual projects. The research goal is to investigate the influence that information and communication technology tools and project management maturity has on the performance of virtual teams. This research looks at extended factors on virtual team performance which are: leadership, communication and trust. A good leader needs to have good communication skills in order to successfully coordinate a virtual team. Trust is needed for the virtual team to have honest communication among themselves. Face to face contact in virtual teams is minimal to none, affecting the performance of a virtual team and impacting on the authority and leadership in the virtual team. This also has an impact on the trust among virtual team members and the level of accountability by virtual team members. Virtual teams rely on ICT tools for communication and these tools are emerging at a frequent rate. This research aims to discover if keeping up with emerging ICT tools can supply virtual team members with improved communication which in turn will improve their performance... , M.Tech. (Applied Information Systems)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Katane, Jacqueline
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Virtual work teams , Communication in organizations , Teams in the workplace - Computer networks , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/282975 , uj:30503
- Description: Abstract: The expansion of organisations causes them into offering their products or services and/or consuming products and services that are offered abroad. It is no longer sufficient for organisations to operate locally if their desire is to reach their full potential. Broadening their scope provides the organisations with the desired growth. For the link between organisations and their offshore customers or suppliers to exist there needs to be communication across borders. Teams are formed between the different employees from the different locations to achieve a specified goal. The team members are not co-located and they need the assistance of information communications technology (ICT) tools to communicate with one another. This kind of team is referred to as a virtual team. A lot of attention has been given to virtual teams over the years but despite this attention, there is still little knowledge available about how to manage them (Dulebohn & Hoch, 2017). This indicates that there is still an opportunity to explore the success factors of virtual teams. Poor management of projects can cause the failure of a project (Anantatmula & Rad, 2013). This suggests that an organisation should invest in the maturity of their project management to ensure the success of their virtual projects. The research goal is to investigate the influence that information and communication technology tools and project management maturity has on the performance of virtual teams. This research looks at extended factors on virtual team performance which are: leadership, communication and trust. A good leader needs to have good communication skills in order to successfully coordinate a virtual team. Trust is needed for the virtual team to have honest communication among themselves. Face to face contact in virtual teams is minimal to none, affecting the performance of a virtual team and impacting on the authority and leadership in the virtual team. This also has an impact on the trust among virtual team members and the level of accountability by virtual team members. Virtual teams rely on ICT tools for communication and these tools are emerging at a frequent rate. This research aims to discover if keeping up with emerging ICT tools can supply virtual team members with improved communication which in turn will improve their performance... , M.Tech. (Applied Information Systems)
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High achievers in the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) and their perceptions of the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in their teaching
- Mabitsela, Lorraine Nombuyiselo
- Authors: Mabitsela, Lorraine Nombuyiselo
- Date: 2012-06-07
- Subjects: Education technology , Computer-assisted instruction , Information technology , Teaching - Aids and devices , Media programs (Education) - South Africa
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:8675 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5030
- Description: M.Ed. , The main aim of the study is: To establish how high achievers on the IQMS perceive the role of computer technology in their teaching To link IQMS performance standards with ICT competences To determine, during the empirical component of this inquiry, how high achievers on the IQMS appraisal perceive the role of ICT in their teaching To represent individual stories of ICT integration in the format of traditional African stories that may be more relevant to the broader African public.
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- Authors: Mabitsela, Lorraine Nombuyiselo
- Date: 2012-06-07
- Subjects: Education technology , Computer-assisted instruction , Information technology , Teaching - Aids and devices , Media programs (Education) - South Africa
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:8675 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5030
- Description: M.Ed. , The main aim of the study is: To establish how high achievers on the IQMS perceive the role of computer technology in their teaching To link IQMS performance standards with ICT competences To determine, during the empirical component of this inquiry, how high achievers on the IQMS appraisal perceive the role of ICT in their teaching To represent individual stories of ICT integration in the format of traditional African stories that may be more relevant to the broader African public.
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Bring your own device and information technology service delivery : a higher education institution case study
- Authors: Sliep, Chelma
- Date: 2015-03-18
- Subjects: Educational technology , World Wide Web , Information technology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13455 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13491
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management ) , Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sliep, Chelma
- Date: 2015-03-18
- Subjects: Educational technology , World Wide Web , Information technology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13455 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13491
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management ) , Please refer to full text to view abstract
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The alignment of information technology (IT) with business strategies in small and medium-size enterprises
- Makhathini, Bongumusa Emmanuel
- Authors: Makhathini, Bongumusa Emmanuel
- Date: 2011-09-15T07:58:04Z
- Subjects: Information technology , Business strategy , Small business
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7213 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3847
- Description: M.Comm. , In the current economy, leveraging information technology (“IT”) is of vital importance to gain a sustainable competitive advantage. To accomplish this, companies must ensure the alignment of IT with business strategy. The fundamental goal of alignment should be for IT capabilities to support, enable, and, where appropriate, lead business strategy. Such alignment will maximize the effective use and value of IT in a strategic context. The alignment of IT and business strategy is not easily achieved and has always presented IT and business executives with numerous problems. One of many challenges facing small businesses is that IT strategy appears to take a parallel course to business strategy, maintaining a common direction with business strategy but at a distance. The objective of this research is to identify the impact of this separation of strategy, and understand how to enable enhanced alignment of IT and business strategy. The research scope focuses on the alignment of IT and business strategy in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The Strategic Alignment Model will be used to analyse IT and business strategy alignment. The value that IT contributes to the organisation will be analysed in terms of three dimensions: systems, users and the wider business. The research will seek to establish whether a relationship exists between strategic alignment and the value of IT to the organisation. Data has been collected through structured interviews conducted with management executives from various SMEs. A concise introduction with each participant ensured a common understanding of key terms and concepts. Questionnaires were also mailed to willing participants where personal interviews were not possible. The findings of this study are expected to assist the alignment of IT and business strategy in SMEs in South Africa resulting in greater realisation of IT value and benefits.
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- Authors: Makhathini, Bongumusa Emmanuel
- Date: 2011-09-15T07:58:04Z
- Subjects: Information technology , Business strategy , Small business
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7213 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3847
- Description: M.Comm. , In the current economy, leveraging information technology (“IT”) is of vital importance to gain a sustainable competitive advantage. To accomplish this, companies must ensure the alignment of IT with business strategy. The fundamental goal of alignment should be for IT capabilities to support, enable, and, where appropriate, lead business strategy. Such alignment will maximize the effective use and value of IT in a strategic context. The alignment of IT and business strategy is not easily achieved and has always presented IT and business executives with numerous problems. One of many challenges facing small businesses is that IT strategy appears to take a parallel course to business strategy, maintaining a common direction with business strategy but at a distance. The objective of this research is to identify the impact of this separation of strategy, and understand how to enable enhanced alignment of IT and business strategy. The research scope focuses on the alignment of IT and business strategy in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The Strategic Alignment Model will be used to analyse IT and business strategy alignment. The value that IT contributes to the organisation will be analysed in terms of three dimensions: systems, users and the wider business. The research will seek to establish whether a relationship exists between strategic alignment and the value of IT to the organisation. Data has been collected through structured interviews conducted with management executives from various SMEs. A concise introduction with each participant ensured a common understanding of key terms and concepts. Questionnaires were also mailed to willing participants where personal interviews were not possible. The findings of this study are expected to assist the alignment of IT and business strategy in SMEs in South Africa resulting in greater realisation of IT value and benefits.
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Die ontwikkeling van 'n kategoriseringsmeganisme vir beheermaatreëls in die veld van rekenaarsekerheid en die koppeling daarvan met standaarde vir beheermaatreëls
- Authors: Bosch, Christiaan Johannes
- Date: 2014-11-20
- Subjects: Computer security , Information technology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13094 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12972
- Description: M.Sc. (Informatics) , Please refer to full text to view abstract
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- Authors: Bosch, Christiaan Johannes
- Date: 2014-11-20
- Subjects: Computer security , Information technology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13094 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12972
- Description: M.Sc. (Informatics) , Please refer to full text to view abstract
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Freedom of information : a case for classifying access to ICT’s as a human right
- Authors: Nnenna, Ajufo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Freedom of information , Information technology , Human rights
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/270772 , uj:28788
- Description: LL.D. , Abstract: Freedom of information is regarded as an extension of freedom of speech, a fundamental human right recognized in international law, which is today understood more generally as freedom of expression in any medium, be it orally, in writing, print, through the internet or through art forms. Society is witnessing a period of unprecedented growth in the area of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) where advances in ICTs are beginning to have an impact on international human rights. It is held that ICTs are epoch-defining technologies just like the steam engine, electricity and automobiles. At the heart of the present developments are the innovations made possible by ICTs, particularly, the emergence of the information society. ICTs and the relevance of the information society to development prompt the extreme importance of access to ICTs.Based on this, it can been submitted that those who lack access to ICTs are marginalised as regards the full realisation of certain human rights, particularly the right to freedom of information and the right to development. This has further prompted the argument that implicit in the right to freedom of information is the right of access to ICTs.
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- Authors: Nnenna, Ajufo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Freedom of information , Information technology , Human rights
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/270772 , uj:28788
- Description: LL.D. , Abstract: Freedom of information is regarded as an extension of freedom of speech, a fundamental human right recognized in international law, which is today understood more generally as freedom of expression in any medium, be it orally, in writing, print, through the internet or through art forms. Society is witnessing a period of unprecedented growth in the area of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) where advances in ICTs are beginning to have an impact on international human rights. It is held that ICTs are epoch-defining technologies just like the steam engine, electricity and automobiles. At the heart of the present developments are the innovations made possible by ICTs, particularly, the emergence of the information society. ICTs and the relevance of the information society to development prompt the extreme importance of access to ICTs.Based on this, it can been submitted that those who lack access to ICTs are marginalised as regards the full realisation of certain human rights, particularly the right to freedom of information and the right to development. This has further prompted the argument that implicit in the right to freedom of information is the right of access to ICTs.
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Constructing a leadership model: derived from a South African business leader's life-story
- Authors: Beyleveld, Arnold
- Date: 2010-02-23T10:28:35Z
- Subjects: Leadership , Information technology , Information technology management , Organizational change management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6635 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3036
- Description: D.Phil. , The aim of the study was to explore and understand the emerging leadership challenges in order to further enhance the development of leadership and management in the information technology industry in South Africa. A combined casing and life-story approach in this modernist qualitative research study was employed. Selective sampling, as described by Plummer (1983; 2001) as part of his critical humanistic approach, was employed to select the CEO, Mr X, from a particular South African information technology company. Data were obtained mainly from solicited sources, but also some that were unsolicited. This resulted in a life story containing rich descriptive data obtained at first hand from Mr X’s professional career and associated areas of his life. The life -story of this storyteller was organised manually as well as with the aid of ATLAS-Ti 5.0, a computer-based software package suitable for this type of study. The leadership landscape model of Veldsman (2004), a local expert in the area of leadership, together with key theoretical concepts found in the literature, were used to construct an enhanced leadership model. Appropriate qualitative guidelines were used to ensure a study that attends to both academic rigour and aesthetics. The resultant constructed leadership model offers important, if not unique, insights and findings regarding the leadership environment, individual psychosocial dynamics, competencies and capabilities, as well as leadership roles, modes, styles and processes that contribute to personal leadership effectiveness. The thesis illuminates and offers recommendations for a number of methodological and theoretical implications regarding local and global leadership studies, as well as for practice and policy regarding leadership and managerial development.
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- Authors: Beyleveld, Arnold
- Date: 2010-02-23T10:28:35Z
- Subjects: Leadership , Information technology , Information technology management , Organizational change management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6635 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3036
- Description: D.Phil. , The aim of the study was to explore and understand the emerging leadership challenges in order to further enhance the development of leadership and management in the information technology industry in South Africa. A combined casing and life-story approach in this modernist qualitative research study was employed. Selective sampling, as described by Plummer (1983; 2001) as part of his critical humanistic approach, was employed to select the CEO, Mr X, from a particular South African information technology company. Data were obtained mainly from solicited sources, but also some that were unsolicited. This resulted in a life story containing rich descriptive data obtained at first hand from Mr X’s professional career and associated areas of his life. The life -story of this storyteller was organised manually as well as with the aid of ATLAS-Ti 5.0, a computer-based software package suitable for this type of study. The leadership landscape model of Veldsman (2004), a local expert in the area of leadership, together with key theoretical concepts found in the literature, were used to construct an enhanced leadership model. Appropriate qualitative guidelines were used to ensure a study that attends to both academic rigour and aesthetics. The resultant constructed leadership model offers important, if not unique, insights and findings regarding the leadership environment, individual psychosocial dynamics, competencies and capabilities, as well as leadership roles, modes, styles and processes that contribute to personal leadership effectiveness. The thesis illuminates and offers recommendations for a number of methodological and theoretical implications regarding local and global leadership studies, as well as for practice and policy regarding leadership and managerial development.
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A holistic framework for successful sponsoring IT projects from an IT governance persepective
- Authors: Letchtman, Elazar
- Date: 2008-04-23T10:39:40Z
- Subjects: Information technology , South Africa , ICT governance , Information communications technology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8588 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/284
- Description: Over the past decade, research conducted for the benefit of IT project management has pointed to numerous factors that contribute to organisational project success. Support from executives and top management is often cited as an imperative factor, whilst having clear business objectives for conducting projects follows closely behind. The linchpin between the executive leadership team and project managers is the project sponsor, who is in a position to directly contribute to the two aforementioned project success factors. The precise responsibilities of the sponsor, however, remain relatively poorly defined. As a result, it is important to focus on this very important role and provide those who are in this position with a set of activities that would facilitate greater project success. Further to this, the corporate governance scandals of the past few years and the consequent publication of relevant acts of legislation and governance standards has forced top management to become more interested in the conduct of their organisation’s portfolio of projects. This research study therefore addresses both the formal and informal aspects of the role of the project sponsor and has provided guidance to organisations and professional associations in defining the role and responsibilities of the project sponsor within a corporate governance framework. The first goal was therefore to establish a holistic corporate governance framework that encompasses the roles of IT and project management in the organisation. By doing so, executives are given a road map that aligns all IT projects with organisational strategy and a means to facilitate greater internal control over all IT project-related activities. This was developed by identifying the relevance and implications that recent corporate scandals around the world have had on IT and project management in general. This then led to combining COBIT (which is an IT governance Abstract ii framework) and a new project governance framework (known as the PG framework) to form a corporate governance framework. This is followed by the development of a generic project sponsorship competency framework that provides organisations with a benchmark that assesses whether an individual is appropriately suited for the role of sponsoring an IT project. Both frameworks provide a means to facilitate better strategic alignment and internal control of all IT project-related activities, and thus contribute to the improvement of IT project management capability within the organisation. , Labuschagne, L., Prof.
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- Authors: Letchtman, Elazar
- Date: 2008-04-23T10:39:40Z
- Subjects: Information technology , South Africa , ICT governance , Information communications technology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8588 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/284
- Description: Over the past decade, research conducted for the benefit of IT project management has pointed to numerous factors that contribute to organisational project success. Support from executives and top management is often cited as an imperative factor, whilst having clear business objectives for conducting projects follows closely behind. The linchpin between the executive leadership team and project managers is the project sponsor, who is in a position to directly contribute to the two aforementioned project success factors. The precise responsibilities of the sponsor, however, remain relatively poorly defined. As a result, it is important to focus on this very important role and provide those who are in this position with a set of activities that would facilitate greater project success. Further to this, the corporate governance scandals of the past few years and the consequent publication of relevant acts of legislation and governance standards has forced top management to become more interested in the conduct of their organisation’s portfolio of projects. This research study therefore addresses both the formal and informal aspects of the role of the project sponsor and has provided guidance to organisations and professional associations in defining the role and responsibilities of the project sponsor within a corporate governance framework. The first goal was therefore to establish a holistic corporate governance framework that encompasses the roles of IT and project management in the organisation. By doing so, executives are given a road map that aligns all IT projects with organisational strategy and a means to facilitate greater internal control over all IT project-related activities. This was developed by identifying the relevance and implications that recent corporate scandals around the world have had on IT and project management in general. This then led to combining COBIT (which is an IT governance Abstract ii framework) and a new project governance framework (known as the PG framework) to form a corporate governance framework. This is followed by the development of a generic project sponsorship competency framework that provides organisations with a benchmark that assesses whether an individual is appropriately suited for the role of sponsoring an IT project. Both frameworks provide a means to facilitate better strategic alignment and internal control of all IT project-related activities, and thus contribute to the improvement of IT project management capability within the organisation. , Labuschagne, L., Prof.
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Information overload in the South African banking industry
- Authors: Burger, Elsa
- Date: 2008-05-14T10:48:05Z
- Subjects: Information resources management , Information technology , Electronic mail systems , Business communication , Banks and banking information resources
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7230 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/387
- Description: At present, the average employee is being bombarded with an ever-increasing number of messages information on his/her company, its products and services, as well as information on its strategy all flooding in from a myriad of sources, including internal vehicles such as e-mail, the intranet, management memoranda, internal publications, as well as the external media, such as the Internet, the local newspaper, television news and national business and industry magazines. The term “information overload” is usually understood to present a state of affairs where an individual’s efficiency in using information in his/her work is hampered by a surplus amount of relevant and potentially useful information available to him/her. The principal aim of this study, therefore, is to establish the extent and impact of information overload on the knowledge worker in the banking industry, with special reference to the part that e-mail technology plays in the creation of such overload. Broadcasting, the telephone and the Internet have revolutionised the way in which workers communicate around the globe. Electronic-messaging systems such as e-mail have become the medium of choice in many organisations, and hold significant and valuable business data, information and knowledge. These systems have had a profound impact on the way in which personal and business communications are effected in the office. With e-mail having acquired mission-critical status, a number of concomitant circumstances and consequences have arisen that present organisations, such as banks, with a variety of challenges, among which • the impact on employees’ productivity, owing to the time spent on e-mailing activities • employees’ attitudes towards e-mail • compliance with corporate policies, such as those policies governing electronic communication and computer use • surveillance and monitoring of e-mail • the quest for finding formal archiving solutions. , Prof. C.W. Rensleigh
- Full Text:
- Authors: Burger, Elsa
- Date: 2008-05-14T10:48:05Z
- Subjects: Information resources management , Information technology , Electronic mail systems , Business communication , Banks and banking information resources
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7230 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/387
- Description: At present, the average employee is being bombarded with an ever-increasing number of messages information on his/her company, its products and services, as well as information on its strategy all flooding in from a myriad of sources, including internal vehicles such as e-mail, the intranet, management memoranda, internal publications, as well as the external media, such as the Internet, the local newspaper, television news and national business and industry magazines. The term “information overload” is usually understood to present a state of affairs where an individual’s efficiency in using information in his/her work is hampered by a surplus amount of relevant and potentially useful information available to him/her. The principal aim of this study, therefore, is to establish the extent and impact of information overload on the knowledge worker in the banking industry, with special reference to the part that e-mail technology plays in the creation of such overload. Broadcasting, the telephone and the Internet have revolutionised the way in which workers communicate around the globe. Electronic-messaging systems such as e-mail have become the medium of choice in many organisations, and hold significant and valuable business data, information and knowledge. These systems have had a profound impact on the way in which personal and business communications are effected in the office. With e-mail having acquired mission-critical status, a number of concomitant circumstances and consequences have arisen that present organisations, such as banks, with a variety of challenges, among which • the impact on employees’ productivity, owing to the time spent on e-mailing activities • employees’ attitudes towards e-mail • compliance with corporate policies, such as those policies governing electronic communication and computer use • surveillance and monitoring of e-mail • the quest for finding formal archiving solutions. , Prof. C.W. Rensleigh
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Asset modelling framework for use in computerised physical asset management systems
- Authors: Henry, C.A.
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Assets (Accounting) - Management , Engineering - Management , Information technology , Reliability (Engineering)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269606 , uj:28642
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: The objective of the research is to formulate a simplified physical asset modelling framework that is universal to any industry or any asset type, for use in the chosen Computerised Physical Asset Management System (CPAMS) such that it provides the benefit of improved management of physical assets over its lifecycle. The research highlights that there are numerous CPAMS, whether branded as ERPS, CMMS, EAMS or CFMS as example, however the track record of providing organisational benefit given the significant initial and ongoing investment, is limited. The literature review highlights that the configuration of the CPAMS is one of the contributors to limited benefit, where configuration refers to the structuring and organisation of the CPAMS to do that which the user require. One aspect of the CPAMS configuration is the physical asset modelling framework within which the physical assets are recorded in the CPAMS along with its myriad of data, information and various settings. In addition to that which is entered by the user, the processing of various performances and reporting against the asset modelling framework is equally critical. The development of the physical asset modelling framework involved two independent approaches, firstly deriving a framework from literature review of reliability and logistics engineering theory, and secondly, a framework derived from the research of existing industry asset and asset hierarchy naming conventions, standards or frameworks. The theory-derived framework was validated by the existing industry frameworks with the difference that majority of the existing industry frameworks has an additional organisation level in the hierarchy. A single physical asset modelling framework was derived from the nine existing industry frameworks and since this also validated the theory-derived framework, the industry-derived framework was concluded as the universal simplified physical asset modelling framework. A CPAMS is a necessity for the optimised management of physical assets over its lifecycle to achieve levels of sustained performance required by the organisation’s long-term business strategy and real-time operations. A CPAMS has the potential to realise this optimised management, however, and this is to be emphasised, this potential is only realisable when the CPAMS is configured and maintained by skilled asset management professionals having detailed understanding of what is required for lifecycle asset management, and therefore how the CPAMS must enable this management. This research has developed one such critical requirement which is a universal simplified physical asset modelling framework.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Henry, C.A.
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Assets (Accounting) - Management , Engineering - Management , Information technology , Reliability (Engineering)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269606 , uj:28642
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: The objective of the research is to formulate a simplified physical asset modelling framework that is universal to any industry or any asset type, for use in the chosen Computerised Physical Asset Management System (CPAMS) such that it provides the benefit of improved management of physical assets over its lifecycle. The research highlights that there are numerous CPAMS, whether branded as ERPS, CMMS, EAMS or CFMS as example, however the track record of providing organisational benefit given the significant initial and ongoing investment, is limited. The literature review highlights that the configuration of the CPAMS is one of the contributors to limited benefit, where configuration refers to the structuring and organisation of the CPAMS to do that which the user require. One aspect of the CPAMS configuration is the physical asset modelling framework within which the physical assets are recorded in the CPAMS along with its myriad of data, information and various settings. In addition to that which is entered by the user, the processing of various performances and reporting against the asset modelling framework is equally critical. The development of the physical asset modelling framework involved two independent approaches, firstly deriving a framework from literature review of reliability and logistics engineering theory, and secondly, a framework derived from the research of existing industry asset and asset hierarchy naming conventions, standards or frameworks. The theory-derived framework was validated by the existing industry frameworks with the difference that majority of the existing industry frameworks has an additional organisation level in the hierarchy. A single physical asset modelling framework was derived from the nine existing industry frameworks and since this also validated the theory-derived framework, the industry-derived framework was concluded as the universal simplified physical asset modelling framework. A CPAMS is a necessity for the optimised management of physical assets over its lifecycle to achieve levels of sustained performance required by the organisation’s long-term business strategy and real-time operations. A CPAMS has the potential to realise this optimised management, however, and this is to be emphasised, this potential is only realisable when the CPAMS is configured and maintained by skilled asset management professionals having detailed understanding of what is required for lifecycle asset management, and therefore how the CPAMS must enable this management. This research has developed one such critical requirement which is a universal simplified physical asset modelling framework.
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The efficiency of capital investment decisions pertaining to information technology: a multi-institutional approach
- Authors: Gama, Mduduzi Edward
- Date: 2011-06-22T10:50:19Z
- Subjects: Capital investments , Information technology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7123 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3716
- Description: D.Phil. , IT plays a vital role in most institutions, and decision-makers have to be concerned about ensuring that capital investment decisions pertaining to IT investments are efficient. This is even more crucial in the prevailing tough economic conditions. The intention of the study was to test the perceptions of IT decision-makers on the efficiency of capital investment decisions pertaining to IT within their various institutions. The management dilemma in this study was described as the inability by decision-makers to tell whether or not the IT investment would deliver the desired results. In order to resolve the management dilemma, a list of management questions was raised, for example: Which factors had an impact on the efficiency of capital investment decisions pertaining to IT? How did decision-makers quantify the financial and non-financial costs attributable to IT investments? How did decision-makers quantify the financial and non-financial benefits attributable to IT investments? The primary objective of the research was to conduct a literature review on the identified research constructs and through scientific empirical research construct evidence in support (or otherwise) of the hypotheses that are put forward. The secondary objectives of the research were: Identifying the factors that impact on the efficiency of capital investment decisions pertaining to IT; Determining the levels of satisfaction by various stakeholders with regard to the value that IT investments add to their institutions; Determining whether or not institutions were able to identify and quantify the financial and non-financial costs attributable to IT investments; Determining whether or not institutions were able to identify and quantify the financial and non-financial benefits attributable to IT investments; iv Determining whether or not IT investments created a competitive edge over other institutions; Determining the applicability of risk management tools on IT investments within various institutions; and Determining the extent to which current financial tools were utilised in evaluating capital investment decisions pertaining to IT.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gama, Mduduzi Edward
- Date: 2011-06-22T10:50:19Z
- Subjects: Capital investments , Information technology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7123 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3716
- Description: D.Phil. , IT plays a vital role in most institutions, and decision-makers have to be concerned about ensuring that capital investment decisions pertaining to IT investments are efficient. This is even more crucial in the prevailing tough economic conditions. The intention of the study was to test the perceptions of IT decision-makers on the efficiency of capital investment decisions pertaining to IT within their various institutions. The management dilemma in this study was described as the inability by decision-makers to tell whether or not the IT investment would deliver the desired results. In order to resolve the management dilemma, a list of management questions was raised, for example: Which factors had an impact on the efficiency of capital investment decisions pertaining to IT? How did decision-makers quantify the financial and non-financial costs attributable to IT investments? How did decision-makers quantify the financial and non-financial benefits attributable to IT investments? The primary objective of the research was to conduct a literature review on the identified research constructs and through scientific empirical research construct evidence in support (or otherwise) of the hypotheses that are put forward. The secondary objectives of the research were: Identifying the factors that impact on the efficiency of capital investment decisions pertaining to IT; Determining the levels of satisfaction by various stakeholders with regard to the value that IT investments add to their institutions; Determining whether or not institutions were able to identify and quantify the financial and non-financial costs attributable to IT investments; Determining whether or not institutions were able to identify and quantify the financial and non-financial benefits attributable to IT investments; iv Determining whether or not IT investments created a competitive edge over other institutions; Determining the applicability of risk management tools on IT investments within various institutions; and Determining the extent to which current financial tools were utilised in evaluating capital investment decisions pertaining to IT.
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Effective knowledge sharing within communities of practice in a financial institution
- Authors: Nkuna, Shyless
- Date: 2013-07-18
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Information technology , Economic development , Business education
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7625 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8495
- Description: M.Comm. (Business Management) , This research paper is a study of the effectiveness of knowledge sharing within the communities of practice (CoPs) in a financial institution in South Africa. Specifically, the focus is on investigating the requirements for establishing CoPs that share knowledge effectively within this organisation. This was achieved through understanding the current state of knowledge sharing within the CoPs, identifying critical factors for effectively sharing knowledge and thereafter determining reasons for a CoP not being effective in sharing knowledge. The results showed that there is still a long way to go to ensure the effectiveness of knowledge sharing through CoPs. The CoPs within this financial institution are informal in nature, and therefore not necessarily given the attention that they deserve. Time used for CoPs is not maximised effectively, which reduces the chances of their effectiveness and improvement of productivity. Lack of effective system infrastructure to support knowledge sharing is also a massive challenge for the CoPs, as is not having virtual Cops to reduce challenges faced in the use of face-to-face CoPs. The literature review in chapter 2 of this paper covers the importance of the role of technology in supporting knowledge sharing, which is supportive to this finding.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nkuna, Shyless
- Date: 2013-07-18
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Information technology , Economic development , Business education
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7625 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8495
- Description: M.Comm. (Business Management) , This research paper is a study of the effectiveness of knowledge sharing within the communities of practice (CoPs) in a financial institution in South Africa. Specifically, the focus is on investigating the requirements for establishing CoPs that share knowledge effectively within this organisation. This was achieved through understanding the current state of knowledge sharing within the CoPs, identifying critical factors for effectively sharing knowledge and thereafter determining reasons for a CoP not being effective in sharing knowledge. The results showed that there is still a long way to go to ensure the effectiveness of knowledge sharing through CoPs. The CoPs within this financial institution are informal in nature, and therefore not necessarily given the attention that they deserve. Time used for CoPs is not maximised effectively, which reduces the chances of their effectiveness and improvement of productivity. Lack of effective system infrastructure to support knowledge sharing is also a massive challenge for the CoPs, as is not having virtual Cops to reduce challenges faced in the use of face-to-face CoPs. The literature review in chapter 2 of this paper covers the importance of the role of technology in supporting knowledge sharing, which is supportive to this finding.
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Knowledge sharing practices within an organisation's information services division
- Authors: Radebe, J.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Information services , Academic libraries , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237743 , uj:24363
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: Advances in technology and the changing demands of library clients have brought about a demand for innovative, higher quality services from academic libraries. Academic libraries find themselves in a position where they have to either re-evaluate their service models to meet the technologically influenced needs of the library clients, or face redundancy. Research has proven that the practice and implementation of knowledge management (KM) aids an organisation in gaining a competitive advantage, which is at the pinnacle of ensuring that an organisation remains a preferred service provider. In order to address these issues, this research focused on exploring the knowledge sharing (KS) practices of employees within the Library and Information Services (LIS) division at a higher education institution. The researcher employed a qualitative research design, guided by a case-study research strategy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, with seventeen respondents who were purposively selected for the sample. Data was analysed using thematic analysis, creating categories of subjects relating to the identified research questions. The findings of the study revealed that KS was limited within the LIS and mostly occurred informally between employees within the same section. Furthermore, it was found that the culture at LIS was not conducive for the advancement of KS, as respondents felt unsupported by the LIS' management in terms of KS endeavours. A silo culture, encouraging the creation of specialists in specific roles, was identified as a barrier to potential KS practices within the LIS. In terms of encouraging KS within the LIS, the findings showed that respondents were most enthusiastic about the concepts of rewards and incentives. A need for a formalised KM strategy and consequent policies guiding the acquisition and implementation of KS tools and mechanisms, was also identified. Recommendations arising from the study included: 1. A need for renewed commitment by LIS management in terms of encouraging a KS culture. 2. A drive to find affordable technologies that would enable the storage, retrieval and sharing of knowledge within the LIS, to ensure that the right knowledge reaches the right person, employee or client, at the right time.
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- Authors: Radebe, J.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Information services , Academic libraries , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237743 , uj:24363
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: Advances in technology and the changing demands of library clients have brought about a demand for innovative, higher quality services from academic libraries. Academic libraries find themselves in a position where they have to either re-evaluate their service models to meet the technologically influenced needs of the library clients, or face redundancy. Research has proven that the practice and implementation of knowledge management (KM) aids an organisation in gaining a competitive advantage, which is at the pinnacle of ensuring that an organisation remains a preferred service provider. In order to address these issues, this research focused on exploring the knowledge sharing (KS) practices of employees within the Library and Information Services (LIS) division at a higher education institution. The researcher employed a qualitative research design, guided by a case-study research strategy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, with seventeen respondents who were purposively selected for the sample. Data was analysed using thematic analysis, creating categories of subjects relating to the identified research questions. The findings of the study revealed that KS was limited within the LIS and mostly occurred informally between employees within the same section. Furthermore, it was found that the culture at LIS was not conducive for the advancement of KS, as respondents felt unsupported by the LIS' management in terms of KS endeavours. A silo culture, encouraging the creation of specialists in specific roles, was identified as a barrier to potential KS practices within the LIS. In terms of encouraging KS within the LIS, the findings showed that respondents were most enthusiastic about the concepts of rewards and incentives. A need for a formalised KM strategy and consequent policies guiding the acquisition and implementation of KS tools and mechanisms, was also identified. Recommendations arising from the study included: 1. A need for renewed commitment by LIS management in terms of encouraging a KS culture. 2. A drive to find affordable technologies that would enable the storage, retrieval and sharing of knowledge within the LIS, to ensure that the right knowledge reaches the right person, employee or client, at the right time.
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Information and knowledge management in support of legal research in a digital information environment
- Authors: Du Plessis, Tanya
- Date: 2009-01-08T13:03:45Z
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Information technology , Information superhighway , Digital libraries , Law libraries , Law librarians , Law firms , Legal research , Management information systems
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14754 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1834
- Description: D. Litt. et Phil. , The main research question addressed by this study is whether the application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has an effect on the practice of law, and specifically whether information and knowledge management affects the process of legal research. Various issues are considered in this regard, including what the concept of knowledge management (KM) entails in a law firm and what the current KM trends are in South African law firms. To this extent an investigation follows of the global trends in the application of ICTs for legal research purposes and what the specific applications are of KM in support of legal research. Furthermore, this study investigates how information technology applications and KM systems and strategies can support the legal research process and what the benefits of KM are to legal research. This entails a study of the unique characteristics of legal research in a digital information environment and of the challenges legal researchers face in a changing information environment. Subsequently the skills and tools that are required for effective digital legal research are discussed. This research also considers the effect the changing information environment has on the role of the legal information professional, which includes an investigation of the reasons why legal information professionals can and should support lawyers in their legal research activities. Specifically, this study considers the roles, skills and competencies of legal information professionals as knowledge managers, digital librarians and trainers of legal research skills in a changing information environment. Lastly, this study investigates whether current legal research skills training offers useful guidelines to future digital legal researchers.
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- Authors: Du Plessis, Tanya
- Date: 2009-01-08T13:03:45Z
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Information technology , Information superhighway , Digital libraries , Law libraries , Law librarians , Law firms , Legal research , Management information systems
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14754 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1834
- Description: D. Litt. et Phil. , The main research question addressed by this study is whether the application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has an effect on the practice of law, and specifically whether information and knowledge management affects the process of legal research. Various issues are considered in this regard, including what the concept of knowledge management (KM) entails in a law firm and what the current KM trends are in South African law firms. To this extent an investigation follows of the global trends in the application of ICTs for legal research purposes and what the specific applications are of KM in support of legal research. Furthermore, this study investigates how information technology applications and KM systems and strategies can support the legal research process and what the benefits of KM are to legal research. This entails a study of the unique characteristics of legal research in a digital information environment and of the challenges legal researchers face in a changing information environment. Subsequently the skills and tools that are required for effective digital legal research are discussed. This research also considers the effect the changing information environment has on the role of the legal information professional, which includes an investigation of the reasons why legal information professionals can and should support lawyers in their legal research activities. Specifically, this study considers the roles, skills and competencies of legal information professionals as knowledge managers, digital librarians and trainers of legal research skills in a changing information environment. Lastly, this study investigates whether current legal research skills training offers useful guidelines to future digital legal researchers.
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Finding a niche for teachers within the ecology of ICT learning
- Authors: Vos, Susanna Magdalena
- Date: 2011-06-22T09:29:10Z
- Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction , Educational techology , Information technology , Phenomenology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7090 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3686
- Description: M. Ed.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Vos, Susanna Magdalena
- Date: 2011-06-22T09:29:10Z
- Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction , Educational techology , Information technology , Phenomenology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7090 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3686
- Description: M. Ed.
- Full Text:
A conceptual framework for IT programme management governance: an integrated view
- Authors: Nyandongo, Kwete Mwana
- Date: 2012-06-05
- Subjects: Project management , Information technology , Information technology. Management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2453 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4910
- Description: M.Tech. , Project and programme management have become important organisational developments in today’s business environment. The growth in projects across different sectors and industries, and their capability to enable organisations to cope with change in order to remain in business has emphasised the importance of project, programme and portfolio activities. Although project management has provided a means of achieving goals that could not be achieved in traditional ways, the single project model has failed to address issues that arise when multiple and related projects are undertaken within an organisation. Programme management has then provided a means through which organisations achieve almost everything they undertake. It has been perceived as the strategy implementation vehicle that links the overall strategy of the organisation with the portfolio of projects. While the use of programmes and programme management has grown in organisations, its capability to secure the investment of corporation has not been proven. Numerous failure stories with dramatic consequences for the corporation as a whole have been reported. With the pace of new regulations that require the appropriate and responsible management of company affairs, considering the huge investment that corporations place in programmes, it has become important to devise an efficient and effective mechanism of overseeing these investments. This research addresses the need to improve programme performance and ensure compliance with corporate policies. It focus on the governance side to determine how IT programmes can be governed while making sure that there is enough established control responsibility and accountability to ensure the achievement of the programme strategic objectives. This has been addressed by identifying corporate, information technology and project governance requirements that have implications for IT programme management. This had led to the consolidation of implications identified from the Sarbanes Oxley Act, Control Objective for Information and Related Technology and the Guide to Governance of Project Management in order to provide an integrated view of overseeing the management of programmes. The value of the research is that it has devised a conceptual framework for IT programme management governance that provides a means to ensure both programme performance and compliance to governance requirements that pertain to corporations. The value of the framework is that it contains governance requirements that ensure an efficient and effective decision-making and delivery management, focused on achieving programme goals in a consistent manner while addressing appropriate risks, issues and events that can impede the programme outcome.
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- Authors: Nyandongo, Kwete Mwana
- Date: 2012-06-05
- Subjects: Project management , Information technology , Information technology. Management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2453 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4910
- Description: M.Tech. , Project and programme management have become important organisational developments in today’s business environment. The growth in projects across different sectors and industries, and their capability to enable organisations to cope with change in order to remain in business has emphasised the importance of project, programme and portfolio activities. Although project management has provided a means of achieving goals that could not be achieved in traditional ways, the single project model has failed to address issues that arise when multiple and related projects are undertaken within an organisation. Programme management has then provided a means through which organisations achieve almost everything they undertake. It has been perceived as the strategy implementation vehicle that links the overall strategy of the organisation with the portfolio of projects. While the use of programmes and programme management has grown in organisations, its capability to secure the investment of corporation has not been proven. Numerous failure stories with dramatic consequences for the corporation as a whole have been reported. With the pace of new regulations that require the appropriate and responsible management of company affairs, considering the huge investment that corporations place in programmes, it has become important to devise an efficient and effective mechanism of overseeing these investments. This research addresses the need to improve programme performance and ensure compliance with corporate policies. It focus on the governance side to determine how IT programmes can be governed while making sure that there is enough established control responsibility and accountability to ensure the achievement of the programme strategic objectives. This has been addressed by identifying corporate, information technology and project governance requirements that have implications for IT programme management. This had led to the consolidation of implications identified from the Sarbanes Oxley Act, Control Objective for Information and Related Technology and the Guide to Governance of Project Management in order to provide an integrated view of overseeing the management of programmes. The value of the research is that it has devised a conceptual framework for IT programme management governance that provides a means to ensure both programme performance and compliance to governance requirements that pertain to corporations. The value of the framework is that it contains governance requirements that ensure an efficient and effective decision-making and delivery management, focused on achieving programme goals in a consistent manner while addressing appropriate risks, issues and events that can impede the programme outcome.
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Online learning ecologies : towards supporting teachers of information technology for the new curriculum
- Authors: Louw, Thomas Arnoldus
- Date: 2010-06-08T07:31:54Z
- Subjects: Teachers' in-service training , Information technology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6874 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3322
- Description: D.Ed. , Professional skills development is an important aspect in the professional life of Information Technology (IT) teachers. The use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in South African schools brought about the possibility of using web-based education (WBE) for the purpose of bettering continuous professional teacher development (CPTD) for IT teachers in Further Education and Training (FET). This study aims at developing an online learning ecology embedded by a programme that facilitates the continuous professional development focussing on IT teachers. The rationale for this study argues about the Internet and WWW as alternative means of communication with and training of IT teachers. Theory on adult education, web-based pedagogy, and the available web-technologies, assist in creating the theoretical framework for this study. Subsequently, theory on instructional design (ID) is applied in developing the online learning ecology, online programme, as well as developing a community of practise (CoP) for IT teachers. A qualitative study guided by a partial design experiment methodology constructed the research. Therefore, the design and development in this study have secondary reference to methods for ID. A needs analysis was done by conducting a document analysis on government policies, curriculum design as well as the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) for FET. Consequently, the thesis was constructed by following the design, development and evaluation of a learning ecology. Hence, the online learning ecology was validated using constructed rubrics by research participants against the instructional design, online programme and community of practice efficacy, aimed at continuous professional development of IT teachers. Findings of this research have shown that an online learning ecology, populated by virtual tools, effectively hosts an online programme and likewise hosts a community of IT teachers. The validation further claims that the ecology was effectively designed and that interaction among IT teachers occurs on a high level against the principles of good _______________ Table of Contents iii teaching practice, classroom practices, methodology and ultimate professional development. Furthermore, the level on which knowledge transfer and skills development of IT teachers have been applied to pedagogy, became evident in applicable online teaching principles in a web-based environment for adult learning. Conclusions deduced from the study claim for face-to-face interaction to be utilised with an online programme. This assists cluster meetings to be conducted more effectively and retains influences such as time constrains and transport problems. Consequently, this leverages better facilitation during shorter time periods and delivers more concise cluster meetings. Moreover, suggestions have been made for online moderation possibilities, access to more, relevant study material, collaborating ideas, sharing experiences and having more social presence from a professional perspective. The virtual tools used in the learning ecology were found to be highly effective with ease. Further conclusions brought about a suggestion for generalising such a learning ecology that hosts CPTD to other learning areas. A final conclusion reveals that the online programme shows to be aligned with professional teacher development at various levels and complied with critical- and developmental cross-field outcomes to enhance generalisability and generic application within the South African educational context.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Louw, Thomas Arnoldus
- Date: 2010-06-08T07:31:54Z
- Subjects: Teachers' in-service training , Information technology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6874 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3322
- Description: D.Ed. , Professional skills development is an important aspect in the professional life of Information Technology (IT) teachers. The use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in South African schools brought about the possibility of using web-based education (WBE) for the purpose of bettering continuous professional teacher development (CPTD) for IT teachers in Further Education and Training (FET). This study aims at developing an online learning ecology embedded by a programme that facilitates the continuous professional development focussing on IT teachers. The rationale for this study argues about the Internet and WWW as alternative means of communication with and training of IT teachers. Theory on adult education, web-based pedagogy, and the available web-technologies, assist in creating the theoretical framework for this study. Subsequently, theory on instructional design (ID) is applied in developing the online learning ecology, online programme, as well as developing a community of practise (CoP) for IT teachers. A qualitative study guided by a partial design experiment methodology constructed the research. Therefore, the design and development in this study have secondary reference to methods for ID. A needs analysis was done by conducting a document analysis on government policies, curriculum design as well as the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) for FET. Consequently, the thesis was constructed by following the design, development and evaluation of a learning ecology. Hence, the online learning ecology was validated using constructed rubrics by research participants against the instructional design, online programme and community of practice efficacy, aimed at continuous professional development of IT teachers. Findings of this research have shown that an online learning ecology, populated by virtual tools, effectively hosts an online programme and likewise hosts a community of IT teachers. The validation further claims that the ecology was effectively designed and that interaction among IT teachers occurs on a high level against the principles of good _______________ Table of Contents iii teaching practice, classroom practices, methodology and ultimate professional development. Furthermore, the level on which knowledge transfer and skills development of IT teachers have been applied to pedagogy, became evident in applicable online teaching principles in a web-based environment for adult learning. Conclusions deduced from the study claim for face-to-face interaction to be utilised with an online programme. This assists cluster meetings to be conducted more effectively and retains influences such as time constrains and transport problems. Consequently, this leverages better facilitation during shorter time periods and delivers more concise cluster meetings. Moreover, suggestions have been made for online moderation possibilities, access to more, relevant study material, collaborating ideas, sharing experiences and having more social presence from a professional perspective. The virtual tools used in the learning ecology were found to be highly effective with ease. Further conclusions brought about a suggestion for generalising such a learning ecology that hosts CPTD to other learning areas. A final conclusion reveals that the online programme shows to be aligned with professional teacher development at various levels and complied with critical- and developmental cross-field outcomes to enhance generalisability and generic application within the South African educational context.
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Herzberg! Can we trust you in Africa?
- Authors: Marnewick, Carl
- Date: 2011-02
- Subjects: Information technology , Project management , Motivation , Herzberg’s two-factor theory
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5824 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7841
- Description: Information technology (IT) projects are implemented through individual team members. These projects are fairly long in duration, especially enterprise resource planning projects. The problem that IT project managers face is how to motivate the team members, particularly in an African context where a team consists of various cultures and races. This paper presents results of a quantitative research study in which team members were asked to rank their motivating factors on a scale of 1 to 12 based on Herzberg’s two-factor theory. The reason for using this theory is that, it was found to still be applicable after 50 years of its establishment. The purpose was to determine whether Herzberg’s two-factor theory is applicable in an African context and if so, what unique factors could motivate IT team members in Africa. The research indicates that race, age and gender are not indicators and that there is a general tendency that the motivating factors of Herzberg can be used to motivate team members. The implication is that IT project managers can use Herzberg’s two-factor theory to motivate individual team members. The research also adds to the current body of knowledge that Africans are not motivated by hygiene factors.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Marnewick, Carl
- Date: 2011-02
- Subjects: Information technology , Project management , Motivation , Herzberg’s two-factor theory
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5824 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7841
- Description: Information technology (IT) projects are implemented through individual team members. These projects are fairly long in duration, especially enterprise resource planning projects. The problem that IT project managers face is how to motivate the team members, particularly in an African context where a team consists of various cultures and races. This paper presents results of a quantitative research study in which team members were asked to rank their motivating factors on a scale of 1 to 12 based on Herzberg’s two-factor theory. The reason for using this theory is that, it was found to still be applicable after 50 years of its establishment. The purpose was to determine whether Herzberg’s two-factor theory is applicable in an African context and if so, what unique factors could motivate IT team members in Africa. The research indicates that race, age and gender are not indicators and that there is a general tendency that the motivating factors of Herzberg can be used to motivate team members. The implication is that IT project managers can use Herzberg’s two-factor theory to motivate individual team members. The research also adds to the current body of knowledge that Africans are not motivated by hygiene factors.
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The integration of the IS/IT strategy with the business strategy
- Janse van Vuuren, Hendrika Francina
- Authors: Janse van Vuuren, Hendrika Francina
- Date: 2014-02-10
- Subjects: Strategic planning - South Africa , Information technology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3699 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9081
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , This study was conducted with the purpose of finding a thorough understanding, within the framework of business management, the integrating of the Information System strategy and Information Technology strategy, into the business strategy so as to move towards Strategic Information Systems. The individual enterprise needs more attention to participate in the implementation of the strategic planning process and the development of better techniques for the integrated Information Technology and strategic planning in the enterprise, and the increase in the management and control over Information Technology. Substantial consensus has been reached that an enterprise can only gain competitive advantage with the establishment of Strategic Information Systems. Most companies have an effective business strategy but those strategies are not integrated with the enterprise's Information System strategy and Information Technology strategy, and vice versa.
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- Authors: Janse van Vuuren, Hendrika Francina
- Date: 2014-02-10
- Subjects: Strategic planning - South Africa , Information technology
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3699 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9081
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , This study was conducted with the purpose of finding a thorough understanding, within the framework of business management, the integrating of the Information System strategy and Information Technology strategy, into the business strategy so as to move towards Strategic Information Systems. The individual enterprise needs more attention to participate in the implementation of the strategic planning process and the development of better techniques for the integrated Information Technology and strategic planning in the enterprise, and the increase in the management and control over Information Technology. Substantial consensus has been reached that an enterprise can only gain competitive advantage with the establishment of Strategic Information Systems. Most companies have an effective business strategy but those strategies are not integrated with the enterprise's Information System strategy and Information Technology strategy, and vice versa.
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Subsidy and revenue maximization in developing countries
- Sumbwanyambe, Mbuyu, Nel, A. L.
- Authors: Sumbwanyambe, Mbuyu , Nel, A. L.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Information technology , Subsidized communication services
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6281 , ISSN 2078-0966 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9884
- Description: Developing countries have embarked on the promotion of “ICT access for all” through subsidized Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), especially in underserviced areas of such countries. The main aim of the “ICT access for all” is to extend the communication services to the large areas of underserviced regions through subsidized communication services. In some instances, subsidies may lead to high ICT penetration and high resource utilization while in some instances unsubsidized services may lead to low utilization of resources and low ICT penetration, which may eventually lead to market failure and destroy market efficiency. With explicitly defined objectives, regarding subsidy policy, however, developing countries always fall short on the implementation of such subsidy policy due to economic reasons and unrealistic subsidy driven pricing models. In this paper we investigate the impact of subsidy driven pricing model on resource utilization and revenue maximization in a developing country. In this paper we try to find a middle ground between promoting “ICT access for all” (given a subsidy and diverse income variations between the groups) and resource utilization in a network.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sumbwanyambe, Mbuyu , Nel, A. L.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Information technology , Subsidized communication services
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6281 , ISSN 2078-0966 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9884
- Description: Developing countries have embarked on the promotion of “ICT access for all” through subsidized Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), especially in underserviced areas of such countries. The main aim of the “ICT access for all” is to extend the communication services to the large areas of underserviced regions through subsidized communication services. In some instances, subsidies may lead to high ICT penetration and high resource utilization while in some instances unsubsidized services may lead to low utilization of resources and low ICT penetration, which may eventually lead to market failure and destroy market efficiency. With explicitly defined objectives, regarding subsidy policy, however, developing countries always fall short on the implementation of such subsidy policy due to economic reasons and unrealistic subsidy driven pricing models. In this paper we investigate the impact of subsidy driven pricing model on resource utilization and revenue maximization in a developing country. In this paper we try to find a middle ground between promoting “ICT access for all” (given a subsidy and diverse income variations between the groups) and resource utilization in a network.
- Full Text: