OpenUCT :: Browsing by Author "Seymour, Lisa"

Browsing by Author "Seymour, Lisa"

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Open Access
An analysis of business intelligence for improved public service delivery
(2015) Hartley, Mogamat Kaashief; Seymour, Lisa
The public sector can be described with different types of public policies and by the services the organisations deliver to citizens. Public sector organisations are implementing e-government projects as mechanisms to enhance public service delivery. However, public sector e-government projects in developing countries are highlighted as challenging. Awards of achievement for implementing e-government projects have been noted in the South African public sector. Business Intelligence (BI) for improved public service delivery has been identified as a key tool to improve decision-making processes. Implementing BI in organisations has been revealed as complex. The study of organisational factors that influence the initiative for successful BI implementation is suggested. For this reason, the research sets out to explore the implementation of BI in the public sector in South Africa. The research was conducted through two case studies. Data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews and document collection with organisations that are implementing BI. A qualitative thematic analysis method was used to construct the major themes that emerged from the data. The research objectives were addressed by constructing three frameworks; to describe what organisational factors influence the BI initiative, the factors that influence the use of BI, and a framework describing the process of implementing BI in the public sector. The Design-Reality gap model was applied to identify risk in the BI projects. The study revealed that BI can be used as an enabler of change and improvement in public sector activities. Consolidating structures, systems and processes was identified as a precursor to implementing BI. However, the level of skills to use BI tools was highlighted as key factor in hindering BI use.
Open Access
Applying agile principles in enterprise architecture
(2025) Ndoro, Hakunavanhu Gilbert; Seymour, Lisa
Background: Modern enterprises, regardless of the type of industry, are operating in a dynamic global landscape characterised by rapid technological advancements, shifting regulations and customer preferences. In this complex environment, staying in business presents significant challenges for modern enterprises. Agile enterprise architecture (AEA) is considered a solution to these challenges. However, there is limited empirical evidence and theory to guide the application of agile principles (AP) in enterprise architecture (EA). Objectives: The objectives of this study are to explain: 1. How can an enterprise apply AP in EA to reduce EA ambiguity? 2. How can an enterprise apply AP in EA to reduce enterprise complexity? 3. How can AP make an EA project adapt to the enterprise's needs and changes? 4. What are the barriers of applying AP in EA? Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a cross-sectional explanatory qualitative multi-case study, utilising primary and secondary data. Two global financial services technology companies participated in the study. Primary data was collected by interviewing six research participants to address the research questions. Secondary data was obtained in the form of eleven documents. Thematic analysis was applied using a computer-aided qualitative data analysis software called NVivo. Findings: The study explained the agile delivery process, emphasising essential concepts associated with its execution. A well-executed agile delivery process was found to decrease EA ambiguity, which, in turn, reduces overall enterprise complexity. With the proper processes to address challenges such as culture, skills, resistance to change, centralised control, as well as agile processes taking precedence over business value and EA serving as a bottleneck, AP were identified as a means to assist EA projects in adapting to changing enterprise needs.
Open Access
Broadband diffusion in households of South Africa
(2011) Naidoo, Mogen; Seymour, Lisa
This research attempts to investigate the adoption, use and impact of broadband services from a holistic point of view encompassing the factors influencing the adoption, use and impact of broadband. This study explores the broadband developments in South Africa and discusses the challenges faced in increasing the broadband penetration rate within the country.
Open Access
A computer model of water-in-oil emulsion coagulation
(1996) Seymour, Lisa; Jackson, Graham Ellis
In this thesis, a stochastic computer model of water-in-oil emulsion coagulation, a two stage process of aggregation and coalescence, is presented. The theoretical basis of the model, including equations for the van der Waals, electrostatic and steric energy barriers between dissimilar droplets, is described. Many of these equations have been derived by the author. A chemical speciation study of the aqueous phase typically found in emulsion explosives is presented. A potentiometric investigation of the protonation equilibria of propionate, succinate and mono-methyl succinate in tetraethyl ammonium bromide, ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate and calcium nitrate at 25°C and 3 mol/dm³ ionic strength was performed. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance titrations for succinate and propionate in varying concentrations of the same salts are also shown. A method of converting thermodynamic stability constants from one ionic strength to another using a modified form of the Pitzer equations is presented with a computer program which performs the conversion. A novel method of obtaining complexation constants from protonation constants in varying media is proposed. Using optical microscopy, creaming rates and laser particle sizing, the affects of changing surfactant concentration, salt concentration, pH and shearing time for emulsions of ammonium nitrate solution in heptane with CRILL 43 are shown. Equations are derived for converting creaming rate data to droplet size information and a computer program for converting Malvern light intensity data in the anomalous regime (typical of water-in-oil emulsions) to size distribution data is presented. The computer model is validated against experimental data from this work and the literature and is used to make stability predictions for systems for which no data exists. Further uses for the model are discussed.
Open Access
Enterprise resource planning business case considerations : an analysis of Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises in developing countries
(2013) Mukwasi, Carrington M; Seymour, Lisa
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems because they promise significant benefits. However, the majority of ERP deployments rarely meet user expectations and often do not yield expected benefits. As a result, the failure rate of ERP implementations at SMEs is estimated to be between 40 and 60 percent. This high rate of failure, together with the resultant impact on SMEs and the consequences for national development is a cause for concern. In order to address this concern, this study aims to explore how SMEs develop their business cases, as well as how the benefits, risks and costs of ERP systems are realised in SMEs. Companies need a clear vision and convincing reasons when they adopt ERP systems. The study used the qualitative research method. Cases from South Africa and Zimbabwe were investigated in a cross-sectional study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using elements of thematic data analysis, grounded theory, and a general inductive approach to analysis. The Design Reality Gap Model formed a theoretical base and was used as lens for data collection and analysis.
Open Access
ERP implementation success framework for developing countries : case of South African SMEs
(2016) Irakoze, Gloria; Seymour, Lisa
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have been highlighted in literature as one of the most powerful tools in information systems to facilitate rapid decision-making, cost reduction and greater managerial control. With today's Information Technology (IT) market growth, South African Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have started to recognise ERP systems as a common and necessary platform. However, literature on this topic indicates that the majority of implementations do not meet organisations' expectations. Recent research studies indicate that more than a half of ERP implementations in SMEs fail. More importantly, the factors associated with ERP implementation success in South African SMEs are largely unknown. Furthermore, the high rate failure of ERP implementation in SME represent a threat to South Africa since SMEs are the backbone of the nation's economy. This research study therefore explores success implementation indicators and factors associated with ERP implementation in South African SMEs. In addressing the research questions, the study draws on a combination of the DeLone and McLean IS success model and the Technological, Organisational, Environmental (TOE) framework as well as a number of success factors identified through an extensive review of literature. Semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis are used to collect, analyse the data and to develop the ERP implementation success framework. The ERP implementation success framework is composed of four Information System (IS) success indicators and thirteen success factors. Although, findings established that there are relationships between four IS success indicators and thirteen success factors, only nine of the thirteen success factors were found to have direct relationships with the IS success indicators. The nine success factors are: ERP flexibility, ERP suitability, data accuracy, timeliness, top management support, change management, project management, user training and vendor support. The IS indicators from which these nine factors are related to: Management quality, system quality, information quality and service quality.
Open Access
Explaining the Big Data adoption decision in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises: Cape Town case studies
(2022) Matross, Lonwabo; Seymour, Lisa
Problem Statement: Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) play an integral role in the economy of developed and developing countries. SMEs are constantly searching for innovative technologies that will not only reduce their overhead costs but also improve product development, customer relations and profitability. Literature has revealed that some SMEs around the world have incorporated a fairly new technology called Big Data to achieve higher levels of operational efficiency. Therefore, it is interesting to observe the reasons why some organizations in developing countries such as South Africa are not adopting this technology as compared to other developed countries. A large portion of the available literature revealed that there isa general lack of in-depth information and understanding of Big Data amongst SMEs in developing countries such as South Africa. The main objective of this study is to explain the factors that SMEs consider during the Big Data decision process. Purpose of the study: This research study aimed to identify the factors that South African SMEs consider as important in their decision-making process when it comes to the adoption of BigData. The researcher used the conceptual framework proposed by Frambach and Schillewaert to derive an updated and adapted conceptual framework that explained the factors that SMEs consider when adopting Big Data. Research methodology: SMEs located in the Western Province of South Africa were chosen as the case studies. The interpretive research philosophy formed the basis of this research. Additionally, the nature of the phenomenon being investigated deemed it appropriate that the qualitative research method and research design be applied to this thesis. Due to constraints such as limited time and financial resources this was a cross-sectional study. The research strategy in this study was multiple in-depth case studies. The qualitative approach was deemed appropriate for this study. The researcher used two methods to collect data, namely, the primary research method and the secondary research method. The primary research method enabled the researcher to obtain rich data that could assist in answering the primary research questions, whilst the secondary research method included documents which supplemented the primary data collected. Data was analyzed using the NVivo software provided by the University of Cape Town. Key Findings: The findings suggest that the process that influences the decision to adopt Big Data by SMEs follows a three-step approach namely: 1.) Awareness, 2.) Consideration, 3.) Intention. This indicates that for Big Data to be adopted by SMEs there must be organizational readiness to go through the process. This study identified the main intention for SMEs to adopt Big Data is to ensure operational stability. Improved operational efficiency was identified as the supporting sub-theme. This study has raised awareness about the process that SMEs, academic researchers, IT practitioners and government need to place emphasis on to improve the adoption of Big Data by SMEs. Furthermore, this study has raised awareness about the opportunities and challenges that SMEs, academic researchers, IT practitioners and government need to place emphasis on to improve the adoption of Big Data by SMEs. Value of the study: The study adds value in both academia and the business industry as it provides more insight into the factors that SMEs consider in the Big Data adoption decision.
Open Access
General anaesthesia for caesarean delivery for thrombocytopaenia: findings from an obstetric airway management registry
(2023) Seymour, Lisa; Fernandes, Nicole; Hofmeyr Michael
Background Regional anesthesia (RA) is preferred for cesarean section (CS). In women at risk of spinalepidural hematoma, thrombocytopenia should be excluded. In South Africa, this investigation is often unavailable due to the absence of urgent laboratory services. Methods The obstetric airway management registry (ObAMR) is currently active across all training institutions affiliated with the University of Cape Town, including secondary and tertiary level obstetric services. This retrospective multicenter observational study aimed to determine the incidence of general anesthesia (GA) performed either because thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 75 x 109 /L. In group Tbcp NE, 46/52 (88.5%) platelet counts could be traced. The median (interquartile range) platelet count was 178 x 109 /L (93-233 x 109 /L), and > 75 x 109 /L in 41/46 (89.1%) patients. In the 5/46 patients with thrombocytopenia, 2 had hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome, 2 had antepartum hemorrhage with preeclampsia, and 1 had isolated thrombocytopenia with preeclampsia. Conclusions In 17% of patients the indication for GA was thrombocytopenia. Many patients received GA because a platelet count was unavailable at the time of obstetric surgery. The importance of early laboratory assessment, when available, should be emphasized. Most patients in whom thrombocytopenia had not been excluded, and whose hypertension was uncomplicated, had a platelet count >75 x 109 /L. After careful decision consideration of risk and benefit, there may be circumstances in which the clinician justifiably opts for RA when a platelet count is indicated but unavailable.
Open Access
Generative mechanisms of IT-enabled organisational performance in resource-constrained Emergency Medical Services organisations in South Africa
(2018) Buchana, Yasser; Seymour, Lisa
Problem Statement: Emergency medical services (EMS) organisations have one of the highest levels of dependence on and use of information technology (IT) to support delivery of emergency medical services. The need for EMS organisations to provide efficient and effective emergency medical services has emphasised the importance of performance management. Organisational performance which is monitored and evaluated through key performance indicators (KPIs) plays an important role in EMS organisations. Organisational performance helps to monitor, evaluate and communicate outcomes in the form of KPIs. Empirical evidence shows that quantitative KPIs have been designed with little in-depth understanding of the underlying IT usage mechanisms that influence organisational performance. Unfortunately, such quantitative KPI reports have been limited in explaining organisational performance underpinned by IT. Purpose / rationale of the research: The purpose of this research study was to identify the generative mechanisms associated with IT-enabled organisational performance and to explain how these mechanisms interact. In the context of resource-constrained EMS organisations, quantitatively defined KPIs are not suitable for explaining the underlying causes of performance variations and outcomes. The lack of empirical evidence on IT-enabled organisational performance as well as the lack of theoretical explanations of the underlying mechanisms provided the primary rationale for this study. In addition, this study sought to provide answers to the following research question: What generative mechanisms explain IT-enabled organisational performance in resource-constrained EMS organisations? Theoretical approach/methodology/design: This study was informed by the critical realist philosophy of science and used the complex adaptive systems theory together with institutional theory as the theoretical lenses to investigate the research question in a manner that jointly explained the generative mechanisms. Using interviews, participant observation, organisational performance data and documents collected from a single case study, the study used abduction and retroduction techniques to explicate the mechanisms of IT-enabled organisational performance. Findings: Findings indicate that the IT-enabled organisational performance mechanisms can be categorised into two types of generative mechanisms. These are structural and coordination mechanisms. The explanation of the mechanisms developed in this study take into consideration three important elements: (1) the technological, cultural and structural mechanisms that influence IT-enabled organisational performance; (2) the unpredictable, non-linear, adaptive nature of emergency medical services environments; and (3) the complexities that arise in the interactions between EMS organisations and their environments. Originality/contribution: In respect of IT-enabled organisational performance this study contributes to both organisational and health information systems literature by developing a multi-level research framework that is informed by the realist philosophical stance. The framework plays an explanatory role which relates to its inherent ability to offer explanatory insights into the necessary mechanisms that give rise to organisational performance. This framework has the potential to guide empirical research and provide theoretical explanations of different domains or disciplines that are concerned with identifying IT usage mechanisms which influence organisational performance. These include the significance of the coordination and structural mechanisms which, under differing conditions of uncertainty, produce variations in performance outcomes. Implications: Findings from this study can be integrated into broader emergency medical policy planning and health programme management. The model developed by the study provides a fresh understanding of the underpinning mechanisms enabling performance in resource-constrained EMS organisations. It can be used to assist emergency medical institutions and practitioners in South Africa and other sub-Saharan African countries, especially Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries to improve emergency medical service delivery to the public. The findings provide a guide for improving management of emergency medical situations and resources in their respective resource-constrained contexts. Furthermore, findings from the study can also guide improved design and implementation strategies and policies of EMS systems initiatives in South Africa and sub-Saharan developing countries.
Open Access
Inclination of scholars to major in information systems or computer science
(2005) Seymour, Lisa; Hart, Mike; Haralambous, Peter; Natha, Tasneem; Weng, Chia-Wen
This paper describes a survey of 497 final year scholars at schools in the Western Cape, South Africa. They were asked about their inclination to study information systems (IS) or computer science (CS), their knowledge of the areas, and their opinions of salaries and job opportunities. Unlike much past research, significantly more interest came from those previously ‘deprived’ in the IT area. Those from schools previously disadvantaged by the apartheid school system and without access to computer or Internet access at home were more inclined to study CS or IS. These categories also expressed most optimism about IT job prospects and starting salaries, as did female scholars. Perceptions of the activities of IS students were far less accurate than of CS students. Males were more predisposed to study IS than females, and black students and those without school computer access favoured CS. Possible reasons for this are discussed.
Open Access
Increasing the level of reuse of complete process models in a process modelling repository
(2025) Veitch, Ross Shearer; Seymour, Lisa
Business Process Modeling has become a common activity in organisations. However, as the number of process models increases, so too does the number of duplicated models increase, and the level of process model reuse has been found to be surprisingly low. In organisations which operate in an environment with multiple channels, products and customer types, complete process model reuse becomes especially challenging. While the value of process modeling increases with process model reuse, this study also considered the system dynamics arising from not reusing process models. Therefore, the motivation for this study was to increase the level of reuse of process models in a repository. To answer the research questions, a pragmatic research paradigm was adopted. Using a DSR strategy, a new modeling method was designed and tested in a real-world setting in a large South African financial services organisation. A mixed-methods approach was used, consisting of semi-structured interviews conducted with modellers, and a quantitative analysis of the process repository. The new modeling method incorporates reuse concepts from the software development domain. This study makes three contributions to knowledge. Firstly, it describes the consequences for the organisation, using system dynamics, of not reusing process models, and illustrates how vicious cycles are established which result in continually increasing costs. Secondly, the study develops a measure which can be used to determine the level of process model reuse in a process repository. Finally, this study develops a new modeling method which increases the level of reuse of process models in a process repository. This research project was carried out in a single organisation. Data collection from semi- structured interviews was limited to those process modellers who were using the new modelling method. It is possible that other modellers could identify additional factors impacting the consequences of not reusing complete process models. The new modeling method designed is dependent on the underlying architecture of the modeling tool in use. Therefore, this method will not be suitable for every available process modelling tool. This research project also offers the vendors of process modeling tools opportunities to further enhance their products by incorporating elements of the new method to facilitate the increased reuse of complete process models by users.
Open Access
Information technology capability services that support organisational innovativeness in agriculture companies
(2025) Vosloo, Abraham; Seymour, Lisa
Organisations require the ability to continuously adapt to their changing operating environments to remain relevant. Specifically, agriculture companies operate in environments characterised by fast-changing markets and environmental conditions. Organisational innovation (OI) allows these agriculture organisations to evolve their way of work. Successful OI requires support from various internal and external stakeholders to a firm, and the IT capability has been recognised as a key enabler for organisational-wide innovation. With the fast-paced change across an organisation's digital and technology layers, the IT capability is expected to be more exposed to new technology advancements as a technology-supporting function compared to traditional non-technical capabilities. Thus, a deeper understanding of business practices that drive OI and the IT services that support OI-focused practices is needed. Multi-case studies were conducted across two agriculture organisations perceived to be successful in their innovation ambitions. The study comprised 12 face-to-face interviews across the case organisations and documented case organisation artefacts collected as part of the study. Only experienced personnel and senior leadership formed part of the study. Cross-case analysis was performed to compare the findings between the two case organisations. The findings of this study describe six OI-focused business practices that drive continual innovativeness in agriculture organisations. The study further describes five IT services utilised by agriculture organisations. Finally, the study describes the IT services that directly support the OI-focused business practices in agriculture organisations. The findings provide a deeper understanding of the interplay between the IT capability and OI. The findings also enable agriculture organisational leadership to prioritise and capacitate OI business practices to support innovation success. The study further supports IT leaders to focus on effectively executing the specified IT services that support OI-focused business practices.
Open Access
An IS perspective on managing change in a university
(2011) Johnston, Kevin Allan; Seymour, Lisa; Cronje, Johannes
This thesis aimed firstly to explore what is happening with respect to change in a South African university, and how this change affects those involved, viewed from an IS standpoint. The focus is on determining the essence and nature of organisational change in its usual situation.
Open Access
Social interaction in an online cross-disciplinary research conference
(2006) Nyirenda, Tawona Vanessa; Seymour, Lisa; Ng'ambi, Dick
This research study investigated the social interaction in an online cross-disciplinary research conference. The research study followed an online conference of researchers from disciplines of social sciences, law, and humanities. The online conference was initiated by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and was hosted by Centre for Educational Technology (CET) at University of Cape Town (UCT). The main aim of the research study is to identify social interaction enablers and inhibitors in an online cross-disciplinary conference. The Internet is being used for numerous purposes, such as extending one's social networks, participating in online communities, finding a marriage partner, learning, and developing successful business relationships. An online conference uses the Internet for social networking. The study followed an interpretive research approach and combined critical discourse analysis (CDA) and the social presence indicators template (SPIT) as its analytical framework. The focus of the study was on the analysis and interpretation of the online conference text messages (artefacts) to identify enablers and inhibitors of social interaction. The social interaction enablers identified in the study included sharing and seeking of information, social presence, time and geographical confidence and flexibility, facilitation, prescribed/relevant topics and increased confidence and reduced evaluation anxiety. Inhibitors of social interaction were lack of community, prescribed topics, minimal activities, lack of non-verbal and social cues and clarity of topics. The social interaction enablers that were not identified in the literature were prescribed/relevant topics and collaboration and lobbying. Lack of community, clarity of topics, prescribed topics and minimal activities were identified as inhibitors of social interaction in the study but were not identified in the literature. In addition, the research found that some social interaction enablers were also found to be inhibitors. A revelation in the research study was that prescribed topics both enabled and inhibited social interaction. While some participants contributed towards these topics, others did not. Although the study focused predominantly on a cross-disciplinary research conference the findings reported in this study could have useful applications on online social interaction in general. The study has found out that an online conference arguably has merits over a face-to-face conference, but these benefits can only be optimised when social interaction is deliberately fostered through convergence of the online conference tool, facilitation, and topic design.
Open Access
A systematic analysis of ERP implementation challenges and coping mechanisms: The case of a large, decentralised, public organisation in South Africa
(2016) Ramburn Gopaul, Hiranjali; Seymour, Lisa
The relevance of this research stems from the persistent failure rate of large-scale Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementations. The foremost reasons advanced in explaining organisations' failure to achieve the desired ERP benefits, despite substantial investments, relates to the complex, risky and challenging nature of the implementation process. Understanding the ERP implementation challenges faced by organisations and the subsequent coping mechanisms deployed to overcome the challenges remain a pertinent research endeavour. Another eminent area of concern alludes to the limited significance attributed to the systemic analysis of the implementation process. This research describes the challenges faced by organisations during their ERP implementation process and explains the systemic interaction of the ERP implementation challenges. In conjunction, this study identifies the coping mechanisms established by organisations to overcome the encountered ERP implementation challenges. An interpretive research paradigm, in concurrence with an inductive research approach was adopted for the purpose of this research. This study was conducted within the context of a large, decentralised, public organisation. Two embedded case studies within the designated organisation were selected. At the onset of the study, the organisation was in the process of implementing a large-scale vanilla ERP solution. The study was qualitative in nature and data were collected through interviews, observations and documentary evidence between April 2012 and October 2014. The ERP implementation challenges and ensuing coping mechanisms were revealed through the use of thematic analysis. Constant comparative analysis allowed the researcher to compare and contrast the data and themes emerging from both cases. The systemic interrelation and interconnected nature of the ERP implementation challenges were, subsequently, examined, using the principles of system dynamics. Key research contributions comprise the development of both descriptive and explanatory knowledge. The research findings disclose numerous ERP implementation challenges resulting in the emergence of a taxonomy which includes organisational, project management, management, change management, technical and knowledge challenges. The proposed taxonomy provides a comprehensive breakdown and analysis of different ERP implementation challenges which adds to the existing body of knowledge on ERP implementation. The major theoretical contribution, however, is the explanatory theory arising from the systemic model of the dynamics of ERP implementation challenges. The theory provides rich insights into the complex and interconnected nature of an implementation process. Specific implications are drawn from the empirical findings to form theoretical propositions as principles of explanation and generalisation. Another key contribution includes an interpretation of how coping mechanisms are deployed by organisations to overcome the ERP implementation challenges. The predominant coping mechanisms include the use of workaround solutions, workgroups, super-users, and retraining, support, and rewards and incentives. The theoretical contribution can be generalised to large, decentralised organisations implementing ERP systems. The contribution to practice is to assist organisations in their implementation endeavours by empowering ERP implementers with the fundamental knowledge in order for them to better manage the inherent complexity of their implementation processes.
Open Access
The fourth industrial revolution and the skills mismatch within the Business Analysis Profession
(2023) Mukozho, Denise; Seymour, Lisa
This study describes the skills mismatch within the Business Analysis profession during the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Business Analysis profession is a new information systems field that emerged in the early 1990s and requires extensive research. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is projected to result in a skills mismatch. This study uses the Business Analysis Competency Model, Social Cognitive Career Theory and a mixed-methods research design to develop a framework for describing the skills mismatch within the Business Analysis profession. Reviewed literature highlighted four key categories of skills (technical, business, personal/attitudinal and interpersonal skills). The study found that there are various mismatches between current and future roles. Personal, interpersonal, and business skills are relatively constant between the two roles whereas technical skills show significant mismatches between the current and future roles. This study proposes a skills mismatch framework for addressing a possible Fourth Industrial Revolution-induced skills mismatch.
Open Access
The impact of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) education in Zambia
(2024) Lubasi, Mampi; Seymour, Lisa; Phiri Jackson
This socio-technical study describes and explains the impact of an ERP course, introduced at the University of Zambia. Zambia lacks local ERP expertise required for the implementation and support of ERP systems in organisations. The research investigated the impact of this ERP education on the postgraduate students that went through the course and the resultant potential impact on organisations in Zambia. The research paradigm used to answer the research question was interpretivism and the research has three-parts. Study 1 used a deductive approach and Sen's Capability Approach to explain how student choices and personal, social, and environmental conversion factors impact student capabilities and functionings enabled by ERP education. The Zambian context which restricts higher salaries and employment prospects is evident. Study 2 inductively investigated the course outcomes of ERP education and the contextual factors that impact ERP education course outcomes. The impact of the teaching model and the course limitations on course outcomes were explained and a richer understanding and impact of the Zambian context, in which foreign expertise is preferred over local expertise is presented. Study 3 inductively investigated the ERP challenges experienced by organisations in Zambia and the potential impact of ERP education on organisations and on the outsourcing of ERP expertise from outside Zambia. Multiple potential benefits of ERP education on organisations were described and challenges that reduced the impact of ERP education on environmental, project-related, and organisational challenges were explained. The contribution to practice is an ERP education explanatory model that can be used to foster collaboration between industry and academia, to assist universities in appropriately integrating ERP systems into university curricula, and to assist organisations in maximising their benefit from graduates with ERP education. The contribution to theory is a description of the Zambian ERP context and a holistic explanation of how contextual factors impact and are impacted by ERP education. The study underscores the importance of contextual factors when incorporating new information systems' courses into university curricula.
Open Access
The performance of information systems implementation outcomes: the case of an enterprise system implementation in a South African University
(2025) Akin-Adetoro, Adedolapo; Seymour, Lisa
Problem statement: The existing landscape of research on the outcomes of information systems (IS) development and implementation suggests that this domain has been extensively researched. Results indicate that most IS implementations fail, yet uptake of these systems is still on the rise. In response to the alarming failure rates, researchers and practitioners have extensively researched the concept of IS success and failure by prescribing and promoting a cumulative list of critical success factors which they believe should improve the success rate. These efforts, however, have not yielded much improvement considering the vast amount of research in this domain. This inconsistency might be as a result of the representational (rational/objective and narrative/subject) approach, which characterises how IS success and failure are currently defined, framed and assessed in research. By adopting a performative view, this study challenges the dominant representational approach which downplays the information technology (IT) system in focus and views outcomes as static and fixed. Purpose of the study: The main purpose of this study was to provide understanding on how the realities of IS success and failure are performed within an organisation. This was necessary given that the performative approach eliminates the idea of the metaphorical middleman (representations) in understanding reality. The performative perspective puts forward IS outcomes as relational consequences enacted by sociomaterial practices of an IS implementation actor-network. Research Question: This research addresses the question: "How are the competing realities of ES implementation outcomes performed?". Research methodology: This study adopted an explanatory purpose guided by the agential realism theoretical perspective. This study employed the actor-network theory as a theoretical lens because it allows researchers to examine the complex network of relationships and intra-actions that shape the performance of IS implementation outcomes. This study used the implementation of an enterprise system at Ìwádí University as a case study to elucidate the phenomenon. We employed semi-structured interviews, documents, system event log, observations, and field notes to gather data. The data was analysed using ANT analysis and event log analysis. Key findings: The findings reveal a multi-step process where competing realities of success and failure emergently unfold across different actor-networks through distinct sociomaterial practices shaped by ontological politics. Implementation outcomes are not pre-given, but relationally co constituted via entangled sociomaterial intra-actions between technologies, organizational actors, vii discourses and situated practices within each network. Coordination mechanisms like meetings and reports perform agential cuts, selectively including/excluding issues to stabilize particular realities aligned with network interests. Originality/contribution: This study challenges binary success/failure notions, providing a performative perspective on how these outcomes manifest as multiple, divergent, relationally enacted realities across organizational actor-networks. Theoretical propositions offer insights into the sociomaterial complexities, ontological politics and constitutive relations underlying competing assessments. It integrates ANT and process mining analyses to capture sociomaterial entanglements and technology performativities. For practice, it highlights adopting inclusive, iterative approaches bridging strategic aims and localized end-user realities through participative translation during implementations
Open Access
The sharing economy: understanding the affordances and barriers that influence the assimilation of digital platforms for handy services in South Africa
(2025) Malatjie, Phaswana; Seymour, Lisa
The need to further Information Systems is essential. Innovations in technology have led to rapid developments and as technology continues to advance, so is the need to understand the changes from Information Systems' view. Several studies have explored the sharing economy services such as automotive, house-sharing, and handy services. The studies predict that sharing economy services will add billions of dollars to the global economy due to its exponential growth over the last decade. Challenges such as unemployment are impacted by the growth of this innovation in countries like South Africa. Consequently, the primary objective of this study is to understand the affordances and barriers that influence the assimilation of digital platforms for handy services. This could aid in highlighting potential solutions that could aid in reducing the high unemployment rate that we have in South Africa. By conducting a literature review, the researcher understood the benefits and challenges found in other areas of sharing economy services in South Africa. Furthermore, the literature revealed gaps around the sharing economy services relating to load-shedding, regulations, social exclusion and potential future directions for some of the issues. This study could not find an appropriate theoretical framework for understanding how barriers influence the affordances in the context of digital platforms for handy services. For this reason, the research sets out to investigate the affordances and barriers that assimilate the use of sharing platforms for handy services. This study adopted a qualitative approach to answer the research questions. Data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with users and potential users of sharing platform for handy services. The data was analysed using inductive thematic analysis method to construct the major themes. Two sampling techniques (heterogeneous and snowballing) were used and a group of twenty-two participants who provided diverse views that aided in answering the research question were interviewed. The research object was addressed by constructing a two causal loops diagrams and a conceptual model, which explained how the affordances and barriers influence the assimilation of sharing platforms for handy services. The research findings reveal a gap in marketing strategies that can facilitate the inclusion of lower-income groups. Furthermore, this research findings highlighted gaps around security measures required to ensure users' safety and regulations to ensure that all South Africans' can enjoy the use of sharing platforms for handy services. Lastly, the research revealed the opportunities such as sharing platforms for handy services exploring partnerships with technical training institutions and/or government agencies to help identify more skilled job seekers and contribute to economic development goals. Furthermore, this could aid in reducing unemployment in South Africa.
Open Access
The slow uptake of PMP in South Africa described and explained using grounded theory methods
(2025) Maape, Neto; Seymour, Lisa
Purpose – “Quo vadis TAM?” was a question asked by Benbasat and Barki in an inspired 2007 critique of the intense focus of the Technology Adoption Model (TAM) in Information Systems (IS), referring to its discovery as a blessing but its overuse as a curse that has resulted in TAM being unassailable. A response by Straub and Burton-Jones in 2007 partially titled “Veni, Vidi, Vici” agreed with most of these assertions, but felt that characterising TAM as unassailable requires inquiry to assess if aspects of TAM are methodological artifacts. This research aimed to act on these two inspired studies. This study did so by developing an explanation of the slow uptake of Proximity Mobile Payment (PMP) in two South African urban areas using Grounded Theory Methods (GTM). The theory developed was grounded in the data collected and was unconstrained by limits of most PMP studies in three ways: it does not use any established adoption theories, it makes use of an interpretivist paradigm unlike most PMP studies, and it focused on both adopters and non-adopters. South Africa is unique to other developing countries as it has a relatively high number of banked individuals who own a smart phone. However, South Africans are slow to take up the use of PMP. This makes it perfect for a study which seeks to describe the sentiments they hold regarding PMP to explain why so few of them have decided to take up PMP. Design/methodology/approach – This study sought to describe sentiments of participants related to PMP to aid the development of a theory that helps explain its slow uptake. An interpretivist stance with constructivist philosophical assumptions was used in this research. The study made use of semi-structed qualitative interviews to collect data, which was analysed using constructivist GTM. Findings – The study answers Straub and Burton-Jones questioning if that the main constructs of TAM are methodological artifacts or inherent to technology adoption, by confirming the latter as they were part of the constructs revealed in analysis that was grounded in the data. However, other constructs were revealed which may be contextual to South Africa, confirming Benbasat and Barki's assertion that TAM's narrow approach may miss other more contextual factors. The slow uptake of PMP in South Africa can be explained by considering constructs of TAM along with four others revealed in this study. Other findings are that QR scanning may be obsolete in PMP offerings, PMP non-adopters in South Africa are price sensitive and along with crime rates, these may be key factors inhibiting PMP adoption regardless of perceived usefulness and ease of use. Research limitations– The research was understandably limited by the time constraints of a master's programme and it being cross sectional. Contributions to literature – The study contributes to literature by revealing potential future studies on best practice approaches to inquiry into both adopters and non-adopters, technology changes in the PMP market and contextual factors unique to South Africa which may influence PMP adoption.

Browsing by Author "Seymour, Lisa"

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