OpenUCT :: Browsing by Subject "Information systems"

Browsing by Subject "Information systems"

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Open Access
A proposed framework that enhances the quality of cyber security audits
(2022) Matsikidze, Hezel; Kyobe, Michael
The need to protect information systems or assets remains crucial today. Innovations in technology have led to rapid developments and as technology continues to advance, so is the need to protect information systems. Amongst numerous effects of cyber-attacks on organizations, huge financial losses which in turn affect the economy have since been reported. Cyber security audits need to be strengthened to tighten the protection of information systems. The importance of cybersecurity audits is widely endorsed in literature. Nonetheless, frameworks used to audit cybersecurity are viewed as‘sometimes' weak links to cybersecurity due to their drawbacks in auditing cyber security. A review of literature indicated that cyber-attacks are more rampant in the African continent with the financial sector being the most targeted. Literature also highlighted that the use of relevant frameworks for auditing cyber security improves the quality and effectiveness of audits thereby enhancing cyber security. Studies in information systems have mostly looked at the adoption of frameworks, types of cyber threats and tools needed to audit. Nonetheless, it is important to note that few scholars have examined the applicability and effectiveness of the existing frameworks in auditing cyber security. Furthermore, previous studies emphasize on enhancing cyber security without a particular focus on auditing cyber security including assessing the role of the auditor during the process. As a result, this study looked at cyber security from an auditing perspective with a particular focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the current frameworks that are being used to audit cyber security including. The study also looked at the factors that enhance the effectiveness of cyber security audits. The study draws from different theories, literature and from the strengths and drawbacks of existing frameworks to create an explanatory model. To statistically test and evaluate the model, a quantitative research approach was employed to collect, analyze, and interpret data from South Africa. Data was collected using a questionnaire which was distributed to IT auditors and cyber security professionals from the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) South African chapter members. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cyber security framework was found to be the widely adopted framework followed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, with the Control Objectives for Information Technologies (COBIT) being the least employed framework. The COBIT framework was found to be more aligned to Information Technology governance rather than cyber security. Furthermore, results of this study indicate that effectiveness of cyber security audits is dependent upon competencies of auditors including their ethics and integrity. Results further indicate that frameworks used for auditing are effective to some extent if properly implemented. A proper alignment of an auditor's competencies which include ethics and integrity, and an adoption of a relevant framework will result in effective cyber security audits that reduce the risks of cyber-attacks. Concerning the contribution to practice, results from this study can help organizations to determine and review focus areas of cyber security auditing that they need to emphasize and develop on. Furthermore, the developed model can be used by auditors to develop an audit plan and conduct audits that are effective in identifying, protecting, detecting, preventing, and recovering information systems or assets. The methodological, theoretical, and practical contributions are further discussed in this thesis along with limitations, recommendations, and areas for future research.
Open Access
An analytical tale of the social media discursive enactment of networked everyday resistance during the #feesmustfall social movement in South Africa
(2019) Bagui, Laban; Johnston, Kevin; Weimann, Peter
Social media are a space for discussions, debates and deliberations about personality, culture, society, and actual experiences of social actors in South Africa. They offer an unexpected opportunity for the broader consideration and inclusion of community members’ voices in governance decision making and policy processes. They also offer opportunities to engage, mobilise and change people and society in impressive scale, speed and effect: They have mobilising and transformative powers emanating from their interaction with the impetus of the agency of community members seeking better conditions of living. The magnitude of the effects of these powers makes it imperative to have a better understanding of their workings. Social media have been used in numerous social movements as the medium of communication to mobilise, coordinate, and broadcast protests. However, social media were never a guarantee of success as most movements using them did not achieve significant results. Yet, governments in developed and developing countries tend to engage inadequately with social media supported movements. The research problem is that the contribution of social media to the transformation of the social practice of discourse, which causes SSA community members’ agential impetus (collective intentionality for action) to generate a discourse of resistance on social media during social movements, is not well understood. The main research question is: Why are South African community members using social media to enact online discursive resistance during social movements? The aim of the research is to explain, from a critical realism point of view, Sub-Saharan African community members’ emergent usage of social media during social movements, by providing a contextualised social history (a tale) of South African community members’ practice of online discursive enactment of resistance. The emergent usage of social media of concern is conceptualised as “discursive enactment of networked everyday resistance” within a dialectical space of interaction conceptualised as “space of autonomous resistance”; an instance of a communication space allowing for transformative negation to occur. The research follows Bhaskar’s Critical Realism as a philosophical paradigm. Critical Realism seeks to explain phenomena by retroducing (retrospective inference) causal explanations from empirically observable phenomena to the generative mechanisms which caused them. The research was designed as a qualitative, processual and retroductive inquiry based on the Morphogenetic/Morphostasis approach with two phases: an empirical research developing the case of South African community members’ emergent usage of social media during the #feesmustfall social movement, looking for demi-regularities in social media discourse; and a transcendental research reaching into the past to identified significant events, objects and entities which tendencies are responsible for the shape of observed discourse. In the first phase, a case study was developed from data collected on the social media platform Twitter™, documents, and in-depth interviews of South African community members. The data collected were analysed using qualitative content analysis (QCA) and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to unveil demi-regularities; moving from the observable individual strategic orientation of messages to discourses, thus to the tendencies of relational emergent properties of systemic magnitude which structure local discourses and are transformed by them. Then, the social mediainduced morphogenesis or transformation of South African community members’ discursive action was postulated in an analytical history of emergence (or analytical tale) of their usage of social media within a “space of autonomous resistance” during social movements. The findings of the research suggest that South African community members authored 3 discourses of resistance on Twitter™: #feesmustfall discourses of struggle, identity and oppression. They identified as “student qua black-child” stepping into the “Freedom fighter” role against the hegemonic post-apartheid condition curtailing their aspirations. It was found that social media socio-cultural embeddedness and under-design (Western European socio-cultural globalising underpinning features and functional features of the platforms) which interaction with the local socio-cultural mix (postapartheid socio-cultural tendencies for domination/power, spiral of silence, and legitimacy/identification) resulted in misfits and workarounds enhancing individual emotional conflict and aligning towards a socio-cultural opportunistic contingent complementarity integration in the deployment of discourse. That integration was actualised as a mediatization emergent property through asignification/signification of mainstream discourses of liberal democracy, colonial capitalism, national democratic revolution, free and decolonised education, black consciousness and Fallism. That mediatization through re-signification of the struggle for freedom created a communication “space of autonomous resistance” where networked freedom fighters enacted discursive everyday resistance against the hegemonic forces of students’ precariousness. The contribution of the research includes a realist model of social media discursive action (ReMDA); an explanation of South African community members’ deployment of discourse over social media during social movement and telling the tale of the transformation of discursive practices with the advent of social media in South Africa.
Open Access
An assessment of the impact of computers on the practices of chartered accountants with some reference to South Africa including an evaluation of current computer education for chartered accountants
(1974) Sulcas, Paul; Putterill, M S; Fine, L H
The study is concerned with assessing the impact of computers on the practices of Chartered Accountants and relating the findings to the accounting profession in South Africa. An evaluation will also be made of current computer education for pre-qualifying and qualified Chartered Accountants (S.A.). No special attempt has been made to define a computer because it is considered that the principles dealt with in this study are applicable to a wide range of electronic data processing equipment possessing common characteristics, i.e. input and output devices, logical, arithmetic and storage units, and a control unit.
Open Access
Information systems for mental health in six low and middle income countries: cross country situation analysis
(2016) Upadhaya, Nawaraj; Jordans, Mark J D; Abdulmalik, Jibril; Ahuja, Shalini; Alem, Atalay; Hanlon, Charlotte; Kigozi, Fred; Kizza, Dorothy; Lund, Crick; Semrau, Maya; Shidhaye, Rahul; Thornicroft, Graham; Komproe, Ivan H; Gureje, Oye
Abstract Background Research on information systems for mental health in low and middle income countries (LMICs) is scarce. As a result, there is a lack of reliable information on mental health service needs, treatment coverage and the quality of services provided. Methods With the aim of informing the development and implementation of a mental health information sub-system that includes reliable and measurable indicators on mental health within the Health Management Information Systems (HMIS), a cross-country situation analysis of HMIS was conducted in six LMICs (Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda), participating in the ‘Emerging mental health systems in low and middle income countries’ (Emerald) research programme. A situation analysis tool was developed to obtain and chart information from documents in the public domain. In circumstances when information was inadequate, key government officials were contacted to verify the data collected. In this paper we compare the baseline policy context, human resources situation as well as the processes and mechanisms of collecting, verifying, reporting and disseminating mental health related HMIS data. Results The findings suggest that countries face substantial policy, human resource and health governance challenges for mental health HMIS, many of which are common across sites. In particular, the specific policies and plans for the governance and implementation of mental health data collection, reporting and dissemination are absent. Across sites there is inadequate infrastructure, few HMIS experts, and inadequate technical support and supervision to junior staff, particularly in the area of mental health. Nonetheless there are also strengths in existing HMIS where a few mental health morbidity, mortality, and system level indicators are collected and reported. Conclusions Our study indicates the need for greater technical and resources input to strengthen routine HMIS and develop standardized HMIS indicators for mental health, focusing in particular on indicators of coverage and quality to facilitate the implementation of the WHO mental health action plan 2013–2020.
Open Access
Information systems for mental health in six low and middle income countries: cross country situation analysis
(BioMed Central, 2016-09-26) Upadhaya, Nawaraj; Jordans, Mark J D; Abdulmalik, Jibril; Ahuja, Shalini; Alem, Atalay; Hanlon, Charlotte; Kigozi, Fred; Kizza, Dorothy; Lund, Crick; Semrau, Maya; Shidhaye, Rahul; Thornicroft, Graham; Komproe, Ivan H; Gureje, Oye
Background: Research on information systems for mental health in low and middle income countries (LMICs) is scarce. As a result, there is a lack of reliable information on mental health service needs, treatment coverage and the quality of services provided. Methods: With the aim of informing the development and implementation of a mental health information subsystem that includes reliable and measurable indicators on mental health within the Health Management Information Systems (HMIS), a cross-country situation analysis of HMIS was conducted in six LMICs (Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda), participating in the ‘Emerging mental health systems in low and middle income countries’ (Emerald) research programme. A situation analysis tool was developed to obtain and chart information from documents in the public domain. In circumstances when information was inadequate, key government officials were contacted to verify the data collected. In this paper we compare the baseline policy context, human resources situation as well as the processes and mechanisms of collecting, verifying, reporting and disseminating mental health related HMIS data. Results: The findings suggest that countries face substantial policy, human resource and health governance challenges for mental health HMIS, many of which are common across sites. In particular, the specific policies and plans for the governance and implementation of mental health data collection, reporting and dissemination are absent. Across sites there is inadequate infrastructure, few HMIS experts, and inadequate technical support and supervision to junior staff, particularly in the area of mental health. Nonetheless there are also strengths in existing HMIS where a few mental health morbidity, mortality, and system level indicators are collected and reported. Conclusions: Our study indicates the need for greater technical and resources input to strengthen routine HMIS and develop standardized HMIS indicators for mental health, focusing in particular on indicators of coverage and quality to facilitate the implementation of the WHO mental health action plan 2013–2020.
Open Access
The organisational effects of installing a distributed processing system
(1980) Lay, Peter Mark Quine; Sulcas, Paul
Since its introduction to business in 1952, computerised data processing has undergone a number of substantial changes, both in the hardware and the techniques that are used. The introduction of miniaturisation, and the resultant lowering of the costs of circuitry, has led to the widespread use of mini- and micro-computers. There has also been a large increase in the use of communication facilities. Initially, almost all organisations centralised their computer facilities at the Head Office and systems were run in the batch mode. The need to service the requirements of remote users was resolved by installing on-line facilities and providing unintelligent terminals to those users. Alternatively, stand-alone computers were installed at the remote locations. However, the requirements of businesses for centralised reporting and control led to the need to install processing units at the user sites and to connect those computers, via communications links, to a computer facility located at Head Office. In this way distributed data processing evolved. The provision of this type of processing mode has important implications to the organisation in such areas as costs, staffing, planning, control and systems design. This thesis, therefore, investigates the current (1980) trends in relation to distributed processing. It specifically examines the developments in hardware, software, and data communications. It assesses the criteria that should be considered by an organisation in selecting either the centralisation or distribution of its processing facilities. Through a field study both successful and unsuccessful distributed installations are examined. Conclusions are then drawn and recommendations made, to provide management with working guidelines when assessing the feasibility and practicality of distributed processing for its organisation. The findings of the study are appropriate for both general management and DP management with only centralised computing experience; and for individuals offering professional computer consultancy services to existing or potential users.
Open Access
The importance of global business information: Perceptions of students in Hungary, Romania, South Africa and the United States
(2006) Hart, M L; Pook, L A; Jenei, G; Jennings, M
Human capital is one of the critical factors for measuring the potential ability of a country to deal with the implications of globalization. This indicator is usually measured in the form of sheer numbers of workers and their level of education. While this provides useful and important information, it does not include attitudinal variables that would indicate the readiness of the workforce to embrace the changes necessary to participate in a global economy. When research on perceptions or attitudes is carried out, it is often focused on the current workforce (Sunassee and Sewry 2003). It is suggested that the perceptions and attitudes of students, particularly relating to information use, information system use and information needs, would also be a good indicator of future ability to cope with globalization.
Open Access
Workbook 2011 - Large Class Teaching Project
(University of Cape Town, 2011-02-15) Herbert, Shelly; Minter, Tessa; Lubbe, Ilse; Hyland, Tarryn
This workbook is used across 3 courses in the Commerce Faculty - Financial Reporting 2, Information Systems in Business and Control of Financial Information Systems. It incorporates and integrates aspects of all 3 courses.
Open Access
Workbook 2012 - Large Class Teaching Project
(University of Cape Town, 2012-02-15) Herbert, Shelly; Minter, Tessa; Lubbe, Ilse; Hyland, Tarryn
This workbook is used across 3 courses in the Commerce Faculty - Financial Reporting 2, Information Systems in Business and Control of Financial Information Systems. It incorporates and integrates aspects of all 3 courses.
Open Access
Workbook 2013 - Large Class Teaching Project
(University of Cape Town, 2013-02-15) Herbert, Shelly; Minter, Tessa; Lubbe, Ilse; Hyland, Tarryn
This workbook is used across 3 courses in the Commerce Faculty - Financial Reporting 2, Information Systems in Business and Control of Financial Information Systems. It incorporates and integrates aspects of all 3 courses.

Browsing by Subject "Information systems"

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