Browsing by Subject "information systems"

Now showing 1 - 18 of 18
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    Open Access
    A model for teaching green information systems in higher education
    (2018) Mcgibbon, Carolyn; Ophoff, Jacques
    The purpose of this study was to respond to a call to the Information Systems (IS) discipline to provide solutions to address global challenges such as the seventh Millennium Development Goal of ensuring an interconnectedness of society and the environment. Many academic disciplines have recognised that sustainability is one of the most significant challenges of our time and thus needs to be included in curricula; IS, as a discipline, needed to fill this gap. A longitudinal six-year study was undertaken at the University of Cape Town (UCT) Department of IS to introduce the concept of “Green” IS into a project management course with students required to measure an aspect of the campus carbon footprint. Drawing on Design Science Research, the author used kernel theories of Butler’s Model of Green IS and the Scharmer’s Theory U to inform the design. The goal of the curriculum intervention was to design a model with outputs of key Green IS technical and social competences. The intention was also to create an impact with a reduced Carbon Footprint at UCT, despite the current absence of regulatory pressure. A total of 183 students were involved in the study over a period of six semesters where the theories of Green IS were presented as the underlying frameworks for their course. Key principles were drawn from international best practice, including how to address “wicked” sustainability problems and adopting a focus on developing sustainability solutions. Formative evaluations were conducted at the end of each cycle of the design development. Archival evidence, as well as student reflective essays, was employed, and content analysis and coding of the empirical data were conducted using a data analysis software tool. Experts were invited to summatively evaluate the model in practice, and their questionnaires were also coded in Atlas-ti and tested for co-occurrences. The contributions are provided on two levels. A contribution is made on a theoretical platform by the design of “The Green U’’, a model that evolved iteratively and has its roots in the kernel theories of both Green IS and change management. On a practical level, the research offers guidance to IS educators on how to integrate sustainability into their courses. Via enabling The Green U to be exapted into other emerging IS themes, this research project thus provides the opportunity for a seam of rich possibilities for further quantitative and qualitative research.
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    A paradox of the second order digital divide in higher education institutions of developing countries: case of Zimbabwe
    (2021) Dube, Sibusisiwe; Scott, Elsje; Ngwenyama Ojelanki
    Although this is not a new research phenomenon, the literature has often associated the digital divide (second order or otherwise) with sociodemographic, sociocultural and socioeconomical factors as reasons for the digital divide. However, there is little presence in the literature into the underlying structures (physical or abstract arrangement) leading to the divide. This means that the underlying structures leading to this problem have so far been ignored and require scholarly attention. This study, therefore, identifies and explains the structures leading to the second order digital divide, a problem relating to the unequal use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) which is more prevalent in the higher education institutions (HEIs) of developing countries. Before the structures that lead to the second order digital divide could be explained the interlocking dynamics of ICT adoption needed to be identified. Structuration Theory was employed as a sensitising tool for collecting, analysing, and interpreting qualitative data for this interpretivist research. Novel qualitative data were collected from a purposive sample drawn from a single HEI of Zimbabwe, a developing country of high literacy. Directed content analysis generated insightful explanations of the structures leading to the second order digital divide at the HEI case. Preliminary analysis based on a deductive logic approach identified signification, domination, and legitimation as some of the structures leading to the second order digital divide at the HEI case. Further analysis based on an inductive logic approach revealed additional belief, institutional and governance structures which manifested from the interlocking dynamics of ICT adoption, involving resources, leadership, adoption behaviours and empowerment. These findings contributed to practice by explaining the underlying structures of the second order digital divide, for the benefit of ICT4D researchers, and by suggesting interventions to HEI policy-makers for reducing the second order digital divide. The results also make an iv explanatory contribution to theory by presenting a model of the interlocking dynamics of ICT adoption for theorising about the complex second order digital divide.
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    Assessing public participatory mechanisms in the water and sanitation sector in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
    (2018) Chibota, Runyararo; Rivett, Ulrike
    Public participation is considered fundamental in the management of water and sanitation. In the view of the South African government public participation is pivotal to addressing service delivery challenges in the country. However, despite investment in various participatory mechanisms, there is some reluctance from rural citizens to engage with municipalities. According to the National Policy Framework for Public Participation 2007, public participation is meant to be an “open, accountable process through which individuals and groups within selected communities can exchange views and influence decision-making. It is further defined as a democratic process of engaging people, deciding, planning, and playing an active part in the development and operation of services that affect their lives”. Thus, resistance by rural citizens to working collaboratively with the municipalities defeats the purpose of the public participation process. Preliminary literature reveals a dearth of research into the cause of the lack of interest in the public participation process from citizens. Existing literature indicates that there is dissatisfaction in the way the public participation process is being conducted, and that more examination is needed. The paucity of research is what triggered the author’s decision to analyse the participatory mechanisms being used by municipalities in the water and sanitation sector of the Eastern Cape. The study was, therefore, an assessment of participatory mechanisms and takes into account the perspectives of rural citizens whose views are thus stakeholder views. The objective was to determine the possible reasons for the dissatisfaction with the process in order to identify the factors that could be taken into account to improve the public participation process in the Eastern Cape. The main research question was: What are the South African rural publics’ perceptions on whether the participatory mechanisms used in the water and sanitation sector achieve the intended goals of public participation? The study assessed the participatory mechanisms used in the water and sanitation sector in the rural communities in South Africa. Two local municipalities in the province of Eastern Cape were used as a case study. Rural citizens’ perspectives on various participatory mechanisms were explored to establish if the mechanisms used are promoting the intended outcomes of public participation.
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    Assessing the Association between Agile Maturity Model Levels and Perceived Project Success
    (2018) Henriques, Vaughan; Tanner, Maureen
    The underlying philosophy of the agile manifesto is embodied in principle one which promotes the continuous delivery of software that is deemed valuable by the customer, while principle twelve encourages continual improvement of the delivery process. This constant improvement, or maturity, is not a concept unique to agile methods and is commonly referred to as a maturity model. The most common of maturity model is the Capability Maturity Model Integrated (CMMI). However, research consensus indicates CMMI is incompatible with agile implementation, specifically at higher levels of maturity without sacrificing agility. Agile maturity models, which are aligned to agile principles encourage continuous improvement while maintaining agility. Given the underlying philosophy of the agile manifesto, this research hypothesises that an increase in agile maturity is associated with improved perceived project success, by using a conceptual model based on an existing agile maturity model and how each of the maturity levels are related to the perceived project success. The research also brings to light the concept of perceived project success, showing success in an agile environment is a subjective concept. Conducted quantitatively, the findings of this research show which specific focus areas within each of the maturity levels is most strongly correlated with perceived project success and concludes an increasing correlation between the maturity levels and perceived project success.
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    Challenges micro-enterprises experience in accessing support information using e-Government websites: Case of the Western Cape
    (2018) Osman, Muhammad Ameer; Chigona, Wallace
    Background: Governments often provide support to Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) to ensure that they are sustainable. Micro-enterprises play an important role in the economic and socio-economic development of developing countries. However, the majority of micro-enterprises find it challenging to survive or to grow due to numerous challenges they experience. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) could assist micro-enterprises to grow and be competitive. E-Government has been internationally advocated to improve the delivery of government information. However, African governments are experiencing challenges that limit the success of e-Government. This has resulted in limited accessibility. Purpose of the research: The objective of the study is to investigate the challenges that micro-enterprises experience in accessing support information using e-Government websites in a developing country context. To achieve that the study describes the challenges experienced, analyses the types of support information accessed and identifies the Information and Communication Technology devices used to access support information. Design/methodology/approach: This multidisciplinary study adopted a constructivist approach and used an interpretive paradigm. The study was guided by Sen’s Capability Approach as a theoretical framework, and thematically analysed patterns between context, capabilities and outcomes. Data for the study was collected using semi-structured interviews. Furthermore, annual reports, published statistics and additional documents were also used as secondary data. Purposive and snowballing sampling were used to target established micro-enterprises in the Western Cape, South Africa. Findings: Micro-enterprises gained several benefits of using ICT for general business activities. These included improved access to information, improved communication, improved marketing, reduced costs and improved efficiency and productivity. Microenterprises also experienced several challenges with accessing support information using e-Government websites. These included content, structure, design, language availability and red tape. Support information relating to business skills development, products and services development and funding were mostly accessed. Furthermore, micro-enterprises mostly used laptops and mobile phones to access support information. Practical implications: The findings indicate that if micro-enterprises could access support information using e-Government websites, it could have a positive impact on their businesses such as improved competitiveness. Finally, the study uncovered that access to support information could also have a positive impact on the personal agency of microenterprises i.e. personal objectives such as women empowerment. Originality/contribution: The study contributes to the gap in research in terms of investigating the phenomenon of e-Government accessibility in developing countries. The study also contributes new understanding by separating the ICT and e-Government into two commodities to identify and show where the accessibility problem emanates from. Furthermore, the study proposes a conceptual model that provides an opportunity for researchers to understand users such as micro-enterprises of Government-to-Business projects so that suitable recommendation on the next course of actions be proposed to relevant stakeholders of future Government-to-Business projects.
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    Critical success factors, mechanisms, and information technology project success: a case study of a data migration project in a large South African organisation
    (2020) Krakri, Akhona; Brown, Irwin
    Background: There are numerous studies in the Information Technology (IT) field on IT project success and/or failure and reasons thereof. There is much discussion about what constitutes IT project success and the main determinants are generally a subjective matter. Several studies address critical success factors and some address success criteria about IT projects. However, the combination of mechanisms, success criteria, and critical success factors has not been adequately researched or widely addressed and hence the need to conduct this study which seeks to examine the aforementioned relationships and propose a modified model to explain the links among them. Objectives: The main objectives of this study are: 1) To identify and discuss the role played by success factors (input variables) in an IT project; 2) To identify and discuss the role played by success criteria (output variables) in an IT project; 3) To identify and discuss the role played by mechanisms (mediating variables) and impact thereof on an IT project; and 4) To identify, investigate and explore the interrelationships between the aforementioned constructs and how they impact the success of an IT project. Research Methodology/Approach: A modified model of the Black Box of IS Project Success Mechanisms was utilised to guide the data collection process. The model was based on three fundamental constructs developed from various sources of literature viz. success criteria, critical success factors, and mechanisms. The study made use of a single case study based on a data migration project which one of the major corporates in South Africa executed. The data migration project provides for a distinct type of IT project suitable to meet the study objectives. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews, and a thematic analysis was conducted to identify success factors, mechanisms, and IT project success criteria. Findings: The findings revealed that there are several success criteria measures viz. the traditional project management triangle (cost, scope and time), non-functional requirements, customer satisfaction, other stakeholders' requirements, quality assurance, organisational benefits, and learning and growth. Further, there are several critical success factors including project management factors, team-related factors, organisational factors, business process factors, and governance and risk factors. There are core mechanisms that are pivotal to the success of the IT project which includes project visibility, teamwork, and effective communication.
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    Developing a user-friendly client database
    (2012-12) UCT Knowledge Co-op
    Epilepsy SA approached the UCT Knowledge Co-op for assistance with the development of an electronic client database system. Manual reporting was becoming too time consuming. They required a system that would manage their client base and track all services offered, then compile reports of all activities. The reports are required for management and to provide funders with an understanding of Epilepsy SA's efforts. In addition staff would need to be trained to use the new system. The UCT Knowledge Co-op approached the Honours Outreach and Community Involvement Programme (HOCIP) based in the Information Systems (IS) department. Ewan James was recruited to dedicate his community service to this project.
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    Discovering Information Systems: an exploratory approach
    (2010) van Belle, Jean-Paul; Nash, Jane; Eccles, Mike
    Useful guide for students providing a sound technical understanding of information systems while also taking into account more philosophical, scientific and organisational aspects. This text consist of twelve chapters, which can be grouped roughly into the following three sections. The scientific context: a review of the fundamental scientific concepts on which IS builds: what is information, what is a system and what are information systems. The technological context: an overview of relevant technology: hardware, software and communications technology. The organisational context: the development and deployment of information systems as well as some wider societal concerns. It is important that this text not be seen separate from the practical worksheets, case studies, videos and group work, which will be provided in the lectures. The intention of these additional materials is to enhance the educational process through participatory learning units: you learn best when doing. It is also our conviction that university students need to be introduced from the first year to academic pluralism: too often undergraduate students get the impression that there is a single correct approach or, even worse, that most problems have only one correct solution or answer. This text is therefor supplemented with additional readings, culled from the world-wide web, in which we hope to expose students to different views of the material presented in the concepts part.
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    E-learning in universities in Uganda: predictors of successful adoption
    (2019) Namirembe, Esther; Kyobe, Michael
    Adoption of e-learning technology has been carried out by numerous universities in the developing countries with the aim of advancing the knowledge society and economic development. However, the adoption of e-learning technology in the said universities is fraught with challenges leading to low level use for instructional purposes. The study aims at: (i) identifying the predictors of successful adoption of e-learning, (ii) investigating causes of failures of past e-learning information systems initiatives, and (iii) developing a predictive framework for the advancement of e-learning programmes for universities in Uganda. In order to determine possible predictors of successful adoption, the researcher adopted the configurational (Gestalts) approach. The hypotheses were tested in a survey that involved 73 lecturers and 184 students from Uganda’s Makerere University and Gulu University. The respondents’ opinions are obtained using questionnaires and interviews and analysed using descriptive, clustering and deductive thematic analyses techniques. The research identified four analytical clusters from the target group of the lecturers, while the target group of the students are described by six analytical clusters. Results from cluster 1 among lecturers indicate that successful adoption is dependent on being familiar with the objectives of the university’s e-learning policies, finding time to experiment with ICT, availability of financial support and commitment of university management. However, it should be noted that while the study was conducted within two Universities, the majority of the lecturer respondents were from Makerere University. Therefore, while organisational characteristics contribute to the adoption of e-learning among lecturers, their influence is more pronounced in the established university, that is, Makerere. Both lecturers and students adopt e-learning facilities at later stages of their studies or career which raises great concern. The majority of the lecturers in the lead cluster were male and PhD holders while most of the students in the lead cluster were male and in their second year of study. Lecturers in Cluster 1 are adopters because of the knowledge and long-time experience with e-learning facilities compared to their counterparts in Clusters 2 and 3. Students in Cluster 4 were adopters because they had more knowledge and skills in the use of ICTs than their counterparts in the other clusters. Cluster 3 and 6 among lecturers and students respectively were least adopters of e-learning mainly because they were unfamiliar with the university e-learning policy. The main causes of failure of past e-learning information systems initiatives were lack of structured approach to e-learning and inadequate empowerment. From the cluster findings, a predictive framework for the advancement of e-learning programmes in universities in Uganda was developed. It was recommended that: adoption of e-learning technology should be encouraged during the early school years of the students and earlier career years of the academic if universities are to be competitive.
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    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.
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    Internet Marketing: a highly practical guide to every aspect of internet marketing
    (2011) Jones, Alex Trengove; Malczyk, Anna; Beneke, Justin
    This textbook includes 10 chapters. While the first and last chapter are introductory and summative in nature, all other chapters focus on a specific internet marketing tool. This textbook can be used to support an internet marketing course or for self-study by students interested in internet marketing.
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    An introduction to Information Systems
    (2011) Johnston, Kevin
    This course provides a business perspective of information systems, and stresses how information systems can be used to improve the planning and running of businesses. This series of podcasts cover various topics on information systems and can be used for self study.
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    Open government data publication and use in a developing country: a case of Ghana
    (2022) Nuhu, Hubeidatu; van Belle, Jean-Paul
    Implementing Open Government Data (OGD) increases a government's ability to share data on its activities with citizens in machine-readable formats. OGD improves citizen participation, transparency, accountability and creates impact. By permitting more transparency, OGD helps citizens monitor government activities, which contributes to minimizing corruption. For example, while Also, OGD enables governments to track the impact of their actions; it gives citizens the ability to monitor government activities and critique where necessary. In addition, institutionalizing OGD by governments encourages economic growth and creates employment for citizens. The aim of this study is to examine OGD as a phenomenon in Ghana by focusing on how social factors either constrained or enabled the publication and use of OGD in Ghana. The investigation also examined how these social factors were created and sustained over time, influencing OGD institutionalization. The Structuration Theory was used as the primary theoretical lens to aid in understanding these social factors. In addition, the Structuration Theory was supplemented with concepts from Network Power, Ownership, and the Public Value Frameworks to provide additional theoretical categorization for the empirical findings. This study adopted a qualitative interpretive approach. Data sources for the research included semi-structured interviews, observations, and secondary data. The primary sources of data included Data Users, Data Publishers, Data “controllers,” and beneficiaries. The main findings from the study indicated that despite Ghana's long-standing democracy and being one of the early implementers of OGD, the phenomenon was yet to be institutionalized in the country. Data ownership, data quality, regulatory mandate, data sharing culture, control, and resources were the core social factors that influenced OGD publication. The meanings that actors ascribed to data ownership resulted in establishing and maintaining bureaucratic structures that allowed institutions and individuals to control available data. The actual use of OGD was influenced by social factors such as alliances/network creation, resources, power in networks, informal networks, and data quality assessment. Conversely, factors like alliances/network creation and technological resources acted as enablers that helped data users access the data. Data Users relied on technology and constantly drew upon their knowledge and understanding of technology and social connections to enable them to access and use data. They also relied on their ability to use technology to scrutinize data to ensure that it was of good quality and its use could create an impact or public value. Specific recommendations of this study include the need to use change management strategies targeted at all actors and institutions in the OGD ecosystem; educating and sensitizing actors on the relevance of making data technically available on a single approved web portal; and the creation of a context specific data quality indicators.
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    Structuring Enterprise Content Management
    (2012) Higgs, Richard
    An overview of the structures and responsibilities required for the effective implementation and maintenance of an Enterprise Content Management (ECM) program, beyond the typical IT focus for ECM. May be used as a supplementary aid to an introduction of Enterprise Content Management, organisation design, or information governance in general.
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    The influence of effective use of mobile devices for learning outside the classroom: case study of secondary school students in Tanzania and South Africa
    (2018) Mwapwele, Samwel Dick; Roodt, Sumarie
    There is an ongoing debate on whether students’ use of mobile devices extends to academic purposes. In developing countries, mobile devices are argued to assist in reducing digital divide and foster educational use leading to poverty alleviation. Framework on students’ effective use of mobile devices for learning outside the classroom (SEUMD) is applied as lens. This research investigates, what influence effective use of mobile devices for learning outside the classroom has on academic performance of secondary school students in Tanzania and South Africa. An Interpretive approach on multiple case studies is employed. A mixed method approach is used that includes, close ended questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and direct observations. A secondary school in Dar-es-salaam and a high school in Cape Town were selected for data collection. Data was collected with Form IV students and their teachers and Grade 12 learners and their teachers. Mixed method is applied to investigate students’ and teachers’ use of mobile devices for learning outside the classroom. Descriptive statistics is used to analyse questionnaires and thematic analysis for interviews and observations. Both, students’ and teachers’ use mobile device to socialize, recreational purposes, searching for information and academic purposes. On academic purposes, mobile devices are used to make phone calls, send short message services and on Internet. Internet use encompass websites, search engines, social networks and instant messaging applications. Students’ save pocket money to buy airtime and Internet bundles. Students’ receive advice and assistance from peers on mobile devices to acquire and technical help. Key findings demonstrate students’ effective use of mobile devices includes WhatsApp and Facebook to communicate to peers, friends and teachers on educational issues. Students’ assist peers by sending pictures, audio and video files that expound on topic of interest. Academic content acquired through other Internet sources is shared to groups students interact with. The use of SEUMD provides for a new framework that merges technology adoption, concerns in the society and providing a sustainable solution. SEUMD extends discussion on technology adoption by focusing on adopters’ goals and analysing sustainability of attaining the goal through effective use. Adoption of a technology is thus assessed as a process that starts before adoption and continues after through sustainability.
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    The Influence of national culture dimensions on agile implementations in the South African software development context
    (2022) Matthews, Kirwin; Tanner, Maureen C
    Culture plays a role in how Agile frameworks are utilised and implemented. Agility requires the active involvement of team members and is said to be suitable in contexts where there is a horizontal hierarchy (low power distance) and where flexibility and spontaneity (low uncertainty avoidance) are emphasised. Cultures from Anglosphere countries, where Agile methodologies originate from, and Nordic countries, are closest aligned to Agile values. Since Agile values are based on Western culture, there is a need to investigate their suitability for cultures that have different values such as South Africa. South Africa offers an interesting context of study due to its heterogeneous cultural grouping. While studies have been conducted to investigate the influence of national culture on Agile implementations in Western and Eastern country contexts, there is no research that explores the influence of national culture and the implementation of Agile methodologies in the South African software development context. Furthermore, few studies have focused on the effect of cultural differences within software engineering in general. The purpose of this study was to describe how national culture influences Agile implementations (roles, processes, and artifacts) within the South African software development context. The study was deductive as national culture frameworks were employed. This study was interpretive and was executed using a qualitative, interview research strategy directed at Agile practitioners in South African software development teams. Data was collected from twenty-six participants from across two major cities in South Africa through online semi-structured interviews. The thematic analysis technique was used to analyse the data. Findings reveal that national culture dimensions influence the Agile roles, processes, and artifacts. The basis for contributions was based on the empirical research of this study, specifically in relation to 1) insights into the role of a consolidated set of cultural dimensions on Agile practices 2) implications for agility by discussing findings considering Agile principles and values 3) findings mapped to the Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) theory principles. A key finding was that South Africa does not demonstrate a homogenous cultural trait. Instead, various cultural traits are revealed, which brings more complexity to the Agile implementations. Thirty-two propositions relating to how the various dimensions influence Agile roles, processes, and artifacts were developed by the researcher. The key findings reveal that various national culture dimensions influence the decision-making process, the degree of Sprint interruptions, participation in Agile ceremonies, adherence to policies and prescribed Agile practices, how teams reach agreement, and approaches to process improvement and Sprint Planning. Lastly, in this study, the practical contributions are insights into the current context where national culture dimensions influence large-scale Agile frameworks such as SAFe, and small-scale Agile frameworks such as Scrum in South African software development teams. In this regard, it can help inform Agile implementations in practice, and therefore help managers and teams curate Agile teams for appropriate environments.
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    The role of industry technologies in is education: a South African case study
    (2022) Mutetwa, Shaloam; Mwalemba, Gwamaka
    The issue of determining the most appropriate software tools for instructional purposes is not new. As the tools keep changing and evolving and considering the vast number of existing tools that are there, this process of selecting the best tools for students may become quite challenging and it is important that the dynamic be explored. This research targets studying factors that have impact on tool selection, implementation of tools in the curriculum, and impact of tool use on students. The study also uses Activity Theory as the theoretical framework in holistically exploring how these tools are implemented in an undergraduate Information Systems curriculum. The research adopts an interpretivist approach and follows an exploratory research design using qualitative methods to gather data and thematic analysis for data analysis. This case study is of a South African university, which was chosen using convenience sampling. Data was collected through interviews with 10 lecturers and 8 students at the Information Systems Department and analysis of course outlines. Key findings point to alignment with industry needs, affordability, availability of supplementary resources, and software functionality as some of the important criteria used by educators when selecting software products. The study also identifies primary and secondary contradictions as per the Activity Theory and these highlight the inconsistencies which exist in the department's use of technologies. It is important to note the lack of studies in this area, where existing research mainly focuses on tools used in specific courses in Information Systems, but none have looked at the Information Systems discipline as a whole. The study also highlights the different roles played by technology companies in facilitating the use of tools in courses, which to the researcher's knowledge, has never been done before. Thus, the research contributes to literature and fills the stated gaps in research and answers the research questions.
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    The value of waste data within the City of Cape Town's waste management systems: an exploratory case study
    (2022) Stemmet, Paulus; Uys, Walter; Rivett, Ulrike
    Producers are increasingly compelled by legislation to understand the volume of their products recycled and a product's total impact on waste management systems (WMS). Improved data quality is essential to drive the adoption of a waste management system, and to guide policy strategy and planning decisions. This study focuses on the data from post-consumer waste in the City of Cape Town within the broad field of solid waste management (SWM). This study explores the (primary) research questions: “What is the value of waste data in the City of Cape Town waste management system ?” It answer the primary question through three secondary-questions 1. How do stakeholders within the WMS perceive the availability of waste data? 2. What is the current volume and composition of waste data in the City Of Cape Town's WMS ? 3. Additionally, can data from the informal waste sector assist in improving existing waste data quality? A sequential mixed-methods exploratory case study approach and the solid waste information management model (SWIMM) are used. Through interviews with key industry players, a review of selected literature, and publicly available data on waste from the City of Cape Town, the study surfaces the misalignment between stakeholder expectations and currently collected data on waste within the waste management system. This study finds that expectations from stakeholders across waste management are misaligned around the perception of essential waste data indicators. The research presents a novel SWIMM model that collects a higher volume, frequency, quality, diversity, and composition of data across the waste stream, predicting future short-term waste scenarios, legislation compliance, and production planning.