Research Articles (Information Systems)

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The impact of information and communications technology infrastructure and complementary factors on intra-African Trade
(Taylor & Francis, 2013) Bankole, Felix Olu; Osei-Bryson, Kweku-Muata; Brown, Irwin
Trade is one of the cornerstones of socio-economic development for Africa. Intra-continental trade stimulates productive capacity and competitiveness in nations through exposing domestic industries to competition. The purpose of this study was to investigate how information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure impacts on intra-African trade, taking into account other relevant factors that also influence trade such as Institutional Quality and Educational Attainment. Archival data about Telecommunications Infrastructure (a key indicator of ICT infrastructure), Institutional Quality and Educational Attainment and Trade Flows (Export and Import) from 28 African countries were used as empirical evidence. The research employed structural equation modeling with partial least squares to analyze data. The empirical analysis shows that the Telecommunications Infrastructure has a major impact on intra-African trade. Interacting factors such as Institutional Quality and Educational Attainment also play a role in influencing intra-African trade.
Understanding IT management in Higher Education
(2015) Bytheway, Andrew J.; Whyte, Grafton; Venter, Isabel
A meeting of academics concluded that the management of IT resources in education is sub-optimal and under-researched. The extent of IT-related changes indicates a need for strategic management, proper attention to the expectations of stakeholders, and careful management of the implementation of new systems. Representative role players provided both open and structured input to a study that contrasted open coding of transcribed text and structured analysis of repertory grid data. The results of the open coding were limited but the repertory grid data provided useful insight into the management of information technology and information systems in higher education. The principal findings were that the management of the scope of information systems, services and projects must be managed well, and when coupled with risk management this provides the best possibility of successful working. The controlled management of cost, value, and innovation, are revealed to be distinct areas of strategic importance.
Managing information and communications technologies in South African education: final project report
(SAICTED Research Team, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015-06-11) Bytheway, Andrew J.; Bladergroen, M.; Bangui, L.
This was a meta-study. That means that the intention of the study was to review and analyse previous studies, and draw conclusions about the state of research into technologies in education, and specifically into the management of those technologies. The project proposed a range of objectives that were reduced because of funding limitations - the reduced project scope focused on an extensive literature review (the bibliography) and the development of a reference model that is intended to guide those concerned with managing ICTs in South African education (whether as managers or as researchers). The original proposal also included the development of case studies and the establishment of a knowledge base (built around the reference model) but this work remains to be done. The project was somewhat problematic in execution. Resourcing and administrative difficulties resulted in no students graduating (yet), and this is a matter for disappointment. These problems were reported to the NRF and – in the end – useful outputs were achieved. First, following establishment of the project, a two-day meeting of about 20 experts revealed a consensus: that the many differences that are to be seen (in learners, teachers, resource levels and other factors) are probably the most important thing to acknowledge and respond to, in undertaking further research into technology in South African education and in improving management practice. The drivers for change arising from technological innovation are forceful, and the form and function of education establishments is changing. In the simplest possible view, information technology is an investment and it needs to be managed accordingly. The idea of value can be used to develop logical connections between the sometimes-uncontrolled cost of education information technologies, and the strategic benefits that are sought for learners and for the nation. Critical to understanding how value can be assured is to acknowledge and pro-actively manage the information systems that are the means to improve educational processes, and the benefits that must be defined and then delivered, if the investment of time, money and effort is to be worthwhile. The bibliography that emerged from the literature review (more than 160 papers were read, being chosen from more than 700 candidates) confirms that there is little evidence that the management of IT investments in education is researched. Further, while some reported work makes passing reference to (or implies) strategic management, there is little evidence that strategic options and strategic management techniques are being seriously researched at the regional or national level. To deal with the problems of technology and strategy management: • The diversity that we live with needs to be understood and incorporated into policies and strategies for information technology and information systems in education. • The role of the stakeholder, and existing techniques for stakeholder analysis, will be key in determining the value is sought from our information technology investments in education. • There is more to this than just teaching and learning. Research is a key feature of the education landscape and needs good information technology support; administration at all levels needs good systems, and management needs management information that provides a basis for good decision making. The reference model, currently focused on "Teaching and Learning" as the core educational activity, organises the chain of value that begins to ensure successful investment. It also shows how knowledge management fits into the "big picture" and it provides an ontological foundation for further work, as well as a framework for the evaluation of performance and value delivery within working education institutions. The project also developed significant ancillary outputs: a proposal for a special issue of a journal, a "Flash MOOC", and a qualitative research data analyser. The project contributed to a new book, "Investing in Information", that is to be published imminently by Springer in Geneva (and that provides much more detail about the idea of value management from information technology investments). A number of journal papers have already been published, and further papers are in process.
The adoption of e-commerce in the Lesotho tourism industry
(Wiley, 2016) Mapeshoane, Tsebetso J.; Pather, Shaun
Over the years, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been revolutionising global markets. In developed nations, for example, there has been a push for developing countries to adopt ICT as leverage towards improving their economic development. However, in the current era, ICT adoption has not been as widespread as anticipated in some parts of the world, with its use in developing countries especially, lagging behind. This is particularly so amongst the small, medium, micro-enterprise (SMME) sector, important drivers of the economy in the developing world. SMMEs in developing countries have been hindered in the uptake of ICTs, largely due to underlying issues such as the high cost of ICT, inadequate and unreliable infrastructure, as well as lack of policy necessary to promote competition and growth within the ICT sectors.
Embedding academic literacy skills into the mainstream curriculum: the case of information systems 131/132
(Central University of Technology, Free State, 2016) Ndesi, L.; Kimani, L.; Latief, N.; Mcghie, Venicia
This paper reports on collaborative teaching between two academic literacy (AL) specialists and two lecturers teaching first-year students Information Systems (IFS) 131/132 during the 2012 and 2013 academic years in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Western Cape. The aim of the collaborative teaching was to embed AL skills into the first-year IFS curriculum in order to ensure that the transfer of skills was taking place effectively. The objective was to determine whether the skills taught were enabling the students to pass their IFS modules well, thereby ensuring access for success. The theoretical framework used in this paper draws on Barton's 'ecology' approach to literacy and learning; the social learning theory of Wenger; and the views of Bransford, Brown and Cocking on how people learn and transfer knowledge.
Smartphone owners need security advice. How can we ensure they get it?
(CONF-IRM and AIS Electronic Library (AISeL), 2016) Renaud, Karen; Blignaut, Renette; Venter, Isabella
Computer users often behave insecurely, and do not take the precautions they ought to. One reads almost daily about people not protecting their devices, not making backups and falling for phishing messages. This impacts all of society since people increasingly carry a computer in their pockets: their smartphones. It could be that smartphone owners simply do not know enough about security threats or precautions. To address this, many official bodies publish advice online. For such a broadcast-type educational approach to work, two assumptions must be satisfied. The first is that people will deliberately seek out security-related information and the second is that they will consult official sources to satisfy their information needs. Assumptions such as these ought to be verified, especially with the numbers of cyber attacks on the rise. It was decided to explore the validity of these assumptions by surveying students at a South African university, including both Computer Science and Non-Computer Science students. The intention was to explore levels of awareness of Smartphone security practice, the sources of advice the students used, and the impact of a Computer Science education on awareness and information seeking behaviours. Awareness, it was found, was variable across the board but poorer amongst students without a formal computing education. Moreover, it became clear that students often found Facebook more helpful than public media, in terms of obtaining security advice.
Lessons learnt from teachers’ perspectives on mobile learning in South Africa with cultural and linguistic constraints
(University of Pretoria, 2016) Jantjies, Mmaki; Joy, Mike
South Africa’s classrooms are characterised by a wide variety of cultural and linguistic differences, providing teachers with educational challenges, particularly in mathematics and science subjects. In response, various mobile learning systems have been developed and piloted in the North West and Gauteng Provinces of South Africa. A framework has been proposed to support the development of similar technologies to be used in multilingual contexts. This paper evaluates teachers’ perspectives on this framework using interviews with eight teachers from a mixture of urban and rural schools in various locations across the two provinces. The results of the study reflect the important roles that language and culture play in the technology needed to support learning in linguistically diverse schools. They highlight the challenges that teachers in schools face in diversely linguistic classrooms and how technology can be used to enhance such classrooms.
Implementing free Wi-Fi in underprivileged communities: A case study of Project Isizwe
(IEEE, 2017) Budree, Adheesh; Chacko, Sheril; Fourie, Louis
A key tool in the fight against poverty and bridging the gap between privileged and underprivileged is access to information. Free Internet connectivity is central to providing this access. This research paper focuses on the implementation of free Wi-Fi within selected underprivileged areas of South Africa through Project Isizwe, which is based on the belief that every citizen of South Africa regardless of their socio-economic conditions has the right to have good quality, affordable Internet access. With a combination of studying current available literature and analysing Project Isizwe as a case study, factors were deduced for future successful implementation of free Wi-Fi and access to information in underprivileged communities.
The V-model of service quality: An African case study
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2017) Whyte, Grafton; Bytheway, Andy
This paper aims to introduce and demonstrate a new model for service quality that separates out the measurement of service quality in ways grounded in psychological theory and methodological symmetry.A review of experience in service quality management suggests that new approaches are needed. By seeking a way of managing service at different levels, with symmetry between data collection and data analysis, a model is presented that has more potential applicability and flexibility than is found in traditional models.
Understanding stakeholder expectations in higher education
(CONF-IRM, 2017) Bytheway, Andrew J.; Venter, Isabella; Whyte, Grafton
Higher education invests heavily in information technology and information systems, with variable outcomes. Organisations in other sectors, such as engineering, the defence industry, public administration and business, have developed and adopted good practice for the choice, development and operation of software-based systems that are only sometimes understood in higher education. In order to assess the extent to which good practice might assist higher education, the four tertiary institutions in the Western Cape of South Africa were approached and a representative range of academic, administrative, technical and managerial respondents agreed to contribute to the study. Interviews were organised in two parts: the first an open conversation about their involvement with systems, and the second a structured examination of systems-related events that they considered significant. By inspection of those events, bipolar scales were developed by which respondents were able to characterise events (for example as ‘challenging’ or ‘easy’, or as ‘functional’ or ‘dysfunctional’). Respondents rated events on those scales. Repertory Grid analysis was applied so as to investigate which scales correlated with event success. 30 scales (out of 170) proved to be adequately correlated with success, and by principal component analysis they were combined to form ten ‘success scale’ groups, indicating ten areas where the deployment of good practice might be expected to lead to more effective use of improved information systems. A new Reference Model is developed that has a role to play in resolving the transitions between the domains of the Information Management Body of Knowledge (IMBOK).
Determinants of business intelligence system acceptance in an emerging country
(Virtus Interpress, 2018) Kgasago, Kgoramele Joseph Oupa; Jokonya, Osden
In today’s highly competitive and cumulative uncertainty in the business domain, access to organizations’ business intelligence (BI) can mean not only the difference between profit and loss but also the difference between survival and bankruptcy. The use of Business intelligence systems has become an inevitable requirement for profitability, competitiveness and organisational survival. This study objective is to determine factors that influence users’ acceptance of BI systems in the South African energy sector and develop a conceptual model to explain factors that influence users’ acceptance of BI systems. A survey research strategy was used for the study to empirically test a conceptualised model using collected data. The results of the study found that habit, affect and perceived consequences have a significant influence on users’ acceptance of BI systems. Furthermore, the study discovered that habit influences affect in respect of users’ acceptance of BI systems. The study contributed to literature and body of knowledge on factor
Sports coaching in impoverished communities through the use of virtual reality
(IEEE, 2019) Fakier, Riedwaan; van den Berg, Carolien
The paper explores the potential of virtual reality to aid sports coaching within poverty-stricken communities in South Africa. The use of virtual reality has been tested in education and in the mining industry but not in sports coaching in South Africa. The paper tests the learning experience posed by virtual reality on a sample to review knowledge acquisition and retention of information. The results show that the virtual reality simulation created an immersive environment and enhanced the learning experience and is therefore a viable option to address the transformation of sports coaching in impoverished communities.
Using social media to support community development: A case study of e-inclusion intermediaries in underprivileged communities of South Africa
(IEEE, 2019) Katunga, Natasha; Njenga, James; Craffert, Leona
For many marginalized community members e-inclusion intermediaries (e-IIs) are the only accessible and affordable option to access computers and the Internet, yet their use of the provided ICTs is low. This is due to a lack of awareness about e-IIs and ICTs benefits. To create awareness and promote the use of ICTs by community members e-IIs need more effective communication strategies that share information. Social media can be effective in this regard, yet many e-IIs do not utilize their potential. This paper presents findings of a qualitative study that investigated how selected e-IIs in South Africa communicate using social media. The study found that social media can facilitate communication for development by enabling low-cost, participatory communication approaches that build networks to share information, resources and create awareness. Social media are however only effective if they are appropriate for the target audience and used strategically to achieve clear communication objectives.
Open distance learning and immersive technologies : A literature analysis .
(University of Western Cape, 2019) Ntaba, Afika; Jantjies, Mmaki
Open and distance learning (ODL) education provides an opportunity for prospective students who require flexibility in education enabling learning without traditional face to face lecture sessions. Previous literature indicated that there has been a growing curiosity amongst educators, researchers, and pedagogues on employing modern visualization technologies to enrich current educational experiences for students who do not attend face to face lessons. This study aims to explore how new immersive technology can be used to enhance the experience of distance learning. Using a systematic literature review, findings were presented in the form of a thematic discussion looking at journal articles between the year 2000 to October 2018 .
Electronic health record (ehr) adoption in South African healthcare centres: a case of NW province
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Modise, Thatoyaone; Jantjies, Mmaki; Mavetera, Nehemiah
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) enable the healthcare sector to enjoy increased efficiency and throughput, whilst cutting overhead costs in healthcare centres. The aim of this study was to investigate the adoption of EHRs in South Africa by identifying the factors that influence their rate of adoption within healthcare institutions. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), Diffusion of Innovation (DoI) Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model 2, (TAM2) are used as the theoretical lenses through which this problem was viewed. Results showed support for some of the factors of TPB, TAM2 and DoI, namely Relative Advantage, Output Quality, Result Demonstrability, Computer Self-Efficacy, System Complexity and Enjoyment/Job Satisfaction. A new variable – Patient Safety Endangerment – was also found to have a significant influence on the healthcare worker’s decision to use a particular EHR. It is with this information that a better understanding of how EHRs are used in the North West Province can be established and this information can be used by decision makers when implementing similar systems to maximise their adoption.
Transferring knowledge to digital natives in a South African organization
(university of western cape, 2019) Knoetze, Samantha; Jantjies, Mmaki
Knowledge transfer of both tacit and explicit knowledge within an organization forms a crucial component of organizational continuity. In the age of technology, the manner in which knowledge is transferred from one employee to the other has also been affected by the introduction of technology and social media platforms. This study aims to understand the knowledge transfer process between younger generation and older generation employees classified in this study as baby boomers and millennials in an Information Technology (IT) department of a financial institution in Cape Town, considering the young population of South Africa.
Mose: A Mobile Application for Women Street Vendors in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Majoni, Tavonga; Zegeye, Yodit; Tucker, William D
psychological and many other forms of abuse. This trait is more prominent in African homes and especially poor African homes [1]. Despite women's contribution to society, they are still seen as inferior and the gender gap is large, especially in poor areas [1]. The evident gender discrimination and male dominance sometimes lead women into believing that they are powerless and results in them depending on a man to be the sole provider or decider of women’s fate [1]. For example, in West Bengal where no woman had ever been a leader, 86% of parents wanted their daughters to become whatever their in-laws wanted, or to become a housewife [1]. Women's empowerment becomes very crucial, as it can improve women’s self-worth and reduce the gender gap. In some African countries, males are the sole leaders on culture, religion, and politics [2]; and this violates basic human rights such as inclusion and nondiscrimination [3]. Gender equality and women empowerment comprise one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [4]; to promote equality and also bring another aspect of development [1], and the benefits can be carried over to the next generation [5].
Barriers for user acceptance of Mobile Health applications for Diabetic patients: Applying the UTAUT model
(Springer Nature, 2020) Petersen, Fazlyn; Jacobs, Mariam; Pather, Shaun
The literature illustrates that technology will widen health disparity if its use is restricted to patients who are already motivated and demonstrate good self-management behaviours. Additionally, despite the availability of free mobile health (m-health) applications for diabetes self-management, usage is low. There are also limited studies of m-health acceptance in South Africa. This research is delineated to the Western Cape, South Africa. The populace suffers from increasing numbers of diabetic patients. Segments of the population also suffer from technological forms of exclusion, such as limited internet access. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify challenges for user acceptance that discourages the use of m-health applications. This study analysed 130 semi-structured interviews, using thematic content analysis
Towards student inclusivity during COVID-19: Testing the #datafree Moya messenger
(CSALL University of Durban-Westville, 2020) Petersen, Fazlyn
The coronavirus has highlighted the socio-economic plights of many of our students who are not able to continue learning due to the lack of internet access and the high cost of data. As a result, a large majority of students may be excluded when our learning management systems are not zero-rated. On 15 April 2020, not all Network Providers have zero-rated the University of the Western Cape’s iKamva e-learning management system. This has resulted in the need to implement innovative options. This exploratory case study piloted the #datafree Moya Messenger application which should allow 500 students access to instant messages without having data. The pilot performed ten tests to test the usability and accessibility of the application. Nine of the ten tests were achieved. Findings indicated challenges in the initial implementation of the application to the class and the need to have mobile data or WiFi turned on for use. Despite the intention to keep all students connected, the application was not available to iPhone users, so it was not entirely inclusionary. However, it may still be a more inclusive option than using e-learning systems that are not zero-rated.
Social support for digital inclusion: Towards a typology of social support patterns
(Cogitatio Press, 2020) Van Audenhove, Leo; Asmar, Axelle; Mariën, Ilse
This article contributes to a better understanding of patterns of social support in relation to digital inequalities. Based on an extensive qualitative study, the diversity of support networks and supports seeking patterns are unveiled. A typology of six patterns of help-seeking is presented and described: The support-deprived, the community-supported, the supported through substitution, the network-supported, the vicarious learners, and the self-supported. The article also critically engages with the often unnuanced academic literature on social support. The research and the typology reveal that the quality of support, as well as the availability of potential or actual support, is not only influenced by socio-economic factors. Rather, the strength of the relationship and the level of intimacy between individuals is an important predictor of support-seeking. As such, this article shows that mechanisms of in/exclusion are highly social, as they entail a diversity of formal and informal support-seeking patterns, which in turn have an important influence on the adoption and use of digital media.

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