Department of Information Systems

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A framework for data-driven decision-making at a South African higher education institution
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Chomunorwa, Silence
Data-driven decision-making (D3M) has practical benefits to higher education institutions (HEIs), but its adoption and use in South African HEIs are still low. This low adoption is attributed to various reasons based on decision-makers’ perceptions, expectations and experiences of data-driven decision-making tools and techniques. This thesis presents an analysis of data-driven decision-making (D3M) in a South African Higher Education Institution, addressing the need for effective decision-making approaches to enhance student experiences and institutional performance. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence the adoption of D3M and explore strategies for integrating D3M tools and approaches to improve educational outcomes. this study aimed to propose a framework for improving the adoption and use of data to make informed decisions at a South African HEI by addressing decision-makers' perceptions, expectations and experiences, which, in turn, will enhance student experiences. This aim is articulated through three primary objectives: first, to explore ways in which D3M can enhance student experiences; second, to investigate the institutional and individual factors affecting the adoption of D3M; and third, to analyse the perceptions, experiences, and expectations of decision-makers in utilising a data- driven approach. The study utilised the exploratory sequential mixed-methods research methodology, incorporating interviews and a survey to gather data from personnel within the institution.
A framework to teach digital innovation skills to South African Information Systems students
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) van den Berg, Carolina Lucia; Breytenbach, Johan
The diffusion of the digital infrastructure is opening up multiple opportunities for innovations to transform business and society. The overall purpose of Information Systems (IS) education is to equip students to use technology to improve business, the environment and society, and digital innovation lies at the heart of this transformation. IS students are instructed in both Information Technology (IT) and business and therefore can be taught to identify the value of technology advances to meet an unmet organisational or societal need. IS students ought to play a leading role as the innovators of the future. Their teaching and learning environment needs to prepare them for this uncertain, complex and ambiguous world. They have to move beyond the current horizons of knowledge and skills within a specific discipline and develop a "sense of self" in order to be adaptable which requires a curriculum that is "future proof". The aim of this research study is to develop a framework to teach digital business innovation to South African students in Information Systems (IS).
A framework to teach digital innovation skills to South African Information Systems students
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) van den Berg, Carolina Lucia; Breytenbach, Johan
The diffusion of the digital infrastructure is opening up multiple opportunities for innovations to transform business and society. The overall purpose of Information Systems (IS) education is to equip students to use technology to improve business, the environment and society, and digital innovation lies at the heart of this transformation. IS students are instructed in both Information Technology (IT) and business and therefore can be taught to identify the value of technology advances to meet an unmet organisational or societal need. IS students ought to play a leading role as the innovators of the future. Their teaching and learning environment needs to prepare them for this uncertain, complex and ambiguous world. They have to move beyond the current horizons of knowledge and skills within a specific discipline and develop a "sense of self" in order to be adaptable which requires a curriculum that is "future proof". The aim of this research study is to develop a framework to teach digital business innovation to South African students in Information Systems (IS).
A portfolio approach to managing information systems and technology services - moving from applications portfolio to service portfolio.
(Univeristy of the Western Cape, 2004) Mjebeza, Thando G.
To minimise costs, most organisations tend to outsource support functions that do not add considerable value. Through effective management of operations Information Systems and Technology (IS/IT) functions have been striving to improve to avoid being outsourced. Effective management has been in a form of a cycle of measuring and improving the effectiveness of the operations of the organisation. The question is what do you improve? Resources are scarce therefore; managers need to find a way of prioritising needs for improvement. Classic literature reveals that most IS/IT functions have concentrated on improving tangible support (e.g. software, hardware, manuals, etc) and later processes that produce tangle support (e.g. systems development life cycle, project management, etc). Lately more effort is being focused to managing intangible support in a form of services ( e.g. answering questions, installations, fixing PC's/desktop support, etc) to improve overall IS/IT support. This is noticed in literature written on IS/IT service management transcending from efforts originating from the field of Services Marketing.
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.
An Agile software development adoption framework for the South African financial industry
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Norman, Nicholas; Breytenbach, Johan
There have been multiple developments and growth within the software development methodologies in the Financial Industries in South Africa. These developments and growth have been for constant process improvement to maximize the outcome with the shortest lead time possible. Agile software development methodologies have been the most popular in recent years. The methodologies are flexible to adapt to any type of process requirements because they have multitude variations for process improvements. Quality tends to be compromised when rushing to meet deadlines. However, with adaptive Agile methodologies, quality is not compromised when being rushed with shortened process time. Agile methodologies are not only beneficial to the organisation but also to the developers as they provide them with individual benefits, which open the gateway for more productivity. In this study the adoption of the Agile software development methodologies will be investigated.
Analysing ICT Investment by Micro-enterprises in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Miti, Nkazimlo; Njenga, James Kariuki
Micro-enterprises solve many socio-economic issues facing developing nations because of their large contribution to economic development and progress. Micro-enterprises have been influenced by the continued globalisation, digitisation and modernisation of business practices. As a result, micro-enterprises’ are investing in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to enhance enterprise and economic growth, performance, productivity and a competitive advantage. However, the benefits of these investments are not always realised, often because of the ad hoc nature in which micro-enterprises function and a lack of formalised methods and strategy. When these are not realised, micro-enterprise suffer in terms of competitiveness, performance and returns. Maturity models, are tools that help solve issues relating to an enterprise’s current status in terms of its capabilities and resources, and how these issues can be improved. Maturity models may present the ideal solution for micro-enterprise to invest in ICT. Larger enterprises have been able to use maturity models for strategic ICT investments realising benefits. The benefits of using maturity models as a guide to ICT investment include: saving on long-term operational and tactical costs, self-evaluation and linking business and ICT strategy among others. This research sought to determine how micro-enterprises in the Western Cape can use a maturity model in planning strategy for investments in ICT. Data was gathered from micro-enterprises and their stakeholders to find the best maturity model fit. These model fitness considered the entire internal and external environmental factors influencing micro-enterprise ICT investment decision-making. The research investigated micro-enterprises, their current practices, focus and strategic, tactical and operational behaviour in terms of business and ICT. Of the 34 micro-enterprises that took part, most them knew of the concept of growth and maturity of the enterprise, they used none discernable metric to measure their internal and external activities regarding ICT investment. It highlighted the alignment of business and ICT as a major issue that needed to be addressed in order for micro-enterprises to be competitive, improve performance and returns. The recommended model from the research provides a formalised process that covers both the micro-enterprises internal and external matrices when deciding on the ICT investment to be made.
An analysis of the current and future deployment of Information Systems and Technology at the University of the Western Cape
(Dept of Information Systems, Univ. of the Western Cape, 2000) Bytheway, Andrew J.
In order to successfully deploy information technology and information systems, any organisation must have a strategy indicating where its business is going, an understanding of the information systems that will help to deliver that strategy, and the capability to deliver and exploit those information systems. It is commonly believed that UWC does not have a strategy (although we acknowledge that a draft document has been tabled at Senate since the main stage of this study concluded). There are relentless pressures to change the way that we work at UWC. Strategies will be needed at institutional and faculty levels, and new information systems will be required to support them. Much of our recent investment has been in information technology as much as it has been in information systems and services. These things are different, and it is the systems and services that deliver the benefits of an investment, not the technology.
The application of usability principles to create web-based applications that achieve increased system usage
(University of the Western Cape, 2011) Bezuidenhout, Stephanie; Whyte, G.; Dept. of Information Systems; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This research work investigates and reports on the contribution of usability and perceptual frameworks towards understanding and ultimately increasing usage of a sales website and a corporate marketing website for a major insurance company in South Africa. It investigates whether the application of usability principles to the sales web positively influences the usage of the sales web system as a tool by intermediaries, and in so doing help the organisation recoup their investment and lower operational costs. This financial services (traditionally insurance) company, like many organisations, is in the process of migrating key operational systems onto web platforms to take advantage of benefits such as the ubiquity of web access and services orientated architecture among others. The research reviewed key frameworks in the area of technology acceptance or usage namely Nielsen‟s usability attributes (Nielsen, 2003). The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), (Davis, 1989). The Theory of Reasoned Action (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975). The Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1985); and derived a theoretical summative model (the Conceptual Research Model) that combined both usability and perceptual dimensions. The applicability of this summative model was empirically tested using quantitative data relating to system usage and user perception. Empirical evidence was gathered to prove and refine the Conceptual Research Model (CRM), and the data substantiated the inclusion of the constructs in the CRM, as well as the efficacy of the model in a financial services organisation. Through testing of the CRM, this research has also confirmed which specific attributes of usability can be focussed on to bring about positive change in users' usage behaviour and adoption of a website or web application.
Applying living labs in the design of emerging digital platforms – A higher education case study in Douth Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Grové, Wouter Johannes; Breytenbach, Johan
In this study, the Living Labs approach was evaluated as an approach towards co-creating the design and implementation process of specific digital artefacts. The design process of the UDUBSit emerging digital platform at a South African higher education institution (HEI) was simultaneously technological and social in nature, and it deeply reflected the underlying mechanisms and tensions inherent to the emergence of planetary-scale computation. The single case study analysis, conducted from a Critical Realist perspective, was the product of a four-year longitudinal research process focused on the development of a location-based, goal-focused mobile application as an intended emerging social networking platform and emerging digital platform. The emerging social networking platform has been developed using the Living Labs methodology, with a particular in-case focus on digital inclusion and online community building using mobile technology within the context of a higher education institution in South Africa.
Applying living labs in the design of emerging digital platforms – A higher education case study in Douth Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Grové, Wouter Johannes; Breytenbach, Johan
In this study, the Living Labs approach was evaluated as an approach towards co-creating the design and implementation process of specific digital artefacts. The design process of the UDUBSit emerging digital platform at a South African higher education institution (HEI) was simultaneously technological and social in nature, and it deeply reflected the underlying mechanisms and tensions inherent to the emergence of planetary-scale computation. The single case study analysis, conducted from a Critical Realist perspective, was the product of a four-year longitudinal research process focused on the development of a location-based, goal-focused mobile application as an intended emerging social networking platform and emerging digital platform. The emerging social networking platform has been developed using the Living Labs methodology, with a particular in-case focus on digital inclusion and online community building using mobile technology within the context of a higher education institution in South Africa.
Approaches for enhancing information sharing between government and communities in Western Cape
(AOSIS, 2021) Nelwamondo, Murendeni; Njenga, James K.
The Western Cape Provincial Government uses digital intermediaries to facilitate information sharing between individuals, communities and the government. Digital intermediaries are shared facilities where communities can visit and have access to information and communication technology (ICT) and the internet. Communities benefit economically, socially and politically by using free access to ICT and the internet from intermediaries’ facilities to share information with the government. There seem to be disparities between the roles of the different stakeholders in information sharing. These disparities often result in poor communication between the government and communities, and also poor government services delivery.
Assessing the readiness of micro-businesses in the Cape metropolitan to adopt data analytics software
(University of the western cape, 2024) Munga, Watiri
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) particularly, micro-businesses, have access to an increasing volume of data generated through their daily operations. However, their low rate of adoption and integration of data analytics software into business operations hinders their ability to make effective data-driven decisions. This limits their potential for growth and success because of not maximising the potential of their data. Additionally, they also have limited knowledge and understanding of the factors that determine to their readiness to adopt and integrate data analytics software. Without a means to assess their readiness, many SMEs, specifically micro-businesses will continue to hold the misconception that they are incapable of incorporating data analytics software into their business processes. This study therefore developed an assessment instrument to help micro-businesses evaluate their readiness for adopting and integrating data analytics software into their businesses. The study drew on four models and frameworks namely the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE), Resource-Based View (RBV), Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to develop the key criteria of this instrument. The data for this study was collected through face- to-face, semi-structured interviews with a sample of 21 micro-businesses. This approach allowed for an in-depth analysis of each sub-criterion based on their daily real world business conditions, the ease of answering the questions within the proposed instrument, and participants understanding of the key concepts surrounding data analytics software adoption. The response helped. assess and determine the applicability of the proposed data analytics software assessment instrument. Thereafter, the data was analysed using qualitative content analysis to code and synthesise the responses of micro-business which provided significant insights into the identified dimensions and its sub-criterion. This led to a further refinement of the draft instrument. The findings revealed that Data accessibility, data availability, data quality, cybersecurity awareness, skilled personnel, organisational training, hardware, software, finance, infrastructure, relative advantage, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, complexity and social influence were relevant for inclusion in the assessment instrument. A final evaluation of the practical utility of the instrument was undertaken by applying it among three micro-enterprises. During this exercise it was found that the questions in the final data analytics software readiness assessment instrument were understandable and easily answered. by all three micro-businesses which allowed them, to successfully assess their level of readiness to adopt and integrate the data analytics software
Assessing the readiness of micro-businesses in the Cape Mmetropolitan to adopt data analytics software
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Mungai, watiri
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) particularly, micro-businesses, have access to an increasing volume of data generated through their daily operations. However, their low rate of adoption and integration of data analytics software into business operations hinders their ability to make effective data-driven decisions. This limits their potential for growth and success because of not maximising the potential of their data. Additionally, they also have limited knowledge and understanding of the factors that determine to their readiness to adopt and integrate data analytics software. Without a means to assess their readiness, many SMEs, specifically micro-businesses will continue to hold the misconception that they are incapable of incorporating data analytics software into their business processes. This study therefore developed an assessment instrument to help micro-businesses evaluate their readiness for adopting and integrating data analytics software into their businesses. The study drew on four models and frameworks namely the Technology-Organization- Environment (TOE), Resource-Based View (RBV), Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to develop the key criteria of this instrument. The data for this study was collected through face- to-face, semi-structured interviews with a sample of 21 micro-businesses. This approach allowed for an in-depth analysis of each sub- criterion based on their daily real world business conditions, the ease of answering the questions within the proposed instrument, and participants understanding of the key concepts surrounding data analytics software adoption. The response helped. assess and determine the applicability of the proposed data analytics software assessment instrument. Thereafter, the data was analysed using qualitative content analysis to code and synthesise the responses of micro-business which provided significant insights into the identified dimensions and its sub- criterion. This led to a further refinement of the draft instrument. The findings revealed that Data accessibility, data availability, data quality, cybersecurity awareness, skilled personnel, organisational training, hardware, software, finance, infrastructure, relative advantage, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, complexity and social influence were relevant for inclusion in the assessment instrument. A final evaluation of the practical utility of the instrument was undertaken by applying it among three micro-enterprises. During this exercise it was found that the questions in the final data analytics software readiness assessment instrument were understandable and easily answered by all three micro-businesses which allowed them, to successfully assess their level of readiness to adopt and integrate the data analytics software.
Assessment of the quality of HIV data in an electronic system in a health sub-district in the Eastern Cape
(University of Western Cape, 2020) Makazha, Timothy; Reagon, Gavin
In South Africa, public health facilities provide free antiretroviral treatment (ART) mainly via primary healthcare (PHC) nurses. To streamline data collection an electronic HIV information system (TIER.Net), was introduced in 2010. Data originates in paper-based records completed by clinicians with the data from these paper systems then being captured into TIER.Net by clerical data capturers. TIER.Net is designed to effectively monitor outcomes of the ART programme and generate information for planning, management and decision making. For Enock Mgijima subdistrict to attain these functions, it is imperative that data collected at the 21 PHC facilities in the sub-district be of good quality. There has been uncertainty around the quality levels of the data collected through the paper records and TIER.Net, and it was unclear which factors promote or inhibit improved data quality.
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
A benefits framework for public access ICT4D programmes
(Wiley-Blackwell, 2020) Pather, Shaun; Uys, Corrie
There have been expectations across the developing world that information and communications technologies (ICTs) will deliver benefits to marginalised people. Despite many programmes related to the promotion of Internet uptake and usage amongst poorer communities, evidence regarding such benefit is lacking, and there is little agreement in respect of frameworks and metrics to evaluate the benefits thereof. This paper reports on a case study that investigated the nature of a public access information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) pro-gramme and presents a framework for assessing the associated benefits in the South African context.
Beyond the line and hook: Identifying primary e-logistics technology adoption factors in the fishing industry
(Universidade do Minho, 2025) Khumalo, Bradley Bucky; Pather, Shaun
In the current era, e-logistics technologies have become commonplace in businesses to enhance supply chain and associated data analytics efficiencies. However, while contributing significantly to the GDPs in many countries, the fishing industry has been slow at adopting new technologies. Many slow adopters in this industry continue to use outdated data collection methods, thereby resulting in less-than-optimal data-driven decision-making. While prior research has examined the role of emerging technologies in the industry, there has been limited research to date to understand adoption issues. Our study therefore investigates factors that influence the adoption of e-logistics technologies in the fishing industry, using the Western Cape province in South Africa as the study site. The research investigated these factors using the Security-Technology-Organisation-Environment-Diffusion-ofInnovation framework. Qualitative data was collected via semi-structured interviews. The findings provide a rich insight into several adoption factors that demonstrate an interplay of technological innovations, organisational dynamics, and the environment within the industry. The findings were synthesized into an e-logistics technology adoption model. This paper enriches the existing literature on technology adoption, contributing insights for fishing industry stakeholders, and lays the foundation for informed decision-making in the realm of e-logistics integration.
Big data analytics capabilities and the organisational performance of South African retailers
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Hollong, Diana Welbotha; van den Berg, Carolien
Big data analytics is becoming a real source of competitive advantage and growth as it helps organisations to have a better understanding of their insights. Recent studies have identified the resources needed to build a big data analytics capability (BDAC) and examined their relationship with firm performance. Building on this, the study attempts to examine the relationship between BDAC and the organisational performance of South African retailers. The study was guided by three main objectives: To empirically determine the impact of big data analytics tangible capabilities (BDATC) on the organisational performance (OP) of South African retailers, to empirically determine the impact of big data analytics human capabilities (BDAHC) on the organisational performance (OP) of South African retailers and to empirically determine the impact of big data analytics intangible capabilities (BDAIC) on the organisational performance (OP) of South African retailers.
Biometrics application in airport security and the Individual's right to privacy
(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Bhunjun, Ganeshwar Kumar; Mansfield, Glen Martin; Goussard, Yvette
Biometrics is the science of identification or verification of any individual based on that person's unique physiological and behavioural characteristics. As the application of biometrics technologies achieve global penetration, particularly in airport security, so individual privacy becomes compromised. This research examines the relationship between privacy and security, using South African air travellers as its focus, and airports as the specific area of application. Two different approaches have been used for this research. The first is a literature-based approach that discusses the use of biometrics technologies and privacy concerns for airport security. The second method is empirical fieldwork in which questionnaires were used to measure the response of South Africans, residing in Cape Town, regarding their attitude towards the use of biometrics for authentication and their perceptions of the relationship between privacy and security. This thesis tries to give an answer to the following questions: Will travellers accept biometrics for higher security measures, that is, positive authentication? Will passengers be willing to opt for higher security measures by giving up privacy? Are passengers prepared to make privacy sacrifices for the sake of convenience? The response rate to the questionnaire was 91.3% from a sampling frame of 150. It delivered 136 usable responses. The survey findings indicate that all passengers making international trips are familiar with fingerprint technology, as they have had to provide fingerprints for passport and/or driver's licenses. The opinion survey confirmed that South African passengers are more concerned about their personal security than privacy. Respondents would sacrifice privacy for higher security and convenience. The results also illustrate that the majority of individuals would accept using biometric technologies at the airport as a means to improved security. Findings from this research make a contribution towards understanding public attitudes regarding the application of biometric technologies and individual privacy rights, specifically focused on the application at airport security.

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