Research Articles

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https://hdl.handle.net/10566/954

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Digital development, inequalities & the Sustainable DevelopmentGoals: What does‘Leave No-One Behind’mean for ICT4D?
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2023) Rothe, Franz-Ferdinand; Van Audenhove, Leo; Loisen, Jan
The United Nations’Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) place greatemphasis on inequalities and pledge toleave no-one behind. For thefield of digital development, this objective presents a particularchallenge. While digital technologies can be utilized to reduce certaininequalities, they are also linked to reproductive mechanisms,reinforcing existing inequalities. In the context of an increasingdigitalization of development, particular attention must therefore bepaid to the link between digital inequalities and the quest to leave no-one behind. This article analyses the integration of intersectionalinequalities in the SDG framework and the resulting need for coherentpolicies, and demonstrates the parallels between this challenge and thereproductive nature of digital inequalities. On this basis, we argue thatthe issue of digital inequalities should be mainstreamed indevelopment programming in order to avoid worsening existinginequalities through digital development.
Factors affecting consumer acceptance and use of mobile delivery applications in South Africa
(AOSIS, 2023) Musakwa, Isabel S.; Petersen, Fazlyn
During the 2020 global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, mobile delivery applications flourished, facilitating consumer access to groceries. Research has shown, however, that usage remains low in developing countries such as South Africa. This research identifies factors that affect the acceptance and use of a mobile delivery application. It provides recommendations for application designers to improve application functionality and usability and for retailers to better understand customer needs.
Theorising with sociomateriality: interdisciplinary collaboration in socio-technical learning environments
(Educational Research for Social Change, 2022) van den Berg, Carolien; Verster, Belinda
In this paper, we explore the possibilities offered by sociomateriality for academics to engage with complex learning environments. The focus is on a longitudinal design-based research (DBR) study that includes an interdisciplinary, collaborative student project between Information Systems (IS) and Urban Planning (URP) from two different higher education institutions in Cape Town, South Africa. In the project, student groups collaborate to find potential digital innovations for sustainability challenges in their local communities. The aim is to position the student as an active community member with intimate knowledge of local sustainability challenges, and to develop social digital innovations for the benefit of local communities. We apply sociomateriality as a theoretical lens to rethink socio-technical learning environments and propose four pedagogical propositions of relationality, reflexivity, responsiveness, and recognition to guide the pedagogical decision-making when designing complex learning environments. We conclude the paper by mapping student reflections and experiences to the four pedagogical propositions to illustrate how the theoretical sociomaterial elements translate into the learning environment.
Exploring the factors affecting the adoption of blockchain technology in the supply chain and logistic industry
(AOSIS (pty) Ltd, 2022) Mthimkhulu, Ayanda; Jokonya, Osden
Background: The digitalisation phenomenon has significantly transformed and advanced the adoption of blockchain technology in organisations. The fourth industrial revolution has been the main driver of digital transformation in organisations to gain a competitive advantage in their respective industries. Therefore, studies on blockchain adoption have gained a relative pace over the recent years but there is limited literature focussing on the supply chain and logistics industry. The study fills the gap as it explored factors that affect the adoption of blockchain technology in supply chain and logistics. Objectives: The primary research objective of the study was to explore the factors that affect the adoption of blockchain technology in supply chain and logistics. The study explored the technological, organisational, and environmental factors that affect the adoption of blockchain technology in the supply chain and logistics industry. Method: The study conducted a content analysis of peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2021 on the factors affecting the adoption of blockchain technology in the supply chain and logistics. The article used a quantitative study to explore factors affecting blockchain adoption using the Technology-Organisational-Environmental (TOE) framework as the theoretical lens. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study revealed that Asia, Europe, and America contribute more research on factors affecting the adoption of blockchain technology between 2013 and 2021. In addition, the results suggest that technical factors (security, complexity, and cost), organisational factors (management support), and environmental factors (competition, IT policy and regulations, and support) affect the adoption of blockchain technology in supply chain and logistics industry. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on factors affecting the adoption of blockchain technology in the supply chain and logistic industry. © 2022. The Authors.
Exploring the factors affecting the adoption of blockchain technology in the supply chain and logistic industry
(AOSIS, 2022) Mthimkhulu, Ayanda; Jokonya, Osden
The digitalisation phenomenon has significantly transformed and advanced the adoption of blockchain technology in organisations. The fourth industrial revolution has been the main driver of digital transformation in organisations to gain a competitive advantage in their respective industries. Therefore, studies on blockchain adoption have gained a relative pace over the recent years but there is limited literature focussing on the supply chain and logistics industry. The study fills the gap as it explored factors that affect the adoption of blockchain technology in supply chain and logistics. The primary research objective of the study was to explore the factors that affect the adoption of blockchain technology in supply chain and logistics. The study explored the technological, organisational, and environmental factors that affect the adoption of blockchain technology in the supply chain and logistics industry.
Towards a framework for interdisciplinary collaborative online learning spaces
(Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, 2022) Berg, Carolien van den; Verster, Belinda
This paper presents the findings from a longitudinal, inter-institutional Design-Based Research (DBR) study that commenced in 2020 with a focus on developing design principles for interdisciplinary collaborative online learning. The draft design principles as presented at HEAd’21 were further refined during the first iteration of the project and an updated framework is presented in this paper. The conceptual framework draws on elements of Future Learning Spaces (FLS) and sociomateriality to better understand and contextualise the design principles as it applies to pedagogy, space-time activities and technology.
Secondary school teachers’ perceptions of BYOD among learners within the classroom
(South African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information Technologists, 2022) Mawere, Talent; Manjeese, Caleb; Chigada, Joel
The use of personally owned devices among learners has remained a contentious issue in schools across the globe. While several studies have been devoted to explaining the importance of such initiatives, the debate has continued to rage on, with most school authorities imposing a blanket ban on the use of these devices within their premises. In this study, we seek to contribute by examining in-service teachers’ perceptions of the use of personally owned devices in schools within the global south context. The qualitative study explores teachers’ understanding of the usefulness of technology and associated devices such as smartphones in the classroom.
Towards a framework to implement a digital agriculture value chain in South Africa for small-scale farmers
(AOSIS, 2022) Smidt, Hermanus J.; Jokonya, Osden
Digital technology adopted in agriculture value chains (AVCs) improves efficiency. There is a need to understand why some actors benefit more than others in AVCs and why this pattern at a global level is replicated locally.To understand how existing frameworks can enhance the understanding of Digital for Development (D4D) associated with digital AVCs to achieve the following: Distribute power and economic value amongst actors in the AVC more equally; retain the identity of small-scale farmers and their sustainable practices; establish effective communication to confront asymmetric information and the lack of access to knowledge effectively; to enhance research, development and innovation.
Remediating Sub-Saharan airline challenges and limitations
(AOSIS, 2022) Leitch, Guy D.; Chigada, Joel
Air transport connectivity to and within Africa is provided by both African and non-African airlines. These carriers are confronted by both intrinsic and extrinsic challenges, which constrain their ability to provide the level of air transport connectivity demanded to fully enable economic growth for the continent. In addition, since April 2020, the reduction in air connectivity resulting from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has further constrained the capacity of the air transport industry to meet the passenger and freight demand.
Determinants of ICT adoption and uptake at a rural public-access ICT centre: A South African case study
(Routledge, 2021) Frans, Cecilia; Pather, Shaun
The global Covid-19 pandemic has created a heightened sense of awareness of the inequalities that prevail in society. Access to real-time information delivered via broadband internet has become critical for survival. However, the reality of the digital divide implies that some citizens, especially those in far-flung rural areas, are not as fortunate as others to be able to access such information given that internet access at a household level is only a reality across approximately 12% of South Africa. As such, the deployment of public-access ICT centres is still considered to be an important intervention by governments as a digital divide eradication strategy. However, the success of these initiatives is threatened by a lack of understanding of the issues relating to the adoption of ICTs in these communities. Qualitative data were collected via focus groups and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was applied as an analytical lens. The findings uphold the independent dimensions of UTAUT in explaining ICT adoption. The findings were also mapped to the Access, Capability and Environment (ACE). It was found that other external factors including those of corruption, training benefits and community exclusion are determinants of ICT adoption in a rural community.
The importance of education in reducing the digitial divide
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Jantjies, Mmaki
When reflecting on issues of digital inclusion and female entrepreneurship, I believe it is important to start by considering South Africa’s skills landscape. According to the global gender gap index, South Africa is ranked number 18 out of the 156 countries surveyed. The index measures a number of factors, including economic participation, education, health and mortality rates, as well as political empowerment. In fact, South Africa is ranked highly on political empowerment, but when it comes to economic participation and education, the sectors which have the greatest impact on digital inclusion, the numbers tell a different story.
Op-ed1: Towards an enabling environment for a digital ecosystem : A foundation for entrepreneurial activity
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Pather, Shaun
During a recent webinar on the topic of digital inclusion and women entrepreneurship, I had the opportunity to share my perspectives in respect of ICT policy with a very engaged audience from across South Africa. The event reminded us of the commitment of the University of the Western Cape to create platforms not only for intellectual debate, but with a view to ensure an impact on the communities we serve. This webinar was conceived with the objective that women would benefit from the discourse that would impact their lives as entrepreneurs.
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.
A systematic literature review of factors affecting the adoption of technologies in food waste management
(Elsevier, 2021) Joubert, Robyn-Lee; Jokonya, Osden
Food waste has become a growing topic in many disciplines. The study explore factors affecting the adoption of technologies in food waste management. There are limited studies in literature on factors that affect the adoption technologies in in food waste management. The understanding of the factors is important for the success of the adoption technologies in food waste management. Therefore, this study aims to fill that gap. The study adopted a systematic literature review to explore the factors that affect the adoption technologies in managing in food waste in supply chain. The Technological, Organizational and Environmental (TOE) framework was used explore the factors that affect the adoption of technologies in food waste management. The study used quantitative content analysis to analyse data collected from published articles. The study results suggest that the technological factors and environmental factors were the most factors affecting the adoption of technologies chain in food waste management. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge on factors affecting the adoption of technologies in food waste management. The use of different research methods may also be important for future research in food waste management.
Factors affecting the adoption of technologies to improve fleet safety management
(Elsevier, 2021) Mohamed, Yusuf; Jokonya, Osden
are limited studies in literature on factors that affect the adoption technologies to improve fleet safety in the logistic industry. The understanding of the factors is important for the success of the adoption of smart technologies fleet safety management. Therefore, this study aims to fill that gap. The study adopted a systematic literature review to explore the factors that affect the adoption of smart technologies fleet safety management. The Technological, Organizational and Environmental (TOE) framework was used explore the factors affect the adoption of smart technologies to improve fleet safety management. The study used quantitative content analysis to analyse data collected from published articles. The study results suggest that the technological factors and environmental factors were the most factors affecting the adoption.
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.
Evaluating the benefits of cloud computing in small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (smmes)
(Elsevier, 2021) Modisane, Phenyo; Jokonya, Osden
Cloud computing is becoming an essential tool in lowering Information Technology (IT) costs amongst Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs). As such amongst a myriad of challenges, SMMEs are faced with a general lack of resource capability including the lack of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure and skills. This further disables the SMMEs ability to compete with big business and industry peers. As such cloud computing offers SMMEs the ability to access high level ICT services either through SaaS (Software-as-a-Service), PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) or IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) service delivery models. Cloud computing adoption amongst SMMEs is relevant in the sense that SMMEs can realise the full benefits of reduced capital expenditure, improved access to ICT systems, heightened security of data and low costs for agile development amongst a myriad of cloud computing benefits.
The challenge of privacy and security when using technology to track people in times of COVID-19 pandemic
(Elsevier, 2021) Smidt, Hermanus J; Jokonya, Osden
Since the start of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) governments and health authorities across the world have find it very difficult in controlling infections. Digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing, blockchain and 5G have effectively improved the efficiency of efforts in epidemic monitoring, virus tracking, prevention, control and treatment. Surveillance to halt COVID-19 has raised privacy concerns, as many governments are willing to overlook privacy implications to save lives. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a focused Systematic Literature Review (SLR), to explore the potential benefits and implications of using digital technologies such as AI, big data and cloud to track COVID-19 amongst people in different societies. The aim is to highlight the risks of security and privacy to personal data when using technology to track COVID-19 in societies and identify ways to govern these risks. The paper uses the SLR approach to examine 40 articles published during 2020, ultimately down selecting to the most relevant 24 studies. In this SLR approach we adopted the following steps; formulated the problem, searched the literature, gathered information from studies, evaluated the quality of studies, analysed and integrated the outcomes of studies while concluding by interpreting the evidence and presenting the results. Papers were classified into different categories such as technology use, impact on society and governance. The study highlighted the challenge for government to balance the need of what is good for public health versus individual privacy and freedoms. The findings revealed that although the use of technology help governments and health agencies reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, government surveillance to halt has sparked privacy concerns. We suggest some requirements for government policy to be ethical and capable of commanding the trust of the public and present some research questions for future research.
Design principles for interdisciplinary collaborative learning through social, digital innovation
(Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Valencia, 2021) Verster, Belinda; van den Berg, Carolien
As academics, we are acutely aware of our responsibility in the design of our teaching and learning environment to instil principles of ethics, sustainability, agency and social justice. We are at the crossroad between the commodification of knowledge versus learning that steeped in well-being and innovative socio-ecological and or socio-technical transitions. These complexities prompted a Design-Based Research (DBR) project that commenced in 2020 to test and refine design principles that can facilitate an interdisciplinary, collaborative learning environment that exposes students to future challenges foregrounded in social justice perspectives of local voice, collaboration and co-design. A conceptual model informed by four pedagogical propositions of relationality, reflexivity, responsiveness and recognition is stipulated and nine design principles derived from these propositions are proposed.
Students’ engagement in an anonymous peer review: Using the open-source sakai platform
(ifip, 2021) Petersen, Fazlyn; Groenewald, Bradley
There is a need to provide quality education without discrimination or prejudice to all students. However, there are challenges in implementing quality education in large classes, especially during remote learning. Literature indicates that providing lecturer feedback can become a tedious task, especially in large classes. Literature states that involving students in the peer review process can improve the quality of their submissions. This research used a case study and thematic analysis. Qualitative data were collected from 179 third-year Information Systems students who used the Opensource Sakai Platform. Students reviewed another student’s report, without knowing their identity. The research used self-determination theory as a theoretical basis. The achievement of perceived autonomy is supported as an anonymous peer review helped students to empower themselves. Perceived competence was also achieved as the anonymous peer review improved the quality of work submitted and the development of workplace skills.

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