Magister Commercii - MCom (IM) (Information Management)

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Factors Influencing the Adoption of Digital Technologies to Reduce Food Waste in Retail Supply Chain
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Mpa, Kagiso Elton
Digital technologies are anticipated to revolutionize various work sectors and industries, including the retail supply chain. The adoption of these technologies offers numerous advantages, such as enhanced efficiency, cost reduction, better insights into production issues, and improved customer experiences. This research aims to identify the key factors influencing the adoption of digital technologies within the retail supply chain, with a particular focus on addressing food waste. The study employs the technology, organization, and environment (TOE) framework to construct an alternative conceptual model by examining thirteen contextual factors. A positivist paradigm approach was adopted to test the conceptual framework’s hypotheses against observations gathered using a survey questionnaire, of which the analysis followed a quantitative and deductive approach. The study results show that complexity, compatibility, cost, size, expertise, and competitive pressure positively influence the adoption, appropriation, and use of digital technologies in the retail supply chain. This study adds to a deeper understanding of factors influencing the use of digital technologies in retail supply chain operations.
Factors affecting the adoption of robotic process automation in inventory management
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Banzi, Nkanyisi Noor
The manufacturing companies deal with a large inventory of raw materials daily. Traditional manual inventory management systems are time-consuming and subject to many errors. Customer satisfaction and competitive advantage are a primary concern of companies who want increased profits. Technologies such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), are one step closer to a futuristic outlook of a high-tech modern world, and are currently a lifeline for most businesses. Companies with a poor inventory management system in place, services cannot be delivered effectively. As a result of technological upgrades, companies opt to procure technological solutions for inventory management using RPA that will increase operational effectiveness. The errors resulting from manual data entry into warehouse management systems are significant, and it takes a lot of time and labour to double-check the data quality with additional staff. This study followed the Technology Organisation Environment (TOE) framework to explore the factors affecting the adoption of a virtual workforce for effective inventory management within the manufacturing industry. A qualitative approach was used in this study. This study gathered data through interviews. The qualitative data from the interviews was recorded and transcribed verbatim. The researcher then applied the six thematic analysis steps for qualitative data analyses. Since interviews were face-to-face, anonymity was ensured, but confidentiality was maintained.
Factors influencing the adoption of online shopping in Khayelitsha township
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Mtsotso, Yanela
Online shopping businesses generally provide delivery services to their clients. Online delivery service is a mechanism in which consumers buy products electronically and the products are delivered to the consumer-provided location. Online delivery service is becoming increasingly popular and has been regarded as an effective model of today’s internet transaction in many countries. South Africa is one of the most developed countries in Africa with easy internet accessibility, but the rate of online delivery service in the township is very low as compared to the suburban area due to lack of knowledge and resistance to change. The study aimed to examine the factors that contribute to the use of online delivery services in the township, a research study of Khayelitsha township. The study was measuring the customer’s perception of online delivery service. The study adopted the Technology Acceptance Model, also known as TAM, to lay the conceptual foundation for investigating how the adoption of the online delivery service is perceived or understood in the township. A quantitative approach was used in the research, and data had been gathered from participants with internet access using a questionnaire survey. These questionnaires were examined by using statistical packages for the social sciences (SPSS) and Cronbach's Alpha to assess reliability.
Factors affecting service quality for an on-demand delivery service: a case of Checkers Sixty60
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Baker, Yazied
The digital transformation of supply chains and the growth in e-commerce have resulted in traditional retailers adopting multi-channel sales strategies, including on-demand delivery via mobile applications. In this competitive, tough economic climate, retailers using online channels must focus their limited resources on areas that will improve their competitive advantage. Measuring service quality allows retailers to know where they fall short of meeting customer expectations, however, online retail requires measuring different service quality dimensions and attributes compared to traditional service quality. This study investigates the service quality factors affecting a South African retailer, Checkers Sixty60, an on-demand grocery delivery service. Using an electronic service quality model, this research analysed customer reviews collected from the Google Play store using content analysis. The findings revealed that the website design, fulfilment, and customer service dimensions were critical to customers in evaluating whether the service from Checkers Sixty60 met their expectations. The study highlighted that technical and logistical challenges must be addressed to improve the user experience. This study provided insight into electronic service quality in a South African context and can assist retailers in directing resources to improve their service to customers.
Information system security vulnerabilities: Implications for South African financial firms in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Hermanus, Sinoxolo Sisanda
Cybersecurity is the collection of tools, policies, security concepts, security safeguards, guidelines, risk management approaches, actions, training, best practices, assurance, and technologies that can be used to protect the cyber environment and organisation and user’s assets. According to the Utica University (2020) the rate of cybercrimes has grown exponentially and is consistent with the growth of technology. Additionally, due to the global Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the cybercrime rate rose exponentially; The Interpol (2023) states that with organisations and businesses rapidly deploying remote systems and networks to support staff working from home, criminals are also taking advantage of increased security vulnerabilities to steal data, generate profits and cause disruption. Cybersecurity has become significant nationally, not only within companies, but also within societies. This study analysed the factors that contribute to information systems security vulnerabilities in South African financial institutions; with the focus to addressing areas such as cybercrime, investments in cybersecurity and challenges, as well as the preparedness of organisations to address cybercrime. The study adopted an interpretivist approach, hence the use of a qualitative methodology. Microsoft Teams-based interviews were used to collect data from financial institutions’ participants; these were recorded and analysed using thematic analysis method.
Factors affecting the adoption of drone delivery technology in the logistics industry
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Adams, Mogamad Nieyaaz
Logistics organisations may struggle to implement commercial drone delivery as part of an innovative drive to improve the efficiency of last-mile logistics in South Africa. The inability of the local logistics industry to fully understand the factors that influence the adoption of the technology could lead to a failed initiative with no financial, social, or economic benefits realised. However, if it is possible to understand the potential customer, the process of deploying drones as a hybrid or complete alternative to traditional last-mile delivery is more likely to be successful. A better understanding of the local environment can allow logistics operators to better package the technology while also allowing the government to improve policies around the commercial use of drones. This research study is aimed at understanding the factors that influence the adoption of drones as a form of parcel delivery in South African organisations. A framework was developed using the TOE, DOI, and TAM models to identify technological, organisational, and environmental factors affecting the adoption of drone technologies. A questionnaire was administered to logistics experts within the local logistics industry. The collected data was analysed quantitatively to understand how the various identified factors affect the adoption of last-mile drone delivery in the South African context. The study identified two significant technological factors that influence the adoption of drone delivery over the last mile in the logistics industry. These factors included complexity and compatibility. With regards to organisational factors, the study identified "senior management support" and "innovative thinking" as significant factors that will play a role in the adoption of drone delivery. In terms of environmental factors, the survey suggested that "drone legislation" and "public infrastructure" are significant factors that need to be understood when adopting delivery drone technology in the last mile. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on factors affecting the adoption of delivery drone technology in the last-mile and logistics industries.
Security risks during big data integration in supply chains and logistics in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Barendse, Carli
The data being shared across businesses and supply chains have grown beyond what can be maintained by traditional tools; therefore, Big Data, with all of its characteristics, and Big Data Technology have become relevant. As supply chains, data, and technology evolve, so do the skills of cybercriminals. Thus, the aim of this study was to establish the various risks that a company encounters at a supply chain level during Big Data integration. The study was qualitative and exploratory in nature and followed the interpretivist philosophical perspective. Semi-structured interviews were conducted over Microsoft Teams with seven participants. These individuals served in different roles focusing on the Data, Infrastructure and Security functions of the technology company under study. The findings of the study suggest that as data grows and new technologies are introduced, it becomes crucial to focus on risk assessment, risk management, and the data lifecycle within the company and its supply chain. While the current company is affected by breaches that originate within the company and within the supply chain, it is found that the extent to which the business is impacted by these breaches depends on its position within the supply chain. Hence, there is a potential for future research to explore the security risks that companies face at the supply chain level during Big Data integration. This research can involve categorising companies based on their position within the supply chain network and subsequently assessing the severity of the various effects experienced by different categories. By delving into this area, researchers can gain deeper insights into the specific security challenges and impacts that arise at different stages of the supply chain, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of data security in the context of Big Data integration.
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 influence of organisational culture on information strategy formulation competencies.
(Univeristy of the Western Cape, 2002) Petersen, Salwa
The Rural Development Company (LANOK) is an organisation that does community development, including social and economic development, in the rural areas of the Western Cape, and that can be seen as an information-intensive organisation that maintains and deploys an extensive knowledge base It has undergone significant changes during the past eight years. The organisation is accountable to the Western Cape government where the seed capital for the organisation is held. In the old South Africa the nationalist government created a development agency in every province. Each agency's mandate was development in rural areas. The culture in these organisations was predominantly white, male, Afrikaner culture.
Information technology outsourcing - A consideration of managed services, on demand and In-house strategies
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Mwanza Gabriel
Information Technology (IT) outsourcing as a basis for competitive advantage in the current dynamic business and technological environment is a potentially viable business solution for many Chief Executive Officers (CEO's) and Chief Information Officers (CIO's). It has become the focus of many organisations. In the Transnet Corporation the decision to outsource the IT function has been taken by the Group and some operating divisions without taking into consideration certain key factors. Transnet previously has contracted large scaled outsourcing deals which is often a bigger and more lasting change involving the way in which the organisation need to be structured, focused and managed This study investigates the factors that should be taken into consideration before making such far-reaching decisions. The critical decision to be made is: when is Information Technology function best performed in-house, and when should the function be outsourced. This study investigates how these outsourcing decisions could impact on the in-house IT function; in particular it examines how such strategies could affect several IT dimensions, such as, strategic alignment, innovation, capability, organisation structure and vendor management.
System design implications of online surveillance in learning platforms: a data management perspective
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Sterras Raihaan
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant uncritical mass uptake of online and blended learning approaches to replace face-to-face lectures, learning systems/platform designers are re-evaluating the negative effects of online learning systems. The purpose of the study is to systematically identify and review all relevant articles over the past two decades that discuss the negative effects of online learning systems and to provide key data management considerations. These key considerations identify important data management principles that should be considered during the design of online learning platforms to prevent the misuse of online data.
System design implications of online surveillance in learning platforms: a data management perspective
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Sterras, Raihaan; Breytenbach, Johan
Purpose: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant uncritical mass uptake of online and blended learning approaches to replace face-to-face lectures, learning systems/platform designers are re-evaluating the negative effects of online learning systems. The purpose of the study is to systematically identify and review all relevant articles over the past two decades that discuss the negative effects of online learning systems and to provide key data management considerations. These key considerations identify important data management principles that should be considered during the design of online learning platforms to prevent the misuse of online data. Methodology/design: The online education system-surveillance debate captured some interest in the previous decade and again in recent years leading up to 2021. Using a systematic literature review approach, we trace key articles in the online surveillance debate over the last two decades. From these articles, we extract system design considerations using the data management lens to inform the design of online learning systems and to prevent misuse of data within the online surveillance paradigm. Practical implications: This research has implications for system designers who develop online education platforms. This qualitative study gathers articles from the past two decades to identify key principles that could assist in developing a future system design framework for online educational platforms. These key principles can enhance the online data security of the educational institution. Originality/value: This paper looks to identify the key principles from a data management perspective that need to be considered when developing online educational platforms. The systemic view of these principles will provide system designers with a minimal framework that identifies considerations when developing an online education platform, thereby enhancing the online data management of individuals (students and staff). Data Collection: We used the systematic four-phase approach to collect data. The approach uses a systematic approach to identify themes, organise, and offer insight into the meaning of themes. Finding/Recommendation: The study's findings identified six key design principles that should be taken into account when designing any LMS system within the HEI. These principles include (1) safety, which involves creating safe online collaboration spaces; (2) consent; (3) no surveillance and denormalisation of surveillance; (4) regulatory principles; (5) learning analytics paradox; and (6) preventing behavioural manipulation.
Community-driven initiatives for the social sustainability of e-centres in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Sigwadi, Vuyiswa Patiance; Njenga, James Kariuki
E-centres ensure digital inclusion by providing access to information and communication technologies to disadvantaged communities. E-centres face sustainability challenges in their operations, which hamper their digital inclusion agenda. Literature was reviewed to identify factors that contribute to sustainability. A few case studies were evaluated to identify factors contributing to their success or failure. The study seeks to understand how community-driven initiatives can ensure the sustainability of an e-centre, using the six dimensions of social capital theory from (Grootaert, Narayan, Jones, & Woolcock, 2004) to guide the research using a qualitative research approach for data collection with semi-structured interviews as the instrument. E-centre managers, development leaders and e-centre users were interviewed from three e-centres in the Western Cape. The philosophical approach that informed the study is interpretivism as the research paradigm. A purposive sample method was used. The (Miles & Huberman, 1994) model was used to guide the data analysis process, a combination of inductive and theoretical thematic analysis used for analysis. Key findings from the study were the importance of stakeholder relationships, the running of ecentres and the influence e-centres have on communities. Regarding stakeholder relationships, it was noted that relationships amongst the various stakeholders of an e-centre have an impact on the success of the e-centre.
Information system security vulnerabilities: Implications for South African financial firms in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Sinoxolo Sisanda Hermanus
Cybersecurity is the collection of tools, policies, security concepts, security safeguards, guidelines, risk management approaches, actions, training, best practices, assurance, and technologies that can be used to protect the cyber environment and organisation and user’s assets. According to the Utica University (2020) the rate of cybercrimes has grown exponentially and is consistent with the growth of technology. Additionally, due to the global Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the cybercrime rate rose exponentially; The Interpol (2023) states that with organisations and businesses rapidly deploying remote systems and networks to support staff working from home, criminals are also taking advantage of increased security vulnerabilities to steal data, generate profits and cause disruption. Cybersecurity has become significant nationally, not only within companies, but also within societies. This study analysed the factors that contribute to information systems security vulnerabilities in South African financial institutions; with the focus to addressing areas such as cybercrime, investments in cybersecurity and challenges, as well as the preparedness of organisations to address cybercrime. The study adopted an interpretivist approach, hence the use of a qualitative methodology. Microsoft Teams-based interviews were used to collect data from financial institutions’ participants; these were recorded and analysed using thematic analysis method. Findings revealed that the adoption of technologies in firms introduces cybersecurity risks and with technology advancements, new risks emerge; identified threats to organisations include third-party technologies and humans in the organisation. Participants mentioned phishing, insider attacks, and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks that are usually experienced in organisations. Moreover, the study found that knowing your assets, frameworks, standards, and protection of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layers as strategies that financial firms adopt. Other strategies firms can implement include Identity and Access Management (IAM), data protection, detection systems, containment capabilities and incident response readiness, and cybersecurity training. However, the findings revealed that companies face challenges when implementing the strategies; these include business buy-in, availability, budget, skills, resources, regulatory compliance, building playbooks, and effective use of technologies. Even though the companies have adopted strategies, there is improvement needed. Lastly, the study offers recommendations to improve information systems security controls in order to reduce information systems security vulnerabilities.
A graduate level ethics framework for the higher education information systems curriculum in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Adams, Yusuf; Breytenbach, Johan
Purpose: The objective of this study was to fill a gap in the Information Systems (IS) literature oncerning the manner in which ethics are to be incorporated into the Information Systems curriculum to allow for accelerated learning by IS students in the field of ethics. This was accomplished by developing a framework that assisted Information Systems lecturers to embed ethics into the curriculum in ways that improved graduate comprehension and application of ethical principles during Information Systems learning, research and practice. Methodology/design: This study used a single case study design, gathering data from two cohorts of IS graduates at a single university, before and after exposure to ethics teaching and learning that translated ethical considerations of AI systems into familiar IS concepts, such as input, process, output, and the technology-organisation-environment taxonomy. Practical implications: This study added value to IS curriculum design as a discipline, clarifying how ethical principles that relate to IS are mapped to an existing undergraduate understanding of Information Systems – the existing curriculum, including a phased breakdown into input, design, and output, as well as IS concepts such as functional and non-functional system requirements. Findings: Even after having received learning in ethics that were carefully embedded into relevant modules of the IS curriculum, students did not have a solid understanding of the essential ethical concerns required to create and design ‘ethical-by-design’ systems in the field of Information Systems.
The impact of digitally enabled supply chains on firm aggregate performance gains
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Thobela, Bheki Hendry; van den Berg, Carolien
Many companies are transitioning to digitising their supply chain to yield firm performance. However, their supply chains are still fragmented, and they have not yet realised the full potential of digital supply chain capabilities. The full potential of digital supply chain capabilities cannot be realised without the integration of supply chain and competitive strategies. The understanding of the impact of digital platforms on firm performance is still limited, a considerable number of firms fail in their attempts to adopt such platforms. These realities provided the impetus for this study. The study addresses this by reviewing the relationship between digital supply chain integration and aggregate firm performance gains. This research aims to examine the linkage of supply chain integration, firm operational excellence, customer service and firm performance. The study was conducted within the interpretivism research paradigm aimed at focusing primarily on context-specific understandings. The researcher decided to apply this paradigm due to the philosophical orientation of the study, which seeks to capture the diverse perspectives on the impact of digitally enabled supply chains on firm performance. As part of the contribution, the study has identified five key properties that influence digital supply chain integration. These properties are Automation of supply chain processes; Agile responsiveness; Digital transformation and smart technologies; Information availability and Integrated planning and execution Given the research objective, “to identify the impact of digital supply chain integration on a firm’s aggregate performance”, the study has established three fundamental factors of supply chain integration that are capable of provoking firm performance. The three factors are process integration, internal integration and external integration. These factors are underpinned and characterised by four main actors, namely, automation, intelligence technology, integrated ICT, smart technology and cloud technologies. The dynamics and interplay of these three factors tend to influence the performance of the organisation through the firm’s operational excellence, financial performance and customer satisfaction. The contribution would help companies to tap into the full potential and benefits of a digitally enabled supply chain to create a firm aggregate performance.
Mobile technology adoption for improved maternal healthcare in Sudan
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Zakaria, Duha; Pather, Shaun
Mobile health applications are becoming increasingly prominent worldwide as it is known for delivering effective interventions in healthcare. Moreover, mobile health technologies are vital in achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by 2030, with targets 3.1 and 3.2 having specific relevance to this study. Target 3.1 seeks to “reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births”. Target 3.2 seeks to “end preventable deaths of new-borns and children under five years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births”.
Factors affecting the adoption of blockchain in logistics in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Dagne, Selamawit Mathewos; Jokonya, Osden
This study aimed to explore the factors affecting the adoption of blockchain technology in logistics in South Africa. A quantitative research approach based on positivist philosophy was used to explore the phenomenon. An online survey was conducted with representatives of retail logistics organisations in South Africa. A convenient sampling method was used to gather participants for the survey. Eighty (80) questionnaires were distributed to these representatives, but only 60 participants participated in the study, representing a survey return rate of 75%. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to produce descriptive frequencies and other advanced statistical results from the collected data.
Factors influencing the adoption of big data analytics in supply chain risk management: A case in the manufacturing industry
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Zwane, Mfundo Njabulo; van den Berg, Carolien
In Africa, supply chain processes are under pressure from political, economic and security risks that disrupt the free flow of goods. In South Africa, the manufacturing industry has high growth potential, however, the industry is bogged by supply chain risks that inhibit the flow of information, raw material or finished goods amongst supply chain partners. Supply Chain Risk Management has emerged as a process by which firms can identify, assess, and mitigate risks within their supply chains, enabling them to reduce uncertainties. Currently, SCRM continues to elude practitioners and scholars due to the shortage of skills, lack of experience, the absence of consensus on what SRCM is, and the lack of data analytics tools and platforms to process Big Data. Supply chain professionals have yet to adopt Big Data Analytics despite benefits such as improved risk evaluation, resilience planning, vulnerability reduction, increased robustness and resilience of the supply chain, and improved profitability and sustainability of the firm.
A conceptual framework for the adoption of e-logistics technologies: Towards improved data analytics practice in the Western Cape fishing industry
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Khumalo, Bradley Bucky; Pather, Shaun
E-logistics technologies to enhance supply chain efficiencies and improve data analytics across nations and industries continue to be developed. These provide the capacity and capability to enable timely, accurate and readily accessible data analytics at low cost and greater efficiencies. The abundance of these technologies has not translated to increased e-logistics technology adoption in the local fishing industry. Instead, the industry continues to use, as part of its operations, outdated methods of data collection resulting in frequently inaccurate and incoherent analyses. While quantitative fisheries management has significantly improved, data analytics has remained a challenge. Consequently, there have been numerous calls for the adoption and implementation of e-logistics technologies which would improve data analytics capabilities, complementing quantitative fisheries management interventions.

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