Magister Commercii - MCom (IM) (Information Management)

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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.
Examining the skills gap to effectively manage e-logistics in supply chain management
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Leni, Lukhona; van den Berg, Carolien
The South African economy faces several obstacles, including political unpredictability that may deter investment, a high unemployment rate, inflation, crime, a trade imbalance, and a volatile exchange rate. However, one of the biggest obstacles is a lack of skills. In the globalised era, having access to knowledge and skills is essential for any nation to succeed. Those without the required abilities are left behind. Logistics service providers are converting their conventional logistics system into an e-Logistics system, given how drastically the internet’s phenomenal expansion is altering how organisations conduct business. This thesis explains how the supply chain management sector has evolved significantly as a result of the advancements in information systems technology. An essential requirement for effective logistics management is the integration of Information Technology.
Factors affecting adoption of IoT technology in the supply chain: A case of a clothing retailer in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Styer, Garth; Chigada, Joel
The retail industry in South Africa (SA) is very competitive and the Western Cape is no exception. In such a competitive retail environment, innovation is often key to a competitive advantage and growth in the business. To that end, the organisation may consider to leverage Internet of Things, or IoT technology to provide a competitive edge. A recurring problem that organisations experience when considering this type of technology adoption, is lack of understanding, and poor appreciation of the ways that IoT technology may be used in Supply Chain Management (SCM). Management’s lack of understanding of the factors that affect technology adoption (on the supply chain processes) may furthermore result in failure to harness the technology for a competitive advantage.
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.
Optimising business architecture maturity for enhanced alignment of business and IT
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Groenewald, Hendrina; Pather, Shaun
There are several inputs from industry observers of the continued plight of aligning Business with IT. Alignment today is regarded by numerous as one of the most important aspects for successful businesses. It is noted that in the world of business the organisation’s vision does not always successfully translate into executable objectives which are suitably supported by IT. This indicates a lack of Business/IT Alignment, and alignment with business models which results in underutilized potential to improve the value of IT to the organization if the organization is agile and adaptive to change. The alignment of an organization's business strategy and operating models with its business architecture will impact positively on Business/IT Alignment. Such an alignment has a downstream effect on the organization in respect of its ability to make sound decisions regarding IT expenditure. However, the result from this study indicates that the prevailing low level of maturity of the business architecture practice, and the lack of effective application of business architecture artefacts during operating model design, are negatively impacting the alignment of Business and IT.
Understanding the factors that influence the adoption of Big Data at a government department in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Bruintjies, Andre; Njenga, James
Big Data, henceforth (BD), enables governments to produce and accumulate huge amounts of structured and unstructured data through their everyday activities. Due to the types of data produced and the volume, velocity and complexity of the data, government organisations need to find innovative ways to analyse it. Government organisations have since realised the potential to derive value from BD and, therefore, a need to adopt BD into their data activities. Currently, South African governmental organisations have not fully committed to adopting BD because they are unsure if they are adequately equipped, and additional empirical research is required to understand the salient factors that influence BD adoption.
Factors influencing the adoption of digital technologies to reduce food waste in retail supply chain
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Mpa, Kagiso Elton; Jokonya, Osden
Digital technologies are projected to transform many work domains and industries including the retail supply chain. Some of the benefits of adopting digital technologies are increased levels of efficiency, cost-saving understanding of production issues and improved customer experience. This study is driven by the need to understand the influential variables that affect the use of digital technologies in the retail supply chain, specifically to tackle the problem of food waste. The study follows the technology, organization and environment (TOE) framework to develop an alternative conceptual framework, through the examination of thirteen contextual factors.
Factors affecting information security compliance among SMEs in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Lawrence, Felencia Linthea; Jokonya, Osden
Small and medium enterprises are depending on the use of IT systems to compete and participate in the South African economy and also to improve the efficiency of their service delivery. Using IT systems in their business has increased risks and hazards regarding information security. Even though information security has been around for a while and several research studies have been conducted on the topic, it is still unclear how SMEs comply with the standards and regulations that are associated with it. The study aimed to fill this gap by examining the information security phenomenon from the point of view of South African SMEs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the adoption of information security compliance by SMEs. Following a survey design together with a quantitative research approach, the collection of survey questionnaires was used as a means of data collection. In addition, the data obtained from the surveys collected was analysed using a quantitative data analysis process. The study revealed several technological, organizational and environmental factors that influence the organization’s readiness to be compliant with information security policies as well as South African regulations and global standards. The results revealed a positive relationship between these factors that significantly impact the organization.
A framework for ethical data use to improve personalised customer experience in the financial industry in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) De Villiers, Zita Kim; Jantjies, Mmaki
The financial services industry deals daily with vast amounts of data. In this study, the researcher intends to investigate if data is used ethically for the purpose of analytics within this industry. The aim of this study is to determine if financial institutions have the means to manage ethical behaviour when analysing data that has been collected. As such, this study explores the awareness and governance around the ethical use of data within financial services. It also investigates how the relationship between customers and data analytics impacts their experiences, by exploring concepts of trust, transparency, and privacy of customer data. The study proposes a conceptual framework to support the ethical use of data, specifically in the financial services sector.
Measuring Information Systems value against organisational performance: A case study of a South African retailer
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Julius, Clive; Chigada, Joel
Organisations’ increased dependency on technology in general and retailers in particular, is changing how businesses and people operate and communicate. This has amplified the need to make better choices to increase the benefits from information and communication technology investments. As such, the economic evaluation of the business value of information systems (BVIS) against organisational performance has become a business imperative but to do this effectively, organisations must be presented with an appropriate framework. Research shows that organisations have historically struggled to measure the BVIS because of the multiple challenges that hinder effective measurement.
Investigating factors that hinder the adoption and use of primary healthcare information systems (phcis) in the western cape of South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Nkwenkwezi, Masibonge Emmanuel; Jantjies, Mmaki
In the past, the Western Cape Department of Health had no formal or technologically enabled system for patient administration. This resulted in an administrative burden, increased waiting times for patients and doctors who needed results back from other sections, and missing patient files within the community health institutions such as clinics and hospitals. The Primary Healthcare Information System (PHCIS) was developed to solve this problem. However, it was later discovered that even though the PHCIS had been installed across the Western Cape clinics, there was a limited adoption and use of the PHCIS. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the factors that hinder the adoption and use of PHCIS by healthcare workers in the public healthcare clinics in the Khayelitsha sub-district in the Western Cape Province
Designing industrial image processing applications for warehouse management in South Africa
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Davids, Heinrich; Breytenbach, Johan
With conclusive evidence from multiple research studies it is evident that the lack of real time information flows in Warehouse Management (WM) operations leads to rigid, un-optimised supply chains. Industrial Image Processing (IIP) is a popular new technology that allows for improved information flows in WM processes through the capture and analysis of images in real time. This study aims to investigate the design principles for improving WM processes through IIP implementation.
Organisational readiness for the adoption of smart delivery management systems for last mile delivery
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Van Zyl, Janine Manuel; Pather, Shaun
Last mile delivery is one of the most expensive and challenging processes within the supply chain for organisations. The last mile delivery component of logistics has also become a very competitive space within the supply chain industry due to the significant rise in e-commerce adoption. Given the advancements in networking and digital solution development, many organisations now have, at their disposal various hardware and software options to improve business processes and associated supply chain efficiencies. However, there is a relatively low level of adoption of smart delivery management systems to date. This study aimed to understand what the readiness factors are that underpin the successful adoption and integration of such systems into the last mile delivery processes.

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