School of Business Sciences (ETDs)

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Factors influencing cyber insurance adoption in South Africa industry
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Mbatha, Nkosinathi Sphiwe
Organisations are benefiting from the use of emerging digital technologies for improved efficiencies. These technologies are vulnerable to cyber-attacks resulting in breaches on organisational assets. Cyber-attacks necessitates boards and top management to strategically rethink their cybersecurity approaches to managing cyber risks. The purpose of the study was to explore the factors influencing cyber insurance adoption in the South African industry. The study adapted Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) theoretical framework to investigate cyber insurance adoption relevant to the South African context. The review of literature focused on the cybersecurity, cyber risk management, and cyber insurance phenomenon to understand the global and developing world landscape. The research design followed the systemic collection of qualitative data through semi-structured interview questions on the purposefully selected sample of professionals in the public and private sectors of the South African industry. The analysis and interpretation through categorisation of patterns of data collected enabled presentation and discussion of emerging themes resulting in findings. The key findings relate to effective cybersecurity awareness, organisational approach to managing cyber risks, as well as the nature of industry and compliance with legislation. The study established that the combination of effective cybersecurity awareness, the relationship between the strategic organisational approach to cybersecurity and top management support towards cyber risk management as well as compliance with legislation are the factors influencing cyber insurance adoption in the South African industry. In order to meet the research objectives, various conclusions were made. The study concluded that effective cybersecurity awareness must be viewed as a strategic imperative to enable organisations to operate securely. The study also concluded that organisations must proactively approach cybersecurity strategically thereby ensuring effective top management buy-in. The study concluded that the POPI Act is the primary driver of cyber insurance adoption in the South African industry.
Determinants of credit risk on residential mortgage loans in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Mbulana, Alikho; Mthanti, Thanti
Residential mortgages are an important asset class for banks as these assets provide the majority of bank’s income. By the nature of issuing loans to customers, this asset class also presents the greatest risk to the banks and as a result, banks need to constantly evaluate and review credit risk in order to ensure dynamic response strategies that curb losses and achieve sustainable profits. This study aims to investigate factors influencing credit risk on residential mortgage loans in South Africa. A regression analysis was conducted to capture the influence of both macroeconomic and bank specific factors on loans that have been in arrears for less than 89 days and on loans that have been in default for more than 90 days; using monthly data from an undisclosed bank over a period of eight years, 2010 to 2018. The results show that Housing Price Index, Unemployment, Household Disposable Income, Bank’s Capitalization and Operational Efficiency are the only significant determinants for non-performing residential mortgage loans that are less than 89 days. Credit Quality, Inflation, Unemployment, Household Disposable Income, Bank’s Capitalization, Operational Efficiency and are the main determinants of the non-performing residential mortgage loans greater than 90 days
The Role of Leadership in the Implementation of Strategic Projects in a Commercial Bank in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Mutshinya, Phathutshedzo; Wotela, Kambidima; Matshabaphala , Johnny
This research highlighted the role of leadership in the delivery of strategic projects in a commercial bank setting. The research followed a quantitative research strategy whereby a sample of a commercial bank was approached to gather their insights and perceptions of the leadership role in the implementation of strategic projects. The views of commercial bank employees were analyzed to identify gaps that existed in the leadership behaviours and traits currently adopted in the banks. Findings from this research confirmed that there are indeed gaps in the leadership role that leave room for improvement for a more successful outcome of the strategic project implementation. The study highlighted that leaders in a commercial bank should lean towards agility to guide and support towards a more successfully implementation of strategic projects
Social context factors and consumer innovativeness as drivers of organic food adoption amongst millennials in South Africa
(2022) Mhlophe, Bongani
Modern-day marketing practitioners are more interested in understanding consumers’ acceptance of innovative products rather than obliviously introducing new products to the market, only to be left to endure the costly and disruptive consequences of product rejection. Once practitioners fully understand the aspects that stimulate consumers to adopt innovations, they will be able to devise well-informed strategies that are bound to accelerate the adoption of new products, create more demand, and positively impact their long-term profitability. Furthermore, once relevant knowledge is available, the high rejection of new products will likely to be lessened to a reasonable proportion. For marketing practitioners to understand the drivers of organic food espousal amongst Millennials, scholars must conduct relevant studies on the complex relationships that exist between adoption and its antecedent factors. Recent studies have maintained that research focus is skewed towards individual-level factors, while most scholars overlook the predictive ability of social context factors on Adoption Behaviour. Therefore, it became expedient that an empirical analysis of this kind must be conducted to forge a more profound understanding of how the social context factors impact the Adoption Behaviour of organic food, particularly in an emerging economy like South Africa. This study targeted Millennials, particularly in the urban cities of South Africa, i.e., Johannesburg and Pretoria (Gauteng), Durban (Kwa-Zulu Natal) and Cape Town (Western Cape). A proposed conceptual framework portraying the relationships between the studied constructs was developed, resulting in several suppositions that were later subjected to hypothesis testing. A non-probabilty and conveniently accessible sample was used to gather primary data from 385 respondents. Both self-administered online suveys and researcher administered survey questionnaires were used for data colletion which yielded a response rate of 78.9%. This raw data was quantitatively analysed through SPSS 27 (for descriptive statistics) and through Structural Equation Modelling using Amos 27 (for inferential statistics). Path Modelling was used to test the hypothesised relationships of the structural model in a bid to either reject or fail to reject these suppositions. Moderation and moderated mediation effects were analysed using Hayes’ PROCESS Procedure for SPSS 4.0. While the moderating effect of Consumer Innovativesness was firmly establishled, this study, however, failed to garner enough statistical evidence to support the moderated mediation effects. Although the results of this study mostly confirmed the results from earlier studies, some new and exciting insights were derived; for example, an inverse relationship was found between Attitude and Adoption Behaviour, resulting in the nullification of hypothesis 8. The findings of this study delivered some critical theoretical contributions to the extant literature and meaningfully advanced the frontier of knowledge within the broader fields of generational and behavioural studies by providing fresh insights into the nature of the relationships between the studied constructs. Furthermore, this study also proffers practical suggestions that may aid marketing practitioners in devising and adopting well-informed strategies that will eventually enhance the adoption of organic food, particularly within the younger generational cohort. While a mismatch between Millennials’ Attitudes and their Adoption Behaviour was firmly established, this study further corroborates the findings from previous scholars that addressing negative Attitudes towards novelties is fundamental for their effective diffusion. These Attitudes must be fully understood and channelled to the right direction (e.g., through relevant promotional activities), in order to improve the espousal of organic foods, thus paving the way for these foodstuffs to realise their full market potential. Eventually, marketers will have the assurance of future demand and sustainable profitability if the adoption of organic food is accelerated to new heights. Although this study proffered meaningful contributions, some constraints were apparent, and these hurdles inevitably affected the generalisability of the findings of this study. Owing to these limitations, the results of this study lacked external validity and thus cannot be confidently applied to other similar research contexts. On the other hand, these limitations further unlocked avenues for future research endeavours.
Determinants of mobile commerce adoption by consumers in South Africa: a UTAUT2 and TPB Perspective
(2022) Ndebele, Nomusah
The proliferation of mobile device use, greatly influenced by high internet permeation, has strongly encouraged mobile commerce adoption in developed nations. However, the lag in mobile commerce adoption in developing nations is deeply concerning; extant literature has shown that most African nations are yet to adopt or fully utilise the trillion-dollar mobile commerce market. The purpose of the study was to investigate the factors influencing m-commerce adoption in South Africa. Previous studies on m-commerce adoption, in an African context, appear to be scant. The novelty of this research is that mobile commerce adoption is studied from a South African consumer perspective using constructs that measure behavioural intention. Open-ended questions were also used to obtain additional factors from consumers. A conceptual model made of UTAUT2 and TPB constructs, and two additional constructs (i.e. perceived financial resources and institution-based trust) was used to investigate adoption. Twelve hypothesis statements from the model’s constructs were proposed, under a positivist research paradigm. An online survey was used to obtain data from 358 people (random sample) living in South Africa. The data was analysed using the IBM SPSS. The number of people who are using or have used the technology was used to determine adoption. The conceptual model and hypotheses were evaluated using multiple regression and correlation analysis, respectively. Performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, facilitating conditions, perceived behavioural control, attitude towards behaviour and perceived financial resources were shown to positively and significantly influence m-commerce adoption. Additional factors (e.g. delivery to remote areas, reliable shipping, shopping convenience, data and device access, product variety and product availability) influencing m-commerce adoption in South Africa were also identified from the qualitative data analysis. Perceived risk was identified as a barrier to adoption. This study contributes to theory and practice by identifying the UTAUT2 and TPB factors that significantly influence m-commerce adoption in a South African context. In addition, additional factors that influence m-commerce adoption, as well as mcommerce marketplaces in South Africa, were identified.
Website characteristics that influence consumers’ online purchase intention within the fast-food industry
(2022) Pillay, Gabrielle
The fundamental goal and purpose of this study is to examine the website characteristics that influence consumers’ online purchase intention within the fast food industry. While reviewing prior literature, it was indicated that investigations around website characteristics focused mainly on the banking sector and commercial industries. This study contributes to literature by focusing on the fast food industry. This study examined the following website characteristics: perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, trust, security, visual and audio elements, interaction and involvement, time-saving orientation, website quality, relative advantage, and service factors. The results indicated that (a) perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, security, time-saving orientation, and relative advantage had a positive relationship with online purchase intention; (b) interaction and involvement, website quality, and service factors had a significant relationship with online purchase intention within the fast food industry. This study has applied a quantitative approach to investigate the website characteristics that influence consumers’ online purchase intention of fast food. The study used a 5-point Likert Scale adapting questions from previous literature. The researcher collected a total of 204 responses, however, only 202 responses were viable. These responses were collected through an online survey due to COVID-19. This current academic study intended to develop and contribute to literature regarding the website characteristics that influence online purchase intention of fast food as well as extend the applicability of the Technology Acceptance Model and Theory of Flow to the fast food industry. This study also intended to inform and assist marketing managers within the fast-food industry by providing them with research and evidence regarding the website characteristics which motivate consumers’ online purchase intention of fast food.
Antecedents and consequences of consumer ethnocentrism in an emerging market: uncovering implicit attitudes using the implicit association test
(2022) Till, Darren Stewart
With an increase in globalization, and a simultaneous decline in industry growth, South African brand managers in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector need to consider appropriate marketing strategies to remain competitive against the ever-encroaching multinational conglomerates. Fortunately, international marketing may have a solution in the form of consumer ethnocentrism – a socio-psychological trait that manifests as a general preference for local products, as opposed to those imported. Despite a distinct dearth of research in Africa, the predominant consensus within the field is that consumer ethnocentric tendencies (CET) are linked to a nation’s economic prosperity, and that consumers in developing countries generally prefer foreign products. However, research has begun to emerge which brings the validity of such an assumption into question. It is on this premise that the current research enquiry attempts to address the inconsistencies of the extant body of research, which has primarily operationalized traditional market research techniques that are fraught with response biases and other methodological shortfalls. Thus, by employing a combination of implicit (non-direct) and explicit (self-report) survey techniques this study attempts to uncover consumers’ true, nonconscious attitudes towards domestic and imported consumer packaged goods. To this end, a cohort of n=500 Generation Z individuals (between the ages of 18 and 26 years old) were surveyed using a bespoke online questionnaire on the CloudArmy Reactor platform. The subsequent data output was systematically analysed with structural equation modelling (SEM) and metric invariant group difference analyses, which were all carried out on IBM SPSS and Amos version 27. The results of this analysis suggest that the socio-psychological predisposition of patriotism is a highly significant driver of consumer ethnocentric tendencies (CET) in this particular generational cohort. Additionally, the centrality dimension of materialism was observed to exert a converse, negative influence on CET. Willingness to buy, on the other hand, is significantly influenced by both consumer ethnocentrism and implicit attitudes. Most notably, the former relationship was positive, whereas, the latter is negative, suggesting a level of cognitive dissonance as purported by the dual attitude model. Finally, none of the demographic variables were found to moderate the model, with only one path (between financial satisfaction and CET) indicating significant moderation by gender. Importantly, a number of theoretical implications can be gleaned from this study. Most notably, the paper sheds light on many inconsistencies in the extant literature by confirming the nascent conceptualisation of implicit consumer ethnocentrism (ICE). Additionally, it expands on the previously observed moderating variables and highlights the need to examine the effect of materialism’s three sub-dimensions separately. In terms of specific managerial implications, these findings reiterate the value of incorporating patriotic themes into marketing efforts, so as to heighten CET behaviour in South African consumers. As an extension, local practitioners are well advised to use consumer ethnocentrism as a predictable psychographic identifier and driver towards prosocial buying behaviour. In toto, this paper culminates in several other key managerial and theoretical implications which may assist local brand managers guard against the encroaching threat posed by globalisation and heightened competition in the South African FMCG marketplace.
A framework for South African university students' online learning: social presence, digital skills and competencies
(2022) Lubisi, Ntombizethu
Over the years, institutions of higher learning across the world have embraced the use of digital technology to facilitate learning. University students require digital skills and digital competencies to take full advantage of online learning. Additionally, one of the most important factors of students’ learning experience in an online environment is the sense of belonging. Students engaging in online learning geographically separated from their instructors and peers often feel isolated. The purpose of the study was to explore digital skills, digital competencies and social presence necessary for an effective South African university online learning. The study used the General Technology Competency and Use (GTCU) framework and the Social Presence Theory as a lens to explore the digital skills, digital competencies and social presence necessary for South African university online learning. A case study approach was used to study in-house first-year students in a South African university learning online. A mixed method research was selected due to its fitness to answer the proposed research questions. The data was collected via an online questionnaire and the semi-structured interviews at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, Johannesburg. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings from the study indicated that the social-economic background does play an important role in in-house students learning online. The interaction was a challenge, participants felt isolated from their instructors which impacted their online learning experience. They did not feel a sense of belonging to their courses. The study will contribute to policies such as the South African National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 with the focus on lifelong learning, the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 2030 goal 4. It will also contribute to the university learning and teaching policies where online learning is concerned as well as assist University improve their online learning offering. Our study links to information systems and online learning at universities.
User resistance to the access review component of sailpoint identityiq by managers: a South African bank case study
(2022) Mudzunga, Hangani
The purpose of this study was to examine and explain why bank managers resist using the access review component of SailPoint IdentityIQ and explain the factors that influence bank managers to resist the access review component of SailPoint IdentityIQ. Moreover, the study also explained the managers’ resistance behaviour. The study adopted an interpretive paradigm and followed an inductive approach. Withing the broader scope of interpretive paradigm, the study adopted an explanatory research design. The case study strategy was employed by the study. Furthermore, the study employed a qualitative research method because its aim was not to generalise the research findings. The time horizon for the study was cross-sectional, and the sources of the data for the study was the primary data source. This study's primary data collection method was interviews. Thematic analysis process was followed to analyse the data collected for the study. The case study site was one of the South African banks, referred to in this study as ABC Bank. The research findings suggest that some bank managers at ABC bank do not perform access reviews mainly when their initial condition(s) and object(s) of resistance interact, they perceive something that leads them to behave in a resistant manner. Their perceptions are mostly on 1) whether they think they are doing something wrong, 2) ease of use, 3) consequences, 4) and value. These perceptions are developed by managers due to various factors such as fear of error, lack of perceived ease of use, lack of perceived consequences, and lack of perceived value. The study contributed theoretically by following a different research methodology to explain user resistance in a different setting from that used previously in Lapointe and Rivard (2005) and Selander and Henfridsson (2012). The study followed a crosssectional time horizon instead of a longitudinal time horizon, and it did so in a certain bank in South African. The study also tested the applicability of the Lapointe & Rivard (2005) framework in a South African bank following a qualitative methodology and cross-sectional time horizon. The study modified the Lapointe & Rivard (2005) framework to follow a qualitative methodology and cross-sectional time horizon to help answer the primary research question. The adaption of the framework proved to be helpful for the study. The study also contributed to the user resistance, identity governance and administration body of knowledge in the information systems research because there is limited academic literature on subjects relating to the enterprise identity governance and administration systems. Practically, the study contributes by providing some explanation on why some managers resist using the access review component of SailPoint IdentityIQ. The study also contributes by providing factors that influence managers not to perform access reviews on SailPoint IIQ. However, the author advises practitioners to generalise the findings of this study with caution. Moreover, the description reveals to practitioners that user resistance must be managed carefully by understanding the context as there is no 'silver bullet' strategy to mitigate user resistance.
A case study investigating the effects of an Entrepreneurial Development Programme on the business sustainability of its beneficiaries’ pre- and post-Covid-19
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Lobetti, Francesca Maria; Robert, Venter
Entrepreneurship in South Africa is complex and multi-faceted. This statement refers specifically to the operational aspects that are indicative of both economic growth and development. This case study investigated the impact of one hotel group’s entrepreneurial development programme on the businesses of its beneficiaries in South Africa. The impact was examined across three primary themes, these being: economic success, employment generation capabilities and long-term business sustainability on the existing businesses of entrepreneurs who have successfully completed the programme. The value of this study was to determine if this particular entrepreneurial development programme has proved valuable to the beneficiaries in growing and sustaining their businesses and creating employment opportunities. As the hotel group’s entrepreneurial development programme provides the fundamental business operational knowledge to the beneficiaries, one aim of the study was to identify the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the businesses of the beneficiaries and what measures were put in place to ensure that the businesses were resilient and survived. To date and in the English literature, the impact of this programme had not been properly investigated. The study followed a mixed methods approach and research data was collected using both questionnaires and interviews. The study population consisted of 49 beneficiaries from the hotel group’s entrepreneurial development programme actively operating in different business sectors who had completed the programme between 2005 and 2018, allowing the 2018 beneficiaries to develop their businesses for a two-year period post completion of the programme. The questionnaire data was analyzed with measures of central tendency and presented with graphs and tables. Interview data was analyzed through content and thematic analysis and was also presented with the use graphs and tables. The information gathered in the interview process provided a degree of context to the questionnaire data, which also allowed for complementary analysis where conclusions were drawn between the two data types. The findings indicate that post completion of the programme, a majority of the businesses were on track to be sustainable with the possibility of business growth and expansion. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the same conclusions cannot be drawn. The entrepreneurial development programme will need to refocus their main goals and objectives to be more aligned with businesses in the post Covid-19 environment. The ramifications of the effects that the virus has had on the economy will continue to be present and businesses may need to adapt their operations to the new ‘normal’. These changes are expanded upon in this study and recommendations for the hotel group’s entrepreneurial development programme are discussed
Organisational culture, values and performance in multinational companies in Mauritius
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Ramhit, Ketan Sharma; Callagha, Chris
The national identity of Mauritius is built on its distinctive culture, history, and beliefs, which inform how people see the world. Multinational companies (MNCs) have beenattracted to Mauritius due to its role as an economic hub and proximity to African continental markets. In a globalised context, organisations increasingly need to understand what drives employee behaviour and the relationships between the individual values of their staff and their individual performance. This study investigates how individual values affect Mauritius Multinational Companies (MNCs) employee performance. It draws from the Global Leadership and Organisational Behaviour Effectiveness (GLOBE) organisational culture theory as well as Hofstede’s cultural values theory to understand relationships between organisational cultural values and employee performance. While Schwartz's theory acknowledges the influence of biological needs and social contexts on an individual's value priorities, it presents a more comprehensive approach byemphasising the psychological aspect of values. His theory recognises that an individual's biological needs and social environment can significantly impact their value system and subsequent choices. First, a modified grounded theory methodology was used in Stage 1 to conduct in-depth interviews with MNC managers utilising census sampling. Data analysis employed theoretical coding and constant mapping to derive a theoretical model of the relationships between individual values and individual performance. Through a process of exploring and explaining data, the theoretical framework emerged. Once the theoretical propositions were established, a model was derived from them and further strengthened by the relevant literature. Once the initial codes were established in the first step of qualitative analysis, the second step involved connecting these codes to concepts and themes. The step was accomplished by utilising a modified version of the Gioia approach. The Gioia approach employs a schematic representation to assess qualitative data and construct a visual data structure. A comprehensive theoretical model was constructed by deriving theoretical propositions and supplementing them with relevant literature. The values that emerged from the qualitative study aligned with Schwartz's value dimensions. In Stage 2, a quantitative ii survey was used to gather information from MNCs. Schwartz’s values dimensions were tested as to their relationships with employee performance. The model was tested using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Schwartz's higher-order values were found to significantly predict individual performance. These, together with work attitudes, motivation, and the work environment were found to be significant predictors of individual performance. Theory predicting moderating relationships of age, gender, and educational attainment on the relationships between individual values and individual performance was also tested, but no evidence of their moderating effects was found. Two models were assessed - one individual performance as the dependent variable, while the other used intention-to-quit. The model using individual performance displayed acceptable fit indices, but the one using intention-to-quit did not satisfy the requirements for model fit. In conclusion, this study highlights the critical role that individual values play in determining individual performance inside Mauritius MNCs, offering insightful information for businesses doing business there
Factors affecting the adoption of online share trading in South Africa
(2022) Matsena, Tshwantsho J
This research study aims to explore the adoption of online share trading in South Africa. Online share trading is a function of stock market participation, through a technology-based platform. The platform can be offered by traditional stockbrokers or by financial technology-based service providers.
Organisational culture, innovation, and environmental performance in South African iso 14001 certified organisations
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-06) Nokaneng, Tshepo Isaiah; Callaghan, Chris
This study investigates the link between organisational culture, innovation, and organisational environmental performance, with a focus on South African ISO 14001-certified organisations. The study uses Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory and the competing values framework to make predictions and collects empirical data from 400 SABS-certified organisations using PLS-SEM. The findings are of interest to academics, organisations, and researchers and have potential for future studies to build upon. The study found that human resource management (HRM) policies are more effective in cultures that prioritise collectivism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, and developmental and rational culture. Labour relations also predict innovation and organisational environmental performance (OEP). The Schwartz individual values (SIV) model shows that age predicts openness to change, and the industrial sector predicts intrinsic satisfaction factors, conservation, and self enhancement values. Position predicts intrinsic satisfaction, conservation and self-enhancement values, openness to change, self-transcendence, and extrinsic satisfaction. Organisational tenure negatively predicts conservation and self- enhancement values, openness to change, self-transcendence values, and intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction. The industrial sector positively predicts individual environmental performance. These findings can aid policymakers, managers students, researchers, and practitioners in enhancing innovation, OEP, individual environmental performance (IndEP) and contributing to sustainability management literature using Hofstede cultural dimensions theory (CDT), competing values framework (CVF), Schwartz's values and motivational factors. This study provides evidence of the effects of cultural dimensions on OEP and identifies mediating or moderating factors. The findings offer knowledge to improve OEP, inform policymakers, and add value to managers, students, researchers, and practitioners. The study aids in implementing and improving environmental management systems, thus enhancing OEP. It also provides insights into using Schwartz's values and motivational factors that could enhance IndEP and contribute to the sustainability management literature
Performance of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange as a growth catalyst of small medium enterprises
(2023) Maluleka, Julia
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seek equity financing through stock exchanges to fund future growth opportunities, acquisitions, existing projects, and investment opportunities. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and Alternative exchange (AltX) provide a platform for SMEs to list and raise capital. In this paper, we investigate the impact that the AltX and JSE has on the growth, operating performance, and market performance of listed SMEs. The panel regression model is used to investigate this relationship. We used revenue growth as a proxy for growth, earnings per share (EPS) as a proxy for operating performance and share price as a proxy for market performance. Our independent variables were small businesses characteristics (age, size, leverage, dual listing, and industry) and stock market indicators (market liquidity, stock market capitalisation, volume, capital raised, and IPO ratio). GDP growth was included as a control variable. The panel data used in this study were collected from 2007 to 2020, and the estimation sample consists of 34 companies listed on AltX and 49 companies listed on the JSE mainboard. The empirical findings show that leverage, market liquidity and the industrials industry have an impact on the revenue growth of listed SMEs. The results of the impact of listing on the operating performance of listed small businesses using EPS as a proxy show that company age, size, dual listing, capital raised, and industries such as industrials, technology, consumer services, and healthcare influence the EPS of small businesses listed on the JSE and AltX. Our findings on SMEs market performance indicate that company size, age, leverage, dual listing, IPO ratio and industries such as consumer services, financials, industrials, technology, and telecommunications all have a significant impact on the share price of listed SMEs. We also found that the JSE and AltX have a differential impact on listed small businesses.
Learning Management Systems within a South African university: lecturers’ experiences and extent of use during and post COVID-19
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mfingwana, Nwabisa; Sackstein, Suzanne
The integration of technology in the education sector has resulted in pervasive use of Learning Management Systems (LMSs). Prior and during COVID-19, several higher education institutions within South Africa acquired and started using LMSs to enable and facilitate online teaching and learning. During COVID-19 when face-to-face learning was impossible due to lockdowns, LMSs became even more prominent, advancing from being learning support tools to becoming primary learning systems. While prior research claims that LMSs are underutilised, as the world transitions to the new normal, with hybrid learning being the latest learning method, LMSs appear to be just as significant. To explore the experiences and extent of use of LMS, this study employed the Will, Skill, Tool, and Pedagogy (WSTP) model. Using semi-structured interviews, data was collected from nine lecturers who teach technology and creative arts programs at a Johannesburg based university in South Africa. Findings indicate that even though lecturers view LMSs as a valuable tool, it is not a perfect fit for the needs and requirements of all university programmes. Furthermore, although use of LMSs grew exponentially and pervasively during COVID-19, post the pandemic lecturers’ use patterns are more varying. While some lecturers in the creative art programme are reducing or stopping their use of certain LMS features as they favour of in-person teaching and believe that the LMS may not be aligned to their teaching style. However, lecturers in technology are continuing their current use, and in some cases are even more curious and enthusiastic about the tool. Lastly, despite the reported benefits of LMSs such as content management and communication, challenges related to system constraints, functional limitations, infrastructure issues and limited technology and LMS skills were reported. Theoretically the study contributes to the body of knowledge about lecturers’ use of LMSs and illustrates how the WSTP model can be used in similar contexts. Practically the study highlights that a comprehensive needs and requirements analysis should be conducted by decision makers prior to implementing a one-fits-all approach, training and ongoing awareness of LMS features is critical to ensure that the system is used optimall
Factors Influencing Artificial Intelligence Adoption in South African Organisations: A Technology, Organisation, Environment (TOE) Framework
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Hoosen, Kaneez Fathima; Cohen, Jason
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the formation of machines that mimic human intelligence and encompasses various technologies. AI technology is changing the landscape for South African organisations and how they operate. Using current literature and other online reports by auditing firms, the study aimed to identify a suite of AI technologies used by South African organisations. Technologies such as robotic process automation, image and speech recognition, machine learning and chatbots were defined. In addition, this research paper investigated the factors influencing AI technology adoption by South African organisations. The technology, organisation and environment factors of the TOE framework were examined to understand adoption decisions. It was important to close this gap as lack of understanding of how factors influence AI decisions, and an undefined suite of AI technologies could impact adoption decisions. A cross sectional relational research design was chosen for the study. A survey instrument was used and administered through a web-survey to 252 IT decision makers or IT leaders from South African organisations who served as key informants for their organisations. Responses were received from 55 organisations. Reliability and validity tests were used to evaluate the consistency and reliability of the data and to evaluate whether measures correctly represent the variables that they intend to measure. Correlation analysis, stepwise and multiple regression were used to test the hypotheses of the conceptual model. It was found that of the suite of AI technologies, robotics process automation followed by machine learning and image recognition had the highest levels of adoption. Results showed that data availability and top management support were supported as the most significant technology, organization, environment (TOE) factors influencing AI technology adoption in South African organisations. It was found that perceived technology benefits, IT infrastructure, resource capability and normative pressure were also strongly correlated to AI technology adoption. Financial resources and competitive pressure were not supported as determinants. Artificial intelligence is receiving much attention in both practice and research. This study addresses the gap in the current body of knowledge on AI adoption in South Africa by making use of the TOE framework to study adoption of artificial intelligence technologies in organisations. Useful insights are provided to South African organisations so that they can benchmark their adoption against other industry players and manage their response to those factors most significant for AI adoption
Investigating factors that influence online purchase behaviour using Augmented and Virtual reality in the South African furniture industry
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mankhili, Mulalo Lusan; Zulu, Melissa
In South Africa, the furniture industry plays a significant role in the country's economy, contributing to Growth Domestic Product (GDP) and employment rates. As the trend of online shopping continues to gain popularity, integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies into the retail sector has become increasingly important. Research has demonstrated that these technologies can offer a competitive edge to brands operating in the furniture sector. Consequently, this study aims to explore the factors influencing the adoption of AR and VR in the South African furniture industry. According to a report from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTIC), the South African furniture industry has experienced a decline in recent years, with consumers shifting towards purchasing furniture online through e-commerce platforms. Given the growing significance of e-commerce, it is imperative for businesses to understand the determinants of consumers' online purchasing behaviour to enhance their online sales performance. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the utilisation of AR and VR technologies can impact online purchase behaviour by dissecting the various factors influencing AR and VR adoption. To achieve this, the study has incorporated three theoretical frameworks: the Stimulus Organism Response theory (S-O-R), the Uses and Gratification theory (UGT), and the Flow theory. The research has identified several constructs derived from these theories to examine the interrelationships and influences among hedonic and utilitarian benefits, decision comfort, spatial presence, perceived intrusiveness, personal privacy concerns, mental imagery, perceived social presence, brand attitude, VR adoption, online purchase intention, and purchase behaviour. Data was collected from 400 South African online furniture customers, and the study utilised the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the relationships betweenthese variables. The study formulated eleven hypotheses, of which nine were supported. The findings revealed that hedonic and utilitarian benefits, decision comfort, spatial presence, mental imagery, perceived social presence, brand attitude, and VR adoption have an influence on online purchase behaviour. However, perceived intrusiveness and personal privacy concerns had no influence on online purchase intentions when using AR apps. This suggests that consumers' concerns about intrusiveness and privacy may not significantly affect their purchase intentions when interacting with AR technology. Additionally, the research highlights the roles of brand attitude and VR adoption as mediators between mental imagery and online behaviour and between iii perceived social presence and online purchasing behaviour. These findings offer valuable insights for businesses seeking to refine their online sales strategies and have the potential to contribute to the growth and development of the South African furniture industry
A model for the acceptance and use of mHealth in South Africa: A UTAUT and TTF perspective
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Livhuwani Grace, Mongwe; Hughes, Mitchell; Kekwaletswe, Ray
Scaling up high impact community based mHealth interventions is one of the agenda items mentioned in the National Digital Health Strategy of South Africa for the period 2019 -2024. Although many mHealth interventions have been explored, many of them end up in the pilot phase and do not reach full implementation. A common theme which was found as a possible driver of scalability is designing an mHealth application that considers usability and acceptability by users. The purpose of this study was to synthesize a model for the acceptance and use of mHealth in the South African health sector. A positivist research approach was used to test the adoption factors using the Task-Technology Fit (TTF) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Seven factors that could potentially impact the adoption of mHealth technology in South Africa were tested. The data for the study was collected through an online survey questionnaire which was shared through social media platforms. Results of this study were used to answer questions related to factors that have an impact on the adoption of mHealth applications in the health sector in South Africa. The study found that when adoption factors were combined into the UTAUT and TTF model, the only factor that was significant was facilitating conditions. The study findings in this regard were not consistent with other studies and it is therefore recommend that other scholars explore the reasons for these differences. The other factors were found to be significant when bivariate regression was used to compare the factors to the dependant variable of user acceptance and use of mHealth technology. The study further found that the combined model of Task Technology Fit has a positive impact on the adoption of mHealth technology in South Africa. The implication of the finding is that mHealth designers should build the functionalities of the innovation with the idea of making the task that the innovation supports easier to perform
Privacy concerns about data-usage for South African retail loyalty programs
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Dearden, Alexandra Cameron; Zulu, Melissa; Anning, Thomas Dorson
Data usage has arisen as a growing topic for researchers and practitioners in South Africa. This is particularly true for Loyalty Programs, where increased personalisation and consumer data usage are being used to fuel business decisions. However, the consumer perspective on data- related privacy concerns provides room to be explored, alongside the investigation of culture, trust, personalisation and the privacy paradox. In this investigation into privacy concerns, the relevance of culture comes into place for its influence on such South African privacy related behaviour and perceptions. This study, therefore, explores privacy concerns and data usage in retail Loyalty programs, to better understand South African consumers' perceptions of data privacy, and their intention to engage with the program. This was done through a multi- theoretical analysis, utilizing the Privacy Calculus Theory (PCT), the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), and the Customer Relationship Management Theory (CRM). This study achieved its objectives through a quantitative research method utilising surveys distributed online. South African consumers above the age for 18 were used as the sample for the research for data collection, of which a non-probability sampling technique was used, and a total of 277 valid questionnaires were collected. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was utiliseutilised to analyse the data through partial least squares regression (Smart-PLS) to evaluate the relationship between the constructs. Here, the results indicated that privacy concerns exist and are positively influenced by Awareness, Data Breach and Attitude. Furthermore, these concerns were negatively influenced by Intention, Trust, and Culture; and, therefore, a privacy paradox was not confirmed. Furthermore, Personalisation was shown to have no bearing on Privacy Concerns. However, Personalisation had a negative relationship with Attitude, while Trust had a positive one. Perceived Risk was also found to have a negative relationship with Intention. Moreover, this study revealed the existence and South African consumer perspective of privacy concerns and provides benefits for marketers and scholars in the retail industry, such as fueling trust through the recognition of consumer privacy.
The Application of Robotics in Deep Level Mining in South Africa and its Influence on Health and Safety
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Gaokgorwe, Tebogo; Gobind, Jenika
Application of robotics in mining operations particularly in deep mining is considered to be challenging when factoring the impact of health and safety in day to day operations. Majority of the employees in South Africa’s mining industry have low training levels, unskilled work content as well as large figures of underground employees labouring for survival at lower-end cost curves and excessive exposure to deprived underground conditions. The rising demand for mineral products is compelling mining companies to go deeper in mines even where such increase in the depth results in higher costs, risks, and a further decline in the conditions of working. This paper examines the current application of robotics in deep level mining, discusses the challenges in robotics adoption and their influence in health and safety. Trusting on the qualitative content analysis methodology the study adopted to interview participants and collect data from the mining journals for sampling and data collection. The findings suggest that although deep-level mines have embraced an increase in robotics and extensive methods due to global competition and the need for better access to mineral reserves trends in productivity in the gold mining industry remains unchanged for a long period and mining labour remains impacted by slow technological advancement. Inadequate application of robotics and developed control policies and measures for dealing with occurring mining disasters are some of the key challenges with the robotics adoption. The application of robotics will allow all safety experts to plan for exploration, extraction, optimisation of operations and worker monitoring as well as protection. The limitations of the study is that there are few current publications peer reviewed articles and the prevailing literature is old for the current research. The study concludes that there is a gradual advancement of technical capacities in deep-level mining. The main technical challenges to the application of robotics is the availability, reliability as well as fail-safe operations of robotics. Lastly robotics will improve exploration, mapping of mining operations as well as worker equipment. The study recommends future studies on comprehensive approaches to the socio-economic effect of robotics mechanisation and application in deep-level mining

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