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Item A comparative analysis of transformation between local and global media and advertising agencies in South Africa(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ndinguri, KevinPoverty, unemployment and inequality among black people have been identified as key consequences of apartheid. To redress these, the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act was enacted. In the Media and Advertising industry in South Africa, the B-BBEE Act is translated through the Media and Communications Charter (MAC) which describes five elements, namely; management inclusion, skills development, responsible advertising, preferential procurement and socio-economic development. Most of the media industry studies on the compliance to the MAC charter focus on descriptions of how companies have applied the B-BBEE Act. This study’s specific objectives were to describe the nature of transformation in local media and advertising agencies, describe the nature of transformation in global media and advertising agencies and describe the effect of B-BBEE codes on local and global media and advertising agencies in South Africa. The study used a qualitative approach and an exploratory-descriptive design. The data collection tool was semi-structured interviews and data was collected through in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis and presented in narrative format.The study found four themes that compare the transformation of local and global media and advertising agencies. The first theme is that transformation has taken place in local media agencies, the second is that few transformation initiatives have taken place in global media companies. The third theme is that B-BBEE codes have enabled local media companies to secure clients and the fourth theme is that B-BBEE codes have obligated global media agencies to transform the way they manage their businesses. In conclusion, global media and advertising agencies have been affected by transformation through increased diversity and change in the way they managed their businesses. Recommendations for future research should use a quantitative approach to enable the generalisation of findingsItem A framework for Mobile Application integrated with Biometric Authentication to Improve Youth participation in Elections(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Botsime, Kealeboga Obed; Pellissier, Prof RenéThe purpose of this research study is to apply the technology acceptance framework to assess the prospect of using mobile application integrated with biometric authentication that might improve the South African’s youth participation in elections. The main objectives of this research are to measure the extent to which youth voters have trust in internet and the ability for the national government to conduct online elections, evaluate the youth voters ICT accessibility and skills and to determine the attitudes, perceptions as well as intention to participate in online elections using framework for mobile application. A quantitative research approach was adopted for this research. An onlinequestionnaire on formplus platform is used to collect data from Gauteng youth (18-35 years); 209 participants had valid responses. A conceptual framework is proposed using constructs and theories from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The constructs were adopted from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and it was also extended with trust constructs. The findings of this research are youth respondents have indicated that they agree (eighty-four percent) and have intention to use the mobile application to participate in online voting if it becomes available and they have the willingness to learn how to use it. The intention of youth to use mobile phones for online voting as an important contributing factor to improve youth participation in elections.Item A legal approach to whether ai generated content should be protected under copyright(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-10) Stransky, CaitlinCurrently, there is no clear answer for whether AI-generated content should be protected under copyright law in South Africa and if so, who is the author and who owns the copyright. As AI is growing more advanced and widely used, the potential for confusion grows and thus clarity on the law’s position is important. In this paper, I will examine how AI generates works and compare this to the purpose of copyright law. I will then determine whether granting AI- generated works copyright protection aligns with the purpose of copyright law. Further, I will conduct an analysis on how different countries have dealt with the question of whether AI-generated content should be protected under copyright. This will help pinpoint the factors to consider when answering this question such as the requirement of human authorship, legal or juristic person ownership of the copyright and whether the works are copyrightable. It is important to consider how South Africa’s legal system should approach issues surrounding AI-generated content and copyright. In examining the South African legal position on this question, I will conduct an analysis on the approaches taken by the US, the UK, Germany, Australia, China, and South Africa in relation to AI-generated works and copyright. This range of countries will allow for a greater understanding of the issues, complexities, and factors to consider while answering this questionItem The adoption of intelligent robot automation by auditors within South Africa(2021) Naidoo, EvaashanTo automate, or not to automate, that is the question? The use of disruptive technologies has changed, and in many instances, has replaced traditional business operations and models. The auditing profession has been burdened with high costs and reputational damage as a result of false results due to a high dependency on manual tasks that are susceptible to errors or manipulation. The use of robots to help minimise these errors, achieve efficiencies and reduce costs, provides a convincing theoretical case to automate. The objective of this research is to apply the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to understand the views of audit professionals determine the factors that would influence organisations to use robot technology for performing audits in South Africa. The study adopted a quantitative approach, where a survey questionnaire consisting of 39 questions, aligned with the UTAUT model, was used to gather data. The sample comprised 59 auditors and 26 non-auditors who were involved in audits performed in South Africa. The non-auditors comprised of a Chief Information Officer, Finance Managers, Heads of Product, and various Senior Risk Management Professionals. A purposive sampling technique was used to select individuals who had an understanding of the capabilities of robots, and the potential use of robots to support business operations. The results of the study highlighted that performance expectancy and facilitating conditions were the key factors that influenced the adoption of robots in audits. Auditors and clients were more likely to use robots if they felt it would improve their performance. The respondents were more likely to use robots if it enabled the quicker completion of tasks, reduced errors, increased the number of tasks that could be completed and delivered better value than manual processes. The study also highlighted that sufficient investment and management support would be provided to ensure that an enabling environment is established for using robots to perform audit tasks. This would include acquiring management support as well as finding hardware, software, and skills to support the robotics development initiatives. The study provides more insight on how leaders and management in the auditing field can use insights attained through this study to successfully influence and support the use of robots to perform audits. Furthermore, the study contributes to an increased used of robotics in auditing which could improve the quality and efficiency of the auditor’s work. The study contributes towards the body of knowledge in the accounting and robot fields of studyItem An investigation of the relationship between ICT infrastructure and economic growth of emerging market(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-02) Jiang, Jun Wen; Fasanya, IsmailThe study examines the link between Information and Communication Technology, institutional quality, and economic growth in emerging markets over the period of 2000 to 2019, using the system Generalized Method of Moments. The connection between economic growth and technology lies on the framework of exogenous growth model. The following findings are discernible from the study. First, a substantial positive relationship exists between internet usage and economic growth, while a negative association between economic growth and fixed telephone users is evident. Second, a positive association between growth and innovation exist in emerging markets, whilst institutions reveal a negative association. These findings have a significant policy implication for policymakers to monitor innovation factors rather than institutional quality to bypass the digital divide. Consequently, policymakers should pay attention to the benefits of Information and Communication technology usage by means of reducing entries cost whilst improving network facilities transfersItem Assessing State Capacity in South African Industrial Policy Design and Implementation in a Changing Global Landscape(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Diale, Rapula Comfort; Nkunzi, SibuleleSouth Africa has sought to transform and reindustrialise its economy. Through its industrial policy, it has intervened in several manufacturing sub-sectors. Despite the numerous state interventions, the South African manufacturing sector continues to deteriorate. The shorting comings of industrial policy have raised fresh questions of whether the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the state, including its private sector partners, have sufficient capacity to design and implement appropriate industrial policy. This paper aims to assess state capacity in South African industrial policy design and implementation. In so doing, it analyses developmental economic literature, including the Weberian state, the developmental state, the human capacity theory and the bureaucratic rationale theory. The evidence for this research was collected through interviews with key stakeholders in the industrial policy, including thought leaders, policy researchers, policymakers, and academics. The paper finds that to achieve successful policy intervention; the country needs to develop supportive institutions and systems in industrial policy across government departments and different spheres of government. It further argues that the state outsourcing policy research capacity, if used correctly, can be developmental; however, the incorrect usage of outsourced capacity is detrimental to state capacityItem Assessing the dpsa’s, and partners’, perspectives on digitalisation for improving efficiencies in the south african public sector(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Lukhele, Nompumelelo; Chikane, RekgotsofetseThe purpose of this research was to explore the perspectives of public sector officials placed in the e-Government Services and Information Management unit of the DPSA, and partners, who are responsible for coordinating and drafting the Digital Government Policy Framework, on the implementation of digitalisation in the context of improving public sector efficiencies. This was justified as important because, the attitudes and perceptions of policy developers about digitalisation will influence the directionality of policies they develop on the implementation of digitalisation or the digital transformation agenda more broadly. The research primarily questioned what the perspectives of these officials are on the implementation of digitalisation in the context of improving public sector efficiencies in South Africa. The study adopted qualitative research methods. Semi-structured interviews and case studies were adopted to respond to the research questions. The main findings were that there is a need for government to strengthen the legitimacy of government digital transformation through releasing decisive political will; there is a need for elevation of the position of the Chief Information Officer in government departments; and lastly there is a need for the establishment of a central agency that will guide transformation of public service administration to perform important functions required to successfully transition to a digital government. The study concludes by emphasising the risks at local, regional, and international levels that the South African government faces if the urgency to act is underminedItem Assessing the impact of digital transformation on business performance in South Africa’s banking industry(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Melamane, SiphokaziBackground: The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the recent outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic have created a strong interest in digital transformation. Organisations have been focused on advancing their technological capabilities, thus increasing their IT investment capabilities. In the banking sector, the implementation of digital technologies has introduced the existence of digital banks and other non-financial organizations that have tapped into the financial services, such as fintech and retailer organisations. This has been gradually leading to a diluted market share, which was previously dominated by South Africa’s traditional banks. Digitising has therefore become an important aspect of organisations’ growth strategy. Purpose: This research study aims to investigate the impact of digital transformation on the financial performance of the traditional South African banks. Methodology: This study uses the quantitative research method where financial performance, is measured by return on assets (ROA) and digital technology (data analytics, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things). The data was collected using secondary data accessed from the traditional South African banks, namely; ABSA, Standard Bank, FNB, and Nedbank’s annual reports and full-year consolidated financial statements, from the year 2014-2021. Findings: Findings from this research study indicate that there is a strong relationship between digital technology and business performance, meaning that digital transformation does have an impact on the business performance of the traditional South African banks. Further, the relationship between the variables, digital technology and business performance is negative. This has been found by previous literature to be due to the initial costs of investment in digital technology. Research limitations/implications: Digital transformation is an important concept that continues to be explored by researchers and organisations. Therefore this research is relevant to many industries in the market, which presents an opportunity for it to be expanded to other industries. The impact of digital transformation on other performance factors such as operational performance can be studieSItem Assessing the readiness to adopt technologies of the fourth industrial revolution as a means to improve knowledge management practices in academic institutions(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ankonkwa, Judith B.; Moodley, AltheaToday's world is being transformed by technological advances in the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). In the education sector, the technological personalities of the academic staff associated with the acceptance of 4IR technologies play a crucial role in learning and teaching. This study assessed the readiness of academic staff to adopt the technologies of the 4IR to improve Knowledge Management (KM) practices. The study used the technology readiness and acceptance model (TRAM). This framework combines two models, the Technologies Readiness Index (TRI) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). TRI has four factors, optimism, innovativeness, discomfort, and insecurity. In the TAM model, the intention to use new technology is affected by two constructs, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. This study adopted a mixed method. The research was conducted at the University of the Witwatersrand South Africa in the school of Commerce, Law and Management (CLM). One hundred thirteen questionnaires (113) were sent to academic staff in CLM; only 90 questionnaires were completed, and one was discarded. The remaining 89 questionnaires represented a 78,7% response rate. The questionnaire had two sections, a section with closed-ended questions designed to collect quantitative data and a section with open-ended questions devised to collect qualitative data. Seven hypotheses were developed and tested following the research objectives of the study. These hypotheses were analyzed using multiple regression analysis and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) via IBM SPSS statistics version 28. Thematic analysis was also used to assess qualitative data. The study's findings revealed that only optimism significantly affected the perceived usefulness of 4IR technologies. Furthermore, only innovativeness significantly positively affected the perceived ease of use of 4IR technologies. In addition, the results showed no significant effect between perceived ease of use and the intention to use 4IR technologies. Finally, the findings indicated that perceived usefulness and ease of use are instrumental in determining the academic staff's intention to use 4IR technologies. CLM WITS 2023 Abstract iii Today’s world is being transformed by the advance of technologies of the fourth industrial revolution(4IR). In the education sector, the technological personalities of academic staff associated to the acceptance of 4IR technologies plays a crucial role in the way learning and teaching is doneItem Coaching executive leaders using digital platforms: a South Africa perspective(2022) Manual, CindyIn-person face-to-face coaching is slowly fading into the background as digital technology becomes more prominent in the way business is conducted. The advancement of digital technology was hastened by the Covid pandemic, forcing most business to adapt to a virtual space. As early as 2018, digital coaching was listed as the thirteenth trend in the coaching industry and by 2020, this had moved up to the second place. In a space of two years, its prominence in the industry moved 11 places, which likely was accelerated by the pandemic. Given this context, the main problem is understanding digital technology’s role in coaching executive leaders. The objective of this research paper was to explore coaches’ adaptation to the digital world and the influence the use of digital technology was having on the overall competency requirements of the coach. Cognitive Behavioural Coaching and Constructive Learning Theory forms the foundation of this research paper, and as the researcher was interested in the lived experiences of the research participants, an Interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was adopted. A total of eleven coaches were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the results of the transcribed interviews, resulting in several pertinent themes. The findings highlighted the speedy transition of experienced South African coaches from predominately in-person face-to-face coaching to a more hybrid coaching model with a heavier reliance on digital coaching and a preference to remain in the digital space. It also highlighted a need to revisit the competency requirements of coaches to include a digital component. The study gives insight into the change agility of more experience coaches and their ability to adapt to digital technology in a space dominated by in-person face-to-face methodology. It adds to the body of knowledge of how these coaches have transitioned during this time and also the rapid learning they had to adapt.Item Corporate governance of robotic process automation by South African firms(2023) Nortje, AnriTraditional corporate governance policies and principles do not make provision for the implications of new technologies, like robotic process automation, on digital business. Without the appropriate governance of technologically-enabled advancements, firms are exposed to new threats and face increased vulnerabilities. Using constructivism, this study aimed to understand which governance principles firms in South Africa should have in place for the use of robotic process automation. The study finds that the governance of robotic process automation depends on (i) digital governance and risk management, (ii) cybersecurity and data protection, and (iii) digital business ethics considerations that firms need to address when they deploy robotic process automation software. Based on the findings and the data analysis, the study formulates a model for the governance of robotic process automation called “an expanded model for RPA governance in South African digital business”. From this model, the study concludes with seven governance principles, proposed by the researcher, to assist South African firms with the governance of robotic process automation.Item Digital Global Business Services: A diversification prospect for South African telecoms operators owning submarine cables(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ntseuoa, PontsoWith the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digital transformation, telecommunications operators core business has become gradually commoditised with most of their revenues being cannibalised by “edge-players” who render innovative digital services, piggyback on telecoms operators’ connectivity infrastructure, whilst easily bypassing them to reach the industry’s lucrative client base. This poses a problem as the diminishing revenues of the telecoms operators mean they may not be sustainable in the future and might eventually collapse. This qualitative research explored a potential business case for South African telecoms operators owning submarine cables on how they can possibly diversify into digital Global Business Services (GBS), servicing new international markets, in a quest to expand their revenue generation prospects. Convenient sampling method was employed with the initial data collection, then followed by purposive and snowballing sampling approaches to reach 10 interview participants who are executives in the GBS and telecoms industries. Data was collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews and analysed using theoretical thematic analysis, based on 4 predetermined themes of vendor configurations and strategies, prerequisite strategic resources, prerequisite capabilities, and prerequisite core competencies premised by the study’s conceptual framework. The study found that SA telecoms operators with ownership in submarine cables, do have the potential to successfully diversify into the digital GBS industry servicing new international markets. The study determined that entering the digital GBS industry requires comprehensive market research, understanding of target markets and countries, collaborations, investment in talent, and leveraging of unique assets. The study also recommended that SA telcos should focus on their existing strengths and adapt to evolving digital technologies and global work environments in order to successfully enter into this competitive digital Global Business Services industryItem Digital Transformation in a South African retail organization(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Nnzeru, Tshisevhe; Sackstein, SuzanneDigital Transformation is at the heart of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and much of the research claims that an organization’s success is increasingly dependent on their ability to exploit DT with the e-Commerce industry being significant globally. While South Africa’s digital transformation is materially behind developed nations, retailers are gearing up for growth by digitally transforming their operations, not only to compete but remain relevant. Therefore, this research seeks to understand the successful implementation of Digital Transformation in a South African retail context. The Technology, Organization and Environment Framework was selected as the theoretical framework to guide the research design and interpret findings. The research question for the study is What does successful DT implementation in a SA retail organization entail? To answer this research question, an interpretivist qualitative, case study research design was employed. Data from a retailer undergoing Digital Transformation was collected through ten semi-structured interviews using an Interview guide and analyzed using Content analysis method. Findings reveal that Digital Transformation is not about Technology, it is organizational transformation encompassing transformational leadership, strategy development and implementation aligned with overall business strategy, technology as an enabler for transformation, empowerment of the workforce with digital skills and a conducive digital culture characterized by learning, change, innovation and adaptability. Findings also indicate that the added complexities of legacy environments cannot be underestimated for traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. In essence, DT is about people embracing change – not technology. As limited research has been conducted and published regarding the South African retail DT context, these findings contribute to the limited existing knowledge base with empirical findings, specifically, contributing important knowledge on what specific aspects need to be considered and accounted for when conducting DT and proved TOE Framework to be useful for understanding large digital disruption. For practitioners this research contributes a holistic approach to implementing DT beyond technology which includes transformational leadership, Digital Transformation Strategy development and alignment with overall business strategy, empowering people with digital skills and a digitally enabled culture with digital technology as an enabler for Digital Transformation. Furthermore, to be successful with Digital Transformation, it becomes essential for organizations to manage the added complexities of legacy environments and lastly, for entrenched workforces to realize that Digital Transformation is a necessity for business survival and adapt.Item Digital transformation of the interior design industry: selected case studies from South Africa, China and Canada(2021) Xiao, Jun ZhouIn the context of the fourth Industrial Revolution, a series of digital technologies were derived. The emergence of these digital technologies has greatly promoted the industry's reform and innovation, among which the interior design industry is one. This paper mainly discusses the digital transformation of the interior design industry and studies the influence of digital technology on the operation of interior design enterprises, core design process, interior design products and users during the transformation process. This study is based on the feedback of interior design companies, designers and users in South Africa, Canada and China. By selecting different research objects of different digital infrastructure level, this study explores the role and effectiveness of digital technology in the process of the digital transformation of the interior design industry. By comparing the comprehensive data of different countries, this paper makes a comprehensive analysis of the interior design industry from the perspective of the digital transformation of interior design enterprises, core digital design process and interior design products and services to explore the importance and inevitability of digital transformationItem Digitisation of Patient Care: An Analysis of the Implementation of Electronic Health Records in Gauteng, South Africa(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Essof, Dr Erasmus Kofi; Appiah, Dr Erasmus KofiBackground: The global trend of centralised Electronic Health Records (EHR) aligns with the digitisation megatrends of the fourth industrial revolution. Developed countries show success, while developing nations, facing economic complexities, are lagging. In South Africa, low EHR maturity and adoption, coupled with the National Health Insurance (NHI) development, highlight the need for successful implementation. Problem Statement: EHR offers various benefits, yet slow implementation and adoption persist in the South African public healthcare sector due to numerous challenges. Objective: The study sought critical success factors for EHR implementation in Gauteng informed by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Information and Technology, Processes and Objectives, Skills and Management, and Other Factors (ITPOSMO) with an emphasis on user perspectives and the literature- reality gap. Method: The study used an exploratory cross-sectional approach, conducting interviews with six individuals, including end users and leadership from Gauteng's three largest municipalities. Findings and Conclusion: Benefits and challenges from literature, categorised by ITPOSMO and ranked by commonality, revealed a fundamental relationship with factors crucial for EHR implementation. To realise benefits and overcome challenges, critical success factors must be prioritised. These include user input, training, infrastructure development, change management, system maintenance, data quality, interoperability, standardized evaluation, and funding control. Emphasising these factors is crucial for successful EHR implementation, ultimately enhancing patient care and quality outcomes in the Gauteng Province.Item Emerging technologies for technological and economic catch-up: the case of nanotechnology in South Africa(2020) Simate, Geoffrey SimateIn a speech “There is plenty of room at the bottom” by Feynman (1959) the concept of nanotechnology was born, though the term itself was coined by Taniguchi (1974) later. Today, the world is witnessing unpreceded technological changes via nanotechnology which have affected every industry. Nanotechnology-based technologies have primarily continued to create a multitude of new processes and products that have substantially advanced the quality of life globally. In terms of objectives, firstly, this study sought to establish if South Africa is creating technological and economic capabilities for catch-up, in general, and in nanotechnology, in particular. Secondly, the study looked at whether nanotechnologybased technologies (i.e., water treatment and medical applications) have facilitated technological catch-up, and subsequently, economic catch-up in South Africa. Nanotechnology being an emerging technology is considered by many scholars that it can offer windows of opportunity which are able to allow latecomer nations to catchup with the technologically and economically advanced states. The objectives of the study were investigated through quantitative methods, and the study used secondary data from government and institutional policy documents to assess technological and economic capability creation in both general terms and in nanotechnology. The evidence from a critical analysis of the policy documents shows that South Africa has invested heavily in capability building institutions such as the national innovation system (NIS) so as to boost its technological and economic development. The NIS is a key concept which represents a country’s collective efforts towards advancing innovation (Manzini, 2012). It is ideally the network of institutions in the public and private sectors whose activities and interactions initiate, import, modify and diffuse new technologies (Freeman, 1989). The six functions of the NIS and the four mechanisms for knowledge flow were considered as the capability building blocks for innovation in South Africa and thus were used to operationalise the NIS. The six functions of the NIS according to the OECD (1999) include (1) technology and innovation policy formulation (2) financing R&D (3) performing R&D (4) promotion of human resource development (5) technology diffusion; and (6) promotion of technological entrepreneurship. The four mechanisms for knowledge flow include (1) joint industry activities, (2) public/private interactions, (3) technology diffusion, and (4) personnel mobility (OECD, 1997). The study also used bibliometric information of scientific publications and patents as measures and/or indicators for knowledge generation and invention, and subsequently, technological catch-up. Ideally, scientific publications and patents provide information pertaining to the trajectory of the technology and the key areas of innovation that may be necessary for economic growth and economic development. Two nanotechnology-enabled fields, water treatment and medicine, were specifically studied. The two fields are believed to be enablers of the UN millennium development goals for developing nations. The BRICS countries together with the USA were analysed in the study. The USA was found to be way ahead of the other nations in the two fields in scientific publications, citations of the scientific articles and patents filed through WIPO during the 9 year period from 2010-2018. However, China surpassed the USA on a year-by-year basis in nanotechnology enabled water treatment processes and/or products after 2016. The rest of the BRICS nations were found to be far below the performance of the USA in the two fields in both a 9-year period and on a year-by-year basis. An interesting observation of the study is that there were more patents in medical fields than in water treatment. This trend is attributed by some scholars to intensive R&D in pharmaceutical industries than in any other industry. It was also observed that firms and/or universities were significant patent applicants in both fields whilst there were fewer individual applicants particularly in medicine. One significant capability building strategy that was accessed in the study is collaborations amongst the studied nations. There are many benefits of collaborative working relationships including enhancing the quality of work undertaken and many more other advantages. Both nano-based water treatment and nanomedicine results had strong evidence that showed that collaborations maximized scientific research publications. Surprisingly, the collaborative results in scientific publications for South Africa with other BRICS nations was very low despite having a number of MoUs that encouraged R&D collaborative programmes amongst themselves. It was expected from the study to find that nanotechnology cuts across the boundaries of various traditional fields of study within water treatment and the medical field. This is a clear evidence that nanotechnology has an inherent capability to unlock new and diverse opportunities in various fields. Sales and /or market data was used to represent the economic impact of nanotechnology related products and/or processes. Unfortunately, data on assessment of economic impact of nanotechnology enabled materials in water treatment and medicine is not easily available due to numerous obstacles including elements such as regulations, standards, health & safety issues and public perception. Therefore, this study only provided results of sales and/or market data for nanotechnology-enabled products and/or processes in general, and not necessarily water treatment and medical related nanotechnology-based products and/or processes. Compared to other BRICS nations such as Russia, India and China, the results showed that South Africa does not seem to use nanotechnology as a “window of opportunity” for catching-up economically despite significant investment in the field by the government. The USA is currently leading in the generation of revenue from nano-enabled materials (see Table 4.21).Item Exploring the potential of 5G to bridge the digital divide in South Africa(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Dumako, Sebongile; Patel, Mr Ashraf5G adoption is expected to boost job growth and income, and reduce costs, contributing to the South African National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 goal of a connected society, especially in underserved areas, and improving affordability and broadband infrastructure accessibility. This research study sets out to explore the potential of 5G in bridging the digital divide in South Africa. The researcher undertook a qualitative study through semi-structured interviews of industry experts using an interview guide as the research instrument. The sample was made up of a qualitative study of the perceptions of 14 participants from the telecommunications sector, a research council, the government, and SMEs, with first-hand experience in 5G deployment and manufacturing of 5G equipment. The themes that emerged during the process of data analysis were derived using a thematic analysis. The study findings revealed that South Africa to is ready to adopt 5G technology and confirmed 5G technology's potential to transform South African lives, businesses, and industries through Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), and Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (uRLLC) use cases, thus aligning with the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) 2020 vision. 5G offers significant potential for improving service delivery in South Africa, enabling e-government, and saving time, money, and convenience in various sectors. However, 5G technology's potential to revolutionize life and work faces socioeconomic challenges and slow government implementation, hindering its potential to bridge the digital divide. Recommendations have been posited for each of the stakeholders involved in the 5G ecosystem in South Africa to help overcome the digital divide.Item Exploring the practices and success factors of an innovation hub in South Africa(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ntoi, MihlaliThe research report explores the practices and success factors of an innovation hub in South Africa. The study aims to understand how innovation hubs operate within the South African technology ecosystem and the role they play within this environment. It follows a qualitative approach and focuses on a single case study. The data was collected through open ended interviews held with participants that included the hub management, hub employees and hub users of the identified innovation hub. The findings reveal that the innovation hub plays the role of being a community builder and a support structure provider for entrepreneurs. The key challenge they face is ensuring sustainability of the operation in the long run. Lastly, their success factors include leveraging the strategic partnerships they have entered into and providing a good hub experience. The study suggests that similar structures could be of benefit in, underserved areas to promote and further support entrepreneurship and small businesses within these areas. Funding models that are creative, sustainable and mutually beneficial should also be explored by innovation hubs with their funders and investors. The study contributes to the literature on the understanding of innovation hubs within the South African contextItem 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, JasonArtificial 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 adoptionItem Factors influencing the adoption of Instagram as a social commerce channel by SA consumers.(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Girdharilall, Michelle; Chalomba, NakuzeThe increasing popularity of social media has led to the rise of social commerce in South Africa. Consumers are welcoming these new modes of shopping as they offer more convenience than traditional electronic commerce methods. This research will seek to identify the factors which influence consumers to use Instagram social commerce. These insights are key to small businesses to attract and retain consumers on Instagram. This research is composed of fifteen qualitative interviews with purposely selected participants who have had experience using Instagram social commerce. The effect of Experience Quality, Perceived Easiness, Social Influence and Privacy Concerns were explored on consumers' trust and use of Instagram social commerce. Trust theory, Trust theory for social commerce and the Theory of Planned Behavior were used as foundations for this research. The results revealed that Experience Quality, Perceived Easiness, Social Influence and Privacy Concerns affected consumers' trust in Instagram social commerce. This research allowed us to probe into the details around these factors and identify relevant recommendations for businesses to succeed with Instagram social commerce.
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