Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters/MBA)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37942

Browse

Subject: search.filters.subject.Digitalisation

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 18
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Digital Transformation Initiatives in Gauteng Provincial Government
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Makhubele, Nomsa Tintswalo; Genga, Cheryl
    Digital transformation is a crucial aspect of modernising the public sector in South Africa. The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has been leading the implementation of various digital technologies to improve efficiency and citizen engagement. One of the digital transformation initiatives implemented in Gauteng is e-recruitment, which aims to streamline the hiring process. This qualitative study used a purposive sampling of HR personnel to investigate the acceptance of e-recruitment in the Gauteng Provincial Government, which has fourteen provincial departments. The study was conducted using focus group interviews to understand the general experience that the HR officials have with the e-recruitment system, its impact and effectiveness, and how these relate to digital transformation. A study sample of ten (10) HR personnel participated in the study. The study's findings indicated that while e-recruitment is perceived as user- friendly and advantageous, its benefits were outweighed by several drawbacks. Inadequate IT infrastructure, a deficiency in customer engagement tools, and a lack of core process and workforce enablement were identified as factors that diminished the perceived benefits of the system. These drawbacks can influence an organisation's digital transformation journey. It is recommended that Gauteng address its Digital Application and Impact dimensional elements urgently. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring that Gauteng maximizes the return on its investment and fast-tracks its digital transformation. The study confirmed that in the enterprise context, such as public service, where adoption is mandatory, a lack of perceived benefits does not necessarily lead to system abandonment, but it can affect its digital transformation. System adoption can be sustained if one of the two factors of TAM is in place, as was the case with the ease of use sustaining the use of the system alongside the departmental strategy of digital transformation and modernisation
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A study into the identification of human factors in digital transformation in a South African rail logistics company
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Chikirwa, Lloyd Michael
    As world industries rapidly move towards digital transformation (DT), organisations are making concerted efforts to become more sustainable in the face of technological revolution. DT has become a compelling necessity for organisations looking for a competitive edge. However, understanding how human elements affect DT’s adoption in South Africa's freight logistics industry remains largely unexplored. The investigation aimed to close this gap by inquiring into the human elements of DT, emphasising digital leadership, digital culture, digital talent, and DT relationships. Over 180 senior management employees of Company X were surveyed. The responses were analysed, and the validity of the hypotheses was assessed utilising Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Amos version 28 structural equation modelling (SEM). The results confirmed that digital leadership significantly impacted digital culture and talent. As such, digital leadership plays a central part in ensuring favourable outcomes for DT. While digital culture positively influenced DT, the same was not established for the impact of digital talent on DT. The result contradicted previous research findings and justified further study. Overall, the outcomes emphasise the value of human elements in successful DT. Consequently, organisations commencing with DT should prioritise digital leadership, culture, and talent as strategic levers for DT's success
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The Impact of digitalisation on job security at selected Financial Services’ organizations in the Capricorn District of Limpopo
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Nhlongwana, Nhlamazi; Appiah, Erasmus
    This abstract summarizes a research study on the impact of digitalization on job security within chosen financial organizations in the Capricorn District of Limpopo. The study explores the effects of digital transformation on employees' sense of job security, examining communication channels, awareness of strategies, and the prioritization of job security. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey approach, the research gathers quantitative data on employees' perceptions and experiences. Findings highlight varying perceptions regarding the impact of digitalization on job roles and organizational responses. Recommendations are provided for financial organizations to address skill gaps and balance profitability with employee well-being. The abstract underscores the importance of proactive measures and transparent communication in navigating digital disruptions effectively while fostering resilience in the digital era
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A digital earthmoving equipment service platform to enhance customer aftermarket experience
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Molele, Nnanna Reshoketswe; Horne, Renee
    The absorption of technology solutions has become more and more prevalent in the mining and construction industries. Mining and construction companies worldwide are implementing technology solutions as they seek to improve the safety, productivity, and profitability of their earthmoving operations. One of the most critical and capital intensive assets that these operations own and operate is their earthmoving equipment. The maintenance and repair of the equipment also contributes heavily to the operational expenditure of such operations (19% for large operations). It is critical for these operations for their equipment maintenance to be done in a timely manner, at the lowest possible cost, and with the highest possible level of quality so as to manage operational costs and reduce the impact of machine downtime on productivity. This business venture is based on a South African company that supplies earthmoving equipment to mining and construction companies in the Southern Africa market. The company not only supplies equipment, but also aftermarket solutions (parts and maintenance & repair services). In the past five financial years, the company has seen a decline in revenue from its service business where it sells technician labour to the mining and construction markets for equipment maintenance and repairs. Its customer net loyalty score is also sitting at an average of 32% in the same period. Customer loyalty has been negatively impacted by customer dissatisfaction with the organisation’s service quality, turnaround time, and communication, to name a few. The service business profitability has also been on a downward trend (14% in 2018 to 9% in 2022). Given the size of the organisation and the number of countries it operates in, this paper only focuses on the Zambia market where the company’s service business is currently seeing negative profitability trends and the lowest customer net loyalty score of 18%. In response to this business challenge, this paper focuses on using technology and third party equipment service providers (labour for maintenance and repairs) to propose a business model that will create shared stakeholder value. The business model seeks to address current customer challenges while improving the business profitability and making it more feasible for third partner service providers to partner with the organisation instead of operating as its competitors
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Effects of digitalisation on pharmaceutical sales management in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Fuls, Ludwig; Quaye,Emmanuel
    This research qualitatively investigates the effects of digitalisation on pharmaceutical sales management in South Africa, which relates to the research problem statement of slow digital uptake in the pharmaceutical industry when looking at sales force management. To prove the research problem statement, three research questions was posed. The first research question is “How can digitalisation increase efficiency for the pharmaceutical sales force?”. The results indicated that the customers in the pharmaceutical industry have already started using technological system to increase their efficiency with minimal influence from the sales force which is can further increase efficiencies and speed. The second research question is “What is required for digitalisation to be successful within the pharmaceutical industry?”. The first requirement is investment from the organisation into digital technologies, the second requirement is in investing into the development of employees in digital technologies, the third requirement being the adaptation of the sales team to incorporate these digital platforms into their value proposition for the customer. The third research question is “How would digitalisation change the current landscape within the pharmaceutical industry?”, the results indicate that the role of the sales team would evolve to a business partner which would be essential to remain competitive. The key takeaways from that the current incremental implementation of digitalisation are due to the personal nature of the pharmaceutical industry and the unvalidated success of digital components in the industry. The managerial implications being upskilling of the employees which influence the stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry and management of the digital technologies which strengthens the impact of upskilling
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Digitalisation and gender inclusion in financial services in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Smith, Talicia Lucia; Magida, Ayanda
    Digital transformation and increased digitalisation have been identified as significant opportunities for women’s participation and gender inclusion in the workforce to support substantial economic growth. This study explores the perceived role of gender inclusion during the rapid digitalisation of the world of work during the pandemic. This study further seeks to understand the experience of women leaders in the formal sector from 2019 to 2021 in South Africa (SA). An interpretive phenomenological approach was adopted for this study, using semi-structured interviews. The snowballing sampling method was used to reach women leaders across the financial services industry. The data was analysed using thematic analysis and a hybrid analytical approach to developing the code book and subsequent themes. The research findings indicated a delicate and complex relationship between digitalisation and gender inclusion influenced by the internal gender inclusion strategy, the digital workplace design, digitalenablers, social implications, culture and well-being of women leaders as they worked virtually. While women leaders experienced the rapid surge of digitalisation during the virtual working phenomenon as positive, there were pros and cons identified for women leaders working almost, ultimately impacting their ability to stay with organisations. While organisations offer world-class digital transformation strategies, invest in the best technologies, or leverage increased digitalisation to change how people work. The key takeaway is that with the complexities of human behaviour and the entrenched gender stereotypes in financial services, digitalisation may not be enough to keep women as active and contributing members of the future workforce
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The Enablers and Hinderances of Digital Transformation in a South African Corporate Bank
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Pillay, Jared; Alagbaoso, Manessah
    The success of many firms in the age of the fourth industrial revolution depends on the astuteness and pace of their response to digital transformation (DT). DT is a business phenomenon that is yet to be fully understood across industries and sectors. In the banking industry, most research pertaining to DT has focused on retail banking. There is very little research about DT in corporate banks and no research about it in a South African corporate bank, to the best of the researcher’s knowledge. The purpose of this research study was to assess DT in a South African corporate bank (referred to as “CIB”) by focusing on the following objectives: assessing the DT journey of CIB, assessing the digital maturity level of CIB, and investigating the enablers and hinderances of DT in CIB. The study adopted a qualitative research design and used a case study strategy of enquiry. Twelve participants that comprised executives, leaders, and employees of the bank were purposively selected and interviewed to generate rich data. The research findings showed that CIB is a complex environment with customer segments, products, and services that exhibit different characteristics related to volume and variation. CIB has achieved much progress regarding DT in a relatively short while. However, there are hinderances to DT that emanate from an imbalance in top-down and bottom-up strategies, the absence of a unifying digital vision, a conservative approach to innovation, misalignment with the greater banking group, and a lack of consistent basic digital knowledge. At a high level, this study recommends that CIB considers the elements of strategy and vision, people and culture, process and governance, and technology capabilities that are discussed at length in this research report to formulate a unified business strategy and vision for DT amongst other recommendations. The complexity of corporate banking means that DT will most likely have boundaries because of the necessity of physical engagement, and the requirement for human cognitive abilities, creativity, and ingenuity is likely to remain in this environment for longer than in most other sectors and industries.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The influence of Digitalisation on Strategic Agility of a South African Mining Company
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mosena, Nthabiseng Nicolene; Solo, Mills
    A profound transformation in the way economic activities are perceived and controlled is currently unfolding. This transformation is primarily propelled by the advent of a flexible technological platform that serves as the foundation for the development of new business value chains and ecosystems. Digitalisation, which acts as the gateway to accessing this state-of-the-art infrastructure, carries profound implications for how organisations strategically evolve in response to changing environmental factors. Strategic agility has increasingly become a central factor in ensuring business survival within this context. While digitalization is an undeniable reality for businesses and plays a role in generating value, few studies have examined its impact on strategic agility and thus improving organisational performance in the mining sector. The role of digitalisation as a facilitator of strategic agility has sparked debates and discussions among scholars and industry professionals. Although some research indicates that digitalisation is the foundation of strategic agility, other perspectives dispute this assertion. Recognizing this disparity, the primary aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between digitalisation and strategic agility. In order to draw conclusions regarding this observed relationship, primary data was collected from individuals at the management level within a South African company, which was then meticulously prepared and analysed. The analysis was conducted using quantitativedata analysis. The study found that digitalisation empowers organisations with the tools, insights, and capabilities to enhance their strategic agility. By leveraging digital technologies, organisations can sense and respond to changes rapidly, make data-driven decisions, streamline operations, innovate, and deliver superior customer experiences. Embracing digitalisation has become essential for organisations to thrive in today's fast-paced and highly competitive landscape. After conducting an extensive examination, this research establishes that digitalization is positively associated with strategic agility and that collectively the variables are important predictors of organisational performance. The study concludes that organizations should adopt an iterative approach to digitalization, with clarity of purpose, strategically in order to efficiently attain control over their intended impact on strategic agility
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The impact of fourth industrial revolutions' digital influence on negotiation in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Mbonambi, Sandile; Zhuwao, Patrick
    The aim of the study was to assess the nature of change arising from the digitalisation of negotiations and evaluate the implications of these digital transformations on negotiations. To achieve this aim, a study was conducted on a sample of N = 43 participants from the KwaZulu Natal Department of Health (KZN DOH). Data was collected through self-developed instruments to measure both negotiation and digitalisation. A quantitative methodology was adopted with descriptive, correlation and regression analyses used to analyse data. The results of the study revealed that generally, negotiations were an important part of the organisational process in the KZN DOH and that digitalisation was generally high. Digitalisation was found to have a significant positive impact on negotiations. The implication of these findings is that the KZN DOH needs to invest in digital technologies in order to enhance the quality and level of negotiations in the organisation. While every effort was taken to ensure that this study is valid and that its findings added value to the KZN DOH, the study still had some limitations. Firstly, this study was quantitative therefore it was not possible to enquire into the reasons why participants would have rated a statement in a way they did. In future, researchers may need to adopt either a mixed method or a qualitative design to deal with limitations of a quantitative design. In addition, the study was cross-sectional, meaning the responses were solicited at a particular point in time. That implies that whatever happened before or after the study could not be captured. In future, a longitudinal study would need to be adopted to account for changes in negotiation and digitalisation before and after the cross sectional period
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The Role of the Business Analyst in Delivering Successful Digital Transformation Initiatives: An Advisory Services Perspective
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Molekwa, Refilwe
    Digital transformation is a vital strategic imperative for organizations in today's fast-evolving digital landscape. Business analysts (BAs) play a crucial role in facilitating successful digital transformation initiatives. However, their roles remain undefined, leading to unexplored impacts on these initiatives. This study, involving 12 participants, aims to scrutinize the roles and challenges of BAs in the context of digital transformation. Drawing on extensive literature reviews and real-world case studies, the research assesses the specific contributions of BAs, challenges they encounter, stakeholder perceptions, and existing support mechanisms. It utilizes the Context, Content, Process, and Outcomes framework to comprehensively examine BAs' involvement in digital transformation projects. Structured interviews were conducted with experienced BAs from Entelect Software South Africa, offering in-depth insights into their responsibilities, challenges, and strategies throughout digital transformation journeys. The findings underscore the BAs' role as essential intermediaries who bridge the business-technology divide, facilitating effective communication, collaboration, and coordination among stakeholders. However, challenges such as resistance and technical knowledge gaps may hinder their ability to propose effective solutions. The study reveals that unclear expectations and adaptation struggles can result from misunderstandings of the BA role. Despite the growing recognition of their significance in digital transformation, ambiguity about their responsibilities persists