3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions
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Item Collaboration in South Africa’s forestry-products biorefinery innovation system: examining the knowledge network of leverage professionals(2020) Jenkin, Nicola PatThe aim of this study is to deploy and develop technological systems of innovation (TIS) (the dominant approach to explaining the functions of an eco-innovation system) to account for the current status of the forestry-products biorefinery innovation system in South Africa, and the role that the knowledge network and individuals within it play in expediating the uptake of biorefinery technologies in South Africa. TIS tends to not explicitly consider the role of the individual, as it predominantly refers to the actor or organisational level, a shortcoming this thesis addresses. To this end, the thesis interrogates three sets of research questions: (a) how collaborative is South Africa’s forestry-products biorefinery innovation system? (b) what are the dynamics of the knowledge network associated with South Africa’s forestry-products biorefinery innovation system? and (c) who are the key leverage professionals in the forestry-products biorefinery innovation system? This study shows that the South African forestry-products biorefinery innovation system is not as collaborative as it could be, as it tends to inadequately integrate civil society into the innovation process. It also indicates that the system is transitioning from a formative to a mature stage, with most current emphasis on research and development (R&D). The findings also illustrate that business and biorefinery academics play a central role in knowledge generation and diffusion, which suggests a potential knowledge bias towards the biorefinery applications in which they specialise or adopt. Another key defining characteristic of the associated knowledge network is that it is composed of several intra-networks that tend to operate in silos, as opposed to a cohesive singular network. From a knowledge perspective, managerial, technoeconomic research, engineering and technical competencies dominate. This provides an indicator as to why most forestry-products biorefinery activity in the country is focused on R&D. Given that knowledge and learning are central to system of innovation discourse, this study found that no one mode of knowledge generation is preferred, with a balanced use of codified and tacit knowledge application proposed. At the level of the individual, this study developed the theoretical concept of a “leverage professional” – an individual who plays a significant role in leveraging change within the system. The study identified a number of barriers that inhibit leverage professional agency, notably: (a) a lack of financial and managerial support; (b) disconnected government policy; (c) changing strategic foci; (d) weak capacity and knowledge amongst colleagues; and (e) workforce exodus overseas or to other sectors, with particular reference to millennials. The significance of this study is two-fold: First, it provides an approach to exploring a TIS, from the high-level structural functions, through the associated knowledge network, through to the level of the individual, with all connected through the theoretical lens of an innovation system. Second, it shines a light on the individuals within the innovation system and explores their agency and associated characteristics and behavioural preferences when operating within a network. This study therefore builds on current TIS discourse, and most significantly the role of the individual in increasing the degree and effectiveness of collaboration in the forestryproducts biorefinery innovation system.Item The adoption of artificial intelligence by South African banking firms: a Technology, Organisation and Environment (TOE) framework(2019-02-28) Mariemuthu, ClaytonArtificial intelligence (AI) is the creation of intelligent machines that have the ability to work and act like humans and comprises various technologies. AI-powered technology is having a transformative effect on industries such as banking. This study investigated the adoption of AI technologies by South African banking firms. The investigation into the factors that explain the current extent of adoption was focused through the lens of the Technological, Organisational and Environmental (TOE) framework. Through a review of existing literature and online resources, this study firstly identified a basket of AI technologies perceived as relevant for South African banking firms. Six technologies that represent the basket of AI technologies were identified, namely: machine learning, robotic process automation, expert systems, virtual assistants, natural language processing, and pattern recognition. Secondly, the study aimed to determine the current state of adoption of the AI technologies. Thirdly, the study aimed to determine the factors influencing the adoption of AI technologies by banking firms. A systematic literature review was undertaken to determine the technological, organisational and environmental factors that influence technology adoption. A model using pre-determined TOE factors was developed and tested. The cross-sectional, quantitative study was undertaken via a self-administered, online questionnaire to a sample of 307 respondents from South African banking business units, resulting in 62 responses. Diffusion curves were used to illustrate the current adoption of AI technologies. The results revealed that robotic process automation is the most diffused technology, while natural language processing was the least diffused technology. The results also revealed a significant intention to adopt AI technologies in the next three years. The data was subjected to reliability and validity tests which established that the construct measures rendered consistent and reproducible results, and accurately depicted the constructs they were assigned to measure. Thereafter, correlations analysis was utilised to test the model’s hypotheses, and a multiple and stepwise regression were used as further tests of the model. Results revealed that AI technology skills, top management support, firm size and competitive pressure were positively related to the adoption of AI technologies, while perceived benefits, information technology infrastructure, cost, competitive pressure, regulation and mimetic pressure were not supported. AI technologies is a contemporary topic and is gathering a great deal of attention in both academia and practice. By applying the TOE framework, this study has provided a theoretical contribution and addressed a research gap in existing literature, specifically demonstrating that AI adoption is a function of all three contexts, i.e. technological, organisational and environmental. This study also provides a practical contribution for banking firms as they can understand the current adoption status of the average South African bank. Furthermore, for firms considering the adoption of AI technologies, this study offers insights into the relative influence of the TOE factors, and provides guidance to facilitate benchmarking and processes of adoption.Item A new blueprint for new digital technology adoption in the mining industry using a systems thinking approach(2019) Fan, XiangSuccessful adoption of new technologies is critical for the improvement of efficiency and the enhancement of health and safety in South African mining industry operations. However, the process of new digital technology adoption in the South African mining industry has been slow and difficult. This research is aimed at addressing some of the problems associated with the process. As part of this research, a new blueprint has been developed to guide the commissioning entity through the entire process of new digital technology adoption and installation. The new blueprint will provide capability to monitor the quality of the work during adoption, as well as assessment of the outcome of the adoption by measuring the level of compliance for every activity performed by the commissioning entity during the adoption. The reliability of the new blueprint was verified by assessing the performance of the Wits Mining Institute (WMI) in its installation project of the Schauenburg system. The outcome of the new blueprint verification reveals poor planning and inadequate preparation during the installation of this project. The outcome also indicates that application of the new blueprint will reduce the problems associated with the adoption and speed up new digital technology adoption and its installation for better functionality.Item SME adoption of digital banking in South Africa(2018) Rathogwa, BelindaSmall and medium enterprises (SMEs) are an important customer base for banks as they offer great opportunity for growth in revenues and profit. Banks are focused on improving relationships and retaining their SME customers in defence against increasing competition. To this end, banks are investing in their digital banking channels with the objective of improving service quality to their SME customers, whilst lowering the cost of servicing those customers. It is not clear whether banks’ investment in digital banking channels is contributing to their objective of increasing customer satisfaction and retention. It is also not clear if SMEs derive the benefit of improved performance when they adopt digital banking. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of digital banking adoption on the SME-bank relationship by evaluating its influence on customer satisfaction, loyalty and SME performance. Empirical data was collected in the form of an online survey which was administered to SME owner-managers who have gone through an incubation programme or have access to social media platforms for business purposes. Evidence suggests that banks are continuing to make significant investments in their digital channels. However, this does not necessarily result in more loyal or satisfied SME customers. Furthermore, SME performance does not improve as a result of adopting digital banking. Consequently, no evidence was found to show that digital banking adoption makes a significant contribution towards the maintenance of a long-term symbiotic relationship between SMEs and their banks. This study has corporate entrepreneurship implications for the banks as the findings will inform their innovation efforts and contribute to improving their service offerings to their SME customers.Item Competitive advantage during industry 4.0: the case for South African manufacturing SMEs(2018) Futcher, MattWith the expected disruption of industry 4.0 and the current challenges that SMEs face in South Africa, there is an increasing threat that SMEs will lose any competitive advantage they currently have. This exploratory study investigates how South African manufacturing SMEs can remain competitive during the fourth industrial revolution. Data, in the form of current literature, was analysed using thematic content analysis. From the analysis process, 8 emergent themes were used to organise the results of the study. Notable findings towards generating competitive advantage included: The location of SMEs within clusters, collaboration with disruption leaders, the sharing of outcomes across the value chain, the shift of business models towards a service and software orientation, the use of data driven insights to find and capture high margin markets and the increased effectiveness of labour through technology use. The study also found that the use of the IoT and cloud computing can significantly reduce infrastructure requirements and promote a competitive advantage.Item Factors impacting the adoption of an electronic payment solution in the South African taxi industry: a study of taxi owners in the Johannesburg metropolitan area(2017) Tshambula, AsandaResistance to technological innovation by its end users is a crucial indicator which highlights information which could be utilised for a successful implementation of an innovation. The adoption of a technological innovation puts in jeopardy the internal environment, culture, identity and traditional practices of an industry. End-users have been known to be receptive to innovations as long as they do not change industry practices and help improve industry performance. This research seeks to address how an industry in the second economy characterised by high poverty, less education and minimum skills adopts and diffuse technological innovations. A survey was conducted and responses from 182 taxi owners was analysed. The research has identified that education, technology experience, relative advantage and trialability influence the probability of adoption. The results indicated that due to the nature of a social system there are different results about innovation attributes and different adopter categories can be identified in different social systems. Education and knowledge need to be addressed in order to formalise and modernise the taxi industry not just taxi owners but for taxi drivers and other members of the social system. The results have indicated that most taxi owners have positive attitudes about the electronic fare collection system. This research can contribute to the actual adoption and diffusion of the electronic payment system in the south African taxi industry. The electronic fare collection system needs to be sold for its commercial benefit to the taxi industry instead of being presented as a regulatory case for change.Item The influence of motives on consumer attitudes toward participating in co-creation activities: a study on digital banking in South Africa(2016) Chavarika, Gugu ValerieThe financial services sector in South Africa is known for its innovative capability worldwide. Although ‘concentrated’ with few major players, the banking sector remains competitive as each bank continues to broaden its products and services to attract new customers and satisfy its existing client base. Therefore, it is of interest for banks to examine how to motivate consumers to take part in co-creation activities and develop favourable attitudes toward participating in those activities, and ultimately influence adoption intentions. Although significant research has been conducted on consumer motivation, attitudes, perceived characteristics of innovation and innovation adoption, respectively, little is known about the relationships between these constructs in the South African digital banking sector. Thus, the study aims to fill a gap by determining how intrinsic factors influence consumer attitudes toward participating in co-creation activities. Additionally, the study presents the impact of these attitudes on the perceptions consumers have toward innovation and then on adoption intentions. For the purposes of this study, intrinsic motives represent the predictor variable, while adoption intention is the outcome variable. There are four mediators, namely: attitude toward the act, perceived relative advantage, perceived complexity and perceived compatibility. This study undertakes a quantitative research approach in which 339 surveys were distributed online and in person. The findings support all seven hypotheses. Thus, indicating that intrinsic motives have a positive influence on a consumer’s attitudes toward participating in co-creation activities. Additionally, favourable attitudes toward the act have a positive relationship with perceived relative advantage and perceived complexity and a negative relationship with perceived complexity. Lastly, the results indicate that relationships exist between perceived relative advantage, perceived complexity and perceived compatibility, respectively and adoption intention. The contributions of this paper are as follows: this study adds to contextual knowledge of consumer motivation on adoption intention. Additionally, the study contributes to current knowledge by using relevant literature and empirical evidence regarding co-creation, motivation, attitudes and innovation in the South African banking industry. Lastly, the study provides guidance to managers on how to better manage their co-creation activities and investments, particularly in the financial services industry, and how to effectively engage and collaborate with their consumers and turn these co-innovation interactions into tangible profits for the firm.Item Science [non] fiction: science education through the performing arts(2015-05-26) Hirson, Brett SeanEducation in South Africa is experiencing challenges of interest in its learners towards science and mathematics within the primary and secondary phases of learning. The result of this failed interest is represented by the amount of scarce skills present in the technology, ICT and engineering sectors, resulting in a lack of research and development of current and future technologies. The solution to this problem is to create a lateral approach through learners’ interests by using performance media as a medium of instruction. This intervention is established as part of the University of the Witwatersrand where it will serve as a crucible of research, exploration and education of science and technology through cross-faculty co-operation. Using the University’s vast academic and educational resources, this intervention will become a staging ground for new scientific and technological development conveyed through a variety of performance mediums which will be presented to learners, students and the general public. Situated adjacent to the Parktown Education Campus, this facility is the beginning of planned expansion by the University linking its various campuses through Braamfontein civic district. The site has an important historical and heritage association with Johannesburg - through its heritage landmarks - and by its use through the National Children’s Theatre. Whilst this has been a site for performance art over the last two decades, the expansion and integration of this building will continue this legacy into the future through the exploration of new and dynamic performance mediums.