Wits Business School (ETDs)

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    Evaluating the factors that influence news preferences on digital platforms
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Khumalo, Zama Xolile; Mosala, Thabo
    The ‘always connected’ nature of digital media means that reaching and connecting with consumers is more difficult than ever. Evaluating the factors that South African consumers use for news preferences is important, as these will provide new media organisations with insights on how consumers navigate, manage, and process the infinite news content that is aggressively vying for their attention on digital platforms. The Uses and gratifications (U&G) theory is a powerful media-use framework to decipher consumer motivation for media preference. Recent adaptations of U&G theory describe three critical dimensions namely, content, social and process. A confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine whether the measures of the three constructs are consistent in the South African news mediated context. The study found content and process factors as the most significant when making news preferences. Whilst social gratifications factors as least influential to consumers.
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    The use of digital internal communications for operational excellence: A case study of African Rainbow Minerals (ARM)
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Maloka, Mologadi Betty; Ochara, Nixon
    This research paper employs a qualitative research methodology with a deductive approach to investigate the impact of digital internal communication on operational excellence, using African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) as a case study. The study recognises employees as primary stakeholders, contending that well- informed employees contribute to heightened productivity. Digital communication, facilitating information exchange and team collaboration, plays a pivotal role in the workplace. The study explores the use of digital communication tools for internal communication, customer interaction, teamwork, and overall productivity enhancement. Digital internal communication tools streamline feedback, idea expression, and collaboration, fostering a conducive environment for meaningful employee engagement. Effective internal communication is crucial for organisational culture, work enthusiasm, and stability during turbulent periods. The adoption of key elements in digital workplaces, including inclusion, reinvention, employee empowerment, and technological balance, is essential for achieving operational excellence. The study reveals that ARM employees primarily use four digital tools for improved collaboration and communication. However, challenges like resistance to change and poor system implementation hinder communication system objectives. The research and proposed model underwent experts’ evaluation for constructive feedback. The study emphasises the importance of aligning digital communication strategies with organisational goals, promoting inclusivity, and fostering adaptability. Integrating these recommendations into ARM's digital transformation strategy can lead to a more connected and agile workforce, enhancing operational excellence in the mining industry. The study concludes that digital communication is crucial for operational excellence but requires mutual understanding among key stakeholders in implementing digital tools
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    The adoption of digital platforms for student services at the University of the Witwatersrand
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Khoetha, Katlego; Magida, Ayanda
    Technology's rapid growth has transformed how universities interact with their students, prompting the implementation of cutting-edge strategies like digital platforms. This research focused on examining the use and acceptability of various digital platforms in the context of the University of the Witwatersrand, particularly for student services. The study incorporated key concepts of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) to determine the factors driving the adoption of digital platforms. A quantitative technique, the research asked undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at the University of the Witwatersrand to complete an online questionnaire using the Qualtrics software. Using this thorough approach, the data was directly analysed, looking at how the theoretical framework and actual examples interact. The analysis's findings identified the UTAUT2 constructs that have the biggest impact on individual readiness to accept and use digital platforms for student services. The findings also demonstrated the possibility of this study helping the University of the Witwatersrand obtain an in-depth understanding of the primary factors that influenced students' use of digital platforms. In the end, having this understanding will help to successfully incorporate the idea of digital platforms into the context of university student services. The University of the Witwatersrand will be able to make wise decisions on implementing and optimising digital platforms for improved student engagement and support as a result of this research, which is expected to provide useful insights. The results are anticipated to improve digitalization efforts inside higher education institutions and enable the delivery of more effective and efficient student services in the rapidly changing technology environment.
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    The adoption of digital platforms for student services at the University of the Witwatersrand
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Khoetha, Katlego; Magida, Ayanda
    Technology's rapid growth has transformed how universities interact with their students, prompting the implementation of cutting-edge strategies like digital platforms. This research focused on examining the use and acceptability of various digital platforms in the context of the University of the Witwatersrand, particularly for student services. The study incorporated key concepts of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) to determine the factors driving the adoption of digital platforms. A quantitative technique, the research asked undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at the University of the Witwatersrand to complete an online questionnaire using the Qualtrics software. Using this thorough approach, the data was directly analysed, looking at how the theoretical framework and actual examples interact. The analysis's findings identified the UTAUT2 constructs that have the biggest impact on individual readiness to accept and use digital platforms for student services. The findings also demonstrated the possibility of this study helping the University of the Witwatersrand obtain an in-depth understanding of the primary factors that influenced students' use of digital platforms. In the end, having this understanding will help to successfully incorporate the idea of digital platforms into the context of university student services. The University of the Witwatersrand will be able to make wise decisions on implementing and optimising digital platforms for improved student engagement and support as a result of this research, which is expected to provide useful insights. The results are anticipated to improve digitalization efforts inside higher education institutions and enable the delivery of more effective and efficient student services in the rapidly changing technology environment
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    Digital Technology Platforms and Operational Efficiencies of a South African Short-Term Insurer
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Moloi, Josiah; Natto, Dina
    This study aimed to delve into the intricate interplay between digital technology platforms and operational efficiencies in the contextual setting of a South African short-term insurance company. Specifically, the research scrutinized how the adoption and integration of digital platforms influence pivotal operational functions such as sales, services, and claims, with the overarching objective of unravelling the nuanced dynamics of digital transitions to mitigate high operational costs. In addressing these objectives, the research delineated the specific challenges confronted by the insurer and evaluated the potential solutions offered by digital technology, drawing insights from personal perspectives shared by key senior and strategic decision-making stakeholders as the targeted population sample for this study through purposive sampling. Through this investigation, the study not only sought to identify the hurdles but also examined the tangible impact of digital platforms and adoption on essential aspects of the company’s operations. Furthermore, the research endeavoured to assess both the advantages and disadvantages associated with the implementation of these platforms, providing valuable insights into their effectiveness in enhancing overall operational efficiency. To achieve the objectives of the study, the study employed qualitative interviews with the selected industry experts and performed thematic analysis to scrutinize key themes and patterns by focusing on these major topics. The findings revealed that the use of digital technology platforms to improve operational efficiencies within a short-term insurance business is non-negotiable if insurers are to remain competitive. This study has shown that with the right mix of a well-articulated business problem statements, stakeholder buy-in during implementation, and a well-suited technology for the context of the business, digital technology platforms can contribute immensely to operational efficiencies and in time aid in the reduction of operational costs
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    The adoption of Insurance Technology solutions by customers in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Sibanda, Gift Sipho; Sethibe, Tebogo
    This research study investigated factors driving customer adoption of Insurance Technology solutions or InsurTech in the insurance industry and what insurers should do to ensure positive acceptance of Insurance Technology by customers in South Africa. The research used the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. This study is essential as incumbent insurance and InsurTech companies have been investing in Insurance Technology solutions to offer affordable insurance solutions at lower operating costs; however, adoption of these technologies by customers remained low. The study used a quantitative methodology and an online questionnaire with 37 questions following the UTAUT model to collect data. This research study focussed on insurance and non-insurance customers in South Africa. A broker and an InsurTech company distributed the survey amongst insurance clients. The respondents were also derived from LinkedIn and the referrals by the network of the researchers. A total of 213 respondents attempted the online survey, although some still needed to complete the entire survey, which led to differing totals against different constructs. In addition, the construct scores were calculated for items with a missing value of less than 50% of the inferential statistics. As a result of the missing values, the sums for the various structures varied. According to the research study's findings, consumers' behavioural intention to utilize Insurance Technology solutions is significantly predicted by two main variables: performance expectancy and effort expectancy. Furthermore, general awareness and understanding, attitude, and trust where highlighted as important predictors. The study's findings highlighted several factors that prevent insurance technology adoption, including a lack of product and technology information, mobile data, internet security, and awareness. The study also found that easily accessible information, accessible technology, and ease-of-use were enablers of Insurance Technology 3 solutions adoption by customers. The study provides more insights into what insurance companies need to focus on to increase customers' adoption and use of Insurance Technology solutions. The study contributes to the body of knowledge and future studies on factors influencing the adoption of customers' adoption of Insurance Technology solutions
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    Digital platform skills requirements for SMMEs and startups: a South African perspective
    (2020) Noqayi, Aluzuko
    The Fourth Industrial Revolution has enabled new business models, automated processes, and streamlined operations. Digital platforms form part of the technological solutions that disrupt existing business models; they have made alternative streams for companies that exist online. However, with these disruptions of business models, there is a need for new skills too. This study investigated the skills needed by digital entrepreneurs to effectively lead, operate, and manage digital platform SMMEs in the South African context. A qualitative research study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with a sample group of 12 participants. The group was made up of CEOs, CIOs, Solution Managers and Business Managers of digital platform SMMEs in South Africa. A thematic analysis technique was used to identify themes in the data analysis. The study's findings were that the digital platforms are complex and lack consistent definition and conceptualisation between their IT and commercial functionality. This affects the skills identified as essential in literature as it forms a bias based on whether the focus is IT or commerce. Secondly, the study found that a mix of lower-order and higher-order skills were essential for digital entrepreneurs. These ranged from technical, human, and conceptual skills to leadership and business skills. Lastly, the study found that digital entrepreneurs have several roles in their ecosystem and are multi-skilled. They are faced with challenges that stretch their capacity and adaptability, and they use their skill to control and influence the future. This study provided an adapted skills model framework for digital platform skills. This model can be used to informing resourcing, upskilling, bridging managerial gaps, business development decisions that enable SMMEs to participate competitively in the emerging digital economy.