Wits Business School (ETDs)

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Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
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    The role of digital technology in sustaining SMEs in Johannesburg
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Arunajalam, Prema; Gobind, Jenika
    This research study aimed to investigate the role of digital technology in sustaining small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Johannesburg, South Africa. SMEs face resource constraints in establishing digital operations in their organisational framework. The reasons behind the constraints are discussed in this report. A sample group of SME owners was interviewed to gain further insights into the successes and challenges these organizations face. The interviews were conducted across diverse industries to gain multiple perspectives. The key findings noted that many similarities between the organisations and the challenges they face are quite common. Financial constraints are a key finding, with many financing giants not willing to fund an SME due to the nature of the business. These financial constraints, in turn, have several knock-on impacts for the SMEs as they must focus on revenue generation and less focus on optimisation and growth. The findings demonstrate the impact on the sustainability of the SME due to this key factor, in addition to talent management, competition, economic climate and strict legislation. The key outcome of the findings documents a sustainability crisis for the SMEs in Johannesburg. These organisations operate in survival mode with moderate exposure to digital technology due to constraints out of their control. Accessibility to digital technology could create limitless potential for SME growth and profitability, increasing sustainability tenfold and driving a positive upswing in the country's economy.
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    Adoption of digital transformation in logistics sector: A case of a state- owned enterprise in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ngcobo, Thandokuhle Mpumelelo; Sony, Michael
    Digital technologies have brought about disruption in all industries and state- owned enterprises are not immune to the pervasive force of digital transformation. Digital adoption has emerged as a crucial aspect of organisational growth and competitiveness. As digital adoption grows in state-owned enterprises it is essential to know the starting point in their digital transformation journey by measuring digital maturity, identifying drivers and barriers, and devising strategies to manage them. The aim of this research was to evaluate the maturity level following the introduction of the Transnet 4.0 Strategy at the state-owned enterprise, exploring the drivers and barriers. This study used a convergent mixed methods design. The participants were management employees from Transnet Freight Rail, a state-owned enterprise. Qualitative data was collected through surveys completed by the TFR managers (n = 45) assessed the current digital maturity and used descriptive statistics in analysing survey data. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The interviews were verbatim transcribed and Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis was used to analyse interviews with executive and senior managers (n=9). Findings from both quantitative and qualitative data were triangulated to provide a richer understanding of digital transformation adoption in Transnet Freight Rail. Overall, TFR is still in the early stages of their digital transformation journey according to qualitative findings, quantitative findings suggest that TFR has moved beyond the early stage and is in the early developing stage. Concerningly, many participants highlighted digital strategy communication, change management and digital skills as lacking in TFR. This study identified a range of factors and barriers that influence and affect digital transformation adoption including leadership support, conducive employee environment, organisational iii readiness, poor IT infrastructure, high leadership turnover and employees resisting technology. As demand for the state-owned enterprise to be operationally efficient and financial constraints increase, so does the need to leverage digital technologies to change business models, improve operational processes and increased customer experience to improve organisational performance. As industries get disrupted by digital technology it is essential for organisations effectively manage barriers and leverage key drivers for a successful digital transformation implementation.
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    Factors Influencing Digital Technology Adoption in the South African Freight Transport Sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Jaiswar, Sharday
    Considered essential to the functioning of the economy, the South African freight transport sector has experienced a decline in performance, negatively impacting South Africa’s global competitiveness and economic growth. Through benefit realisation, digital technology adoption has the potential to improve competitiveness and ultimately, enhance economic growth. With slow technology adoption rates observed in the South African freight transport sector, the research aimed to understand internal and external influencing factors of digital technology adoption, from an organisational context, within the sector. Furthermore, the influence of government support as a moderating factor was investigated. A combined theoretical framework was used for the study, consisting of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Technology-Organisation- Environment (TOE) framework. The quantitative research study utilised a survey to electronically collect data from freight transport organisations in South Africa, specifically in rail, port, pipeline and road industries. A stratified random sampling method was used, with sample size of 374. Key findings observed that perceived relative advantage, perceived ease of use of digital technologies and knowledge absorption capability were positively influencing internal factors, whereas competitive pressure and government support positively influenced the intention to adopt digital technologies from an external perspective. In addition, perceived ease of use of digital technologies mediated the relationship between perceived relative advantage and the intention to adopt digital technologies. Furthermore, government support as a moderator dampened the relationship between perceived ease of use of digital technologies and the intention to adopt digital technologies. The intention was to provide recommendations to enhance digital technology adoption for benefit realisation in the South African freight transport sector.
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    Enhancing livelihoods in Mhlakulo village in Eastern Cape through digital technology
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Majokweni, Yollanda; Mazonde, Nomusa
    In the rural expanse of the Eastern Cape, where prevailing socio-economic challenges include poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and unemployment, this study delves into the impact of digital technology access on livelihoods. Focused on the village of Mhlakulo, the research identifies a significant problem: the unequal opportunities for rural residents in business, visibility, and commerce due to limited digital access. The conceptual framework centres on the transformative potential of a proposed digital platform designed to offer crucial information on employment, SMME opportunities, and local services. This platform aims to foster connections among stakeholders, addressing disparities and instigating transformative changes in rural communities. The methodological approach involved a meticulous process of data collection through interviews and surveys tailored to the specific population and sample in Mhlakulo. Insights gathered through this approach comprehensively examined the impact of digital technology on livelihoods in the village. Key findings highlighted the pronounced influence of digital access on economic activities, showcasing the potential for improved employment opportunities, enhanced SMME engagement, and more efficient local service provision. The community's reliance on personal devices for digital access underscores the importance of reliable internet connectivity. Participants recognised the potential of digital access in supplementing traditional methods, indicating a potential coexistence rather than absolute replacement of traditional practices. Diverse levels of knowledge and skills in utilising digital technologies for businesses emerged as a key finding, reflecting the need for tailored support and training programs. Some participants actively integrate digital tools for daily planning and farm management, showcasing a proactive approach to leveraging technology. However, challenges related to data costs and unreliable internet
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    Coaching executive leaders using digital platforms: a South Africa perspective
    (2022) Manual, Cindy
    In-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.
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    Coaching executive leaders using digital platforms: a South Africa perspective
    (2023) Manuel, Cindy
    In-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.