Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)
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Item Exploring the digital divide in underserved communities in rural Mpumalanga, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Shandukani, Linda; Magida, AyandaThis research report explored the digital divide in underserved communities in rural Mpumalanga, South Africa, focusing on how owning a smartphone can help bridge the gap. Despite the widespread use of digital technology, financial constraints and limited digital literacy continue to create disparities, especially among marginalised populations. The study employed a qualitative research design, primarily through eight in- depth interviews, to explore how smartphones can impact digital inclusion and overall quality of life in these communities. The findings reveal a digital divide, particularly among young Black individuals, due to barriers in smartphone and internet accessibility. While ease of access to technology can enhance social and economic capital, challenges such as pricing and infrastructure limitations exacerbate disparities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalisation.Item The impact of the use of e-Commerce on customer experience for retail in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Naidoo, Jaroshen; Mudau, Thanyani Normane-Commerce systems are rapidly changing how individuals shop, and they have provided many retail stores in South Africa with a new sales channel to service customers. With many organisations heavily investing in e-Commerce systems, the need to have end users adopting e-Commerce is vital for the success of the future of e-Commerce. Two areas that need to be examined include how customers currently use e-commerce systems and how e-Commerce use impacts customer experience. To understand the challenges, factors influencing e-commerce usage and its impact on customer experience were investigated. This study distinguished between basic and advanced utilisation of e-commerce systems. To understand the research objectives identified, an extended version of the Delone and Mclean IS Success model has been adapted to the study, which has been modelled as an e-Commerce IS success model. The factors influencing the advanced use of e-Commerce systems include information, system, and service quality. With e-Commerce being split into basic and advanced use, advanced use was focused on understanding how it affects customer experience. This data was collected through a survey distributed to end users of e-Commerce over LinkedIn. 159 respondents(n=159) provided insights into the factors, which included Information quality, system quality, service quality, basic use, advanced use, user satisfaction, customer experience and data quality. However, data quality was a factor that dropped during the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), which was done through SPSS and AMOS. The research showed strong relationships between information quality and advanced use, system quality and advanced use, and service quality and advanced use. This confirmed the first objective of understanding the factors that impact the advanced use of e-Commerce systems in retail in South Africa. The next major result showed that advanced use had a higher coefficient to the basic viii uses relationship towards customer experience, and this translated to end users wanting to make use of the advanced features of e-Commerce systems to make decision-making and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) easier to achieve. In the findings, numerous contributions have been made, which include the factors that impact the basic and advanced use of e-Commerce systems. The effects of the basic and advanced use on customer experience and user satisfaction, which did not previously exist within the e-Commerce space, are also contributions identified in this study. Overall, this study helps organisations understand what end users and customers would want to use when using e- Commerce platforms in terms of features and how customer experience can be influenced by new technologies and features introduced into the e-Commerce system for retail in South Africa.Item The influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on personalised learning in the workplace(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Msimang, Siphamandla; Alagbaoso, ManessahThis study investigates the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on personalised learning in the workplace, set within the rapidly evolving landscape of digital technology integration in organisational learning strategies and environments. Addressing the gap in literature regarding AI's role in enhancing workplace learning experiences, this research utilises the Technology- Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework and Senge's Learning Organisation theory as its conceptual underpinnings. Through a quantitative methodology, data was collected from 391 participants across various industries via an AI-powered chatbot survey interface, focusing on employees' engagement in self-directed learning activities, perceptions of AI-enhanced personalised learning, and the factors influencing their engagement in workplace learning. The study reveals that employees perceive AI as an enhancer of personalised learning experiences in the workplace, with its adoption being significantly influenced by factors such as technological compatibility, organisational support, and a conducive regulatory environment. The findings offer an understanding of the multifaceted nature of AI in enhancing personalised learning experiences in the workplace, providing insights for future strategies and implementations in this evolving field. The conclusion draws attention to the transformative potential of AI in enhancing personalised learning within the workplace, advocating for its strategic integration to fully leverage its benefits. By aligning AI-driven learning tools with organisational cultures that prioritize continuous learning, organisations can significantly improve employee engagement, skills development, and ultimately, their competitive advantage in the digital era.Item Perceptions on the adoption or use of waste to energy (WtE) technologies among waste managers in Gauteng(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mokgolobotho, Ingrid Konkong; Ngubevana, LwaziThe Gauteng Province, increase in population growth, urbanisation, industrialisation and economic activity has resulted in increased amounts of generated municipal solid waste (MSW). There are concerns about landfill airspace depletion, energy poverty, environmental concerns that create greenhouse gases, air pollution and water contamination. The province also requires electricity to keep its economic activity functional, while providing its citizens with electricity. The research is a qualitative study, with the purpose of understanding how waste managers in the waste industry perceive the adoption or use of waste to energy (WtE) technologies in Gauteng. Semi-qualitative interviews were held, face-to-face and on Microsoft Teams. The sample chosen were waste managers who were knowledgeable on the research topic. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data from the semi-qualitative interviews. Data triangulation was used to establish the credibility/validity of the interview findings. The findings in the study from the semi-qualitative interviews and literature review were aligned with regards to the role waste managers’ play in procuring waste to energy technologies as well as the benefits on the uptake of WtE technologies, which are improved waste management practices, less environmental challenges and the introduction of new revenue streams. Waste managers are also viewed as researchers, collaborators and educators. The study found that some of the factors that influence the perceived ease of use as well as perceived usefulness of WtE technologies include the feasibility and affordability of these technologies, access to finance, the availability of technical, training and skills transfer, potential employment opportunities and the need to diversify the energy supply iii The challenges observed by the participants were the lack of stakeholder engagement and sufficient education, lack of adequate legislature and poor governance as well as lack of access to capital. The enablers were noted as equipment tax returns, introduce landfill tax, high landfill entry gates, energy sales, carbon credits as well as educating and involving all waste generators and recyclers. To attract investors, participants noted that there should be transparency and simplified contracts, having relevant collaborations, the need for grants and assurance on return on investmentItem The Role of Organisational Culture in Digital Transformation in the South African Retail Sector(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Lehabe, Malebo Lily; Appiah, ErasmusThe aim of this study is to identify the role of organisational culture in the South African retail sector and determine how it affects digital transformation. The study considers the state of digital transformation in the South African retail sector, the role of organisational culture and the attributes that hinder and propel the success of digital transformation. COVID-19 accelerated disruption in the retail sector, and retailers were compelled to transform digitally. This is a qualitative study that focuses on Fast Moving Consumer Goods in the retail sector. Diverse entities were considered regardless of size or digital maturity. The Westerman Framework was the aspect of digital maturity. It was found that the South African retail sector is in its infancy regarding digital maturity and that retail entities could not provide evidence of the importance of organisational culture. Organisational culture attributes that enable and hinder success and those that currently hinder the success of digital transformation were also considered to understand the impact these attributes have on digital transformation.Item Digital Equity as a Solution to Digital Redlining in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mokoena, Mashukela ElizabethIntroduction: Ensuring digital equity is vital for providing fair access to and benefits from digital resources. Given the persistence of the digital divide, understanding the factors that contribute to digital equity is crucial for creating inclusive digital environments. This study explores three key factors: access to digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and the availability of high-quality content. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to investigate the factors influencing digital equity by examining the impact of digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and high-quality content on digital inclusion. It also seeks to understand how these elements interrelate to promote a more equitable digital environment. Method: A quantitative approach was utilized, involving surveys to measure access to digital infrastructure and levels of digital literacy, complemented by qualitative interviews to assess the quality and impact of digital content. Data analysis focused on exploring the relationships between these factors and their effects on digital equity. Results: The results reveal significant correlations between access to digital infrastructure and digital equity, with improved infrastructure supporting better digital inclusion. Digital literacy emerged as a key factor for effectively utilizing digital resources, while high-quality content was found to enhance the value of digital access. The study highlights the interconnected nature of these factors in advancing digital equity. Discussion and Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need to address digital infrastructure and literacy to achieve greater digital equity. High-quality content is essential for maximizing the benefits of digital access. A comprehensive approach that integrates improvements in infrastructure, digital skills development, and content quality is crucial for promoting a more equitable digital environment. Future research should focus on these interconnected factors to bridge the digital divide more effectively.Item Measuring resilience in the aviation industry: a case study of a South African Company(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Maphike, Tembisa; Kriek, DriekusFor organizations operating in high-risk environments, resilience must be a top priority as a key component of their safety measures. In addition to applying Safety I principles, it is also crucial to implement Safety II principles to further improve resilience. This study examines the views of employees within the organization regarding four constructs of Resilience Engineering: the ability to respond, the ability to monitor, the ability to learn, and the ability to anticipate. The evaluation was conducted through an online survey instrument and the sample was drawn from the operational personnel population. Several tests were administered to characterize the sample, assess its reliability and validity, and conduct other analyses. The results indicate that while some elements of resilient performance are visible, the overall picture is that these elements need to be improved upon.Item The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on digital transformation within South African technology start-ups(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Khumalo, Cebile Bongiwe; Patrick, ZhuwaoIn 2020 the world got faced with the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic, which brought upon changes that affected many organisations. This study investigates how Covid-19 affected the digital transformation for technology start-ups within the fintech industry. In achieving the objective, the study followed a qualitative approach and interviewed 15 business owners, managers and executives from different fintech companies. The key findings of the study is that fintech companies are digitally matured organisations and had implemented digital initiatives as a result of Covid-19, and these initiatives will be sustained moving forward and set a new trend for the fintech industry. The study has concluded that the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the digital transformation of technology start-ups within the fintech industry through numerous digital transformation initiatives that were implemented. This study recommends that further research should be done on finding interpretative models and frameworks that could be used to evaluate digital transformation within technology start-ups.Item The Impact of political interference on the quality of infrastructural delivery of projects in the Free State(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Godongwana, AthenkosiPolitical interference has always been a point of criticism in infrastructure development projects in the Free State. Such interference has a significant influence on project delivery quality, as it frequently causes delays, cost overruns, and substandard results. This article examines the different ways in which political interference impairs the proper implementation of infrastructure projects in the Free State. The purpose of this enquiry was to firmly establish, if any the role that political interference plays in the quality of infrastructure that is provided in the Free State. The study evaluated for key aspects that affect the quality of infrastructure development in the Free State, namely: irregular service provider appointments, irregular employment practices, cost overruns and programme delays, poor quality infrastructure. The study employed qualitative as well as quantitative (mixed) data collection methods. The qualitative aspect entailed primarily the use of questionnaires on a random sample of officials that are in executive public offices in government departments. These questionnaires were open ended to allow participants to add in or motivate their initial responses. The Quantitative consisted of systematic interviews, measurements and observations, and records or document reviews for information that was measurable. The study found that factors that negatively influence the quality of infrastructure delivery in local government include: a) Political interference b) Institutional incapacity c) An insufficient quality monitoring systems Amongst other findings, the study found that government officials are regarded to be the most active in corrupt operations as customers, contractors, and subcontractors. Contract granting for political advantage, nepotism and conflicts of interest, and meddling in the tender award 2 process are the most common forms of corruption linked with government employees. Corruption is particularly frequent during the project's bid appraisal and tendering phases.Item A South African Perspective on Self-preferencing as a form of abusive conduct in the digital market(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Madiya, Yolisa Nolwazi; Marumoagae, M. C.This research report highlights how dominant firms abuse their dominance in the digital market by engaging in self-preferencing initiatives to the detriment of competition in this market. It illustrates the negative impact of the skewed flow of information and deliberate denial of access to information by dominant firms to their competitors in the downstream market to leverage their services or products which ultimately affects competition in this market. Most significantly, this report reflects on how the European Union has addressed the growing self- preferencing concerns to determine lessons (if any) that South Africa can learn therefrom. Data has become an important input into the decision-making of many digital firms which has increased the reliance on privacy regulations. This report also discusses the negative impact of privacy regulation in competition law and demonstrates how it enhances the adoption of self- preferencing practices in the digital economy. The value of data and the characteristics of online platforms propels the tension between access to data and consumer's long-term interest. It is shown in this report that the limitation of data portability using privacy regulation qualifies as a form of self-preferencing and strengthens the control of a dominant firm in a digital economy. South African Competition Act 89 of 1998 is discussed in this report to evaluate its adequacy in addressing self-preferencing concerns.