Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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    Perceptions of blended teaching and training methods in trades education in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Monareng, Morokomobe Semond; Pellissier, Rene
    The evolution of technology has transformed the education space, allowing online learning together with mainstream pedagogy. The purpose of blended learning is to combine online learning platforms with existing traditional face-to-face teaching methods. The aim of this study is to understand the perceptions of blended teaching and training methods in trades education in South Africa. The Covid-19 pandemic forced the education sector to investigate other learning methodologies that can be integrated into the delivery of education. Preceding the pandemic, accredited Skills Development Providers in trades education were not ready for blended teaching and training. The conceptual framework guides the entire study and confirms findings from the literature and from participants, to the effect that blended teaching can be achieved when research objectives are addressed by the Skills Development Providers. The framework also illustrations relationships between various objectives. Qualitative design was utilized to understand the perceptions of Skills Development Providers regarding teaching and training methods, Data was collected by interviewing ten participants who are subject matter experts and directly involved in the delivery of trades education. Interpretation of key findings was undertaken via thematic analysis, generated codes classifications and the tracing of patterns. Findings demonstrated various issues that affect the full implementation of blended teaching. These started with the proper understanding of the blended learning approach, barriers that influence the adoption of blended learning, and the availability of technologies for deployment in blended learning. This study proves that blended learning can be used in trades education, which relies on the accessibility of technological infrastructure and online learning platforms that integrate trades curricula. In this process, facilitators and learners interact either in a physical workshop or by using an online platform to achieve the exit level outcomes required for a trade. Extended reality is seen as a solution to the implementation of blended learning in trades education.
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    Investigating factors that influence online purchase behaviour using Augmented and Virtual reality in the South African furniture industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mankhili, Mulalo Lusan; Zulu, Melissa
    In South Africa, the furniture industry plays a significant role in the country's economy, contributing to Growth Domestic Product (GDP) and employment rates. As the trend of online shopping continues to gain popularity, integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies into the retail sector has become increasingly important. Research has demonstrated that these technologies can offer a competitive edge to brands operating in the furniture sector. Consequently, this study aims to explore the factors influencing the adoption of AR and VR in the South African furniture industry. According to a report from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTIC), the South African furniture industry has experienced a decline in recent years, with consumers shifting towards purchasing furniture online through e-commerce platforms. Given the growing significance of e-commerce, it is imperative for businesses to understand the determinants of consumers' online purchasing behaviour to enhance their online sales performance. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the utilisation of AR and VR technologies can impact online purchase behaviour by dissecting the various factors influencing AR and VR adoption. To achieve this, the study has incorporated three theoretical frameworks: the Stimulus Organism Response theory (S-O-R), the Uses and Gratification theory (UGT), and the Flow theory. The research has identified several constructs derived from these theories to examine the interrelationships and influences among hedonic and utilitarian benefits, decision comfort, spatial presence, perceived intrusiveness, personal privacy concerns, mental imagery, perceived social presence, brand attitude, VR adoption, online purchase intention, and purchase behaviour. Data was collected from 400 South African online furniture customers, and the study utilised the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the relationships betweenthese variables. The study formulated eleven hypotheses, of which nine were supported. The findings revealed that hedonic and utilitarian benefits, decision comfort, spatial presence, mental imagery, perceived social presence, brand attitude, and VR adoption have an influence on online purchase behaviour. However, perceived intrusiveness and personal privacy concerns had no influence on online purchase intentions when using AR apps. This suggests that consumers' concerns about intrusiveness and privacy may not significantly affect their purchase intentions when interacting with AR technology. Additionally, the research highlights the roles of brand attitude and VR adoption as mediators between mental imagery and online behaviour and between iii perceived social presence and online purchasing behaviour. These findings offer valuable insights for businesses seeking to refine their online sales strategies and have the potential to contribute to the growth and development of the South African furniture industry