Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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    Perspectives on data sharing by Southern African horticultural farmers
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Bailie, Kathleen Ann
    This study examines the perceptions of data sharing among Southern African horticultural farmers utilising a Digital Agricultural Application (DAA). Employing a quantitative methodology, the study collected insights from farmers and agronomists, exploring the roles of digital trust, perceived risks, and perceived benefits in influencing their decisions to share farm data. The findings indicated that, contrary to expectations, perceived risks and digital trust had a lesser impact on data sharing decisions, whereas perceived benefits significantly motivated farmers to share data. Factor and regression analyses challenged the initial assumptions, highlighting the complexity inherent in the decision-making processes of farmers. The research thus suggests that enhancing perceived benefits could be more effective in promoting data sharing than mitigating perceived risks. ii The study's results have been contextualised within the broader academic discourse, explaining deviations from, and nuances of, established research. It discussed the implications of these findings for developers of DAA and agribusiness stakeholders, aiming to enhance technology adoption within agriculture. By integrating theoretical frameworks with practical applications, such as incorporating community feedback mechanisms like testimonial systems and discussion forums into DAA, visibility of benefits was enhanced and trust was established, thereby encouraging adoption through positive peer influence. This analysis sheds light on the factors influencing data sharing among Southern African horticultural farmers and informs future technology and policy efforts to strengthen the digital agricultural ecosystem
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    Construction Professionals’ Awareness of Automation and Robotics in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mbhalati, Kurisani Luther; Jenika, Gobind
    In South Africa, the construction sector, which accounts for approximately 3% of the GDP, is essential for economic growth but struggles with issues such as falling productivity, quality concerns, and safety risks. The adoption of robotics and automation could address these challenges, offering more reliable and precise quality, boosting productivity, cutting costs, and increasing safety by automating dangerous tasks. This cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the awareness of automation and robotics among South African construction professionals through a quantitative survey. Additionally, the research sought to capture the professionals' opinions on the benefits these technologies could offer to construction projects and identify the barriers to their wider adoption as perceived by these professionals. Findings indicated a varied level of awareness among construction professionals, with high familiarity in technologies like Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and lower awareness in emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR). Moreover, the professionals acknowledged the benefits of adopting these technologies, notably highlighting increased productivity and safety as key benefits. They also identified significant barriers to adoption, citing high acquisition costs and socio-economic concerns over job displacement as major obstacles, particularly in a context of high unemployment rates. Considering the construction industry's role in economic growth and recognizing the dip in productivity, alongside the industry's reluctance towards innovation, the study recommends focused educational initiatives and promotional activities for robotics and automation. It further stresses the need for policy changes to ensure the safe and efficient implementation of these technologies. Moreover, from a governmental standpoint, the study suggests providing incentives to businesses to encourage the adoption of robotics and automation in the construction industry
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    Feasibility Study of a Digital Platform for sharing household equipment and resources for a fee in Gauteng
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Nkomo, Greaterman; Totowa, Jacques
    This research seeks to investigate the feasibility of a digital sharing application that connects the supply and demand for everyday household components. The research methodology that was used in this study was the qualitative methodology, using interviews. Twelve interviews were conducted via video conferencing using Zoom and Microsoft Teams and all the participants were from the Johannesburg region in Gauteng. The research findings were that the participants had some assets that were not being utilized and they are willing to list them in a sharing application to make extra income. The research revealed that the key motivation for utilizing the digital sharing application is the economic benefits associated with participating, either through saving money by renting the tools instead of purchasing every tool that they may need to complete a project or to make extra money by sharing their tools for a fee or to save money. The research shows that people are open to utilizing digital sharing applications if the application meets certain standards such as having up to date information; secure and easy to use. The household equipment that people are willing to share include garden tools; toolbox kits; laundry equipment; outdoor furniture; picnic tables and many more. Based on this research, there is a market for a digital sharing application that focuses on the everyday household components
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    Assessing the Retrofitting of Office Buildings in the City of Johannesburg, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Katumba, Bamoni Nathalie; Hildebrandt, Diane
    Climate change caused by greenhouse gasses (GHG) has become a challenge to the world and South Africa (SA) alike. SA emits 450 million tons per annum (TPA) of carbon dioxide (CO2) and is the 12th largest CO2 emitter in the world. Buildings account for 50% of GHG, globally; therefore, energy use in new and existing buildings must be addressed. Retrofitting existing buildings has been identified as one of the ways to achieve sustainability in the built environment, this is done by enhancing energy efficiency (EE), the environmental performance of the property and lowering energy demand. This study, therefore, examined the challenges, benefits and critical success factors (CSF) for retrofitting offices in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), SA. The data for this study were obtained from built environment professionals with experience in retrofitting existing office buildings. An online questionnaire was issued to the targeted sample using Google Forms and 71 responses were received. The quantitative data were analysed using the t-test function from the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. This study uncovered that lack of government incentives; budget constraints; longer payback periods; technical challenges and disruption of and inconvenience to the tenant during retrofitting are the top five challenges hindering retrofitting of existing office buildings. The study also identified improved EE; enhanced marketability of the buildings; improved building climate control; reduced energy consumption and reduced operational cost of buildings as the top five benefits of retrofitting existing office buildings. Furthermore, project cost control; communication; efficient planning and regulatory approvals between the municipality and project manager; project schedule management and competency of the project manager were revealed as the top five CSF that influence retrofitting of existing office buildings. Recommendations include engagements between various stakeholders; cost benefits analysis; CSF at the beginning of retrofitting projects; changes in government regulations and policies to incentivise retrofitting projects; tenants’ inputs throughout projects, public and private sectors collaboration; availability of retrofitting information and inclusion of sustainability in the built environment tertiary curriculum
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    Robotics process automation implementation in a large South African insurer
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Sader, Mohamed; Sony, Michael
    Objective This report examines the direct and indirect impacts of robotic process automation (RPA) at Insurer X, a South African insurance company. The study will synthesize the results and key learnings into a roadmap for the successful implementation of RPA in other South African organizations and industries. The study also aims to contribute to the RPA body of knowledge and provides a platform for other researchers to build on. The study followed an inductive thematic approach to data analysis. Methodology This report is a qualitative case study design where the primary data collection method is semi-structured in-depth virtual interviews. Participants (Insurer X employees and an industry expert) were selected using a combination of purposive and convenience sampling to ensure knowledge of RPA and involvement in the project at Insurer X. This also ensured gender and role diversity and rich industry and RPA experience. Results and conclusion Nine participants were interviewed. The results indicate that RPA, directly and indirectly, benefited Insurer X across multiple areas, and these impacts are significant and, to a large extent, known; however, the indirect impact is unmeasured and not attributed to RPA. Twelve themes emerged when investigating critical success factors, learnings, and noteworthy barriers. These themes are synthesized into a roadmap for successful implementation. Implications for theory and practice The findings establish that significant direct benefits are achievable for insurance organizations wanting to pursue RPA in South Africa. There are also indirect benefits associated with RPA that can be measured if organisations are more deliberate upfront. There are key factors, learnings, and barriers that, if iii appropriately navigated from the start can increase the likelihood of success and the benefits achieved