Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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    The adoption of smart technologies in small-scale farming to promote local economic development in Mnquma Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Qutu, Bavulele; Pooe,T.K
    The thesis explores the adoption of smart technology by small-scale farmers within Mnquma Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa to enhance local economic development. It delves into the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in accessing and utilizing smart technology in this region, as well as the potential benefits it can bring to their farming practices and overall economic well-being.The research highlights the importance of technology adoption in improving agricultural productivity, market access, and sustainability for small-scale farmers. It discusses the various types of smart technologies available to farmers,such as smart phones, mobile apps, sensor-based systems, drones, satellites,autonomous tractors, and precision agriculture tools, and how these technologies can be tailored to suit the needs and constraints of small-scale farming operation in Mnquma Local Municipality. Furthermore, the thesis examines the role of government policies, private sector partnerships, and community initiatives in promoting the adoption of smart technology among small-scale farmers. It also discusses the potential challenges and barriers that may hinder the wide spreadadoption of these technologies, such as cost, infrastructure limitations, and digital literacy.The core argument of the thesis is that the strategic adoption of smart technology by small-scale farmers has the potential to drive local economic development,improve food security, and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities in Mnquma Local Municipality. It calls for collaborative efforts from various stakeholders to support and empower small-scale farmers in embracing and harnessing the benefits of smart technology for sustainable agricultural development
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    Exploring the mindsets and behaviours necessary for cultivating data-driven decision making within an organisation
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Jacobs, Jef Andreas; Ngubane, Samukelo; Wotela, Kambidima
    The advancement of data storage and processing technologies and the exponential growth in data generated by online activity and smart devices has stimulated a desire by organisations to be more data-driven in their decision making. Adopting a data-driven approach to decision making is associated with improved organisation performance and innovation. However, most organisations are struggling to realise these benefits because crafting clear data use strategies and cultivating a culture of data-driven decision making appears to be more challenging than investing in relevant technologies or implementing organisational processes. Given this situation, the purpose of this study is to investigate the mindsets and associated behaviours of leaders and their teams who are successfully leveraging data to improve market competitiveness or impact. Using a qualitative research strategy and semi-structured interview processes with six experienced professionals, this research paper identifies six mindsets and associated behaviours that senior decision makers should adopt to help overcome the common people related challenges that hinder effective data-driven decision making in organisations. Prime examples include senior leaders as data advocates who communicate and reflect of data-driven decisions and leaders who encourage quick experimentation with an openness to failure. Based on these findings the study recommends that senior decision makers, working in organisations that have invested in data related technologies and skills, acknowledge that their attitudes and behaviours have a direct impact on how successful any data strategy and investment will be. These influential leaders or managers need to understand and believe in the data- driven decision making process and they need to ensure the implementation of key activities that ensure informed actions are eventually taken on the back of data collected. Research in this field mostly predominantly discusses issues related to numerical techniques, technological innovations and studies around impact. This study contributesto the current body of knowledge by investigating leadership and managerial aspects of data use or Big Data in organisational decision making
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    Marketing strategy and business profitability in the South African FMCG industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Lephoko, Thembelihle Philladelphia; Quaye, Emmanuel
    This paper reviews the lay of the land of the FMCG Industry and identified technological challenges, intense competitor rivalry, and evolving consumer needs and demands as contributors that need to be considered during decision-making and marketing strategy development; an important force behind companies delivering profits. Big data analytics has gained widespread recognition as a revolutionary technology in both the academic and business arenas. With more companies launching initiatives dedicated to its implementation, there is still a lot of doubt regarding its potential to transform its operations. Through a literature review, the study revealed key factors of big data analytics and marketing strategy that influence profitability for South African FMCG companies, and it was furthe underpinned by a conceptual framework to test the relationship between the identified factors and profitability, all in the effort to implement the identified factors and constructs effectively. A cross-sectional quantitative study was executed to establish whether big data analytics has a significant relationship to profitability, furthermore, the study tested the usefulness of big data on marketing strategy as well as the rate at which it impacts profitability. The study was conducted on 150 individuals, with 88.1% of them being marketing professionals. SPSS was used as a statistical tool to test the hypotheses that were identified through the literature review. The key findings of this study recommends that FMCG companies focus their efforts on adopting an organizational culture that supports the usage and adoption of big data in decision-making, underpinned by the right technical and managerial skills to extrapolate actionable insights from the data, and forming them part of the marketing strategy process. The findings of the study will open South African FMCG companies’ eyes to the capabilities and benefits of big data and how their marketing strategies can be enhanced for greater organizational impact
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    The Road Accident Fund's Readiness to Adopt Big Data
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Monaetsa, Moloko; Munkuli, Bongani
    With the fast proliferation of data in numerous formats and from various sources, businesses can transform raw data into information that helps them comprehend their consumers' demands. The utilization of large data sets enables firms to make data-driven decisions. Although public institutions acknowledge the benefits of adopting big data, theyare hesitant to do so for a variety of reasons. Few studies have looked into the public sector's readiness to use big data. The current study looks into how open the public sector is to incorporate big data. The Technology Organisation Technology framework was used to examine how various technological, organizational, and environmental factors influence the preparedness of big data in government agencies. The present study employed a qualitative approach to gather data through face-to-face interviews, to assess the key factors that contribute to the preparedness of big data in the public sector. Three technological aspects, including the readiness of Information Communication Technology infrastructure, data security, and data integration, have been identified as crucial for the public sector's readiness to utilize big data. The readiness of the public sector for big data adoption was dependent on three organisational factors: management support, budgetary assistance, and clarity of objectives. Three environmental elements were deemed critical for preparing for big data adoption in the public sector: public acceptance, service providers, and external attitude. The people context, the skill level of engineers, the acquisition of data scientists, and the analytical skill level of management significantly influenced the big data adoption preparedness of public organizations.
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    The Impact of Big Data in Customer Retention in Telecommunications within South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Pereira, Clint; Chalomba, Nakuze
    The research methodology used a survey-based approach with a sample size of 123 individuals who are familiar with Big Data approaches. The survey employed a 7-point Likert scale to measure the impact of service quality, customer knowledge, advanced analytical techniques, and customer relationships on customer satisfaction and retention. Additionally, secondary research was conducted using data statistics to support the survey findings. The study found that personalized options and advanced analytics through Big Data approaches significantly impact customer retention and satisfaction. Service quality elements, such as dependability, tangibility, and assurance, positively correlated with customer satisfaction. However, improved customer service and relationships were not significantly correlated with customer retention. The research identified challenges in data management, security, and leadership skills, recommending organizations to address these issues through proper consent management, data security measures, and providing relevant training for executives. In summary, the study emphasizes the positive influence of Big Data techniques on customer retention and satisfaction in the South African telecommunication industry, providing valuable insights and implications for decision-makers
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    Use of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Autonomous Technologies in Mining Industry, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Nong, Setshaba; Sethibe, Tebogo
    The mining industry plays a convincing role globally in driving various industries and contributing to economic prosperity. Locally, South Africa is known for having some of the largest minerals reserves in the world, although it is burdened with challenges inhibiting its progress and competitiveness. It is, however, expected that with application of AI, ML and AT will be able to revolutionise the industry, changing its fortunes, which will increase its competitiveness globally in the process attract investment and contribute to its longevity. As a result of these benefits, this research sought to investigate implication of AI, ML, AT technologies implementation in the mining industry of South Africa. The technologies are considered novel, especially in the mining industry, making employing qualitative study appropriate to assess how the implementation is received by the industry including perceptions and its potential impacts. Key findings of the study indicate that these technologies have the capacity to change the trajectory of the South African mining industry by dealing with issues of safety, costs, labour and efficiency. There is also an opportunity to pursue additional resources locked in pillars, by depth and dangerous working conditions due to geological complexities. However, capital costs, the nature of narrow tabular ore bodies and variability of various conditions are found to be some of the inhibiting factors for implementations of these technologies. As a result, there is no mine that has implemented any of these technologies as a primary means of production. This research will measure current perceptions of industry stakeholders and insights, role of government, mining companies, and equipment manufacturing response. The research highlight areas of impact and challenges that will contribute to strategy development in the process contributing to its sustainability. It is important to consider application of theory of constraint which is a detailed analysis which can assist mining companies in identification of inherent challenges so as to be able to respond appropriately with solutions offered by AI, ML and AT
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    An exploratory study in South Africa: Big Data and auditing
    (2021) Petermann, Dimitri
    This study explores the latest development in audit technology: the adoption of Big Data in a South African context. It addresses three themes: whether there is a responsibility to incorporate Big Data when auditing financial statements under current auditing standards and if so, in what ways should Big Data be incorporated to evidence compliance with these standards. If not, under what circumstances such a responsibility may exist. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20participants. The individuals interviewed, among them external auditors, audit academics, and employees of audit regulators and professional bodies, have practical experience and demonstrable knowledge of the current auditing standards. A conventional content analysis was used to identify core themes in the interview and recommend areas for further research. Participants unanimously agree that there is an implied responsibility to enhance their digital acumen to meet the ethical requirements of an audit. Most of the participants suggest that risk assessment procedures should include data analytics, auditors should verify the reliability of client data and that the inclusion of Big Data in an audit depends on clients’ specific circumstances. This study is one of the first empirical accounts to provide a South African perspective on Big Data in auditing and to consider Big Data within the context of current auditing standards