Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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    The influence of organisational learning in defining digital strategies within South African banks
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Massango, Alcinda; Alagbaoso, Manessah
    This study investigates the role of organizational learning (OL) in the formulation of digital strategies (DS) within the context of South African (SA) banks. It employs a qualitative approach and drawing upon a comprehensive literature review and empirical data collected from interviews with key stakeholders, the study examines the critical elements, challenges, and enablers inherent in integrating OL into DS formulation processes. The findings underscore the pivotal role of OL in shaping agile and responsive digital strategies that enable banks to navigate the dynamic digital landscape and drive sustainable growth. Key themes identified include the importance of clear organizational vision and strategic alignment, investment in talent development, cultivation of an agile and flexible organizational culture, and effective communication and knowledge-sharing practices. The study concludes by offering strategic recommendations for SA banks to enhance their digital capabilities and achieve strategic objectives through the effective integration of OL into DS formulation processes. Additionally, limitations encountered during the study are discussed, and suggestions for future research are presented
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    Digital Transformation Initiatives in Gauteng Provincial Government
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Makhubele, Nomsa Tintswalo; Genga, Cheryl
    Digital transformation is a crucial aspect of modernising the public sector in South Africa. The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has been leading the implementation of various digital technologies to improve efficiency and citizen engagement. One of the digital transformation initiatives implemented in Gauteng is e-recruitment, which aims to streamline the hiring process. This qualitative study used a purposive sampling of HR personnel to investigate the acceptance of e-recruitment in the Gauteng Provincial Government, which has fourteen provincial departments. The study was conducted using focus group interviews to understand the general experience that the HR officials have with the e-recruitment system, its impact and effectiveness, and how these relate to digital transformation. A study sample of ten (10) HR personnel participated in the study. The study's findings indicated that while e-recruitment is perceived as user- friendly and advantageous, its benefits were outweighed by several drawbacks. Inadequate IT infrastructure, a deficiency in customer engagement tools, and a lack of core process and workforce enablement were identified as factors that diminished the perceived benefits of the system. These drawbacks can influence an organisation's digital transformation journey. It is recommended that Gauteng address its Digital Application and Impact dimensional elements urgently. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring that Gauteng maximizes the return on its investment and fast-tracks its digital transformation. The study confirmed that in the enterprise context, such as public service, where adoption is mandatory, a lack of perceived benefits does not necessarily lead to system abandonment, but it can affect its digital transformation. System adoption can be sustained if one of the two factors of TAM is in place, as was the case with the ease of use sustaining the use of the system alongside the departmental strategy of digital transformation and modernisation
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    The implementation of digital transformation in the South African retail industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Nkosi, Mathandi; Magida, Ayanda
    Many organisations across all industries are pressured to re-think and re-imagine theirorganisational structures, processes and business models in light of the digital era. Thisincrease has disrupted organisations, as technology is changing how organisationsoperate, and most are pressed to move from their original business models. Thistransformation of business models, processes and business outcomes enabled by anorganisation’s ability to apply new digital technologies to transform their current businessmodels and processes is referred to as Digital Transformation. Organisations withsuccessful DT implementation have recorded benefits in interacting with their customers.It also results in streamlined business processes and the creation of new business models.This study explored the current understanding, implementation drivers, and challenges ofDT implementation within the SA retail sector, focusing on those in leadership positionsand DT SMEs to gain insight into the current status quo and identify any misalignmentswithin the sector. This exploratory study examines the implementation of DigitalTransformation (DT) in the South African retail sector. Semi-structured interviews wereused to conduct this study to explore the participants’ experiences and knowledge; thestudy participants were individuals who were in leadership positions or were DT subjectmatter experts.Some of the key research findings from the study established the understating of DT inthe retail sector when participants defined DT as inclined towards process changes,process improvements, and transformation of the organisation. E-commerce emerged asa key DT trend within the retail sector
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    Leadership during Digital Transformation in the South African Banking Sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mahadeo, Zane Jonathan; Mazonde, Nomusa
    This paper investigated the pivotal role of leadership in the context of digital transformation within the South African (SA) banking sector. The study delved into the various leadership styles, competencies, and practices adopted by banking leaders to propel digital transformation initiatives. As part of this research, qualitative research methods, were applied which included in-depth interviews with senior leaders in the SA banking sector. Through their perceptions and experiences the research sought to uncover critical leadership practices, including the identification of the most suitable leadership styles, the cultivation of a digital culture, and the implementation of effective change management strategies. Moreover, the paper aims to identify the current challenges faced by leaders in navigating the digital transformation landscape. This research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on leadership during digital transformation in the SA banking sector. It will also enable organisation to harness the full potential of digital advancements and implement competitive strategies to succeed in the ever-evolving banking industry
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    Digital skills development at a global assurance, tax and advisory consulting firm in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Saley, Azhar; Gobind, J.
    Digital technology continues to evolve, and the way employees work is constantly changing. To keep up with the rapid technological developments and compete in the digital economy, organisations need a digitally skilled workforce with the skills and capabilities required to drive digital transformation. However, a qualification audit conducted by the Consultancy X HR team in February 2022 indicated that the qualifications and certifications of employees do not equip them with the skills required to support the consultancy's digital transformation journey. The purpose of this study was to investigate the low uptake in digital skills development for employees at a global assurance, tax and advisory consulting firm in South Africa. This study followed a qualitative research design, and data was collected through semi-structured interviews, which involved the researcher conducting 60-minute virtual interviews with 9 participants to collect in-depth insights and data from participants on their perceptions of digital transformation and the digital skills uptake at Consultancy X, the impact of the emerging technologies on their roles and the effectiveness of the organisation's current digital skills development approach. The thematic analysis technique was used to analyse the themes and patterns in the feedback from participants. The study found that the low uptake in digital skills development at Consultancy X was primarily due to time constraints resulting in digital skills development not being prioritised, lack of exposure to digital technologies/skills and resistance to change from employees. The findings also revealed that the organisation’s current digital skills development approach is ineffective due to limited resources being available to support digital skills development and leadership not actively driving digital skills development. However, employees are willing to learn and adopt emerging technologies if they have clarity on the objectives/benefits of the technology; the technology is user-friendly and saves them time. Recommendations were made that may assist the leadership team at Consultancy X in increasing the uptake in digital skills development
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    The Enablers and Hinderances of Digital Transformation in a South African Corporate Bank
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Pillay, Jared; Alagbaoso, Manessah
    The success of many firms in the age of the fourth industrial revolution depends on the astuteness and pace of their response to digital transformation (DT). DT is a business phenomenon that is yet to be fully understood across industries and sectors. In the banking industry, most research pertaining to DT has focused on retail banking. There is very little research about DT in corporate banks and no research about it in a South African corporate bank, to the best of the researcher’s knowledge. The purpose of this research study was to assess DT in a South African corporate bank (referred to as “CIB”) by focusing on the following objectives: assessing the DT journey of CIB, assessing the digital maturity level of CIB, and investigating the enablers and hinderances of DT in CIB. The study adopted a qualitative research design and used a case study strategy of enquiry. Twelve participants that comprised executives, leaders, and employees of the bank were purposively selected and interviewed to generate rich data. The research findings showed that CIB is a complex environment with customer segments, products, and services that exhibit different characteristics related to volume and variation. CIB has achieved much progress regarding DT in a relatively short while. However, there are hinderances to DT that emanate from an imbalance in top-down and bottom-up strategies, the absence of a unifying digital vision, a conservative approach to innovation, misalignment with the greater banking group, and a lack of consistent basic digital knowledge. At a high level, this study recommends that CIB considers the elements of strategy and vision, people and culture, process and governance, and technology capabilities that are discussed at length in this research report to formulate a unified business strategy and vision for DT amongst other recommendations. The complexity of corporate banking means that DT will most likely have boundaries because of the necessity of physical engagement, and the requirement for human cognitive abilities, creativity, and ingenuity is likely to remain in this environment for longer than in most other sectors and industries.
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    The Role of Leadership in Driving Digital Transformation in the South African Financial Services Sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ngxola, Nomonde; Gobind, Jenika
    The purpose of the research is to provide an all-encompassing definition of Digital Transformation (DT) amid a sea of definitions and propose drivers that leaders operating in the South African Financial Services Sector can use to drive Digital Transformation within their respective organisations, not only as a mere project but also being mindful of the personal influence their role as leaders has on the success of a DT process (Bordeaux, 2019). From a systematic review of 100 peer-reviewed articles, the literature suggests there are seven common and key drivers of the Digital Transformation process. These were identified as digital business strategy, a review or augmentation of the organisations business model, big data-driven processes, process automation, customer centricity, digital competency, and culture (Bhardwaj et al., 2013). The literature also reflects the influential role that leaders play in the DT process through their traits and abilities (Kaidalova, Sandkuhl & Seigerroth, 2018). A close examination was made of the evolution of leadership theories: The Great Man Theory being the starting point, was premised on the leader’s abilities resting solely upon leader themself, believed to be born with a set of traits and behaviour that automatically deemed them leadership worthy (Cherry, 2019). During this era, the notion of leader development and training was not given thought (Hartl & Hess, 2017). The leader was according to this theory born and carried their own innate talents and capabilities to lead devoid any form of development and advancing. The paper seeks to explore the evolution of leadership theories that evolved from the trait and behavioural theories to that of transformational leadership, which looks specifically at leaders in relation to their subordinates to the latest DT theories to test for similarities, plus outliers when considered with respect to the methodological finding Additionally, the research incorporated notable barriers to the digital transformation process as noted by the leaders that were interviewed in the study. Themes of digital denialism, deflation and discomfort surfaced and were explored at length. vi The study adopted an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach compromising of qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews using creative methods of extraction. The population sampled consisted of a group of Chief Information Officers, Chief Technology Officers, and Digital Heads of Business.
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    The perceived impact of Emerging Technologies on Cybersecurity in the South African financial sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Philips, Denzil; Pillay, Kilu
    This study is based on the investigation of what is the perceived impact of emerging technologies on cybersecurity in South African financial institutions. New and emerging technologies have made significant advancements in many industries that can be very disruptive in nature, and the majority of these technologies have changed the cyber threat landscape as well. These include, among other things, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The study offers insight into how these emerging technologies affect the cybersecurity of financial institutions in South Africa. The study consisted of Information technology risk and cybersecurity individuals. The sample size of 11 individuals was seen as sufficient based on the spread across the financial sector and the experience within the various industries. The individuals were from banks, insurers and market infrastructures within the South African financial sector. The sample focused on key financial institutions specifically banks, insurers, and market infrastructures, based in different provinces in South Africa such as Johannesburg and Cape Town where the impact could be systemic in the country. A qualitative study was adopted by the researcher based on systems theory to determine the relationship between the adoption of emerging or new technologies and the impact it has on cybersecurity. There were various responses from the different institutions, focusing on the adoption of emerging technologies, the effects of this adoption on the cybersecurity environment, the risk and vulnerability management processes, and the ability to adapt and respond to new cybersecurity risks introduced by emerging technologies. The results of the study found that there is a clear link between the adoption of emerging technologies and the increase in cybersecurity requirements with emerging technologies significantly impacting the cybersecurity domain/functio
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    Digital Transformation Opportunities and Challenges in the South African Mining Sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mthimkhulu, Ntokozo; Magida, Ayanda
    The sustainability of the South African mining sector is under threat due to multiple factors affecting the sector, these include high production, and labour costs, the decline in global commodities prices, aging infrastructure, plant and equipment, and strict health, safety, and environmental regulations. Most South African mining companies are operating old mines that are reaching their end of life. Therefore, South African mining companies are looking for innovative ways to remain sustainable and competitive. The purpose of this research was to understand the potential Digital Technologies and Solutions that the South African mining sector can adopt, in addition to explore some of the Drivers and perceived Barriers to their adoption in their mining and operationsprocesses. A qualitative, exploratory research method was used to conduct the study, and thematic approach analysis was employed to explore the study objective. Nine participants were interviewed from different South African mining companies operating different commodities, and only participants in senior, middle, and junior management roles were selected for this study. Participants’ interview responses were recorded, and transcribed, and data analysis using a thematic approach was applied. Six themes emerged from the data analysis; these themes were composed of twenty-five categories. These categories were identified as drivers and barriers for South African mining companies to adopt potential digital technology and solutions in their mining and operations. The barriers due to the South African mining sector’s complex environment were identified as the reasons for the slow adoption of digital technologies and solutions by the mining sector. The mining sector must adopt digital technologies and solutions that are suitable for their environment
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    The factors influencing the adoption and sustainability of digital technologies by healthcare providers in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-04) Mhlauli, Luyanda; Magida, Ayanda
    Healthcare has become the most rapidly growing sector in developing and developed countries due to it being a constitutional right and its importance in maintaining the lives of citizens in South Africa. Evidence shows that the quality and access to health care in South Africa face several challenges which date back to the history of the country and the increasing burden of disease. Despite several initiatives and interventions that have been implemented, the state of the healthcare system continues to deteriorate. The effect of rapid technology change has resulted in the emergence of digital health technologies which aim to transform the industry by reducing costs, improving efficiencies, introducing new players in the healthcare value chain and empowering patient and healthcare players with information that enables improved health outcomes. Despite, recognising the benefits of digital health technologies to address the challenges that the sector experience, the successful implementation of these solutions has been limited. The purpose of this study is to understand the factors influencing the intended adoption and sustainability of digital transformation technologies in the South African Healthcare sector. The factors influencing the intended adoption and sustainability of digital technologies are uncovered by understanding the critical factors experienced by various stakeholders in the South African healthcare sector value chain which include the implementation, funding, technology partnerships, technology development, governance, research, healthcare provision, and usage of healthcare services when adopting digital health technologies The findings revealed that several digital health technologies have been implemented across South Africa, however, the focus of technologies has been on the smaller populated private sector. Data also showed that the implementations spanned across the common solutions of mHeatlh, eHealth, and telemedicine and are underpinned by AI, ML, Big Data and predictive analytics. However, the anticipated benefits are not being realised by the greater South Africa to improve health outcomes and improve the access and quality of healthcare