Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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    Factors Influencing Digital Technology Adoption in the South African Freight Transport Sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Jaiswar, Sharday
    Considered essential to the functioning of the economy, the South African freight transport sector has experienced a decline in performance, negatively impacting South Africa’s global competitiveness and economic growth. Through benefit realisation, digital technology adoption has the potential to improve competitiveness and ultimately, enhance economic growth. With slow technology adoption rates observed in the South African freight transport sector, the research aimed to understand internal and external influencing factors of digital technology adoption, from an organisational context, within the sector. Furthermore, the influence of government support as a moderating factor was investigated. A combined theoretical framework was used for the study, consisting of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Technology-Organisation- Environment (TOE) framework. The quantitative research study utilised a survey to electronically collect data from freight transport organisations in South Africa, specifically in rail, port, pipeline and road industries. A stratified random sampling method was used, with sample size of 374. Key findings observed that perceived relative advantage, perceived ease of use of digital technologies and knowledge absorption capability were positively influencing internal factors, whereas competitive pressure and government support positively influenced the intention to adopt digital technologies from an external perspective. In addition, perceived ease of use of digital technologies mediated the relationship between perceived relative advantage and the intention to adopt digital technologies. Furthermore, government support as a moderator dampened the relationship between perceived ease of use of digital technologies and the intention to adopt digital technologies. The intention was to provide recommendations to enhance digital technology adoption for benefit realisation in the South African freight transport sector.
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    Enhancing livelihoods in Mhlakulo village in Eastern Cape through digital technology
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Majokweni, Yollanda; Mazonde, Nomusa
    In the rural expanse of the Eastern Cape, where prevailing socio-economic challenges include poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and unemployment, this study delves into the impact of digital technology access on livelihoods. Focused on the village of Mhlakulo, the research identifies a significant problem: the unequal opportunities for rural residents in business, visibility, and commerce due to limited digital access. The conceptual framework centres on the transformative potential of a proposed digital platform designed to offer crucial information on employment, SMME opportunities, and local services. This platform aims to foster connections among stakeholders, addressing disparities and instigating transformative changes in rural communities. The methodological approach involved a meticulous process of data collection through interviews and surveys tailored to the specific population and sample in Mhlakulo. Insights gathered through this approach comprehensively examined the impact of digital technology on livelihoods in the village. Key findings highlighted the pronounced influence of digital access on economic activities, showcasing the potential for improved employment opportunities, enhanced SMME engagement, and more efficient local service provision. The community's reliance on personal devices for digital access underscores the importance of reliable internet connectivity. Participants recognised the potential of digital access in supplementing traditional methods, indicating a potential coexistence rather than absolute replacement of traditional practices. Diverse levels of knowledge and skills in utilising digital technologies for businesses emerged as a key finding, reflecting the need for tailored support and training programs. Some participants actively integrate digital tools for daily planning and farm management, showcasing a proactive approach to leveraging technology. However, challenges related to data costs and unreliable internet
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    The effectiveness of detection and prosecution of cybercrime threats against companies in South Africa
    (niversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Naidoo, Shanine; Starosta, Alina
    The rise of digital technology has brought about many benefits to modern society. However, this advancement has also led to an increase in cybercrime activities, which has become a significant threat to individuals and organizations worldwide. In South Africa, cybercrime attacks against companies have become increasingly rampant, posing significant risks to their operations and even their existence. As a result, there is a growing concern about the effectiveness of the measures put in place to detect and prosecute cybercrime threats against companies. The purpose of this report is to investigate the efficiency of detecting and prosecuting cybercrime attacks against South African companies. While the term "cybercrime" encompasses a broad range of activities, this research will focus primarily on evaluating cybercrime threats that specifically target companies and their cybersecurity. The reason for this is that such attacks can have dire consequences on companies' operations and existence, ranging from financial losses to reputational damage. To achieve this objective, the study will pursue a twofold approach. Firstly, it will evaluate the effectiveness of South Africa's legislation in detecting and prosecuting cybercrime threats against companies. This includes a comprehensive examination of the legal frameworks and policies currently in place to combat cybercrime activities in the commercial sphere. Secondly, it will evaluate whether companies can rely on law enforcement agencies in South Africa to provide adequate protection against such threats. This will involve a critical analysis of the capacity and capability of law enforcement agencies to respond to cybercrime attacks against companies. The findings of this report will contribute significantly to the understanding of the effectiveness of detecting and prosecuting cybercrime attacks against South African companies. The recommendations made will provide valuable insights into how to improve the detection and prosecution of cybercrime threats in the commercial sphere. This study will be beneficial to policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and companies operating in South Africa, as it will help to enhance their understanding of the threats posed by cybercrime and the measures needed to mitigate them
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    Coaching executive leaders using digital platforms: a South Africa perspective
    (2022) Manual, Cindy
    In-person face-to-face coaching is slowly fading into the background as digital technology becomes more prominent in the way business is conducted. The advancement of digital technology was hastened by the Covid pandemic, forcing most business to adapt to a virtual space. As early as 2018, digital coaching was listed as the thirteenth trend in the coaching industry and by 2020, this had moved up to the second place. In a space of two years, its prominence in the industry moved 11 places, which likely was accelerated by the pandemic. Given this context, the main problem is understanding digital technology’s role in coaching executive leaders. The objective of this research paper was to explore coaches’ adaptation to the digital world and the influence the use of digital technology was having on the overall competency requirements of the coach. Cognitive Behavioural Coaching and Constructive Learning Theory forms the foundation of this research paper, and as the researcher was interested in the lived experiences of the research participants, an Interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was adopted. A total of eleven coaches were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the results of the transcribed interviews, resulting in several pertinent themes. The findings highlighted the speedy transition of experienced South African coaches from predominately in-person face-to-face coaching to a more hybrid coaching model with a heavier reliance on digital coaching and a preference to remain in the digital space. It also highlighted a need to revisit the competency requirements of coaches to include a digital component. The study gives insight into the change agility of more experience coaches and their ability to adapt to digital technology in a space dominated by in-person face-to-face methodology. It adds to the body of knowledge of how these coaches have transitioned during this time and also the rapid learning they had to adapt.
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    Coaching executive leaders using digital platforms: a South Africa perspective
    (2023) Manuel, Cindy
    In-person face-to-face coaching is slowly fading into the background as digital technology becomes more prominent in the way business is conducted. The advancement of digital technology was hastened by the Covid pandemic, forcing most business to adapt to a virtual space. As early as 2018, digital coaching was listed as the thirteenth trend in the coaching industry and by 2020, this had moved up to the second place. In a space of two years, its prominence in the industry moved 11 places, which likely was accelerated by the pandemic. Given this context, the main problem is understanding digital technology’s role in coaching executive leaders. The objective of this research paper was to explore coaches’ adaptation to the digital world and the influence the use of digital technology was having on the overall competency requirements of the coach. Cognitive Behavioural Coaching and Constructive Learning Theory forms the foundation of this research paper, and as the researcher was interested in the lived experiences of the research participants, an Interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was adopted. A total of eleven coaches were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the results of the transcribed interviews, resulting in several pertinent themes. The findings highlighted the speedy transition of experienced South African coaches from predominately in-person face-to-face coaching to a more hybrid coaching model with a heavier reliance on digital coaching and a preference to remain in the digital space. It also highlighted a need to revisit the competency requirements of coaches to include a digital component. The study gives insight into the change agility of more experience coaches and their ability to adapt to digital technology in a space dominated by in-person face-to-face methodology. It adds to the body of knowledge of how these coaches have transitioned during this time and also the rapid learning they had to adapt.