Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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Subject: search.filters.subject.SDG-9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

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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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    Assessing the role of Digital Technology in bridging the gender gap for women in South Africa’s Fintech industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Hassen, Zaahida; Magida, Ayanda
    Digital tech transforms finance and boosts inclusion. South Africa's fintech industry helps close gender gaps; research evaluates digital solutions to overcome barriers for women and promote progress in this evolving sector. Analysis shows how platforms and mobile banking improve inclusiveness for female empowerment towards financial equity across industries, including marginalised groups. This research aims to study how digital technology can reduce the gender gap in South Africa's fintech sector. The method used is quantitative, integrating the UTAUT framework and sampling 224 participants through a quota-based approach. Factors affecting women's acceptance of fintech are analyzed, including adoption levels, effort expectancy, social influence, enabling conditions, and behavioural intention for future trends among female professionals in the industry. The empirical analysis combined with experience-driven insights will enhance professional growth trajectories for underrepresented groups like females within larger organisational frameworks comprised mostly of elite bodies where access remains limited due to specific barriers hindering progressiveness. These efforts foster diversity, improve efficacy across value streams, and support the biodiversity agenda, increasing productivity when embraced rather than sidelined. South African women in fintech see digital tech as beneficial for financial inclusion and growth but face obstacles due to infrastructural and gender-specific work issues. Effort and social influence drive female utilisation of digital tech within the sector. Digital technology empowers South African fintech women for gender equality and economic growth. Suggestions include female-focused tech programs, inclusive regulatory policies, and collaborations between the government and private sector to promote diversity in fintech
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    The internal factors that influence incremental technological innovation in a South African organisation
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Gobind, Dhiyaksha; Magida, Ayanda
    In today’s fast-changing digital world, technological innovation is necessary for organisations to ensure long-term sustainability and market success. In large, complex organisations, numerous factors influence the success or failure of innovation. These factors can be categorised as technological, organisational, and environmental. This study explored the internal factors that influence incremental technological innovation in an organisation. Organisation X forms part of a federated business model and, as a result, has a shared technology platform. The study applied qualitative research methods with an interpretive paradigm that helped to evaluate the human experience and the understanding they attach to it. A purposive sampling method was applied using the researcher’s professional network to interview 12 participants at various management levels in the organisation. While there was a predetermined interview guide, the instrument format offered flexibility to explore the topics. The primary data collection method was in the form of online interviews on a cloud-based collaboration software. The data was analysed using the thematic analysis approach, and the results highlighted an interplay of the themes as they were interdependent. After applying the factors explored by the study within the technological, organisational, and environmental contexts, the research findings revealed significant areas that required focus and optimisation. The results indicated that organisational culture, processes, and leadership styles significantly influence technological innovation. The research provides practical recommendations to solve for the gaps and inefficiencies revealed by the study. These valuable recommendations include setting up Centres of Excellence, defining Proof of Concept strategies and reconfiguring project teams working on the latest technology innovations
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    Dynamics of digital servitisation transformation in earthmoving equipment dealerships
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Darko, Simon Yaw Osei; Alagbaoso, Manessah
    In the rapidly evolving earthmoving equipment industry, this study investigates the challenges and opportunities stemming from digital servitization transformation. As conventional dealership models face disruption from digital technologies, the necessity for adaptation to maintain competitiveness becomes evident. This research seeks to address the gaps in understanding regarding the transformation process and the implications of digital servitisation within this industry context. Drawing upon a conceptual framework that integrates principles of digital transformation and servitisation, the study examines the critical stages of transformation and the pivotal role of leadership. Qualitative methods, including interviews with 9 senior managers and executives from two earthmoving equipment dealerships, were employed to capture insights into the transformation journey, challenges encountered, and the leadership dynamics driving the process. Key findings underscore the multifaceted nature of digital servitization transformation, emphasizing the importance of strategic alignment, IT transformation, process digitization, organizational change, customer service innovation through artificial intelligence and machine learning and leadership adaptability. The research offers a structured framework to assist industry practitioners in effectively navigating the transformation journey. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the imperative for earthmoving equipment dealerships to embrace digital servitization as a strategic imperative for long-term viability. By providing actionable insights and guidance, the research advocates for proactive adaptation to capitalize on the opportunities presented by digital technologies, thereby ensuring sustainable growth and competitiveness in the digital era
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    The impact of artificial intelligence capabilities on organisational performance: an empirical study in the South African retail context
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Cronjé, Dylan Christo
    Developing the ability to undergo digital transformation with Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly crucial for retail organisations, given the rising occurrence of AI-driven activities within their organisations. This underscores the need to understand how retail organisations should structure themselves to leverage AI effectively and in what ways value can be attained. Within this context, this thesis investigates how AI capabilities can enhance organisational performance by prompting changes in critical organisational activities. Through a survey-based research approach, data was gathered from individuals within retail organisations in South Africa to explore the indirect impact of AI capabilities on organisational performance. A total of 145 participants from South Africa's retail sector were surveyed, and their responses were analysed using structural equation modelling with AMOS/ SPSS. The results indicate that AI capabilities positively influence process automation, cognitive insight generation, cognitive engagement, and innovativeness. While both process automation and innovativeness positively correlate with organisational performance, it was observed that cognitive insights and cognitive engagement do not significantly affect organisational performance. These findings explain the essential resources comprising an AI capability and highlight the consequences of nurturing such capabilities on critical organisational activities, thereby influencing organisational performance
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    Perceived barriers to digitalization by small-scale farmers Gauteng Province
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Choguya, Donald
    Digitalization in the fourth industrial revolution era has transformed many industries across the board. However, there are some that have been affected more than the others as depicted in the digital vortex. Lagging is the agricultural sector. This study was a quantitative research study that utilized a sample of 40 small-scale farmers to be representative of the Gauteng Province small-scale farmers. The research related the perceived barriers to digitalization and its impact to the agricultural activities of small-scale farmers in Gauteng Province. The data was analysed using the multiple regression analysis and correlation coefficient. Analysis of the results showed a massive gap between small-scale farmers and commercial farmers on the adoption of digitalization. Further analysis indicated that small-scale farmers were less likely to be impacted by digitalization to adopt technological utilization. It was also found that small-scale farmers were contributors to food production. Finally, it was also discovered that small-scale farmers were less established to adapt and adopt to digitalization in their agricultural activities due to various barriers. The recommendations were that there was need to do more research to find ways to bridge the gap to digitalization between small-scale farmers in Gauteng Province and commercial farmers. So that small-scale farmers in Gauteng Province especially the small-scale farmers in rural areas could also be exposed to the digitalization of operations to enable them to improve production
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    The role of digital technology in SME funding by Commercial Banks in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Chili, Philani; Manessah, Alagbaoso
    SMEs are the backbone of developing economies, playing an integral role in GDP growth and job creation. South Africa, inclusive of an informal sector, presents a wider SME market, which through adequate support, can contribute significantly to the economy. With the future growth of the economy and improved employment prospects majorly dependent on the contributions of the SME sector as avowed by the South African Government, the success of these constrained businesses is most important. SMEs in South Africa have an average age of five years, with lack of access to financing noted as one of the key inhibiting factors. Although the advent of technology has introduced new financial intermediation players, offering innovative products necessary to drive accessibility to financial services, optimising traditional banks’ larger resources could yield mass benefit. Unlocking the full funding potential of banks through modern technology is therefore critical to support the survive and thrive prospects of SMEs. This study endeavoured to understand existing relationships and the extent to which digital technology can be exploited to improve accessibility to bank funding by SMEs, using literature insights pertaining to information opacity and innovation challenges which stifle progressive SME lending. The study was underpinned by the Disruption Innovation Theory and Information Asymmetry Theory. Following a quantitative approach, structured survey questionnaire data collected from SMEs in South Africa was statistically analysed. SMEs that attempted (whether successfully or not) to obtain funding from traditional banks were of particular interest. Although innovation and technology adoption seemed to drive accessibility to bank funding whilst lack of engagement with innovation activities hindered it, both showed weak correlations and had no statistical significance. Intriguingly, ‘age of business’ showed a statistically significant correlation with accessibility to bank funding, a result that is pertinent to the survival factors of SMEs and warrants further exploration. Whilst SMEs provide a reliable proxy to improved SME lending by banks, it is imperative that perspectives of the banks are included in such a study to make a meaningful contribution to academic research aimed at unearthing relationships that start to edge closer to an optimal SME lending model. In the meantime, the onus lies with SMEs to minimise information opacity and improve fundability through technology as they navigate a somewhat rigid traditional bank system.
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    A study into the identification of human factors in digital transformation in a South African rail logistics company
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Chikirwa, Lloyd Michael
    As world industries rapidly move towards digital transformation (DT), organisations are making concerted efforts to become more sustainable in the face of technological revolution. DT has become a compelling necessity for organisations looking for a competitive edge. However, understanding how human elements affect DT’s adoption in South Africa's freight logistics industry remains largely unexplored. The investigation aimed to close this gap by inquiring into the human elements of DT, emphasising digital leadership, digital culture, digital talent, and DT relationships. Over 180 senior management employees of Company X were surveyed. The responses were analysed, and the validity of the hypotheses was assessed utilising Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Amos version 28 structural equation modelling (SEM). The results confirmed that digital leadership significantly impacted digital culture and talent. As such, digital leadership plays a central part in ensuring favourable outcomes for DT. While digital culture positively influenced DT, the same was not established for the impact of digital talent on DT. The result contradicted previous research findings and justified further study. Overall, the outcomes emphasise the value of human elements in successful DT. Consequently, organisations commencing with DT should prioritise digital leadership, culture, and talent as strategic levers for DT's success
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    Integration of cooperative business model in the South African taxi industry: A case study of Johannesburg municipality
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Yende, Valela John; Appiah, Erasmus
    The objective of this business venture is to establish a cooperative minibus transportation organization structured around shared ownership. Members of this cooperative will be drawn from the DORLJOTA and FARADAY Taxi Associations, both active in the Johannesburg metro area. This cooperative will operate independently from traditional taxi associations, with its own operational protocols, policies, and governance structures. This venture aims to provide taxi owners with opportunities to explore new markets and business segments. By participating in the cooperative, members will not only diversify their revenue streams but also access skills development programs for themselves and their drivers. Additionally, they will gain valuable business insights and achieve economies of scale through efficient fleet management. The primary goal of the proposed cooperative is not to disrupt the current operations of minibus taxis serving predominantly low-income communities. Instead, it seeks to introduce a specialized taxi service catering to the urban middle class. This service will offer competitive pricing comparable to e-hailing services, adhere to stringent policies, and provide the urban middle class with a reliable public transport option. By doing so, this initiative offers two-fold benefits: cooperative members expand their income sources while the urban middle class gains access to a more affordable alternative to costly e-hailing services and private vehicle ownership. The growing challenges faced by urban vehicle owners, including high ownership costs, rising fuel prices, and traffic congestion, highlight the need for such initiatives. This cooperative venture will selectively recruit taxi owners with well-maintained vehicles, positioning them as both shareholders and clients. The vehicles provided by owners and associations constitute the primary assets enabling the business to serve middle-class commuters. Recognizing the greater spending power of the urban middle class, the business will price its services, accordingly, setting itself apart from traditional taxi services.
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    The Impact of Digital Banking Amongst South African Consumers
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Suthan, Dhivaker Navin Mahadev; Magida, Ayanda
    In light of the constant and swift evolution of digital banking, it is imperative that consumers quickly adapt to these changes. The advancements in technology are having a significant impact on businesses' strategic objectives and business models, as they are altering consumer behavior and expectations. As a result, numerous organizations have modified their business platforms in order to enhance their competitive edge by offering proximate and efficient solutions to consumers, thus influencing their approach to conducting business. This research aimed to elucidate the effects of digital banking on consumers and their inclination to modify their behavior, utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as primary frameworks. The research methodology employed in an online survey, utilising a sample population of 240 respondents. The research effort was specifically focused on establishing if consumers are impacted, either positively or negatively due to technological advancements in digital banking. The primary data suggests that a significant number of individuals aged 46 or older in South Africa are hesitant to fully embrace digital banking. On the other hand, consumers between the ages of 18 and 45 appear more inclined to shift from traditional banks to digital-focused banks, such as Tyme Bank, Discovery Bank, or Bank Zero. The limited access to the internet in South Africa may be a factor contributing to the underutilization of digital banking by consumers.