Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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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.
Challenges of hybrid working in the Sub-Saharan mining industry
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Dube, Miriam
The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to hybrid working models. Several industries especially in information technology had started implementing the different working models and post Covid-19 more and more industries started adopting the hybrid working models. Mining companies resorted back to the traditional on site in office working however this won’t be long as research indicates that more employees are opting for flexibility that comes with hybrid work models. The future of work theme is receiving a lot of attention because of how technologies through the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) will change how we work. To facilitate a smooth transition to hybrid working models mining companies in Sub Sahara Africa (SSA) must address challenges that impede hybrid working models. During Covid when employees worked remotely mining companies experienced challenges which include poor infrastructure that did not support working from home, employees failing to use the available technology and some social impacts related to work life balance. Existing research also indicates the challenges of hybrid working models; however, it only covers certain industries and continents. The challenges ultimately affected the productivity of the employees, and the mining companies were forced to revert to the traditional working model. As far as we know, no previous research has investigated the challenges for mining companies in SSA. The study seeks to determine the challenges of hybrid working models in the mining industry how the mining companies can navigate through these challenges as they prepare for the future of work. The study has significant benefits to the mining organisation and its managers as it will assist them in identifying challenges of hybrid working and formulating means of embracing this the future of work. The self-determination theory (SDT) and resource-based view theory (RBV) frameworks were used to link existing knowledge to this research. Qualitative research was used to collect, process, and analyse the data for this research. Through in-depth interviews of participants in Ghana, South Africa Tanzania and Guinea, the researcher formulated themes that enabled the analysis of the findings. The research revealed the challenges of hybrid working models in SSA mining industry and how management could navigate these. There is opportunity for further research, and all this is outlined in this research.
The role of data analytics in formulating a business model in the South African metals manufacturing sector
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Maimela, Kelebogile; Munkuli, Bongani
Technological advancements are a contributing factor to the success of any business, especially with globalisation mandating flexibility within businesses. The survival of the metals manufacturing companies is dependent on many variables, but the focus will be placed on the role of data analytics in business models. A quantitative approach was used to collect the data utilising Qualtrics software and data were recorded on Excel before being coded and then loaded onto the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software system. All employees in the metals manufacturing companies in South Africa made up the population for this study. The results revealed a relationship between data analytics and business insight involved in developing a business model. In the absence of data, the level of success in decision making is compromised. Over 80 percent of respondents emphasised the importance of data required in making decisions. The ability to make informed decisions gives companies a competitive edge, but a dynamic capability is evidenced through people’s experience in data analysis. The data collected were analysed using quantitative data analysis tools such as chi-squared tests and Cramer’s phi tests, which indicated that data play a pivotal role in developing business models
Examining the technologies and practices that can help SA mining industries meet carbon blueprint reductions
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Lakhna, Adheesh; Oro, Ufuo Oro
Mining has always been regarded as a black sheep due to its legacies of environmental accidents, pollution, and safety incidents. However, for economies to grow, they need energy and energy requires metals to generate, transmit and store power. These metals are mostly sourced from mining and so as the world changes to cleaner and greener energy options, it is only fitting that mining equipment also becomes more environmentally friendly and keep up with the times. Heavy mining equipment such as ultra class dumptrucks and face shovels have 2-3MW diesel engines which can easily burn hundreds of litres of diesel per hour (Komatsu, 2022). Diesel has been the fuel of choice for many years due to its developed supply chains, ease of storage, high energy density and reliable engines. High fuel consumptions coupled with increasing fuel prices and deepening mines means that in addition to increasing expenses and pressure from environmental organisations, South African mines are becoming more and more carbon intensive. In December of 2015, at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris, an international treaty on climate change was adopted by 195 parties. This treaty also known as the Paris agreement was a landmark agreement since this was the first legally binding treaty aimed at fighting climate change (United Nations Climate Change, 2015). The Paris agreement covered many items but these are some of the most crucial ones; Long-term temperature goals with the aim of restricting global temperature increases to below 2 degrees Celsius or even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius; National Adaptation Plans which outlines plans and actions for different nations based on their needs and priorities; Finance, technology and capacity-building support that addresses developed countries providing financial assistance to less endowed countries for adaption and accelerating technology development
Factors affecting individual job performance of software developers in Gauteng, South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Brink, Eugene; Penman, Neale
Orientation The orientation of the study lies towards the human resources and managerial fields and focuses on the work performance of individual software developers within the Gauteng area of South Africa. The study attempts to address the question: “Which factors are important in contributing to the individual work performance of a software developer, and how important are each of these factors?”. Research Purpose The purpose of the research is to identify and quantify the magnitude and statistical significance of factors that affect the individual job performance of software developers. Motivation for the study There is a gap in existing academic literature on individual job performance for software developers. The motivation for the study is to contribute to this gap in knowledge. Results from the study could likely assist in reshaping human resource development and recruitment practises in the software development field. Research approach/design and method Software developers were surveyed and scored against a set criterion for performance. Factors that have been noted in literature to influence individual job performance, as well as factors stemming from informal conversation with those in the industry were measured at an individual level. A correlation and a stepwise exploratory regression analysis were used to identify and quantify factors influencing job performance of the individual software developer. Main findings Individual Performance was found to be a multilinear and complicated variable to quantify. Instead, the variable was broken up into task performance and contextual performance with total performance some superposition of both variables. Self-Esteem, Achievement Motivation and Work-Life Balance were noted as the most important personal factors in determining task performance. Self-Esteem and Job Satisfaction were considered the most important factors in determining contextual performance. Notably, quality of education, formal or informal, had no correlation to performance. Practical/managerial implications Self-Esteem was a high-quality predictor of both task and contextual performance. For this reason, further study at corporate level is strongly suggested to find ways of improving or fostering this personal attribute to maximise software developer performance. A similar argument can be made for Achievement Motivation and Job Satisfaction. Overall, the study highlighted and provided empirical evidence supporting fostering and maintaining good emotional health within the workplace. In turn, this will lead to higher individual job performance scores. The results also challenge the widespread practise of only appointing and recruiting degreed candidates for junior software developer roles, as there is no supporting evidence to suggest higher educated individuals have higher task or contextual performance scores
The impact of digitalisation on the employment rate in the South African financial services industry
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mokhabuki, Makoma Tiny; Lee, Gregory
This study aims to determine the impact of digitalisation on the employment rate in South Africa, with specific reference to the financial services industry. Many revolutions have been seen globally, from the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras to Agricultural Revolutions and the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Industrial Revolutions. Technological changes and a significant movement in employment and unemployment have occurred with these revolutions. The study seeks to determine how technological advancements through digitalisation have impacted the employment rate in the South African financial services industry. A survey questionnaire was used to invite views from people employed in the financial services industry. The purpose of the survey was to determine perceptions regarding the introduction of technologies within the working environment and their impact on employee movements. The questionnaire also invited views on whether further introductions of technologies would create efficiencies and if this would impact their team sizes. An analysis was made using Qualtrics and SPSS on the data received. The findings indicate that introductions to technology’s impact on employment are complex as it depends on various variables such as the type of skills which the employees possess and those which are required by the employer. Firstly, introductions in technology can cause structural unemployment, which is, in essence, only temporary. The introduction of technology causes unemployment in those occupational levels whereby the work is repetitive and can therefore be automated. In contrast, introducing technology causes employment in jobs requiring cognitive and abstract thinking and, therefore, cannot be automated. Within the financial services industry in South Africa, it was found that more employees in skilled positions were retrenched or transferred due to technology introductions. However, this was reduced by increased recruitment in professional positions requiring more technical skills and cognitive thinking. It was concluded that the advancement of technology should not be rolled out at a pace that would lead to a net unemployment rate; however, it should be rolled out efficiently, resulting in more employment in cognitive tasks
Evaluating the impact of Fourth Industrial Revolution on Education in the rural areas in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Chavalala, Miehleketo; Larbi, Lee
The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the impact of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on education in rural areas in South Africa. This research investigates the following objectives, which are: the impact of 4IR technologies on education and how these technologies can improve the education system in primary and secondary schools in South Africa; the quality of education system in South Africa and factors contributing to the poor education system; how to bridge the gap between the marginalised communities, rural public schools, and urban private schools. The study is focused on public schools in the rural areas in South Africa. Qualitative research strategy has been applied in this research study, interviews have been conducted to afford the researcher an opportunity to interact with stakeholders from the education sector and telecommunication industry. The sample and targeted population of the interviewees are educators from rural schools, former students from rural schools who are in the ICT sector, educators from higher education and 4IR committee member(s). The research strategy applied has been relevant and provided the researcher with a unique in-depth involvement and understanding of the issues contributing to poor education in South Africa. The literature conducted in this study research exhibit that the interview schedule was the most suitable instrument to use to collect data for this research study. One of the findings in this research study is that the powers of administering schools are invested in School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and School Management Teams (STMs). Many parents in rural schools who form part of these bodies are not well-educated and can hardly make an informed decision to benefit learners. Therefore, the adoption of 4IR will centralise the education system and provide equal benefits to learners across the country. The adoption of 4IR on education will have a positive impact and enhance learners’ development in rural areas through robotics concepts. The findings of this research study show that the Department of Basic Education and the South African government are not ready for Fourth Industrial Revolution. However, iv there are signs for opportunities. The findings show the obstacles that can delay the adoption of 4IR to facilitate teaching and learning in rural public schools to bridge the gap that exist between rural public schools and private schools in the cities. The findings show that 4IR can transform the South African education system to compete with the world by producing scholars that are innovative and creative. The findings indicate how communities can transform through digital infrastructure developments to accommodate 4IR in learning in rural schools. This research study’s findings indicate ways in which the South
Challenges and Opportunities for Innovation in the South African Mining Industry
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ntlhoiseng, Tshepo Mmeko Phistos; Murimbika
Rising costs, diminishing ore grades, labour conflicts, and low-profit margins are all problems facing South Africa's mining industry. Along with external factors, such as global pressures, domestic factors have hindered the mining industry's economic recovery, leading to the loss of jobs, the closure of mines and the departure of certain international mining corporations. Throughout the country's history, the mining industry in South Africa has been recognised as a critical driver of economic development and job creation. The need to innovate for increased productivity is especially pressing in this sector, as it continues to be a significant source of employment in South Africa. The study set out to look into the challenges and opportunities for innovation in the South African mining sector. Exploratory, qualitative research was chosen to learn about the mining industry and its innovation potential. This study aimed to examine the gold and platinum mining industry specifically. Eleven interviews with top mining industry executives were undertaken. Thematic analysis was used to delve deeper into the industry's challenges and opportunities for innovation. The study revealed that organisational issues such as change management, stakeholder engagement, and the availability of finances, among others, hinder innovation. External elements, such as mining regulations, inhibit or enable innovations in the mining sector. Moreover, there are four areas where operational efficiency can be enhanced. According to the findings of this research, energy, transportation, big data, communication, and explosives have been highlighted as areas where innovation opportunities exist. Change management and stakeholder involvement were also identified as crucial areas requiring new solutions for effective operations to foster innovation.
Community Group Buying (CGB): Improving Stokvel Grocery Procurement through Technology
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Nong, Ntombimpela Twala; Fanny, Saruchera
At a time when technology is becoming entrenched in how we do things both in business and our day-to-day activities, Stokvels' use remains a challenge. Stokvels are a popular form of informal savings and investment groups in South Africa, with over 11 million SouthAfrican population participating annually. Despite grocery Stokvels' popularity and potential to encourage a savings culture, purchasing goods is mainly done manually, negatively impacting efficiency. This study sought to assess the extent to which South African stokvels use technology in their day-to-day operations up to procurement, to determine why some stokvels do not use technology and explore the challenges and problems experienced by stokvels in the townships and rural areas in Gauteng because of manual processes. The study further sought to explore how technology could improve the running of the stokvel up to the point of procurement while understanding the technology retail stores use to support stokvels in their procurement process. A qualitative approach was used as the primary research strategy to gather in-depth and insightful information from four focus groups based in townships and rural areas in the Gauteng region. The study found that while the use of technology in the procurement process of grocery in Stokvels is not widespread, there is potential for significant benefits if technology is integrated into the procurement steps, such as aggregating Stokvel members' needs (consolidating the bulk grocery list) into one platform, allowing Stokvels to evaluate different suppliers and be able to view quotations and negotiate for best prices and discounts from retails on a digital platform. The study concluded that the age factor, limited technology literacy, a lack of proper governance structures, and a lack of appropriate technical skills and training were the key challenges experienced by stokvels in the townships and rural areas in Gauteng because of their manual processes. To address the several procurement challenges that emerged from the study, stokvels can leverage technology to streamline their procurement processes. This can be achieved with online procurement platforms and mobile applications specifically designed for stokvels. The study recommends investing in training and skills development for stokvel members to close the technology skill gap and build trust.
The impact of Leadership on employee engagement at a telecommunications Organisation in Johannesburg
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ncube, Ntobeko Amanda
This research paper examined the impact of leadership on employee engagement at a telecommunications organisation in Johannesburg. The study focused on the impact of leadership at the pinnacle of technological advancements while working in a hybrid model. The digitalisation of organizations, accelerated by the Covid 19 pandemic, has resulted in a shift in leadership and how they interact with employees, necessitating the study. The objective of the study is to understand the factors that lead to employee disengagement in these technology times and hybrid ways of work, understand the current leadership trends and also look at some of the factors that will effectively increase engagement. The telecommunications industry is critical in ensuring that in these times people and business are able to connect to conduct business anywhere in the world and have the capability it takes to deliver on this connectivity in South Africa and the rest of the world. The study therefore seeks to assist the telecommunications company to improve on engagement levels of their staff, who are their key resources in helping the company achieve their strategic goals. This was a qualitative study that utilise semi-structured interviews to collect data from the sample size selected from the company. A stratified sampling method was used to select participants that would be able to represent a certain group in the organisation in order to get representation. The data was analysed using axial coding which is basically the process of linking code (categories and concepts) to one another using a combination of inductive and deductive reasoning. The results indicated that there are key areas of improvements such as strategy communication, recognition, ensuring work life balance and enabling career growth. The trends showed that there are global trends around challenges in burnout and work life balance, a general shift in leadership requirements and identified capabilities that future leaders must have. There were also indicated strides that the company has taken like their focus on driving engagement and a passion for growing the company making employees feel like they are part of a bigger cause.

Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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