Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Virtual reality

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Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Consumer acceptance and adoption of metaverse environments in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Malebana-Metsing, Sekete; Alagbaoso, Manessah
    This research focuses on the acceptance and adoption drivers of metaverse (virtual world) environments in South Africa. In particular, it explores the influence of enabling technology, digital identity, access to economic resources in the form of virtual currencies and alternative digital payment capabilities as motivators of metaverse acceptance. The effect of an individual’s social circle is also examined in detail. The theoretical model used in this research is the Universal Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The study used a cross-sectional, quantitative methodology that followed a positivist approach. Primary data was collected from a sample of adult individuals residing in South Africa through a self-administered online questionnaire. Data analysis included correlation analysis, item reduction, exploratory factor analysis, moderation variable analysis and multiple regression analysis for the constructs represented in UTAUT. The findings indicate that enabling technology, digital identity, social influence and access to economic resources (virtual currencies) are strong predictors of individual behavioural intention and usage behaviour regarding the metaverse technology. The current state of the metaverse technology in the country is considered nascent, although there is wider acceptance of console and personal computing gaming in virtual world games such as Second Life, Roblox Minecraft, World of Warcraft and Fortnite. This indicates that immersive virtual reality technology is yet to mature to the point where it can meet the needs of consumers.
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    Investigating factors that influence online purchase behaviour using Augmented and Virtual reality in the South African furniture industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mankhili, Mulalo Lusan; Zulu, Melissa
    In South Africa, the furniture industry plays a significant role in the country's economy, contributing to Growth Domestic Product (GDP) and employment rates. As the trend of online shopping continues to gain popularity, integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies into the retail sector has become increasingly important. Research has demonstrated that these technologies can offer a competitive edge to brands operating in the furniture sector. Consequently, this study aims to explore the factors influencing the adoption of AR and VR in the South African furniture industry. According to a report from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTIC), the South African furniture industry has experienced a decline in recent years, with consumers shifting towards purchasing furniture online through e-commerce platforms. Given the growing significance of e-commerce, it is imperative for businesses to understand the determinants of consumers' online purchasing behaviour to enhance their online sales performance. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the utilisation of AR and VR technologies can impact online purchase behaviour by dissecting the various factors influencing AR and VR adoption. To achieve this, the study has incorporated three theoretical frameworks: the Stimulus Organism Response theory (S-O-R), the Uses and Gratification theory (UGT), and the Flow theory. The research has identified several constructs derived from these theories to examine the interrelationships and influences among hedonic and utilitarian benefits, decision comfort, spatial presence, perceived intrusiveness, personal privacy concerns, mental imagery, perceived social presence, brand attitude, VR adoption, online purchase intention, and purchase behaviour. Data was collected from 400 South African online furniture customers, and the study utilised the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the relationships betweenthese variables. The study formulated eleven hypotheses, of which nine were supported. The findings revealed that hedonic and utilitarian benefits, decision comfort, spatial presence, mental imagery, perceived social presence, brand attitude, and VR adoption have an influence on online purchase behaviour. However, perceived intrusiveness and personal privacy concerns had no influence on online purchase intentions when using AR apps. This suggests that consumers' concerns about intrusiveness and privacy may not significantly affect their purchase intentions when interacting with AR technology. Additionally, the research highlights the roles of brand attitude and VR adoption as mediators between mental imagery and online behaviour and between iii perceived social presence and online purchasing behaviour. These findings offer valuable insights for businesses seeking to refine their online sales strategies and have the potential to contribute to the growth and development of the South African furniture industry
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    The sufficiency of protection in light of the increasing number of cybercrime and cyber harassment cases
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-10-31) Witz, Daniel Joseph
    This research examines how the South African Police Services, the National Prosecuting Authority, current and new legislation and Criminal Law address harassment in light of the increased threat and technological advancements of cyberbullying and cyber harassment. This research assignment will critically reflect on whether the Protection from Harassment Act, supported by recent additions to South African legislation, affords an applicant sufficient protection considering the increasing number of cybercrime and cyber harassment cases, and whether or not the reliance on the South African Police Services and South African Courts negates any protection that the legislation affords. In conclusion, this research report will make certain recommendations regarding how the complex issues of harassment can be addressed to focus on the protection of South Africa's Constitutional Value
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    The integration of virtual labs into science education in Gauteng
    (2023) Nhauro, Godwin
    Research has shown that emerging digital technology-based innovations in education, including the integration of virtual labs in science education, have brought a significant paradigm shift in instructional delivery, providing farreaching value and benefits regarding improving learning outcomes while providing learners with an excellent learning experience. The study investigated the extent of integration of virtual labs by teachers in supporting science education in selected South African public schools in Gauteng Province for improved learning outcomes. A quantitative survey was used to collect nominal and ordinal data from primary and secondary public school science teachers. Of the 207 (10% of Gauteng public schools) sampled schools, 135 responded. Nonparametric tests were used to analyse the data. The results show that the extent of integration of virtual labs in supporting science education is extremely low in terms of the percentage of teachers using the virtual lab in science pedagogy and the frequency of use. The results also show that the extent of use of virtual labs in teaching and learning differs according to the socioeconomic status of the community in which the school is located (school quintile ranking); thus, a higher percentage of teachers who use virtual labs were from affluent schools compared to under-resourced schools. In terms of improvement of the learning outcomes, the results of this study revealed a general improvement in the acquisition and long-term retention of science facts, skills, and knowledge; improved learning experience and learner achievements; and an improvement in learner interest in science, with the use of virtual labs.