4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions
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Item Senior Managers’ perception of their role in facilitating digital transformation in the public sector – South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mosia, Emanuel Mmuelli; Craffert, LeonaDigital transformation is a new phenomenon in the public sector. Previous studies have also found that public sector is performing poorly compared to private sector in their endeavours to transform. The study was intended to establish how senior managers perceive their role in facilitating digital transformation of the Department, excluding the actual assessment of digital maturity. The study drew guidance from Unified Model of Digital Maturity and Dynamic Capabilities Framework which both demonstrate the role of senior managers in the rapid changing environment due to technological disruptions. The study used semi- structured interviews to collect data from the population of 386 senior managers, where 15 senior managers were interviewed either face-to-face or virtually. The study finds that senior managers understanding of their role in facilitating digital transformation is fair to average. Their understanding of digital transformation is a simple switch from paper to paperless. Additionally, silo approach was found to be one of the impeders of digital transformation in the Department. The Department should be developing digital transformation strategy to guide the senior managers, coalesce all the efforts and be intentional in investing in digital transformation of the Department.Item Technological and economic catch up in the biotechnology sectoral innovation system in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Moonsamy, Ghaneshree; Soumonni, OgundiranBased on the global drive to move towards knowledge-based economies, several countries have identified biotechnology as a sector of interest for economic development. South Africa too, has identified this sector as a means to stimulate economic growth, bridge the inequality gap and reduce unemployment. Despite significant efforts to date, the impact and performance of the biotechnology sector on the socio-economic status of South Africa has been uninspiring. This study aims to evaluate the existing biotech-based sectoral system of innovation and assess potential pathways that may be undertaken to achieve technological and eventual economic catch-up by the country. Windows of opportunity that may entail technological, demand and institutional/public policies were also evaluated. This study used a mixed method approach, which firstly assessed the performance of the South African biotech sectoral system of innovation (SSI) in comparison to five other countries of interest. Thereafter, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants involved in the biotech triple helix system of innovation. Key findings indicated that South Africa performed poorly in comparison to other countries evaluated, which included the USA, Germany, Mexico, India and Singapore. Regardless of having pockets of excellence and enabling mechanisms such as supporting policies and available infrastructure, organisational capabilities and a highly fragmented national system of innovation are major limitations of the sector. These findings present a key message in that further, significant efforts are required to build on existing capabilities such that the country is able to increase its global standing in terms of biotech-based innovation. As a developing, upper middle income county, South Africa is unfortunately way of the mark in terms of economic catch up, however pathways of catch-up, specifically technology, demand and policy windows of opportunity do exist and need to be harnessed.Item Data centralisation as a key enabler of digital transformation in South African banks(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Monyamane, Keitumetse Lucy; Magida, AyandaThis research report investigates the inhibitors of data centralisation in digital transformation. The study focuses on retail banks in South Africa, as these institutions aim to become customer-centric. However, the adoption of digital technologies and data strategy implementation are cumbersome due to legacy systems. The existing theoretical framework is that organisations undergoing a transformation need to understand how to adopt and implement new technology. It leverages emerging technologies, strategic organisational direction, and competitive factors as drivers for adoption. Literature specifies that there needs to be an informed digital culture and data operating model championed by leadership to ensure organisational change. Retail banks face challenges as they hold valuable customer data to offer exceptional user experience but have challenges becoming data-driven organisations due to silos, bureaucracy, and implantation capabilities. Qualitative research, in the form of semi-structured interviews, was conducted with executives and middle management from the top three retail banks in South Africa. The study found that there is a gap in data strategy formation to address a digital strategy, silos in the operating model, data roles and skills, data-driven culture and implementation challenges to manage data and integrate to new technologies. It was found that data centralisation requires the support of a leadership drive. Several challenges were highlighted in line with the research questions, and recommendations were proposed: lead a data-driven strategy, adopt a customer- centric culture, expand data capabilities, centralise data management, and modernise architecture and technologyItem Digital literacy, perceived risk, and purchase intention in the South African online retail sector(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mokgoko, Keetse Hazel; Anning, Thomas DorsonOnline purchase behavior, while steadily growing, is not as prevalent in South African as in other, developed countries. Although South Africa has a significant population of internet users and widespread internet access, it has not resulted in a corresponding rise in the adoption of online commerce. This study aimed to establish whether certain factors, namely digital literacy, perceived risk, ease of use and usefulness, influence consumers’ intention to adopt online retail purchasing in South Africa. Data was gathered from 215 participants in South Africa through an online questionnaire survey. Perceived risk and perceived ease of use were found to be positively and significantly correlated with digital literacy. In contrast to earlier studies, the results suggest that digital literacy does not have a significant influence on an individual’s perception of the usefulness of technology. The study also found no substantial correlation between perceived ease of use and an individual’s online purchasing intentions. Perceived usefulness was found to be a key determinant of consumer’s purchase intentions. The results of this study are highly significant to retailers, government bodies, and other industries, as they emphasise the significance of taking appropriate actions to improve the digital literacy skills of the general public to drive the adoption of e-commerce. The results also, demonstrate the importance of raising awareness regarding risk perception in the context of online shopping. This can be achieved by marketing campaigns that focus on promoting online security awareness.Item Digital transformation within the public sector communication service in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Modiba, Dalson Nkoana; Sethibe, TebogoNeo-institutional theory (NIT) has been widely used in research concerning business, accounting, economics, management studies, health, education, political science, and sociology. The use of NIT, especially in the area of digital transformation (DT), is still in its embryonic stage. Furthermore, despite the benefits of DT, documented case studies about the successful implementation of DT initiatives are scant, especially in the public sector. In this study, NIT was utilised to examine the role of digital transformational leadership (DTL) and organizational agility (OA) in accelerating DT in a South African (SA) public sector communication service. Using a pre-tested survey instrument, the aim was to collect and evaluate additional quantitative data to answer the question: is NIT an appropriate model to use to assess DTL, OA, and DT relationships in a public service communication service within a South African context? The findings affirm that, in the South African context, there is indeed a linear relationship between DT and DTL, with DTL and OA as predictors. Both factors are significant predictors of DT, with the results accentuating the crucial role of DTL in the interplay of OA and DT. DTL was found to have a positive and significant effect on OA. OA was found to have a complementary mediating role in the relationship between DTL and DT. Consequently, this study provides crucial insights, especially for practitioners who are looking to explore and invest in the leadership traits required to build agile public service organizations to successfully implement DT initiatives. It also opens up avenues for further research, especially considering the fact that DT remains a complex digital dilemma even after several studies that have been conducted.Item Factors influencing the adoption of financial technology solutions in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mngxadi, MpiloConsumer adoption of digital financial technology (FinTech) is driving a wave of digital transformation within the South African financial industry. This study explores how both consumers and financial institutions are adapting in this market. This study examines the evolving consumer behaviours surrounding mobile FinTech products and the corresponding changes occurring within the financial sector in response to these new demands. This comprehensive approach ensures a nuanced understanding of the factors driving FinTech adoption in the study. Key facilitators included positive attitudes, strong behavioural intentions, trust and the perceived usefulness of digital financial technology. Effort expectancy and performance expectancy emerged as the two significant barriers. Additionally, the study explored the digitally transforming behaviours within the South African market, revealing that these behaviours cannot be generalised across the entire population group due to variations based on income levels and digital literacy. The South African market, often overshadowed by research on underbanked populations, presents a unique opportunity for FinTech adoption. This study sheds light on the characteristics of this diverse customer segment. To accelerate digital financial technology adoption within this market, strategic collaboration among FinTech companies, incumbent banks, and government stakeholders is crucial.Item Measuring the role of digital innovations on customer experience in the transformation of the ‘future store’ in the retail industry(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Manyisa, Mpho; Saini, Yvonne K.The retail industry is undergoing significant transformation driven by digital innovation, particularly in enhancing customer experiences. While prior studies have explored attributes of online shopping and traditional store environments, there is a notable gap in understanding how digital innovations impact the physical retail experience. This study seeks to bridge this gap by examining the role of digital innovation in shaping the future of brick-and-mortar stores amidst the growing influence of online shopping impacted by the pandemic. Through an extensive literature review and an online survey, the research reveals key relationships between customer expectations, in-store experiences, and the adoption of digital innovations such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. These technologies are vital in creating seamless, personalized, and immersive experiences that bridge the gap between physical and digital shopping environments. The study highlights the importance of factors like quick service, effective store layouts, and digital tools for data collection. Despite the challenges and costs associated with digital transformation, the findings suggest that embracing innovation is essential for retailers seeking to maintain a competitive edge. The integration of omnichannel strategies is particularly significant in enhancing customer experiences and ensuring sustainable growth. However, the study acknowledges limitations in data collection and calls for further research to gather insights directly from merchants. Future studies could also explore cross-country comparisons to better understand variations in digital adoption across different markets and regulatory environments.Item Technology Adoption by Small-Scale Farmers in the Mid-Vaal Local Municipality(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mindi, Thulani; Pellissier, RenéIt has been demonstrated that using technology in the farming industry increases production, efficiency, and income. Adoption of technology is influenced by a wide range of circumstances, though. The aim of this study was to examine, using the PESTEL framework, how external factors affect small-scale farmers' adoption of technology throughout the Mid-Vaal Municipality. This would help the municipality, policymakers, and other stakeholders, as well as small-scale farmers, identify and prioritise external factors that significantly impact small- scale farmers' adoption of technology and take appropriate action to address or mitigate them through changes in policy or technology. A qualitative research study using semi-structured face-to-face interviews was conducted with a sample group of 11 participants. The group was made up of farmers with a diverse background in terms of farming experience and educational background. The study also focused on farmers who are involved in selling all or part of their produce operating farms between two and five hectares. A thematic analysis technique was used to identify themes in the data analysis. Most of the farmers said they are aware that technology can help them be more productive, and efficient, and generate more revenue. However, the findings of the study demonstrated that when it comes to technology adoption, most of the farmers are negatively impacted by external factors. Farmers have expressed frustration with government policies which do not enable them to implement new technology and with the stringent admission requirements of programs designed to help them, it impossible for small-scale farmers to get involved. Farmers also indicated that financial institutions view small-scale farmers as high risk and have less appetite to provide them with financial assistance to help them modernise their businesses using technology. Thus, farmers resorted to monitoring technology trends in the farming space and creating “makeshift” solutions of what is trending at the time. Furthermore, the findings showed that economics of acquiring and operating the technology is the biggest external factor farmers consider before they acquire any of form of technology. Additionally, farmers prefer using tried and tested methods iii as this is less risk and affordable. Moreover, there’s a new generation of farmers coming into the Mid-Vaal and have a positive view of new technology, which could lead to the utilisation of the latest technology as the farming operations mature. Lastly, the study made recommendations to support the adoption of technology amongst farmers to increase productivity, efficiency, and revenueItem Inclusive innovation ecosystems and township-based startups in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mhlanga, Thandeka Innocentia; Inclusive innovation ecosystems and township-based startups in South AfricaIn South Africa, the apartheid legacy gave rise to inequality and marginalised communities. To date, the country has the highest inequality income distribution in 2021 globally, with a GINI score of 63 (Dyvik, 2024). The score measures the income inequality in a country, and the closer it is to zero, the more equally distributed the income. Inequality is said to be inherently problematic and holds back social and economic development in the long run (Stiglitz, 2012). Harsh et al. (2018) explores the overlaps between the levels of inclusive innovation and three pathways for increasing equality through emerging technologies frameworks, with a focus on the inclusiveness of the innovation policy for nanotechnology, the development of nanotechnology, and its impact on the marginalised communities in South Africa. Inclusive innovation can potentially redress the inequality challenges brought by the apartheid regime. New technology-based firms are essential as they are regarded as economic game changers in that they embrace continuous technological changes and play a key role in creating and commercializing new products, processes, and technologies in our societies. Particularly in South Africa, they are considered a key role player in addressing political issues such as inequality that emerged during the apartheid era, and that is redressed through the black economic empowerment (BEE) policies (Ndabeni, 2008). As a result, they are not only a source of new employment contributing towards the gross domestic product (GDP), but they are also instrumental in creating new industries such as personal computers, genetic engineering, machine vision, and robotics (Almus & Nerlinger, 1999; Kazanjian, 1988). iii By applying the inclusive innovation ladder and the innovation ecosystem framework, this study evaluates the inclusiveness of The Innovation Hub’s eKasiLab programme, which the local innovation ecosystem enabled to develop and support the growth of township-based innovators.Item The adoption of digital platforms for student services at the University of the Witwatersrand(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Khoetha, Katlego; Magida, AyandaTechnology's rapid growth has transformed how universities interact with their students, prompting the implementation of cutting-edge strategies like digital platforms. This research focused on examining the use and acceptability of various digital platforms in the context of the University of the Witwatersrand, particularly for student services. The study incorporated key concepts of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) to determine the factors driving the adoption of digital platforms. A quantitative technique, the research asked undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at the University of the Witwatersrand to complete an online questionnaire using the Qualtrics software. Using this thorough approach, the data was directly analysed, looking at how the theoretical framework and actual examples interact. The analysis's findings identified the UTAUT2 constructs that have the biggest impact on individual readiness to accept and use digital platforms for student services. The findings also demonstrated the possibility of this study helping the University of the Witwatersrand obtain an in-depth understanding of the primary factors that influenced students' use of digital platforms. In the end, having this understanding will help to successfully incorporate the idea of digital platforms into the context of university student services. The University of the Witwatersrand will be able to make wise decisions on implementing and optimising digital platforms for improved student engagement and support as a result of this research, which is expected to provide useful insights. The results are anticipated to improve digitalization efforts inside higher education institutions and enable the delivery of more effective and efficient student services in the rapidly changing technology environment.