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 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 Sustainability of Video Streaming Services in South Africa: A Review of Digital Business Models and Strategies(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mkhize, Phumelele Wanda; Anning, Thomas DorsonThis research paper examines the success and failure factors of Video Streaming Services (VSSs) in South Africa, specifically focusing on telco and broadcaster-launched platforms. Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, the study utilises a mixed-methods approach to identify critical factors within the context of business models and compare sustainability factors between successful and failed VSS ventures. The research highlights telcos' challenges in content leadership and business model alignment as key contributors to their struggles, in contrast to broadcasters who strategically leverage resources for sustained competitive advantage. The study offers practical recommendations for developing sustainable digital video platforms in South Africa while laying the groundwork for future investigations into cross-cultural dynamics and technological innovations within the evolving VSS landscape.Item Determinants of Digital Transformation in South African Telecommunication Organisations(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Tar-Mahomed, Taazmin; Alagbaoso, Manessah ObinaliIn the dynamic gig economy, organisations are grappling with increasing pressure to adapt through digital transformation (DT) for continued relevance. Successful DT initiatives have proven to boost organisational performance and competitive advantage, resulting in a twofold increase in total enterprise value for digital companies. However, despite its strategic significance, the intricate and multifaceted nature of factors that influence DT contributes to consistently low success rates in adopting this initiative. This study employed a qualitative research approach to develop a comprehensive DT framework, incorporating perspectives on strategy, technology and employee engagement. This involved a literature review of five seminal frameworks, which led to the conceptualisation of an artefact framework. The framework underwent rigorous evaluation through 15 semi-structured interviews with experts in digital transformation and telecommunications. The findings from the expert interviews informed the design of a holistic proposed framework anchored in the Digital Dynamic Capabilities Theory and Business Strategy Framework. The proposed framework delineates crucial determinants of DT that are tailored for South African telecommunication organisations. It comprises six pillars, which are grouped into visionary, structural and foundational enablers and encapsulate nuanced perspectives on technology, strategy, employee engagement and change management dynamics. The framework aims to serve as a best practice guide for industry leaders, emphasising the development of the capabilities, mindsets and structural conditions necessary for a successful DT journey.Item The role of digital transformation within construction project management in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Snyman, Pierre; Sethibe, TebogoIn the rapidly evolving landscape of South Africa's construction industry, integrating digital technology has emerged as a pivotal factor influencing project management practices. This study delves into the role of digital transformation within construction project management, framed within the context of technological advancements and shifting industry paradigms. This investigation used a qualitative research methodology to gather data through structured interviews with the South Africa construction sector and international professionals. The sample comprised individuals actively involved in project management, offering insights into the current state of digitalisation and challenges in the planning phase of construction projects. The findings reveal a significant integration of digital tools such as CCS MSP and Primavera P6, highlighting their contribution to enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in project management. The study also uncovers the cultural and age-related challenges in adopting these technologies, alongside the role of regulatory reforms and the DD in their implementation. Advanced collaboration methods, including BIM, Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR), and cloud-based tools, were identified as key to improving stakeholder communication and project success. Conclusively, this research underscores the transformative role of digitalisation in construction project management in South Africa. It advocates for strategic policy interventions and targeted training initiatives to bridge the digital divide, particularly among older professionals, and to harness the full potential of digital tools for improved project outcomes. The study provides valued insights for practitioners and policymakers who want to explore and achieve a deeper understanding of the complexities of modern project management in the construction industry during digital transformation.Item Digital transformation in Lesotho Postbank: a case for e-commerce, mobile application and ATMs(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ramokhoa, Tsepo; Sethibe, TebogoLesotho Postbank's endeavours to adopt Digital Transformation have resulted in limited advancements in offering online services, interactive websites, and other associated activities. This study examined the incorporation of e-commerce and other digital technologies, and the essential managerial skills required to implement digital transformation successfully. Specifically, it assessed the necessary digital skills and examined how emerging technologies and the characteristics of the digital environment influence these skills. The responses were obtained directly from senior managers involved in the organi sation's day-to-day decision-making process. The results suggest a general agreement that digital skills are necessary for Digital Transformation. It also highlights the need for continuous training among employees. Furthermore, the findings show a discrepancy between the understanding of digital transformation and the awareness of how the digital environment influences digital skills development. The findings also highlighted the necessity for implementing suitable strategies to address the rising risks associated with digital technology. The investigation revealed deficiencies in the bank's comprehension of digital transformation. The organisation still needs to adopt e-commerce. This disconnection is evident in the implementation of the strategy and leads to the formation of isolated groups in the execution process. Additionally, it was discovered that the digital transformation strategy requires the backing of proficient staff, a facilitating culture, a robust operating model, and an integrated governance and assurance framework. The study identified several obstacles to the research objectives. Four recommendations were proposed to tackle the rising difficulties. These recommendations include providing a precise definition of digital transformation, addressing cyber threats, promoting digital literacy, and fostering collaboration with Fintech businesses.Item Adoption of digital transformation in logistics sector: A case of a state- owned enterprise in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ngcobo, Thandokuhle Mpumelelo; Sony, MichaelDigital technologies have brought about disruption in all industries and state- owned enterprises are not immune to the pervasive force of digital transformation. Digital adoption has emerged as a crucial aspect of organisational growth and competitiveness. As digital adoption grows in state-owned enterprises it is essential to know the starting point in their digital transformation journey by measuring digital maturity, identifying drivers and barriers, and devising strategies to manage them. The aim of this research was to evaluate the maturity level following the introduction of the Transnet 4.0 Strategy at the state-owned enterprise, exploring the drivers and barriers. This study used a convergent mixed methods design. The participants were management employees from Transnet Freight Rail, a state-owned enterprise. Qualitative data was collected through surveys completed by the TFR managers (n = 45) assessed the current digital maturity and used descriptive statistics in analysing survey data. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The interviews were verbatim transcribed and Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis was used to analyse interviews with executive and senior managers (n=9). Findings from both quantitative and qualitative data were triangulated to provide a richer understanding of digital transformation adoption in Transnet Freight Rail. Overall, TFR is still in the early stages of their digital transformation journey according to qualitative findings, quantitative findings suggest that TFR has moved beyond the early stage and is in the early developing stage. Concerningly, many participants highlighted digital strategy communication, change management and digital skills as lacking in TFR. This study identified a range of factors and barriers that influence and affect digital transformation adoption including leadership support, conducive employee environment, organisational iii readiness, poor IT infrastructure, high leadership turnover and employees resisting technology. As demand for the state-owned enterprise to be operationally efficient and financial constraints increase, so does the need to leverage digital technologies to change business models, improve operational processes and increased customer experience to improve organisational performance. As industries get disrupted by digital technology it is essential for organisations effectively manage barriers and leverage key drivers for a successful digital transformation implementation.Item The role of Middle Management in a Digitally Matured Financial services organisation: A focus on the frontline professional advisory environment(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Moloto, Mankweng Athlone; Magida, AyandaThis research study aimed to understand the role of middle management in a digitally matured financial organisation, particularly within the frontline professional advisory environment. A qualitative research methodology was adopted and conducted through 8 one-on-one interviews, via semi-structured and conversation led questions. A purposive sampling method was used in identifying the interviewees, particularly middle managers within the frontline professional advisory environment. Following this extensive data collection, a thematic analysis was conducted to draw conclusions to the research. The research findings suggest that middle management within the frontline professional advisory environment is a critical function within a digitally matured financial organisation. Albeit, less technical, there is and will always be an inherent need for people coaching, motivating, aligning to business values and guidance through leadership. Middle managers will in effect serve to ensure that frontline professional advisory representatives are entrenched to the organisational mission, vision and objectives in their execution of their rolesItem Exploring the big data maturity level of a metropolitan municipality in Gauteng Province, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mathane, Tlou Phillemon; Mayayise, ThembekileA recent study by the World Bank highlights the importance of public sector organizations to embark on digital transformation. Public sector organizations that successfully undertake digital transformation journey serve their customers better; become more competitive; and improve their financial performance. Significantly, they also improve their digital maturity levels. Using a case study design, this study explored the big data maturity status quo of the Tshwane metropolitan municipality. Data maturity assessments are needful in the public sector to assist them in digital technology adoption. Conceptually, the study used the Resource View (RBV) theory to understand the extent to which this city optimizes big data as a strategic resource for decision-making. The study also used the Dynamic Capabilities Theory (DCT) to explore the extent to which big data analytics is leveraged to enhance capabilities of the city to improve service delivery. In this regard, the study focussed on five themes, viz: (a) organizational vision and strategy, (b) customer relations management, (c) data-driven- decision-making, (d) data governance, and (e) deployment of industry 4.0 best practices and/or systems. Following a qualitative design, the researcher collected data from 20 managers, using two data collection strategies. First, a focus group discussion was used to collect data from 8 managers at operational management level. A purposive sampling method was used. Secondly, structured questionnaires were administered to 12 managers, of which 6 were middle management level, and 6 were top management level incumbents. The study finds that there is no common understanding regarding the vision and strategy for digital transformation in the city. Big data analytics is not optimally used for purposes of innovation, and operational and strategic decision-making. This study contributes by uncovering some of the challenges faced by public sector organisations as far as using data to drive decision-making is concerned. In this regard, the study also tables some of the remedies and interventions that can be embarked upon to undermine some of the key teething challengesItem Dynamics of digital servitisation transformation in earthmoving equipment dealerships(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Darko, Simon Yaw Osei; Alagbaoso, ManessahIn 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