4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions

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    Exploring the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Open and Distance Learning (ODL): The Case study of Botswana Open University (BOU)
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Moreetsi-Magetse, Tebogo Angela; Naiker, V.S.; Khoza, S.D.
    Open and distance education has become popular worldwide in the last century. It extends beyond normal school or university boundaries because it is flexible and instils lifelong learning. This method of learning is mostly used by students who are studying part-time. Access to education is made easier by the increased usage of technology (smartphones, computers, internet connectivity) in teaching and learning. Botswana, like many countries around the world, has not been left behind. Its first and only Open Distance institution, Botswana Open University (BOU), like other institutions of higher learning, embraced the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in teaching and learning and integrated ICT to be an integral part of the teaching and learning delivery process in 2014. Programmes were created to use technology online using a learning management system (LMS) and Moodle platform. Since many academics have written on the factors to consider when implementing ICT in teaching and learning and others have discussed the challenges faced by users of online learning platforms, the author of this study decided to investigate the application of ICT in ODL by focusing on the students enrolled in the Master of Educational Management and Leadership (MEdEL) course at BOU. The study followed a qualitative approach using semi- structured interviews, an open-ended questionnaire and a policy document review. The first phase of the research determined the current perceptions of students on the use of e-learning in an ODL programme. The next phase established the practices of e-learning in the online programmes at BOU to determine the degree of technical knowledge and skills, especially in the use of e-learning in ODL and further investigated the strategies that are used by BOU to motivate students enrolled in their online learning programmes. Purposive sampling was used to select 14 participants including a lecturer at BOU, the online managers, the tutors, as well as the students, some of whom were registered at BOU at the time of the study. Data collected through interviews and questionnaires were thematically analysed while data from the documents reviewed were descriptively analysed. The study provided significant evidence of challenges faced by users and custodians of the LMS. The challenges in the implementation of the online programmes included the absence or shortage of resources, including human resources, and the calibre of students enrolled. It further revealed that lack of skills and limited skills also impacted the use of technology in ODL. Despite these challenges, the university has implemented policies intended to support students during their studies. The findings of the XI study revealed that although there are measures in place to support and assist students during their studies, they do not work for all students. It is necessary to support students, especially those in remote areas of the country where resources are limited. Furthermore, students enrolled in online ODL programmes need assistance when it comes to computer skills. The university needs to consider implementing a bridging course that will allow students to enhance their ICT skills and learn to navigate the learning space before the commencement of their main programme. Training on the use of the learning space needs to be enhanced, not only for students but also for tutors and lecturers born before computers arrived, as this will assist in ensuring that students receive the required support. There is also a need for the university to engage in an evaluation of the use of the LMS to identify areas in need of improvement. The implementation of a fully online learning programme entails having the necessary skills, resources, and most of all the support that will ensure the effective use and satisfaction of the user.
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    The Role of Leadership in the Implementation of Strategic Projects in a Commercial Bank in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Mutshinya, Phathutshedzo; Wotela, Kambidima; Matshabaphala , Johnny
    This research highlighted the role of leadership in the delivery of strategic projects in a commercial bank setting. The research followed a quantitative research strategy whereby a sample of a commercial bank was approached to gather their insights and perceptions of the leadership role in the implementation of strategic projects. The views of commercial bank employees were analyzed to identify gaps that existed in the leadership behaviours and traits currently adopted in the banks. Findings from this research confirmed that there are indeed gaps in the leadership role that leave room for improvement for a more successful outcome of the strategic project implementation. The study highlighted that leaders in a commercial bank should lean towards agility to guide and support towards a more successfully implementation of strategic projects
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    Assessing monitoring and evaluation system implementation challenges: A case of a Botswana Government Ministry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Metla, Neo Naledi; Wotela, Kambidima
    The Botswana Government instituted for monitoring and evaluation of government projects and programmes in order to redress issues of accountability, transparency and oversight (Lahey, 2015). The aim is to strengthen programme performance and ultimately lead to improved service delivery to the targeted beneficiaries and inform policy decision (NDP11 Performance Framework, 2017-2023). This study utilised a qualitative research strategy and case study research design to conduct the empirical part of the research. The research participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Eight (8) MYSC employees ranging from Executive Management, Senior Management and Management were sampled and interviewed. A semi-structured interview was used to collect information from the respondents. The data analysis was through thematic analysis after transcription of the audio recorded interviews. The findings reveal that there are challenges emanating with implementation of the monitoring and evaluation system in MYSC although it is perceived to be a critical system in guiding programming and improving the ministry’s performance. These challenges are fostered by the lack of accountability, transparency and an oversight not adequately providing guidance and playing its support role. Ultimately they limit inputs, result in unplanned or unmet activities, and fail to produce outputs and consequently prevailing unintended outcomes that cannot serve as concrete evidence for policy decisions. These perceptions confirms the implementation theory, which proclaims that execution of a programme requires appropriations, personnel, talent, time, energy, and equipment available to administrators, their unavailability will decrease the probability of achieving successful results (Vedung, 2017). The theory of change which implies that it is necessary to ensure all are planned for and provided adequately. This research concludes that implementation of the monitoring and evaluation system in MYSC needs to be improved and crucially supported, this requires for improved accountability, transparency and a functional oversight
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    Implementation of digital transformation in a public entity
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mokhabela, Kolwani Star; Magida, Ayanda
    Public entities strive to have digital transformation in their organisations; they strategise and organise themselves; however, they face challenges with implementation. This study aims to investigate the progress that one South African public entity (PE) has made towards digital transformation, the processes followed in implementing, unpack the challenges and recommend strategies that any public entity can use for better future implementations. A qualitative methodology was followed using semi-structured interviews conducted on a sample of fifteen participants within the public entity who are role players or have participated in digital transformation processes from executives, management and project team members. A thematic analysis of the data was made. Conclusions and recommendations were made around the capabilities and challenges of the public entity, integration of processes, performance measurement, IT skills and overall motivation for employee engagement and adoption of digital transformation and how all these phenomena have a close interaction with each other to achieve a better chance of success on future DT implementations
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    Implementation of Knowledge Management to improve performance in national government departments in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Kwadjo, Mittah Lebogang; Stacey, Anthony
    Government Departments are still lagging behind in implementing Knowledge Management. Managing knowledge is critical to the success and longevity of any business. Whilst the private sector is gaining traction in this management practice, government is still behind. The benefits of knowledge management are improved decision making, increased innovation and business efficiency. The unique barriers to implementing Knowledge Management in government departments warrant investigation. The purpose of this research was to identify barriers to implementing knowledge management processes and systems in national government departments in South Africa and to rate the extent of significance to knowledge management implementation. Methodology used to collect data was an online survey questionnaire. The sample was taken from the population of National Department of Transport employees, and results generalised to all national government departments. Thirty-five (35) statements on a 7-point Likert scale were used. Using Principal Component Analysis, 6 components were extracted and analysed. The 6 components were 1) strength of knowledge management leadership 2) departmental support of knowledge management, 3) level of employee interaction, 4) use of technology, 5) accessibility of technology and 6) level of team work. Seventy-five (75) participants, who were managers, senior managers and knowledge experts responded to the questionnaire. The study found that the barriers to knowledge management were strength of knowledge management leadership, level of employee interaction, departmental support, and use of technology. The study also identified the most significant barriers in implementing knowledge management in government departments were the “strength of knowledge management leadership” and the “level of employee interaction”. A further study on leadership in government departments in implementing knowledge management in recommended. Future research examining the level of interaction among government employees related to increased sharing of tacit knowledge is also recommended
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    Robotics process automation implementation in a large South African insurer
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Sader, Mohamed; Sony, Michael
    Objective This report examines the direct and indirect impacts of robotic process automation (RPA) at Insurer X, a South African insurance company. The study will synthesize the results and key learnings into a roadmap for the successful implementation of RPA in other South African organizations and industries. The study also aims to contribute to the RPA body of knowledge and provides a platform for other researchers to build on. The study followed an inductive thematic approach to data analysis. Methodology This report is a qualitative case study design where the primary data collection method is semi-structured in-depth virtual interviews. Participants (Insurer X employees and an industry expert) were selected using a combination of purposive and convenience sampling to ensure knowledge of RPA and involvement in the project at Insurer X. This also ensured gender and role diversity and rich industry and RPA experience. Results and conclusion Nine participants were interviewed. The results indicate that RPA, directly and indirectly, benefited Insurer X across multiple areas, and these impacts are significant and, to a large extent, known; however, the indirect impact is unmeasured and not attributed to RPA. Twelve themes emerged when investigating critical success factors, learnings, and noteworthy barriers. These themes are synthesized into a roadmap for successful implementation. Implications for theory and practice The findings establish that significant direct benefits are achievable for insurance organizations wanting to pursue RPA in South Africa. There are also indirect benefits associated with RPA that can be measured if organisations are more deliberate upfront. There are key factors, learnings, and barriers that, if iii appropriately navigated from the start can increase the likelihood of success and the benefits achieved
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    Exploring factors that influence digital adoption in the South African oil and gas industry
    (2022) Zuma, Dumisani
    The purpose of this research was to provide insight into the factors that impact the adoption of digital tools in the Oil and Gas industry in South Africa, with the focus on digital enterprise resource planning (ERP). The research data for the study was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with the people who were directly involved with the scoping, designing, implementation and adoption of the digital ERP system in the focal organisation. This was done by way of finding answers to three research questions, which were structured to determine the overall factors affecting adoption, then determining the impact of these factors on the implementation of the ERP system. The Technology Organisation Environment (TOE) conceptual model was used in developing proposed relationships, after which a data modelling and analysis tool Atlas.ti was used to rank the factors. The interview guide was developed in conjunction with the conceptual model and factors for the study identified. The factors identified for the study were confirmed by the existing literature, with some new ones identified through discussion with participating respondents in the interview phase of the study. The study established that all T-O-E aspects are important when implementing the digital ERP in the Oil and Gas industry. One of the important recommendations is that the organisation performs a full assessment before the decision to adopt, making sure that the implementation is supported entirely by the business that will use the tool, and that all other T-O-E aspects are in place.