4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37773
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Item Feasibility Study of a Digital Platform for sharing household equipment and resources for a fee in Gauteng(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Nkomo, Greaterman; Totowa, JacquesThis research seeks to investigate the feasibility of a digital sharing application that connects the supply and demand for everyday household components. The research methodology that was used in this study was the qualitative methodology, using interviews. Twelve interviews were conducted via video conferencing using Zoom and Microsoft Teams and all the participants were from the Johannesburg region in Gauteng. The research findings were that the participants had some assets that were not being utilized and they are willing to list them in a sharing application to make extra income. The research revealed that the key motivation for utilizing the digital sharing application is the economic benefits associated with participating, either through saving money by renting the tools instead of purchasing every tool that they may need to complete a project or to make extra money by sharing their tools for a fee or to save money. The research shows that people are open to utilizing digital sharing applications if the application meets certain standards such as having up to date information; secure and easy to use. The household equipment that people are willing to share include garden tools; toolbox kits; laundry equipment; outdoor furniture; picnic tables and many more. Based on this research, there is a market for a digital sharing application that focuses on the everyday household componentsItem The influence of trust on the adoption of peer-to-peer (P2P) asset sharing platforms in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Motsewakgosi, Abueng; Alagbaoso, ManessahThis quantitative study explores the role of trust in the adoption of peer-to-peer (P2P) asset sharing platforms in South Africa. The research objectives were refined to investigate the influence of community reviews, platform trust, and visual trust on individuals' intention to adopt P2P platforms. Data was collected from a sample of participants who were users of P2P asset-sharing services in South Africa. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the predictors of intention to adopt and platform trust. The findings revealed that community review ratings, visual trust, and platform trust significantly and positively influenced individuals' intention to adopt P2P sharing services. Additionally, community review ratings showed a significant and positive relationship with trust in the platform. However, no significant relationship was found between visual trust and trust in the platform. These findings emphasize the importance of considering other factors, such as the platform's reputation, functionality, and user experience, in understanding platform trust and its impact on the intention to adopt. These insights contribute to the understanding of trust dynamics in the context of P2P asset sharing platforms in South Africa. Further research is warranted to explore additional factors that may influence trust and adoption in this domainItem The social nature and outcome of the interactions in a non-monetary centred sharing economy: from a social exchange theory perspective(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Radaelli, Stephano; Donald, Fiona; Thatcher, AndrewThe sharing economy is a collective name for emerging platforms that are bringing strangers together and changing the landscape of consumption. Individuals have been using these sharing economy platforms as an alternative to traditional trade to exchange resources. This study refined to the context of a non-monetary form of the sharing economy, namely Couchsurfing, where the reliance on social relationships were expected to be more prevalent. The social relationships between peers during an exchange offered an opportunity to find applicability and relevancy for social exchange theory. This study aimed to clarify the social nature of the interaction in Couchsurfing and determine the outcomes from these Couchsurfing interactions. Using a phenomenological research design, 19 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted together with an immersive experience as an active participant of the chosen sharing economy platform, Couchsurfing. Couchsurfing is a sharing economy platform that enables travellers to stay with other members for free. The positionality of the researcher was from an insider perspective studying other insiders. The data collected was analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Social exchange theory was supported in finding that the social nature of the interaction in Couchsurfing was reciprocal. The reciprocal exchange was clarified as co-created, continuous and dynamic. Individuals revealed that there was a necessity for a reciprocal response directly from the recipient. The findings confirmed that Couchsurfers had unspoken and explicitly stated expectations of a reciprocal relationship which impacted the continuity of the exchange after the Couchsurfing experience. This study also identified different social benefits that individuals gained from their Couchsurfing interactions. Throughout, these 2 research findings espoused and expanded on previous contributions to the theoretical framework. The presence of generosity during the reciprocal exchange has challenged the theoretical premise that individuals wanted to maximise their gains. Further research into generosity during the reciprocal exchange has been recommended.Item Non-asset digital platforms for the personal care industry in South Africa(2020) Van den Berg, AntonThis research project was conducted to examine if the South African personal care industry will adopt a non-asset based digital platform business model on creating more economic opportunities for graduate students within the personal care industry in South Africa. The research was done through two sets of data collection through quantitative survey questionnaires. The one set at understanding the supply-side characteristics necessary for a successful non-asset based digital platform within the personal care industry in South Africa and if the proposed platform business model could be successfully adopted by the supply-side, meaning personal care service providers who deliver services such as beauty, nail treatments, make-up treatments etc. The second quantitative questionnaire was to understand the characteristics the consumers of personal care services within South Africa would value to adopt the proposed new business model. Both sets of research revealed that the market is favourable for the adoption of the proposed new business model and will adopt it if it creates more economic benefit for both sides of the platform as well as convenience. To conclude, the research and frameworks used throughout this research project have highlighted critical characteristics from a platform design as well as the necessary facilitating conditions and characteristics needed for a successful implementation of the proposed transformative business model.