4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions
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Item Exploring the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to reduce production loss on farms in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mukumela, MukandangalwoProduction loss has been a longstanding hinderance to farmers that not only impacts the quality of harvest and quantity of yield but the profitability they are able to realize. The literature emphasizes the current state of agriculture in South Africa, the impact of production loss in the food production process, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and the adoption of technology in agriculture whilst the study aims to explore the use of UAVs to reduce production loss on farms in South Africa. Qualitative research was the chosen strategy, and seven research participants were interviewed through semi-structured interviews conducted online and field observations at a Forestry operation utilizing drones in Mpumalanga. The findings of the study highlight that the adoption of UAVs has the potential to reduce production loss on farms in South Africa with participants expressing optimism in drone technology to address losses through a more data informed view of farms, enhanced efficiency, and improved on farm practices. Factors that are either driving or limiting adoption of drones have been identified for future agricultural stakeholders to consider. The study’s findings contribute to agriculture and modernization in the industry by helping researchers and stakeholders develop an understanding of the various uses of drones and their role in improved efficiency and increased productivity on farms. The managerial implications stemming from the study suggest that a focus should be put on small-scale farmers who sit at the bottom-end of the adoption curve, issues related affordability should be addressed through government incentives and subsidies which will help reduce the upfront costs of adopting drone technology, improve farmers skills and knowledge as farmers need education and training on the effective use of drones and the benefits of drones and promote entrepreneurship which will directly lead to new innovations in software and hardware, more affordable drones, and value creation for agricultural end-users of UAVs.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 The use of cloud computing and its effect on organisational performance in the public sector(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Naidoo, Wesley; Mudau, NormanCloud computing is changing how public sectors work, making things faster and better. This paper looks at how cloud computing affects how well public organisations do their jobs, considering both money-related and other benefits. Cloud computing is essential for public services because it can make them work better and give better services to people. Nevertheless, understanding how it helps is difficult, especially with the public sector's unique rules and challenges. Cloud computing is one of the new technologies that has gained prominence in recent years. Even though the value associated with this technology has been widely researched, especially for large enterprises, the rate at which public sector entities use cloud computing remains low. This research sought to explore and describe the use of cloud computing and its effect on organisational performance in the public sector. To understand the problems, factors influencing the use of cloud computing and its use on organisational performance were investigated, considering both financial and non-financial factors. The study utilised the extended Technology Organisation Environment (TOE) and Resource-based view (RBV) framework (Gangwar,2017) as the theoretical lens to understand the cloud computing phenomenon. Methodologically, this study employed online surveys administered through the Qualtrics online survey platform to gather data. These surveys sought to extract invaluable insights into the use of cloud computing and its effect on organisational performance in the public sector. The main factors identified as necessary in using cloud computing are human resources, business resources, technology resources, change management, leadership, policy and regulation, customer performance, operational performance, and financial performance. The model was tested through a cross-sectional design using data collected from a sample (N=400) of individuals employed in the public sector in South Africa using matched data collected over a period of approximately 16 weeks apart. Structural equation modelling with AMOS was used for all model testing. This study applied a complex approach to data analysis using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and multiple regression through structural equation modelling to provide an analysis of the various variables identified. The iii research showed significant relationships between cloud computing use and leadership, policy and regulation, human resources, technology and business resources. This confirmed the first objective of understanding the factors that influence the use of cloud computing in the public sector in South Africa. The following significant result showed that this is a new contribution, as previous studies measured non-financial performance as a single item instead of expanding it to include customer, operational, and financial performance. The testing of the model thus contributes to developing a theory that explains the mechanisms through which cloud computing influences organisational performance and extends our understanding of the organisational conditions under which cloud computing usage is most important to performance. The empirical results confirm that cloud computing use is vital to affect organisational performance in the public sector. The study further contributes much-needed evidence of the relationships addressed by the influence of cloud computing on a holistic perspective of organisational performance, encompassing operational, customer, and financial aspects. This study aims to provide industry practitioners with practical insights and actionable strategies to justify investments in cloud computing systems and to improve how cloud systems are used.Item The role of digital technology in SME funding by Commercial Banks in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Chili, Philani; Manessah, AlagbaosoSMEs are the backbone of developing economies, playing an integral role in GDP growth and job creation. South Africa, inclusive of an informal sector, presents a wider SME market, which through adequate support, can contribute significantly to the economy. With the future growth of the economy and improved employment prospects majorly dependent on the contributions of the SME sector as avowed by the South African Government, the success of these constrained businesses is most important. SMEs in South Africa have an average age of five years, with lack of access to financing noted as one of the key inhibiting factors. Although the advent of technology has introduced new financial intermediation players, offering innovative products necessary to drive accessibility to financial services, optimising traditional banks’ larger resources could yield mass benefit. Unlocking the full funding potential of banks through modern technology is therefore critical to support the survive and thrive prospects of SMEs. This study endeavoured to understand existing relationships and the extent to which digital technology can be exploited to improve accessibility to bank funding by SMEs, using literature insights pertaining to information opacity and innovation challenges which stifle progressive SME lending. The study was underpinned by the Disruption Innovation Theory and Information Asymmetry Theory. Following a quantitative approach, structured survey questionnaire data collected from SMEs in South Africa was statistically analysed. SMEs that attempted (whether successfully or not) to obtain funding from traditional banks were of particular interest. Although innovation and technology adoption seemed to drive accessibility to bank funding whilst lack of engagement with innovation activities hindered it, both showed weak correlations and had no statistical significance. Intriguingly, ‘age of business’ showed a statistically significant correlation with accessibility to bank funding, a result that is pertinent to the survival factors of SMEs and warrants further exploration. Whilst SMEs provide a reliable proxy to improved SME lending by banks, it is imperative that perspectives of the banks are included in such a study to make a meaningful contribution to academic research aimed at unearthing relationships that start to edge closer to an optimal SME lending model. In the meantime, the onus lies with SMEs to minimise information opacity and improve fundability through technology as they navigate a somewhat rigid traditional bank system.Item Challenges of hybrid working in the Sub-Saharan mining industry(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Dube, MiriamThe Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to hybrid working models. Several industries especially in information technology had started implementing the different working models and post Covid-19 more and more industries started adopting the hybrid working models. Mining companies resorted back to the traditional on site in office working however this won’t be long as research indicates that more employees are opting for flexibility that comes with hybrid work models. The future of work theme is receiving a lot of attention because of how technologies through the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) will change how we work. To facilitate a smooth transition to hybrid working models mining companies in Sub Sahara Africa (SSA) must address challenges that impede hybrid working models. During Covid when employees worked remotely mining companies experienced challenges which include poor infrastructure that did not support working from home, employees failing to use the available technology and some social impacts related to work life balance. Existing research also indicates the challenges of hybrid working models; however, it only covers certain industries and continents. The challenges ultimately affected the productivity of the employees, and the mining companies were forced to revert to the traditional working model. As far as we know, no previous research has investigated the challenges for mining companies in SSA. The study seeks to determine the challenges of hybrid working models in the mining industry how the mining companies can navigate through these challenges as they prepare for the future of work. The study has significant benefits to the mining organisation and its managers as it will assist them in identifying challenges of hybrid working and formulating means of embracing this the future of work. The self-determination theory (SDT) and resource-based view theory (RBV) frameworks were used to link existing knowledge to this research. Qualitative research was used to collect, process, and analyse the data for this research. Through in-depth interviews of participants in Ghana, South Africa Tanzania and Guinea, the researcher formulated themes that enabled the analysis of the findings. The research revealed the challenges of hybrid working models in SSA mining industry and how management could navigate these. There is opportunity for further research, and all this is outlined in this research.Item The role of data analytics in formulating a business model in the South African metals manufacturing sector(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Maimela, Kelebogile; Munkuli, BonganiTechnological advancements are a contributing factor to the success of any business, especially with globalisation mandating flexibility within businesses. The survival of the metals manufacturing companies is dependent on many variables, but the focus will be placed on the role of data analytics in business models. A quantitative approach was used to collect the data utilising Qualtrics software and data were recorded on Excel before being coded and then loaded onto the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software system. All employees in the metals manufacturing companies in South Africa made up the population for this study. The results revealed a relationship between data analytics and business insight involved in developing a business model. In the absence of data, the level of success in decision making is compromised. Over 80 percent of respondents emphasised the importance of data required in making decisions. The ability to make informed decisions gives companies a competitive edge, but a dynamic capability is evidenced through people’s experience in data analysis. The data collected were analysed using quantitative data analysis tools such as chi-squared tests and Cramer’s phi tests, which indicated that data play a pivotal role in developing business modelsItem Examining the technologies and practices that can help SA mining industries meet carbon blueprint reductions(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Lakhna, Adheesh; Oro, Ufuo OroMining has always been regarded as a black sheep due to its legacies of environmental accidents, pollution, and safety incidents. However, for economies to grow, they need energy and energy requires metals to generate, transmit and store power. These metals are mostly sourced from mining and so as the world changes to cleaner and greener energy options, it is only fitting that mining equipment also becomes more environmentally friendly and keep up with the times. Heavy mining equipment such as ultra class dumptrucks and face shovels have 2-3MW diesel engines which can easily burn hundreds of litres of diesel per hour (Komatsu, 2022). Diesel has been the fuel of choice for many years due to its developed supply chains, ease of storage, high energy density and reliable engines. High fuel consumptions coupled with increasing fuel prices and deepening mines means that in addition to increasing expenses and pressure from environmental organisations, South African mines are becoming more and more carbon intensive. In December of 2015, at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris, an international treaty on climate change was adopted by 195 parties. This treaty also known as the Paris agreement was a landmark agreement since this was the first legally binding treaty aimed at fighting climate change (United Nations Climate Change, 2015). The Paris agreement covered many items but these are some of the most crucial ones; Long-term temperature goals with the aim of restricting global temperature increases to below 2 degrees Celsius or even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius; National Adaptation Plans which outlines plans and actions for different nations based on their needs and priorities; Finance, technology and capacity-building support that addresses developed countries providing financial assistance to less endowed countries for adaption and accelerating technology developmentItem Factors affecting individual job performance of software developers in Gauteng, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Brink, Eugene; Penman, NealeOrientation The orientation of the study lies towards the human resources and managerial fields and focuses on the work performance of individual software developers within the Gauteng area of South Africa. The study attempts to address the question: “Which factors are important in contributing to the individual work performance of a software developer, and how important are each of these factors?”. Research Purpose The purpose of the research is to identify and quantify the magnitude and statistical significance of factors that affect the individual job performance of software developers. Motivation for the study There is a gap in existing academic literature on individual job performance for software developers. The motivation for the study is to contribute to this gap in knowledge. Results from the study could likely assist in reshaping human resource development and recruitment practises in the software development field. Research approach/design and method Software developers were surveyed and scored against a set criterion for performance. Factors that have been noted in literature to influence individual job performance, as well as factors stemming from informal conversation with those in the industry were measured at an individual level. A correlation and a stepwise exploratory regression analysis were used to identify and quantify factors influencing job performance of the individual software developer. Main findings Individual Performance was found to be a multilinear and complicated variable to quantify. Instead, the variable was broken up into task performance and contextual performance with total performance some superposition of both variables. Self-Esteem, Achievement Motivation and Work-Life Balance were noted as the most important personal factors in determining task performance. Self-Esteem and Job Satisfaction were considered the most important factors in determining contextual performance. Notably, quality of education, formal or informal, had no correlation to performance. Practical/managerial implications Self-Esteem was a high-quality predictor of both task and contextual performance. For this reason, further study at corporate level is strongly suggested to find ways of improving or fostering this personal attribute to maximise software developer performance. A similar argument can be made for Achievement Motivation and Job Satisfaction. Overall, the study highlighted and provided empirical evidence supporting fostering and maintaining good emotional health within the workplace. In turn, this will lead to higher individual job performance scores. The results also challenge the widespread practise of only appointing and recruiting degreed candidates for junior software developer roles, as there is no supporting evidence to suggest higher educated individuals have higher task or contextual performance scoresItem An investigation of Grade 6 learners’ conceptual understanding of task words and subject terminology in Natural Science and Technology formative assessments on the topic ‘Electric circuits’(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Soloman, Bridgette; Padayachee, Kershree; Mandikonza, CalebThe purpose of this study was to gain insights into grade 6 learners conceptual understanding of the task words (used in Bloom’s taxonomy) and key words (subject terminology) in the subject Natural Science and Technology (NST). This study was motivated by wanting to understand whether the possible cause of learners’ poor performance in assessments was due to their lack of understanding of assessment questions. This was investigated through a case study conducted on 101 grade six learners at a South African primary school. Learners wrote a written test on the topic: electric circuits which was subsequently marked using a memo. Based on their scores obtained 14 learners were selected and grouped into 4 focus groups based on high, average, low scores, and a mixed group. The focus group discussions explore what were learners interpretations of the task words and subject terminology used in formative assessments. The transcripts were analysed both deductively and inductively. The data analysis revealed that grade 6 learners do not conceptually understand the task words and subject terminology used in NST formative assessments. The findings revealed that learners’ interpretations depended on their understanding of either the task word or subject terminology, that the different meanings of words in colloquial English compared to academic language influenced their understanding of words, and that learners did not know how to approach assessment questions. The implication of this study is that NST teachers need to both tap into learner prior knowledge and collaborate with English teachers to assist learners understand assessment questions. The recommendation is that more time needs to be allocated for teaching task words and subject terminologies.Item The impact of digitalisation on the employment rate in the South African financial services industry(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mokhabuki, Makoma Tiny; Lee, GregoryThis study aims to determine the impact of digitalisation on the employment rate in South Africa, with specific reference to the financial services industry. Many revolutions have been seen globally, from the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras to Agricultural Revolutions and the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Industrial Revolutions. Technological changes and a significant movement in employment and unemployment have occurred with these revolutions. The study seeks to determine how technological advancements through digitalisation have impacted the employment rate in the South African financial services industry. A survey questionnaire was used to invite views from people employed in the financial services industry. The purpose of the survey was to determine perceptions regarding the introduction of technologies within the working environment and their impact on employee movements. The questionnaire also invited views on whether further introductions of technologies would create efficiencies and if this would impact their team sizes. An analysis was made using Qualtrics and SPSS on the data received. The findings indicate that introductions to technology’s impact on employment are complex as it depends on various variables such as the type of skills which the employees possess and those which are required by the employer. Firstly, introductions in technology can cause structural unemployment, which is, in essence, only temporary. The introduction of technology causes unemployment in those occupational levels whereby the work is repetitive and can therefore be automated. In contrast, introducing technology causes employment in jobs requiring cognitive and abstract thinking and, therefore, cannot be automated. Within the financial services industry in South Africa, it was found that more employees in skilled positions were retrenched or transferred due to technology introductions. However, this was reduced by increased recruitment in professional positions requiring more technical skills and cognitive thinking. It was concluded that the advancement of technology should not be rolled out at a pace that would lead to a net unemployment rate; however, it should be rolled out efficiently, resulting in more employment in cognitive tasks