4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions
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Item Exploring the challenges to drone-aided inspections in construction site management(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-09) Khorombi, Shadrack; Terblanche, RolienThe construction industry, marked by its complexity and evolving standards, demands attention and commitment to quality. To guarantee that works are going according to plan, standards and regulations, in terms of quality and compliance, routine inspection strategies are implemented as an intrinsic part of the project management plan. Construction inspections are generally performed as a contractual obligation to enable an independent view of construction works and their progress for key stakeholders and the client. However, traditional inspection techniques are generally laborious and risky. Inspectors are often exposed to exterior elements; unfavourable conditions; intrinsic risks. Despite all of this, inspectors are still unable to obtain in-depth information on some of the surfaces due the inability to access surfaces or structures to optimal proximity. Drone technology has been proposed as an alternative method to traditional inspection for safer and more efficient inspections. This study endeavoured to explore key challenges to the implementation of drone technology for construction inspections. The methodological approach that the researcher adopted to achieve the research aim encompassed a qualitative method with document analysis, case study and interviews selected as data collection strategies. Techniques to gather empirical information required included observations and semi-structured interview questions. To present findings that are valid, reliable and generalisable, NVivo software was used as a data analysis tool where content analysis and thematic analysis were employed as data analysis strategies. The utilisation of qualitative, inductive case studies within an interpretivist paradigm was considered necessary to contextualise and deepen the understanding of the nature and occurrence of the challenges impeding key role players from full adoption of drone technology for construction site inspection processes. Key findings entail the lack of capital and resource allocation, concerns about transparency and contractual accountability, and the need for clear evidence of return on investment. Technical complexity, disruption to site activities, lack of interest from key stakeholders, capacity issues, and connectivity issues were also uncovered as challenges in the adoption of drone-aided inspections. Additionally, the findings encompassed strategies to overcome challenges impeding the optimal use of drones in construction projects. This study evaluates the current state and potential for drone technology adoption within the South African construction industry, highlighting practical challenges encountered during actual deployments. By proposing solutions such as streamlining regulatory processes and enhancing stakeholder collaboration, the research offers valuable pathways to optimise drone technology implementation during construction documentation and management.Item Clover SA's brand heritage and consumers' price sensitivity and purchase intentions(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Goerge, Barbara Refilwe; Anning-Dorson, ThomasThe South African market environment is highly competitive and is characterised by inequality, growing unemployment and rising inflation. The degree of disparity in South Africa’s consumer environment may be the most noticeable aspect as it has one of the highest per-capita expenditure Gini coefficients in the world making it one of the most unequal countries on the planet. Despite this, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) rate continues to climb by 3.1% in 2021 indicating that despite the prevailing economic and socio-economic issues, the country is seeing a higher flow of revenue and expenditure on goods and services. Consumers are also becoming bombarded with brand communication which increases the level of competition amongst options available to consumers. This makes understanding consumer and shopper behaviour important, more so in terms of the factors that drive purchase intent which is paramount for the success of a brand. In light of this, the research sought to delve into brand heritage and what purpose it serves in in today’s ever-changing economy. Underpinning the research, South Africa premium dairy and milk heritage brand, Clover, was used. With its heritage rooted in South Africa for over 100 years, the intention is to establish whether indeed brand heritage plays a role in purchase intentions for this premium product. Drawing on a comprehensive literature review, the study endeavoured to investigate how brand heritage serves as a significant signalling mechanism for consumers by conveying important information about the quality, consistency and pricing of the brand. This is significant as it helps managers understand the important variables impacting customer purchasing behaviours in South African segment and how to successfully use heritage brands in this market. By employing convenience sampling through a quantitative research methodology, 450 online surveys response were collected and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to validate the measurements used. Of the six hypotheses, five were supported by the data, however also indicating that price sensitivity does not moderate the relationship between brand heritage and purchase intention. The findings and conclusions provide implications for marketing professionals in the product retail space and further provide suggested areas for future research. It provides actionable recommendations marketers can use when looking to optimise their brand strategies in a competitive marketplace.Item Democratising digital advertising and e-commerce in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Fortune, Peter John; Quaye, EmmanuelThe digital advertising and e-commerce industries are experiencing exponential growth on a global scale. The population is becoming increasingly more digitally connected via the internet, as recent stats show that nearly 80% of South Africans used the internet in 2022. (Statista, 2024) There is, therefore, a rapid shift in consumer behaviour in terms of how the market consumes advertising and interacts with retailers. In the past, consumers learned about brands, products and services through offline advertising, such as magazine or TV ads, and then typically purchased them in physical stores. However, as consumer behaviour shifts toward digital platform adoption, brands are now investing heavily in digital marketing channels such as social media, paid search and SEO. Digital advertising spend has already overtaken traditional advertising in 2021 and is expected to account for 66% of total advertising spend globally. (Solomons, 2023). Consumers are also increasingly adopting online shopping across the globe. South Africa is experiencing unprecedented growth across both digital marketing and e-commerce markets. South Africa is forecasted to increase its e-commerce users from 27 Million in 2022 to 37.9 Million in 2027, whereas its digital advertising market is anticipated to reach USD 719.0 Million in 2024. (Statista, 2024). The challenge with the shift from offline to online channels in the South African market is that a few international ad tech giants, such as Google and META, dominate the digital advertising market. These tech giants, therefore, subsequently acquire a majority of the market share that South African companies previously held; this shift in market share from local to foreign companies may lead to issues such as job losses and media venture failures in the local economy. International e-commerce giants are also entering the South African market due to the lucrative growth in this segment. Grounded theory-based interviews were conducted to gather qualitative insights into strategies South African companies and their population can implement to remain competitive and access economic growth opportunities in these two markets, leading to potential local self-employment and sustainable business prospects.Item An investigation of cybersecurity implementation challenges among South African SMEs(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Fakir, JeetenIn today's technologically driven world, cybersecurity implementation among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is of paramount importance, particularly in developing nations like South Africa, where cybercrime is prevalent. Due to inadequate cybersecurity practices, weak policy execution, and low public awareness, cybercriminals are targeting South Africa. Furthermore, local SMEs have limited budget, skills and resources dedicated to cybersecurity, which enhances the problem in the current South African context. Drawing upon a literature review encompassing global perspectives on cybersecurity and SMEs, this study focuses on the South African context to provide insights tailored to the local SME landscape. This research investigates the cybersecurity implementation challenges faced by SMEs, by exploring the influence that subjective norms, attitude, perceived behavioural control, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness has on the intention to implement cybersecurity among South African SMEs. This quantitative study employed a survey which was distributed on social media to SMEs across the country to answer the research objectives. Key findings highlight the significant gaps in cybersecurity awareness and resources among South African SMEs, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity education and support. The investigation indicates that subjective norms, attitude, perceived behavioural control, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness contribute significantly to influencing cybersecurity implementation among South African SMEs. The identified factors provide a foundation for addressing the research objectives by emphasising the importance of subjective norms, attitudes, control perceptions, ease of use, and usefulness perceptions in the context of cybersecurity implementation. Ultimately, this research underscores the imperative for collaborative efforts between government, academia, and industry to address cybersecurity challenges faced by South African SMEs and foster a more resilient digital ecosystem.Item Disruption of creative marketing supply chain due to generative artificial intelligence(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Evertse, JustinThis study explores the transformative impact of generative AI on the creative marketing industry's supply chain process, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in content creation. The advent of AI has revolutionised the way content is generated, leading to a paradigm shift in the creative landscape. The study investigated the implications of this shift for creativity, originality, and efficiency within the marketing and advertising sectors. Through a qualitative research methodology, including interviews with various industry stakeholders, this study delved into the nuances of AI's integration into creative processes and its effects on workflow, production, and distribution channels within the creative marketing industry. The research is grounded in theories of disruptive innovation and technology organisation enterprise theory, providing a theoretical framework to analyse the impact of AI technologies on traditional creative and marketing practices. It addresses crucial concerns such as the ownership of AI-generated content, the role of human creativity in the age of AI, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI in creative industries. The study's findings highlight a dual impact: AI as a tool for enhancing creative processes, enabling more efficient and diverse content generation, and AI as a disruptor, challenging traditional roles and workflows within the industry. Significantly, the study identifies a shift towards more collaborative models between AI and human creativity, suggesting that the future of the creative marketing industry lies in leveraging AI to augment human talent rather than replace it. This balance presents opportunities for innovation and new forms of content creation but also necessitates a re-evaluation of skill sets, job roles, and industry standards to adapt to an AI-integrated environment. The research underscores the importance of ethical guidelines and industry-wide discussions on the use of AI, advocating for policies that support creativity, protect intellectual property, and ensure fair competition in the evolving landscape. In conclusion, this qualitative research study provides an insightful analysis of the complex dynamics between generative AI and the creative marketing industry. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities AI presents, iii emphasising the need for a strategic approach to integrate AI technologies. By highlighting the potential for AI to augment human creativity and transform supply chain processes, the study contributes valuable perspectives to the ongoing discourse on the future of creativity and technology in marketing and advertisingItem An investigation of the second-level digital divide in the South African education and training sector(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dyosiba, SiyabongaThis research investigates the second-level digital divide in education and training within the Media, Information, and Communication Technology (MICT) sector. The primary objective is to identify the factors contributing to this divide, analyse its ramifications on education and training, and suggest targeted interventions to enhance digital access and literacy. A qualitative approach was employed, integrating interviews with MICT professionals and an extensive literature review. The research draws upon insights from key strategic documents in South Africa to offer a comprehensive understanding of the second-level digital divide within the MICT sector. The participants comprised MICT professionals representing diverse generational cohorts. The sample was carefully structured to encompass various experiences and viewpoints within the sector. Socioeconomic status, educational opportunities, and access to resources significantly impact the acquisition of digital skills, leading to generational inequalities. The digital divide impedes the effective implementation of digital literacy initiatives, restraining the education and training sector's capacity to fully leverage its potential. Generational distinctions are pivotal in digital competency, influencing skills acquisition and educational outcomes. Strategic initiatives, as delineated in crucial strategic documents, underscore the importance of infrastructure development, skills augmentation, and inclusive policies. Collaborative endeavours involving governmental entities, private institutions, and educational stakeholders are imperative for bridging the second-level digital divide in the MICT sector.Item Investigating the study habits of undergraduate students during blended learning at a South African University(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dube, Langa; Krull, GreigBlended learning provides a mechanism to enable flexibility for students and lecturers using technologies for learning and teaching. Greater internet access in South Africa has promoted the adoption of blended learning in recent years, while the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the uptake of technologies which enabled continuity of learning during times of disruption. Whilst blended learning has seen greater adoption in higher education, challenges ranging from infrastructural challenges to emotional and psychological elements remain. This study contributes to how South African university student study habits are changing due to the changes in mode of provision. This case study, at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, investigates the relationship between blended learning and study habits. The study addresses two research questions: what study habits are being used by undergraduate students in a post- pandemic blended learning environment? and, how are post-pandemic blended learning study habits influenced by learner characteristics such as digital literacy and educational experience? Using a quantitative research method, an online survey was completed by 122 undergraduate university students. Reliability and validity tests were conducted on the data which was analysed using multivariate statistical techniques. The main findings of the study were: Firstly, blended learning is positively associated with study habits. Respondents had more positive experiences in their study habits including improved time management, work and study balance, and improved test strategies. However, there were some negative experiences that related to ICT availability, instability of electricity supply, inability to manage home and work balance, and emotional strain. Greater support for students in these areas could assist in improving blended learning experiences. Secondly, learner characteristics such as digital literacy and education experience were positively associated with study habits. The greater the digital literacy and educational experience, the better the student blended experience. The study further revealed that the impact of load shedding has a negative impact on the blended learning context.Item Digitalisation of government services for service delivery: Case of The City of Ekurhuleni(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dlamini, Luke Mhlonishwa; Mawela, TendaniThe implementation of digital solutions presents numerous opportunities for both private and public organizations, aiming to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and gain competitive advantage. While the private sector has already embraced digitalisation, the public sector has lagged in adopting technology. This study aims to highlight the benefits of digitalisation, identify the challenges hindering its adoption, and propose a framework for its implementation. Digitalisation is viewed as a means to enhance agility within organizations. South African municipalities and the public sector have faced widespread criticism from citizens regarding inefficiency and ineffectiveness. Therefore, many of these entities have initiated efforts to automate their services to enhance service delivery. Automating services and systems could have addressed criticisms of poor service delivery. However, this effort is hindered by unstable and unreliable networks, as well as a shortage of experienced personnel to oversee the digitalisation process. Consequently, South African municipalities often outsource many of their services to third-party companies through professional services to overcome these challenges. Despite the well-documented benefits of outsourcing digitalisation services, municipalities lack guidance on how to do so successfully. Insufficient research has been conducted on this emerging trend of digitalisation. Thus, this study aimed to formulate a model for the implementation of digitalisation in the city of Ekurhuleni. Employing a qualitative approach, data was gathered from the city's ICT department. Subsequently, qualitative analysis was conducted on the data obtained from middle and senior management. The findings revealed that organizational factors, either collectively or individually, exert a significant influence on the adoption of digitalisation. The analysis revealed that technological factors, including innovation characteristics and organizational readiness for technology, are significant determinants of digitalisation adoption. Environmental factors were also identified as influential in this regard. This study addresses the lack of literature on digitalisation adoption in municipalities and proposes a model that can guide further research in this area. Additionally, the developed model can inform decision-making processes regarding digitalisation adoption in government. Other cities can utilize this model to inform their own digitalisation strategies, thereby making a valuable contribution to practice and management.Item Accelerating Digital Government through Public Sector Innovation in South Africa: The Role of Open Government Data(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Delwa, Qinisile; Mzyece, MjumoThe study aimed to explore the impact of Open Government Data (OGD) on achieving a digital government in South Africa. The study investigated OGD as a public sector innovation and how it contributes to an enhanced approach to designing service- delivery-oriented digital solutions. Experiences of other countries using OGD and its social and economic potential were explored, identifying and comparatively contrasting how such opportunities can be further exploited within the unique circumstances of South Africa. Furthermore, the study reflected on the conception of public sector innovation in practice by observing how this finds expression in existing open government data initiatives to identify potential diffusion mechanisms and opportunities. The motivation for this study is to demonstrate public sector innovation in practice, using OGD as an example of the potential value of public sector innovation that still needs to be explored. The study approach was a qualitative comparative case study where semi-structured interviews were conducted with public sector experts involved in open data projects and independent and retired experts. The data from the interviews was analysed thematically in an inductive approach. The key findings of this research report indicate that South Africa has not made significant progress in digital transformation due to fragmentation and a disjointed strategic approach. The research confirmed the vital role of data, specifically open government data, in advancing digital transformation. Furthermore, based on the case studies, the research findings indicate that open government data-driven public sector innovations hold great potential to accelerate digital government transformation in South AfricaItem Comparative International Equity Portfolio Diversification: A South African Investor Perspective(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Deeplal, Rinhiel; Alagidede, ImhotepThis dissertation explores the potential international diversification benefits for a South African equity investor across the Developed Western Markets and Emerging Asian Markets. The step-down mean-variance spanning approach is employed to test the statistical significance of the diversification benefits across the two regional global markets. The empirical evidence suggests that international diversification of the local South African equity portfolio into Emerging Asian Markets completely dominate the diversification into Developed Western Markets. This diversification strategy has a superior tangency portfolio and minimum-variance portfolio. The Sharpe ratio is used to economically quantify the potential diversification benefits. The dominant strategy has a 28% increase in the Sharpe Ratio when compared to the diversification into Developed Western Markets. The Vector Autoregression model is used to study the integration between markets which may be a key driving factor in the different diversification benefits. The model deduces that there is higher integration between the Developed Western Markets and both the South African market and Emerging Asian Markets. The Developed Western Markets also have lower average returns in comparison to the Emerging Asian Markets. These factors penalise the diversification benefits into Developed Western Markets leading to diversification into Emerging Asian Markets being the favourable strategy. These results contribute to the limited body of knowledge which is available on diversification benefits from a South African investor perspective. This will assist to inform local investment policies and strategies in order to develop optimal portfolios in South Africa.