Information Systems and Technology

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Records management practices and public service delivery in Kenya.
(2007) Kemoni, Henry N.; Stilwell, Christine.; Ngulube, Patrick.
Abstract not available.
Application of knowledge management approaches and information and communication technologies to manage indigenous knowledge in the agricultural sector in selected districts of Tanzania.
(2009) Lwoga, Edda Tandi.
This study investigated the extent to which knowledge management (KM) approaches and information and communication technologies (ICTs) can be used to manage agricultural indigenous knowledge (IK), and introduce relevant exogenous knowledge in some local communities of Tanzania. The recognition and management of local practices do not only give confidence to farmers that their knowledge and skills are valued, but also leads to the preservation and continued use of their IK. Managing IK within and across communities can help to enhance cross-cultural understanding and promote the cultural dimension of agricultural development in the local communities. The current state of managing agricultural IK and access to relevant exogenous knowledge in the selected local communities in Tanzania was investigated. The study used mixed research methods, where the qualitative approach was the dominant method. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered simultaneously during a single phase of data collection. The primary purpose was to gather qualitative data through the semi-structured interviews, focus groups, non-participant observation, and participatory rural appraisal tools (information mapping and linkage diagrams, and problem trees). The secondary purpose was to gather quantitative data through closed questions which were embedded in the same semi-structured interviews. Both qualitative and quantitative data analyses were kept separate, and then they were combined or integrated into the meta-inferences. Some of the qualitative themes were also transformed into counts, and these counts were compared with descriptive quantitative data. The study participants included three categories of respondents: local communities (farmers and village leaders), IK policy makers (institutions that deal with intellectual property policies in Tanzania), and knowledge intermediaries (institutions that deal with agricultural KM activities in the rural areas). The findings indicated that KM approaches can be used to manage IK and appropriately introduce exogenous knowledge in the local communities, and thus the integration of both indigenous and exogenous knowledge can be feasible. The study findings showed that farmers possessed an extensive base of agricultural IK. However, this knowledge was acquired, developed and shared within a small, weak and spontaneous network, and thus knowledge loss was prevalent in the surveyed communities. Formal sources of knowledge mainly focused on disseminating exogenous knowledge in the local communities, which showed the predominance of the exogenous knowledge system over IK in the surveyed local communities. The study found that most of the farmers’ knowledge was tacit and it was created and shared through human interactions, and thus lack of ICTs did not constitute a barrier for KM practices in the rural areas. The study findings showed that radio was the major ICT used to access exogenous and indigenous knowledge in the local communities. There was low use of ICTs to share and preserve agricultural IK in the local communities. Although there was a predominance of the exogenous knowledge system over IK in the local communities, farmers applied IK gained from tacit and explicit sources of knowledge in their farming systems as compared to exogenous knowledge in the surveyed communities. Farmers trusted their own knowledge since it did not challenge their assumptions as would new knowledge from research institutions and universities. Low use of exogenous knowledge on some farming aspects was attributed to the fact that few knowledge intermediaries had identified and prioritized farmers’ knowledge and needs in the local communities. Individual and collective interactions were already used to integrate farmers’ knowledge and exogenous knowledge in the local communities, however, they needed to be strengthened through KM practices. The study findings showed that various factors determined access to knowledge in the communities, which included ICTs, culture of a certain locality, trust, status, context and space. The findings also showed that the lack of IK policy and existence of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) that inadequately recognised and protected IK, limited acquisition, sharing and preservation of IK in the surveyed communities in Tanzania. The study concluded that unless KM approaches are applied, IK will continue to disappear, and the rural farmers will have nothing to rely on, for their farming practices. Since knowledge is the collective expertise of everyone in the communities, this study recommends that KM practices should be embedded in the community, private and public agricultural actors and other government and private institutions as they currently function in the local communities. The government and private agricultural actors should foster the KM practices in the local communities by engaging the community leaders and rural people in the whole process. Since IK is site-specific, it can therefore seldom be scaled up without an adaptation, however it can be used to stimulate experimentation and innovation in other communities. With this view, this study recommends that knowledge should not be separated from the individuals who possess it, instead efforts should be made to enable the communities to manage their own knowledge, and to adapt other knowledge systems to suit their local context for effective KM practices. Indigenous knowledge would be effectively managed and integrated with exogenous knowledge if the government ensures that there are policies and Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) that recognise and protect the existing knowledge in the country. These policies may include sectoral policies that deal with IK, rural development, agriculture, ICTs, education issues and various other issues. These policies should comprise the following: (i) a shared definition of and vision for KM in the country; (ii) the clear goals/strategies for the innovation initiatives to take place in the rural areas; and (iii) guidance with regard to prioritizing, deciding upon, and taking action to institutionalize KM processes in the rural areas with linkages to gender perspectives. Issues related to the capacity building, culture, content, infrastructure, and leadership should be addressed at this level for effective implementation of KM services in the rural areas. This will enable the communities and agricultural actors (such as research, extension, NGOs, libraries) to establish KM practices and a culture that is conducive for KM activities in their localities. Further, the study recommends that public and private institutions, knowledge intermediaries (such as research, extension, NGOs, libraries) and village leaders should be involved in the KM practices in the rural areas, and they should ensure that there is a committed leadership for KM activities, knowledge culture, appropriate ICTs, favourable context and space, and mapping to locate knowledge bearers and knowledge resources in the rural areas. However, the absence of ICTs should not constitute a barrier for KM and knowledge integration processes, since the findings showed that communities are more likely to understand, acquire and use knowledge that is shared through indigenous communication channels which are oral in nature rather than other approaches such as ICTs.
The attitudes and self-reported competencies of educators in rural schools of KwaZulu-Natal regarding the use of information communication technology to delivery e-education to rural communities.
(2008) Matsemela, Yvonne Nonhlanhla.; Klopper, Rembrandt.
In 2004 the South African Department of Education released a White Paper on e-Education in which it outlined its intention to introduce Information Communication Technology (ICT) to deliver e-Education in South African schools by 2013. The White Paper prompted this study on the attitudes, perceptions and competencies of educators in rural schools of KwaZulu- Natal towards this policy with the aim to establish whether they would be willing to adopt e-Education and whether they would be ready to implement the policy in the classroom. A study of educators' perceptions about e- Education and their willingness to adopt this form of education delivery enables one to establish their level of e-Readiness. The researcher conducted a literature review and formulated e- Readiness as the theoretical framework of the study. This was followed by a quantitative research involving a suitably representative sample of educators in rural schools of KZN. It aimed at establishing educators' use of basic and advanced electronic communication technologies as indicative of e-Readiness. A follow-up survey was conducted which intended to establish educators' use of cell phones as an indication of e-Readiness. Both surveys were conducted by means of structured questionnaires. Data processing and analysis were done using analytical program SPSS 13. The major findings of this study are that educators in rural schools of KwaZulu-Natal are not ready for the rollout of e-Education. Among the factors limiting their e-Readiness are: a lack of exposure to advanced electronic communication technologies emanating from lack of technological infrastructure as well as resources in the majority of schools in the rural areas. Another factor is inadequate computer skills needed for effective teaching in an e- Education setting. Those with computer training have not been able to utilize their skills at the poorly equipped schools where they teach and would therefore require retraining. The study, however, revealed positive attitudes among educators and willingness to adopt and implement the e-Education policy should these problems be addressed. Finally comparison of the results of PC based e-Education survey and the cell phone survey indicate that while educators in rural communities are ill-equipped to use computers, they are sophisticated cell phone users, leading one to surmise that they would readily adopt emerging and converging technologies that are set to make available powerful multi-functional communication-computation devices.
The thinking styles of IT students and practitioners.
(2005) Harypursat, Rikesh.; Lubbe, Samuel Izak.; Klopper, Rembrandt.
IT expenditures and organizational performance have been disconnected in the past due to an economic transition from an era of competitive advantage on information, to one based on knowledge creation. The earlier era was characterized by slow change that could not be interpreted by most formal information systems (Lubbe, 1997). IT managers therefore need to develop a greater appreciation of their intangible human assets such as knowledge and inquiring styles. In other words, an investigation into knowledge creation rather than Knowledge Management needs to be undertaken (Lundin et a/., 2000). According to IT managers, attention should be paid to the human aspects of knowledge creation in current formulations of IT enabled knowledge management (Lundin eta/., 2000). This research therefore provides guidelines in overcoming the challenges of miscommunication and misunderstanding of IT people in knowledge creation and management. This research is structured in such a way that students and professionals as well as marketers and IT personnel can use it. This study has been conducted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), in the School of Information Systems and Technology. The population included all students studying Information Systems and Technology. The population for the Information Systems and Technology practitioners has been selected from the University of KwaZulu- Natal's School of Information Systems and Technology department.
Information and communications technology (ICT) integration in teaching and learning : a critical analysis.
(2006) Govender, Desmond Wesley.; Maharaj, Manoj Sewak.
Technology availability is quite often mistaken for technology adoption and use. In the White Paper on E-Education, launched by the South African National Department of Education, the government has indicated its intention to ensure that every school has access to a wide choice of diverse, high quality communication services which will benefit all learners and local communities. It is important that the National Department of Education recognizes that, regardless of the amount of technology and its sophistication, technology will not be used unless educators have the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to infuse it into the curriculum. The study focused on educator preparedness to integrate Information and Communications Technology (ICT) into the curriculum. The findings of the study suggest that educators have positive attitudes towards ICT integration in education. One strong predictor of educators' attitudes towards ICT integration was computer attributes followed closely by cultural perceptions and, to a limited extent, by computer competence. Educator attitudes were also predicted by constructs extracted from the different Information Systems (IS) model/theories for technology adoption. The strongest construct to predict educators' attitudes toward ICT integration was extrinsic motivation followed by perceived usefulness, complexity, perceived behavioural control and relative advantage. The results point to the importance of educators' vision of technology itself, their experiences with it, their perceived computer competence, and the cultural conditions that surround its introduction into schools in shaping their attitudes towards technology and its subsequent diffusion into their educational practice. A combination of the different constructs from the IS models/theories was able to account for as much as 83% of the variance in educator attitudes toward technology and thus technology adoption. This is a significant result since most previous research has only been able to account for between 17% and 69% (Venkatesh et a!., 2003) of the variance in user intentions to use technology. These constructs (the strong predictors) were grouped to form a new model which is proposed for predicting educator technology adoption. Further, Perceptual Control Theory was used as a framework for understanding educator adoption of technology. This framework considers educators' use of technology by examining the goals of educators and how the use of technology might help or hinder their goals. Educator lack of computer competence is a major challenge for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, and an immediate plan of action is required that will address this through educator professional development.
A systems thinking approach to the planning of rural telecommunications infrastructure.
(2001) Andrew, Theophilus Nethiekreethum.; Petkov, Doncho.
The research reported in this thesis is concerned with the provision of telecommunications infrastructure to rural areas in developing countries. The primary focus is to improve the current practice in the planning of such infrastructure. An in depth analysis of the critical issues that characterise rural telecommunications in developing countries revealed that the rural telecommunications system is not just a technological system but a complex system of people and technology interdependent on other systems/subsystems. A systems approach lead to a conceptual model of The Rural Telecommunications System as an open complex sociotechnical system. Consequently the planning of rural telecommunications infrastructure requires an approach that addresses such complexity. Critical systems thinking was chosen as the overall systems thinking approach for the development of a systemic planning framework for rural telecommunications infrastructure, that accommodates the system of problems inherent in the complex sociotechnical rural telecommunications system. The framework was built on the principles of Multimethodology and consists of Interactive Planning as a general orientation, mixed with Interpretive Structural Modelling and Critical Systems Heuristics. The framework is enhanced by the inclusion of current techniques from Systems Engineering practice, and softer techniques such as rich pictures. A case study based on the Mapumulo rural area in KwaZulu Natal was used for the practical validation of the framework.
A framework for developing a strategy for a small information technology company.
(2001) Cele, Martin Sikhumbuzo.; Petkov, Doncho.
Much has been documented about the importance of effective strategic planning as a basis for an organisation to gain a sustainable competitive advantage. Inadequate strategic planning is also widely recognised to be one of the major factors that contribute to the failure of most small organisations. At the same time, developing a strategy for an information technology organisation is increasingly becoming a complex exercise, considering the rate at which the field is growing and the need for organisations in this field to respond quickly to changing market demands. For large organisations, it may be a matter of ensuring that existing, tried and tested strategies are frequently updated. For small organisations on the other hand, this may be a nightmare of an exercise. In this research, the author explores a number of strategic planning approaches with the aim of identifying elements in them that could assist the strategy development process of a small information technology company. After a detailed analysis of conventional approaches to strategic management, it suggests a framework which uses the Core Competence Approach to strategy development as a basis. It is supplemented by selected techniques of Strategic Choice as a toolset for systematic decision-making within the strategy development process of a small information technology company. Also included, is a case study on the application and evaluation of the suggested framework for an initial strategy-development process at a typical small information technology company.
Adult user perceptions of library services provided by the Bessie Head Library in Pietermaritzburg, Msunduzi, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2010) Bhim, Shanitha.; Leach, Athol Brian.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.
This study examined the quality of service provided by the Bessie Head Library from the perspective of the adult users of the library. The study assessed the adult users’ perceptions of the quality of service and determined the level of user satisfaction at the Bessie Head Library. The purpose of the study was to identify gaps in the library services and to measure the users’ perceptions of the quality of the collections, staff services and library facilities. The study population consisted of 200 registered adult library users. Of the 200 adults under study, 197 responded to the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 98.5% chosen by means of a convenience sample. The LibQUAL+TM survey instrument that was used in this study was modified and adapted for use in a public library, as the majority of research using the LibQUAL instrument was undertaken in academic libraries. The instrument consisted of both open-ended and closed questions. The three dimensions of service quality, that is, access to information, staff services and library facilities, formed the core of the instrument. An interview schedule was used to elicit background information from the Library Manager and Principal Librarian, on issues of library services, collection development policy, funding and general library issues. The results from the questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS to determine the frequency of responses. These were presented in the form of tables and graphs. The interview results were analyzed qualitatively, using thematic content analysis. The results from this study indicate that there is a gap between users’ expectations and perceptions of service quality at the Bessie Head Library. The extent of the gap varies depending on the individual services. The users’ expectations were not in keeping with the actual experiences at the library, especially with regard to access to information, as users experienced problems with Internet access and the reference collection. The level of satisfaction varied among the different user categories and the findings revealed that the majority of adult users rated the overall quality of services as good and that the library is, to a large extent, excelling in service provision. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to address problems presented in this study.
From promise to practice : information systems implementation : why the gap? : a study of organisational learning at the University of Natal, Durban campus, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2000) Garvey, Ric.; Taylor, Robert Gordon.
The following study has taken a systems approach to investigate organisational learning within the University of Natal, Durban (UND), The research used the Banner system implementation project as the case study for the investigation. In 1993, the University of Natal made a decision to purchase the Banner Student Information System. The system was implemented over an eighteen-month period resulting in the Banner system going "live" for registration of students in 1995. A decision was taken in 1997/8 to discontinue implementing upgrade packages for the Banner system, indicating a move away from the system within two to three years of implementation. This document begins with a review of current literature with regard to systems thinking, organisational learning and change management. This review serves to underpin the research methodology implemented within the research process. The research methodology, known as learning histories, is explained, and a description of the research process is provided. The core of the research process involved open-ended reflective interviews aimed at incorporating the different perspectives of the majority of stakeholders involved in the system implementation. In addition to this, an analysis was conducted on a selection of Banner-related documents. The scope of the research was limited and would best be described as a pilot study. Those interviewed included members of the university executive committee, Banner office personnel, faculty officers, deans, administrative personnel, management information personnel and the project manager for the implementation. The major findings of the research process were: 1. The decision to purchase the Banner student information system was problematic. 2. The wider system that was created to maintain Banner was complex and generated a large degree of dependency on the Banner office. 3. The Banner office was a powerful gatekeeper of information within the system whose identity was wrapped up in a product and not a function. 4. The training system implemented was flawed and did not equip key users with a global understanding of the functionality of the system. 5. The university was unclear about what information it wanted out of the system and who was to have access to this information. 6. The university used Banner almost entirely as a student administration system and management information was not well developed within the Banner system. The following areas were highlighted as important for the university with regards to organisational learning and the case study: 1. Decision support systems. 2. The role of technology within the university. 3. A systems approach to understanding the context of the university. 4. The learning systems operating within the university. 5. Managing change. The limited scope of the research presents its own problems for drawing any firm conclusions. The research process has rather highlighted new areas for research. These include: 1. The relationship between workplace procedures and new technology. 2. The role of information technology and information systems in decision support and management support. 3. Change management processes within larger project-based implementations. 4. Decision making within higher education institutions.
On the effects of structuring idea generation tasks and supporting consensus building in a Multi-Criteria Group Decision Making Environment.
(1999) Kunene, Kim Niki.; Petkov, Doncho.
Decision making is a process that is characterized by several activities. For a typical semi-structured to unstructured multi-criteria task, decision-makers must go through problem exploration, the so-called intelligence phase, to understand what the task is about. Subsequent, critical activities are design of alternatives, choice generation and building consensus around the generated choices. The best idea will be implemented usually by a group of several stakeholders. Unless care has been taken to build consensus during the decision process, the implementation is unlikely to succeed. That is, the decision is unlikely to become a purposeful action. At the same time, the multiple objective nature of the considered tasks also adds to the group decision-making process. This research explores both creativity or idea generation and supporting consensus building on the basis of the above justification. An investigation or the current status or multi-criteria group decision making is done through literature surveys of the fields of Multi-criteria Decision Making and Group Decision Support Systems. Particular emphasis or the theoretical and practical sides of this research is placed on supporting creativity and supporting consensus building. In the former. the issue or task structuring is considered as a way to better enhance the creativity process, within a laboratory experiment on a problem related to information systems and systems analysis and design. In the support of consensus building, a theoretical framework is examined within a real life study using the multiple criteria group decision-making environment, Team Expert Choice.
Copyright in the digital age with specific reference to technological protection measures and the efficacy of exceptions.
(2005) Govender, Deshnee.; Schembri, Christopher Carmelo.
No abstract available.
The perspectives of technology implementers about informaton communication technology deployment to rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2011) Jere, Ntabeni.; Klopper, Rembrandt.
The purpose of this study was to explore the deployment of Information Communication Tech-nology to rural communities of KwaZulu-Natal from the perspective of the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), the technology implementers of government. SITA‘s regional of-fice in KwaZulu-Natal is relatively small, with a total of 52 employees who have a direct and indirect role to play with regards to ICT deployment. A quantitative research methodology was utilised in this study. Data was gathered with the aid of a questionnaire. Fifty-two questionnaires were sent out to the targeted employees of SITA and forty-seven responses were received. The response rate was ninety percent. The results of the survey revealed that sixty percent of respondents felt that rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal were not prepared to participate in e-government. When asked to indicate the importance of Information Communication Technology policy and regulatory frameworks that specifically address technology deployment to rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal, sixty per-cent of respondents acknowledged the importance. Over two thirds of respondents indicated that lack of infrastructure was a hindrance to technology deployment while less than one third did not know if this was a hindrance. The study also revealed that the main motivation for ICT de-ployment was social inclusion and to improve digital inclusiveness. Based on the empirical evidence, the researcher recommends that government take these per-spectives of the technology implementers into consideration when formulating Information Communication Technology policies and legislative frameworks that will be used as a basis for technology deployment to these rural communities. It is also recommended that government do more in terms of training and sensitizing technology implementers and end users, and developing support infrastructure, such as the electrification of rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal, in order to create an enabling environment for new ICT initiative deployment and to enable com-munity members to be adequately prepared to participate in ICT initiatives such as e-governance, which was identified as a priority area. Due to the limitations of this study, particu-larly the fact that it is based on one province, KwaZulu-Natal, it is recommended that further research be carried out into deployment of ICT to rural communities.
The application of a participatory evaluation method to the public library : the case of Tholulwazi Library, Besters Camp, Inanda, Durban.
(1997) Wyley, Chantelle Hulda.; Stilwell, Christine.
A participatory evaluation method used to evaluate development projects is applied to the public library. The Tholulwazi Library, Besters Camp, Inanda - the first library established by the Durban Municipal Library service in an informal settlement - is the case used in the study. The developmental context of public libraries in South Africa in the 1990s provided part of the justification for this approach. This context relates to community demands for libraries along with other development services, as well as claims of developmental and educational benefit used to motivate for public library funding. Diminishing public budgets and calls for efficiency and effectiveness in the public service, suggest the need to evaluate and demonstrate impact and community benefit. In addition a survey of the literature on library evaluation since the 1970s indicates that useful, easily applicable methods of library evaluation are unavailable to the practitioner, hence the justification for considering models developed in other sectors. This thesis surveys the library evaluation literature, and then looks to trends in the evaluation of social service and development projects and programmes. An approach which combines a systematic and objectives-oriented approach, effected by a participatory methodology is selected and applied to the Tholulwazi Library. The evaluation takes place via a questionnaire survey of a group of library users (students), a use register and library counter-based survey; supplemented by existing population data on the Besters area. A work group consisting of library staff and user representatives, facilitated by the author, conducted the evaluation. The evaluation results reflect on the validity of library planning, and quantify and qualify the extent and type of use of students users, and the benefit derived. These results are analysed in relation to library objectives, and the coincidence or deviation commented upon. Recommendations for action in the management of Tholulwazi Library are given, as well as recommendations applicable to the planning and establishment of new libraries in other informal settlements and townships. Suggestions as to further use of this evaluation approach are given, in addition to comments on the relevance and applicability of the methodology. These focus on the strategic and managerial benefit of demonstrating a link between library resources and activities (funded by public moneys), to use and user benefit. The use of a participatory methodology is shown to be technically necessary in demonstrating this link, as well as politically strategic. Valid and appropriate decision-making by management needs input from all levels, hence the value of utilising 'multiple realities' of all groupings involved with delivery at a particular service point, in such an evaluation. The approach used suggests a more conscious approach to management of libraries generally. It points to specific, periodic reflection on and analysis of the role of the library as a social institution and the societal problems addressed. This includes analysis of the library environment, focusing on existing and potential target groups. The analysis applies in relation to conscious planning procedures, as well as ongoing monitoring and periodic evaluation of endeavours.
The use of information and communication technologies in South African hotels : a self-evaluation by hotel managers.
(2011) Mndzebele, Nomsa Margareth.; Maharaj, Manoj Sewak.; McArthur, Brian Walter.
It is fair to assume that the level of participation in a world economy depends on the capacity of business organisations to use technology efficiently. Conducting business in the world today is driven by information technology. Internet technology has changed various business activities and transactions. In the Internet age, the development of electronic commerce (EC) is considered a major indicator of the overall competitiveness of organisations. An EC marketing channel can bring customers more benefits such as greater shopping convenience and potentially lower prices. Today, most hotels have been forced by the market to consider adopting EC to carry out business processes more efficiently. Hence, the purpose of the study is to determine the determinants of EC adoption by hotels in South Africa. This study is based on Tornatzky and Fleicher’s (1990) technological, organizational and environmental (TOE) model that includes technological context, organisational context and environmental context. The TOE model has been widely used to examine the factors that influence organisational technology adoption. The research model looked at eight determinants, which are (1) relative advantage, (2) compatibility, (3) complexity, (4) organisational size, (5) technology knowledge, (6) managers’ attitudes towards EC, (7) information intensity and (8) competition. A quantitative research design was used and a questionnaire was used to collect data and answer the research questions in the study. Four hundred hotels were randomly selected from the three groups of hotels suggested by the South African Tourism office, i.e. (1) Tourism Grading council hotel listing, (2) Tshwane accommodation listing and (3) AA travel accommodation. A total of 332 questionnaires were collected for data analysis, which represents a 94.9% response rate. Descriptive statistics, correlational statistics, one way analysis of variance, (ANOVA), regression analysis, cross tabulation tests and multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) were used to analyse the data. The results indicated that all three contexts (TOE) were important in the decision of EC adoption by the hotels in South Africa. The findings indicated that not all the determinants used had a statistically significant relationship with the extent of EC adoption in the hotel industry. The researcher also found out that hotels were more concerned about the benefits of EC than the organisational ability to adopt EC, the hotels that had sufficient resources were more willing to adopt EC. The findings also indicated that managers’ attitude towards EC adoption is influential on the extent of EC adoption. Finally, findings indicated that there is a lot of pressure from suppliers and customers for the hotels to use EC. Even though the mangers that filled in the questionnaire were computer literate, technology knowledge of EC would help managers to realise which systems are most appropriate.
Forensic computing strategies for ethical academic writing.
(2009) Govender, Sashen.; Klopper, Rembrandt.;
This study resulted in the creation of a conceptual framework for ethical academic writing that can be applied to cases of authorship identification. The framework is the culmination of research into various other forensic frameworks and aspects related to cyber forensics, in order to ensure maximum effectiveness of this newly developed methodology. The research shows how synergies between forensic linguistics and electronic forensics (computer forensics) create the conceptual space for a new, interdisciplinary, cyber forensic linguistics, along with forensic auditing procedures and tools for authorship identification. The research also shows that an individual’s unique word pattern usage can be used to determine document authorship, and that in other instances, authorship can be attributed with a significant degree of probability using the identified process. The importance of this fact cannot be understated, because accusations of plagiarism have to be based on facts that will withstand cross examination in a court of law. Therefore, forensic auditing procedures are required when attributing authorship in cases of suspected plagiarism, which is regarded as one of the most serious problems facing any academic institution. This study identifies and characterises various forms of plagiarism as well the responses that can be implemented to prevent and deter it. A number of online and offline tools for the detection and prevention of plagiarism are identified, over and above the more commonly used popular tools that, in the author’s view, are overrated because they are based on mechanistic identification of word similarities in source and target texts, rather than on proper grammatical and semantic principles. Linguistic analysis is a field not well understood and often underestimated. Yet it is a critical field of inquiry in determining specific cases of authorship. The research identifies the various methods of linguistic analysis that could be applied to help establish authorship identity, as well as how they can be applied within a forensic environment. Various software tools that could be used to identify and analyse source documents that were plagiarised are identified and briefly characterised. Concordance, function word analysis and other methods of corpus analysis are explained, along with some of their related software packages. Corpus analysis that in the past would have taken months to perform manually, could now only take a matter of hours using the correct programs, given the availability of computerised analysis tools. This research integrates the strengths of these tools within a structurally sound forensic auditing framework, the result of which is a conceptual framework that encompasses all the pertinent factors and ensures admissibility in a court of law by adhering to strict rules and features that are characteristic of the legal requirements for a forensic investigation.
A comparison of IT project's team performance of internal versus outsourced employees.
(2010) Chaithram, Surika.; Maharaj, Manoj Sewak.
The performance of an employee is an integral part of a project’s success. In order for companies to realise their project objectives, it is essential that both internal and outsourced employees are performing optimally. This study aims to identify the factors that affect internal and outsourced employees, as well as to determine if there is a difference in employee performance in terms of information technology project deliverables. A sample of 74 employees was used from Derivco, which is based in La Lucia Ridge, Durban. The sample included both outsourced and internal employees. The data was collected by means of a questionnaire which included likert based questions. The data showed that outsourced employees performed better than internal employees as they had a greater probability of meeting the business requirements of a project. The literature review suggested that there were 20 possible variables that could influence employee performance. The results of this study concluded that 17 of the 20 variables identified from the literature review were important. The results of this study will benefit both employees and the organisation. Employees can gain a better awareness of their performance as well as helping the organisation in developing a better program to improve both internal and outsourced employees’ performance. The study extends the work of several models such as the Bennet and Franco et al. (2001) performance model and Develin’s (1989) organisational model. These models created a foundation for understanding teams, employees and the employer characteristics, in order to determine their performance patterns. However, particular attention is given to the Bennett and Franco model (2001) as well as the Sharpley model (2002). The reason for selecting these models is that the factors investigated in these frameworks are similar to those investigated in this research. The research aims to investigate whether South African organisations face similar impacts to the models described. The Bennett and Franco et al. (2001) and Sharpley (2002) models are based on perception, motivation, performance and an individual or internal motivation process. The findings of this research indicate that employees face similar factors to those shown in the Bennett, Franco and Sharpley models.
Can "podcasts" significantly improve first time, first year economics students' results?
(2010) De Lange, Albert Johannes.; Maharaj, Manoj Sewak.
Abstract available from the print copy or the electronic version of the thesis.
The application of information and communication technologies in the management of health information by doctors and nurses in selected government hospitals in Yaounde, Cameroon.
(2003) Asah, Flora Nah.; Leach, Athol Brian.
Doctors and nurses in most developing countries lack access to adequate health information, that is, the lifeblood for the delivery of quality health care services. This problem is further compounded by the fact that correct techniques and equipment are not applied to provide access to reliable health information. Based on previous literature, it is assumed that information should be managed in the same way capital, labour and human resources are managed so that healthcare providers and medical professionals should be able to have relevant information to assist then in their daily activities, to help them to learn, to diagnose and to save lives. Relevance and reliability are paramount in meeting health information needs. A number of studies have shown that the application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the management of health information is a prerequisite to wider accessibility and availability of relevant health information. Health information management is the continuum of processes in managing health-related information. It is composed of the use of technologies (computers, hardware, software and telecommunication), personnel (trained information specialists), and the allocation of financial resources to achieve the major goals of the organisation such as a hospital. The aim is to collect, process, store, retrieve and disseminate adequate health information to the right person, in the right form, at the right time. This study investigated the application of ICTs in the management of health information by medical professionals in six selected government hospitals in Yaounde, Cameroon. The basis of the study was that through the effective application of ICTs in the management of health information, relevant and timely information would be made available to medical professionals. It was the researcher's view that unless we understand the importance of information in the development of the health system, and apply the use of ICTs in its management, the delivery of health care services will constantly remain poor. Data was collected from six government hospitals in Yaounde through a self-administered questionnaire given to nurses and medical doctors. The data collected from 141 medical professionals [doctors and nurses] were presented, using descriptive statistics in the form of frequency distribution and percentage. The findings of the study revealed that medical professionals are dissatisfied with the major method of information exchange activities, that is, face-to-face interaction with colleagues. In addition, the study found that health information is captured, processed and stored manually. This is very detrimental to medical professionals, because relevant information is not always available when needed. The study found that the barriers to adequate information exchange activities were lack of information support services, irregular distribution of information and poor co-operation and collaboration among medical professionals. The study also revealed the non-availability of ICTs and Internet resources and lack of basic computer skills. Consequently, there is low utilisation of ICTs by medical professionals and limited information needs are being satisfied. Medical professionals unanimously favoured the application of Internet services or an electronic health information resource to supplement the current method of managing and accessing health information. Lack of training on the use of computers and Internet resources were the main factors that hinder the use of ICTs by medical professionals. The study concluded by calling on directors of hospitals, medical professionals and the Ministry of Health Officials to provide ICTs and Internet resources to medical professionals and provide them with basic computing skills and training. It further called for the recognition of information as an important resource for national development and called for formulation of a national information policy. With an information policy, information needs would be clearly defined and the provision of information services throughout the country would be regulated. In addition, medical professionals must create a free-flow of information and constant communication outlet to exchange and disseminate local health information. The high demand for basic training on the use of ICTs could be provided through in-service training or refresher courses.
The effective use of computers and emerging technologies for e-education in public secondary schools in urban and rural communities of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2009) Woldu, Ghebre Embaye.; Klopper, Rembrandt.
This study identifies problems and competencies, with the aim of establishing whether educators would be willing to adopt e-Education; and be ready to implement the policy in the classroom, as well as the acceptance of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in public secondary schools in urban and rural communities of KwaZulu-Natal. The focus of the study is on basic as well as emerging technology that teachers need to use for a range of educational applications. The quantitative research methodology was used to conduct the study, using a questionnaire as data gathering survey instrument. The sample of the population consists of 300 respondents in the rural and urban communities of KwaZulu-Natal. The data was analysed and processed using SPSS and MS Office Excel application software. The study forms part of a coordinated research project in which a group of researchers measured the degree of readiness (e-Readiness) of educators and learners to effectively use Information and Communication Technologies for e-Education, as proposed in the South African Government’s 2003 White Paper on e-Education. The results of the present project indicate that teachers in KwaZulu-Natal are willing to implement e-Education and ready to use emerging technologies for the effective learning and teaching environment, but that their skills at using Information and Communication Technologies need upgrading to advance electronic communications and computer equipment.
The accessibility of websites for blind and visually impaired individuals.
(2010) Jurakhan, Kebashnee.; Padayachee, Indira.
This study investigates the accessibility of web sites for blind and visually impaired individuals. The researcher’s aim in this study is to highlight the different problems these individuals experience when interacting with websites. A case study approach was adopted in order to investigate accessibility problems amongst blind and visually impaired people. This was investigated by conducting a user test, observation with the think aloud technique and interviews. The user test was made up of tasks where the participants had to visit four different types of websites and complete predefined tasks for each of these websites. The researcher also analysed the data by the use of automated web evaluations. This was used to compare the automated web evaluation results with the researcher’s results. Content analysis was used to identify frequencies and intensities with which themes and concepts appear in interviewee responses. In addition, correspondence analysis was used to help corroborate the findings of the content analysis and interpret the data. Results revealed that blind and visually impaired individuals do experience many difficulties when interacting with websites. The findings identified certain technical and conceptual accessibility problems that were experienced by blind and visually impaired individuals. The results also indicate that there is a relationship between website design and accessibility problems experienced. Further, the results indicate that the use of an assistive technology has a positive effect on the performance of web based tasks.

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