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Browsing Theses and Dissertations by Author "Macheque, Vhutshilo"
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Item Embargo A framework for integrating adaptive assistive technologies in inclusive education: A case study of the Disability Unit of the University of Venda(2024-09-06) Macheque, Vhutshilo; Kadyamatimba, A.; Ochara, N. M.Integrating Assistive Technologies in inclusive education can enable the academic engagement of students living with disabilities and be transformative from a psychological perspective. However, the success of this endeavour in disadvantaged rural South African universities remains a surmountable challenge due to factors militating against this noble idea. The aim of the study was to conceptualise a framework for integrating assistive technologies in inclusive education at a South African rural university where many students are living with disabilities. The study employed Technology-Task Fit, a variance theory, and DeLone Maclean Information Systems Theory, a process theory as a theoretical underpinning. This study adopts a pragmatism perspective and used an explanatory sequential mixed method design in which quantitative data was collected using an online questionnaire from a convenience sample of seventy-one participants, and the qualitative data was collected from a purposive sample of five participants using face-to-face interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) Version 29, and results were presented as descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and chi-square test. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using Atlas ti23. The study found that several factors influenced the integration of assistive devices, but the lack of a proper framework, policies, or guidelines was the most influential. Five requirements for developing the framework were moderating factors, procurement strategies, training strategies, funding strategies, and ATs integration strategies. There was a strong and significant positive association between the requirements at p < 0.010 and other demographic characteristics and factors mitigating the integration of assistive devices in inclusive education. From the study, a Framework for Integrating Assistive Technology in Inclusive Education (IAATIE) was developed based on the requirements and best practices documented in journal literature. IAATIE was validated as relevance and acceptance using content (requirements), relevance, and acceptance by most of the reviewers and validators. The academic contribution of the study was the framework for Integrating Assistive Technologies in inclusive education at the university, which encouraged coordinated efforts from various key players, including students who have been previously ignored. The study recommends the implementation of a IAATIE framework for inclusive education.Item Open Access Unbounded rule-based expert system for selecting software development methodologies(2019-05-16) Macheque, Vhutshilo; Kadyamatimba, A.; Tutani, D.; Ochara, N. M.The extent of success of a given project can be increased by using an appropriate Project Management Methodology (PMM) that takes into account the specific characteristics of the project (such as complexity, size, budget, nature of risk, etc.). PMMs have evolved over the years to become more diverse, complex, with evolving and dynamic ICT platforms. Such PMMs have traditionally been used as frameworks to guide the project management process for decision makers (such as Project Managers, Project Owners and Project Teams). The choice of selecting an appropriate project methodology is daunting; apart from other considerations related to project characteristics such as budget, scope, schedule, performance and resource constraints. One of the vital stages of a successful software development project is selecting a good software development methodology that best suits that project. The aim of this research is to investigate the critical factors to be considered by project managers in the selection of the software development methodology for the project. These critical factors are then used as a foundation for an architecture for an “unbounded rule-based expert system. A survey was conducted amongst project managers to determine the critical factors necessary for the selection of a software development methodology. From the findings of the study, it was established the critical factors revolved around three constructs of Project Excellence Enablers, Excellent Project Management Practices, and Business Value Proposition factors. The findings from this study therefore provided a rationale and a basis for the evolution of an “Unbounded Rule-Based Expert Systems Architecture” as a basis for the selection of the right software development methodology