Theses and Dissertations

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Open Access
A framework fo the application of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in improving the service quality of tertiary institutions in South Africa
(2024-09-06) Patala, Najiyabanu Noormohmed; Kadyamatimba, A.; Munyoka, W.
With the capability of re-shaping the global economy, 4IR necessitates countries to keep up with technological innovations that require most sectors within a country to be restructured drastically. Tertiary institutions are therefore required to transform the delivery of higher education services to the next generation with a seamless combination of skills and knowledge set. Thus, quality measures must be redefined in the context of 4IR. However, very few studies have attempted to define and measure quality from a 4IR perspective and lack frameworks addressing 4IR-based quality improvement solutions. This study investigated how 4IR can be applied within the context of tertiary institutions for improving service quality following a positivist paradigm. A quantitative research design was adopted to obtain an understanding of the 4IR stances and quantitative data was collected through questionnaires to gain an idea of the student and staff members' perceptions of 4IR service quality. The participants were sampled from the University of Venda’s population of students and staff. A quantitative method for data analysis was employed through statistical analysis using SPSS software. The findings of the study identified challenges that inhibits and benefits that could promote a 4IR-based quality of service environment. The study found that 4IR-based quality planning plays a significant role in quality of teaching and learning management. 4IR technologies were perceived to be useful as respondents had some form of awareness. Factors such as 4IR-based institutional responsiveness, empathy and assurance were significantly shown to measure service improvement. Based on the findings, a framework for implementing a 4IR service quality improvement in the teaching, learning, and research context was developed and validated. This study contributed to addressing how best tertiary institutions can implement 4IR by assessing their readiness levels. The Framework will assist tertiary institutions in gathering knowledge of the policies, strategies, and governance mechanisms required for supporting 4IR initiatives while providing guidance to understand quality 4.0 issues. It is recommended that tertiary institutions redesign their technological pedagogies to keep up with the demands of current educations needs and quality standards.
Embargo
A framework for bridging the digital divide on e-government adoption in rural areas of the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province
(2026-05-19) Rapelo, Mokaba; Munyoka, W.; Netshirando, V.
This study developed a framework to bridge the digital divide and improve service delivery in the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa, where poor digital access creates barriers to essential public services and worsens existing inequalities in rural communities. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Digital Divide Framework as theoretical foundations, the study examined the main factors preventing digital inclusion and effective service delivery, including poor infrastructure, low digital skills, economic challenges, and cultural factors. A quantitative approach was used, collecting data through structured questionnaires from 384 participants, including residents, service users, and other stakeholders, and the data were analyzed using correlation analysis, regression modelling, and structural equation modelling. The findings showed that poor digital infrastructure, high internet costs, and limited digital skills were the main barriers preventing people from using digital services, with rural residents being the most affected. Statistical analysis confirmed that access to infrastructure (β = 0.44, p < 0.001) and digital skills (β = 0.38, p < 0.001) strongly predicted service delivery quality, together explaining 43% of the differences in service quality, while people's confidence in using digital devices (β = 0.707) and how easy services were to use (β = 0.662) were the strongest factors influencing whether people would adopt digital services, and both education level and geographic location were strongly linked to digital access and skills.
Open Access
A business intelligence systems adoption framework for the small, medium, and micro-enterprises grocery retail sector : A case of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
(2021-06-23) Muleya, Ashlyn Ennie Stubbs; Munyoka, W.; Kadyamatimba, A.
Business Intelligence Systems (BIS) is regarded as a leveraging suite of tools and technologies to enhance the decision-making process of an organization by transforming data into valuable and actionable knowledge to gain a competitive advantage. While some small to medium enterprises (SMMEs) have adopted BIS technologies and are deriving benefits from them, others are confronted with a host of challenges when trying to adopt BIS. This study examined factors that are hampering the smooth adoption of BIS by SMMEs in the grocery retail sector in South Africa, focusing on the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, and proposed a suitable framework to guide such adoption. Three technology adoption models which underpinned this study are the technology acceptance model, task-technology fit model, and diffusion on innovation model. These models were integrated to develop a conceptual framework for the study. A survey research design was considered suitable for this study because it is the best method for generalizing the findings to the entire population. The study adopted a quantitative research approach, which is an approach for testing objective theories by examining the relationship among variables. In total, 300 close-ended questionnaires were distributed to SMMEs owners/managers around Pretoria. The data collected were analysed using the IBM SPSS version 27 software package. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the seven proposed hypotheses and to determine the statistical significance of each hypothesis. The final tested framework demonstrated that observability, trialability, perceived BIS ease of use, and perceived BIS usefulness were all positively correlated to BIS adoption. Furthermore, the framework also showed that BIS characteristics and task characteristics positively influence task technology fit. Recommendations are made for SMMEs to overcome barriers in adopting BIS, these are: there is a need for SMMEs management to invest in IT projects by allocating enough budget for technology purchase and implementation, sponsored IT support programs could enable SMMEs to increase their knowledge regarding the latest technologies they could adopt for their business, SME managers should be able to build a culture that is complimentary with technology and innovation and SMME managers should engage in strategic collaboration with other major business players to enhance learning experiences about BIS technologies.
Embargo
Developing a Framework for User Acceptance of Biometric Authentication in Electronic Payment Systems in the Thulamela Local Municipality
(2025-09-05) Ratshiedana, Unarine Terrence; Munyoka, W.; Anokwuru, U.
The adoption of e-payment systems has revolutionised financial transactions, offering convenience, efficiency, and accessibility. However, concerns over fraud and security have necessitated the implementation of advanced authentication techniques, with biometric authentication emerging as a promising solution. Despite its potential, user acceptance remains a critical barrier to its broader adoption, influenced by factors such as privacy concerns, trust, and socio-cultural perceptions. This study explored the determinants of biometric authentication acceptance within e-payment systems within the Thulamela Local Municipality, aiming to investigate the determinants that enhance user adoption. A quantitative research approach was adopted, using a structured survey to collect data from 399 respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including regression modelling, were conducted to assess key determinants of biometric authentication adoption. The study applied the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as its theoretical foundation, integrating factors such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. The findings reveal that performance expectancy and effort expectancy significantly influence adoption intention. While perceived ease of use recorded a high mean score, the unexpected negative coefficient of perceived usefulness suggests that usability outweighs traditional usefulness in shaping user perceptions. Additionally, economic and social barriers pose notable challenges to biometric authentication adoption. Based on the insights from the research findings, a framework for enhancing biometric authentication acceptance was proposed, addressing key determinants through improved usability, building intuitive and user-centric interfaces for biometric authentication systems, awareness campaigns, and infrastructure investment, among others. The study concludes that while biometric authentication holds significant potential in enhancing security and efficiency in e-payment systems, addressing socio-economic and cultural barriers is essential for broader adoption. The study contributes to academic discourse by expanding UTAUT’s application in biometric authentication research while offering practical recommendations for policymakers and financial institutions. Ultimately, this study provides a strategic roadmap for advancing secure, inclusive, and user-friendly biometric authentication in e-payment systems.
Open Access
Digital framework for redefining South African Local Government Service Delivery
(2024-09-06) Netshirando, Vusani; Munyoka, W.; Kadyamatimba, A.
The emergence of new ICTs is triggering organisations into digital transformation, targeting their business model, resulting in a shift on how organisations operate and generate revenue. Moreover, high consumer technological demand and external dynamics also signify the need for organisations, both public and private, to reshape their operations on how they respond to emerging technologies. The study investigated the digital transformation initiative to integrate emerging technologies into the South African rural municipalities business model. A pragmatic paradigm was adopted to achieve the study objectives, and holistically examining the digital transformation in municipalities, and further allowed the researcher to explore digital transformation initiatives from both individual (citizens) and organisation’s (municipalities) perspectives. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to collect quantitative data from citizens on their perception towards emerging technologies as a model of accessing and engaging rural municipalities. Interviews were conducted with rural municipalities departmental managers. IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for regressions and corelation test analysis, while the IBM AMOS was deployed to test the study model and confirm the study’s quantitative results. Furthermore, Atlas. ti was used to analyse qualitative data. The results of the study show that both citizens and rural municipalities have a positive perception towards using emerging technologies in municipalities. However, the citizens identified safety issues as their primary concern. Furthermore, the study shows that rural municipalities currently do not have the right skills, expertise, resources, infrastructure, external relationships, research, and innovation capabilities to support digital projects initiative. Based on the findings, a framework to support digital transformation initiative in rural municipalities was developed.
Open Access
A Dynamic Capabilities Perspective of Big Data Analytics in Healthcare in South Africa
(2023-05-19) Mathivha, Dakalo Tshifhiwa; Ochara, N. M.; Munyoka, W.
The healthcare domain has constantly been swamped with a vast amount of complex data coming in swiftly. Big Data could be a term for tremendous data sets with expansive, more shifted, complex structures with troubles putting away, analyzing, and visualizing distinctive processes or results. Big Data Analytics may be a modern era of innovations and models planned to financially extract value from large volumes of a wide variety of data by empowering high-velocity capture, discovery, and analysis. An immeasurable sum of data is created in several healthcare industry divisions, such as data from clinics, hospitals, healthcare suppliers, medical insurance, medical equipment, life sciences, and medical research. With the progression in innovation technology, there is endless potential for utilizing this data to transform healthcare. The study aims to analyze how Big Data Analytics can be used for Data Management in Healthcare Organizations in South Africa to improve service delivery. The study reviewed the concept of BDA in healthcare, sources of Big Health Data, potential benefits and challenges, BDA capabilities, BDA technologies and techniques within healthcare, and Dynamic Capabilities Theory. The Dynamic Capabilities Theory was used as a theoretical lens to study Big Data Analytics in Healthcare. This research used primary data. A positivist research paradigm was used in this study. To achieve the aim of the study, 170 questionnaires were distributed for data collection, but only 102 responded. SPSS 25 was used to analyze data. The study found that the healthcare sector can spot, interpret, and pursue environmental opportunities. It can oversee and ideally synchronize resources, partners, deliverables, and tasks concerning tasks or necessities. It moreover can gather, understand, and exploit knowledge to make progressed decisions. Furthermore, it has processes that permit more effective problem-solving by combining different organizational resources. The findings further revealed that the healthcare sector could make strategic decisions and rapidly enact or execute against these by repositioning resources better to adjust the organization to the external or market environment.
Open Access
The Effect of Cyber Security on Citizens Adoption of e-Commerce Services: The Case of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province of South Africa
(2019-05-18) Netshirando, Vusani; Kadyamatimba, A.; Munyoka, W.
Today, information and communication technologies (ICT) have become an integral part of humans lives more especially in business, be it those in developed or developing countries. The evolution of ICT’s has also led to the introduction of e-Commerce services. Both the public and private sectors, develop these technologies with customer satisfaction in mind. Out of all the efforts by businesses and ICT experts, e-commerce systems continue to fail because of low user acceptance and user attitude, especially in developing nations. Security issues are known to be of top most concern for online shoppers. A survey was administered to 161 respondents, to find out how cyber security affects consumer’s intentions and actual use of e-commerce systems. The study encompasses both users of e-commerce systems and non-users of e-commerce systems across Vhembe district of Limpopo Province in South Africa. A quantitative research approach was used. The findings revealed that perceived security was the main concern for non-users of e-commerce intentions to use e-commerce systems because of lack of information and lack of trust on e-commerce systems. The study also revealed that users of e-commerce systems are still concerned about security, even though they intend to continue using e-commerce systems. For the success of e-commerce in rural communities, government needs to join hands with retailers and SME’s to start awareness campaigns that will clarify how e-commerce systems work and eradicate negative perception on e-commerce systems.
Open Access
Impact of digital technologies on small and medium enterprises in emerging towns: A case study of Vhembe District Municipality
(2020-02) Mutobvu, Mpho Ronald; Munyoka, W.; Kadyamatimba, A.
The importance of digital technologies on the growth and sustainability of small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) across the world need not be reemphasised. SMMEs plays a paramount role in the growth of economies, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the general socio-wellbeing of citizens; hence they are the driving force for employment creation. However, their efforts in adopting digital technologies to achieve their targets and growth, is not without challenges. This study establishes the impact of digital technologies on SMMEs in emerging towns in South Africa, with a focus on the Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo Province. Guided by the Technology Organisation Environment (TOE) framework as a theoretical approach, this study proposed and tested a framework to predict factors that are impacting SMMEs. Data for testing the proposed framework was collected from 100 SMMEs owners and workers using a survey questionnaire across the Vhembe District Municipality. IBM SPSS was used to analyse the collected data using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. This study found that SMMEs with access to digital technologies have more access to information, markets, reduce operational costs while increasing the productivity and revenue. Management support regarding the use of digital technologies significantly improves the overall performance of SMMEs. This study recommend that government should provide an enabling environment through supportive policies and resources to ensure effective fusion and adoption of digital technologies by SMMEs.
Open Access
Information and communication technology for sustainable small-scale sweet potato farming: A case of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2022-11-10) Mathivha, Nduvho Sharon; Munyoka, W.; Tutani, D.; Nethengwe, T.
Nowadays Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has become an indispensable tool for enhancing farming. It is considered an important factor in disseminating farming information to small-scale sweet potato farmers. Farming information is regarded as a critical factor for decision making for small-scale sweet potato farmers. In South Africa, small-scale sweet potato farmers access farming information through ICT channels. However, the lack of knowledge and skills in using ICTs prohibits small-scale sweet potato farmers from accessing farming information. This study evaluates the effects of facilitating conditions, technical aspects, cost of accessing the internet and socio-cultural issues on sweet potato farmers’ behavioral intention to adopt ICTs for sustainable farming (BI-ICT4SF). Thus, this study aims to assess the effects of these factors on small-scale sweet potato farmers’ BI-ICT4SF and use behavior of ICT4SF. This study adopts a mixed method approach. Qualitative data was collected from 10 small-scale sweet potato farmers using semi-structured interview; while quantitative data was collected from 150 respondents using structured questionnaires from small-scale sweet potato farmers in Vhembe Rural District, Limpopo Province. Quantitative data was analyzed using IBM SPSS while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The findings of this study showed that price value, performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, socio-cultural value and technical information are strong predictors of BI-ICT4SF; while BI-ICT4SF has a positive influence on use behavior of ICT4SF. Effort expectancy was not a significant predictor of BI-ICT4SF. These findings add new insights and awareness to small-scale sweet potato farmers on the best practice of using ICTs and skills they would require for accessing farming information. The proper adoption of ICTs will enhance sustainable small-scale sweet potato farming.
Open Access
The Adoption of Learning Management Systems by Private Schools during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Limpopo Province of South Africa
(2024-09-06) Ticharwa, Beaular Lilian; Munyoka, W.; Madzvamuse, S.
Learning Management Systems (LMS) are becoming essential to the educational process. The continuous adoption and usage of LMS addresses multiple flaws of the traditional education system. LMS became a crucial part of any educational process during the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, as the circumstances made it unsafe to continue with the formal face-to-face educational process. The purpose of the study was to investigate the adoption of learning management systems by private schools during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Limpopo Province of South Africa to come up with an LMS framework that the schools could use to guide the adoption and usage of e-learning during abnormal times such as COVID-19 pandemic. This study adopted a mixed methods research methodology and utilized a cross-sectional survey and case study research designs. The study population included teachers and learners in Limpopo Province private schools. Probability and non-probability sampling methods were employed through cluster and purposive sampling techniques to arrive at the study sample. Survey questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data, while structured interviews were used to collect interview data. Quantitative data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics included frequency distributions, mean, and measures of dispersion, while the inferential statistics used the ANOVA, multiple regression analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient, and F-test. This was computed with STATA version 16. Qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Both quantitative and qualitative results were converged to obtain a comprehensive assessment. The study found that ICT infrastructure availability and positive organizational and environmental factors are significantly related to LMS adoption. The challenges to LMS adoption include students’ lack of e-learning skills, negative attitudes, teacher unpreparedness, and inequalities among learners and educators. These results indicate that for schools to adopt LMS effectively, they should consider the needs of their institutions, choose user-friendly platforms, ensure that LMS are scalable, provide technical support, encourage engagement, and regularly monitor system usage and performance. The study's limitations were not addressing the long-term effects of LMS use on education or the comparative effectiveness of different LMS. This could also provide a valuable foundation for longitudinal studies tracking the effects of LMS adoption over time.
Open Access
The Adoption of the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) by the Citizens during the Covid-19 Pandemic in South Africa
(2024-09-06) Rambau, Thifhindulwi Maxwell; Munyoka, W.; Ochara, N. M.
This study examines citizens' engagement with the National Department of Transport services in South Africa, focusing on the NaTIS system. The central issue under investigation is the factors influencing the adoption and utilization of NaTIS among South African citizens. This study identifies and synthesizes several key themes through an extensive literature review. These themes include - the significance of user-friendliness and robust support mechanisms, adaptability to new technologies, working experience, awareness, trust, user preferences, and the role of social influence in technology adoption. Underpinned by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this study employs a mixed-method approach, hence, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods. It utilizes surveys, factor analysis, and regression analysis to gather and analyse data, thereby, offering a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing NaTIS adoption. The study provides empirical insights into citizens' interactions with NaTIS. Key findings emphasize the importance of - user-friendliness, adaptability to new technologies, and social influence - in promoting technology acceptance. These findings present valuable guidance for policymakers and public service managers, to enhance the quality of e-Government services in South Africa. The recommendations offered in the study can contribute to making public services more citizen-centric and technologically-acceptable.
Embargo
The Impact of Adopting Agile Methodologies in South African Banks in Gauteng Province for Software Development on a Work-from-Home Arrangement
(2026-05-19) Ndlhovu, Ipfi; Mashau, N. L.; Munyoka, W.
Agile methodology is a project management methodology that focuses on breaking down a project into smaller, repeatable steps. It emphasises continuous collaboration amongst the stakeholders involved in the project and improving the overall project. Teams that use Agile methodologies typically follow a cycle that involves planning, performing, and evaluating, while advocating for less documentation and a greater focus on performance. While IT (Information Technology) companies have primarily employed agile methodologies and software development teams, IT and non-IT teams in the banking sector have also seen a rise in adopting agile methodologies since the emergence of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic. It is important to understand these methodologies as they continue to shape the ways of working even long after COVID-19 which affects the country’s economy, wellbeing of individuals and continue to drive technological growth. This study examined the impact of adopting agile methodologies in South African banks in Gauteng province for software development. The focus was on IT personnel working from home in the South African banking sector. In addition, three theoretical frameworks (resource-based view, competing values framework and technology acceptance model) were integrated to underpin the study, to develop the conceptual framework and to guide the testing of hypotheses for the study. The research design identified and followed for this study was a quantitative study that used a closed-ended questionnaire to collect data from 160 respondents, who were selected at the researcher’s convenience using non-probability sampling. The respondents were also selected through snowball sampling from the selected five banks to minimise data collection bias, and the collected data were analysed using IBM SPSS v. 31. The study's main findings indicated that agile training is crucial for agile success, and organisational culture and structure affect the successful use of agile methodologies in a work-from-home arrangement. Organisations also need to be more flexible when adopting agile methodologies in a work-from-home arrangement and allow for adaptability to get the best out of agile methodologies. Future studies could be conducted in other South African provinces across various industries to compare the impact, adoption, use, challenges, and benefits realised with the use of agile methodologies in a work-from-home arrangement.

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