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  • ItemEmbargo
    Framework for smart sustainable farming using the artificial intelligence of things in South Africa: A case of small-scale plant farming
    (2024-09-06) Manganyi, Smile; Patala, N.; Kadyamatimba, A.
    The 4.0 green revolution in agriculture, also known as "smart farming," combines agricultural methodologies with technology such as sensors, actuators, information, and communication technology (ICT), the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and drones, to achieve desired production efficiencies at controlled costs. It is considered an important factor in disseminating farming to small-scale plant farmers across the globe. Even though some large-scale farmers in South Africa have previously embraced Artificial Intelligence of Things to support their agricultural processes. Small-scale plant farmers are still unable to operate due to some circumstances, such as inappropriate skills, knowledge, and services. There is no proper framework to assist small-scale plant farmers in the Vhembe district of Limpopo to develop a quality and smart farming environment. This study focused on discovering factors that influence the implementation of Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) systems towards small-scale plant farmers and its challenges. The researcher collected data from 10 participants through interviews and guided by a structured interview guide. The collected data was transcribed using Microsoft word and analysed through thematic framework analysis using ATLAS ti. The findings of this study intended to bring new insights and guidelines to small-scale plant farmers on the best method to utilise AIoT tools and skills they would require throughout. The study recommended that the government must assist the small-scale farmers with funding, maintenance and awareness towards the automation of their farms. The study found that AIoT is an essential tool for sustaining farming. The findings revealed that the effective adoption of AIoT shall improve productivity and sustainability for small-scale farmers to serve the globe without relying solely on commercial farms. Eventually, this study proposed a framework for smart sustainable farming specified at integrating farming practices, technologies and its stakeholders based on the UTAUT model.
  • ItemEmbargo
    Cybersecurity awareness strategy for rural communities: a case study of the Mopani District in the Limpopo Province
    (2024-09-06) Masilane, Pholosho Wisani; Kadyamatimba, A.; Madzvamuse, S.
    Cybersecurity challenges persist in rural communities, exacerbated by the lack of effective cybersecurity awareness strategies. This study aimed to address these challenges by developing a tailored cybersecurity awareness strategy specifically for rural communities in Limpopo Province, Mopani District. The research focused on identifying cybersecurity challenges, factors influencing cybersecurity policies, and assessing cybersecurity awareness and attitudes within these communities. Data was collected through random multi-stage sampling and referral techniques using a questionnaire. The findings revealed a significant prevalence of cyberattacks (81%), with phishing being the most common type. Consequences included data loss, stolen personal information, service disruptions, financial loss, and reputation damage. Key challenges identified encompassed limited awareness, restricted access to resources, weak policies, and insufficient training. The developed strategy focuses on enhancing training programs, improving resource accessibility, and strengthening policy frameworks, which together lay the groundwork for fostering a cybersecurity culture and mitigating cyber threats in rural communities.
  • ItemEmbargo
    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.
  • ItemEmbargo
    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.
  • ItemOpen Access
    A framework to integrate business intelligence and collaborative visual analytics for decision support in disaster risk management in South Africa
    (2023-10-05) Maligudu, Mashudu; Ochara, Nixon Muganda; Patala, Najiyabanu
    Access to real-time information, which can be either information before, during, or after the disaster, is essential to the effectiveness of disaster risk management, prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The current Visual Analytics in Disaster Risk Management is not equipped to handle a considerable volume of disaster-related information dissipated across various partners. The study's main aim was to design a framework for Collaborative Visual Analytics integration in Disaster Risk Management. The current research used a qualitative methodology, and data was collected through documents. The research addressed collaborative visual analytics for decision assistance in disaster risk management in South Africa. Several theoretical recommendations from the findings were suggested. These are critical towards having a comprehensive understanding over the subject matter, guiding policy, and enriching the body of knowledge.
  • ItemOpen Access
    E-commerce framework for sustainable development: A case study of SMME's in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape
    (2023-05-19) Madzvamuse, Solomon; Kadyamatimba, Armstrong; Munyoka, Willard
    Digital technologies have brought about a turnaround in business, with big companies in developed countries now depending on the internet to support their business activities. While Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) contribute much to the economies of developing countries, e-commerce has not been considered as a support for sustainable development by SMMEs, in post-colonial Southern Africa. E-commerce strategies have been established and implemented successfully by big businesses in the developed world, however, these strategies fail to address issues arising from the different contexts for SMMEs in developing countries, such as South Africa. This research will contribute to the discipline of Business Information Systems by establishing a framework for implementing e-commerce for SMMEs in South Africa. Underpinned by the pragmatism philosophy, the study takes an in-depth case study approach, in which SMMEs in three provinces of South Africa were used as the population of the survey, to champion an e-commerce framework for SMMEs in South Africa. A mixed-methods research approach was applied, and both secondary and primary data were used in this study. The secondary data aided in establishing the research gap on advancing e-commerce frameworks, while quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, from SMMEs in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Northern Cape Provinces. The quantitative data was used to test the causal effect of identified factors of e-commerce in SMMEs. The SPSS software was used to analyse the quantitative data. The qualitative strand of the mixed-methods approach using semi-structured interviews, served the purpose of method triangulation with the quantitative strand enabling the gathering of further insights on how e-commerce in SMMEs can foster sustainable development. The ATLAS.ti software package was used to code and interpret the qualitative data collected from interviews, using thematic analysis. Based on the findings, an e-commerce framework for SMMEs was established, tested, and refined. The framework is intended to contribute to the formulation of government policies that will facilitate sustainable development, through e-commerce in SMMEs.
  • ItemOpen 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.
  • ItemOpen 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.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Application of Deep Neural Networks in Forecasting Foreign Currency Exchange rates
    (2022-07-15) Nemavhola, Andisani; Chibaya, Colin; Ochara, N. M.
    The global foreign currency exchange (Forex) market is regarded as one of the most important financial markets in the world, with daily transactions exceeding $4 trillion. In financial market research, forecasting currency rates is a crucial problem. Forex is notorious for being very volatile and difficult to forecast. In this study, we investigated the use of deep learning approaches in forex forecasting and compared the success of the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model to the performance of AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Support vector regression (SVR) when predicting forex rates of US Dollar (USD) pair with South African Rand (ZAR) using daily timeframe data obtained from the Metatrader trading platform. The LSTM outperformed the SVR and ARIMA models according to MSE data. The LSTM is typically good for predicting USDZAR speeds, although being surpassed by the ARIMA model when the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) was assessed.
  • ItemOpen Access
    A systems perspective of information technology (IT) governance: A case of higher education institutions in South Africa
    (2021-09-30) Ratshitanga, Nkhumbuleni Tendani; Ochara, N. M.; Kadyamatimba, A.
    Failure to implement Information Technology Governance (ITG) frameworks in universities contributes to making Information and Communication Technology (ICT) not aligned with the organizational objectives; as a result, implementation of ICT fails to create organizational value. The main objective of this study was to conceptualise a model that contributes to improving ITG in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Viable systems model was used as the theoretical underpinning to establish the determinants of effective ITG and to identify ITG mechanisms and their roles. The study adopted an interpretivist research paradigm. A case study research strategy was employed in HEIs. Purposive sampling was used to sample ITG role players to participate in the study; and interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data. Secondary data was collected through perusing ITG documents. The collected data was analysed using thematic content analysis and ATLAS ti 8 software that was used. The results showed the following ITG determinants: complexity in terms of internetworking and interrelatedness of ITG mechanisms, synergy of and within ITG mechanisms, ability of ITG to respond to environmental changes, local autonomy in relation to decisions taken in different ITG levels, recursive within the HEIs ITG system and direct feedback among different ITG in HEIs. The results also showed ITG mechanisms and their roles. Council, ICT steering committee, CIO, Risk Committee and Audit Committee were amongst the identified ITG mechanism. The study concluded that Council is responsible for strategic envisioning; executive management is responsible for planning; Chief Information Officer (CIO) controls and directs ITG activities, ICT Steering Committee coordinates the development and implementation, Risk Committee and Audit Committee monitor the process, the ICT department; under the supervision of the CIO; and Sections within the ICT department are hands on regarding the implementation. The VIVHO ITG model is the outcome of the synthesis of the identified ITG determinants and ITG mechanisms.
  • ItemOpen Access
    The influence of organisational ambidexterity on transformational government in Zimbabwe : Towards a municipal information quality model
    (2021-02-17) Ndlovu, Njabulo; Ochara, N. M.; Martin, R. L.
    In an endeavour to promote innovativeness and efficient Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Transformational Government (T-Gov), many governments in developing countries have formulated National ICT policies that seek to deploy ICTs to all sectors of their economies. This move requires a push for the creation of an enabling environment to disseminate information to citizens. However, there are indications from prior research which show that Transformational Government is not achieving the outcomes it is touted for. Despite reported failures of Transformational Government projects and constant lack of public value to the detriment of citizens, many governments throughout the world continue to invest large amounts of resources in these government projects. Several issues remain unresolved, for instance, one branch of literature points out that there is lack digital innovation on organisations implementing Transformational Government projects. It is against this background that this study explored the influence of Digital Government Ambidexterity on municipal information quality towards realisation of public value. To this end, a municipal information quality model (MunINFORQUAL) was developed. Embracing the theory of dynamic capabilities, IS Success theory and public value theory helped in the analysis of the multifaceted nature of organizational ambidexterity and Transformational Government . Using Smart-PLS structural equation modeling technique, exploitative and explorative digital innovation were identified as the factors influencing municipal information quality towards public value amongst municipalities. A cross sectional and snowball sampling approaches was adopted to select the sample, of which the sampling frame was derived from citizens seeking services from those municipalities. A questionnaire-based survey was used to collect data from participants, and descriptive, inferential statistics and information from focus group interviews were used to analyse the data. The results showed that digital government policy implementation moderated the relationship between ambidextrous digital innovation and municipal information quality, and also municipal information quality mediated the relationship between ambidextrous digital innovation and public value. However, non-significant results were found when testing the mediating effect of information usability in the relationship between ambidextrous digital innovation and public value. Further, the results revealed that information completeness, information relevance and information readability mediated the relationship between ambidextrous digital innovation and public value. Testing the mediating effect of information trustworthiness, results showed partial mediation. The results provides satisfactory evidence that exploitative and explorative digital innovation can influence municipal information quality vi positively thereby leading to public value. This study, therefore recommends that managers and policy makers of municipalities should embrace digital innovations in order to enhance public value thereby increasing citizens’ participation through full utilisation of digital technologies. This is achievable through implementation of policies that promote effective digital innovation for information quality. Further, this study recommends the establishment of ambidextrous digital innovation within municipalities which will promote effective utilisation of digital technologies as a means of realising the impact of Transformational Government.
  • ItemOpen 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.
  • ItemOpen 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.
  • ItemOpen Access
    A context-aware collaborative decision making framework for combating terrorism in Africa
    (2020-06-19) Odhiambo, Nancy Achieng; Ochara, N. M.; Kadyamatimba, A.
    Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) is a never-ending challenge in complex-problem situations where multiple actors are involved. Complex-problem situations involve problems that are ill-defined, ill-structured and wicked such as terrorism. Problems of this nature usually warrant a collaborative effort between actors (organizations) with multiple skill-sets and expertise that at times might be at variance with each other. In order to address this gap, three sub-objectives were postulated from the main research objective, “To determine how optimal/effective CDM can be realized amongst counter-terrorism organizations through context-aware technologies.” Using the theory of synergetics and following deductive thematic analysis, the socio-technical nature of the terrorism problem was depicted by postulating a Digital Terrorism Ecology that consists of Open Digital Infrastructure (ODI), Digital Information Ecosystem (DIE), Digital Terrorism Enactment (DTE), Digital Capability and Digital Enslavement. Based on institutional theory and using PLS-SEM technique, Group/departmental relationships, Organizational co-operation, Organizational form, Technical infrastructure and interoperability, Information and knowledge sharing were identified as the factors influencing attainment of Optimal/effective CDM amongst counter-terrorism organizations. In order to explicate the role of context-aware technologies in enhancing CDM amongst counter-terrorism organizations, a context-aware CDM framework was developed following Design Science Research (DSR) methodology. In this study it was evident from the findings that attainment of OCDM in counter-terrorism contexts is challenging even though it is essential. Among the factors considered as possible influencers of attainment of OCDM, Organizational form (OF) was found to influence Organizational cooperation (OC) and Technical infrastructure and inter-operability (TI). Group/departmental relationships (GDR) were found to influence OF and OC. TI was found to influence OC and GDR and further, Information and knowledge sharing (IKS) was found to influence Optimal/effective CDM (OCDM). Of the three pillars of institutional theory, the regulative pillar offered more insights on issues related to rules, discourse and practice and hence the challenges of OCDM attainment. Practically, this study aims to re-orient the thinking of counter-terrorism organizations by presenting the socio-technical nature of the terrorism problem as well as explicating the role of digital technologies in terrorism.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Towards an e-learning adoption framework for rural-based higher education institutions in South Africa
    (2019-05-18) Patel, Naziyabanu Mohmedsalim; Kadyamatimba, A.; Madzvamuse, S.
    The aim of this research study is to propose an e-learning framework to deliver a guideline for the adoption of e-learning considering all major determinants such as technical, operational, organisational, cultural and socio-economical domains, in the setting of rural-based higher educational institutions. E-learning is a process which has arisen from ICT advancement, and it is coordinated together with the education programs at many universities. In South African tertiary institutions, the adoption rate for e-learning is higher in urban-based higher education institutions and colleges and lower in rural-based higher education institutions. Even though with the supposed capacity that e-learning provides, the bigger part of the e-learning approach in rural-based higher education institutions does not achieve their potential. This study focuses on identifying factors which impact the adoption of e-learning at rural-based, higher education institutions and its challenges. A case study approach is undertaken, using mixed methods for collection of data from the respondents based on e-learning adoption at student, educator and institutional level. The study identified the factors which influence the adoption of e-learning in rural-based HEIs. Eventually, the researcher proposed an e-learning framework which contributes to the e-learning adoption in rural-based HEIs, by establishing a guide for these institutions for enhanced planning, development and implementation tool for e-learning adoption using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Model. The study identified that the e-learning usage and perception was lower in rural-based HEIs as compared to urban-based HEIs, and performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions are all major factors which influence the adoption of e-learning.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Cybersecurity framework for cloud computing adoption in rural based tertiary institutions
    (2019-05-18) Patala, Najiyabanu Noormohmed; Kadyamatimba, A; Madzvamuse, S.
    Although technology is being progressively used in supporting student learning and enhancing business processes within tertiary institutions, certain aspects are hindering the decisions of cloud usage. Among many challenges of utilizing cloud computing, cybersecurity has become a primary concern for the adoption. The main aim of the study was to investigate the effect of cloud cyber-security usage at rural based tertiary institutions in order to compare the usage with an urban-based institution and propose a cybersecurity framework for adoption of cloud computing cybersecurity. The research questions focused on determining the drivers for cloud cybersecurity usage; the current adoption issues; how cybersecurity challenges, benefits, and quality affects cloud usage; the adoption perceptions and awareness of key stakeholders and identifying a cloud cybersecurity adoption framework. A quantitative approach was applied with data collected from a simple random sample of students, lecturers, admin and IT staff within the tertiary institutions through structured questionnaires. The results suggested compliance with legal law as a critical driver for cloud cybersecurity adoption. The study also found a lack of physical control of data and harmful activities executed on the internet as challenges hampering the adoption. Prevention of identity fraud and cheaper security costs were identified as benefits of adoption. Respondents found cloud cybersecurity to be accurate and effective, although most of the students and employees have not used it. However, respondents were aware of the value of cybersecurity adoption and perceive for it to be useful and convenient, hence have shown the intention of adopting it. There were no significant elements identified to differentiate the perceptions of usage at rural and urban-based tertiary institutions. The results of the study are to be used for clarifying the cybersecurity aspects of cloud computing and forecasting the suitability cloud cybersecurity within the tertiary institutions. Recommendations were made on how tertiary institutions and management can promote cloud cybersecurity adoption and how students, lecturers, and staff can effectively use cloud cybersecurity.
  • ItemOpen 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.
  • ItemOpen 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
  • ItemOpen Access
    Methodology and Model to Establish Cybersecurity for National Security in Africa using South Africa as a Case Study
    (2016-05) Van Vuuren, Johanna Christina Jansen; Zaaiman, J. J.; Kadyamatimba, A.
    See the attached abstract below
  • ItemOpen Access
    The impact of curriculum change on the market : the case study of South African Textbook Publishers and Retailers
    (2016-05-18) Maphangwa, N. R; Shambare, R.; Zindiye, S.
    Textbooks in the school context have a crucial role to play in order to achieve educational objectives as well as in directing teaching approaches (Doll, 1996). Curriculum change creates a demand for new textbooks (Taylor & Richards, 2014). The market for publishing and retailing of textbooks has many unique features, including the demand and supply aspect which is influenced by public procurement, and the existence of profit-driven textbook publishers and retailers. The phenomenon of curriculum change represents another distinctive characteristic of the market, which acts as a disruptor to the economics with significant implications for roleplayers in the market. These effects may be positive or negative, as insufficient information exists on the impacts of this feature of the market, especially in the South African context. In this study, textbooks publishers and retailers are the focus as it is their business obligation to supply textbooks to the Department of Education. The primary purpose of the study is to investigate the perceptions of selected textbook publishers and retailers on the impact of curriculum change on the performance of their businesses. The study identified proper communication and lack of intensive training as gaps that need to be addressed to ensure that textbook publishers and retailers succeed well in their businesses despite curriculum change. An in-depth qualitative study was conducted using purposive sample of 30 key respondents, that is, ten respondents from textbook publishers, ten respondents from textbook retailers and another ten from the Department of Education. The study employed the hermeneutic approach to analyse the empirical qualitative data generated from the research study. The analysis of the study was focused on the challenges that textbook publishers and retailers face due to curriculum change as well as their strategic response to curriculum change. The study found that textbook publishers and retailers’ perceptions on the impact of curriculum change on their business is both negative and positive and that the industry appreciates curriculum change as a stimulus of economic activity despite the challenges experienced. Recommendations for textbook publishers and retailers to cope with curriculum change are given.