Masters Degrees (School of Public Leadership)

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Analysing the role of ICT in rural community development: the case of Bakgoma Community Library in Makobe Village
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Mbebe, Tebogo Mavis; Burger, Naomi; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : Rural development is a process that leads to the improvement of the lives of rural people. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are an effective tool, amongst others, that can foster rural development. Community Based Information Centres (CBICs) are established with the purpose of bridging digital divides in rural areas. The purpose of this study is to analyse the role of ICTs in fostering rural community development focusing on BAKGOMA community library in Makobe village, within Mogalakwena Municipality, Waterberg district, Limpopo province. The study took a qualitative approach using a case study. The librarian, founders, local ward councillor and community development practitioner were identified as the main change agents and semi-structured interviews were conducted with them. Participant observation was also incorporated and users were observed; this was done to gather more data and to verify the collected data. The study has revealed that the centre is not being fully utilised as it is regarded as a centre for learners only. ICT facilities were highlighted as one of the main reasons users frequent the centre. The study has further revealed that there is a gap between the educated and uneducated. Little use of the centre by elderly people, lack of interest from the unemployed youth and poor newspaper supplies were some of the challenges that were highlighted. The study concludes that ICTs can foster rural development only if young and old, educated and uneducated people show support in established CBICs. The results imply that the community needs to be more exposed to effective ways that ICTs can improve their lives.
Analysis of ICT in the Strategic Modernisation Programme of the Paraguayan Supreme Court
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) Chamorro Ibarrola, Rosa Liz; Burger, Naomi; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Paraguayan Justice has been going through a period of deep transformation. The Justice has many challenges to face. Those challenges should be regarded as opportunities for transformation and not as threats. It is a fact that information and communication technology (ICT) per se cannot solve all current challenges; however, it can offer solutions to the many problems that confront the judiciary. In that sense, ICT development becomes the best ally of Justice. The Information, Technology, Processes, Objectives and values, Staff and skills, Management systems and structures, and Other resources (ITPOSMO) dimensions described by Heeks (2006) are applied as the basis for evaluating ICT in the judicial sphere. This research validates the opinion of the users with regard to ICT projects. Judges, court and administrative officials, managers and lawyers constitute the unit of analysis of this study. These stakeholders were interviewed and requested to complete a survey. The study reveals the high level of relevance that ICT holds for the judiciary, in the sense of providing information and tools for interacting with different users. The objective of ICT is to act as support for improving court and administrative performance through the different ICT systems. Nonetheless, this research has also uncovered limitations and flaws in the current information systems. These flaws tend to turn the benefits that ICT systems can bring into constraints. This study makes various suggestions on how to overcome those flaws. The most important suggestion is the development of a holistic approach when ICT projects are conceived. Likewise, the early involvement of stakeholders who will be influenced by any ICT initiative should be encouraged.
Assessing the data quality of performance information generated by the health sector in the Breede Valley Subdistrict for evidence-based decision-making
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Marais, Heinrich Jacques; Burger, Naomi; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : Internationally, health authorities have shown an increased dependence on information and communication technology (ICT) to provide timely and reliable information that can inform decisions about the effective, efficient and equitable distribution of health resources. The usefulness of the information, however, is determined by the quality of the data which underpins it. Inaccurate data can lead to inappropriate priorities and actions on the part of decision-makers. The purpose of this study was to assess the data quality of performance information in the Breede Valley Subdistrict as a reliable source for evidence-based decision-making. To investigate this research question, a case study approach was followed. The management cadre in the subdistrict were consulted for data collection purposes. Data collection tools include face-to-face interviews and self-administered questionnaires. The study concluded that the data quality of performance information in the Breede Valley Subdistrict meets the quality criteria for its intended purposes. The study revealed that the collection of performance information is perceived as laborious and irrelevant to improving patient care. The study recommends that the risk control measures should be enforced at facilities who regularly present data quality issues. Further studies should be conducted to gain a representative opinion about the relevance and the quality of performance information generated
Assessing the e-readiness of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) regional office Western Cape and its customers
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Davids, Emihiyah; Burger, Naomi; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: e-Governance refers to the utilisation of technology to improve on service delivery, sharing of information, client participation as well as to advance government through the transformation of its internal and external relationships (Shilubane, 2001:40).e-Governance further implies that government disseminates information and renders services to the public through “electronic means” (Manohar, Pulapa and Mellam, 2009:243). On the other hand, e-government is not entirely about electronic service delivery, but part of the continuous restructuring of government to ensure participation from its partners for improved efficacy and success. Therefore e-government is participatory in nature when implemented correctly. This study assesses and evaluates the current infrastructure and current e-initiatives of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Regional Office Western Cape and the extent to which the agency and its customers are ready to adopt e-government. The e-Governance Road Map (ERM) developed by Ernst & Young India for the New Delhi government was used to guide the researcher to assess the level of e-readiness of the SASSA Regional Office Western Cape. The Information and Communication Technology manager and customer care manager of the SASSA Regional Office Western Cape were interviewed and the beneficiaries of SASSA were requested to participate in the completion of questionnaires. The study found that the customers of SASSA were not as interested in electronic services as in mobile services such as reminders and notifications through short message service (SMS). There are, however, several impediments at SASSA such as an adoption of e-government and m-government, low budget for information and communication technology (ICT) as well as to conduct research among a larger group of SASSA customers. The study mainly recommends that the SASSA Regional Office Western Cape conduct a research study on a larger scale than this research study and to determine the needs of customers in respect of e-services and m-services. Should the agency decide to conduct an e-readiness assessment, the National e-Government Plan (NeGP) of India could be a useful guideline for the implementation of e-governance. The research study strongly recommends that SASSA develops a capacity-building roadmap for the successful implementation of e-governance.
Assessing the m-Government readiness within the provincial government Western Cape
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009-03) Du Preez, Jacques; Burger, Naomi; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Management and Planning.
m-Government or mobile-Government is seen as part of e-Government and an additional channel for the delivery of public services and information to the citizen. This study critically examines and evaluates the extent to which the Provincial Government Western Cape has adopted m-Government and implemented related services. A survey conducted by Kirsten (2006) on the adoption and readiness of mobile technology by businesses in South Africa was used as the foundation of this study to determine the level of readiness in the Provincial Government Western Cape. Managers and technical staff within the Province’s information and communication technology component, the Centre for e-Innovation, were interviewed and asked to complete the survey. The study found that, although there is a relatively high degree of adoption with regard to various aspects of mobile and wireless technology, there are many obstacles and barriers that need to be overcome in order to achieve a higher level of m-Government maturity or readiness. The study makes various suggestions on how to overcome these barriers. The most important suggestion is to develop a holistic approach to the adoption of m-Government. Plans for adoption should be incremental to ensure that small victories that can be built on are achieved; the involvement of key stakeholders is also essential.
An assessment of the need for policy and regulation of OTT communications services in the ICT sector in South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-12) Masemola, Brenda Adelaide; Burger, Naomi; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : This research was conducted on the premise of exploring the need for policy and regulation for the over-the-top (OTT) communications services in the ICT sector in South Africa. ICT growth worldwide has led to the development of the Internet, which has further enhanced the evolution of digital application services. The global transformation of technology has brought many new providers in the ICT, tourism and transport sectors. In view of these radical technology changes, authorities are confronted with the challenge of ensuring that the playing field is level between OTT providers and traditional network operators. However, the advent of OTT communications services has instigated uncertainty for other competitors in the ICT industry. In South Africa, traditional network operators voiced their concerns over the operations of OTT communications services. Hence in January 2016, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Telecommunications and Postal Services held public hearings on the subject of OTT communications services. Key ICT players deliberated for and against the regulation of OTT technologies. This study seeks to understand if there is a need for the government of South Africa to develop policy and regulatory outlines for OTT communications services. To this end, previous studies performed on the topic of OTT services have not sufficiently addressed the question of whether the country ought to develop such regulations. The available literature provides inadequate resolutions to policy and regulatory challenges occasioned by the emergence of OTT technologies. The research was conducted by means of a qualitative research technique. The research comprised both empirical and non-empirical data collection methods. Primary data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews for the exploration and determination of fundamental areas of the study. The literature review revealed that the development of applicable policies and regulations for OTT communications services is a challenge to many countries worldwide. However, several countries are drafting legislation to resolve the impact of operations of OTT communications services in the ICT sector. For example, in Uganda in 2018, the authorities developed taxation guidelines for OTT applications. The current study revealed that it is not premature for South Africa to develop policy guidelines on OTT communications services. The study further underscored the importance of developing policy guidelines on net neutrality. These regulations will assist the government in ensuring that all content and network providers, both OTT and traditional operators, are afforded equal opportunities to operate their communications services on the network. In addition, the study disclosed that authorities are required to review and/or develop policies on cybercrime and the protection of personal data. Lastly, the study indicated that aside from the objections emanating from traditional network operators, OTT technologies have brought significant benefits to the country, as virtually every South African citizen is in possession of a smartphone and has access to communications and internet services.
Big data in the public interest : applications, limitations, and relevance in the Western Cape Provincial Department of Agriculture
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-12) van Zyl, Suné; Burger, Naomi; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH SUMMARY: The development of mankind has progressed through various distinct phases, through periods such as the Stone Age, Iron Age, and Machine Age – all leading to where we are today – the Information Age. The introduction of the Fourth Industrial Revolution brought about several novel technologies and concepts. One is that of Big Data – a concept often met with equal parts fascination and scepticism. Nevertheless, Big Data and the applications driven by it have seamlessly woven itself into our everyday life, transforming the way in which our information is perceived. Today, Big Data is deemed a currency, enabling its keepers to yield insight like never before. Over the past decade, Big Data has become a buzzword among private sector organisations worldwide. The shift towards data-driven business has drastically changed the future of private-sector institutions. One may then ask: In the same way businesses use Big Data to pursue profits, can governments utilise Big Data in the public interest? The aim of this study was thus to gain a deeper understanding of the concept of Big Data and explore its value to public sector institutions. Furthermore, this study aimed to explore its relevance and attainability in a South African public sector context. In order to achieve these aims, the study set out to address six research objectives: i) To define Big Data ii) to describe the current applications of Big Data in the public sector, iii) to explore the limitations faced when implementing Big Data-driven technologies in the public sector, iv) to outline the policy and legislative framework affecting the implementation of Big Data-driven technologies within the South African public sector, v) to determine the relevance of Big Data-driven solutions within the context of theWestern Cape Provincial Department of Agriculture, and vi) to determine the attainability of implementing Big Data-driven technologies within the context of the Western Cape Provincial Department of Agriculture. Following a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design, this study comprised a literature review, legislative and policy framework, case study, document analysis, semi-structured key expert interviews, and a questionnaire. This study was conducted per Stellenbosch University’s Policy on Research Ethics and the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act No. 4 of 2013, including its amendments. This study has produced a theoretical framework depicting not only the various sources of, and uses for, Big Data in the public sector but, more importantly, the various challenges to be expected when implementing public sector Big Data-driven solutions. The study further found that whilst, in many cases, Big Data-technologies may be relevant to the work of government departments and public sector institutions, the implementation of such technologies is not in all cases attainable. The study then calls for a balanced approach, not implementing Big Data technologies merely for the sake of novelty but rather investigating where these solutions will have the most favourable outcome and the highest chance at success. Technology cannot be blindly put forth as the silver bullet that can solve deeply rooted systemic and cultural issues within government.
An evaluation of e-government within the Provincial Government Western Cape (PGWC)
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-12) Jantjies, Stephan Omar; Burger, Naomi; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Electronic government or e-Government has become a global phenomenon and is seen as a tool to strengthen the performance of government and public administration. An efficient and effective state administration is a necessary requirement for economic and social development. This study describes to what extent the e-Government policy of the PGWC compares with other e-Government policies internationally and in particular the Australian e-Government policy. South Africa as a young democracy can use the transformational power of the e- Government approach to the benefit of government, business and the citizens of the country if this approach is applied appropriately. e-Government offers the opportunity to improve public services and can even reduce the gap that exists between those who are computer literate and those who are not. E-Government in the PGWC is still in the beginning phases compared to e- Government in Australia, which has developed rapidly over the last decade. The PGWC can learn from the Australian e-Government development process, with Australians being regarded as one of the leading e-Government nations in the world, according to the United Nations Organisation. Even though the e-Government policy of the PGWC and the Australian e- Government policy use a comparatively similar approach within the demographic boundaries in which they exist, it was found that the socio-economic challenges of South Africa as a developing country, still have an enormous influence on the optimal application of the e-Government policy.
The role of management information systems in measuring organisational performance in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Art and Culture
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015-12) Ndlovu, Nokuthula Patricia; Burger, Naomi; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Science. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Government departments collect process and use information for planning and reporting to comply with diverse legislation at operational and strategic level. Information systems play an important role in the collection and processing of information, making it possible to process large quantities of information, and synchronise and share it. Management information systems are used to process information both at strategic and operational level to monitor activities, assess and plan new services, and monitor trends which enable senior managers to effectively manage the strategic direction of an organisation. Management information systems play an important role in measuring organisational performance. The purpose of the study was to describe the role of management information systems (MIS) in measuring organisational performance in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts & Culture. A case study approach was used to investigate the research problem. Managers of the core programmes of the department were included in the study. Faceto- face interviews and self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. The study concluded that the role of MIS in measuring organisational performance was limited in the department. The department did not have an integrated PMIS (performance management information system) or adequate capacity to develop and manage such a system. The study recommends that the department should formalise its performance measurement framework and build capacity to fully implement a PMIS. Further studies should include participants who are not in management and should examine the records management systems in greater detail.

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Browsing Masters Degrees (School of Public Leadership) by browse.metadata.advisor "Burger, Naomi"

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