Department of Information Science

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An account of some early libraries and book collections at the Cape of Good Hope, with special reference to the establishment of the South African Public Library
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1972-10) Tyrrell-Glynn, William Henry Patrick Aloysius; Ehlers, D. L.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: With the exception of the church, the South African Public Library is by far the oldest public institution in South Africa. It may also claim to be one of the earliest "free" public libraries in the world, and it's foundation in 1818 on the proceeds of a Wine Tax is quite unique in the annals of library history.
Achieving best practice through knowledge management : benchmarking and competitive intelligence as techniques for strategic decision-making in small and medium sized enterprises
(2008-03) Wagner, Roland; Van der Walt, M. S.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
SMMEs provide opportunities for employment and economic growth for South Africa. SMMEs need to be as prepared as their larger counterparts in the ever-changing local and global business environment. In order to become not only successful but also sustainable, the smaller enterprise must be aware of what is happening in both its external and internal business and operating environment. It is important for these smaller enterprises to take cognisance of changes in the political and legislative environments, as well as changes in customer expectations and competitor behaviour. Knowledge management tools such as competitive intelligence and particularly internal and external benchmarking are vital for the company’s survival. Concepts such as benchmarking for internal and external best practices, as well as competitive intelligence to gain important external decision-making knowledge, can be as beneficial to SMMEs as they are to the large corporate entities. However, knowledge management is largely ignored in the smaller company’s decision-making processes, due to financial and time constraints as well as a lack of the necessary skills to utilise knowledge management tools. Knowledge management can therefore be as important and beneficial to the smaller enterprise’s operations and decision-making mechanisms as it may be to corporations and large companies. The broad goal of this study is to review the literature on achieving best practice by implementing knowledge management in organisations. The examination of the literature and the subsequent description of the outcomes could be used to create awareness that, like larger companies, SMMEs need to process internal as well as external information in order to make strategic decisions. The utilisation of CI tools such as SWOT analysis, PEST analysis and benchmarking allow the company to systematically gather and interpret information. By using the Baldrige criteria, a systematic and continuous approach for learning and improvement is developed. This methodology (the literature review) provides a framework for gaining the knowledge that already exists (in books, journals and on the Internet). By disseminating this knowledge according to the methods described, it is hoped that the research will construct already existing knowledge into a new approach that might benefit the discipline as a whole. From the results of the study, it should become clear that certain aspects of enhancing CI in smaller enterprises require attention. Although there are organisations that assist SMMEs with relevant information, this information is scattered across various sources in different formats. Not much information and assistance is available to smaller enterprises that provides a clear framework of how to achieve internal CI practices by using the CI tools and business models such as benchmarking within the formal structure of the Baldrige criteria.
Adoption of SaaS-based ERP by SMEs in an emerging market economy : giving up control over mission critical business software
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-12) De Wet, Philippus Bernardus; Watson, Bruce; Boake, Andrew; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science. Socio-Informatics.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are playing a key contribution to a healthy economic environment. Traditional Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are generally too expensive for SMEs. Fortunately for technological enhancements, cloud computing makes it possible for companies to rent ERP on a subscription or a pay-per-use model. Due to cash flow, capital and human resource constraints, the public cloud is an ideal solution for SMEs. The business application as well as the server infrastructure is owned and maintained by cloud service providers. Previous studies have found that by losing direct control over systems is one of the main disadvantages of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS-based) ERP. By adopting SaaS-based ERP, organisations fear that they will lose control over the security and privacy of their data making their systems vulnerable to data breaches. In addition, loss of control over system performance and uptime might also cause rejection of SaaS. The purpose of this qualitative research study is to explore the adoption of SaaS-based ERP by SMEs in an emerging economy like South Africa, when not only control, but also trust is placed in the hands of third-party providers to manage, protect and support the heart of a business, i.e. its mission critical business system. An analysis is required of the adopter categorisation where local SMEs currently find themselves in and an understanding of SMEs willingness to outsource their IT, data and business software. This study has found that on the basis of Roger’s diffusion of innovations (DOI) theory, if any of the SME participants would want to adopt a SaaS application, they would fall in the “late majority” adoption category. With 53% of the business applications used in this research study is of a SaaS type, it can be said that the peak of the innovativeness curve has been reached for SMEs partaking in this study. Overall, it has been found that SaaS-based ERP performed better than conventional ERP by achieving a 32% higher ranking in functionality and a 27% higher ranking in provider support. While planned downtime outside business hours has no effect on the adoption of SaaS-based ERP by SMEs in this study, planned downtime within office hours, unplanned downtime and severe cloud outages does have an effect. Most SMEs wouldn’t reject SaaS-based ERP; they would rather prefer to switch cloud providers. It turns out that most SMEs in this study are risk averse and will reject a system previously hacked. It has been found that a major security breach would have an impact on SaaS-based ERP adoption. Such an event would cause most participants to switch to an alternative provider; half of which would migrate back to an on-premise ERP application. Vendor lock-in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are playing a key contribution to a healthy economic environment. Traditional Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are generally too expensive for SMEs. Fortunately for technological enhancements, cloud computing makes it possible for companies to rent ERP on a subscription or a pay-per-use model. Due to cash flow, capital and human resource constraints, the public cloud is an ideal solution for SMEs. The business application as well as the server infrastructure is owned and maintained by cloud service providers. Previous studies have found that by losing direct control over systems is one of the main disadvantages of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS-based) ERP. By adopting SaaS-based ERP, organisations fear that they will lose control over the security and privacy of their data making their systems vulnerable to data breaches. In addition, loss of control over system performance and uptime might also cause rejection of SaaS. The purpose of this qualitative research study is to explore the adoption of SaaS-based ERP by SMEs in an emerging economy like South Africa, when not only control, but also trust is placed in the hands of third-party providers to manage, protect and support the heart of a business, i.e. its mission critical business system. An analysis is required of the adopter categorisation where local SMEs currently find themselves in and an understanding of SMEs willingness to outsource their IT, data and business software. This study has found that on the basis of Roger’s diffusion of innovations (DOI) theory, if any of the SME participants would want to adopt a SaaS application, they would fall in the “late majority” adoption category. With 53% of the business applications used in this research study is of a SaaS type, it can be said that the peak of the innovativeness curve has been reached for SMEs partaking in this study. Overall, it has been found that SaaS-based ERP performed better than conventional ERP by achieving a 32% higher ranking in functionality and a 27% higher ranking in provider support. While planned downtime outside business hours has no effect on the adoption of SaaS-based ERP by SMEs in this study, planned downtime within office hours, unplanned downtime and severe cloud outages does have an effect. Most SMEs wouldn’t reject SaaS-based ERP; they would rather prefer to switch cloud providers. It turns out that most SMEs in this study are risk averse and will reject a system previously hacked. It has been found that a major security breach would have an impact on SaaS-based ERP adoption. Such an event would cause most participants to switch to an alternative provider; half of which would migrate back to an on-premise ERP application. Vendor lock-in will complicate such a transition process. It has also been found that the local SMEs don’t take full responsibility for protecting their systems against security breaches. Trust is considered to be the third most important cloud adoption factor and that the majority of these SMEs are comfortable with handing control over to cloud providers. Brand, reputation and a comprehensive Service Level Agreement (SLA) impacts trusting relationships and provides peace of mind to SaaS tenants. It appears that changes and challenges related to control cause a shift in trust, from personal relationships in the traditional sense to a system that’s secure and stable with little downtime. All the SaaS-based ERP tenants are located in or close to main cities. By focusing on SME operating in remote towns with a poor technological infrastructure, further research will add more value by focussing on last mile connectivity, broadband technology and connection latency challenges.
The African National Congress and nationalism in South Africa in light of Manuel Castells' The information age : economy, society and culture, Vol. I, II & III
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007-04) Cope, Michael Knox; Muller, Hans P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis applies the theory developed by Manual Castells in his three-volume book, The Information Age, to the African National Congress' (ANC) policies for post-apartheid South Africa. An overview of major theories of nationalism provides the context for Castells' own views. There follows a brief summary of the ideas Castells proposes on the transition from industrial capitalism to informational capitalism, expressed in the emergence of the ideal type of the network society, and his theory on identity and nationalism. Turning to ANC policy, an analysis of ANC and government documents demonstrates that the ANC intends creating a new South African nation; an exposition of the characteristics of this new nation is given. This thesis also shows that the economic policy of the ANC-in-govemment, shifting from the 1994 Reconstruction and Development Programme to the 1996 Growth, Employment and Redistribution strategy, deliberately joined South Africa to the global economy. After examining the contemporary state of nationalist sentiment in South Africa, the significant extent to which South Africa tends towards the network society pattern is determined, following which Castells' conceptions of the network society and identity are applied to present-day South Africa in order to project the path of nationalism in the country.
Agile software development as a response to complexity
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-04) Pringle-Wood, Wayne Austen; Watson, Bruce W.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Organisations are faced with ever increasing complexity. While there are many responses to complexity just as there are many definitions of complexity this thesis highlights the use of agile software development as a useful method. The case of agile software development is influenced by its people first approach and minimal process implementation to implement constraints in which phenomena of complexity can be understood. Chapter 1 introduces why complexity is relevant in the organisation today and the issues associated with complexity. A basic introduction to agile software development and why it is a response to complexity is tabled. Chapter 2 investigates the concepts of complexity. To highlight the difference between linear and non-linear systems and reductionistic thinking the ideas that not all things are complex is explored. Key concepts of complex systems are described to come to a better understanding of what entails a complex system. Information theory and dynamic systems are discussed including system attributes such as attractors and bifurcations. Finally the theory of complex adaptive systems is presented and a classification of all complexity theories is tabled. Chapter 3 is centred on agile software development, presenting practices and processes as a understanding of how agile software development is applicable to complexity. Three agile methods are identified. Chapter 4 presents the ideas of modelling and limits to understanding. Models of complex systems are useful but are limited, due to the properties of complex systems. The concept of mental models leads to models of organisations and how leaders need to help with transformation of these models towards models that are more aligned to agile type thinking. Chapter 5 looks at the core concepts, and practices of agile applied to complexity and why these are relevant in responding to complexity. Towards the end of chapter the role of narrative is explored in the terms of problem definition and solutioning in complex systems. Chapter 6 concludes the thesis with insights where agile software development is an appropriate response to complexity and the conditions in which it is not.
Agile software development as managed sensemaking
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Ehlers, Kobus; Muller, Hans Peter; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The environment in which all organisations currently operate is undoubtably dynamic. Regardless of the nature, size or geographical location of business, companies are being forced to cope with a rapidly changing world and increasing levels of unpredictability. This thesis tracks the history of software development methodologies leading up to agile development (chapter 2). Agile development has appeared in response to the limitations of traditional development approaches and evolved to address the particular demands of a changing world (chapter 3). The theory of sensemaking is used to gain insight into the functioning of agile development. Sensemaking is introduced and a working definition of this concept is formulated (chapter 4). This research does not argue that agile development is the same as sensemaking, but rather that it can be better understood through sensemaking. Agile development can be seen as a type of sensemaking, but sensemaking is also a generic, universal cognitive ability. The structure and design of agile development is well aligned with sensemaking, and one can understand its nature and the type of management needed to support agile development better from this perspective. In fact, agile development directly supports and facilitates several important elements of the sensemaking process. For successful sensemaking to occur, certain organisational conditions need to be present. The term "managed sensemaking" is introduced to expand this notion. After performing an analysis of agile development (chapter 5), certain pertinent implications and challenges facing organisations are considered (chapter 6). By framing these implications in terms of sensemaking, practical management suggestions can be provided based on a good fit between the problem that agile development is meant to solve and the cognitive requirements of the process leading to a solution. The research conducted in this process opens the door to further research opportunities (chapter 7) and allows for the application of sensemaking in the context of software development methodologies. This study provides insight into the prevalence and functioning of agile methodologies, in software engineering contexts, by leveraging the theory of sensemaking to provide an explanation for the underlying worldview and processes constituting this approach.
Agile software development practices in remote working contexts : a systematic literature review
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-12) Ibrahim, Mohamed Zaakir; Parry, Douglas; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
ENGLISH SUMMARY: Agile software development in today’s organisations has become increasingly remote-oriented. The accelerated adoption of global software development and enterprise social media in remote working contexts has been shown to have the potential to alleviate remote work challenges in the software industry, particularly since the inception of the Covid-19 pandemic. Media and tools pose profound implications for agile methods and practices in distributed agile software development. The objective of this study is to explore the agile practices, tools, roles, and unique challenges that describe project management in the context of global software development. Three key aspects of agile global software development are focused on: agile methods, agile practices and, the various distribution scenarios in which development occurs. Previously studies have focused on reporting the successful application of agile practices and distribution scenarios in global software development. However, less focus has been placed on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on agile global software development practices in general. In this study, a systematic review approach is adopted in order to update research in this domain and gather the data necessary to further understand the usage of agile methods and practices in various remote working scenarios. In this regard, the review consisted of identifying portals to search for relevant papers using the Stellenbosch University library. Through a systematic review process these selected and studied papers provided a number of useful themes describing many aspects of agile software development in remote working contexts, relating to agile methods, practices, and the challenges thereof. Synthesizing all of the themes, the main contribution of this study to this domain is the finding that team members in global software development were faced with similar challenges when collaborating remotely with communication media. In addition to this, this study identified that Scrum-orientated practices, and Scrum methods and Scrum in combination with other agile methods remained the most frequently adopted in remote working contexts. Ultimately, given that this project represents the continuation of an ongoing research tradition in this domain, this project provides a mile-marker for the current state of agile methods in the context of global software development. Current trends are identified, explained, and compared to the recent past, with open questions framed for future investigation.
The alignment of customer relationship management (CRM) strategies with overall organizational forces and strategies
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2005-03) Berhane Ogbamichael, Hermon; Botha, Daniel F.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are increasingly becoming strategic business imperatives to organizations. This thesis states that many companies do fail to get the intended returns from CRM infrastructures simply because they see CRM as merely technological solutions to attracting and retaining customers while failing to see it as a business strategy and integrated into the business model or concept. In the first chapter, the review of literature about CRM, the aims, specific objectives, and methodology used to finalize this paper, problems and challenges surrounding CRM systems are discussed. The second chapter consists of the definition of CRM systems from various multi-disciplinary perspectives as taken from different authors. Besides, the nature, potential benefits and costs to both customers and organizations, and the different types of CRM programs are discussed in detail. In chapter three, the need to integrate CRM strategies into organizational corporate strategy and competitive strategies of various functions of an organization are discussed. Besides, the customer segmentation strategies and market segmentation strategies are explained. In chapter four, the relationships between CRM strategies and the various organizational forces such as organizational culture, structure, business processes, and measuring process re-engineering are discussed. In chapter five, the alignment of support technologies with CRM strategies is discussed in detail. The sections in the chapter include the role of ICTs in CRM systems, the use of Customer Knowledge Management (CKM) in CRM strategies, Customer data analysis, the role of data marts in CRM projects, computer system architecture and data storage management, data sources for CRM purposes, the role of database management systems in CRM systems, the role of customer contact points in CRM systems, database structures for CRM infrastructure, and the use of data mining for data analysis and information delivery. In Chapter six, the need to establish value-adding processes and the creation of value in CRM systems to both customers and organizations are mentioned as the main requirements in CRM strategies. Such sub-topics in this chapter include the customer value proposition, determination of acquisition and retention strategies and customer net value, customer service excellence, the relationship between value-adding services and personalized treatment of customers, and loyalty programs. In Chapter seven, the reasons for customer defection and the mechanisms to prevent the defection possibilities are discussed. Then, the thesis is summarized and concluded.
Analysing strategic decision-making in an environment with high rates of change : a model for leaders of organisations
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Weilert, Heinz Maria; Muller, Hans Peter; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The thesis deals with the context, content (being concepts) and process of model development. They are combined to propose a model for analysing strategic decision-making in an environment characterised by high rates of change. Over the last 230 years, society has been re-categorised from ‘agricultural’ to ‘industrial’ and, more recently to ‘post-industrial’. Naturally, organisations are part of such society, and strategy formation, as a process which is located within organisations, can only be discussed within the context of the current society. By necessity therefore, the model for analysing strategic decision-making would seek to reflect on the development of organisational strategies in the current environment. This rapidly changing environment is characterised by uncertainty which impacts on organisational decision-making. Chapter 2 describes how the effects of uncertainty influences decisions and outcomes, particularly when considering the decision-maker’s ability to manage risks emanating from the environment, as well as organisational risks within own work domains. The loose coupling of cause and effect leads to a conceptual problem when linear rationality is used to frame meaning. Decision-makers experience demand to change such meaning (and structure) based on the reality they are experiencing, presenting them with perceived dichotomies. In order to overcome such dichotomies, ‘Constructivism’, as a methodology, is used to provide form, acknowledging assumptions about behaviour and structure. The assumptions are discussed using conceptual continuums (presenting the perceived dichotomies), posed as a ‘framework’ intended to assist leaders in dealing with uncertainty. Order, for example, is temporarily established through standards that give an organisation stability. Innovation as a concept, on the other hand, is associated with the flexibility required to succeed in dynamic environments. Strategy formation in this thesis deals with the concepts ‘organising’, ‘standardising’, ‘rationalising’, ‘emergence’, ‘complexification’ and ‘innovation’ that form part of such framework. Chapter 3 provides insight to organisational order, which emerges from the interplay between ‘strategy formation’ as a deliberate process, and the emergent and varied organisational and contextual forces at play over time. The process forms a narrative – and provides some of the organisational stability. Strategies emerge, as would the institution created by the interplay. The interplay results from continuous interaction between the intentional strategic intervention and its actual interpretation or sensemaking throughout the organisation and its context by those - including the leadership - who are operationalising the strategies. The process of strategy formation provides opportunity for self-reflection by the decision-makers (the I), the team members (the We), and the organisation - embodied in the social constructs created through communication, processes and actions. Chapter 4 connects the individual concepts in an iterative process of strategy formation, using a morphological approach, to create structure from relationships. This enables the creation of a normative model, which can be used in the process of analysing strategic decision-making as a whole, that is, incorporating both the intention and its implementation. The interplay and change of form provide the insight and the impetus for change to the leader’s understanding of the schemata employed, the schemata embodied in organisational strategy formation, as well as in decision-making.
An analysis of the knowledge management systems in an organization with a center-periphery knowledge management landscape
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Dube, Ratidzo; Maasdorp, Christiaan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : The thesis is an analysis of the knowledge management systems in AIDORG1 as a prominent example of an organization with a center-periphery knowledge management landscape. Typically such a landscape involves a central head office, the locus of policy and funding, and various peripheral field offices, the loci of projects and practices. A review of the literature on knowledge management systems, in particular in multi-national organizations, showed that to realize the benefits of knowledge management in the organization, an inclusive view of the knowledge management system is needed that goes further than merely technological aspects to also include cultural, managerial and organizational ones. Two views of knowledge managements are introduced, namely practice and content (possession) view. It is argued that a possession view of knowledge management is usually primarily technology focused, whilst a practice based view tends to include more organizational aspects. Thereafter the knowledge management system at AIDORG is described in terms of Becerra-Fernandez’s knowledge management framework. Through participant observation and a user survey, the actual operation of the knowledge management system at AIDORG is revealed. It was found that even though the organization has invested a lot in the knowledge management system, it is not particularly effective in terms of periphery participation in the system. The center is using the knowledge management system more consistently than the periphery and whilst there are technological infrastructure and tools available for periphery participation in the knowledge management system, the character of periphery participation is mostly directed at knowledge discovery and application, rather than creation and sharing. Taken together, the design of the knowledge management system is to facilitate the movement of information and decisions from the center towards the periphery and is marked by scant consideration of the practices and their associated knowledge management problems at the periphery. It is concluded that, since the periphery is where the organization’s practices are embedded, a knowledge management approach with a practice perspective could encourage fuller and more rounded periphery participation in knowledge management and might lead to the desired two way interaction between center and periphery. The notion of communities of practice is identified as a possible starting point for redressing the balance in center-periphery knowledge management landscapes.
Application of data mining techniques to identify significant patterns in the Grade 12 results of the Free State Department of Education
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Madiba, Aubrey Monde; Van Niekerk, Heidi; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : The Free State Department of Education (FSDoE) has a mandate to ensure that examinations and assessment processes are conducted according to the set out legislations and that they produce expected results. It has become common for Grade 12 results to be challenged by interested parties within and outside the government on their credibility. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the Free State Department of Education to ensure that the input data which represent raw marks obtained by the learners give a true reflection of what individual learners have achieved during a particular assessment period. This study seeks to explore the role that data mining (DM) can play in establishing credibility of the Grade 12 data in the FSDoE. The study makes use of open-source data mining software called WEKA. The software is applied on the 2010-2013 Grade 12 data results in the Free State. For this study, two algorithms, j48, and simpleKMeans algorithms, have been selected for classification and clustering respectively. In line with the universally accepted Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM) methodology, the selected data has been modified and saved in WEKA software-compliant csv format. The prepared data represent four selected subjects which are English Home Language (EHL), English First Additional Language (EFAL), Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy. Four Different models were iteratively generated and analysed and valuable insights were drawn from them to highlight how their possible influence on future decision making in the FSDoE. The analysis focuses on performance of learners within the performance categories (levels 1 to 7) and compares them Free State’s Grade 12s average performance during the selected 2010 to 2013 period. The English Languages (EHL and EFAL) models and the Mathematics (Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy) models are analysed and interpreted according to the identified patterns as observed over the four year period (2010-2013). In addition, the study makes sense of the models generated from WEKA by interpreting them using theories from Bloom’s Mastery Learning and Argyris’ Learning Organisations. Furthermore, the study delves into the 2011 census data and make sense of the results obtained from the application of WEKA in the selected 2010-2013- Grade 12 results in the FSDoE. The study concludes by giving recommendations which the Free State Department of Education may use as they plan not only for future Grade 12 results but across all grades. It is through the application of DM tools that credibility, as seen with Grade 12 data in the FSDoE, can be established through sense making which can assist during decision making.
The application of knowledge management frameworks in the public service of South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-03) Booi, Bulelwa Cynthia; Maasdorp, Christiaan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
ENGLISH SUMMARY: Several government departments in South Africa (SA) are implementing Knowledge Management (KM) frameworks. However, there is little academic research about actual KM practices and therefore it is not clear how the proposed KM frameworks will improve KM in the public sector. The thesis describes how government departments in South Africa are implementing knowledge management practices and seeks to determine whether and how KM frameworks are applied by government departments and to assess the current state of KM practices. This thesis described KM practices in the public sector of South Africa using a validated KM Assessment Tool (KMAT), developed by Botha & Fouche (2001). KMAT measures the key dimensions to be considered when establishing knowledge management maturity in an organization. Since KMAT was developed to assess corporations, the formulation of its statements had to be adapted slightly so that they would make sense to KM practitioners in the public sector. The thesis is aimed at providing the basis for the formulation, articulation and implementation of knowledge-based strategies, organization culture, value, structure and processes. The KMAT assessment model makes it possible to identify trends in KM practices, to identify good practices and to provide the public sector with opportunity for self-assessment and benchmarking. The thesis employs a qualitative approach for the purpose of obtaining in-depth understanding and description of the practices of KM in the public sector. Three national government departments that practice knowledge management were the cases studied. Two focus-groups with junior and middle management and three semi-structured interviews with senior managers of the selected departments were conducted. In addition, secondary documentary data from various sources such as government strategic plans, websites and KM strategic frameworks helped to inform the interpretation of the findings. The findings indicate that the departments recognized the importance of KM to the extent that some had formulated KM strategies. However, some were not yet approved by management of the departments. In all departments, KM is practiced as a broad construct; the boundaries are not clearly defined and as a result, KM is implemented in an ad hoc manner. Whilst KM practices are encouraged within departments, such practices are virtually non-existent between departments. There is a limited sharing culture within the departments as well as between departments.
The application of sense-making theory to advertising : an exploratory case study
(2003-12) Watson, James Alexander; Kinghorn, J.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of the study was to investigate the controlled transfer of meaning that could be facilitated by the application of knowledge of sense-making theory. An object of communication, an advertisement, was consciously constructed on the basis of sense-making principles. An application of knowledge of sense making was then employed to assess the reception of the advertisement by a selected sample of respondents. The decision to select advertising as the choice of medium for the study stemmed from the increasing levels of criticism directed at this form of communication as a result of its frequent failure to deliver intended benefits for its sponsors. The intended benefits relate to the transfer of meaning that would prompt recipients of advertising messages to take an action that would be of value to the advertiser. More specific criticisms have centred on the failure of a growing number of advertising messages to deliver meaningful benefits as a result of their lack of relevance for the intended recipients of these communications. A call for a shift in mind-set away from traditional linear models currently employed to facilitate the design of advertising messages has prompted a growing recognition of the need to employ a more empathetic approach that would facilitate a positive interaction between an advertiser and a target audience. The emergence of what has been termed experiential marketing communications has advocated a view that advertising communications can promote stronger allegiances between organisations and their customers by the inclusion of meaningful sensory associations for recipients. This view, together with the insights revealed by those working in the field of sense making, suggested that the incorporation of sense-making theory could well accommodate the paradigm shift that has been called for in the design of advertising communications. The views and insights outlined above prompted the development of an advertisement that sought to incorporate sense-making theory into its construction. The requirement to allow for the transfer of intended meaning in the advertisement was facilitated by incorporating frames and cues, the design of which sought to assist in the resolution of equivocality and enable respondents to bridge cognitive gaps. The investigation took the form of an exploratory case study. The advertisement, constructed on the basis of sense-making theory, represented the control element of the study. In-depth interviews were conducted amongst grade 12 learners selected on the basis of their matching the target audience for which the advertisement had been designed. The semi-structured nature of the interviews followed a format that allowed for a comparison to be made between the intended input of meaning and the decoding of responses relating to the advertisement. Results indicated that there was a transfer of intended meanings incorporated into the advertisement as indicated in the decoded responses of respondents. These positive findings tend to indicate that a conscious application of sense-making theory to the construction of advertising messages could enhance their effectiveness.
Application of talent and knowledge management as tools to enhance business : a case of selected Zambian firms
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04) Kayamba, Moses; Kinghorn, J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : This study is an investigation into the meaning and usefulness of the concepts of talent and talent management within the framework of knowledge management to enhance business. It comprises a conceptual analysis as well as a case study of selected Zambian companies. The main area of focus is how organisations define talent within the framework of knowledge management and how these concepts are used as initiatives to contribute to the effectiveness of staff in an organisation. Chapter One is an introduction of the concept talent management and sets out the research framework for this thesis. Chapter Two covers the literature review. It details views on talent and various schools of thought on talent management as well as the relationship between talent management and knowledge management. Chapter Three situates an overview of talent in the context of knowledge management theories and investigates how the initiatives enable the flourishing of knowledge in an organisation. Chapter Four investigates the notions of talent in a selection of large Zambian organisations with respect to their policies and practices relating to talent management. Chapter Five presents the conclusion drawn from the research literature review and the ideal notions of talent in various organisations in Zambia.
Application of the DeLone and McLean’s model to assess the effectiveness of an intranet in an open distance learning library
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Rammutloa, Modiehi Winnie; Blaauw, Dewald N.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : Technology enables communication and sharing of knowledge on many levels. Organizations are procuring different types of information systems to facilitate knowledge-sharing efforts and to stay relevant in this digitally competitive world. Universities are also investing in such systems, one being the intranet. The study identified the collection of log on count statistics to assess the effectiveness of the intranet as a knowledge-sharing tool as being insufficient as it fails to address the deeper issues associated with the effective functioning of an information system. The study used the dimensions of the DeLone and McLean’s model, namely, information quality, intention to use, system quality, service quality, user satisfaction and net benefits, to report on the state of the Unisa Library’s intranet to assess its effectiveness as a knowledge-sharing tool. The target population consisted of all the permanent library staff members in different capacities within different directorates. A quantitative research methodology was used to collect data by means of a self-administered online questionnaire. The results gathered from the study show that there is an awareness of the intranet within the organization. However, optimal utilization is lacking. The results further indicate that the various sources of knowledge-sharing platforms add to the inadequate exploration of the intranet. The construct of use was highly ranked in the study, which shows that while there is usage of the intranet, the usage is inadequate. The study makes recommendations to increase the usage of the intranet.
Artificial intelligence tools in legal work automation: The use and perception of tools for document discovery and privilege classification processes in Southern African legal firms
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-03) Kufakwababa, Collen Zvandasara; Tamm, Gerrit; Maarsdorp, Christiaan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The field of artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way things are done. A significant number of innovations have been notable in many fields, ranging from medicine, media, agriculture, transport among others. This thesis presents a theoretical and practical analysis on the role artificial intelligence plays in shaping legal systems. Notable innovations in the use of artificial intelligence in the legal sector have been experienced in countries such as the USA, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, and China among others. These innovations seek to improve operational efficiencies of justice delivery. Artificial intelligence has been used to predict decisions of certain cases, to model and design cases in order to produce a certain outcome, elsewhere it has been used in drafting contracts or in reproducing certain outcomes in similar types of cases.This thesis therefore seeks to understand the extent to which artificial intelligence algorithms are currently being utilized in the field of the law. It further seeks to map and define existing tools, the nature of their operations and how they are being employed. To this end, a selection of artificial intelligence platforms that are available to the legal profession have been considered in this study. These include platforms such as Rave Law, Deligence, Lexis Nexis, Ross Intelligence, Do Not Pay, Aletras and Lex Machina. Lastly, this thesis has sought to discover the extent to which such platforms are used in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and whether there is already any understanding and appreciation of their benefits.The thesis focuses on two primary aspects of the court process in which such platforms can be of service, namely privilege classification and document discovery. These are studied within the context of the court process taking into account the stages in which they occur, so that their key elements are identified. This approach has been taken because the procedures of privilege classification and document discovery are an integral part of the generic and standard court process for such procedural steps do not exist in isolation. The thesis adopted a mixed methods approach in gathering the evidence and the results of which informed the findings. A key informant interview guide was developed, which was administered to participants, some who were involved in the designing of artificial intelligence platforms and others who worked for companies marketing such programmes. In addition to the key informant interview, a structured questionnaire also was administered to law firms to map out their understanding of the applicability of artificial intelligence in the law and to revealcurrent usage patterns. Results from the data analysed suggest that there is generally a low uptake of legal artificial intelligence tools in Zimbabwe and South Africa. However, law firms have started to adopt artificial intelligence technologies to help improve legal service delivery. Results indicate the general appreciation of artificial intelligence algorithms in improving legal service delivery among lawyers; however, these results also show evidence of fears among lawyers that artificial intelligence is going to replace human beings, there is a feeling among respondents that artificial intelligence will take away their work and that such a threat should be resisted. This thesis concludes by providing recommendations for effective utilization of artificial intelligence tools in the law. It suggests that developers should better inform prospective users to raise awareness to the potential of their systems and thus encourage their uptake.There is also need for a general training of users to ensure maximum utilization. Additionally, this thesis recommends customization of legal artificial intelligence platforms at common law jurisdiction level in order to ensure that the law, which is unique to each jurisdiction, is available in a customized format so that it may meet the requirements of each legal system at a local level.
An assessment of the Western-Cape Provincial Government information policy process and its lesson to Eritrea
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2004-12) Garza, Daniel G.; Adam, L.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study assesses the information policy of the Western Cape provincial government- of South Africa, with special emphasis on ICT for development in the general context of the global Information society. It is aimed at getting key lessons together for the Eritrean ICT policy development. The methodology used in this study include review of the literature on the ICT policy in Western Cape, South Africa and beyond, conducting interviews with key actors in Western Cape Provincial Government and site visits to Multi-Purpose Community Centres. The study analyses institutions, ICT policy processes, methodologies and challenges. The study concludes that although developing an ICT policy remains fundamental for developing countries like Eritrea, the main challenge lies in integrating new and old technologies into national development priorities. This cannot be achieved without building blocks such as adequate infrastructure, human and financial resources, and commitment to succeed in information age. A series of recommendations were put forward for Eritrea based on the analysis of the policy process and progress in South Africa in general and Western Cape Province in particular.
Automated knowledge discovery or integration : a systematic review of data mining in knowledge management
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-12) Peu, Ephenia; Maasdorp, Christiaan H.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : Data mining and knowledge management activities have been crucial for making sense of the vast amounts of data, information, and knowledge created in organisations. Data mining comprises the collection, categorisation, and analysis of data to find useful patterns and establishing solutions based on those patterns. Integrating data mining into knowledge management has had little exploration and attention. The thesis aims at this gap and investigates the role of data mining in the knowledge management literature in both quantitative and qualitative studies between 2000 to 2017. A systematic literature review identified and analysed published articles utilising data mining in knowledge management to reveal the trends in the field. The initial search was conducted on four interdisciplinary databases and an article selection process that involved inclusion and exclusion criteria and a quality assessment using a checklist yielded 54 articles for analysis. Six themes were identified in a thematic analysis where the articles were coded using Atlas.ti software: 1) technical advances improve access to and transformation of knowledge, 2) the knowledge base as the basis for improved product and service development, 3) the use of big data analytics for customer relationship management, 4) the role of data and information assets for decision support, 5) combining automation and human expertise to improve efficiency, and 6) the effectiveness of data mining applications as guided by the specificity of the knowledge management task. Finally, the themes resulting from the coding are mapped on the stages of the knowledge management process. The discovery and capture stages concern data mining techniques for knowledge discovery; the process stage uses the knowledge base and decision support to access knowledge for action; and the share and benefits stage is the domain of learning and capacity development.
Automation and labour demand : South African students’ awareness and beliefs
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-12) Mbilini, Sakhumzi N.; Le Roux, Daniel B.; Parry, Douglas A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science. Socio-Informatics.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : The fourth industrial revolution is characterised by the integration of physical, digital, and biological technologies. We are in the beginning stages of this revolution where it is predicted that the capabilities of machines are predicted to rival and surpass some of the capabilities of human labour. It is predicted that many jobs will be automated during this revolution and human labour will need to acquire skills that will complement automation. The objective of this study is to understand the awareness of automation amongst undergraduate university students in South Africa when making career choices. With the already high unemployment rate in South Africa, it will be necessary to measure the awareness of the future of the labour market for automation. In addition to their awareness, the study investigates as to whether automation is a factor when students make their career decisions. This study is primarily exploratory and uses a quantitative research approach to gather data. A self-administered questionnaire was sent out to all undergraduate students of a research-intensive university in South Africa. The results indicate that students perceive themselves to be aware of automation, however, they do not consider automation when making career decisions. Additionally, the results indicate that external sources of influence do not significantly influence career decisions, students are primarily influenced by their interests and career-related factors.
Barriers to e-learning amongst postgraduate black students in higher education in South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008-03) Takalani, Tshisikhawe; Botha, Daniel F.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. Information Science.
Computer literacy plays a major role in today’s education system. The South African Department of Education has included computer literacy to be one of the subjects from primary school education. The purpose of this study is to identify barriers of e-learning amongst postgraduate black students in higher education in South Africa. Most of the higher education institutions in South Africa have introduced the e-learning method as one of the mediums of instruction in offering courses at their institutions. For some higher education institutions, e-learning has proven to be a good teaching and learning method and for some it has been a problem from the implementation phase. There are some factors that have not been identified as barriers for e-learning to take place successfully. By identifying those factors it will bring more benefit to those higher education institutions that are finding e-learning a delight to work with. The institutions that are battling with e-learning may find solutions on how to successfully implement and get benefits from e-learning. This study will identify the challenges that learners, instructors and course developers experience on the e-learning path. Solutions to the challenges experienced in the South African higher education system may serve in promoting e-learning to higher education institutions and corporate organisations in the country. Traditional learners may also be motivated and encouraged to give e-learning a try. As a country, South Africa is exposed to challenges like poverty and increased unemployment rate; education may serve as a tool in addressing the challenges. The country shows success in distance education, many working people have managed to develop their skills and qualification through distance education. It is a challenge for government and higher education institutions to make elearning work in the South African education system. Identifying and eliminating barriers to e-learning may give the South African education system a chance to embrace elearning in the same way it did to traditional learning, or even more.

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