Theses and Dissertations

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http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/198

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Browsing Theses and Dissertations by Author "Cilliers, L"

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    Determinants of high-performance computing systems adoption and continued use amongst university staff and students in historically disadvantaged institutions
    (University of Fort Hare, 2024-05) Zembe, Sandisiwe; Cilliers, L; Mahembe, Bright
    The demand for High-performance computing (HPC) systems is increasing in research. This is because it can perform large and complex simulations at a faster speed. Cluster-based high-performance computing connects several host computers via high-performance Local Area Networks (LANs), utilizing parallel computing technology. HPC clusters can finish a task by allocating smaller tasks to various compute nodes. HPC is very convenient since they can complete tasks quicker than usual computers. The use of HPC is relatively low, this is because they are expensive to acquire and there isn’t sufficient training on how to use them. The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of high-performance computing systems adoption and continued use by staff and students in Historically Disadvantaged Institutions. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was used as the theoretical foundation of this study. The positivism paradigm was used as a metatheory guiding the study as the quantitative design was used to test the hypotheses formulated in the study. The research sample comprised of 306 users of High-Performance Computing systems selected through the convenience sampling. Employing a quantitative approach, the study used a cross-sectional survey research design to collect and analyse data to achieve the study's objectives. The study findings revealed a significant relationship between computer self-efficacy and attitude towards high-performance computing systems. Similarly, there was a significant relationship between attitude toward high-performance computing systems and the intention to use high-performance computing systems. The intention to use high-performance computing systems and social influence were both found to positively affect the actual use of high-performance computing systems. However, there was an insignificant relationship between perceived ease of use, as well as perceived usefulness, and attitude towards high-performance computing system, suggesting that these two factors did not influence the adoption of the technology. In summary, this research significantly enhances comprehension of the challenges associated with the adoption and continued use of High-Performance Computing Systems across five South African Historically Disadvantaged Institutions. It underscores the importance of addressing adoption and user education, to optimize the use of High-Performance Computing Systems in Higher Education. These actions are essential for fostering the effective utilisation of High- Performance Computing Systems and unlocking their potential benefits for economic growth and educational advancements in South Africa.