Theses and Dissertations

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Determinants of mHealth App quality: A case study of CHRONIQ framework to manage chronic disease in South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2024) Charlie, Chumani; Cilliers, Liezel
The rise of mobile health (mHealth) applications has raised concerns about their quality, especially in managing chronic diseases, where users rely on these apps for vital health-related decisions. Despite their potential, many mHealth apps lack standardised evaluation, compromising their effectiveness, safety, and user trust. This issue is particularly acute in resource-constrained settings like South Africa, where chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions are prevalent. The core problem this study has addressed is the need for a comprehensive framework to assess the quality of mHealth apps tailored for chronic disease management. Current evaluation tools, such as the MARS, Enlight Suite, and AQUA, still need to fully address these apps' unique requirements. This study aimed to validate and refine the CHRONIQ framework, a tool specifically designed to assess the quality of mHealth apps in chronic disease management, providing an integrated approach that considers information quality (IQ), system quality (SQ), service quality (SEQ), engagement quality (EQ), user satisfaction (US), health outcomes (HO), intention to use (IU), and net benefits (NB). The research objective guiding this study was to identify the determinants of the CHRONIQ framework to create a standardised tool for assessing and improving the responses to mHealth apps for chronic disease management in South Africa. To address this, the study employed a quantitative research methodology, collecting data via an online survey from 250 users of chronic disease management mHealth apps, with a response rate of 80%. The survey instrument was designed based on the constructs of the CHRONIQ framework and was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) through SmartPLS 4.0. The results from the study confirmed the validity and reliability of the CHRONIQ framework. The key findings comprise significant relationships between various constructs, such as SQ and EQ (coefficient: 0.276, p < 0.001) and between EQ and US (coefficient: 0.606, p < 0.001). Furthermore, it was found that US significantly influenced IU (coefficient: 0.698, p < 0.001). These study results indicate the importance of app features such as system performance, user satisfaction, and sustained engagement in achieving better health outcomes through mHealth apps. It is worth noting that the IQ construct did not significantly impact EQ; this finding suggests that while important, more than information alone is needed to drive user interaction with robust system performance and service quality. The findings of this study provide significant implications for app developers, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The CHRONIQ framework can serve as a standardised tool to evaluate the effectiveness of mHealth apps in chronic disease management, ensuring that these apps meet user needs for accuracy, reliability, and engagement. For healthcare providers, the framework can aid in recommending the most appropriate apps for chronic disease patients, improving patient self-management and health outcomes. Policymakers can use CHRONIQ to align mHealth app standards with national healthcare objectives, such as South Africa’s National Digital Health Strategy. In conclusion, this study recommends the widespread adoption of the CHRONIQ framework to enhance the quality and effectiveness of mHealth apps for chronic disease management, ensuring that these digital tools contribute meaningfully to public health goals.
The role of risky cyber-security behaviours on effective utilisation of high-performance computing systems in historically disadvantaged institutions
(University of Fort Hare, 2023) Skritshi, Caron; Cilliers, Liezel; Ngirande, Hlanganipai
This research study explores the impact of risky cybersecurity behaviours on effectively utilising High-Performance Computing Systems within Historically Disadvantaged Institutions in South Africa. The investigation utilises the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Security Behaviour Intentions Scale to examine the attitudes, intentions, and actual usage patterns of High-Performance Computing Systems among students and staff members. Following the positivism paradigm, this study formulated hypotheses aimed at achieving the objectives. 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 crosssectional survey research design to collect and analyse data to achieve the study's objectives. The study's findings revealed a significant negative relationship between risky cybersecurity behaviours and attitudes toward High-Performance Computing Systems, highlighting the adverse impact of such behaviours on users' perceptions and acceptance of these systems. However, an insignificant relationship was found between attitudes toward High-Performance Computing Systems and the intention to use them. This suggests that attitudes alone may not substantially influence user behaviour in this context, contradicting the initially proposed relationship. Furthermore, the investigation identified an insignificant correlation between the intention to use High-Performance Computing Systems and the actual utilization of these systems, indicating a gap between intention and behaviour. This implies that the study's hypothesized relationship between these latent variables was not supported. Lastly, a noteworthy correlation emerged between social influence and the effective use of High- Performance Computing Systems, supporting the relationship between these variables. In summary, this research significantly enhances comprehension of the challenges and repercussions associated with cybersecurity behaviour in adopting and utilising High- Performance Computing Systems across five South African Historically Disadvantaged Institutions. It underscores the importance of addressing risky behaviours, enhancing user education, and implementing secure systems. 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.,Thesis (MIS) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
The perceptions of teachers about the effectiveness and efficiency of e-learning in rural schools in the Eastern Cape during COVID-19
Khanyile September; Ntombovuyo Wayi-Mgwebi; Liezel Cilliers; Ntombovuyo Wayi-Mgwebi; Liezel Cilliers
The digital gap has been hitting rural schools across the world. This has also been witnessed in South Africa. This digital gap is a result of inequality amongst households. Hence, learners and teachers from rural schools cannot access technologies as urban learners and teachers do. This situation has caused a lack of connectivity, lack of information about ICT, lack of resources, and lack of skilled teachers in rural schools. Globally, almost all countries have shifted to do things online. However, some countries struggled to shift successfully such as India. The introduction of elearning in South African government schools was done with the aim of improving results performance and to develop skills in learners and allow a flexible learning environment. In some urban and semi-urban areas, teachers are able to use new technologies to teach; however, rural teachers are bound to use traditional teaching only. The problem actually surfaced when the new pandemic known as COVID-19 started in Wuhan, China, in 2019 and spread across the world. This also affected the South African education systems, where teachers and learners were ordered to stay away from school premises and institutions, as way of preventing the virus from spreading. Rural teachers could not perform any academic activities, like urban schools did, to reach out to their learners as they wished because of the challenges stated above. Using e-learning during the 2020 pandemic was an unending nightmare for these rural teachers as they faced more challenges than those that had existed prior to COVID-19. The identified challenges discussed in this paper are those that were experienced by Alfred Nzo district teachers. This paper also refers to how e-learning was used by these teachers. Challenges identified in the literature were addressed through guidance of the UTUAT model which was adopted for the study. Each problem was categorised in line with UTUAT model four construct. The two branches of philosophies were brought in which are ontology and epistemology. Ontology asks question about the reality or existence of something and epistemology asks question about proving he existence of something. This study adopted the qualitative approach and followed that approach in terms of research paradigm, data sampling, data collection and analysis and techniques. Interviews were conducted with 15 teachers (teachers, head of department, school principal and subject advisor) from high and primary school levels, after the consent forms had been issued to obtain permission to proceed with interviews. Notes and audio recordings were made use of during interview sessionsfor data analysis purposes, with NVivo being used to analyse the data. Form the issues identified, these are the themes that were created which are:poor understanding of the concept “e-learning” by rural educators, high levels of resistance from educators, pedagogy of educators, insufficient support of the concept “e-learning”, poor implementation of e-learning. Lastly, after the data had been collected and analysed, this study developed five new success factors that should be implemented by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to address issues identified as themes after thorough analysis of the literature and interviews. Keywords: E-learning; rural schools; Alfred Nzo district; COVID-19.
A framework of the situational precursors for electronic medical records adoption in private medical practices in South Africa: the case of private medical practices in Qonce
(University of Fort Hare, 2022-07) Gungqisa, Asiphe; Boucher, Duane
The status of the South African healthcare sector appears in perpetual disarray and lacks significant migration to technological adoption. The impetus to migrate to electronic medical records (EMRs) has become a necessity to prepare for the intended delivery of universal healthcare solutions to the South African population via private medical practices. But situational precursors need to be identified and considered when adopting an EMR solution at a private medical practice. This means that healthcare providers must have a thorough understanding and awareness of the various factors that influence the successful adoption of EMRs. There is limited research on the effects of EMR adoption in resourcerestricted regions in developing countries. To this end, the aim of this study was to explore the organisational, technological and environmental factors influencing the adoption of EMRs at private medical practices in a resource-restricted area of South Africa. The area identified for the study was Qonce in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Methods: The interpretivist perspective guided the study and included the qualitative data gathered from semistructured interviews with carefully chosen medical and administrative personnel. Seven virtual interviews were conducted with nurses and administrative clerks. The thematic analysis method was used to prompt codes and themes within the dataset, and then conclusions were drawn. Findings: The consequence of the findings resulted in the development of an artefact in the form of a proposed framework of situational precursors for EMR adoption in private medical practices derived from the integration of themes and recommendations of this study. The proposed framework may be considered in the decision to adopt EMRs and could be utilised as one of the key drivers in promoting technology adoption in resource-restricted regions. The framework is divided into seven situational precursors, which include patient records management, information sharing, change management, ICT infrastructure support, privacy and security needs, policy and regulatory considerations, and economic implications. Each situational precursor in the framework includes some topical areas of consideration, which can be expanded on dependent on the dynamics of the given private medical practice. Conclusion/implications: Arguably, the benefits of EMRs supersede those of paper-based records systems. Migration to EMRs could therefore be favourable to both the practice and its patients. By taking into consideration the organisational, technological and environmental factors that influence EMR adoption, healthcare providers could reap benefits, such as increased productivity, less waiting times, elimination of paper files, reduced costs, and improved clinical decision-making. Failure to consider these factors could lead to financial losses, threats to the confidentiality of information and lack of acceptance by the community.,Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
Adoption of IT Systems by HR professionals in order to enhance efficacy at the University of Fort Hare
(University of Fort Hare, 2010) Ngqubekile, Nolufefe; Flowerday, Stephen
This study seeks to address the adoption of Integrated Tertiary Software (ITS), ease of use of ITS and continuous usage in Human Resources Departments. The focus of this research project is User Acceptance and Continued Use of ITS within the HR Department - the case of Fort Hare University. The University is a multi - campus operation and the use of paper systems is extremely difficult. The University made a decision to invest in ITS with the objective of improving effectiveness and efficiency of services. The nature of the problem is that ITS is partially used and it is necessary to further explore the specific influence of technological and environmental factors that may change the user’s acceptance and use of this IT System. The nature of this study is Qualitative and follows an Interpretive Approach. The Research Instrument used is an in-depth questionnaire distributed and responded to by all HR Professionals at the UFH. Recommendations based on findings will be used to design the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for the Adoption of IT Systems by HR Professionals in order to enhance efficacy at the University of Fort Hare. The CSFs can be generalized to other settings and were identified for the UFH HR Department to include.,Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2010
A process maturity framework of information security policy development life cycle
(University of Fort Hare, 2014-12) Tuyikeze, Tite; Flowerday, Stephen
Information security policy development involves more than policy formulation and implementation. Unless organisations explicitly recognise the various steps required in the development of a security policy, they run the risk of developing policies that are poorly thought out, incomplete, redundant and, irrelevant and which will not be fully supported by the users. This study argues that an information security policy has an entire life cycle through which it must pass through during its useful lifetime. A content analysis on information security policy development methods was conducted using secondary sources in the relevant literature. The outcome of the content analysis resulted in the proposal of a framework of information security policy development and implementation. The proposed framework outlines the various steps required in the development, implementation and enforcement of an effective information security policy. A survey of 400 security professionals was conducted in order to evaluate the concepts contained in the framework.This study also emphasises the importance of integrating a security maturity assessment process into the information security policy development life cycle. A key finding of this study is the proposed maturity assessment framework which offers a structured methodology for evaluating the maturity level of an information security policy. The framework presents an integrated and holistic approach to ensure the incremental process maturity of the organisation’s information security policy development process. In addition, organisations using the proposed framework will be able both to determine the current maturity levels of their information security policy development process and also to plan enhancements in the correct sequence.,Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
Trust and identity management within online social networks
(University of Fort Hare, 2010-12) Galpin, Ryan; Flowerday, Stephen
Online social networking is one of the largest Internet activities, with almost one third of all daily Internet users visiting these websites. Characteristics of this environment are issues relating to trust, user privacy and anonymity. Service providers are focused primarily on acquiring users, and little attention is given to the effective management of these users within the social networking environment. This study serves to evaluate if proper identity management processes and controls are needed to protect users and their informational privacy, while establishing a higher degree of user trust for other users and the system. Design Science is followed as the primary methodology, with the final outcome being a proposed artefact. Through a detailed experiment, an evaluation of the controls and processes exhibited by Facebook and MySpace was conducted. The areas of evaluation were identified through the Vulnerability Mitigation and Assessment (VAM) methodology. The findings of this experiment, together with the secondary data reviewed, form the proposed artefact, which is a set of controls aimed at increasing trust and privacy through the effective implementation of these controls and identity management processes.,Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
A model for enhancing trust in information systems tools within Nigerian media planning agencies
(University of Fort Hare, 2014-06) Olutoyin, Olaitan ; Piderit, Roxanne
Media Planning Agencies (MPAs) are responsible for purchasing time and advertising space on behalf of organisations who desire to advertise or market their products and services (Kupoluyi, 2011). These agencies perform their tasks based on the evaluative factors of pricing, demographics, reach, psychographics and other factors relevant to the clients’ target market which are all enabled by technology. MPAs utilise industry specific Information Systems (IS) tools in their business processes. McKnight (2005) contends that trust in IS tools directly impacts on the willingness of a user to depend on such IS tools for accomplishing their goals. The research problem exists due to the fact that the current level of trust in these IS tools employed within MPAs in Nigeria is very low (Egbonwon, 2012). This distrust has led to the non-optimisation of the available tools. Empirical findings reveal that most of the personnel in these agencies prefer to actualise their processes manually, or at best with the limited aid of Microsoft Office tools such as Excel and Word (Akharume, 2012). Thus the research problem investigated trust-enhancing mechanisms for IS tools in MPAs to improve efficient and effective use. The study conducted an in-depth critique of the role of trust in maximizing IS tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness within Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This was done through a literature review and questionnaire. The output of the research process is the proposition of a model for enhancing trust in IS tools within MPAs. The study proposed that the enhancement of trust in IS tools will lead to optimal use of these tools, thus leading to efficiency and effectiveness in the operations of Nigerian MPAs. The model was developed by following Hevner, March, Park and Ram’s (2004) Design Science research guidelines and validated through an expert review process. The outcome of the expert review was used to further refine the model and thereafter conclude the study. It is believed that the outcome of this research will empower MPAs to become competitive nationally, grow into global players in their industry and achieve efficiency with regards to how business is conducted.,Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
Adoption and use of a learning management system at the University of Fort Hare: environmental factors
(University of Fort Hare, 2010-12) Xazela, M W H M; Flowerday, S; Piderit, R
Learning Management Systems are adopted and used by institutions of higher learning such as universities, universities of technology and colleges. The acceptance of integrating Learning Management Systems into the traditional classroom method of teaching and learning presents many challenges to academic staff, students, and management at various levels. If such challenges are not addressed they may lead to project failure. If such projects fail, institutions may not realise the returns on their investments as institutions usually allocate many of their resources to start such projects. This study addresses the question of which critical environmental and management success factors are necessary for the successful acceptance of such a technology and what is necessary for such a technology to be used continually. This study examines Information Systems literature, users‘ environmental and management factors, and perceptions in the context of an institution of higher learning to suggest Critical Success Factors for such a project. Critical Success Factors are identified and discussed under the contexts of Management Support, the appointment of a Project Champion, provision of training to project participants, provision of adequate access to computing resources, monitoring and evaluation of the project, the existence of strong communication channels, and creation of positive perceptions about the target technology. Acceptance models such as Technology Acceptance Model and the Expectation Confirmation Model in Information Systems literature are also taken into consideration in coming up with the suggested Critical Success Factors.,Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
A revenue generation model for adoption of voice telephony applications
(University of Fort Hare, 2015-01) Mazwi, Sekelo P Lusanda; Isabirye, Naomi
Amongst various Voice Telephony Applications discovered, IBM India has developed the Spoken Web which enables voice commerce capabilities that are ideally suitable for underprivileged rural communities. Admittedly, these communities are barred from fully utilising ICT enabled electronic commerce services such as the Internet for business marketing processes as a consequence of poor literacy and financial constraints. The advent of Voice Telephony Applications aids accessibility and participation of the underprivileged rural communities to the ICT world. It should be noted that users are not compelled to be computer savvy to make voice calls, but high voice call costs are the deterrent. Therefore, devising an appropriate Revenue Generation Model would enhance the accessibility and participation of the underprivileged rural communities to the ICT world. As guided by the Design Science Approach, and the Diffusion of Innovations and Social Exchange theories, this research project has discovered and applied five models such as the Freemium, Affiliation, Advertising, Incentives-driven and Subsidy within each development stage of Spoken Web. This research project is of the idea that reimbursing content providers through supporting the proposed Revenue Generation Model as a de facto solution will help in reducing voice call costs to the users of Voice Telephony Applications in future.,Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
A framework to prepare an information security awareness and training programme for a provincial government department in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
(University of Fort Hare, 2022-03) Potelwa, Zandile; Boucher, Duane
Provincial government departments do not have good audit reports on the information security section. The underlying issues are human factors associated with employee interaction with Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The problem to be addressed is how a provincial government needs to focus on employees’ information security awareness so that there is a residual improvement in information security culture to realise unqualified government audits for information security. A case study approach that focused on the provincial government departments in the Eastern Cape Province was used. The primary data was collected using semi-structured interviews containing questions related to information security awareness. Microsoft Teams was used to conduct online semi-structured interviews with 12 provincial government IT staff from two identified provincial departments. The data was analysed using thematic analysis and MS Excel for coding. The findings then were used to determine the outcome of this study which is the framework for preparing an information security awareness programme. The outcome of the study was achieved by condensing the themes that emerged in both the primary and secondary data. The framework was then explained as a way of recommending the importance of preparing information security awareness and training programmes in changing information security behaviour. The derived artefact of this study is an information security awareness framework that can be utilised in a provincial government department to increase the awareness of information security amongst government employees. The contribution of this study is a framework based on the Protection Motivation Theory and the Organisational Culture, to ascertain employees’ actions in relation to information risks and threats; requirements for preparing an information security awareness program for public sector employees and to determine the requirements to be considered when building information security culture in provincial government departments. The proposed framework can then be used to establish an information security culture within the government departments, which will mitigate security risks and threats. The significance of this study as per the constructs of ISA and training show that it can challenge thinking of how ISA can be prepared for not only provincial government but also for state-owned entities or local government.,Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2022
A model for enhancing trust in information systems tools within Nigeria media planning agencies
(University of Fort Hare, 2014-06) Olaitan, Olutoyin; Piderit, Roxanne
Media Planning Agencies (MPAs) are responsible for purchasing time and advertising space on behalf of organisations who desire to advertise or market their products and services (Kupoluyi, 2011). These agencies perform their tasks based on the evaluative factors of pricing, demographics, reach, psychographics and other factors relevant to the clients’ target market which are all enabled by technology. MPAs utilise industry specific Information Systems (IS) tools in their business processes. McKnight (2005) contends that trust in IS tools directly impacts on the willingness of a user to depend on such IS tools for accomplishing their goals. The research problem exists due to the fact that the current level of trust in these IS tools employed within MPAs in Nigeria is very low (Egbonwon, 2012). This distrust has led to the non-optimisation of the available tools. Empirical findings reveal that most of the personnel in these agencies prefer to actualise their processes manually, or at best with the limited aid of Microsoft Office tools such as Excel and Word (Akharume, 2012). Thus the research problem investigated trust-enhancing mechanisms for IS tools in MPAs to improve efficient and effective use. The study conducted an in-depth critique of the role of trust in maximizing IS tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness within Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This was done through a literature review and questionnaire. The output of the research process is the proposition of a model for enhancing trust in IS tools within MPAs. The study proposed that the enhancement of trust in IS tools will lead to optimal use of these tools, thus leading to efficiency and effectiveness in the operations of Nigerian MPAs. The model was developed by following Hevner, March, Park and Ram’s (2004) Design Science research guidelines and validated through an expert review process. The outcome of the expert review was used to further refine the model and thereafter conclude the study. It is believed that the outcome of this research will empower MPAs to become competitive nationally, grow into global players in their industry and achieve efficiency with regards to how business is conducted.,Thesis (MCom IS) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
A contingency management framework to mitigate cybersecurity threats to electronic health records in the public health sector in South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2021-11) Ngxabane, Mbulelo; Cilliers, L; Boucher, D
Most developing countries in the African continent, including South Africa, seem to be lagging behind in research, policy development, and how to prevent cybersecurity threats. These findings are evident in the significant number of cyberattacks recorded in the Cost of Data Breach Study and Global Analysis by Ponemon Institute. Research studies are placing the blame on the element of portability in electronic health records (EHRs) that has contributed to numerous vulnerabilities to hospital healthcare data. As a result, the healthcare information of patients in those hospitals that are equipped with interconnected medical devices is exposed to cybersecurity threats. The purpose of the study was to develop a healthcare contingency management framework that can be used by healthcare institutions to mitigate cybersecurity threats to EHRs in the public health sector in South Africa. The integrated systems theory (IST) which amalgamated five different theories relating to information security management was used as a theoretical foundation in this study. In achieving this purpose, the literature review was selected as the research design best suited to answer the question presented in this research study. An expert review was used to refine the framework outcome using interviews and questionnaires. The contribution that will be made by this study will be in a form of a conceptual framework that will be used to mitigate cybersecurity threats concerning EHRs in the public health sector. The healthcare contingency management framework (HCMF) can be adopted by either the National Health Department or Provincial Health Department to be used by healthcare facilities as a guide in reviewing their support function, process management, governance management, and their contingency management. Similar future studies need to be conducted on large scale such as in the whole public sector with the focus on the health sector.,Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
Big data use at an automotive manufacturer: a framework to address privacy concerns in Hadoop Technology.
(University of Fort Hare, 2021-11) Padayachee, Prenisha; Piderit, R
An automotive manufacturer can generate big data through accessible data points from internal and external Internet of Things (IoT) data sources connected to the production line. Big data analytics needs to be applied to these large and complex datasets to realise the associated opportunities, such as an improved manufacturing process, optimised supply chain management, competitive advantage and business growth. In order to store, manage and process the data, automotive manufacturers are using Apache Hadoop technology. Apache Hadoop is a cost-effective, scalable, and fault-tolerant technology. However, there has been a concern raised regarding the privacy of big data in Apache Hadoop. A key challenge in Hadoop technology is its ineffective security model, making the data susceptible to unauthorised users. Consequently, a breach in data privacy results in automotive manufacturers becoming victims of theft of trade secrets and intellectual property via corporate spies. This theft has a negative impact and results in the loss of company reputation, business competitiveness and business growth in the automotive market. This study investigated a solution to ensure big data privacy when using Hadoop technology. The Selective Organisational Information Privacy and Security Violations Model (SOIPSVM) and the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) provided the theoretical base for this study. The researcher undertook a literature analysis and qualitative study to understand and address the identified research problem. The primary data was collected from ten Information Technology (IT) specialists at a local automotive manufacturer. These specialists participated in an interview session, which also included the completion of a questionnaire. All questions were pre-determined and open-ended, and the participants' responses were recorded. Primary data was analysed using the inductive approach by identifying relevant themes and sub-themes. In contrast, the literature analysis included academic journals, conference proceedings, websites, and books, which were critically discussed in this study. This study's findings indicated various measures to be implemented by the automotive manufacturer to address the research problem. Critical success factors were derived from the identified measures, which addressed significant data privacy issues in using Hadoop technology. The identified critical success factors included: control of internal and external data sources; monitor the value of big data towards improving the automotive manufacturing process and user behaviour; implementation of user authentication; encryption to secure data; disaster recovery and backup plan; execution of authorisation and Access Control List (ACLS); conduct audits and regular reviews of user access to data; apply data masking to sensitive data and tokenization to secure data; build own infrastructure to store and analyse data; install regular security updates and update passwords regularly. Each factor had a purpose that examined big data management, governance and compliance in detail. The identified factors contributed towards ensuring data privacy in the use of Hadoop technology. These factors were categorised into contextual and rule and regulatory conditions adopted from the SOIPSVM. Identified conditions were then aligned to the five-level CMM. Each condition was expanded upon at various maturity levels to form a framework that addressed the main research problem. The framework's application was described as an independent assessment of each critical success factor and provided a guide through various maturity levels. The framework's purpose was to address and overcome big data privacy concerns in using Hadoop technology at a local automotive manufacturer.,Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
A framework to influence the behavioural intention of adults to monitor their health using gamification: a case of discovery vitality in East London, South Africa.
(University of Fort Hare, 2021-09) Ntshona, Linda; Cilliers, Liezel
The epidemic of overweight or obesity conditions has become a public health concern in South Africa, and signifies major challenges of chronic diseases affecting the healthcare sector. Recent years have noted the increasing prevalence of gamification and development across all age groups. The rapid adoption and use of gamification as a tool to improve adult motivation and engagement when monitoring their health and wellness is an essential form of health intervention. Gamification allows its users to keep track of their health in real time and encourages an active healthy lifestyle behaviour. Research has found that there are factors that may inhibit the behavioural intention of adults to use gamification for health monitoring in the long term. These factors include cost or membership fees associated with gamification that uses Discovery Vitality and privacy concerns. The main aim of this research study was to develop a framework to influence the behavioural intention of adults to monitor their health through gamification making use of Discovery Vitality as the case study. The self-determination theory was used as the theoretical framework to ensure continuance usage of gamification for sustained health monitoring. A qualitative research approach was chosen for this study. The purposive sampling technique was selected to identify 20 adults between the ages of 18-59 years that are members of Discovery Vitality in East London, South Africa. Interviews were conducted with the 20 participants to identify the factors that will influence their behavioural intention to make use of gamification to monitor their health. After data collection, thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and the data provided by the participants was organised and summarised into relevant themes to answer the main research question. The study developed a framework which incorporated the four constructs of the self-determination theory, namely perceived autonomy, competence, relatedness and satisfaction of basic psychological needs for sustained health monitoring. The study also developed the five factors influencing the behavioural intention of adults to continue using gamification for sustained health monitoring. These factors are known as: broad appeal, applicability and accessibility through mobile technology and pervasive sensors, development and accomplishment, employment of creativity and feedback, and lastly social influence and relatedness. The recognition of weight loss, tracking and monitoring of physical activities and medication adherence was found to positively influence the behavioural intention of adults to continuosly use gamification to monitor their health.,Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
A trust framework to improve adoption of mobile banking by university students in South Africa
(University, 2021-01) van Heerden, Robyn; Isabirye, Naomi
Mobile banking, hereinafter referred to as m-banking, is a platform that allows individuals to conduct financial transactions using a mobile device at any given time. In today’s fast paced society, technologies have evolved to provide services that are convenient and benefit both the customer and service provider; these include m-banking. M-banking further encourages financial inclusion and economic growth, which are both crucial in South Africa. The aim of this research was to develop a trust framework to improve adoption of mobile banking by university students. This is an agency issue in the financial services industry as university students are a big segment of the future income earners and adopters of technology. Getting them to adopt and become regular m-banking users would significantly impact the revenue of banking institutions. The E-Commerce Acceptance Model and the Integrative Model of Organisational Trust were the two theoretical frameworks used as underlying theories to this study. A quantitative survey tool was employed to gather data at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape. After an extensive literature review, a questionnaire was formulated and distributed to students at the University of Fort Hare, of whom 471 responded. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data collected. Cronbach’s Alpha was employed to demonstrate the reliability of constructs used in the study and Pearson’s Product Moment. Correlation Coefficient r tested the strength of the relationships between these constructs. The study found that there are several factors that are significant, such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived risk when investigating trust and its influences on m-banking adoption amongst university students. As a result, the study recommends that banks should consider the above-mentioned factors in order to improve trust and increase m-banking adoption among university students in South Africa.,Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
A framework to improve social media as a communication tool in technical vocational education and training colleges in South Africa: a case of twitter.
(University, 2021-02) Nyamanhare, Sangudzayi Innocent; Cilliers, Liezel
South Africa uses social media as a communication tool. The use of Twitter as a communication tool in Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVET) in South Africa is a crucial factor for efficient and effective communication between TVET College administration and stakeholders such as prospective students, students, prospective employers, prospective employees and the Twitter community which follow various Twitter accounts. Literature has found that TVET Colleges use Twitter in a monologic manner which promotes one-way information flow. Twitter is also used in a limited fashion and within silos within TVET Colleges that have incorporated this social media platform into their communication strategy. The main purpose of this research study was to develop a framework to improve social media as a communication tool in TVET Colleges in South Africa. The Social Media-Integration- Theory-Model was used as the theoretical framework to evaluate the use of Twitter in TVET Colleges in South Africa, thus enabling the development of critical success factors to improve the use of social media as a communication tool. The Interpretivist paradigm and qualitative research approach was chosen for this study. Netnography was used to collect the online data from Twitter that was analysed in the study. Data was collected from 36 TVET Colleges in South Africa that have a Twitter account over a one-year period (April 2019 – March 2020). After the data collection, content and thematic analysis were used to analyse the date. The study developed a framework from the analyses of tweets which incorporated the four constructs from the Social-Media-Integration-Theory-Model. The study also developed five critical success factors, namely, procuring and maintaining of ICT infrastructure; implementing a policy that guide the use of social networks for communication purposes in TVET Colleges; raising awareness on the use of Twitter as a tool for communication; intensive training to manage administration of Twitter accounts and appointing champions to promote Twitter as a communication tool in TVET Colleges.,Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
Factors influencing the adoption of mobile health monitoring and care systems by the elderly living at home in South Africa: a case of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
(University, 2021-09) Fotoyi, Yolande Odwa; Cilliers, Liezel
The gradual increase of elderly people around the globe necessitates intensive dialogue amongst government, the healthcare sector and elderly communities as per MPAA 2002 resolutions. Literature identifies technology as the enabler to drive the facilitation of improved living conditions beginning with an affordable, accessible and integrated health information system (HIS). The attainment of a better quality of care to meet the elderly’s needs requires the re-engineering of current modalities. The diverse nature of South Africa is more suited to a people-based rather than a process-centric approach currently in existence. Access barriers, affordability, the digital divide, lack of government buy-in, and fragmented HIS are considered major impediments to adoption of mobile monitoring and care systems (MMCs) for the elderly’s healthcare. Given the complications brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, the adoption of MMCs cannot be more pronounced. However, despite available literature regarding elderly issues in both developed and developing countries, the elderly plight has still not been considered a national priority. The main purpose of this research was to investigate why elderly people do not adopt MMCs to improve their quality of life, with MMC technologies as a general area of research. The main objective of the study was to develop critical success factors to improve the adoption of MMCs by the elderly living at home. This would potentially alleviate the burden on healthcare resources and also improve the elderly’s quality of life. Primary data collection took place from 21 February to 28 February 2020 in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants comprising one male and 14 females who represented the elderly Black, Coloured, Indian and White people. This qualitative research tool and purposive sampling method were chosen in order to fully capture the participants’ experiences in the home environment, which excluded those living in frail care or step-down facilities or state institutions. Despite the sample size being small and not being generalizable, it delivered rich information which provided a deeper understanding and fresh insights into the landscape of the elderly and their healthcare needs. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. The study found that elderly communities are not entirely averse to adoption of MMCs but challenges like affordability and chronic shortage of technical skills prove to be impediments to adoption of MMCs for the elderly’s healthcare. The lack of standardisation and data governance pertaining to data sharing in HISs also serve to exacerbate the matter. The study, therefore, recommends collaborative engagements amongst government, business and the elderly to facilitate the availability of affordable and accessible ICT infrastructure for the elderly communities. Improved adoption of MMCs carry the potential benefit which emanates from the assumption of a pro-active role by the elderly and optimising available MMCs thus reducing strain and freeing-up healthcare workers to concentrate on core duties. The onus thus falls on the healthcare sector to revise the available strategies which seek to enhance the quality of life of the elderly people living in the home environment.,Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021.
Social media influence on graduateness skills and employability: the case of historically disadvantaged institutions.
(University, 2021-09) Murire, Obrain T; Cilliers, Liezel
Orientation: The graduate labour force is increasing as more students are graduating from historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs). The lack of graduateness attributes amongst final year students has in part contributed to the high rate of graduate unemployment in South Africa. Social media have been identified as a solution as more than 95percent of young adults enrolled at historically disadvantaged institutions in South Africa are using mobile technology. Research Purpose: The purpose of the study was to develop a model to enhance graduateness skills and employability through the use of social media amongst final year students at HDIs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Motivation for the study: The study is of utmost importance as it has developed an artefact that investigated the influence of social media use on graduateness skills and employability amongst students at HDIs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Additionally, students at HDIs are an interesting theoretical sample due to them being an under-researched sample. The HDIs context has received scant focus and attention. In theory, the link between psychological constructs (such as graduateness skills and employability) with a technology dimension especially within our South African context and internationally remains unexplored. Research approach/design and method: Social Media Integration and Career EDGE models were used as a theoretical foundation in this study. This study adopted design science as a research method, where a mixed-method technique was used to collect data from final year students and human resource practitioners. The sequential exploratory design was chosen as it offers an iterative process of developing an artefact that can be tested within a larger population. The questionnaire for interviews and the survey were developed after a thorough literature review and pilot study had been conducted. The questionnaire was distributed to all the participants, of which 411 responded, resulting in a response rate of 93percent; and 15 interviews were conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and correlations test were used to determine associations between variables. Main findings: The study found that there is a significant direct effect of social media use on graduateness skills; there is a significant direct effect of graduateness skills on perceived employability. Graduateness skills have a significant mediating effect on the relationship between social media use and perceived employability. The results also revealed that the direct effect of social media use on perceived employability does not exist. Practical/managerial implications: The study shows that there is a need for the government to devise policies that set guidelines for HR practitioners to follow when recruiting and selecting graduates. Contribution/value-add: The research study contributes to the growing body of research as it utilised a mixed-method approach to explore lived experiences. The Graduate Employability Social Media Model (GESM Model) is the main contribution made by this study to the body of knowledge in both the fields of Information Systems and Business Management.,Thesis (PhD) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021.
Critical Success Factors to Motivate Citizens to Participate in a Public Safety Smart City Project
(University of Fort Hare, 2020) Tuswa, Mbali; Piderit, Roxanne
Currently more people reside in urban areas than previously. The population shift from rural to urban results in increased problems with Public Safety. Public Safety initiatives were introduced to address such issues and help reduce the increasing number of urban problems. It is the citizen's responsibility to report the Public Safety issues they observe or experience for authorities to respond quickly in emergency situations, thus maintaining a safer living environment for all citizens. A Public Safety Smart City Project was introduced in the city of East London, South Africa to help improve Public Safety in the city. However, for this to be successful citizens need to contribute by reporting Public Safety issues and suspicious activities. This study is therefore focused on motivational factors to improve citizen participation in a Public Safety Smart City Project. The Design Science Methodology and a mixed method approach guided this research study. Keller’s (2010) Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction (ARCS) Theory of Motivation provided the theoretical base for this study. A questionnaire was used to gather data on the motivational factors for participation in a Public Safety Smart City Project. Five Critical Success Factors were developed to motivate citizens to participate in a Public Safety Smart City Project. These Critical Success Factors are: Ensure user satisfaction by providing a toll-free number, Citizens should be able to participate due to their concerns of safety for others, Citizens should be given the opportunity to make a difference in their community, Public Safety initiatives must provide adequate response to citizens and Citizens should be given incentives after participating. The Critical Success Factors were refined and verified through two rounds of expert review. Five factors were identified in the findings as factors that contribute towards motivating citizens participate. These factors include User Satisfaction, Making a difference, Response from Public Safety initiatives, Concern of safety for others and Incentives. The factors were included on the Critical Success Factors

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