Faculty of Accounting and Informatics

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Adoption of mobile cloud computing by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in rural areas
(2023-10) Cele, Noxolo Pretty; Govender, Mogiveny; Rajkoomar, Mogiveny
This study was conducted in the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province of the Republic of South Africa. These rural areas includes uMbumbulu, Hlokozi, Eluphepheni, and KwaMakhutha. The main aim was to examine various factors that affect the adoption of Mobile Cloud Computing (MCC) by SMEs located in these areas. This study was motivated by benefits of MCC in various sectors around the world. This includes the provision of cloud-based services to users through the Internet and mobile devices. The current study is of the view that providing MCC to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in rural areas can help them leverage cloud computing resources to improve their performance and delivery of services to customers. A quantitative research strategy was employed to obtain greater knowledge and understanding of the factors that affect the implementation of MCC by SMEs in the indicated rural areas, aiming to produce objective data that can be clearly communicated through statistics and numbers. The online survey was administered to owners, managers, employees and customers of these SMEs. The collected data was later analysed through Excel and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The results of this study reveal that, according to the customers’ point of view, SMEs in rural areas will be able to adopt MCC if there are adequate technological devices. The results suggest that relative advantage (RA), perceived security, perceived ease of use (PEU), and attitude are some of the factors that need to be considered for SMEs in rural areas to successfully adopt MCC. The findings also signal a strong correlation between perceived need, technological devices, compatibility, RA, complexity, trialability, and observability, when measured against MCC. In summary, the results indicate the importance of doing proper research before adopting cloud-based services in order to identify the need for MCC adoption. Significantly few respondents showed resistance or doubt regarding SMEs‘ adoption of MCC.
Adoption of smart traffic system to reduce traffic congestion in a smart city
(Springer Nature Switzerland, 2023) Aroba, Oluwasegun Julius; Mabuza, Phumla; Mabaso, Andile; Sibisi, Phethokuhle
Cities across the world suffer significantly from traffic congestion. Governments are trying to harness the power of today's computing, networking, and communication technologies to build system that can improve the efficiency of current road traffic and conditions. The study investigated the purpose efficiencies of intelligent system to assess their performance. Considering the findings, it can be said that traffic flow forecasting (TFF) possibilities are numerous, involve a variety of technologies, and can significantly reduce most traffic issues in smart cities. The studies were later evaluated to find similarities, content, benefits, and disadvantages of traffic congestion. By applying the project management tools such as the performance metrics and SQERT model were used to evaluate and prioritize the state-of-the-art methods. A classical model was proposed to improve upon and determine the traffic dangers that affect road users and aggregate the information about traffic from vehicles, traffic lights, and roadside sensors. These on-road sensors (ORS) performance are used for analyses such are vehicle classification, speed calculations, and vehicle counts.
The alleviation of information poverty in a selected small-scale farming community in KwaZulu-Natal
(2023-04-12) Zondi, Nombuso Phamela; Moyane, Smangele Pretty; Nkomo, Ntando
Information is crucial to human development, yet crucial as it is, rural communities are experiencing information poverty. It is recognized that rural South Africans who survive on the main through farming are confronted by information poverty as a significant barrier to their development. Access to information has been identified as one of the most significant barriers confronting rural small-scale farmers. The problem of information poverty in rural small-scale farming communities is a critical issue that must be addressed if a country desires to develop. This study therefore examined the alleviation information poverty in a selected small-scale farming community in Kwazulu-Natal. The objectives of the study were to establish the information needs of the selected small-scale farmers, determine factors that influence information poverty for the selected small-scale farmers, ascertain whether the selected small-scale farmers are information poor in accordance with Chatman's (1996) information poverty theory and to determine the strategies employed and needed by the selected small-scale farmers to address information needs for the aim of alleviating information poverty.The study was guided by Elfreda Chatman's (1996) Theory of Information Poverty which views information poverty, as situations in which people are hesitant to disclose or seek for assistance for needed information because they feel isolated. An interpretive paradigm employing qualitative research in an exploratory research design was adopted. The population targeted was rural small-scale farmers of ward thirteen in Swayimane, KwaZulu-Natal. In the absence of a sampling frame, the study employed purposive and convenience sampling methods. Data yielded from three focus groups was analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that small-scale farmers’ information needs were chiefly crop soil requirements, market information, and guidance on livestock production and maintenance. Furthermore, adult education, ICTs, and library services were important needs for both young and older members of the community. The findings indicate that the information poverty faced by rural small-scale farmers is influenced by several factors. Among the factors were low family income brought by a lack of employment opportunities, rural small-scale farmers' isolation from essential services, a lack of government intervention, and small-scale farmers’ cultural beliefs deemed to be backward. The findings showed that rural small-scale farmers distrust information they receive from outsiders, which is consistent with Chatman's theory of Information Poverty that individuals who are information poor mistrust outsiders. The findings, however, contradict Chatman's claims that informationpoor people are averse to sharing their needs with outsiders. The study revealed that rural small-scale farmers rely heavily on agricultural advisors, seasoned farmers, radio, and word of mouth for information. With regards to the strategies needed by small-scale farmers to address information poverty, the study found that government intervention, easy access to the internet, and an increase in the number of agricultural advisors were crucial. The study recommends increasing the number of agricultural advisors to provide small-scale farmers with more immediate support; establishing a library facility to offer library services to fill information gaps; adding more agricultural programs on radio and television to cover a wide range of small- scale farmers informational needs; offering ABET programs to reduce illiteracy among rural small-scale farmers; development of commercial centers in rural farming communities to improve rural small-scale farmer access to markets; government intervention in educating rural small-scale farmers on modern agricultural practices and on methods of obtaining agricultural information.
The application of environmental management accounting practices on plastic pollution control in food and beverages manufacturing firms in Durban, South Africa
(2021-07-21) Nzama, Smangele; Olarewaju, Odunayo Magret; Arise, O. A.
Businesses are confronted with pressure from several stakeholders to become more sustainable. Plastic waste is a global environmental issue that requires immediate attention. In South Africa, waste management is poor, and the adoption of Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) is low. The deterioration of plastic waste in the environment takes time and negatively impacts the environment, the ocean and its inhabitants. The essence of carrying out this study is to observe how EMA practices can be applied to plastic pollution control in food and beverage manufacturing companies in Durban, South Africa. The quantitative approach was used in the research work and primary data was collected using questionnaires. A non-probability sampling called convenience sampling was used. Questionnaires were sent to 32 food and beverage manufacturing firms with four respondents in each. The respondents were financial managers, management accountants, factory accountants, and chief accountants. A total of 128 questionnaires were distributed and completed, only 124 questionnaires were correctly completed and analysed. Data obtained from the questionnaires were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Inferential statistics like correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis were utilized to respond to the research questions. An adverse relationship was discovered between environmental management accounting and corporate environmental strategy. It was discovered that an improvement in plastic pollution control was directly related to disclosure of environmental information. Also, an improved corporate environmental strategy will result in improved measures to control plastic pollution. Additionally, the study discovered that addressing barriers to environmental sustainability will improve the implementation of EMA. Further findings revealed that food and beverage manufacturing companies which are engaged in environmental activities tend to build a good company image and not to reduce plastic waste.
Approaches for improving participation of administrative staff in corporate entrepreneurship at Vaal University of Technology
(2023) Lebyane, Mashuto; Nyide, Celani J
The aim of the study was to examine the approaches for improving participation of administrative staff in Corporate Entrepreneurship (CE) at Vaal University of Technology (VUT). The study was guided by four specific objectives: to investigate the CE challenges facing VUT, to examine the role currently played by administrative employees in CE at VUT, to determine factors affecting the participation of administrative staff in CE at VUT, and to propose approaches that can be used at VUT to improve administrative staff’s participation in CE. The Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Instrument (CEAI) model was used to assess these constructs. A quantitative research approach was adopted and an online survey questionnaire was used to obtain data from respondents. The target population for this study was 110 administrative employees within VUT. In selecting the respondents, the census sampling method was used to select all 110 administrative employees. Survey questionnaires were emailed to all 110 respondents. A response rate of 54.5% was achieved and 60 usable questionnaires were received. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 28.0 for Windows. The key findings indicated that most administrative employees had no role in an entrepreneurial environment. It was discovered that the majority of administrative staff members were not participating in the process of CE, notably during the idea formulation or start stages. Furthermore, it appeared that there was no employee participation with relation to CE among administrative employees. According to the recommendations, management should concentrate on the factors that influence CE, such as management support, rewards, work discretion/autonomy, resources, organisational structure, and organisational culture. Future research recommendations were also made in the conclusion of this study. Because this was the university's first formal study, it can be used as a guide for other South African universities to examine their entrepreneurial intensity and corporate entrepreneurial climate.
Bio-inspired optimisation of a new cost model for minimising labour costs in computer networking infrastructure
(2024) Nketsiah, Richard Nana; Millham, Richard Charles; Agbehadji, Israel Edem
This thesis revolves around the bio-inspired optimisation of a newly formulated cost model tailored for initial installation of a user-specified computer networking infrastructure, motivated by requirements of networking industries, with a focal point on minimising labour costs. The new cost function of this infrastructure installation incorporates essential decision variables related to labour, encompassing the daily requirements and costs of both skilled and unskilled workers, their respective hourly rates, installation hours, and the overall project duration. This deliberate emphasis on labour-centric factors aim to offer nuanced insights into the intricacies of project budgeting and resource allocation. The research critically evaluates the effectiveness of the cost function by examining various factors, such as daily fixed costs, a size and complexity factor tailored to individual scenarios, and a penalty coefficient aimed at ensuring compliance with project schedules. Significantly, the deliberate exclusion of equipment, material, maintenance and operational costs underscores the focused examination of labour-related expenditures, providing a unique contribution to the optimisation landscape within the installation of the user-specified computer networking infrastructure projects. Utilising advanced bio-inspired optimisation techniques, alongside real-world data, this study endeavours to gauge the effectiveness of the new cost model in minimising labour expenses while upholding optimal network performance. The anticipated outcomes of this study extend beyond theoretical contexts to practical implications, providing actionable insights and recommendations for network infrastructure planners. The significance of labour-centric considerations in project planning and design is underscored, providing a more encompassing perspective that aligns with the evolving landscape of modern technological infrastructures. By giving attention to labour-intensive aspects within installation of computer networking infrastructure projects, the thesis aspires to enhance budgeting accuracy and streamline resource allocation processes, thereby fostering more efficient and cost-effective project outcomes.
Blockchain-Based digital records management for auditing process : a case study of Msunduzi Local Municipality
(2023) Zuma, Khulekani P.; Rajkoomar, Mogiveny; Naicker, Nalen
The Auditor General of South Africa frequently identifies poor records management as a major issue during auditing process, resulting in absence of supporting documentation and challenges in proving allegations of misconduct in Municipalities. To address this issue, the study explores the importance of a functional digital records management system and the feasibility of using blockchain technology to enhance records transparency, authenticity, security, and privacy in Msunduzi Local Municipality. It seeks to determine whether the municipality has a digital records management system, assess the potential benefits of blockchain technology, and investigate the likelihood of improved audit results through its implementation. This research employed the Records Continuum Model as a theoretical framework. Post-positivist paradigm and qualitative research approach were used in this study. The study collected data using semi-structured interviews with 15 participants from records management and auditing staff in the municipality, and data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results from this study indicate that Msunduzi Local Municipality needs a functional digital records management system, which may positively impact audit processes. The use of blockchain technology is perceived as a viable solution to enhance records transparency, authenticity, security, and privacy. Participants in the study believe that implementing blockchain can significantly improve audit results and mitigate issues like maladministration and negative cash flows. Recommendations include the urgent establishment of a digital records management system and a feasibility study on integrating blockchain technology to strengthen records management and auditing practices in the municipality. These measures are seen as essential for promoting transparency and accountability in the public sector.
Bridging the digital divide with changing information literacy methods in post-apartheid South Africa
(Springer International Publishing, 2013) Naidoo, Segarani; Omarsaib, Mousin
This paper reports on a study done at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). The aim of the study was to identify innovative teaching and learning methods that would accommodate the diverse student population in the IL classroom and to recommend guidelines for teaching and learning of IL. The digital divide is defined as the gap or divide between those with access to and skills in information and communication technologies (ICTs) and those without such access or skills. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Self-administered questionnaires were administered to 227 students from the Faculty of Health who were engaged in the IL module, Subject Librarians (SL) teaching IL and the Co-ordinator of the IL module from the Centre of Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) at the Durban University of Technology were interviewed. The findings of this study could be applied globally.
Community development through information communication technologies in Ward three of Durban metro
(2004) Majola, Pretty L.
This topic was initiated because of love of community development and information communication application by the researcher. It was further strengthened by taking part during the International Wowen University (Ifu) practice in 2000. The main theme of the study was Information Age. Ifu is well known as the virtual university, which is based in Germany at the University of Hamburg. The researcher, together with eight other women from different countries, designed and developed a model for community development by using ICTs. The model can be used as a basic guide for similar projects. The work, therefore in this thesis is based on personal experiences shared experiences, and research as well as by reading others experiences. This study provides ideas for potential community development by using Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in rural areas with special reference to Ward Three of Durban Metro. The results of the study confirmed the saying “If you can’t beat them join them”. This study reported on research conducted in two different rural areas known as Bamshela and Ward Three. The results from the first area Bamshela, illustrated the way forward for Ward Three. Since the ICTs center exists in Bamshela the author received more information about the centre’s utilisation than its establishment. The focus on the second area emphasises the necessity, awareness and participation in community development. The three specifics focuses on whether there is a need for the ICTs centre for community development. Further more the study focused on areas where ICTs played prominent roles, such as in policy making, education, globalisation, ICTs, community development and participation of community members in community development projects.
The design of a faculty research data repository platform conducive to a University of Technology
(2023) Zibani, Patiswa; Marimuthu, Ferina; Rajkoomar, Mogiveny
As significant players in the production of scholarly work, academic researchers are increasingly gathering and producing data rapidly, exceeding the development of the knowledge and skills required for proper data storage and management. However, the focus has typically been on research publication outputs rather than the research data determining the academic's research output. This study conducted an audit survey on research data management in a University of Technology faculty context to gain insight into their research data management practices. The study was guided by the Data Audit Framework (DAF), the Community Capability Model Framework (CCMF), and the User-Centered Research Data Management Framework (UCRDMF). The study utilized an explanatory sequential mixed method research design incorporating quantitative and qualitative components. In the quantitative phase, an online survey was administered to postgraduate students pursuing Master's and Doctoral degrees between 2015 and 2020. On the other hand, the qualitative phase involved conducting a meta-analysis of research repositories across global Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and conducting online interviews with postgraduate supervisors who play a crucial role in postgraduate study and research administration. The quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while the qualitative data were analyzed using NVivo software. The collected data were then analyzed respectively with theoretical frameworks and existing literature. The findings revealed that managing research data was primarily a personal matter. The main reason for the difficulties was that the faculty lacked a research data management investment. The use of emails, external hard drives, and personal laptops are additional examples that showcased that the faculty had not established centralized systems for managing research. However, participants did recognize the benefits of managing research data, such as scientific advances, enhanced data repurpose, and simplicity for data reusers. Findings also showed that the lack of platforms permitting data sharing and reuse was one of the main reasons that most researchers had not shared or reused other researchers' research data. Researchers, however, wanted to share their data without restrictions. The study's conclusions were also used to create and document a conceptual framework for the faculty research data repository platform. The proposed model aims to guide the conception of a repository that will secure the storage of faculty digital information that can be easily retrieved.
Determinants of participation of Msunduzi local municipality’s peri-urban households in the digital finance economy
(2024) Nyide, Nelisiwe Fortunate; Olarewaju, Odunayo Magret
Digital finance is an instrument that has the potential of improving access to finance to underprivileged groups such as peri-urban communities. Digital financial tools are capable of achieving traditional crisis management objectives with greater potency and accuracy than was historically possible. The financial services sector is in a process of accelerating change by adopting new business models based on convergent technological developments to increase customer participation in periurban areas. Therefore, the financial services sector can use digital finance to improve the availability of household financial services through diversified financial products, thus promoting the growth of household consumption. However, several studies maintain that determinants of digital finance participation of marginalised households, including peri-urban households, are generally underdetermined. Moreover, there is limited literature on the participation of South African households in the digital economy. Scholarly literature asserts that the level of participation of South Africans in digital finance is concerning. This is largely due to a lack of awareness and knowledge of digital financial services that are available to South African households. This study seeks to bridge that gap by examining the determinants of participation of peri-urban households in digital finance in the financial services sector in KwaZuluNatal, South Africa. A quantitative research approach was adopted to answer the research questions. This method was found to be suitable for this study given that the research objectives can be best measured using a structured survey that is quantitative in nature. The target population of this study consisted of peri-urban households located in the Greater Edendale area, which is the largest peri-urban area within the Msunduzi Local Municipality. The sample size for this study was 384 periurban households which were selected using purposive sampling, derived from nonprobability sampling. The questionnaires were in English and were also translated into isiZulu in order to make it easier for respondents to participate in this study. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to compile the descriptive statistics. The results of this study indicate that the general public in economically disadvantaged communities participates in digital financial transactions in the financial services sector on a regular basis. A Spearman correlation analysis found a substantial positive link between the usage of digital platforms by peri-urban families and their degree of participation in digital finance. This association was shown to be statistically significant (r = .649, n = 315, p < .001). However, the results of a Mann-Whitney U test showed that there was no statistically significant difference between genders with regard to involvement in digital finance (Z = -1.804, p = .071). A correlation analysis was undertaken to determine whether peri-urban households’ awareness of digital financial services influenced their adoption of digital platforms. The Spearman correlation analysis (r = .768, n = 315, p < .001) showed a strong and significant relationship between peri-urban households’ knowledge and awareness of digital financial services and their use of digital platforms. Additionally, a Spearman correlation analysis (r = -.524, n = 315, p < .001) revealed a significant negative association between peri-urban households’ adoption of digital financial platforms and their digital literacy. This is despite the fact that literature argues that in South Africa, the adoption of digital financial services is negatively affected by a lack of information and knowledge which is prevalent among marginalised communities.
Determining and developing appropriate methods for requirements verification and modelling of telecentre operational monitoring in a developing country
(2017) Pancham, Jeebodh; Millham, Richard C.
Telecentres are a means of allowing members of disadvantaged communities access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) so that they are included in the digital world. Thorough literature searches, along with communication with the Uni-versal Service Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) indicated that there was no common operational monitoring model for Telecentres. The lack of such a model re-sulted in a lack of real time user and usage profile information to provide strategic business insights for managers. To obtain the requirements for this model, different stakeholders of South African Telecentres were consulted, and these consultations were supplemented by research studies based on international Telecentres. After a detailed evaluation of the different research methodologies, positivism and re-ductionism were selected as the most appropriate conceptual frameworks for the re-search. The research design included both quantitative and qualitative research meth-ods. Requirements engineering was used to provide a number of different methods for verification and modelling. The UML methodology was used to represent the TeleMun monitoring model. A specific UML diagram, the activity diagram, was used to validate the phase consistency of the TeleMun model using the semiformal tool of VeriScene. The choice of methods depended on several factors, for example, the problem domain, and the nature of the solution required, amongst others. Design science methodology was selected as an overarching methodology to encompass the full process from re-quirements to the final design and reporting phases. This methodology was used both in the design of the model and in the design of VeriScene. (The literature review had revealed that there was a gap concerning appropriate phase consistency tools to ensure consistency between the requirements and design phases. To address this gap, a tool ‘VeriScene’ was developed to provide this consistency). In order to analyse these re-quirements, a combination of different appropriate methods was selected, providing the design strength associated with triangulation. These requirements engineering methods were applied to derive the TeleMun model. Thus the monitoring model, TeleMun, was developed, verified and partially validated using several requirements engineering methods. The model is designed at a high level and therefore can be modified to suit other local and international Telecentre opera-tions.
Development of a mobile digital library model for teaching support in selected under-resourced public high schools in KwaZulu-Natal
(2024) Khomo, Musawenkosi Phumelela; Sucheran, Reshma; Rajkoomar, Mogiveny
This study aimed to identify the contributing factors to the successful development and use of a mobile digital library model, assess its feasibility for teaching purposes, determine the technological competences of teachers in utilizing mobile technology, and develop a suitable mobile digital library model for under-resourced schools. The objectives of the study were to identify the factors that would contribute to the successful development and the use of mobile digital library model for teaching and learning support at selected under-resourced public high schools in KwaZulu-Natal; to establish the feasibility of using a mobile digital library model for teaching in selected under-resourced public high schools in KwaZulu-Natal; to ascertain the technological competences of teachers to use mobile technology; and to develop a mobile digital library model suitable for teaching in under-resourced schools. The study employed an exploratory sequential mixed method design. The preferred research paradigm for this study was pragmatism and interpretivism. The study surveyed eleven selected under-resourced public high schools in KwaZulu-Natal, categorized as quintile one, quintile two, and quintile three. Ninety-three teachers and three teacher librarians contributed to the study. Clustersampling method was employed to select the participating schools. Data collection instruments included individual interviews with teacher librarians, focus group discussions with teachers, and self-administered questionnaires for teachers and librarians. The study consisted of two distinct phases i.e. qualitative data collection through focus group and individual interviews then quantitative data collection with the usage of questionnaire. A mixed methods approach for data analysis was used. Both individual interviews and focus group interviews were transcribed and later edited, with the audio recordings serving as the primary source of data. The themes were formulated by the researcher, and the findings were subsequently synthesized and organized within these thematic categories. For quantitative data, the researcher employed multivariate analysis, a statistical technique aimed at investigating relationships among multiple variables. The findings revealed several factors influencing the development and use of a mobile digital library, such as the need for digital literacy training for the school community, user-friendliness of the mobile digital library platform, and financial support from the organization. The feasibility of implementing a mobile digital library relied on factors such as financial support, robust internet connectivity, digital literacy among the school community, and improvements in technological infrastructure. Additionally, the study found that younger teachers demonstrated greater technological competence compared to more experienced teachers. A mobile digital library model was developed to support teaching, ensuring a conducive learning environment where teachers and learners have access to information anytime and anywhere. The study recommends regular training for teachers and learners on the utilisation of a mobile digital library, adequate funding for hosting and maintenance, and improvements in technological infrastructure.
Development of a web based smart city infrastructure for refuse disposal management
(2017) Oluwatimilehin, Adeyemo Joke; Olugbara, Oludayo O.; Adetiba, Emmanuel
The future of modern cities largely depends on how well they can tackle intrinsic problems that confront them by embracing the next era of digital revolution. A vital element of such revolution is the creation of smart cities and associated technology infrastructures. Smart city is an emerging phenomenon that involves the deployment of information communication technology wares into public or private infrastructure to provide intelligent data gathering and analysis. Key areas that have been considered for smart city initiatives include monitoring of weather, energy consumption, environmental conditions, water usage and host of others. To align with the smart city revolution in the area of environmental cleanliness, this study involves the development of a web based smart city infrastructure for refuse disposal management using the design science research approach. The Jalali smart city reference architecture provided a template to develop the proposed architecture in this study. The proposed architecture contains four layers, which are signal sensing and processing, network, intelligent user application and Internet of Things (IoT) web application layers. A proof of concept prototype was designed and implemented based on the proposed architecture. The signal sensing and processing layer was implemented to produce a smart refuse bin, which is a bin that contains the Arduino microcontroller board, Wi-Fi transceiver, proximity sensor, gas sensor, temperature sensor and other relevant electronic components. The network layer provides interconnectivity among the layers via the internet. The intelligent user application layer was realized with non browser client application, statistical feature extraction and pattern classifiers. Whereas the IoT web application layer was realised with ThingSpeak, which is an online web application for IoT based projects. The sensors in the smart refuse bin, generates multivariate dataset that corresponds to the status of refuse in the bin. Training and testing features were extracted from the dataset using first order statistical feature extraction method. Afterward, Multilayer Perceptron Artificial Neural Network (MLP-ANN) and support vector machine were trained and compared experimentally. The MLP-ANN gave the overall best accuracy of 98.0%, and the least mean square error of 0.0036. The ThingSpeak web application connects seamlessly at all times via the internet to receive data from the smart refuse bin. Refuse disposal management agents can therefore query ThingSpeak for refuse status data via the non browser client application. The client application, then uses the trained MLP-ANN to appositely classify such data in order to determine the status of the bin.
Effects of total quality management implementation in a manufacturing industry
(Virtus Interpress, 2016) Assensoh-Kodua, Akwesi; Imrith, Ashwin
In today's highly competitive market, the demand for quality is important factor for companies to survive in the ever-expanding global marketplace. The unprecedented pace of globalisation, trade liberalisation, and technological changes in addition to human capital movement in the later years profoundly poses serious challenges for African companies to compete in an open market. African trade liberalisation through the elimination of intraregional tariffs, imposed to serve as a protective barrier to local industries have also worsen the plight of local infant industries. African Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) poses challenges for South African companies as they have to compete with more industralised and older companies. The concept of Total Quality Management (TQM) developed as a result of intense global competition has therefore become a compelling concept for African companies seeking to survive in an uneven grounds of competition. This paper seeks to examine whether the implementation of TQM has effect on LMI in Durban by developing a research model to uncover the barriers and benefits of TQM. A sample population of employees from a manufacturing industry were selected to participate in this study. It became clear that, this study have found a significant relationship between the positions at the manufacturing industry and their opinion of TQM. The Spearman correlation coefficient indicated a significant relationship between TQM and factors such as Management and Commitment Leadership Importance, Work Environment and Culture Importance, Customer Focus Importance, Customer Focus Practice, Resource Management Importance. These findings are in agreement with other studies of scholars that highlights the benefits and barriers of TQM.
Evolving a framework to observe and analyse customer experience on the Twitter platform using machine learning techniques
(2024) Moodley, Thaneshni; Thakur, Surendra
Retailers have become more focused on retaining and turning existing customers into longterm clients because retailers have become more competitive, customers more demanding, and competitors more aggressive. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has forced a transformation for retailers. Within months, a revolution has taken place, constituting major changes to how consumers view cash, how they shop online and what they expect from retailers as part of a positive buying experience. Consumers increasingly expect retailers to create a seamless customer experience. This often means leaning on digital capabilities to create a seamless, omni-channel experience by linking different aspects of the customer shopping experience. The usage of big data analytics has primarily been implemented outside of South Africa to better understand customer connections and experiences, highlighting a noticeable research gap in South Africa. It has been proven to be an effective tool for retailers in predicting customer behaviour. There is a need to reduce the complexities in understanding which are the most appropriate machine learning techniques for sentiment analysis of online customer experience and to capitalise on development. Thereafter, online retailers are better equipped to tailor machine learning tools to craft analytical tools. Given the massive migration to online transactions, this work presents a rigorous analysis of social media posts, which is paramount for modern-era retailers. Businesses can use sentiment analysis to determine how well their brand is performing in the marketplace, learn more about the attitudes of their customers and determine whether their items receive more positive or negative feedback. A longitudinal study was adopted to analyse a dataset of retail-related tweets for the identification of customer complaints using a sentiment analysis hybrid approach, which is a combination of lexicon and machine learning approaches. A conceptual framework was developed to observe and analyse customer experiences on the Twitter platform using machine learning techniques. The framework encompasses components such as data preparation, natural language processing pre-processing techniques, calculating sentiment using sentiment lexicon and ML techniques, and thereafter a selection of the best-performing machine learning technique for sentiment analysis within the developed conceptual framework. The extracted dataset contains 240 000 tweets posted between 01 January 2017 and 31 January 2019, out of which 27 233 tweets were selected for the study. Natural language pre-processing techniques were applied to the dataset, including tokenisation, stemming, lemmatisation, part-of-speech tagging, and name-of-entity recognition. Supervised and deep machine learning gave the best results of 61.75 and 60.25. This study has identified deep learning as a good technique for sentiment analysis when NLP pre-processing methods are done in a certain order. A study on analysing retail complaints posted on the Twitter platform using a sentiment analytic framework has not been done in South Africa before. This study has proven that the sentiment analysis hybrid approach is highly capable of analysing social media data.
Exploration of budget, budgetary control and performance of public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban
(2023) Fada, Sinesipho; Olarewaju, Odunayo Magret
Budgeting and budgetary controls are instruments of financial management that are critical for the accomplishment of objectives and goals of an organisation. Hospitals are amongst vital organisations in every country that citizens rely upon to attend to their different injuries, ailments and more especially in times of crisis such as during the recent corona virus pandemic. It is in this vein that this work set out to explore the budget, budgetary control, and performance of public hospitals in KwaZulu–Natal, Durban. Seven hospitals were the subject of the investigation. The research employed quantitative data collection. A sample of seventy employees from different hospitals participated in the study. Data analysis relied on NVIVO and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The investigation discovered that poor budget planning and a low-income generation base make it difficult for these hospitals to meet their obligations as health care institutions. It is suggested that subordinates are always planning.
Exploring quality administration management practices on customer retention and satisfaction : case study of small medium micro enterprises at eThekwini Metropolitan area
(2024) Mchunu, Nkosingiphile Trevor; Ngxongo, Nduduzo Andrias; Moyane, Smangele Pretty
Small Medium Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) play a significant role in many countries’ economic growth and development. However, customer retention and satisfaction remain critical challenges facing SMMEs. This study investigated the effectiveness of quality administration management practices in SMMEs located in the eThekwini Metropolitan Area. The objectives of the study were to examine how quality administration management practices impact customer retention and satisfaction in SMMEs located in the eThekwini Metropolitan area, to comprehend the influence of training and development of employees on quality management practices and customer retention and satisfaction in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs), to recognise how internal and external factors impact quality management practices in SMMEs in the eThekwini Metropolitan area and, to determine the factors that contribute to and hinder customer retention and satisfaction in SMMEs in the eThekwini Metropolitan area and propose integrated, effective quality administration management practices to address these factors. The Quality Administration Management Theory (QAMT) was adopted as a theoretical framework in this study to assert the effective role of administration and management in achieving successful business quality management practices in SMMEs. QAMT’s focus was relevant to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often face resource constraints and struggle to implement quality management practices effectively. Due to time constraints, the geographical scope of the study was limited to the eThekwini Metropolitan Area. Potential limitations included the possibility of response bias and a relatively small sample size. The research adopted a quantitative research approach and employed a survey questionnaire to collect data from customers of selected SMMEs. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including t-tests, ANOVA, factor analysis, and regression analysis, through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The findings of the study indicated that hat continuous improvement with the quality administration management practice significantly influences the customer satisfaction and in return, it positively relates to customer retention. Secondly, the results revealed that the education levels significantly had increasing impact on customer retention perceptions. The study thereafter recommended for SMMEs in the eThekwini Metropolitan area to continue striving for improvement in quality management practices achievable by implementing strategies that cater for customers with different levels of education. Policy frameworks also need to be initiated to develop and promote customer customer retention.
Factors contributing to the successful development and use of mobile digital libraries : a systematic literature review
(Emerald, 2023-03-21) Khomo, Musawenkosi Phumelela; Naicker, Nalindren; Chisita, Collence Takaingenhamo; Rajkoomar, Mogiveny
The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on factors that contribute to the successful development and use of the mobile digital library (DL). This aim will be achieved by reviewing selected journal articles on mobile DLs' successful development and use. This paper argues that the concept of DLs is evolving because of the dynamic nature of knowledge and technological developments in the infosphere. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature search of journal article factors that contribute to the successful development and use of the mobile DL was accomplished by searching the following databases: Emerald insight, Science directory and Google Scholar. The systematic review was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. This study applied Rogers's (1965) Diffusion of innovation theory to unpack the attributes of innovation to unpack contextual factors shaping African conceptions of mobile libraries (m-libraries). The studies reviewed were published from 2016 to 2021. This paper is based on a systematic literature review. This paper uses publicly available literature on the theme of DLs concerning m-libraries. Among the search terms used for the study were: “digital libraries”, “Africa and digital libraries”, “electronic libraries”, “information communication technologies”, “access to information” and “mobile digital libraries”. Findings Reviewed literature indicates that myriad factors can contribute positively or negatively to the successful development and use of the mobile DL. These factors include the degree of staff awareness and understanding of the potential of mobile technologies in enhancing the provision of library services, the availability of relevant digital content, library staff and users’ level of digital and information literacy competencies to navigate digital platforms, user friendliness of DL platforms, material and financial support to access m-libraries, power supply and access to internet connectivity. Practical implications The results from this study will generate knowledge and insight into the factors that affect the development and optimal use of mobile DLs to enhance and widen access to scholarly databases irrespective of time and space. This study will make recommendations that will enable South African policymakers to make informed decisions relating to the factors affecting the development and usage of mobile DLs for enhanced learning, teaching and education. Originality/value Given the growing number of scholarly publications on mobile DLs, this study seeks to discover how such technologies can help enhance learning, teaching and research in higher education. This study’s findings will provide a scientific basis for policymakers and researchers with evidence-based knowledge that raises the value of mobile DLs. It was discovered that if the identified factors are handled well, users can easily access tools, such as databases, electronic journals and online reference tools, and this could improve the quality of teaching and learning.
Factors influencing innovative leadership in mobilising small and medium enterprises (SMEs) towards smart manufacturing in Pietermaritzburg
(2023) Maphumulo, Sydney Dumisani; Nyide, Celani John
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are regarded as effective drivers of inclusive economic growth and expansion in South Africa and globally. After noting the significance of SMEs and their contribution to the economy, it is helpful to observe how their growth and sustainability is being maintained through the adoption and utilisation of smart manufacturing techniques and innovative leadership. Consequently, this study highlighted the significance of SME adoption of innovative leadership in smart manufacturing. The main aim was to critically examine factors influencing innovative leadership in mobilising SMEs towards smart manufacturing in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. A quantitative research approach was adopted with census sampling; 102 manufacturing SMEs registered in the Msunduzi Municipality database participated. The data was analysed using the latest version of SPSS V 29.0.1. The findings of this research indicate that the use of robotic technology among manufacturing SMEs is very limited. Moreover, the adoption of internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence technologies is still very low. Therefore, the general finding is that the utilisation of smart manufacturing processes by SMEs in the manufacturing sector in Pietermaritzburg is still in its infancy. This study also found that there is substantial evidence supporting the presence of innovative leadership practices in SMEs operating in the manufacturing sector. This provides an opportunity for these companies to advance the smart manufacturing agenda through effective leadership. The study found a number of factors that had an impact on the use of smart manufacturing processes and innovative leadership.