Creating strategic value through executive information systems: an exploratory study

Over the past few years, information technology has grown so rapidly that businesses had to adjust very quickly to keep abreast of fast growing technologies and international trends. An increasing number of South African companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) have implemented Executive Information Systems (EISs) that have resulted in the widespread use of computers in companies. Users of EISs need systems that provide them with access to diverse types of information in order to take decisions, to solve problems and to compete with competitors. This article discusses whether South African companies create strategic value through the use of EISs. The strategic value of the business is explained as an advantage to improve businesses‟ performances firstly, by gains in profitability and financial strength and secondly, gains in the businesses‟ competitive strength and market standing. Executives and top management need to be aware of the opportunities available to them by using information technology as a business tool to analyse their businesses‟ performance and competitiveness. This study is an exploratory study and the research method is quantitative of nature. A structured questionnaire was designed and was sent to 334 listed JSE companies in order to investigate the existence of an EIS, the gathering, selecting and use of information in companies in order to make decisions and to solve problems. Many businesses have chosen EIS technology to provide relevant and accurate information to top management and executives. Currently the EIS provides information that is only available to executives and top management, but the need exists to expand EISs to other users in the business. The research questions investigated in this study are to establish what EISs offer to fulfil the needs of users and to determine the impact on creating strategic value within the business in order to keep pace with on-going changes in technology. In addressing these problems the existence of EISs was investigated to debate, express, and understand the role and use of an EIS and resulted in creating strategic value for businesses. The value of the study explains the vital importance of executives‟ influence towards the adoption, commitment and use of EISs at strategic management levels, creating and adding strategic value in companies. The findings of the study add to the current understanding and awareness of EISs in listed JSE companies and therefore create an environment in which the business can enhance sustainability and strategic competitiveness. Responses were favourable since respondents requested a report on the outcome of the results as they expressed an interest in the underlying motivation of the study and how their company compares with their competitors in the industry. Conclusions drawn from the results are that EISs need to incorporate all the unmet needs of users in order for EISs to add strategic value and to be used as effective business tools in companies

Preparing first-year students in higher education for ethical decision making : identifying and understanding personal values in a South African Ubuntu context

ORIENTATION AND PURPOSE : Globally, business scandals and corruption are not new phenomena. Curriculum developers and professional bodies have re-visited the teaching of ethics in higher education, owing to repeated calls from the business world to increase the awareness of ethical behaviour. This study is a first large and across-university study at six universities in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to determine the personal values of students in their first year of study, that guide their ethical and professional behaviour, using an action-oriented teaching approach. METHODOLOGY : The research method was quantitative, where a lecture exercise and online questionnaire were used to determine students’ individual personal values. The sampling frame includes first-year accounting students (N=4120) at six South African universities, registered for accounting degrees. FINDINGS : The main findings indicated that, of the 51 value items, students selected their top ten values as family, authenticity, hardworking, integrity, balance, caring, economic security, faithfulness, successful and purpose. From the results, “family” was considered the most important value, which indicates a strong Ubuntu orientation. VALUE : The study provides insights and evidence on first-year accounting students’ personal values, that guide their ethical and professional behaviour. Insights into the personal values of students can assist ethics educators in relating these values to the business- and professional values addressed in accounting education. Furthermore, applying an action-oriented teaching approach with an increased focus on Ubuntu, as a moral theory, can contribute to developing students’ ethics competence.https://journals.co.za/journal/sajaaram2023AuditingSDG-04:Quality Educatio

The integration of computerised accounting in the accounting curriculum as an educational learning curve for students entering the business world

At universities, educating students on real-life practices is one of the key drivers in a changing academic environment. Academic institutions encourage the study of the learning environment and ensure that appropriate strategies are in place for educating students. A first-year Accounting I student stated the importance of computerised accounting: ‘Computerised accounting is used in the workplace and therefore using it in varsity, grants students a view on how things will be after completion of their respective degrees.’ Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to empirically investigate the perceived acquisition of information technology (IT) knowledge and determine the skills required for students to convert the knowledge gained into actions as a learning curve for accounting students entering the business world. The results indicated that students’ knowledge of Accounting I increased with the integration of computerised Accounting in the Accounting I Curriculum

The The inclusion of critical thinking in an accounting curriculum: Students’ perceptions

Repeated calls from employers and professional bodies were to include critical thinking in the curriculum of higher education courses. Therefore, researchers should actively engage in developing course material to fill the existing gap to include critical thinking in the curriculum. The purpose of this paper was to explore students’ perceptions with the inclusion of critical thinking in an accounting curriculum that may develop and/or foster students’ critical thinking in a first-year course in accounting studies. Research questions; How will students’ perception of self-evaluation and their concept of critical thinking assist them to acquire or develop critical thinking? and How will Critical Thinking contribute to assist students in their studies? Exploratory research was used in collecting data using on-line questionnaires over two years. The findings reveal positive results and promising perceptions that most students benefitted from the inclusion of critical thinking in the curriculum. The study contributes to students’ preparedness and readiness for the workplace and/or gaining lifelong skills through formal education

Does lecture attendance matter? The good, the bad and the ugly

This article reports on a study that investigated the impact of lecture attendance on the academic performance of first-year accounting students at a South African university. The objectives of this study were, firstly, to ascertain whether lecture attendance influences students’ performance (measured in terms of their assessment scores) and, secondly, whether ‘better’ students (measured in terms of symbols obtained in English, Mathematics and Accounting in the South African National Senior Certificate) believe that lecture attendance is important in order to attain better results. The research study used a mixed method design, which was both quantitative and experimental. The findings indicate three scenarios, which are reflected in this paper as the good, the bad and the ugly, in terms of lecture attendance levels and academic performance. The value of the study resides in the insights gained about the salience of various lecture attendance trends in the first-year accounting students. Key words Academic performance, accounting students, lecture attendance, SAICA, South Africa, universit

Resource scarcity and information technology: Issues and trends among first-year accounting students

Technology is never enough; there will always be the demand for more to manage the present and to gear up for the future. Consequently, engaging in a deliberate search for knowledge is critical to higher education. Institutions encourage the study of the learning environment and ensure that the appropriate management strategies are in place to educate students. In a changing academic environment computer facilities at universities are one of the key drivers. The main aim of this paper was to investigate the use of computer facilities among first-year accounting students. Data was collected over a period of three years (2010, 2011 and 2012). The results of the study revealed the demographics of Accounting I students and their academic performance, use of computer facilities, knowledge of different software packages and other valuable information regarding computer facilities. The study concludes that the use of and exposure to computer facilities influence the academic performance of first-year accounting students. Key Words Accounting students, academic performance, computer facilities, information technology, resource scarcity, universit

The use of human resources literature regarding the relationship between affect and student academic performance

Orientation: In human resources literature affect, or affectivity, has been identified as contributing, either negatively or positively, to different forms of performance in a range of different contexts. Research purpose: The aim of the study was to empirically test theory that predicts that affect can influence performance; in this case the academic performance of students in the South African higher education context. Motivation for the study: Human resources job performance theory seems to offer important insights when extended into other contexts of individual performance. The specific potential influence of affect on student performance is unclear in this context. Research design, approach and method: A non-probability comprehensive sample of all students registered for first-year accountancy (n = 719) was used. Confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory factor analysis and bivariate tests of association were used to empirically test theory predicting relationships between affect and student academic performance. Main findings: In general the findings support the predications derived from affect theory, that negative affect is negatively associated with student performance and that positive affect is positively associated with student performance. Yet, the results suggest that affect might not, in this context, reflect the two-dimensional theoretical structure. In particular, negative affectivity might better be considered as a three-dimensioned construct. Practical/managerial implications: These results suggest that proactive measures may need to be taken by higher education institutions to support first-year students affectively. Student advisors or counsellors should be appointed, with a specific focus on providing support for student anxiety and other contextual frustrations to which individuals with higher levels of negative affect might be particularly vulnerable. Contribution: These findings provide new insights into the importance of extending human resource theory into different contexts. Knowledge of the specific potential constraints posed by affect to student performance is provided

Using executive information systems as a business management tool in listed Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) companies: An exploratory study

Purpose: The aim of the study is to investigate the extent and use of Executive Information Systems (EISs) as a business management tool in listed Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) companies. Problem: This study is important in order to establish the existence of EISs in these companies and whether it is being used as a business management tool to analyse and measure companies' performances. Research Methodolog:The research methods were both quantitative and qualitative in nature and are based on the literature study, questionnaire and interviews. Findings and conclusion: The findings of the study provide evidence that companies with an EIS or planning to implement an EIS view it as an excellent business management tool. This tool has built-in features, is critical for real-time decision-making, solves problems and creates a competitive edge. Value of the research: The value of the study adds to the current understanding and awareness of EISs. EISs create an environment in which business and management can enhance sustainability and strategic competitiveness