Towards student inclusivity during COVID-19: Testing the #datafree Moya messenger

The coronavirus has highlighted the socio-economic plights of many of our students who are not able to continue learning due to the lack of internet access and the high cost of data. As a result, a large majority of students may be excluded when our learning management systems are not zero-rated. On 15 April 2020, not all Network Providers have zero-rated the University of the Western Cape’s iKamva e-learning management system. This has resulted in the need to implement innovative options. This exploratory case study piloted the #datafree Moya Messenger application which should allow 500 students access to instant messages without having data. The pilot performed ten tests to test the usability and accessibility of the application. Nine of the ten tests were achieved. Findings indicated challenges in the initial implementation of the application to the class and the need to have mobile data or WiFi turned on for use. Despite the intention to keep all students connected, the application was not available to iPhone users, so it was not entirely inclusionary. However, it may still be a more inclusive option than using e-learning systems that are not zero-rated

The realisation of business benefits when implementing mandatory software in an IT department: a case study in a South African financial services organisation

Magister Commercii (Information Management) - MCom(IM)No organisation has an endless and unlimited supply of money, especially in a recessive economy, and therefore decisions have to be made as to which areas an organisation will invest in. As organisations, such as YZ1 financial services organisation, are focused on seeing returns on investment (ROI), implementing software that is not being used will not render any benefits to the organisation. Research problem: Project Managers (PMs) in YZ organisation’s IT department need to perform mandated processes, as defined in their centralised repository. PMs need to use Financial and Planning Software (FPS)2 software to perform certain project management activities, as required by their job function. However, it was found that MPP3 software, another tool, was used for more detailed project schedules, as well as activities that were not strictly enforced by management, the Project Office or the Quality Assurance team. Therefore, from this discovery, it was not clear whether the intended benefit of implementing this mandatory software (FPS) was being realised – since implementing software that is not being utilised fully would not deliver the intended benefits to the IT department (Devaraj & Kohli 2003), even if the software is termed ‘mandatory’. Objective: The primary objective of this research was to explore and optimise the key success factors for an effective implementation of mandatory software in a department, in order to derive the intended business benefits. Literature Review: Literature was reviewed in the search for models or theories that explore the relationship between the use of mandatory software and the achievement of business benefits. The Information Management Body of Knowledge (IMBOK) was selected as this framework defines the relationship between IT and the realisation of business benefits, and ultimately the achievement of any business strategy. The literature review focused predominantly on the level of user involvement, change management, as well as factors that influence the usage of mandatory software by individuals. 1. The name of the organisation utilised has been changed. Refer to Ethical Consideration 2. The name of the tools utilised has been changed. Refer to Ethical Consideration and list of acronyms 3. The name of the tools utilised has been changed. Refer to Ethical Consideration and list of acronyms. Focus was given to organisational factors affecting usage, such as top management support and organisational processes. A model was compiled using unique constructs in the Technology Acceptance Model (and TAM2), the Motivational Model (MM) and the Model of PC Utilisation (MPCU) – in order to test user acceptance of mandatory software. The literature study concludes with a review of an approach to benefits management including five stages, namely: identifying and structuring benefits, planning for the realisation of benefits, executing the plan, in addition to the evaluation and the review. Research design and methodology: A case study was used in this research, as it examined the phenomenon in its natural setting, employing multiple methods of data collection to gather information from a few entities (groups and data sources). In this way, it was not limited to only qualitative or quantitative approaches, but utilised mixed methods instead. A mixed methods approach was used in order to elaborate, enhance and clarify the results from the qualitative research through the results of the quantitative analysis. Findings: The main finding, based on the compilation of three models of user acceptance, proved that FPS was not being utilised as intended. There was also no evidence of an improvement in business operations. Therefore, benefits management was negatively impacted. Organisational processes were dentified as the most important organisational factor, influencing the usage of FPS software. Own technological capability was considered to be the least important factor, as respondents believed that they had sufficient IT skills in order to learn how to use FPS software. Change management was rated negatively; and as a result, it impacted the usage of FPS, as users were not involved in the decision to implement, and had limited interaction in the implementation process. In addition, there was no evidence found that benefits management was conducted in the IT department; and therefore, the impact of using alternative software could not be quantitatively assessed. Recommendations: In concluding this research, it is recommended that the “best practice”, derived from the pertinent literate should be followed more diligently if YZ organisation is to benefit from the implementation of mandatory software. For example, in this research, it was found that top management’s support of FPS (second most important organisational factor influencing use) was lacking, despite the literature suggestion that senior management involvement in changing technology is crucial for organisational commitment. It is suggested that a more formal approach to benefits management should be implemented. It is also recommended that further study should be conducted – in order to explore the applicability of the Japanese framing (achieving benefits from IT software through the concept of strategic instinct, rather than strategic alignment) in the context of a developing country (such as South Africa).South Afric

Determinants for the acceptance and use of mobile health applications: Diabetic patients in the Western Cape, South Africa

Philosophiae Doctor - PhDThe increased pervasiveness of information communication and technology and increasing internet access creates anticipation for how contemporary technologies can address critical developmental problems. Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death globally, even though more than 40% of the deaths are premature and avoidable. Diabetes is such a disease that causes 80% of non-communicable disease deaths in low and middle-income countries. Diabetes is also the leading cause of death in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Diabetes thus constitutes a challenge to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 that focuses on health and well-being for all people, at all ages. The potential of technology, such as the use of m-health applications, is recognised as a means to advance the Sustainable Development Goals through supporting health systems in all countries

Impact of culture on the adoption of diabetes self-management applications: Cape flats, South Africa

Diabetes is a global health problem with a high mortality rate. The research indicates low levels of technology use amongst diabetic patients in low socioeconomic environments and minority groups. We posit that the culture of patients is a potential reason for the low adoption and use of technology. However, research on the proliferation of culture at an individual level is limited. Therefore, this paper assessed the influence of culture on mobile application adoption and use amongst diabetic patients in the Cape Flats, South Africa. This study used key constructs from the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. It was analysed using survey data from 439 respondents using purposive sampling. It was found that the dimensions of Hofstede and the Theory of Planned Behaviour can identify how culture influences mobile application adoption of diabetic patients in the geographical Cape Flats area. However, this research indicates a stronger relationship between culture and diabetes self-management activities than culture and the adoption of mobile applications

The realisation of business benefits when implementing mandatory software in an IT department: a case study in a South African financial services organisation

Magister Commercii (Information Management) - MCom(IM)No organisation has an endless and unlimited supply of money, especially in a recessive economy, and therefore decisions have to be made as to which areas an organisation will invest in. As organisations, such as YZ1 financial services organisation, are focused on seeing returns on investment (ROI), implementing software that is not being used will not render any benefits to the organisation.Research problem: Project Managers (PMs) in YZ organisation’s IT department need to perform mandated processes, as defined in their centralised repository. PMs need to use Financial and Planning Software (FPS)2 software to perform certain project management activities, as required by their job function. However, it was found that MPP3 software, another tool, was used for more detailed project schedules, as well as activities that were not strictly enforced by management, the Project Office or the Quality Assurance team.Therefore, from this discovery, it was not clear whether the intended benefit of implementing this mandatory software (FPS) was being realised – since implementing software that is not being utilised fully would not deliver the intended benefits to the IT department (Devaraj & Kohli 2003), even if the software is termed ‘mandatory’.Objective: The primary objective of this research was to explore and optimise the key success factors for an effective implementation of mandatory software in a department, in order to derive the intended business benefits.Literature Review: Literature was reviewed in the search for models or theories that explore the relationship between the use of mandatory software and the achievement of business benefits. The Information Management Body of Knowledge (IMBOK) was selected as this framework defines the relationship between IT and the realisation of business benefits, and ultimately the achievement of any business strategy.The literature review focused predominantly on the level of user involvement, change management, as well as factors that influence the usage of mandatory software by individuals.1 The name of the organisation utilised has been changed. Refer to Ethical Consideration 2 The name of the tools utilised has been changed. Refer to Ethical Consideration and list of acronyms 3 The name of the tools utilised has been changed. Refer to Ethical Consideration and list of acronyms Focus was given to organisational factors affecting usage, such as top management support and organisational processes. A model was compiled using unique constructs in the Technology Acceptance Model (and TAM2), the Motivational Model (MM) and the Model of PC Utilisation (MPCU) – in order to test user acceptance of mandatory software.The literature study concludes with a review of an approach to benefits management including five stages, namely: identifying and structuring benefits, planning for the realisation of benefits, executing the plan, in addition to the evaluation and the review.Research design and methodology: A case study was used in this research, as it examined the phenomenon in its natural setting, employing multiple methods of data collection to gather information from a few entities (groups and data sources). In this way, it was not limited to only qualitative or quantitative approaches, but utilised mixed methods instead. A mixed methods approach was used in order to elaborate, enhance and clarify the results from the qualitative research through the results of the quantitative analysis.Findings: The main finding, based on the compilation of three models of user acceptance, proved that FPS was not being utilised as intended. There was also no evidence of an improvement in business operations. Therefore, benefits management was negatively impacted. Organisational processes were identified as the most important organisational factor, influencing the usage of FPS software. Own technological capability was considered to be the least important factor, as respondents believed that they had sufficient IT skills in order to learn how to use FPS software.Change management was rated negatively; and as a result, it impacted the usage of FPS, as users were not involved in the decision to implement, and had limited interaction in the implementation process. In addition, there was no evidence found that benefits management was conducted in the IT department; and therefore, the impact of using alternative software could not be quantitatively assessed.Recommendations: In concluding this research, it is recommended that the “best practice”,derived from the pertinent literate should be followed more diligently if YZ organisation is to benefit from the implementation of mandatory software. For example, in this research, it was found that top management’s support of FPS (second most important organisational factor influencing use) was lacking, despite the literature suggestion that senior management involvement in changing technology is crucial for organisational commitment.It is suggested that a more formal approach to benefits management should be implemented. It is also recommended that further study should be conducted – in order to explore the applicability of the Japanese framing (achieving benefits from IT software through the concept of strategic instinct, rather than strategic alignment) in the context of a developing country (such as South Africa)

University students’ perceptions of designing mobile application prototypes for social innovation: Case study during a global pandemic

There is a growing need for social innovation to address social challenges. Therefore, Information Systems students at tertiary institutions need to develop problem-solving and co-design skills. These skills may improve the design of products, such as mobile applications, to address social challenges. This research used design thinking for social innovation during the Covid-19 pandemic. The research design used an exploratory case study with mixed methods. Data was collected via an online survey from 31 third-year Information Systems at the University of the Western Cape. Students’ overall perceptions were positive for using design thinking for social innovation. The challenges were due to social distancing and performing all activities remotely. The findings may provide insights and recommendations to other universities planning to implement design thinking for social innovatio

Towards more inclusive electronic tutoring: tutors’ experiences of using a data-free mobile instant messenger in a first-year accounting class

The use of data-intensive synchronous tutoring options, such as Zoom, can be exclusionary in South Africa where there is limited access to the internet in homes. The literature indicates the following challenges for electronic tutoring in South Africa: a lack of devices, high data costs, network connectivity issues, inadequate digital skills and competencies. To address the challenge of high data costs, a South African data-free mobile instant messenger was tested for electronic tutoring. The research model used the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge Framework (TPACK) as the theoretical basis. This research used a case study in a large, first-year accounting course of 496 students with fifteen tutors, at a historically disadvantaged institution. Qualitative data was collected from accounting tutors using a survey and purposive sampling. The data was analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings highlighted Technology Knowledge was key to using a mobile instant messenger to tutor effectively online. Tutors with good accounting Content Knowledge found it easier to use the data-free application to explain concepts. Tutors used their Pedagogical Knowledge to be more flexible and provide support to students after hours. Tutors indicated Technological Content Knowledge as they used the features of the data-free instant messenger students to assist student learning. Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge was evidenced by tutors’ use of multimodal approaches such as using voice notes and pictures to explain concepts to students at convenient times, even without data. However, students with Apple devices were still excluded. The findings from this study can assist in designing more inclusive student electronic tutoring interventions

Students’ Acceptance and Use of a Mobile Instant Messenger for Remote Learning during Covid-19: Large Information Systems Class in South Africa

During Covid, Higher Education Institutions were forced to move from face-to-face learning to emergency remote learning. The social exclusion of students may occur due to various factors relating to the prevalent digital divide and inequality in South Africa. To address the identified gap, this study assessed the student acceptance and use of a low data cost mobile instant messenger during remote learning in a large Information Systems class at a historically disadvantaged institution in the Western Cape, South Africa. The study used a positivistic paradigm. Data was collected from students registered for the third-year information systems module within the Economic and Management Science faculty at the University of the Western Cape. The population size was 315, of which 249 students completed the survey (79% response rate). The research used the UTAUT model as a theoretical model and tested the four main hypotheses to assess behavioural intention and use. The research further tested the relationship between facilitating conditions and behavioural intention. The key findings indicate that four out of the five hypotheses are significant (except performance expectancy) and determined students’ acceptance and use of mobile instant messenger in remote learning. This finding is contrary to existing literature

Students’ engagement in an anonymous peer review: Using the open-source sakai platform

There is a need to provide quality education without discrimination or prejudice to all students. However, there are challenges in implementing quality education in large classes, especially during remote learning. Literature indicates that providing lecturer feedback can become a tedious task, especially in large classes. Literature states that involving students in the peer review process can improve the quality of their submissions. This research used a case study and thematic analysis. Qualitative data were collected from 179 third-year Information Systems students who used the Opensource Sakai Platform. Students reviewed another student’s report, without knowing their identity. The research used self-determination theory as a theoretical basis. The achievement of perceived autonomy is supported as an anonymous peer review helped students to empower themselves. Perceived competence was also achieved as the anonymous peer review improved the quality of work submitted and the development of workplace skills

Factors affecting consumer acceptance and use of mobile delivery applications in South Africa

During the 2020 global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, mobile delivery applications flourished, facilitating consumer access to groceries. Research has shown, however, that usage remains low in developing countries such as South Africa. This research identifies factors that affect the acceptance and use of a mobile delivery application. It provides recommendations for application designers to improve application functionality and usability and for retailers to better understand customer needs