The South African Computer Journal (SACJ) is a DHET (South Africa) accredited specialist open access academic journal, publishing research articles and communications in English in the Computer Science, Computer Systems and Information Systems domains. The journal is published by the South African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information Technologists (SAICSIT) and hosted on the Khulisa Journals platform (Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)). The journal - being included on Scopus since 2016 - appears on the DHET sub-list of Scopus-indexed journals that qualify for subsidy for articles published by South African academics at public South African universities.
South African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information Technologists (SAICSIT)
Editorial: Impact of innovative IT solutions
Copyright (c) 2025 Katherine M. Malan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Copyright (c) 2024 Katherine Malan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A multilevel analysis of digital technology to support teachers to improve their professional practice
Within the education sector, digital technology has increasingly entered into school subjects, curricula, assessment and teaching methods. The common features of technology-orientated and supported programmes are the independence from geographic boundaries and time constraints. Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the debates about digitalisation in the education sector. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct a multilevel analysis of evidence from a large-scale randomised control trial complemented with the systematic collection of implementation information to compare the impact of a conventional structured pedagogic programme to that of a pedagogically similar programme built with a digital technology overlay. The technology acceptance model framed our analysis. Results from the multilevel analysis provided an opportunity to advance knowledge about teachers’ acceptance of digital technology to improve student learning and their professional practice. The evidence pointed to two hypotheses: While much of the literature on teachers’ acceptance of digital technology concentrated on the subjective element of teachers’ behavioural intentions, the current study suggests the extent to which professional accountability may be a key factor in successful digital technology interventions for teachers; and the results points to substantial differentiated uptake that is not linked to either perceived usefulness or perceived ease of use.
Copyright (c) 2025 Reuben Dlamini, Brahm Fleisch https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
An investigation into the feasibility of using virtual environments as an induction method in SHIP® therapy
Virtual reality contributes to the successful treatment of patients by assisting those who have difficulty with the process of imagining the required visual images needed during psychotherapy. SHIP® is a form of psychotherapy that suggests that spontaneous healing is a natural tendency that emerges from within a person. It identifies certain activator images as essential pathways for accessing unconscious trauma material that needs healing. The purpose of this study is to examine whether virtual reality can be used as a medium to induce memories through the utilisation of neutral images based on the SHIP® Frame. Two groups of participants were gathered: one group underwent a traditional SHIP® session while the other group underwent the virtual induction with the aid of a head mounted display. A random clinical trial was used to determine the level of induction and identify the helpful aspects that contributed to the induction. The results indicated that virtual reality was able to assist as a cognitive stimulus as well as a cognitive proxy in the overall process of SHIP®.
Copyright (c) 2025 Weich Malan, Isak de Villers Bosman, Theo Bothma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Identifying factors affecting the adoption of big data analytics in South African rural-based hospitals to improve service delivery
The healthcare sector is progressively recognising the potential of big data analytics to revolutionise patient care, operational efficiency and decision-making processes. However, rural-based hospitals face challenges in embracing big data analytical tools to improve their service delivery to their patients. The adoption of big data analytics will assist rural-based hospitals in predicting and making informed decisions to manage the limited resources that they have and allocate them appropriately. However, there is a lack of literature that explores and identifies the factors that affect the adoption of big data analytics in rural-based hospitals to improve service delivery. This research employs a quantitative research methodology using surveys to identify the factors that affect the adoption of big data analytics in rural-based hospitals. This study found that rural-based hospitals prefer a hybrid method to collect data and it impedes the adoption of big data analytics in rural-based hospitals. Therefore, there is a need to implement modern infrastructure to integrate various data collection methods to promote the adoption of big data analytics in rural-based hospitals.
Copyright (c) 2025 Thifhindulwi Maxwell Rambau, Willard Munyoka, Nkhangweni Lawrence Mashau https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Predicting the performance of ORB-SLAM3 on embedded platforms
Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is a crucial component to the push towards full autonomy of robotic systems, yet it is computationally expensive and can rarely achieve real-time execution speeds on embedded platforms. Therefore, a need exists to evaluate the performance of SLAM algorithms in practical embedded environments – this paper addresses this need by creating prediction models to estimate the performance that ORB-SLAM3 can achieve on embedded platforms. The paper uses three embedded platforms: Nvidia Jetson TX2, Raspberry Pi 3B+ and the Raspberry Pi 4B, to generate a dataset that is used in training and testing performance prediction models. The process of profiling ORB-SLAM3 aids in the selection of inputs to the prediction model as well as benchmarking the embedded platforms’ performances by using PassMark. The EuRoC micro aerial vehicle (MAV) dataset is used to generate the average tracking time that the embedded platforms can achieve when executing ORB-SLAM3, which is the target of the prediction model. The best-performing model has the following results 2.84%, 3.93%, and 0.95 for MAE, RMSE and R2 score respectively. The results show the feasibility of predicting the performance that SLAM applications can achieve on embedded platforms.
Copyright (c) 2024 Jacques Matthee, Kenneth Uren, George van Schoor, Corne van Daalen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
This paper addresses the challenge of designing digital sharing platforms that align with the local sharing practices of SMEs in resource-constrained countries, with a specific focus on Ethiopian SMEs. The research utilises the elaborated action design research (EADR) methodology and begins with the diagnosis stage, employing thematic analysis with activity theory (AT) to gain an understanding of the local sharing practices. Results revealed elements such as activities, stakeholders, motives, resources, goals, actions, rules, and tools that inform the design requirements of the digital sharing platform. Building on the diagnosis stage, the design cycle established key principles and the architecture of 13 local sharing models that form the features of the platform. In the implementation cycle, the paper presented a specific instance of a “property rental package.” Results indicated the positive acceptance of the digital platform. Factors such as technological compatibility, perceived direct benefit, ease of use, and perceived indirect benefit contributed to this acceptance. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing valuable insights on how to contextualise the design of digital platforms in the local sharing practice contexts. Additionally, it showcases the effective utilisation of the EADR methodology and activity theory.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sertse Abebe, Hossana Twinomurinzi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The use of detective analytics for mitigating financial crimes: A South African perspective
South African organisations are increasingly exploring the use of detective analytics in mitigating financial crimes. However, many organisations are struggling with how to employ the tool in detecting and preventing financial crimes. This study aimed to conceptualise how detective analytics can be used to mitigate financial crimes in organisations. Qualitative data were gathered from different sources, from peer-reviewed to grey literature. Actor-network theory (ANT) was employed as a lens, through its mantra ‘follow the actors’, to gain insights on how activities can be identified, traced, and tracked, in mitigating financial crime in institutions. The interpretive approach was applied. The findings revealed seamless integration of incidents, cybersecurity detection, in-house fraud detection, external infiltrate detection, and image-matching data into one cohesive system. The study highlights the need for gaining a deeper understanding of networks of actors, following the actors, and passage points within an organisation. The findings have significant implications for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the use of detective analytics, from both technical and non-technical perspectives.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nontobeko Mlambo, Tiko Iyamu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
There is a lack of acceptance, adoption and sustained use of mobile phones for agricultural purposes by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe, but the reasons for this have not been critically explored. In this study, the authors used a naturalistic methodology to help uncover the nuances of adoption dynamics among smallholder farmers in Gokwe South District, Zimbabwe. Data was gathered from in-depth interviews and focus groups. The findings suggest that gender, age, land ownership size, farming experience, mobile device ownership, and the period of owning a mobile device are critical precursors to adoption and use. Furthermore, digital proficiency and literacy, affluence, mobile technology services cost and telecommunication infrastructure availability are vital in achieving continuous, sustainable use of mobile technology in the Zimbabwean agricultural sector. This research has practical implications for policy and practice and may inform national legislation encouraging the increased use and affordability of mobile devices in the local agricultural sector. The research also makes a theoretical contribution in terms of unpacking the key factors that inhibit the adoption of mobile technology in marginalised settings.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Copyright (c) 2024 Samuel Musungwini, Izak van Zyl, Jan Kroeze https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Formalising solutions to network availability issues in low-resource environments
In most software systems operating within low-resource environments, the persistently encountered challenges related to network availability often result in compromised performance or even complete system failure. To address this issue, software developers frequently resort to ad hoc measures to mitigate these challenges. To offer a more comprehensive solution, this paper introduces an all-encompassing approach in the form of a design pattern. This design pattern uses offline functionalities with localised storage, emphasising the distinction between offline storage and synchronisation, presenting a versatile and high-level methodology for overcoming the recurrent network-related challenges intrinsic to low-resource environments. We describe the use of the design pattern in some real-world use cases, thereby illustrating how a single design pattern is the foundation for many seemingly disparate software engineering approaches. This design pattern holds the potential to significantly redefine the manner in which network availability challenges are approached and addressed.
Copyright (c) 2024 Abayomi Agbeyangi, Hussein Suleman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Integrating the TOE framework and DOI theory to dissect and understand the key elements of AI adoption in sociotechnical systems
This study is interested in increasing the likelihood of achieving the organisational adoption of artificial intelligence that has a positive outcome. We argue that the technological-organisational-environmental framework provides a sound theoretical lens for analysing how an organisation’s context influences the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence solutions. Furthermore, the diffusion of innovation theory is proposed to identify enablers for transforming organisations. Together with the combination of technological-organisational-environmental and diffusion of innovation, the stages of diffusion are proposed as an evaluation paradigm to evaluate the effectiveness of the enabling factors. Furthermore, the elements and objectives of artificial intelligence adoption in the context of data-driven organisations are included. From this, the research develops a comprehensive framework for studying the technical and social AI adoption elements in an organisational environment where complex symbiotic relationships prevail. This study uses generative artificial intelligence as a novel approach to exploring the framework’s usability. The evidence from our research indicates that the developed framework can advance our comprehension of what drives the success or failure of artificial intelligence adoption in organisations. Theoretically, it provides a tool for dissecting and understanding the key elements influencing this process.
Copyright (c) 2024 Danie Smit, Sunet Eybers, Alta van der Merwe, Rene Wies, Nica Human, Julia Pielmeier https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Letter to the Editor: Advancements in Digital Health Technologies
Copyright (c) 2024 Kyrylo Malakhov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Sensemaking and the Potential Future-focused Curriculum for Society 5.0 Knowledge Managers
When "quality being everyone’s business" coincides with the reality of a disruptive work environment, critical self-evaluation becomes an essential tool to ensure accountability. Academics who design curricula and their tuition offering have a certain degree of freedom in what and how they teach. However, academics need to be consciously discerning, yet inclusive, about the voices that should speak into curriculum design. This study operates from the principle of co-creation in curriculum design and acknowledges the multiplicity of relevant voices that speak into curriculum design. These voices are influenced by the past, present, and possibilities of the potential future. To remain relevant in the imagined future, this research identified the co-creators and curriculum design partners for the multidisciplinary field of knowledge management. The curricula of three related academic departments were analysed to determine knowledge management tuition linkages. These curricula were then compared with the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) level descriptors. Following on from this desktop analysis, Sensemaker®, a distributed digital ethnographic methodology was piloted that will be used to collect micronarratives from emergent curriculum co-creators. This article identifies gaps in current curricula, expresses expectations for future possibilities and highlights potential niche opportunities for knowledge management curriculum design.
Skills Framework for the Information Age
Copyright (c) 2024 Martie Mearns, Anika Meyer, Marlene Holmner, Linda Marshall, Marie Hattingh, Elmi Bester https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A conceptual framework for agility in sociotechnical contexts
Organisational agility is crucial for organisations to thrive in dynamic business environments. While the Information Systems (IS) discipline recognises the need for IS to support organisational agility, current IS research has not sufficiently explained how organisations achieve agility given their sociotechnical contexts. Some scholars and practitioners propose scaling agility-building approaches from small software development teams to the enterprise level, and others argue that agility is not a predetermined outcome of linear processes, but instead emerges from intricate organisational contexts. Previous research proposed a conceptual model that identified the structural components of agility in IS. However, this structural perspective does not address the dynamic aspects of agility. To address this gap, two systematic literature reviews (SLR) were conducted to develop a conceptual framework for agility in sociotechnical contexts, which is the contribution this research makes to the IS field. The first SLR investigated frameworks that enable organisational agility. Consequently, the Cynefin framework was adopted to explain the dynamics of contextualised decision-making and agility. The second SLR identified the influence of heuristics on decision-making and dynamic capabilities. The resulting framework integrates the structural and dynamic aspects of agility in IS and explains how heuristics could potentially be managed to improve sociotechnical agility.
Copyright (c) 2024 Theresa Lillie, Sunet Eybers, Aurona Gerber https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Understanding the inertial forces impeding dynamic cybersecurity learning capabilities
Healthcare firms need to develop cybersecurity learning mechanisms to respond faster and more proactively to a rapidly changing cybersecurity threat landscape. Many healthcare firms lack the necessary cybersecurity learning capabilities to address ever-changing and unpredictable cyberthreats effectively. In this case study, we investigate the challenges faced by a major South African healthcare software services firm that offers software as a service (SaaS) solutions. We analyse the inertial forces that impede the firm’s cybersecurity learning capabilities by integrating concepts from dynamic cybersecurity learning capability (DCLC) and IS-enabled organisational learning perspectives. Furthermore, we identify strategic and operational level inertial forces through interviews with the organisation’s experts and examination of cybersecurity documents. We then present actionable recommendations for industry practitioners to overcome these inertial forces and strengthen their cybersecurity learning capabilities. Our suggested interventions include implementing proactive leadership structures, enhancing user learning capabilities, and adopting novel risk management approaches. Additionally, we propose further directions for scholars to research the impact of inertial forces on dynamic cybersecurity learning capabilities in healthcare firms.
Copyright (c) 2024 Lawrence Nyakasoka, Rennie Naidoo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Migrating teaching of automata theory to a digital platform
This research explores the challenges of teaching automata theory in computer science and proposes a digital solution to enhance learning experiences. Traditionally taught through pen and paper, automata theory often appears daunting to students due to its abstract nature. This study advocates for a shift towards a more interactive, digital approach. It presents a detailed analysis of current teaching practices, highlighting the need for digital innovation. Based on the categorisation of common question types in traditional assessments, the research introduces 'AutomaTutor', a mobile application designed for this specific educational context. 'AutomaTutor' features a user-friendly interface with a guided exercise system and an interactive editor for experimentation. It offers immediate feedback, hints, and varied problem sets, promoting self-guided learning. An experimental evaluation with postgraduate students demonstrated a preference for 'AutomaTutor' over conventional methods, confirming the hypothesis that a digital platform can significantly improve the understanding of automata theory. The study represents a step forward in making theoretical computer science more accessible and engaging, benefiting both teachers and students. It underscores the potential of integrating technology with traditional teaching principles in automata theory education.
Copyright (c) 2024 Steven Jordaan, Nils Timm, Linda Marshall https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Organisations need to adopt AI successfully and responsibly. AI’s technical capabilities make AI powerful. However, the implementation of AI in organisations is not limited to the technical elements and requires a more holistic approach. An AI implementation within an organisation is a sociotechnical system, with the interplay between social and technical components. Considering the sociotechnical nature of AI in organisations, the following research question arises: From a sociotechnical perspective, how can an organisation increase adoption of AI as part of its quest to become more data-driven? In light of the research question, we propose to create a sociotechnical artificial intelligence adoption framework with a target audience of both academics and practitioners. This study follows a design science research approach, constituting various iterative cycles. The study is conducted at an automotive manufacturer’s IT Hub based in South Africa and has the aim to gain concrete, contextual, in-depth knowledge about a specific real-world organisation. To achieve this, focus groups serve as the primary research method. As the organisation at which the study took place is seen as a global leader in industrial digital transformation, the experience can help researchers and other organisations understand how an organisation can increase the adoption of AI.
Copyright (c) 2024 Danie Smit, Sunet Eybers, Alta van der Merwe https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Factors that influence computer programming proficiency in higher education
The industrial world has witnessed an increased demand for computing based skills due to the advent of robotics, artificial intelligence, and analytics. However, the learning of computer programming is challenging and requires an intensive cognitive effort to attain a high degree of skill and expertise. Given this phenomenon, this study undertook to ascertain the factors that influence proficiency in computer programming. The study adopted a quantitative approach and a survey research strategy, guided by a conceptual model. A survey questionnaire was designed as the primary source of data collection. The respondents comprised students who were enrolled for Information Systems and Technology (IT) courses at a higher education institution. The main factors that were identified as significant predictors of computer programming performance were Problem-Solving Ability and Self-Efficacy. The findings contribute to enhancing computer programming pedagogy, which could lead to enhanced student performance in assessment, and validation of the conceptual model.
Copyright (c) 2024 Lerushka Ranjeeth, Indira Padayachee https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Research focusing on students’ Information Technology (IT) career choices shows that their decisions were influenced by factors, such as exposure to programming concepts at school level, culture, parents, teachers and role models. Theories relating to career choice have focused on individual characteristics and their environment. In South Africa however, there have been limited studies investigating the factors influencing students’ IT career decisions, specifically choosing study programmes in Computer Science (CS), Information Systems (IS) and IT. The aim of this study was to evaluate a proposed IT career choices model. A questionnaire was developed and distributed amongst CS/IS/IT first-year students at the Nelson Mandela University in South Africa and 205 students completed the survey. The data were statistically analysed, including Exploratory Factor Analysis. The study highlighted that students with high academic confidence and exposure to programming concepts at an early age, chose an IT career. The study further showed statistical differences between students speaking different home languages and genders in their perceptions about the IT industry and choosing an IT career. The main contribution of the study is the evaluation of a proposed IT Career Choice Model, based on existing theories, literature and the statistical results obtained from the study.
Copyright (c) 2024 Andre Calitz, Margaret Cullen, Malibongwe Twani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Big data analytics capabilities and the organisational performance of South African retailers
Big data analytics provides a competitive advantage and growth opportunities for organisations. Recent studies identify the resources required to build big data analytics capability (BDAC) and its correlation with firm performance. This study extends this exploration by investigating the nexus between specific dimensions of big data analytics capabilities namely, Big Data Analytics Tangible Capabilities (BDATC), Big Data Analytics Human Capabilities (BDAHC), and Big Data Analytics Intangible Capabilities (BDAIC) and the organisational performance of South African retailers. Employing a descriptive research design, this study applied a quantitative survey administered to members of the Business Intelligence (BI) teams within selected South African retailers. The study’s findings affirm a positive and significant impact of BDA capabilities (BDATC, BDAHC, and BDAIC) on the organisational performance of South African retailers, thereby supporting the three proposed hypotheses. In essence, this research underscores the indispensable nature of all primary dimensions of BDAC in optimising the organisational performance of retailers. The outcomes of this study indicate that cultivating these capabilities empowers retailers to enhance productivity, elevate sales revenue, improve profit margins, foster customer retention, and augment return on investment.
Copyright (c) 2024 Diana Welbotha, Carolien van den Berg https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Generative AI: Concerns, usage, challenges, opportunities and sentiments
Despite widespread adoption and enthusiasm, Generative AI faces persistent technical challenges, prompting the need to understand its broader impact. This study employed bibliometric analysis to examine scholarly discourse and key drivers of Generative AI adoption. The findings reveal the key factor driving adoption as transdisciplinary collaboration regardless of region; the concerns relate to inconsistent accuracy, demanding infrastructure, and ethical and privacy issues. Generative AI’s rapid proliferation, spurred by ChatGPT, marked a post-digital era marked by transformative innovations across multiple fields. The scholarly discourse has grown by 3,164%, reflecting its significant influence on research and disciplinary progress. Education, medical, and biomedical sectors lead in adoption, to enhance teaching experiences, diagnostics, personalised medicine, and pandemic responses. However, the digital divide persists, leaving certain demographics and regions unable to access its benefits equally. The absence of robust ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks further exacerbates these challenges. This study reveals Generative AI’s transformative potential and its ability to bridge disciplines despite technical hurdles. The study makes recommendations for education reform to embrace new curricula, for practitioners and policymakers to create flexible workforce options, to proactively address important ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations; and to be intentional about bridging the widening digital divide.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hossana Twinomurinzi, Sibukele Gumbo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
This article delves into the evolving frontier of ontology-driven natural language information processing. Through an in-depth examination, we put forth a novel linguistic processor architecture, uniquely integrating linguistic and ontological paradigms during semantic analysis. Distancing from conventional methodologies, our approach showcases a profound merger of knowledge extraction and representation techniques. A central highlight of our research is the development of an ontology-driven information system, architected with an innate emphasis on self-enhancement and adaptability. The system’s salient capability lies in its adept handling of elementary knowledge, combined with its dynamic aptitude to foster innovative concepts and relationships. A particular focus is accorded to the system’s application in scientific information processing, signifying its potential in revolutionising knowledge-based applications within scientific domains. Through our endeavours, we aim to pave the way for more intuitive, precise, and expansive ontology-driven tools in the realm of knowledge extraction and representation.
Copyright (c) 2023 Mykola Petrenko, Ellen Cohn, Oleksandr Shchurov, Kyrylo Malakhov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Natural Language-Driven Dialogue Systems for Support in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
This paper presents a natural language-driven dialogue system designed to support healthcare professionals and students in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. The system seamlessly integrates concepts from intelligent information systems, data mining, ontologies, and human-computer interaction, employing at its core a rule-based dialogue mechanism. The system harnesses the power of ontology-based graph knowledge, underscoring its domain-specific efficacy. This article delves into the automated knowledge base formation, utilising Python scripts to translate EBSCO’s dataset of articles on physical medicine and rehabilitation into an OWL ontology. This methodology ensures adaptability to the ever-evolving landscape of medical insights. The system’s approach to natural language processing encompasses text preprocessing, semantic category discernment, and SPARQL query creation, providing 26 predefined categories. As an innovation in performance optimisation, the system integrates a strategy to cache precomputed responses using a PostgreSQL database, which aids in resource conservation and reduction in query execution latency. The system’s user engagement avenues are further detailed, showcasing a Telegram bot and an API, enhancing accessibility and user experience. In essence, this article illuminates an advanced, efficient dialogue system for physical medicine and rehabilitation, synthesising multiple computational paradigms, and standing as a beacon for healthcare practitioners and students alike.
Copyright (c) 2023 Vladislav Kaverinsky, Kyrylo Malakhov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
In January 2021, Meta (then Facebook) published an update to its WhatsApp privacy policy which included, among other things, a decision to share some user data with Facebook. This action, together with previous events like the notorious Cambridge-Analytica data breach, has sparked debates about the protection of online privacy, specifically the balance of rights and responsibilities relevant to the protection of social media user data. This qualitative study contributes to that debate by exploring the perceptions and reactions of South African WhatsApp users to these policy changes. The findings highlight the significance of platforms like WhatsApp in the daily socio-economic activities of users in developing countries. This reliance on social media for communication and access to vital information creates an imbalance of power between users and platform owners. The situation is worsened by the lack of effective regulatory frameworks that governments and institutions in developing countries can use to enforce their privacy laws, leaving users vulnerable to potential exploitation from digital platforms. This study contributes to the broader discourse on safeguarding online privacy as Western technology companies continue to gain access to data that is generated by an ever-increasing global user base.
Copyright (c) 2023 Kimberley Mugadza, Gwamaka Mwalemba https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Science educators need tools to assess to what extent learners’ knowledge can be transferred to novel real-world situations. Virtual reality learning environments (VRLEs) offer the possibility of creating authentic tools where situated learning and assessment can take place, but there is a lack of evidence-based guidelines to inform the design and development of the VRLEs focussing on the user, that is the learner experience, especially for secondary schools. Drawing on theoretical premises and guidelines from user experience, usability, and technologically enabled assessment literature, we designed, developed, evaluated, and refined a VRLE prototype for the authentic assessment of knowledge transfer in the secondary school science classroom as guided by the design science research approach. Lessons learnt from the implementation and iterative evaluation of the prototype are presented as a set of literature-based, empirically validated guidelines to support and guide educational designers and developers to create VRLEs focused on supporting the learner experience. The contribution of this study is a VRLE design model with the learner at its core, the definition of VLX to include learner-specific aspects of immersive environments, and guidelines for the development of an effective and efficient virtual reality environment for the assessment of knowledge transfer in science education.
Copyright (c) 2023 Johanna Steynberg, Judy van Biljon, Colin Pilkington https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Influence of Change Management Process on Cloud Transitioning
Technology is a dynamic field with constant changes, improvements, and new discoveries even before anyone is fully comfortable or used to the way it was. Cloud computing has gained momentum with the migration to the cloud growing at an incremental rate each year. However, some organisations migrate prematurely without fully understanding the impact on various factors. This research focuses on the influence of change management processes on cloud transitioning. The study included the feasibility of using COBIT to adequately manage organisational change when migrating to the cloud. The quantitative research methodology used a survey where the concept of cloud computing and applying COBIT in the context of organisational change were explored. A combination of these concepts was necessary as these had not been explored in other studies. A correlation coefficient analysis was performed to determine the relationship between COBIT’s change management processes and the success rate of cloud computing. The results of this research suggest that there is a relationship between change management processes and the success rate of cloud computing. Future research could include the creation of a cloud-readiness assessment model to assist businesses to make an informed decisions when migrating to the cloud.
Copyright (c) 2023 Rito Miyen, Carl Marnewick https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Copyright (c) 2023 Robert L. Baber, Yinong Chen, Scott Hazelhurst, Philip Machanick, Sarah Rauchas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Copyright (c) 2023 Katherine Malan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Challenges of Implementing Enterprise Resource Planning and The Role of Knowledge Management
Using the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) as a case study, this paper considers the challenges of implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP). Data was collected from management and employees using both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. The study established challenges beyond the technical issues, these included: misalignment of the system to the organisation processes, product quality and unavailability of the system’s helpdesk, lack of top management support, and lack of pilot testing, insufficient end-user training, resistance to change management, lack of processes integration, poor technology planning and security and risk matters. Furthermore, the management process that resonates on knowledge transfer, knowledge management, and change management poses a complex challenge in the implementation of ERP. The study recommends the alignment of the user environment, effective change management, and knowledge strategies that are essential to drive ERP. It is also recommended to close the gap between what ERP offers and what end users want and can do.
Copyright (c) 2023 Nompumelelo Zuma, Ntandoyenkosi Sibindi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0