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Determining the factors influencing South African consumers consumers’ continued purchase intentions towards products offered on mobile commerce applications
No full textMaster of Commerce in Marketing Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusIn recent years, South Africa has experienced a transformative shift in its digital commerce landscape, with mobile commerce emerging as a dominant force. This study offers a comprehensive exploration of this trend. Set against the backdrop of rapid smartphone technology advancements and the far-reaching implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, the research delves deep into the nuances of mobile commerce adoption in the South African context.
The study underscores the increasing reliance of South African consumers on mobile commerce applications, highlighting that 50% of them are now shopping more frequently online than before. This shift is not just a result of technological accessibility but also the convenience and flexibility that mobile commerce offers, breaking traditional geographical and temporal barriers. With the ability to shop from anywhere and anytime, consumers find unparalleled value in mobile platforms.
Central to the research are five key constructs that shape consumer attitudes towards mobile commerce applications: ease of use, usefulness, enjoyment, subjective norm, and customisation. The perceived ease of use and usefulness are identified as primary drivers influencing a consumer’s decision to adopt and engage with a mobile commerce application. The study posits that if consumers find an application easy to navigate and believe it adds value to their shopping experience, they are more likely to use it consistently.
As a psychological construct, enjoyment delves into the emotional and experiential aspects of using the application. A positive, seamless, and engaging user experience can lead to higher levels of satisfaction and, consequently, continued usage. On the other hand, subjective norms focus on the societal and peer influences that impact a consumer’s attitude towards mobile commerce. If peers and society view mobile shopping positively, consumers are more inclined to adopt it. Customisation emerges as a significant factor in the research. The ability of mobile commerce applications to offer a tailored and personalised shopping experience, catering to individual preferences and needs, significantly enhances user engagement and satisfaction. According to the findings presented in the document, there is a positive and significant relationship between customisation and the attitude towards mobile commerce applications. This suggests that when users perceive a higher level of customisation in an application, they tend to have a more favourable attitude towards it. The study’s model, which employs factor analysis, reveals that customisation is intricately linked with the user’s attitude towards mobile commerce applications. For instance, statements assessing customisation, such as “The content in the mobile commerce application is specific to my needs” received a mean score of 4.35, indicating that most respondents felt the content was tailored to their requirements. However, the statement “It feels like the mobile commerce application is talking personally to me as a consumer” had a
slightly lower mean score of 4.08, suggesting that there is room for improvement in creating a more personalised connection with the user.
In conclusion, the study emphasises the critical importance for businesses in South Africa to understand and integrate these constructs. By doing so, they can effectively tap into the burgeoning potential of mobile commerce, ensuring increased adoption and sustained and meaningful consumer engagement in the long run. The research underlines the necessity of a user-centric design philosophy, emphasising intuitive navigation, enjoyable interaction, and personalised content as the anchor for success in the burgeoning mobile commerce sector of South Africa.Master
A work-from-home framework for the South African private higher education institutions
Get PDFDoctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark CampusThe COVID-19 pandemic has had severe implications for businesses worldwide, whereby many businesses faced challenges in continuing their operations. Due to countries’ lockdown regulations, businesses had to implement work-from-home (WFH) arrangements for continuity and survival. Higher education was no exception. This study considers the WFH arrangement for private higher education in South Africa. It looks at the WFH factors impacting employee sentiment, employee engagement, organisational commitment, and perceptions of leadership styles. The primary objective of this study was to develop a WFH framework for academic personnel within private higher education in South Africa. The study used a quantitative research approach to investigate WFH within private higher education institutions. The respondents were employees from a private higher education institution in South Africa, holding various positions such as managers, lecturers, and academic administrators (i.e., academic personnel). Thus, the target population (133) comprised 16 managers, 27 academic lecturers (faculty members), and 90 support staff (academic administrators). A response rate of 75% was achieved (N = 105). Data were collected using an online self-administered questionnaire and analysed utilising descriptive, inferential, and multivariate techniques.
The study's primary findings suggested that academic personnel within private higher education in South Africa held positive views and sentiments of WFH, were engaged and committed during the WFH period, and generally had positive feelings about the leadership they received during WFH. These could all be attributed to the appropriate support received by the institution that enabled the effective implementation of WFH. Several suggestions for improvement were received, while managerial shortcomings were also identified regarding managing academia during WFH.
Through appropriate assessments of academic personnel’s perceptions of WFH, employee engagement during WFH, organisational commitment levels during WFH, and perceptions of leadership received during WFH, the study identified the requisite antecedents and factors for a WFH framework. The study identified four key antecedents comprising 13 factors. These antecedents and factors were to be included in the framework for WFH in private higher education. The study also found a lack or misalignment in existing WFH frameworks. This study’s framework followed a holistic approach and could assist private higher education in effectively managing WFH.
This study's practical contribution was providing a WFH framework, allowing private higher education to implement and sustain remote working within their institutions effectively. Empirically, due to the absence of similar studies in South Africa and possibly globally, this
study contributed to the body of knowledge surrounding the assessment of WFH in private higher education. Finally, methodologically, this is the first time a study has used the quantitative methodology to develop a framework for managing WFH for academic personnel in private higher education in South Africa.Doctora
A systematic approach to evaluate in-stope compressed air inefficiencies in deep-level mines
Get PDFMaster of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusThe current decreasing production trend in South Africa and the role of compressed air inefficiencies in pipe networks are introduced in this study. Compressed air distribution systems that supply mining equipment have low mechanical efficiency. Various factors contribute to this low efficiency such as undersized pipes, poor control valve set-point control, and inactive sections that are not sealed off.
A detailed literature survey revealed the initiative to investigate in-stope compressed air inefficiencies and the effect thereof on drilling pressure. The study provides a verified method for identifying compressed air inefficiencies inside the stoping area and evaluating the viability and efficacy of various approaches to address in-stope compressed air inefficiencies.
A method is developed that systematically evaluates in-stope inefficiencies by establishing the flow and pressure baselines for the supply, demand and reticulation network of a compressed air system. The severities of the inefficiencies of the different compressed air sections are compared and prioritised using a Likert scale.
After the compressed air system has been characterised by means of flow and pressure baselines, the method is used to develop a baseline simulation of a deep-level mine stoping area. The method addresses simulation time, parameters, components and accuracy. The method provides a theoretical approach for verifying the stope simulation model against the pressure and flow baseline, using the mean absolute error method.
Using the verified simulation, the method applies literature studies and theory to highlight how a typical compressed air inefficiency will present itself in a stope network. The method is used to practically verify a compressed air inefficiency inside a stope network using measurement instrumentation. Finally, the method discusses generic simulation strategies that aim to mitigate compressed-air-related inefficiencies.
The method was implemented on a case study mine where it was used to analyse different sections of a compressed air system, aiming to identify in-stope inefficiencies. A Likert scale was used to assess various sections to ensure accurate representation of stope inefficiencies. Through this method, it was determined that the stoping section emerged as the top priority area for improvement in the case study mine.
A baseline simulation of a case study stope was developed using simulation software. The characterisation curves showed the case study stope experienced a total pressure loss of 75 kPa from the travelway to the stope face. The 4" pipe section exhibited a pressure loss of 32 kPa over its length, while a pipe reduction (4" to 2") inside the case study stope resulted in a pressure loss of 43 kPa.
To verify the identified inefficiencies, pressure sensors were installed throughout the stope. The case study stope experienced a total pressure loss of 80 kPa from the cross-cut intake to the face. During the drilling period, the 4" pipe experienced a 37 kPa pressure loss from the cross-cut intake while the 2" section experienced a further 43 kPa pressure loss. These results aligned with the simulated pressure loss.
Six mitigation strategies were developed using a combination of theoretical principles and simulation software. The simulated strategies indicated that the identified inefficiencies can be mitigated by increasing the pipe size of the compressed air network to accommodate the flow demand of the network.Master
Examining the phenomenon of moonlighting in the face of a digital gig economy
Get PDFMaster of Commerce in Labour Relations Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusThe purpose of this research study was to explore the phenomenon of moonlighting through digital gig work, from a senior management perspective. The modern labour market has been characterised with the appearance of untraditional forms of employment such as moonlighting and gig work (Pouliakas, 2017). Not only have these new forms of work been stimulated by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, but also from flexible methods of working such as work from home (WFH) (Kohn, Albani, Hayday, & Pianko, 2020) and flexi-work. Regardless of these atypical employment forms, it is of critical importance for employers to maintain and preserve the psychological contract that exists between the employee and the employer themselves. Although existing literature focuses largely on the employee perspective on the moonlighting phenomenon, little attention has been paid to the managerial perspective on moonlighting, especially within the gig economy.
This dissertation added a valuable perspective on the moonlighting phenomenon by focusing on how employers perceive this form of employment from a psychological contract perspective. Qualitative research was utilised in the form of semi-structured digital interviews to retrieve the data and to transcribe it into valuable information by using the thematic analysis methodology. The research findings indicated that employers within the information technology industry have a number of expectations of as well as perceived obligations towards their moonlighting employees. From an expectation point of view, participants reported that they expect their moonlighting employees to effectively manage their time, to be consistently available whenever required to, to uphold their performance standards and outputs, to remain focused while at work without the second gig or job trickling over into their primary work, as well as to keep communication lines open with their management team.
Secondly, from an obligations point of view, the participants provided insights into both their perceived obligations towards their organisation, as well as towards their moonlighting employees. The former includes upholding performance standards of moonlighters, the management of risks related to dual employment, as well as maintaining the trust relationship; whereas the latter relates to the facilitation of the approval of moonlighting, providing advice, support, and guidance to the moonlighting employee, and finally to manage their performance outputs.Master
Exploring the challenges and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence in the South African banking industry
No full textDoctor of Philosophy in International Trade, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusThis thesis undertakes a comprehensive exploration of logistics performance within the context of South African imports, emphasising the pivotal role of efficient logistics in socio-economic development. Adding to the existing literature and evidence indicating an intricate connection between sustained economic growth, reliant on international and domestic trade, and the effective operation of global value chains, the study employs a meticulous, bottom-up, process-driven framework to improve logistics performance. This framework, centred on the perspective of freight forwarders, investigates logistics performance based on time, cost, and service reliability.
The primary objective is to contribute to the measurement of the national-level logistics system's performance, focusing on all actors from the freight forwarder's standpoint, with an emphasis on reducing international trade time and cost. By employing data analytics, the thesis systematically assesses existing scholarly works on import flow logistics performance, elucidating potential areas for enhancement in operational and detailed dimensions. The freight forwarder, as the central orchestrator in the logistics system, becomes the focal point for developing an operational framework and a bottom-up diagnostic tool. This tool aims to identify specific areas for improvement based on internationally recognised metrics of time, cost, and service reliability.
This study also utilises a Total Economic Cost (TEC) model to convert time delays and variability in time delays into monetary values. Results gleaned from the study illuminate substantial opportunities for enhancing logistics performance from the freight forwarder's viewpoint. Key segments in the end-to-end logistics chain, notably trade lane combinations and customs clearance processes, emerge as critical areas for improvement. The ANOVA analysis showed the various combinations of factors and their influence on time delays, and indicated that several factors have a statistically significant influence on logistics time delays and cost, as different cargo categories, using these factors as categorical variables, display time delays that are different from the population. These included (in order of significance based on the influence of the respective process segments) country of origin, shipping line, and port of loading.
In practice, cargo owners manage the impact of time delay variability through buffer stock strategies. Insights into the relationship between buffer stock strategies and various cost components, such as interest cost on inventory and total time delay cost, underscore the complexity of logistics optimisation. Ultimately, the results from the TEC model identify the ocean freight transport leg as the most impactful factor in time delays, emphasising the crucial role of optimal supplier-shipping trade lane selections. Port performance, both waterside and landside, significantly influences delays. Inbound road transport has a minimal impact, but delays in the
96th percentile suggest potential inefficiencies in the short haul–long haul inbound strategy. Optimal buffer stock strategies are shown to be essential to minimise the cost impact of time delays, emphasising the need for strategic planning. Variations in TEC due to time delays among top countries and shipping lines underscore the importance of informed decisions for freight forwarders, regarding the selection of sources of cargo and of service providers to optimise logistics performance.
The thesis underscores the importance of concentrating improvement efforts on segments entirely within the freight forwarder's control, such as documentary processes and customs clearance. The framework created serves as both a diagnostic tool and a contribution to the intricate field of logistics performance research, and the study appeals to a diverse audience, including national policymakers, multilateral agencies, economic actors, and logistics service providers.
In recommending future research directions, the research suggests extending the framework to investigate logistics performance across different industries and countries. Additionally, expanding the logistics system to encompass the entire supply chain and conducting detailed analyses on factors with significant performance variability, such as the choice of supplier and service provider, offers avenues for further exploration. The thesis envisions an ongoing exploration of data analytics applications in improving logistics performance across various roles and levels of analysis, emphasising the limitless potential for investigation in this dynamic field.Doctora
Biomechanical quantification and analysis of the human foot and ankle joint complex
Get PDFMaster of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusThe human foot and ankle joint complex are essential lower limb components responsible for facilitating smooth gait and other activities related to everyday living. Unfortunately, this natural movement is lost in amputees and difficult to replicate even with the aid of prosthetic devices. Thus, to contribute to the understanding of the fundamental characteristics relative to natural lower limb movement, this study aims to quantify and analyse the biomechanical features of the human foot and ankle joint complex in relation to the sagittal and frontal planes of the foot.
The research design and methodology comprise an experimental process wherein 15 healthy young to middle-aged individuals were recruited. The participants were required to navigate a set of five low-level activities, particularly 1) level walk, 2) step up and down, 3) 20° slope incline and decline walk, 4) standing and sitting, and 5) lifting an object. The participants were equipped with a sensor platform device consisting of three ADXL 345 sensors, strategically positioned to restrict kinematic data to the foot and ankle. Notably, data from the sensors were collected in conjunction with reference data from a motion capture camera system to ensure the integrity of the sensors. In terms of kinetics, force plates were used to obtain the reaction forces acting on participants during the experimental activities.
It was observed that a loss of data, which primarily occurred due to poorly optimised code of the interface application, significantly decreased the accuracy of the data collected from the sensor platform. Nonetheless, a comparative analysis of the findings showed similar patterns between the experimental results and the reference data, thus validating the research design and method used. Therefore, suggestions could be made to enhance data accuracy and generalisability in future research. For the kinetic aspect of this study, it was suggested that a modular force plate system be used to investigate the reaction forces of supplementary experimental activities. In terms of the kinematic data, accuracy could be enhanced by recruiting a larger sample size, optimising the code behind the application interface, and considering the transverse plane of the foot in addition to the sagittal and frontal plane.Master
Exploring the challenges and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence in the South African banking industry
Get PDFMaster of Business Administration, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark CampusThis study investigates the challenges and opportunities introduced by artificial intelligence (AI) in the South African banking industry. Through a comprehensive exploration of current AI applications, challenges in adoption, and the impact on the workforce, the researcher provides valuable insights into the nuanced landscape of AI in banking. Drawing on literature and participant responses, the study identifies the prevalent use of AI-driven chatbots and humanoid robots in customer service, along with challenges such as data privacy concerns and a scarcity of skilled professionals. Findings confirm workforce transformation and potential job displacement due to automation yet reveal a proactive approach by banks in upskilling employees for more complex roles in the AI-driven environment. The study concludes with a set of recommendations, emphasizing the establishment of a robust legal and compliance framework, investment in expertise development programs, transparent communication strategies, leadership education, and strategic workforce transformation. While acknowledging limitations, including a small sample size and regional focus, the study contributes to the understanding of AI in the South African banking industry. Recommendations for future research include expanding the participant pool for a more comprehensive perspective and exploring additional connections between organizational change management techniques and AI adoption strategies.Master
A comparative study of the experiences of recent humanities and engineering graduates living in Gauteng when entering the labour market for the first time
Get PDFMaster of Arts in Industrial Sociology, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusIt has been 30 years since South Africa’s democratic transition from apartheid; however, the economic transition has been slow, especially within the labour market. With many young people graduating, job opportunities have not matched the growing labour supply and, as a result, many graduates end up unemployed. Some scholars argue that the South African labour market is full of graduates with general degrees, such as humanities and arts, rather than those that are demanded in the economy. Furthermore, scholars argue that humanities graduates face more challenges when transitioning from higher education to the work environment than graduates from fields such as engineering and accounting.
Therefore, this study aimed to understand how the experiences of humanities and engineering graduates living in Gauteng compare and/or contrast when entering the labour market for the first time. The researcher conducted a literature review and an empirical study to achieve this.
A literature review was conducted to gain a conceptual and theoretical understanding of the functioning of the general labour market and the South African labour market. The literature review showed that the labour market is dynamic and complex and comprises several factors that need to be considered, such as the determinants of the supply of and demand for labour, factors contributing to underemployment, unemployment and labour market discrimination, and the implications of labour market flexibility, among others.
For the empirical part of the study, a qualitative research approach was employed. The research setting was in Gauteng. The target population was comprised of humanities and engineering graduates who, at the time, had been active in the labour market for two to five years after they graduated. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.
The thematic analysis revealed six main themes with sub-themes. The main themes were as follows: participants’ background; transitioning from school to work, navigating through the labour market, graduates’ perspectives of the state of the labour market, graduates’ perceived labour market challenges, and suggestions for improved labour market outcomes. Although this was a comparative study, the qualitative findings indicated that both humanities and engineering graduates share distinct and common experiences when entering the South African labour market for the first time. The findings showed that, concerning participants’ backgrounds, both humanities and engineering graduates were raised to consider the importance of education, hence they pursued their tertiary qualifications. Regarding transitioning from universities to work, engineering graduates found employment quickly upon entering the labour market, whereas humanities graduates struggled to find employment. Navigating through the labour market was challenging for both humanities and engineering graduates. Both humanities and engineering graduates shared
similar perspectives regarding the state of the South African labour market, their experiences within it, and the challenges experienced. Lastly, both humanities and engineering graduates provided similar suggestions regarding how graduates’ labour market outcomes could be improved. The study concluded with practical recommendations that can be implemented by various stakeholders, including organisations, employers, tertiary institutions, academia, and current and future students, and highlighted areas for future research.-North-West University (Faculty of Humanities)Master
Unlocking water potential in drylands: Quicklime and fly ash enhance soil microbiome structure, ecological networks and function in acid mine drainage water-irrigated agriculture
Get PDFIn water-stressed regions, treated acid mine drainage (AMD) water for irrigated agriculture is a potential solution to address freshwater scarcity. However, a significant knowledge gap exists on the short and long-term effects of treated AMD water on soil health. This study used high-throughput Illumina sequencing and predictive metagenomic profiling to investigate the impact of untreated AMD (AMD), quicklime- (A1Q and A2Q) and quicklime and fly ash-treated AMD water (AFQ) irrigation on soil bacterial diversity, co-occurrence networks and function. Results showed that untreated AMD water significantly increased soil acidity, electrical conductivity (EC), sulfate (SO42−), and heavy metals (HM), including reduced microbial diversity, disrupted interaction networks, and functional capacity. pH, EC, Cu, and Pb were identified as key environmental factors shaping soil microbial diversity and structure. Predominantly, Pseudomonas, Ralstonia picketti, Methylotenera KB913035, Brevundimonas vesicularis, and Methylobacterium oryzae, known for their adaptability to acidic conditions and metal resistance, were abundant in AMD soils. However, soils irrigated with treated AMD water exhibited significantly reduced acidity (pH > 6.5), HM and SO42− levels, with an enrichment of a balanced bacterial taxa associated with diverse functions related to soil health and agricultural productivity. These taxa included Sphingomonas, Pseudoxanthomonas, Achromobacter, Microbacterium, Rhodobacter, Clostridium, Massillia, Rhizobium, Paenibacillus, and Hyphomicrobium. Moreover, treated AMD water contributed to higher connectivity and balance within soil bacterial co-occurrence networks compared to untreated AMD water. These results show that quicklime/fly ash treatments can help lessen impacts of AMD water on soil microbiome and health, suggesting its potential for irrigated agriculture in water-scarce regions
The leadership role of principals in managing learner discipline in secondary schools
Get PDFMaster of Education In Education Management and Leadership, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2024.The aim of this study was to explore how the principals should play their leadership roles in learner discipline management, to establish the challenges that principals encounter in managing learner discipline secondary schools, to determine the major causes of lack of discipline in secondary schools and to recommend strategies that can be employed by school principals to effectively manage learner discipline in secondary schools. In this research, the behavioural leadership theory formed part of the theoretical framework that was used in exploring the leadership role of principals in managing learner discipline in secondary schools. In this study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant
individually to collect data. These interviews are conducted where the participants are situated in their own environment. The interviews were held after work, so that the school principals would not be disturbed from performing their daily duties. The population for this study was secondary school principals in Gauteng East District. From this population, a sample of principals from 10 secondary schools was selected. Some principals were not willing to participate in the study because it was the busiest time of the year for them, but all 10 principals who participated did so willingly. The recorded data from each interview session was transcribed verbatim. The data was then coded into themes. The principals will know what are the cause of ill-discipline, the strategies of addressing ill-discipline in schools and the challenges they will face when managing discipline in schools. With the above mentioned knowledge the principals will be well equipped to make inform decision when managing learner ill-discipline.Master