Theses and Dissertations (Information Communication Technology)

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Consumer readiness for the adoption of IOT Smart Homes (CRA-IOT-SH) in Gauteng, South Africa
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022) Julies, Bryan David; Zuva, Tranos, Prof.
Smart home technology has numerous advantages to the modernised home; however, the technology is in its early phase and the uptake among consumers is still very low. The reason for the slow uptake is due to privacy, security, trust, performance expectancy/connectivity standards, reliability, costs, perceived usefulness, installation, interoperability, energy efficiency, effort expectancy, maintenance and administration. However, numerous literature looked at the differences between the owner’s demand and what the smart devices functionality offers to the homeowner. In order for IOT smart home consumers to fully enjoy the benefits of this new technology, there is a need to measure their level of readiness. There have been little or no research done to measure consumer readiness for the adoption of IOT smart home technology, particularly in Gauteng, South Africa. This study therefore investigated the factors that influence consumer readiness for the adoption of IOT smart homes in Gauteng. The study investigated and established possible factors that influence the adoption of IOT smart homes and consumers’ intention of use. CRA-IOT-SH model was proposed. One hundred and three (103) questionnaires were distributed and seventy-four (74), that is, seventy two percent (72%) useable questionnaires were returned. The population of this study was only limited to individuals who lived in Gauteng Province, South Africans and consumers of IOT home technology. For this reason, the sample size that was use was Cochran formula with unknown population (𝑛0 ). Reliability and validity of the data were analysed and found to be acceptable. Reliability and validity of the data were analysed and found to be acceptable. The results demonstrated that five (5) factors that had statistically significant and positive impact on the consumers’ attitude (AT) are perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceive usefulness (PU), relative advantage (RA), perceived innovation (PI) and trust (T). In addition, social influence (SI) and attitude (AT) were found to influence intention of use (IOU). The findings from this research can offer insights for organisations looking to provide smart home as a business in their communities.
An exploratory study of the security and privacy issues affecting the adoption of the internet of things in Vereeniging
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022) Yeboah, Thomas; Sibanda, E.; Van Eck, R., Dr.
Background The convergence of numerous technologies, such as real-time analytics, machine learning, ubiquitous computing, commodity sensors, and embedded systems, has resulted in the evolution of the Internet of Things. With the advent of the Internet of Things, people can be empowered, the government can be made more transparent, and information can be made more accessible. Several schools of thought argue that there is increasing worry over the possibility of the Internet of Things (IoT) diminishing people's autonomy over their own life. When there is a combination of big data and the Internet of Things, people's lives are more exposed to large businesses and political organisations. As a result, individuals have less influence over their own destinies. The present study was an ‘Exploratory Study of the Security and Privacy Issues Affecting the Adoption of the Internet of Things in Vereeniging’. The researcher adopted interpretivism as the research philosophy and the present study was inductive in its approach. The target population for this study was 30 IT specialists in Vereeniging who participated in the study through semi-structured interviews. The study has established that, to a greater extent, organisations are adopting IoT technology in their operations. The study established that smart home appliances, smart security systems, fitness trackers, wireless headphones/earbuds and so many more such items have become an intrinsic part of people’s daily lives that if we were deprived of them, people would feel a void somewhere. The study found that organisations are implementing a plethora of strategies to make sure that they are secure in their use of IoT technologies. The study also discovered that there is rampant crime emanating from human behaviour resulting in the damage of IoT infrastructure and devices in some organisations. Several fascinating discoveries on how IoT users view privacy and security have been uncovered in this research paper. The study shows that while IoT use is on the rise, so too is the growing concern around privacy and security. However, consumers choose to sacrifice these measures for the advantages and additional benefits that the technology provides to their life. While these views may remain constant for the foreseeable future, any large security incident or privacy intrusion could significantly shift beliefs. It seems that people who utilise the Internet of Things (IoT) would prefer for businesses to be more transparent about the data that is being collected and why it is being reused. They wish to get more security safeguards to safeguard their personal info. Based on these findings and previous studies, a safer IoT environment will be provided for both users and private corporations. Future IoT research studies can build on the outcomes of this study. Based on the findings in this study, the following recommendations are made: Cryptography Cryptography is helpful in safeguarding private data that is located on one network and moved to another network via a secure transmission link. Encryption can be applied to safeguard the transfer of data across an unsecured network using various cryptographic methods, such as AES, SHA-1, MD5, RSA, etc. For optimal computational efficiency, high-performance CPUs and ample memory are required. However, it's not clear how these strategies can be used efficiently at this time. As the hardware in IoT has restricted processing speed and minimal memory, significant research is necessary to correctly implement these algorithms. End to End Security Authenticity towards data can be maintained by means of many protocols, such as TLS/SSL and IPSec, which implement end-to-end security. As IoT devices have less processing power, these protocols are not feasible. As a result, security on an end-to-end basis cannot be accomplished, thus leaving the door open for hackers for data manipulation, man-in-middle attacks, denial of service attacks, and even distributed denial of service attacks. As a result, new research on the approach needed for the creation of a similar technology, analogous to TLS/SSL or IPSec, is required to safeguard data transmissions and ward off hackers. Firewall or IPS In the case of a network without firewall or intrusion prevention system, there is an open invitation to the outside world. Packet filter and Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) both have deep packet inspection capacity to manage the flow of traffic heading towards the destination. However, IoT does not provide functionality that includes packet inspection and packet filtering. Security researchers are allowed to perform research in this field, where they may build a low resource-intensive firewall to analyse and manipulate packets for IoT devices.
A model to measure the E-learning system success at a University of Technology in South Africa
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-05) Rankapola, Madute Elias; Lebelo, S.; Zuva, T., Prof.
As e-learning systems adoption increases worldwide, their effectiveness and success measurement become imperative. Therefore, it is crucial to justify the investment made in e-learning systems by assessing their value and benefits within the academic field. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) adopt and implement e-learning systems to enhance the quality of their teaching and learning practices, such as extending the teaching and learning space beyond physical locations, convenience, on-demand learning, self-paced learning, cost-effectiveness, time-efficient and flexible learning environments. However, some universities in developing countries encounter many challenges in implementing e-learning systems and eventually drop out of their e-learning system endeavours. This implies that universities in developing countries may face unique challenges compared to those in developed countries. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify and investigate critical e-learning system success factors at universities of technology in South Africa and develop a comprehensive model to measure the e-learning system success. A literature review was conducted to achieve the research aims and objectives, and a research model that encompassed the variables: Technical System Quality (TSQ), Content & Information Quality (C&IQ), Educational System Quality (ESQ), Service Quality (SQ), User Self-Efficacy (USE), User Satisfaction (US), Intention to Use/Use (IU/U), Net Benefits and System Loyalty (SL). A cross-sectional survey was implemented using a 5-Likert scale electronic questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 654 participants studying Information and Communication Technology (ICT) from universities of technology in South Africa. The reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha and all the values were greater than 0,73, higher than the threshold of 0.70 for acceptable reliability. Validity was conducted through convergent (AVE>0.5) and discriminant validity (AVE>ICCS). Factor analysis was done using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and all nine constructs were retained after the analysis. The structural model displayed suitable model fit indices (CMIN/DF = 3.514; CFI = 0.935; Normed Fit Index Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (NFI) = 0.953; Comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.959; AGFI = 0.880; Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.926; and (RMSEA) = 0.068). These GoF results highlighted that the model was acceptable for deriving conclusions from the hypotheses tested. Pearson Correlation Analysis results showed positive relationships exist between the variables except for TSQ & USE. Multiple regression analysis indicated that USE→C&IQ (β= 0.183, <0.05); USE→ESQ (β = 0.453, <0.05) USE→SQ (β = 0.785,<0.05), USE→US (β = 0.995, <0.05), US→USE (β = 0.605, <0.05), IU/U→US (β = 0.797, <0.05), NB→IU/US (β= 0.538, <0.05), IU/U→NB (β = 0.166, <0.05), SL→NB (β = 0.736, <0.05) were statistically supported. The final model was then developed. The study contributed to the body of knowledge by highlighting critical factors that influence an e-learning system success at universities of technology in South Africa. The study provided a deep insight into the theories and models used for measuring system success. A modified model was developed. The model may be used by researchers to test system success in different settings and countries. Universities of Technology may use the model to guide the design, development and adoption of e-learning systems.
The factors that influence the users' adoption and acceptance of cloud computing at University of Technology in South Africa
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-06-11) Lieta, Manche Aloycia; Sehume, Dr.; Zuva, Tranos, Prof.
Cloud computing can assist in overcoming the present boundaries in mobile learning (m-learning) regarding the limited processing and storage capabilities of the mobile devices. This way, learning applications can run on students’ mobile devices while the heaviest computing tasks take place in the cloud. For this to happen learners have to accept the use of cloud computing in their studies. This study endeavours to identify factors that influence the user’s adoption and acceptance of cloud computing in higher education sector. A model derived from a Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model was used to find factors that influence learners to adopt and accept cloud computing during their studies. Results showed that adoption and acceptance of cloud computing were significantly associated with some variables of the UTAUT model except for Effort Expectancy (EE). Performance Expectancy (PE) (p-value= .000), Social Influence (SI) (p-value= .010), Facilitating Conditions (FC) (p-value= .000), Trust (TR) (pvalue= .000), Behaviour Intention (BI) (p-value= .000), and User Behaviour (UB) (p-value= .000). User Behaviour was mostly influenced by Trust, then Facilitating Conditions followed by Performance Expectancy and lastly Social Influence. In conclusion, Trust seems to be the greatest influential factor when it comes to the adoption and usage of applications hosted on the internet.
Investigating the Use of Linked Data Technology to Improved Data Access in South African Municipalities
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-08-30) Ovono, Gerald; Moyo, S.; Fonou-Dombeu, J. V., Dr.
Background: In recent years, the expansive growth of technologies has similarly increased the amount of information stored. This has been the case in local government areas that by nature involve various entities with the need to exchange and reuse information. Furthermore, as eGovernment initiatives are being realised in municipalities, researchers and academics are starting to standardise the Linked Data technology to foster the necessary reuse of information. In South Africa, municipalities are the closest point of service delivery to the communities. Ontology modelling makes possible the description of municipalities' knowledge domains in computer processing. In view of standardizing and achieving South African municipalities’ services interoperability, this research study shows great interest. The study started by reviewing the literature on semantic web technology and Linked Data (LD) technology in the field of government and open government. The review has led to the development of a framework for the municipalities' ontology model. Methodology: The municipalities’ ontology model has been conceptualised and evaluated by a set of Competency Questions (CQs) translated into SPARQL queries through experimentation. The experiment's first phase was to perform a goal modelling to capture the CQs from the municipalities’ General Inquiries (GI) and then construct the SPARQL queries. Tropos methodology and CQs Translation (CQT) approach have been used in that phase. Four CQs categories were identified such as Boolean questions, factual questions, list questions, and complex questions. The second phase was to conceptualize the municipalities' ontology model in Web Ontology Language (OWL) supported by Protégé ontology management tools. The third phase was to evaluate the municipality ontology model. The ontology validation was performed from the use of the Pellet reasoner plugin of Protégé to match the ontology design principles, while the evaluation was to execute the SPARQL queries against the municipality ontology model using protégé. Results and discussion: The resulting classes, terms and instances from the SPARQL queries were presented to participants to be rated on a scale of 1 to 5 on how the CQs have been answered. The analysis of the participants' responses indicated 72% weighted mean in Boolean questions, 96% weighted mean in factual questions, 56% weighted mean in list questions and 84% weighted mean in complex questions, Conclusions: The participants’ responses selection rates analysis has demonstrated that the conceptualised municipalities’ ontology model evaluation resulted in positive participants’ selected percentage weighted means values. Hence, Linked Data technology improves data access in South African municipalities.
Diffusion innovation, adoption, and acceptance of a recommender systems in higher education
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-04-21) Hlungwane, Ntsako Morgen; Sehume, Odilia M. M., Dr.; Zuva, Tranos, Prof.
Recommender systems (RS) are widely used to help with reducing information overload by suggesting relevant items to users proactively or reactively. The usefulness of RS has made them used in different sectors, such as e-commerce, retail environments, and even the education sector. RS is penetrating different sectors with varying speeds, and its adoption and acceptance vary in different sectors. Therefore, this study investigated the diffusion, adoption, and acceptance of RS in higher education. A quantitative method was used in this study. The data was collected using questionnaires and a model was proposed. Two hundred and sixty-one usable questionnaires were received from participants. The requirements for the study's reliability and validity were both met. The results have shown that diffusion, adoption, and acceptance of RSs in higher education do not occur by chance. They also indicated that diffusion has a positive influence on the adoption with β= 0.625, Sig. = 0.000, and adoption has a positive influence on the acceptance with β = 0.606, Sig. = 0.000 of RSs in the higher education sector. The benefits gained by those who use RSs have a positive effect on RS diffusion (= 0.695, Sig. = 0.000) and adoption (= 0.579, Sig. = 0.000), allowing RSs to grow in the higher education sector. RS are still in their early diffusion stage in higher education as an educational tool. There is a need to intentionally promote RS benefits in higher education to enable a faster diffusion of the technology.
The use of visualization of corporate data in strategic Information and Communications Technology industrialization
(Vaal University of Technology, 2013-02-20) Dippenaar, Francois; Conradie, P., Dr.
Global companies tend to have problems in knowing the systems, assets and resources they have within their global footprint. This tends to be costly to the company as there tends to be purchases of the same systems, assets and resources that are already available in another business unit or department within the company. This leads to money being wasted on research, procurement and/or training, to name a few. You can't manage what you don't know about. This thesis will show how the visualisation of corporate data is possible and has sustainable benefit to a company. Knowing the status of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) environment in a company at some point in time is crucial in planning and implementing strategies with the future in mind. Global View, which will be explained in this thesis, is key in facilitating the extracting of information from all the sites globally and presenting the information in a logical and structured way. Information gathering from these sites using Global View needs to be done in an auditing fashion with the focus on accurate and precise information with an option which would allow the audit to be a continuous and automatic process. Global View is a tool to facilitate the implementation of ICT Industrialization through a process of gathering the relevant ICT information worldwide with specific reference to each site. Global View displays the relevant information from systems, assets, resources and environments in an easily accessible format. The functionality that is built into the concept in this thesis is the geographical and geospatial orientation which is linked to the relevant sites as well as time references related to Greenwich Mean Time to make users aware of differences in time when communicating with people in other countries either individually or multiple sites simultaneously.
The use of social networking services to enhance the learning experience and academic performance of tertiary level learners
(Vaal University of Technology, 2017-01) Da Rocha, R. D.; Lombard, A.; Jordaan, A., Prof.
There are many learning paradigms in the academic field, many of which have been used since the advent of universities and other learning institutions. However, the advent and subsequent popularisation of the Internet in the early 1990's has led to the development of new learning paradigms. Simultaneously, students currently enrolled at higher education institutions (HEI) fall under the Generation Z cohort, otherwise known as Millennials. This generation has grown up with widespread usage of the internet, and research has shown that engagement with these students in an educational setting has slowed down. This study endeavoured to establish whether the use of Social Networking Services (SNSs) could aid to better engage student in the teaching and learning process, and if so, whether there would be a measurable improvement in the marks of students enrolled in a final year Information Technology (IT) module at a HEI. Facebook and YouTube were the SNSs chosen as the focus of the study. Data collection was achieved by means of mixed-methods methodology. Semi-structured interviews were held with lecturers to determine their perceptions regarding the use of Facebook from an educational perspective. thematic analysis was performed to identify prominent themes in the qualitative data. Statistical analysis was performed on the result of two groups of students that took the final year module over two semesters. An action research based case study was designed as intervention for students in the 2nd semester involving the use of SNSs. The marks of the two groups were compared and contrasted to determine whether an improvement in results had taken place. Students participating in the action research case study also completed a survey for the purpose of gauging their experiences in the use of SNSs for the action research interventions are also highlighted and discussed, and thematic analysis is performed. After analysis of the gathered data had taken place, it was clear that the majority of participants in the study found that SNSs could add value to the teaching and learning process and there was a small to moderate improvement in results. Guidelines for other institutions that would like to integrate SNSs into their teaching and learning processes are proposed and a model has been developed.
Framework for Adoption of Information and Communication Technology security culture in SMMEs in Gauteng Province, South Africa
(Vaal University of Technology, 2019) Mokwetli, M. A.; Tshepiso, Nkoana; Zuva, Tranos, Prof.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become prevalent in our everyday business and personal lives. As such, users and organisations must know how to protect themselves against human errors that led to more companies losing or sharing information that should not be shared. The issue emanates from lack of ICT security culture both in individuals and organisations. This research is based on a wide theoretical review that is focused on proposing a conceptual model on technological, environmental and organisational factors that influence the adoption of ICT security culture and implementation in Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). Factors or determinants that influence the adoption of ICT security culture in SMMEs in the Gauteng province were investigated. Questionnaires were distributed to examine the perception of ICT security culture adoption among SMMEs in the Gauteng province South Africa. A sample of 647 individuals from different SMMEs in the Gauteng province returned the questionnaire. The results of the research study show that technological context (perceived benefits), environmental context (government regulations) and organisational context (management support) determinants have direct influence on the ICT security culture adoption. The recommendation is that information security awareness programmes must be put in place. Further research is recommended using more determinants that might have a positive impact toward the adoption of the ICT security culture. In order to minimize data breaches due to human error it is recommended that SMMEs around Gauteng Province in South Africa adopt the framework as outlined in this research study.
Acceptance of biometric authentication security technology on mobile devices
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022) Malatji, W. R.; Van Eck, Rene, Dr.; Zuva, Tranos, Prof.
Mobile devices are rapidly becoming a key computing platform, transforming how people access business and personal information. Accessing business and personal data using mobile devices requires authentication that is secure. The world is rapidly becoming connected and all users of mobile devices need to be clear regarding individual data security. As a result, biometrics for mobile devices has come into existence. Biometric technology can be applied on mobile devices to improve the trustworthiness of wireless services. Furthermore, it is of great importance and necessary to start paying attention to and investing in mobile biometric technologies, as they are quickly turning into tools of choice for productivity. In the literature review, it shows that few studies measured the acceptance of biometric authentication technology on mobile devices. This study seeks to find out the perceptions as to the acceptance of biometric authentication technology on mobile devices. TAM2 was used as the foundation for generating the hypothesis and developing the conceptual framework for this study. This quantitative study used a survey-based questionnaire to collect data from 305 participants. The simple random sampling technique was used to select participants for this study. The response rate was 98% of the expected population, which was a total of 302 valid responses. A descriptive analysis was deployed to provide a description of respondents’ demographic characteristics. SPSS was used to compute the multiple regressions in order to evaluate the research hypotheses. The findings of this study revealed that perceived humanness, perceived interactivity, perceived social presence, perceived ease of use and subjective social norm, and perceived usefulness and trust are important determinants of customers’ intention to accept and use mobile biometric devices. It was found that reliability is a good predictor of trust. On the other hand privacy, identity theft and combining data are also important determinants of trust. This work can be used to strengthen biometric authentication technology in-cooperation with mobile devices for simplicity of use. Since most mobile devices are used for personal and business information, further research on the acceptance of biometric authentication technology on mobile devices is needed.
A model for the adoption and acceptance of mobile farming platforms (MFPs) by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-01) Masimba, Fine; Appiah, Martin, Dr.; Zuva, Tranos, Prof.
The agriculture sector is the lifeblood of the economies of the world's least developed countries (LDCs). In Zimbabwe, this sector is considered to be the backbone of Zimbabwe's economy, and as a result, it is the sector that supports the economic growth of the country, food security, and poverty eradication efforts. Furthermore, the use of mobile technology has continued to rise in Zimbabwe, and farmers now can obtain agricultural information through the use of mobile technology. Mobile phones are increasingly being integrated into current agricultural trade businesses, owing to the critical role they serve in facilitating information transmission between farmers and buyers. The potential of mobile phones in agriculture spawned mAgriculture, which is the use of mobile phones to provide agricultural information and services. Variousitechnology companies in iZimbabwe have come up with various mobile farming platforms as innovation, with the aim of improving overall performance among smallholder farmers. In order to find the usefullness of these mobile farming platforms, it imperative to measure the adoption and acceptance of this technology in the farming environment. The study sought to investigate the adoption and acceptance of mobile farming platforms in Zimbabwe through a more comprehensive model based on UTAUT 2 that encapsulates the key factors that influence user adoption and acceptance of mobile farming platforms. The main aim of the study was to inform technology start-up companies and other mobile application developers in the development of mobile farming platforms or applications that can be fully adopted and accepted by users, taking into cognisance all salient factors affecting their adoption and acceptance. The model has been used to investigate smallholder farmers in a developing country such as Zimbabwe. The model explores the effect of attitude as one of the key determinants that affect the behavioral intention to use mobile farming platforms. In addition, the model looked at the moderating effect of Hofstede's five cultural dimensions on the key determinants that influence behavioral intention as well as actual use of mobile farming platforms at individual level. A total of 411 questionnaires were received from smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe's three major provinces who were using mobile farming platforms. Structural Equation Modelling was utilized to test the hypothesized conceptual model. Reliability and validity checks were done to the model instrument. As hypothesized, the findings of this study revealed that performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE) and facilitating conditions (FC) are significant determinants of the newly added variable Attitude (AT). Attitude (AT), together with social influence (SI), facilitating conditions (FC), hedonic motivation (HM), price value (PV), and habit (HB) were found to be significant determinants of behavioral intention and usage of mobile farming platforms for smallholder farmers. The results also showed that cultural dimensions have a moderating effect on user acceptance of mobile farming platforms. According to the findings, attitude and culture are significant factors to consider when analyzing farmers' behavioral intentions and use of mobile farming platforms. The findings of the study contribute to the literature by validating and supporting the applicability of the extended UTAUT 2 for the adoption and acceptance of mobile farming platforms by smallholder farmers in developing countries. The theoretical contribution of the study was through the extension of UTAUT 2 where attitude was added as one of the new key determinants of behavioral intention and cultural dimensions were added as mediators. The other contribution is to the Zimbabwean farming community where the study was conducted.
A model for information technology optimisation in supply chain and logistics of Libya oil and gas sector: the case of Zueitina oil company
(Vaal University of Technology, 2020-12) Tarom, Fathi A.; Lombard, A.; Jordaan, A., Prof.
Crude oil is among the most in-demand and desirable commodities across the world today. The multiple uses of crude oil are widespread, ranging from the generation of energy to its use as fuel for the petrochemical and transportation sectors. Because of the high use of and demand for crude oil worldwide, the petroleum industry (also known as the oil and gas industry) is a significantly role player in the world economy. Libya‘s oil and gas industry is deemed the most essential and important sector in this country, as Libya is mainly dependent on proceeds from this sector. However, existing information technologies are not always optimally applied and utilised. This, together with the challenge that information technologies in the supply chain system and logistics processes of some of Libya‘s oil and gas companies are not always sufficient, the productivity of the country‘s oil and gas supply chain is compromised, and this results in revenue losses because of wasteful expenditure. This research therefore aimed to determine what innovative information technologies should be considered by Zueitina Oil Company (as case study) in Libya to enhance its supply chain and logistics processes. Two primary research questions (PRQs) were formulated for this research, namely: (i) What is the current status of Libya‘s oil and gas sector in terms of oil production and export? (ii) What innovative information technologies need to be considered by Zueitina Oil Company in Libya to contribute towards optimising its supply chain and logistics processes? This study followed the qualitative research methodology, as the data collected were qualitative and the research design was inductive. A case study strategy was adopted, with Zueitina Oil Company in Libya as the case under study. The primary sources for the research were the management of the supply chain and logistics departments of Zueitina Oil Company. The qualitative data collection method selected was a survey conducted by means of telephone and focus group interviews. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. In total, five themes and six sub-themes emerged from the findings obtained from the analysis. This research contributes to the scientific body of knowledge by proposing an Information Technology Optimisation Model for the Supply Chain of Zueitina Oil Company in Libya in order to achieve increased revenues, reduced costs, and improved customer services, among others.
A framework for the adoption of Hackathon for teaching and learning of computer programming
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-09) Oyetade, Kayode Emmanuel; Harmse, Anneke, Dr.; Zuva, Tranos, Prof.
Hackathons originated from the evolution and revolution of computers. They were primarily designed as a collaborative tool for solving computer-related tasks or theorising new possibilities based on specific infrastructures. With the prevalence of technology and the drive for digital evolution, the role of hackathons becomes increasingly essential, making its presence known in almost every domain with the potential to transform the business world and society at large. However, hackathons in the educational domain cannot be understood in the same way as their counterparts in a purely business or career-driven domain because of their special nature. Given that educational institutions in South Africa are still in the early stages of using hackathons, studying factors affecting hackathon adoption for teaching and learning computer programming is critical and timely. The research aimed to investigate and find factors that had a bearing on hackathon adoption for teaching and learning computer programming. To realise the aim, a systematic literature review was conducted. Then, a conceptual framework was developed that has its variables (attitude (ATT), effort expectancy (EE), facilitating conditions (FC), perceived usefulness (PU), relative advantage (RA), performance expectancy (PE), perceived ease of use (PEOU), subjective norm (SN), and behavioural intention (BI)) based on an extensive literature review. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to test the model. The web-based questionnaire was administered to two hundred forty-nine (249) South African Information Technology programming students. Reliability of variables was measured, and all the variables had a co-efficient of 0.7 and greater. Factor analysis was applied and the PEOU failed to fulfil the requirement and so it was dropped. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to further analyse the data collected. The correlation result indicated that all the remaining variables in the conceptual framework are significant and have a positive relationship PU (𝑟=0.615), RA (𝑟=0.657), PE (𝑟= 0.597), SE (𝑟=0.660), ATT (𝑟=0.440), EE (𝜌<0.520), SN (𝑟= 0.441), and FC (𝑟=0.357) have a positive relationship with behavioural intention (𝜌<0.001) to adopt hackathon. The regression result indicated that the following variables (PU (𝛽=0.141,𝜌=0.036), RA (𝛽=0.142,𝜌=0.045), PE (𝛽=0.205,𝜌=0.002) and SE (𝛽=0.330,𝜌=0.000) have a positive influence on students’ hackathon adoption. The research study managed to validate the conceptual framework indicating variables that influence or have a relationship with BI. The developed framework forms the main contribution of this research study. The developed framework can be used to assist educators with the variables that have a strong bearing on the adoption of hackathon in education. The adoption of hackathon in education will contribute towards transforming the learning environment from a teacher-centred to a learner-centred one by facilitating a form of social learning where knowledge is created amongst students when interacting, thereby, building relationships, and supporting the learning that happens from cooperation, dependence and helping each other. In conclusion, the introduction of hackathons in education in computer programming can revolutionise the programming landscape in South Africa and around the world during this period of the fourth industrial revolution.
Proactive university library book recommender system
(Vaal University of Technology, 2021) Mekonnen, Tadesse Zewdu; Zuva, Tranos, Prof.
Too many options on the internet are the reason for the information overload problem to obtain relevant information. A recommender system is a technique that filters information from large sets of data and recommends the most relevant ones based on people‟s preferences. Collaborative and content-based techniques are the core techniques used to implement a recommender system. A combined use of both collaborative and content-based techniques called hybrid techniques provide relatively good recommendations by avoiding common problems arising from each technique. In this research, a proactive University Library Book Recommender System has been proposed in which hybrid filtering is used for enhanced and more accurate recommendations. The prototype designed was able to recommend the highest ten books for each user. We evaluated the accuracy of the results using Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE). A measure value of 0.84904 MAE and 0.9579 RMSE found by our system shows that the combined use of both techniques gives an improved prediction accuracy for the University Library Book Recommender System.
Virtual group movie recommendation system using social network information
(Vaal University of Technology, 2019-11-27) Manamolela, Lefats'e; Zuva, Tranos, Prof.; Martin, Apiah, Dr.
Since their emergence in the 1990’s, recommendation systems have transformed the intelligence of both the web and humans. A pool of research papers has been published in various domains of recommendation systems. These include content based, collaborative and hybrid filtering recommendation systems. Recommendation systems suggest items to users and their principal purpose is to increase sales and recommend items that are predicted to be suitable for users. They achieve this through making calculations based on data that is available on the system. In this study, we give evidence that the research on group recommendation systems must look more carefully at the dynamics of group decision-making in order to produce technologies that will be more beneficial for groups based on the individual interests of group members while also striving to maximise satisfaction. The matrix factorization algorithm of collaborative filtering was used to make predictions and three movie recommendation for each and every individual user. The three recommendations were of three highest predicted movies above the pre-set threshold which was three. Thereafter, four virtual groups of varied sizes were formed based on four highest predicted movies of the users in the dataset. Plurality voting strategy was used to achieve this. A publicly available dataset based on Group Recommender Systems Enhanced by Social Elements, constructed by Lara Quijano from the Group of Artificial Intelligence Applications (GIGA), was used for experiments. The developed recommendation system was able to successfully make individual movie recommendations, generate virtual groups, and recommend movies to these respective groups. The system was evaluated for accuracy in making predictions and it was able to achieve 0.7027 MAE and 0.8996 RMSE. This study was able to recommend to virtual groups to enable social network group members to engage in discussions of recommended items. The study encourages members in engaging in similar activities in their respective physical locations and then discuss on social network.
Facial and keystroke biometric recognition for computer based assessments
(Vaal University of Technology, 2019-12) Adetunji, Temitope Oluwafunmilayo; Appiah, Martin, Dr.; Zuva, Tranos, Prof.
Computer based assessments have become one of the largest growing sectors in both nonacademic and academic establishments. Successful computer based assessments require security against impersonation and fraud and many researchers have proposed the use of Biometric technologies to overcome this issue. Biometric technologies are defined as a computerised method of authenticating an individual (character) based on behavioural and physiological characteristic features. Basic biometric based computer based assessment systems are prone to security threats in the form of fraud and impersonations. In a bid to combat these security problems, keystroke dynamic technique and facial biometric recognition was introduced into the computer based assessment biometric system so as to enhance the authentication ability of the computer based assessment system. The keystroke dynamic technique was measured using latency and pressure while the facial biometrics was measured using principal component analysis (PCA). Experimental performance was carried out quantitatively using MATLAB for simulation and Excel application package for data analysis. System performance was measured using the following evaluation schemes: False Acceptance Rate (FAR), False Rejection Rate (FRR), Equal Error Rate (EER) and Accuracy (AC), for a comparison between the biometric computer based assessment system with and without the keystroke and face recognition alongside other biometric computer based assessment techniques proposed in the literature. Successful implementation of the proposed technique would improve computer based assessment’s reliability, efficiency and effectiveness and if deployed into the society would improve authentication and security whilst reducing fraud and impersonation in our society.
A mobile proximity job employment recommender system
(Vaal University of Technology, 2020-12) Mpela, Motebang Daniel; Appiah, Martin, Dr.; Zuva, Tranos, Prof.
With a rapid growth of internet technologies, many companies have transformed from the old traditional ways of recruiting employees to electronic recruitment (e-recruitment). E-recruiting channels achieved a solid advantage for both employers and job applicants by dropping advertising cost, applying cost as well as hiring time. Job recommender systems aim to help in people – job matching. In this research, a proposed mobile job employment recommender system is a client – server application that uses content – based filtering algorithm to enable the initial selection of a suitable leisure job seeker to a temporary job at a particular place and vice versa. A prototype of a mobile job recommendation application was developed to evaluate the algorithm. The evaluation matrix used to assess the prototype are precision, recall and the F-measure. The precision value was found to be 0.994, the recall value was 0.975 and the F1- score was 0.984. The experimental results of the proposed algorithm show the effectiveness of the system to recommend suitable candidates for jobs at a specified area. The recommender system was able to achieve its main aim of enabling the initial selection of suitable temporary job seekers to a temporary job at a particular place and vice versa. Thus, the results of the proposed algorithm are satisfactory.
An innovative internet of things solution to control real-life autonomous vehicles
(Vaal University of Technology, 2021-06) Wahl, Roger L.; Joubert, A., Dr.; Jordaan, A., Prof
This research was initiated because of a global increase in congestion on roads and the consequent increase in the rate of fatalities on both national and international roads. Annually, 1.3 million people are killed on the roads globally, and millions are injured. It was estimated that 2.4 million people will be killed in road traffic accidents annually by 2030, and in South Africa, over 14 000 deaths were reported in 2016. A study undertaken by the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS), established in 1947 to conduct research and address growing highway safety issues, found that motorcar accidents, on average, cost the United States $300 billion per annum. In the same vain, the World Health Organisation (WHO) asserted in their 2013 Global Status Safety Report on Road Safety that by 2020, traffic accidents would become the third leading cause of death globally. In this organisation’s 2015 report, South Africa was listed as having one of the highest road fatality rates in the world, averaging 27 out of 100 000 people. Cognisance of these statistics that describe wanton loss of life and serious economic implications, among other reasons, led to the development of autonomous vehicles (AVs), such as Google and Uber’s driverless taxis and Tesla’s autonomous vehicle. Companies have invested in self-driving prototypes, and they bolster this investment with continuous research to rectify imperfections in the technologies and to enable the implementation of AVs on conventional roads. This research aimed to address issues surrounding the systems communication concept, and focused on a novel method of the routing facet of AVs by exploring the mechanisms of the virtual system of packet switching and by applying these same principles to route autonomous vehicles. This implies that automated vehicles depart from a source address and arrive at a pre-determined destination address in a manner analogous to packet switching technology in computer networking, where a data packet is allotted a source and destination address as it traverses the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model for open system interconnection prior to dissemination through the network. This research aimed to develop an IoT model that reduces road congestion by means of a cost effective and reliable method of routing AVs and lessen dependency on vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication with their heavy and costly sensor equipment and GPS, all of which under certain conditions malfunction. At the same time, as safety remains the foremost concern, the concept aimed to reduce the human factor to a considerable degree. The researcher demonstrated this by designing a computer-simulated Internet of Things (IoT) model of the concept. Experimental research in the form of a computer simulation was adopted as the most appropriate research approach. A prototype was developed containing the algorithms that simulated the theoretical model of IoT vehicular technology. The merits of the constructed prototype were analysed and discussed, and the results obtained from the implementation exercise were shared. Analysis was conducted to verify arguments on assumptions to clarify the theory, and the outcome of the research (an IoT model encompassing vehicular wireless technologies) shows how the basic concept of packet switching can be assimilated as an effective mechanism to route large-scale autonomous vehicles within the IoT milieu, culminating in an effective commuter operating system. Controlled routing will invariably save the traveller time, provide independence to those who cannot drive, and decrease the greenhouse effect, whilst the packet switching characteristic offers greater overall security. In addition, the implications of this research will require a workforce to supplement new growth opportunities.
Framework for aligning information systems with business strategy in small medium enterprises in Gauteng, South Africa
(Vaal University of Technology, 2020) Kale, Rethabile Charlotte; Zuva, Tranos, Prof.
The alignment of Information Systems (IS) with business processes in organisations is a dynamic state whereby an organisation uses Information Technology in order to achieve business objectives. The alignment of IT exists when goals, activities and processes of a business are in harmony with the Information Systems which are supporting them. The lack of IT strategic alignment in organisations lead to poor IT Return on Investment (ROI), inefficient operations due to poor performance that impact the organization’s competitive advantage. Studies on Information Systems Alignment have merely focused on the alignment between Business and Information System Strategy. Very few studies have studied this alignment in Small and Medium Enterprises to investigate what impact the alignment has with the business performance. The purpose of this study is to measure the alignment between Information system and the business strategy in Small and Medium Enterprises and to investigate the impact of this alignment on the business performance. A model was used to measure the alignment between Business and Information System Strategy and its impact on the business performance. Data was collected through the use of a questionnaire. A sample of ninety-nine (99) individuals from a variety of SMEs was used. SPSS was used to analyse the data. The results showed the variables of the model were all positively correlated to one another. Therefore, alignment of Information Systems (IS) and Business Strategy was confirmed. The influence of the alignment was found to have a positive influence (0.459) on the overall performance of the business. In conclusion, it is imperative for SMEs to align Information Systems (IS) and Business Strategy in order to increase the overall performance of their businesses.
Mobile crowdsourcing in crop production for farmers in rural areas of the South Kivu (DRC)
(Vaal University of Technology, 2020) Kahasha, Iranga Emmanuella; Zuva, Tranos, Prof.
In most African countries, agriculture remains a key factor in economic development with over half the population living in rural areas and directly or indirectly deriving their livelihoods from agriculture. Agriculture still faces several challenges that prevent it from being able to make its maximum contribution to economic expansion, despite it being the backbone for economic growth. As a major cause for change in all spheres of human lives, information and communications technology (ICT) has played a positive role in different segments of society, such as agriculture, education and community development. However, it could play a greater role in agriculture by assisting farmers who face challenges on a daily basis. Farmers may lack an operative way to gather farm produce data, to obtain information from other interested parties (e.g. agriculture advisers) and to record farm input expenses and expenditure on farm chemicals. These and other challenges experienced by farmers may be solved by gaining ICT access through using available technologies. Farmers need to benefit from earlier unexploited opportunities regarding the provision of cost-effective communication and learn about advanced practices previously unknown to them. In this research study, the researcher studied factors that influence farmers in the adoption of a mobile crowdsourcing portal for agriculture purposes. A model was used to measure the perception of farmers about the technology after having used it for a season. The model consisted of the following variables: quality factors; perceived ease of use; experience; perceived usefulness; attitude toward using; and behavioural intention to use. A test for reliability and validity proved that the model was acceptable. The results of the data analysis indicated that there was a strong relationship between the multiple independent factors and the dependent variable in the model. The researcher concluded that mobile crowdsourcing applications are perceived as enhancing agricultural development in remote areas with regard to data accessibility, the development of crop production, support in the decision-making process and their importance in sustaining agricultural activities.

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