Business Commons^™

E-Service Delivery And People-Centric Development In The Digital Age: A Case Of Rural South Africa, Tapfuma Pashapa, Ulrike Rivett

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

This paper explores the role of ICT proliferation in rural development, specifically in terms of improving public services within the South African rural context. The South African setting provided an opportunity to reflect on a people-centric approach that prioritizes social inclusion and public participation to balance a local government landscape historically skewed against rural areas. Interviews were conducted in rural municipalities to determine the development priorities of households and the impact of ICTs on rural development. The findings highlight that the economics of service delivery tend to favour service providers and those who are socio-economically advantaged. This results in varying …

The Perceptions Of Women In Ict Concerning Hybrid Work At Telecommunication Companies In South Africa, Ntombizethu Lubisi, Samwel Mwapwele

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

This study examines the perceptions of women in ICT regarding the hybrid work model in South Africa's telecommunications sector, a shift accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The research explores both the benefits—such as flexibility, financial savings, and improved work-life balance—and the challenges, including communication difficulties, collaboration issues, and infrastructural problems like power outages. Using a qualitative, interpretive approach, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 11 participants from 8 JSE-listed telecom companies. The key finding is that while the hybrid model is generally viewed favourably for supporting career development, the findings underscore the need for well-structured policies to ensure effective …

How Does Compliance With The Protection Of Personal Information Act (Popi Act) Affect Organisations In South Africa?, Tendani Chimboza, Erin Smith

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

This research examined how Protection of Personal Information Act No 4 of 2013 (POPIA) compliance affects organizations in South Africa. Despite the promulgation of POPIA in 2021, data breaches, abuse of personal information, and increased cyber threats persist in South Africa. As a privacy regulation, POPIA has yet to successfully safeguard personal information because it exists in a complex regulatory environment. Lack of technical measures to combat the abuse of personal information, limited awareness of the implications of POPIA compliance on organisations, and organisations' resource constraints are some factors that exacerbate the complexity of the regulatory environment. Through interviews in …

The Use Of Social Media For Organisational Learning: A Systematic Review Of Literature, Harry Moongela, Marie Hattingh

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Social media (categorised as Web 2.0 platforms) has been reported to significantly impact and improve organisational learning (OL), but there seems to be a lack of systematic literature reviews (SLR) covering the use of social media to facilitate OL. Thus, this article conducted a SLR for both social media and OL by presenting the significant concepts, models and frameworks from literature. A total number of 48 articles were found for the analysis method and the findings reveal important concepts such as types of OL, levels of OL and frameworks incorporating both social media and OL. The results also show that …

Stakeholder Perceptions Of A New Learning Management System Implementation At A South African University, Lazola Taho, Walter Uys

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Learning Management Systems (LMSs) investments are increasing in response to internal and external factors such as technology and market trends, laws, and regulations. Many LMS implementation initiatives fail despite decades of research on IS success. Challenges faced by sub-Saharan Africa Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) LMS implementations are becoming context-specific to each institution. Studying implementation success quantitatively has however not provided adequate contextual insights into the complex dynamics of implementation. Research often investigates lecturers and students at the exclusion of other stakeholders. Using Critical Hermeneutics (CH) as a guiding perspective, semi-structured interviews were conducted with decision-makers, administrators, support staff, students, and …

The Importance Of Online Reviews In Developing Economies: Investigating The Perspective Of Consumers In North Africa, Kim Fröhnel, Asma Souissi, Rüdiger Zarnekow

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Online reviews play a crucial role in consumers’ online decision-making. While the importance of reviews for consumers in developed economies is well understood, little is known about their importance for consumers in developing economies. Due to different cultural dimensions like uncertainty avoidance, power distance, and individualism, consumers’ review reading and writing behavior in developing economies may differ from that in developed economies. Moreover, e-commerce in Africa will potentially grow in the coming years, raising the interest in understanding the key factors that influence consumers’ online decisions. To fill the research gap, we investigate online reviews’ importance for consumers in North …

Exploring Government Initiatives To Build Digital Skills In Namibia, Meriam Kakuwaezi, Gwamaka Mwalemba

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The Fourth Industrial Revolution has transformed the skills required for success in the modern workplace, driving governments to increasingly rely on digital technologies for economic growth, social development, and cultural enrichment. However, developing economies face significant challenges due to skill shortages. This paper examines the Namibian government's initiatives to develop digital skills, focusing on key areas such as broadband expansion, broadcasting, and content creation, particularly in filmmaking. Through an analysis of government policies, plans, and speeches, the study traces the evolution of Namibia's efforts from general skills development to a more specialized ICT focus. The findings contribute to the academic …

Information Security Risk On Ownership Of Third-Party Software By African Businesses, Kennedy Njenga, Steven Kadima

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

This study raises an important concern regarding African businesses that procure and own third-party security software. These businesses may be led to believe that they are safe from security threats while shifting the security concerns and responsibility to third-party service providers. The study used grounded theory (GT) to present rich insights and lived experiences from African business practitioners, highlighting that this may not be the case, and African businesses may be vulnerable. This gap is addressed and discussed. The study qualitatively examined the lived experiences of selected practitioners and, from the analysis, a theory that explains how risks can be …

Perceived Organizational Support On Blended Learning, And Job Performance Of Women Academics Post Covid Pandemic., Hazel Mubango, Hlanganipai Ngirande, Khathutshelo Khashane K, Sam Jnr Takavarasha

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The pandemic's impact on education in Africa, particularly Southern Africa, has been quite severe. This has led to a strong desire to create new educational solutions in response to the crisis. As a result, universities embraced blended learning, leading to a decrease in face-to-face teaching and learning but guaranteeing continuity in learning. Organizational support for women academics is imperative for the effective implementation of blended learning. Due to traditional gender norms, working women continue to bear the primary responsibility of childcare, often facing significantly greater demands on their time and energy than their male counterparts. The purpose of this study …

A Framework For Enterprise Resource Planning Systems In Non-Governmental Organisations In Zimbabwe, Florence Fungisai Sikweche, Theo Tsokota, Colletor Tendeukai Chipfumbu, Lucy Charity Sakala

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The fastest and most effective way for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to manage resources efficiently is to transform through introducing information systems (IS). However, it has been argued by several authors that Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems do not usually fit the requirements of organizations in developing countries because of the different business practices, and legal and government regulations. Hence, this study sought to establish a framework for ERP integration in NGOs in Zimbabwe. Interviews and observations were used for data collection. A sample of 15 employees was chosen, using purposeful sampling, from 13 NGOs located in Harare. Results showed that …

Duramazwi Digital System (Modules Integration), Laiza Mumiriki, Surprise Prosper Chikotsi, Tafadzwa Muchaiwa

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

This research paper explores the development of the Duramazwi Digital System, a comprehensive platform that integrates digital tools and technologies to enhance the experience of linguists and language learners. By combining the use of a dashboard, API, mobile app, and chatbot to provide users with seamless and interactive language learning experience. The study adopted the Activity Theory as its guiding theory for theoretical insights on natural language processing systems, language and learning. The methodology employed in this research follows the Design Science Research approach. The study utilizes various data collection techniques. The paper presents the system design and implementation details, …

Beats Week: Equitably Engaging Emerging Entrepreneurs, Alexandra Howard

Midwest Business Librarian Summit (MBLS)

No abstract provided.

Embedding To Improve: Information Literacy Prep, Instruction & Assessment For An Entry-Level Business Course, Rebecca E. Paulraj

Midwest Business Librarian Summit (MBLS)

Lighting talk

Knock And The Door Shall Be Opened Unto You, Using Strength And Conditioning As A Tool To Open Doors For Ministry, Tim Dornemann

CSKLS Annual Conference

This professional presentation will discuss how the power of meeting a need can open doors for ministry. Christian Sports Performance Ministry utilizes strength and conditioning to encourage, equip, and enable athletes, coaches, and educators to create relationships through which the Gospel can be shared. In areas of the world where current conditioning methods are not commonplace, education on how to enhance physical performance can be very attractive.

In conjunction with Athletes in Action Philippines, Christian Sports Performance has successfully been using strength and conditioning to open doors for ministry since 2011. Initially, a skill-based training system was developed and used …

Ncaa Division Iii Student-Athletes’ Perceptions Of Faith Informed Coaching, Sean M. Strehlow, Nadia Huggard, Ethan Kiggins, Caleb Narber

CSKLS Annual Conference

Over the past several decades, increased scholarly attention has been placed on the role of faith in coaching pedagogy within Christian contexts. However, research on faith and coaching has yet to include student-athletes’ perceptions of their own coach’s ability to integrate their faith. Without the student-athlete perspective on faith and coaching, questions remain about the efficacy of faith informed coaching practices and whether those practices are experienced as intended by athletes. This presentation offers some preliminary findings from a case study conducted on one athletic program at a small, Christian liberal arts institution. These findings include qualitative data from coaches …

Mukha Bhastrika On Reaction Time In Male High School Athletes: A Pilot Study, Malachi D. Ruiz, Matthew D. Ruiz

CSKLS Annual Conference

This pilot study investigates the potential impact of yoga (Mukha Bhastrika) practice on reaction time in male high school athletes. While existing literature emphasizes the importance of reaction time in contact sports and the potential of calming exercises like yoga to reduce it, there remains a gap in the literature focusing on male high school athletes in contact sports. This pilot study utilized a randomized controlled trial with ten male high school athletes. The participants were divided into two groups: one practicing Mukha Bhastrika and the other serving as a control group which simply rested between reaction time tests. Reaction …

Immersive Training: Elevating Athlete Performance And Cognitive Focus With Vr And Eeg Integration, Calvin Lopez, Jordan Schools

CSKLS Annual Conference

The pursuit of optimal athletic performance and mental focus has long been a central focus in sports science research. In recent years, the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing athlete development. This abstract presents findings from a case study investigating the efficacy of using Meta Quest 2 VR headsets coupled with EEG headbands to track and improve focus and mental preparedness levels in athletes. The study employed a case study methodology, focusing on the use of VR technology to enhance athlete performance and mental focus. Specifically, the research aimed to assess the …

Cultivating Gratitude In Christian Sport Professionals, Julie Powell

CSKLS Annual Conference

Using the framework of the eight dimensions of wellness and the five habits of a flourishing life, this presentation will focus on how to cultivate the virtue of gratitude and thanksgiving in order to combat the undesirable vice of entitlement. This presentation will outline what gratitude is, how we express it, and how to embody it as a part of our character. Cultivating a grateful disposition can be the result of practicing spiritual disciplines and the session will brainstorm ideas of how this might look in our current profession and in our personal lives.

Tough Conversations In The Classroom, Dale Connally, David Waddell

CSKLS Annual Conference

There are quite a few topics of discussion that can be difficult within the curricula for Recreation and Leisure, Health Professions, Sport and other disciplines within CSKLS. These might include environmental stewardship, immigration, political funding for programs, LGTBQ matters, racial discrimination, and DEI. We will explore some approaches gleaned from secular pedagogy sources. We will present useful techniques for planning discussions, facilitating, and following up after discussion. We will discuss differences between teaching at a public institution and a faith-based institution. The presenters will give a couple of examples from their classes for discussion. Attendees will be encouraged to engage …

Circular Economy Thinking, Huia Adkins

Turning The Dial conference

Join us for an engaging session led by Huia Adkins, where we'll explore the principles and practices of circular economy thinking. Huia will provide insights into the importance of shifting from a linear to a circular model of production and consumption, highlighting the benefits for businesses, society, and the environment.

"Been Doin' This 20 Years" - Insights Of A Long-Term Food Recycler, Eric Berrill

Turning The Dial conference

Who we are; how our farming roots with Nindi Feedlots led to current food recycling operations at Nork Solutions, and our very near future of exporting our innovations via NúaTech. Our plans to accelerate our rate of innovation and iterative development via a virtous cycle of R&D in NúaTech, and improvement insights via real-world deployment in Nork Solutions.

A quick look at economic and ethical case for a non-zero level of overproduction of food staples. The benefit for regulation to differentiate between overproduction wasted to landfill, and overproduction reintegrated back into any level of the food supply chain.

The function …

Driving Sustainability With Circular Packaging, Hamoun Aria

Turning The Dial conference

Disrupting Tradition, Empowering Sustainability

Get ready to explore the cutting edge of packaging innovation with Hamoun Aria from C4C Packaging in this dynamic session. Hamoun will guide us through the latest advancements in sustainable packaging solutions, showcasing C4C Packaging's innovative approaches to reducing environmental impact while maintaining product integrity.

Join Hamoun's speech, discover how C4C's innovative approach is redefining packaging, creating a more sustainable future for the beverage industry, and providing Australian businesses with a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

Innovation - Packaging, Eduard Alcordo

Turning The Dial conference

Join us for an exciting session with Eduard Alcordo from FP Paradigm, where we'll explore groundbreaking advancements in food and beverage packaging technology. Eduard will provide insights into FP Paradigm's transformational mission and vision, highlighting their commitment to developing breakthrough technology aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics.

Breakout - Sustainable Packaging: The Balance Between 2025 & 2030 Targets, Nerida Kelton, David Kilpatrick, Michael Dosser, Bonnie Marshall

Turning The Dial conference

This session will bring together four experts that come from fibre and renewables, active & intelligent packaging, Single Use Packaging regulations, Save Food Packaging Design and Sustainable Packaging Design. Together they will discuss how to navigate the food waste and packaging waste paradox and how to design the optimum packaging with the lowest environmental impacts without unintended consequences.

Speakers

• Nerida Kelton, AIP
• David Kilpatrick, Zipform
• Michael Dossor, Result Group, Managing Director
• Bonnie Marshall, National Retail Association, Communications Manager, Policy team

Breakout - Food Waste: What More Could We Do?, Janet Howieson Dr, Lynne Loo, Shy Vishnumohan Dr

Turning The Dial conference

Dive deep into the critical issue of food waste and explore practical solutions to maximise value-adding opportunities within the food and beverage manufacturing sector. Speakers

• Sam Oakden, End Food Waste Aus
• Phil May, DPIRD
• Fran Ferreira, Foodbank WA, Chief Operating Officer
• Janet Howieson, Curtin University
• Hayley Borissow, Sodexo, Sustainability & Decarbonisation Manager

Breakout - Practicalities Of Esg – How To Prepare, Plan And Respond To The Green Economy, Karen Erasmus, Elizabeth Ploetz

Turning The Dial conference

This workshop is designed to help businesses respond to growing demands to disclose not only emissions data, but broader ESG information.

While there is a major focus on carbon emissions and disclosure, there is increased pressure to disclose supply chain impacts on topics such as waste, water management, packaging, sourcing/procurement, employment practices, and customer/employee health and safety.

This 90-minute workshop will focus on four key areas:

• An overview of the ESG landscape and how it is reshaping trade lines and competition.
• The ESG essentials including stakeholder expectations, reporting landscape, data, strategy and communication.
• Case study discussion on energy transition, climate-related …

Breakout - Esg: Co-Designing Sustainability Solutions For The Wa F&B Manufacturing Sector, Min Teah

Turning The Dial conference

This workshop is tailored for participants interested in exploring global best practice sustainability in food and beverage manufacturing, and connecting with likeminded stakeholders to co-design their own solutions for greener value chains.

Professor Min Teah will present leading examples from around the world and offer opportunity to hear perspectives from local businesses on their different approaches to tackling common challenges, improving sustainability outcomes, and moving from sustainability as a niche concept and additional expense to a requirement for market access and basis for improved business and commercial outcomes.

Participants will be able ask questions; identify, brainstorm and problem-solve shared challenges; …

Wa Best Practice In Packaging, Jacqui Kay

Turning The Dial conference

Join us for an insightful session led by Jacqui Kay, Agricultural Produce Commission Communications Officer, as we explore best practices in packaging within Western Australia.

Jacqui has been working in FMCG for 20 years and has seen the evolution of consumer packaging over the years.

Now is the time for brands to work with strategic partners to find more sustainable packaging solutions. Jacqui will talk through an award winning case study from WA that demonstrates what is being achieved.

Innovations In Packaging, Vikas Ahuja

Turning The Dial conference

What will the most sustainable food & beverage packages of the future be? Discover some trends towards the the future of packaging with Vikas. What are the roadblocks and how do we get to high recycling rates in Australia?

Sustainable Packaging - A Global Perspective, Nerida Kelton, David Kilpatrick, Michael Dossor, Bonnie Marshall

Turning The Dial conference

Nerida will provide a global view on what sustainable packaging really looks like for WPO Members. There are many pieces to the jigsaw puzzle when discussing Sustainable Packaging and there is no silver bullet as every product needs a fit-for-purpose, functional solution.