European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS) 2021 Research Papers, 2021
Economic growth in Africa has highlighted the need for organizations to have well-defined busines... more Economic growth in Africa has highlighted the need for organizations to have well-defined business processes. This has given rise to the need for the business process analyst (BPA) role. BPAs are essential to driving business process initiatives and enterprise systems implementations. Kenya aims to be a global hub for business process outsourcing which will be significantly enhanced by a workforce skilled in business process. Given this need, this qualitative study describes the role of process initiatives and the BPA in organizations in Kenya. This study then describes how BPA competencies are being built. We established that inter-group collaboration, on-the-job/experiential learning and vendor certifications were impactful interventions for competency building in BPAs. A practical contribution of this study is a better explanation of BPA competency building and how it can be improved within the Kenyan context.
Shortage of computing skills is a global concern as it affects national development and business ... more Shortage of computing skills is a global concern as it affects national development and business success. Yet, despite high job availability and high salaries in computing professions, insufficient numbers of students are choosing to study the various computing disciplines. This South African study looks at the Information Systems (IS) major which is misunderstood by high school students. This retroductive case study identifies the events which lead students to change their major to IS. The study confirms the importance of interest in a major as well as the perceived high value of a major, which feature as dominant factors in the literature. Yet these are not the initial events that lead to students changing their major to IS. Events that initiate the process include losing passion for a previous major, experiencing difficulty in a previous major as well as enjoying the introductory IS course. The paper has practical advice for IS Departments and argues for a generic first year for students as well as a focus on enjoyment and skills aligned to IS professional practice in introductory IS courses. These findings can be generalised to other majors and, hence, the theoretical contribution adds to the literature on career choice in general.
The importance of Business Intelligence (BI) within organisations is increasing with insights bei... more The importance of Business Intelligence (BI) within organisations is increasing with insights being used across organisations for tasks ranging from daily management decision support to executive strategic planning. With the increasingly important role the internet plays in consumers' lives, an abundance of valuable data is to be found online. This data can be used to enhance the ability of BI to deliver important information to all levels within the organisation. Yet including web data in traditional BI practice has not yet delivered value seamlessly. Hence the primary question asked in this paper is: What are the organisational barriers which prevent the inclusion of unstructured web data in BI practice? By means of a single case study within an Insurance company in the Western Cape, and by using a hybrid inductive and deductive research approach, this research identifies the key barriers in this organisation to the adoption of this advanced BI innovation. The major factors were found to be the lack of management support, poor understanding of the potential benefits of using web data, the reliability and privacy concerns related to this data, and no innovation champion driving the adoption. The resultant causal model of barriers can be used by organisations wanting to adopt this BI innovation to suggest possible actions which can be undertaken to eliminate some of the barriers.
Small, micro and medium sized enterprises (SMMEs) are the breeding ground for entrepreneurs, the ... more Small, micro and medium sized enterprises (SMMEs) are the breeding ground for entrepreneurs, the future of emerging economies and the driving force in the global economy. A successful SMME sector holds numerous benefits for an emerging economy such as South Africa. Due to the large growth in SMMEs globally, enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendors are developing products to cater for the ERP SMME sector. ERP systems provide SMMEs with a strategic tool which potentially improves their business processes, increases competitiveness and provides them with the opportunity to compete globally and sell their products internationally. While ERP systems provide an organisation with various benefits, the successful implementation of ERP systems is a challenge. The way ERP systems are perceived, treated and integrated within a business plays a critical role in the successful adoption of the system. Yet a new ERP system is seen as a burden to first time users, and research has proven that social factors determine the successful usage of an ERP system. A limited amount of research has been done to compare the implementation practices of developed economies with those of emerging economies. While much research has been published to facilitate ERP implementation in large organisations, research in SMMEs still lags behind. SMMEs differ from large organisations in that they often lack the large amount of resources and skills required for an ERP implementation. To fill this gap, this research reviews the literature on factors potentially affecting user adoption during ERP implementations in SMMEs.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems allow enterprises to integrate various processes acros... more Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems allow enterprises to integrate various processes across different functionalareasinanattempttoincreaseproductivity,efficiencyandtosustaintheircompetitiveedge.However,despite the various positive outcomes of adopting ERP systems, the implementation process poses a number of challenges for organizations.ThisresearchreportsonthecaseofafailedERPimplementationinalargeSouthAfricanorganizationand looks into the details that led to the failure. Consequently, through the lessons learnt, this paper also reports on the different dimensions of Knowledge Management (KM) required during the ERP implementation using Chan's (1999) framework. Through use of semistructured interviews and qualitative data analysis, this study validated Chan's (1999) modelinalargeemergingeconomy.Someofthechallengestheorganizationfacedincludelackoftechnical,processand projectknowledge.Otherconcernsincludepoorunderstandingoftheneedforchange,lackofmanagementsupportand poor change management and training initiatives. Managing ERP systems knowledge has been identified as a critical success factor. However, a review of the existing literature reveals a lack of comprehensive research on the role of KM during ERP implementation. While ERP implementation within large organizations has been well researched, there have been relatively fewer studies focusing on the role of KM in emerging economies. The study seeks to close some of the identifiedgapsinthisarea,hencecontributingtotheexistingbodyofknowledge.Throughapracticallens,thisresearch shouldbeofimmediatebenefittolargeorganizationsintheSouthAfricaneconomy.
This study focused on the phenomenon of Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) framewor... more This study focused on the phenomenon of Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) framework adoption and the instance of the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework as the central issue. The ITIL framework is the most adopted ITSM framework amidst challenging implementations. The major challenge cited in previous studies is culture shift during the implementation of the ITIL framework. Thus the objective of the paper was to review the literature to provide evidence of organizational cultural contradictions between organizations and the ITIL framework. The study used the competing values framework (CVF) as theoretical lens to investigate the organisational culture contradictions evident in literature. The findings provided preliminary evidence that there are cultural assumptions embedded in the ITIL framework. The findings has also shown that the ITIL framework has attributes of the hierarchical, rational, consensual and developmental culture types. The question that arise from these findings is how the framework successfully supports all the four competing cultures successfully. The study offered an alternative perspective to explain some of the contradictions and tensions encountered during the implementation of the ITIL framework.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is an old phenomenon. However, there is no consensus on th... more Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is an old phenomenon. However, there is no consensus on the definition of the term. The absence of a universal definition cause organisations to struggle to decide on what constitute CRM. While we acknowledge the diversity in the term CRM, we diverge from the view that it is exclusively relevant for driving sales and retaining profitable customers in for profit organisations. In this study we diverge from that view and present a CRM narrative within the context of a not for profit public institution. Using a practitioner-based inquiry, we explored the various CRM initiatives which a Higher Education (HE) institution implemented to achieve effective Information Technology (IT) service delivery. We describe these different CRM initiatives and their implications to effective IT service delivery. Our findings contradict the norm that CRM is for profitability purposes. The study revealed that CRM is a significant part of effective IT service delivery in not for profit public institutions and in situations where clients are internal. In addition to that, our study present alternative CRM initiatives with potential positive outcomes which other not for profit public institutions can implement to resolve CRM difficulties and to improve IT service delivery.
A growing trend in developing countries is the implementation of ERP systems by SMEs. Yet, these ... more A growing trend in developing countries is the implementation of ERP systems by SMEs. Yet, these implementations
have high failure rates. This study investigated how ERP project investments are approached and justified by Small to
Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe and South Africa. In particular, the research explored the business
case development practice and the cost elements considerations. The qualitative study used data collected through semistructured
interviews and subsequently analysed by using elements of the grounded theory method. The multiple case
study approach allowed current practices around ERP system business case development to emerge. The findings show
that although SMEs know what they want to achieve when they implement ERP systems, ERP investments are not
justified through business cases. Rather, ERP projects are driven by a few targeted benefits known to SMEs’ managers
resulting in many unforeseen risks and costs. The study proposes guidelines on how SMEs adopting ERP systems can
develop realistic business cases. The study also suggests a resultant cost estimation model, which can be used by ERP
vendors and consultants when they draw up their budgets
Proceedings of the 2009 Annual Conference of the Southern African Computer Lecturers' Association on - SACLA '09, 2009
While, online conferencing has grown in popularity, many conference attendees still prefer face-t... more While, online conferencing has grown in popularity, many conference attendees still prefer face-to-face conferences because the social networking opportunities are seen as superior. Hence enabling social interactions in online conferences is seen as important. This paper provides a case study of how social interactions are promoted in an online cross-disciplinary research conference. The online conference website provided archival artefacts posted
Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing, 2013
Abstract This work in progress paper presents a preliminary analysis on the challenges of knowled... more Abstract This work in progress paper presents a preliminary analysis on the challenges of knowledge management (KM) experienced in the ERP implementation phase. This paper is an integral section of an ongoing research focusing on the role of KM during the ERP implementation lifecycle in both large and medium organizations in South Africa. One of the key research objectives is to investigate the core challenges of KM in large and medium organizations in South Africa. A review of the existing literature reveals a lack of ...
Abstract: The implementation of Enterprise Information Systems generally has disruptive implicati... more Abstract: The implementation of Enterprise Information Systems generally has disruptive implications for the workforce directly affected by them. Normal change management procedures typically address such issues through user training programmes, based on the perhaps unfounded assumption that users just need to understand the new facilities offered to be able to adapt to new ways of working. It is assumed that any emotional distress and unhappiness would disappear as soon as the users realize the benefits of the new system ...
Information Technology (IT) skills are in high demand in South Africa but currently, there appear... more Information Technology (IT) skills are in high demand in South Africa but currently, there appears to be a poor supply of these relevant skills as positions are not easily filled. The purpose of this study was to determine the range and level of skills required for software development work in the Western Cape and to ascertain the challenges faced by companies while trying to fill these positions. The research objectives are to (1) determine the range and level of software development skills needed in the Western Cape to meet industry demands, (2) determine the availability of relevant software development skills in the Western Cape as per industry demand, and (3) identify the challenges faced by industry while recruiting software developers in the Western Cape. Findings of the study is intended to inform the development of a University of Cape Town (UCT) approved qualification, for commencement by 2015, based on the gaps identified in the market
Proceedings of the 44th Conference of the Southern African Computer Lecturers’ Association, 2015
The growing shortage of skills in information communication technology (ICT) is a major concern i... more The growing shortage of skills in information communication technology (ICT) is a major concern in Southern Africa and globally. ICT is critical to national development and business success and therefore the need for skills is growing. Yet despite high job availability and high starting salaries in ICT, students are not choosing to study in ICT fields. In this study we look at the Information Systems (IS) major where prior studies have found that misperceptions of the major exist in schools. Yet at university these misperceptions can be addressed. In this inductive and retroductive case study we identify the factors that students consider when changing their major to IS. The perceived value of IS is found to play a major role in students choosing the IS major. Events that trigger the process of changing major to IS include a loss of passion for previous major or difficulty in previous major as well as enjoyment of the introductory IS course. The paper argues for a generic first year for students as well as a focus on enjoyment and skills aligned to IS professional practice in introductory IS courses.
European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS) 2021 Research Papers, 2021
Economic growth in Africa has highlighted the need for organizations to have well-defined busines... more Economic growth in Africa has highlighted the need for organizations to have well-defined business processes. This has given rise to the need for the business process analyst (BPA) role. BPAs are essential to driving business process initiatives and enterprise systems implementations. Kenya aims to be a global hub for business process outsourcing which will be significantly enhanced by a workforce skilled in business process. Given this need, this qualitative study describes the role of process initiatives and the BPA in organizations in Kenya. This study then describes how BPA competencies are being built. We established that inter-group collaboration, on-the-job/experiential learning and vendor certifications were impactful interventions for competency building in BPAs. A practical contribution of this study is a better explanation of BPA competency building and how it can be improved within the Kenyan context.
Shortage of computing skills is a global concern as it affects national development and business ... more Shortage of computing skills is a global concern as it affects national development and business success. Yet, despite high job availability and high salaries in computing professions, insufficient numbers of students are choosing to study the various computing disciplines. This South African study looks at the Information Systems (IS) major which is misunderstood by high school students. This retroductive case study identifies the events which lead students to change their major to IS. The study confirms the importance of interest in a major as well as the perceived high value of a major, which feature as dominant factors in the literature. Yet these are not the initial events that lead to students changing their major to IS. Events that initiate the process include losing passion for a previous major, experiencing difficulty in a previous major as well as enjoying the introductory IS course. The paper has practical advice for IS Departments and argues for a generic first year for students as well as a focus on enjoyment and skills aligned to IS professional practice in introductory IS courses. These findings can be generalised to other majors and, hence, the theoretical contribution adds to the literature on career choice in general.
The importance of Business Intelligence (BI) within organisations is increasing with insights bei... more The importance of Business Intelligence (BI) within organisations is increasing with insights being used across organisations for tasks ranging from daily management decision support to executive strategic planning. With the increasingly important role the internet plays in consumers' lives, an abundance of valuable data is to be found online. This data can be used to enhance the ability of BI to deliver important information to all levels within the organisation. Yet including web data in traditional BI practice has not yet delivered value seamlessly. Hence the primary question asked in this paper is: What are the organisational barriers which prevent the inclusion of unstructured web data in BI practice? By means of a single case study within an Insurance company in the Western Cape, and by using a hybrid inductive and deductive research approach, this research identifies the key barriers in this organisation to the adoption of this advanced BI innovation. The major factors were found to be the lack of management support, poor understanding of the potential benefits of using web data, the reliability and privacy concerns related to this data, and no innovation champion driving the adoption. The resultant causal model of barriers can be used by organisations wanting to adopt this BI innovation to suggest possible actions which can be undertaken to eliminate some of the barriers.
Small, micro and medium sized enterprises (SMMEs) are the breeding ground for entrepreneurs, the ... more Small, micro and medium sized enterprises (SMMEs) are the breeding ground for entrepreneurs, the future of emerging economies and the driving force in the global economy. A successful SMME sector holds numerous benefits for an emerging economy such as South Africa. Due to the large growth in SMMEs globally, enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendors are developing products to cater for the ERP SMME sector. ERP systems provide SMMEs with a strategic tool which potentially improves their business processes, increases competitiveness and provides them with the opportunity to compete globally and sell their products internationally. While ERP systems provide an organisation with various benefits, the successful implementation of ERP systems is a challenge. The way ERP systems are perceived, treated and integrated within a business plays a critical role in the successful adoption of the system. Yet a new ERP system is seen as a burden to first time users, and research has proven that social factors determine the successful usage of an ERP system. A limited amount of research has been done to compare the implementation practices of developed economies with those of emerging economies. While much research has been published to facilitate ERP implementation in large organisations, research in SMMEs still lags behind. SMMEs differ from large organisations in that they often lack the large amount of resources and skills required for an ERP implementation. To fill this gap, this research reviews the literature on factors potentially affecting user adoption during ERP implementations in SMMEs.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems allow enterprises to integrate various processes acros... more Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems allow enterprises to integrate various processes across different functionalareasinanattempttoincreaseproductivity,efficiencyandtosustaintheircompetitiveedge.However,despite the various positive outcomes of adopting ERP systems, the implementation process poses a number of challenges for organizations.ThisresearchreportsonthecaseofafailedERPimplementationinalargeSouthAfricanorganizationand looks into the details that led to the failure. Consequently, through the lessons learnt, this paper also reports on the different dimensions of Knowledge Management (KM) required during the ERP implementation using Chan's (1999) framework. Through use of semistructured interviews and qualitative data analysis, this study validated Chan's (1999) modelinalargeemergingeconomy.Someofthechallengestheorganizationfacedincludelackoftechnical,processand projectknowledge.Otherconcernsincludepoorunderstandingoftheneedforchange,lackofmanagementsupportand poor change management and training initiatives. Managing ERP systems knowledge has been identified as a critical success factor. However, a review of the existing literature reveals a lack of comprehensive research on the role of KM during ERP implementation. While ERP implementation within large organizations has been well researched, there have been relatively fewer studies focusing on the role of KM in emerging economies. The study seeks to close some of the identifiedgapsinthisarea,hencecontributingtotheexistingbodyofknowledge.Throughapracticallens,thisresearch shouldbeofimmediatebenefittolargeorganizationsintheSouthAfricaneconomy.
This study focused on the phenomenon of Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) framewor... more This study focused on the phenomenon of Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) framework adoption and the instance of the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework as the central issue. The ITIL framework is the most adopted ITSM framework amidst challenging implementations. The major challenge cited in previous studies is culture shift during the implementation of the ITIL framework. Thus the objective of the paper was to review the literature to provide evidence of organizational cultural contradictions between organizations and the ITIL framework. The study used the competing values framework (CVF) as theoretical lens to investigate the organisational culture contradictions evident in literature. The findings provided preliminary evidence that there are cultural assumptions embedded in the ITIL framework. The findings has also shown that the ITIL framework has attributes of the hierarchical, rational, consensual and developmental culture types. The question that arise from these findings is how the framework successfully supports all the four competing cultures successfully. The study offered an alternative perspective to explain some of the contradictions and tensions encountered during the implementation of the ITIL framework.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is an old phenomenon. However, there is no consensus on th... more Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is an old phenomenon. However, there is no consensus on the definition of the term. The absence of a universal definition cause organisations to struggle to decide on what constitute CRM. While we acknowledge the diversity in the term CRM, we diverge from the view that it is exclusively relevant for driving sales and retaining profitable customers in for profit organisations. In this study we diverge from that view and present a CRM narrative within the context of a not for profit public institution. Using a practitioner-based inquiry, we explored the various CRM initiatives which a Higher Education (HE) institution implemented to achieve effective Information Technology (IT) service delivery. We describe these different CRM initiatives and their implications to effective IT service delivery. Our findings contradict the norm that CRM is for profitability purposes. The study revealed that CRM is a significant part of effective IT service delivery in not for profit public institutions and in situations where clients are internal. In addition to that, our study present alternative CRM initiatives with potential positive outcomes which other not for profit public institutions can implement to resolve CRM difficulties and to improve IT service delivery.
A growing trend in developing countries is the implementation of ERP systems by SMEs. Yet, these ... more A growing trend in developing countries is the implementation of ERP systems by SMEs. Yet, these implementations
have high failure rates. This study investigated how ERP project investments are approached and justified by Small to
Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe and South Africa. In particular, the research explored the business
case development practice and the cost elements considerations. The qualitative study used data collected through semistructured
interviews and subsequently analysed by using elements of the grounded theory method. The multiple case
study approach allowed current practices around ERP system business case development to emerge. The findings show
that although SMEs know what they want to achieve when they implement ERP systems, ERP investments are not
justified through business cases. Rather, ERP projects are driven by a few targeted benefits known to SMEs’ managers
resulting in many unforeseen risks and costs. The study proposes guidelines on how SMEs adopting ERP systems can
develop realistic business cases. The study also suggests a resultant cost estimation model, which can be used by ERP
vendors and consultants when they draw up their budgets
Proceedings of the 2009 Annual Conference of the Southern African Computer Lecturers' Association on - SACLA '09, 2009
While, online conferencing has grown in popularity, many conference attendees still prefer face-t... more While, online conferencing has grown in popularity, many conference attendees still prefer face-to-face conferences because the social networking opportunities are seen as superior. Hence enabling social interactions in online conferences is seen as important. This paper provides a case study of how social interactions are promoted in an online cross-disciplinary research conference. The online conference website provided archival artefacts posted
Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing, 2013
Abstract This work in progress paper presents a preliminary analysis on the challenges of knowled... more Abstract This work in progress paper presents a preliminary analysis on the challenges of knowledge management (KM) experienced in the ERP implementation phase. This paper is an integral section of an ongoing research focusing on the role of KM during the ERP implementation lifecycle in both large and medium organizations in South Africa. One of the key research objectives is to investigate the core challenges of KM in large and medium organizations in South Africa. A review of the existing literature reveals a lack of ...
Abstract: The implementation of Enterprise Information Systems generally has disruptive implicati... more Abstract: The implementation of Enterprise Information Systems generally has disruptive implications for the workforce directly affected by them. Normal change management procedures typically address such issues through user training programmes, based on the perhaps unfounded assumption that users just need to understand the new facilities offered to be able to adapt to new ways of working. It is assumed that any emotional distress and unhappiness would disappear as soon as the users realize the benefits of the new system ...
Information Technology (IT) skills are in high demand in South Africa but currently, there appear... more Information Technology (IT) skills are in high demand in South Africa but currently, there appears to be a poor supply of these relevant skills as positions are not easily filled. The purpose of this study was to determine the range and level of skills required for software development work in the Western Cape and to ascertain the challenges faced by companies while trying to fill these positions. The research objectives are to (1) determine the range and level of software development skills needed in the Western Cape to meet industry demands, (2) determine the availability of relevant software development skills in the Western Cape as per industry demand, and (3) identify the challenges faced by industry while recruiting software developers in the Western Cape. Findings of the study is intended to inform the development of a University of Cape Town (UCT) approved qualification, for commencement by 2015, based on the gaps identified in the market
Proceedings of the 44th Conference of the Southern African Computer Lecturers’ Association, 2015
The growing shortage of skills in information communication technology (ICT) is a major concern i... more The growing shortage of skills in information communication technology (ICT) is a major concern in Southern Africa and globally. ICT is critical to national development and business success and therefore the need for skills is growing. Yet despite high job availability and high starting salaries in ICT, students are not choosing to study in ICT fields. In this study we look at the Information Systems (IS) major where prior studies have found that misperceptions of the major exist in schools. Yet at university these misperceptions can be addressed. In this inductive and retroductive case study we identify the factors that students consider when changing their major to IS. The perceived value of IS is found to play a major role in students choosing the IS major. Events that trigger the process of changing major to IS include a loss of passion for previous major or difficulty in previous major as well as enjoyment of the introductory IS course. The paper argues for a generic first year for students as well as a focus on enjoyment and skills aligned to IS professional practice in introductory IS courses.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems are enterprise wide systems designed and developed wit... more Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems are enterprise wide systems designed and developed with the aim of integration and optimization of organizational business processes. As these ERP systems evolve, ERP vendors and Higher Education institutions (HEIs) continue to investigate how appropriate curriculum are developed to support these new solutions. Students in Higher Education Institutions who intend to become future ERP implementers need to have appropriate competencies. In the context of developing countries, and Kenya specifically, ERP education is a very new area with a high level of potential. This paper focuses on this unique potential and the growing need to analyze the current state of ERP education and current demands for ERP based competencies. This in-depth literature analysis can provide a good basis for future work in the area of ERP education and competency building and support the proposed development of a framework that can help ERP education experts understand and explain this dynamic environment.
The demand for enterprise systems skills is increasing persistent enterprise systems skill shorta... more The demand for enterprise systems skills is increasing persistent enterprise systems skill shortages. One explanation for the skills shortages is the gap between enterprise systems curricula in higher education institutions and the competencies expected from graduates by industry. A contemporary South African study identified interpersonal and business process competencies as key skills required by enterprise systems practitioners. Further studies identified and ranked business process practitioner competencies from the perspective of business. The current research extends these studies by examining the competency requirements identified by novice enterprise systems practitioners undertaking in-situ business process improvement assignments. Informing the study was the principle that competency acquisition is a combination of theory and practice intertwined through reflection. The findings show the importance of both business process competency and interpersonal competencies and confirm that these are global issues. The study contributes to the existing enterprise systems education body of knowledge in highlighting limitations in the transfer of technical competencies and identifying five specific technical competencies.
Business Intelligence (BI) has been rated as a key application and technology investment which pr... more Business Intelligence (BI) has been rated as a key application and technology investment which provides organisations with great value by improving their decision making processes. The public sector provides a case for implementing BI for improved decision making processes as a way of enhancing its service delivery. However, the implementation of BI in these organisations have revealed to be quite a complex task to undertake. This research paper sets out to explore the implementation of BI in the public sector in South Africa. The research was conducted through two case studies and data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews and document collection with organisations that are implementing BI. A qualitative thematic analysis method was then used to construct the major themes that emerged from the data. The study revealed that BI can be used as an enabler of change and improvement in public sector activities. Consolidating structures, systems and processes was identified as a precursor to implementing it, while the use of the BI initiative to support organisational strategic objectives was seen as ensuring executive buy-in. However, the level of skills needed to use BI tools was highlighted as key factor in hindering its use in these organisations. ICT has furthermore more been identified as being an important factor for the promotion of development and equitable access to public services.
ERP is considered a scarce graduate competence and yet a requirement in industry due to ERP perva... more ERP is considered a scarce graduate competence and yet a requirement in industry due to ERP pervasiveness. The dominance of ERP systems in the market has intensified the demand for ERP skills by industries. Many universities globally and in Africa have recognised this demand and are trying to incorporate ERP systems into their curriculum. However most universities in Africa have struggled to integrate and teach technology due to challenges such as poor technology infrastructure. This paper therefore reviews literature to identifying potential challenges that are faced by educators while teaching ERP in African universities.
The increase in adoption of business process management (BPM) and service-oriented architecture (... more The increase in adoption of business process management (BPM) and service-oriented architecture (SOA) has created a high demand for qualified professionals with a diversity of skills. According to Gartner by 2014 there will be a growing emphasis on process-related skills and competencies. However, despite the growing amount of literature available on BPM, little research has been conducted around developing BPM professionals. The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the challenges in developing the business process analyst role. The new business process analyst role that has emerged from the business analyst role is seen as indispensable to the success of BPM and SOA projects. This qualitative research comprised the initial diagnosing phase of an action research cycle. Firstly in diagnosing the situation in South Africa, interviews with industry players was performed; secondly, a current programme at the University of Cape Town is described and how this programme is attempting to resolve the situation described. Finally, the remaining challenges for higher education are described. The findings demonstrate that BPM awareness, resource definition, BPM education, hands-on BPA experience and availability of skills are amongst the challenges facing the establishment of the business process analyst role in the South African market.
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have high failure rates. This study investigated how ERP project investments are approached and justified by Small to
Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe and South Africa. In particular, the research explored the business
case development practice and the cost elements considerations. The qualitative study used data collected through semistructured
interviews and subsequently analysed by using elements of the grounded theory method. The multiple case
study approach allowed current practices around ERP system business case development to emerge. The findings show
that although SMEs know what they want to achieve when they implement ERP systems, ERP investments are not
justified through business cases. Rather, ERP projects are driven by a few targeted benefits known to SMEs’ managers
resulting in many unforeseen risks and costs. The study proposes guidelines on how SMEs adopting ERP systems can
develop realistic business cases. The study also suggests a resultant cost estimation model, which can be used by ERP
vendors and consultants when they draw up their budgets
to be a poor supply of these relevant skills as positions are not easily filled. The purpose of
this study was to determine the range and level of skills required for software development work
in the Western Cape and to ascertain the challenges faced by companies while trying to fill these
positions. The research objectives are to (1) determine the range and level of software development
skills needed in the Western Cape to meet industry demands, (2) determine the availability
of relevant software development skills in the Western Cape as per industry demand, and (3)
identify the challenges faced by industry while recruiting software developers in the Western
Cape. Findings of the study is intended to inform the development of a University of Cape Town
(UCT) approved qualification, for commencement by 2015, based on the gaps identified in the
market
have high failure rates. This study investigated how ERP project investments are approached and justified by Small to
Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe and South Africa. In particular, the research explored the business
case development practice and the cost elements considerations. The qualitative study used data collected through semistructured
interviews and subsequently analysed by using elements of the grounded theory method. The multiple case
study approach allowed current practices around ERP system business case development to emerge. The findings show
that although SMEs know what they want to achieve when they implement ERP systems, ERP investments are not
justified through business cases. Rather, ERP projects are driven by a few targeted benefits known to SMEs’ managers
resulting in many unforeseen risks and costs. The study proposes guidelines on how SMEs adopting ERP systems can
develop realistic business cases. The study also suggests a resultant cost estimation model, which can be used by ERP
vendors and consultants when they draw up their budgets
to be a poor supply of these relevant skills as positions are not easily filled. The purpose of
this study was to determine the range and level of skills required for software development work
in the Western Cape and to ascertain the challenges faced by companies while trying to fill these
positions. The research objectives are to (1) determine the range and level of software development
skills needed in the Western Cape to meet industry demands, (2) determine the availability
of relevant software development skills in the Western Cape as per industry demand, and (3)
identify the challenges faced by industry while recruiting software developers in the Western
Cape. Findings of the study is intended to inform the development of a University of Cape Town
(UCT) approved qualification, for commencement by 2015, based on the gaps identified in the
market