Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Information technology Cost effectiveness Evaluation'

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2005.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This paper discusses factors that contribute to information technology (IT) investment not paying off as might have been expected. The main purpose is to describe this IT _productivity paradox. The paper explores ideas that align organizations' business strategies and information technology as a key to achieving improved productivity. Which are possible to properly measure in terms of the financial results? The main aims and objectives are to find out why managers invest in IT; whether there is a phenomenon such as an IT productivity paradox; whether IT pays off as expected; and how IT impacts on organizations. The study will investigate options for proper management of information technology and data structures. It is necessary to ascertain whether ensuring proper IT implementation has a positive impact on productivity, leading to increased innovation and performance. The research design builds on research done on the use of IT in organizations, usmg a qualitative research method. This research paper looks at organizational issues such as IT management styles, political and ethical issues, and work settings. The paper looks at organizations across the service and manufacturing sectors to determine their production, innovation, and profits into their existing organizational processes and how technology is interpreted. A group of IT users, IT managers and analysts were used as a sample to study the way IT managers and knowledge workers encounter information technology in organizations. The research method used in this research paper is called the informant approach, to take points of entry IT users would provide. This means that the interviewee, in this case the IT user was questioned on the use of information technology tools to gather information. In this study the aim was to conduct interviews with IT users and those they work with about their experiences. The sampling population was selected on the basis that they use this technology. In the data collection method a second interview was used to gather first-hand responses from the respondents to help me consolidate the information gathered to validate and ensure that it is reliable. The validity and reliability aspect of this research paper are based on the main sources of data and interpretation and adopts coding as the main technique of analysis. The internal reliability of this research methodology concern itself with the research methods that were used within this research paper. Measures to be taken in the paper are to obtain internal reliability in systematic gathering of data. The last part of this paper presents the conclusions and recommendations for changes to be made by managers and those investing in IT. IT managers should plan strategically when dealing with sales and marketers in order to put business needs before the needs of IT or systems. Technology should fit business needs rather than the business adjusted to fit the technology. IT should not cost an organization any additional profit it generates.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Belegging in Informasietegnologie skyn nie so betalend te wees as wat aanvanklik verwag is nie. Hierdie studie beskryf bogenoemde IT produktiwiteitsparadoks, en ondersoek faktore wat daartoe bydra. Verder word planne wat ten doel stel om organisasies se besigheidsstrategie en IT te laat saamwerk ten einde produktiwiteit te verhoog, ondersoek. Is dit moontlik om hierdie te meet in terme van finansiële resultate? Ander voornemens is om te bepaal waarom bestuurders in IT belê, is dit so betalend soos aanvanklik geskat is, hoe dit die maatskappy beïnvloed en bestaan daar werklik 'n verskynsel soos die IT produktiwiteitsparadoks? Hierdie studie sal moontlikhede ondersoek vir kundige bestuur van IT en datastrukture. Dit is nodig om vas te stel of die deeglike toepassing van IT 'n positiewe uitwerking het op vernuwende denke en produktiwiteit. Die navorsingsontwerp is gebaseer op navorsing wat reeds gedoen is oor die gebruik van IT in organisasies. In hierdie navorsing word ondersoek ingestel na organisatoriese kwessies soos IT bestuursmetodes, politieke en etiese invloede en werksomstandighede. Hierdie dokument neem maatskappye regoor die diens- en vervaardingsektore in oënskou ten opsigte van hul produksie, vernuwende idees en winsmarge, hoe hierdie aspekte inpas in hul huidige organisatoriese prosesse en hoe tegnologie interpreteer word. 'n Groep van IT gebruikers, IT bestuurders en analiste is as monster geneem, ten einde die manier waarop IT bestuurders en inligtingwerkers informasietegnologie teëkom in maatskappye te bestudeer. Die navorsingsmetode wat tydens hierdie studie gebruik is, word genoem die informantbenadering, wat behels om informasie te gebruik wat deur IT gebruikers verskaf word. Dit beteken dat die IT gebruiker ondervra word oor die gebruik van IT toerusting om informasie te versamel. Die doelwit was om onderhoude met IT gebruikers te voer, asook diegene met wie hulle saamwerk, in verband met hulondervindinge. Die steekproefpopulasie is gekies op grond daarvan dat hulle IT gebruik. In die datainsamelingsmetode is 'n tweede onderhoud gehou om eerstehandse menings van die respondente te verkry, met die doel om die informasie tot dusver te bevestig as betroubaar. Die geldigheid- en betroubaarheidsaspekte van hierdie dokument is gebaseer op die hoofbronne van data en vertolking en gebruik kodering as die primêre tegniek van analise. Die intrinsieke betroubaarheid van hierdie navorsingsmetode is gebaseer op die navorsingsmetodes wat gebruik is vir hierdie studie. Stappe is geneem tydens die studie om intrinsieke betroubaarheid te verkry deur die sistematiese verkryging van data. Die laaste deel van hierdie dokument bied die gevoltrekkings aan en ook voorstelle vir veranderings wat gemaak kan word deur bestuurders en diegene wat belê in IT. IT bestuurders behoort strategies te beplan wanneer hulle in aanraking kom met handelaars, om doelgerig die benodighede van die maatskappy te stel voor die benodigdhede van die IT en gepaardgaande sisteme. Tegnologie behoort in te pas by die benodigdhede van die maatskappyeerder dat die maatskappy hoef aan te pas by die tegnologie. IT behoort nie die maatskappy meer uit die sak te jaag as wat dit aan wins genereer nie.

In the last half century, the aerospace industry has seen a dramatic paradigm shift from a focus on performance-at-any-cost to product economics and value. The steady increase in product requirements, complexity and global competition has driven aircraft manufacturers to seek broad portfolios of advanced technologies. The development costs and cycle times of these technologies vary widely, and the resulting design environment is one where decisions must be made under substantial uncertainty. Modeling and simulation have recently become the standard practice for addressing these issues; detailed simulations and explorations of candidate future states of these systems help reduce a complex design problem into a comprehensible, manageable form where decision factors are prioritized. While there are still fundamental criticisms about using modeling and simulation, the emerging challenge becomes ``How do you best configure uncertainty analyses and the information they produce to address real world problems?” One such analysis approach was developed in this thesis by structuring the input, models, and output to answer questions about the risk and economic impact of technology decisions in future aircraft programs. Unlike other methods, this method placed emphasis on the uncertainty in the cumulative cashflow space as the integrator of economic viability. From this perspective, it then focused on exploration of the design and technology space to tailor the business case and its associated risk in the cash flow dimension. The methodology is called CASSANDRA and is intended to be executed by a program manager of a manufacturer working of the development of future concepts. The program manager has the ability to control design elements as well as the new technology allocation on that aircraft. She is also responsible for the elicitation of the uncertainty in those dimensions within control as well as the external scenarios (that are out of program control). The methodology was applied on a future single-aisle 150 passenger aircraft design. The overall methodology is compared to existing approaches and is shown to identify more economically robust design decisions under a set of at-risk program scenarios. Additionally, a set of metrics in the uncertain cumulative cashflow space were developed to assist the methodology user in the identification, evaluation, and selection of design and technology. These metrics are compared to alternate approaches and are shown to better identify risk efficient design and technology selections. At the modeling level, an approach is given to estimate the production quantity based on an enhanced Overall Evaluation Criterion method that captures the competitive advantage of the aircraft design. This model was needed as the assumption of production quantity is highly influential to the business case risk. Finally, the research explored the capacity to generate risk mitigation strategies in to two analysis configurations: when available data and simulation capacity are abundant, and when they are sparse or incomplete. The first configuration leverages structured filtration of Monte Carlo simulation results. The allocation of design and technology risk is then identified on the Pareto Frontier. The second configuration identifies the direction of robust risk mitigation based on the available data and limited simulation ability. It leverages a linearized approximation of the cashflow metrics and identifies the direction of allocation using the Jacobian matrix and its inversion.

Background: Reducing rates of healthcare acquired infection has been identified by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care as a national priority. One of the goals is the prevention of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI). At least 3,500 cases of CR-BSI occur annually in Australian hospitals, resulting in unnecessary deaths and costs to the healthcare system between $25.7 and $95.3 million. Two approaches to preventing these infections have been proposed: use of antimicrobial catheters (A-CVCs); or a catheter care and management ‘bundle’. Given finite healthcare budgets, decisions about the optimal infection control policy require consideration of the effectiveness and value for money of each approach. Objectives: The aim of this research is to use a rational economic framework to inform efficient infection control policy relating to the prevention of CR-BSI in the intensive care unit. It addresses three questions relating to decision-making in this area: 1. Is additional investment in activities aimed at preventing CR-BSI an efficient use of healthcare resources? 2. What is the optimal infection control strategy from amongst the two major approaches that have been proposed to prevent CR-BSI? 3. What uncertainty is there in this decision and can a research agenda to improve decision-making in this area be identified? Methods: A decision analytic model-based economic evaluation was undertaken to identify an efficient approach to preventing CR-BSI in Queensland Health intensive care units. A Markov model was developed in conjunction with a panel of clinical experts which described the epidemiology and prognosis of CR-BSI. The model was parameterised using data systematically identified from the published literature and extracted from routine databases. The quality of data used in the model and its validity to clinical experts and sensitivity to modelling assumptions was assessed. Two separate economic evaluations were conducted. The first evaluation compared all commercially available A-CVCs alongside uncoated catheters to identify which was cost-effective for routine use. The uncertainty in this decision was estimated along with the value of collecting further information to inform the decision. The second evaluation compared the use of A-CVCs to a catheter care bundle. We were unable to estimate the cost of the bundle because it is unclear what the full resource requirements are for its implementation, and what the value of these would be in an Australian context. As such we undertook a threshold analysis to identify the cost and effectiveness thresholds at which a hypothetical bundle would dominate the use of A-CVCs under various clinical scenarios. Results: In the first evaluation of A-CVCs, the findings from the baseline analysis, in which uncertainty is not considered, show that the use of any of the four A-CVCs will result in health gains accompanied by cost-savings. The MR catheters dominate the baseline analysis generating 1.64 QALYs and cost-savings of $130,289 per 1.000 catheters. With uncertainty, and based on current information, the MR catheters remain the optimal decision and return the highest average net monetary benefits ($948 per catheter) relative to all other catheter types. This conclusion was robust to all scenarios tested, however, the probability of error in this conclusion is high, 62% in the baseline scenario. Using a value of $40,000 per QALY, the expected value of perfect information associated with this decision is $7.3 million. An analysis of the expected value of perfect information for individual parameters suggests that it may be worthwhile for future research to focus on providing better estimates of the mortality attributable to CR-BSI and the effectiveness of both SPC and CH/SSD (int/ext) catheters. In the second evaluation of the catheter care bundle relative to A-CVCs, the results which do not consider uncertainty indicate that a bundle must achieve a relative risk of CR-BSI of at least 0.45 to be cost-effective relative to MR catheters. If the bundle can reduce rates of infection from 2.5% to effectively zero, it is cost-effective relative to MR catheters if national implementation costs are less than $2.6 million ($56,610 per ICU). If the bundle can achieve a relative risk of 0.34 (comparable to that reported in the literature) it is cost-effective, relative to MR catheters, if costs over an 18 month period are below $613,795 nationally ($13,343 per ICU). Once uncertainty in the decision is considered, the cost threshold for the bundle increases to $2.2 million. Therefore, if each of the 46 Level III ICUs could implement an 18 month catheter care bundle for less than $47,826 each, this approach would be cost effective relative to A-CVCs. However, the uncertainty is substantial and the probability of error in concluding that the bundle is the cost-effective approach at a cost of $2.2 million is 89%. Conclusions: This work highlights that infection control to prevent CR-BSI is an efficient use of healthcare resources in the Australian context. If there is no further investment in infection control, an opportunity cost is incurred, which is the potential for a more efficient healthcare system. Minocycline/rifampicin catheters are the optimal choice of antimicrobial catheter for routine use in Australian Level III ICUs, however, if a catheter care bundle implemented in Australia was as effective as those used in the large studies in the United States it would be preferred over the catheters if it was able to be implemented for less than $47,826 per Level III ICU. Uncertainty is very high in this decision and arises from multiple sources. There are likely greater costs to this uncertainty for A-CVCs, which may carry hidden costs, than there are for a catheter care bundle, which is more likely to provide indirect benefits to clinical practice and patient safety. Research into the mortality attributable to CR-BSI, the effectiveness of SPC and CH/SSD (int/ext) catheters and the cost and effectiveness of a catheter care bundle in Australia should be prioritised to reduce uncertainty in this decision. This thesis provides the economic evidence to inform one area of infection control, but there are many other infection control decisions for which information about the cost-effectiveness of competing interventions does not exist. This work highlights some of the challenges and benefits to generating and using economic evidence for infection control decision-making and provides support for commissioning more research into the cost-effectiveness of infection control.

Governments and school communities are heavily investing in information technology (IT) assuming that this will prepare their children for the workforce and in future life. This research aimed to establish an IT investment effectiveness model in the educational, domain easily applicable to schools in assessing whether their IT investments were effective. Literature research revealed a dearth of information on IT investment effectiveness in the area of education and it was therefore deemed necessary to implement an interpretive approach. Consequently a qualitative combined research methodology involving literature research, interviews, and a modified Delphi Survey I was undertaken. An initial starting point investigated the extensive business literature in IT effectiveness and IT investment particularly in small business, as most schools due to their size and budget can be categorised as thus. The information gleaned from the literature assisted in establishing a questionnaire for the interviews. Participants were selected from thirteen Victorian State, private and Catholic secondary schools that were perceived as expert in the area of IT. An in-depth three stage analysis of the interview data revealed twenty-four initial key issues. These key issues were then circulated to the participants who were requested to rate each issue using an interval scale. They were also asked to add or delete any issues, giving a rationale for their action. Participants underwent a two round process of highlighting and reassessing the key issues and the Delphi Survey was found to be valid as two new issues not identified from the interview process were raised. Based on their responses ten key issues were derived: the Principal, teachers, curriculum and IT planning, technical support, the students, the actual use of IT, training and personal development, the school council, budget, and the Learning Technologies Committee. These key issues revealed themselves as indicators or determinants of IT investment effectiveness exhibiting organisational or individual perspectives. The analysis of previous research, together with the current research findings enabled the development of a functional Model of IT Investment Effectiveness which can now be used by schools to assess their IT investment effectiveness. Finally the schools surveyed were utilising the best business IT practise and were treating IT as a strategic issue with their IT goals closely aligned and based upon the goals of the school.

Thesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Peninsula Technikon, 2005
"This study was initiated to determine whether cost estimation is a necessary skill for an Information Technology (IT) consultant. The historic poor record in the software industry for delivering software projects within budget has highlighted a need for IT students to receive adequate preparation for future experiences in the world of work especially if they were to become self-employed. The literature revealed that a variety of employability skills are required when preparing students for entrepreneurship. In IT there is a particular need for project management skills when the entrepreneur is responsible for all aspects of the software project. Cost estimation is a key function of project management.

Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.
The study, using a selected University of Technology (UoT) as a case study, investigated factors influencing information technology (IT) investments in adopting new technologies in University of Technologies (UoTs). The objective is to determine the benefits of IT investments in UoTs and the impact on UoT operations. Technology is constantly advancing and impacting on organisations’ decisions and how to acquire the right technology for effective administration. IT-investment decisions require unique understanding and management by organisations to properly adapt to changing technology. The research was based on the premise that the purpose of deploying new technologies in any organisation is to reduce the costs of running the organisation and to improve operational effectiveness. This would include Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). However, at most UoTs there is a slow response to adopting new technologies, making them lag behind in the deployment of such technologies.

This study explores the Impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on internal control effectiveness in preventing and detecting fraud within the financial sector of a developing economy - Nigeria. Using a triangulation of questionnaire and interview techniques to investigate the internal control activities of Nigerian Internal Auditors in relation to their use of ICT in fraud prevention and detection, the study made use of cross-tabulations, correlation coefficients and one-way ANOVAs for the analysis of quantitative data, while thematic analysis was adopted for the qualitative aspects. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Omoteso et al.'s Three-Layered Model (TLM) were used to underpin the study in order to provide theoretical considerations of the issues involved. The study's findings show that Nigerian Internal Auditors are increasingly adopting IT-based tools and techniques in their internal control activities. Secondly, the use of ICT-based tools and techniques in internal control positively impacts on Internal Auditors' independence and objectivity. Also, the study's findings indicate that Internal Auditors' use of ICT-based tools and techniques has the potential of preventing electronic fraud, and such ICT-based tools and techniques are effective in detecting electronic fraud. However, continuous online auditing was found to be effective in preventing fraud, but not suited for fraud detection in financial businesses. This exploratory study sheds light on the impact of ICT usage on internal control's effectiveness and on internal auditors' independence. The study contributes to the debate on the significance of ICT adoption in accounting disciplines by identifying perceived benefits, organisational readiness, trust and external pressure as variables that could affect Internal Auditors' use of ICT. Above all, this research was able to produce a new model: the Technology Effectiveness Planning and Evaluation Model (TEPEM), for the study of ICT adoption in internal control effectiveness for prevention and detection of fraud. As a result of its planning capability for external contingencies, the model is useful for the explanation of studies involving ICT in a unique macro environment of developing economies such as Nigeria, where electricity generation is in short supply and regulatory activities unpredictable. The model proposes that technology effectiveness (in the prevention and the detection of fraud) is a function of TAM variables (such as perceived benefits, organisational readiness, trust, external pressures), contingent factors (size of organisation, set-up and maintenance cost, staff training and infrastructural readiness), and an optimal mix of human and technological capabilities

Background: Health information exchange technologies are currently being implemented in many practice settings with the promise to improve quality, efficiency, and costs of care. The benefits are likely highest in settings where entry into the healthcare system is gained; however, in no setting is the need for timely, accurate, and pertinent information more critical than in the emergency department (ED). This study evaluated the use of a payer-based electronic health record (EHR) in an ED on quality, efficiency, and costs of care among a commercially insured population.Methods: Data came from a large health plan and the ED of a large urban ED. Visits with the use of a payer-based EHR were identified from claims between 9/1/05 and 2/17/06. A historical comparison sample of visits was identified from 11/1/04 to 3/31/05. Outcomes included return visits, ED duration, use of laboratory and diagnostic imaging, total costs during and in the four weeks after, and prescription drug utilization.Results: A total of 2,288 ED visits were analyzed (779 EHR visits and 1,509 comparison visits). Discharged visits were associated with an 18 minute shorter duration (95% CI: 5-33); whereas, the EHR among admitted visits was associated with a 77 minute reduction (95% CI: 28-126). The EHR was also associated with $1,560 (95% CI: $43-$2,910) savings in total plan paid for the visit among admitted visits. No significant differences were observed on return visits, laboratory or diagnostic imaging services and total costs over the four week follow-up. Exploratory analyses suggested that the EHR may be associated with a reduction in the number of prescription drugs used among chronic medication users.Conclusion: The EHR studied was associated with a significant reduction in ED duration. Technologies that can reduce ED lengths of stay can have a substantial impact on the care provided to patients and their satisfaction. The data suggests that the EHR may be associated with lower health plan paid amounts among admitted visits and a reduction in the number of pharmacy claims after the visit among chronic users of prescription drugs. Additional research should be conducted to confirm these findings.

This dissertation consists of three papers, two quantitative and one mixed-methods. Paper 1 uses cross-sectional and logistic regression analyses of survey data to assess Americans' opinion on the use of cost effectiveness research (CER) in government health coverage decisions, and to examine the factors predicting approval or disapproval of specific decisions. I use vignettes drawn from real international decisions to assess opinions. I find that opposition to a CER agency is widespread, with partisan affiliations playing a significant role. In general, Republicans are more likely to oppose a government agency playing a role in cost effectiveness determinations. With regards to specific examples, Americans hold even greater opposition, with no significant differences by political affiliations.

The Small and Medium-size Enterprises are the key bone of the economy of many nations. The usual definition of SME’s, make up 99.8% of the approximately 19 million enterprises of the European Union (ISO, 2002) and Sweden is not an exception. That is why SME’s faces the strategic challenge of achieving sustained profitable growth. To meet this challenge, SME’s must develop capabilities to integrate their systems. Since ICT gives so many advantages to support the Supply Chain, and MRPII software’s have become a very popular tool in the last thirty years; Our purpose is to answer the following research question:

How can MRP II-type computer systems be used effectively to support the manufacturing and organizational integration?

The research started with on-site observations and interviews but the development of a model and a survey was needed. After, we linked the research with an already accepted model. The results show how important the human aspect and the accuracy are in the effective usage of an MRP II. It also demonstrates that the MRP II philosophy must be accepted to use the MRP II software profitably. Nevertheless, we modeled the vicious cycle that our case company might deal with, tried to find the root cause and give recommendations to break it.

Små och Mellan- stora företag är många nationers byggstenar. Den vanligaste definitionen av SME´s utgör 99,8% av de uppskattningsvis 19 miljoner företag inom Europeiska Unionen (ISO, 2002) och Sverige är inget undantag. Det är anledningen till att SME´s möter den strategiska utmaningen att uppnå ihållande och vinstgivande tillväxt. För att ta sig an denna utmaningen måste SME´s utveckla förmågor att integrera sina system. Eftersom ICT ger så många fördelar att stödja utbudskedjan, och eftersom MRP II mjukvaror har kommit att bli ett populärt verktyg de senaste trettio åren, kommer vårt syfte bli att svara på följande fråga:

Hur kan datasystem av typen MRP II användas för att på ett effektivt sätt underlätta integrering av tillverkning och organisation?

Undersökningen startade med observationer samt intervjuer på plats, men utförandet av en statistisk undersökning och en modell var nödvändig efter det att vi redan hade kopplat ihop arbetet med en redan accepterad modell. Reasultaten visar hur viktig den mänskliga faktorn samt exaktheten är i användandet av en MRP II. Den visar också att MRP II filosofin måste vara accepterad innan man kan använda MRP II mjukvaran på ett fördelaktigt sätt. Likväl har vi illustrerat den onda cirkeln som vårt företag måste försöka ta sig ur, försökt hitta den underliggande orsaken och slutligen att ge rekommendationer för att bryta den.

The Small and Medium-size Enterprises are the key bone of the economy of many nations. The usual definition of SME’s, make up 99.8% of the approximately 19 million enterprises of the European Union (ISO, 2002) and Sweden is not an exception. That is why SME’s faces the strategic challenge of achieving sustained profitable growth. To meet this challenge, SME’s must develop capabilities to integrate their systems. Since ICT gives so many advantages to support the Supply Chain, and MRPII software’s have become a very popular tool in the last thirty years; Our purpose is to answer the following research question:

How can MRP II-type computer systems be used effectively to support the manufacturing and organizational integration?

The research started with on-site observations and interviews but the development of a model and a survey was needed. After, we linked the research with an already accepted model. The results show how important the human aspect and the accuracy are in the effective usage of an MRP II. It also demonstrates that the MRP II philosophy must be accepted to use the MRP II software profitably. Nevertheless, we modeled the vicious cycle that our case company might deal with, tried to find the root cause and give recommendations to break it.

Små och Mellan- stora företag är många nationers byggstenar. Den vanligaste definitionen av SME´s utgör 99,8% av de uppskattningsvis 19 miljoner företag inom Europeiska Unionen (ISO, 2002) och Sverige är inget undantag. Det är anledningen till att SME´s möter den strategiska utmaningen att uppnå ihållande och vinstgivande tillväxt. För att ta sig an denna utmaningen måste SME´s utveckla förmågor att integrera sina system. Eftersom ICT ger så många fördelar att stödja utbudskedjan, och eftersom MRP II mjukvaror har kommit att bli ett populärt verktyg de senaste trettio åren, kommer vårt syfte bli att svara på följande fråga:

Hur kan datasystem av typen MRP II användas för att på ett effektivt sätt underlätta integrering av tillverkning och organisation?

Undersökningen startade med observationer samt intervjuer på plats, men utförandet av en statistisk undersökning och en modell var nödvändig efter det att vi redan hade kopplat ihop arbetet med en redan accepterad modell. Reasultaten visar hur viktig den mänskliga faktorn samt exaktheten är i användandet av en MRP II. Den visar också att MRP II filosofin måste vara accepterad innan man kan använda MRP II mjukvaran på ett fördelaktigt sätt. Likväl har vi illustrerat den onda cirkeln som vårt företag måste försöka ta sig ur, försökt hitta den underliggande orsaken och slutligen att ge rekommendationer för att bryta den.

This thesis is a cost-effectiveness analysis of multiple healthcare interventions that are designed to reduce the debilitating hospital acquired infection, Clostridium difficile. In doing so, new evidence that is of use to healthcare decision-makers has been generated and will be used to guide the rational allocation of scarce healthcare dollars.

One of the common lessons learned from the 11 September Terrorist Attacks in 2001, Southeast Asia Tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, was there were major command and control (C2) and information challenges during the crisis response efforts. The Department of Defense (DoD) is currently transitioning to face these global threats of terrorism and natural disasters, as well as support the goals of the new National Strategy, by developing new plans and procedures to improve the coordination, communications and operations between DoD and other entities when responding simultaneously to such complex humanitarian disasters (CHD). In searching for a mobile and adoptable communication solution for military operations, the DoD should consider a C2 system that utilizes advanced commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology. Hastilyformed networks (HFN) could provide a global broadband network node with internet, voice, video and data capability in a rapidly deployable manner, which offer significant advantages to military and other crisis response activities. The focus of this thesis concentrates on the financial aspects of HFNs in support of humanitarian assistance and/or disaster relief (HA/DR) efforts by U.S. armed forces. This research and analysis of HFNs could present prospective benefits to DoD, which include cost-savings, enhanced emergency response capabilities and improved interagency/international relations. Additionally, this study will provide a recommended model methodology and iterations for future military-use of HFNs in support of the DoD's vision of "transformation."

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia, particularly In the information and communications technology (lCT) sector, are faced with an increasingly volatile environment. The Malaysian business scene has opened up their markets to the world where smaller businesses find themselves competing with newly launched multinational subsidiary and subdivision companies, along with the large local firms. The Malaysian Government has launched several campaigns and support for smaller local businesses to be more competitive and to continuously compete at par with these larger companies. This research project supports the Malaysian Government's objective of instilling a more structured approach towards a more competitive SME by focusing on the management of competitive information related to these companies. In recognising the rising need for competitive support, management and executives are increasingly relying on a concept called Competitive Intelligence (Cl), a systematic and ethical process for gathering, analysing, and managing information that can affect a company's plans, decisions, and operation. In managing competitive information, several companies have emerged especially to develop online tools and software that would enhance the Cl process and the value competitive intelligence brings to organisations. The success of these Cl software tools depends, however, on the sophistication of an organisation's understanding of the Cl process and scope of usage. Different companies derive different values from different approaches to competitive intelligence, and therefore require a flexible tool that is very specific to the company's needs. Therefore, this research investigated the structures and contexts of Malaysian Small and Mediumsized Enterprises (SMEs) based on competitive intelligence (Cl) concepts to derive a more customised approach to the use of Cl for SMEs in the ICT sector, as well as in the selection of appropriate Cl software. Mintzberg's approaches to analysing organisational structures and contexts, Bouthillier and Shearer's Intelligence Cycle, Herring's Key Intelligence Topics, and Davis' concept of effectiveness were used in two main stages. The first stage involved identifying the nature and range of SMEs, which exist under Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor, a government benchmarking body for local businesses. This gives an account, on the basis of cluster analysis, of a taxonomy of SME categories consisted of ten clusters. The relationships between the categories were also examined in the first stage of the research. The relationships and clusters found in the first part of the research offered the basis for the second part of the research, which constructs the criteria for evaluating online tools and software for competitive intelligence. The evaluation criteria are then used to evaluate eight Cl-ready software packages in finding suitable tools for the different categories of SMEs. Finally, the research concludes with a study of the prospective users' perceptions of effectiveness in SMEs drawn from the identified clusters. This 'multiple constituency' approach to understanding effectiveness evaluates both Davis' concept of effectiveness (usefulness), as well as the differential evaluations of perceived effectiveness. The research findings provide evidence of a range of SME structures in a variety of contexts. Levels of importance placed on different levels in the Cl process are identified, as well as aspects that need support, automation and/or augmentation. The software evaluation in the second part of the research provided ten recommendations of suitable software package(s) for each SME cluster. However, an initial review by SME managers of perceived effectiveness mostly did not reveal results that were parallel to the findings from the software evaluation study. All in all, the research confirms that SMEs can be analysed by clusters but further research would be necessary to confirm the effectiveness of using the recommended Cl software over a longer period of time.

Mestrado em Gestão de Sistemas de Informação
Com o crescimento da prática do regime do outsourcing à escala mundial e o surgimento de instrumentos para a sua avaliação, as questões que se tornam importantes responder são respeitantes ao grau de eficácia do regime e é neste âmbito que se debruça virando as suas atenções para as organizações moçambicanas. Naturalmente, torna-se também importante identificar e esclarecer os factores que afectam o seu sucesso. O modelo OS (Grover, Cheon e Teng, 1996), será aplicado como o principal instrumento da avaliação, por se ter constatado ao longo da revisão bibliográfica, como instrumento vastamente difundido, consistente e proclamado por vários investigadores como sendo o melhor instrumento para uma avaliação da eficácia do outsourcing no cômputo geral. Os resultados apontam para a prática generalizada de outsourcing selectivo e com maiores benefícios estratégicos ditados pela fraca oferta (local) de recursos humanos e tecnológicos.
As outsourcing evolves world wide and new evaluations instruments come-out for outsourcing evaluation, questions to be answered are regarding the level of effectiveness of outsourcing regime. Thus, this study is focused into the mozambican market. It is also identified the key success factors affecting its success. The instrument from Grover, Cheon e Teng (1996), will be the key measure of the evaluation as it was identified during the bibliographic review as widely used instrument, consistent and also powered by many researchers as the best overall effectiveness evaluations instrument. The result reveals a selective outsourcing as the Mozambique outsourcing practiced regime, with more strategic benefits, rather than economic. This may result from the lack of human and technologic resources all over the country.

O câncer do colo do útero é o quarto tipo de câncer mais frequente em mulheres em todo mundo. No Brasil, estima-se que cerca de 16 mil novos casos ocorrem por ano. A redução deste tipo de câncer ao longo dos anos deve-se ao rastreamento das lesões intraepiteliais cervicais por meio do exame citológico de Papanicolaou. Em 2014, o Programa Nacional de Imunização (PNI) introduziu a vacina contra o papilomavírus humano (HPV) como prevenção primária deste câncer, uma vez que este vírus é uma causa necessária para o surgimento desta malignidade. A vacinação não substitui o rastreamento, visto que não há proteção contra todos os tipos de HPV de alto risco e nem imunização de toda a população. A incorporação do programa de vacinação interfere nos resultados do programa de rastreamento, pois leva a diminuição dos casos de câncer e lesões precursoras. Desta forma, existe a necessidade de explorar novas estratégias de rastreamento, considerando também outras tecnologias existentes. Objetivo: desenvolver um modelo do tipo Markov para realizar uma análise de custo-efetividade de estratégias de rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero para hipotéticas coortes imunizadas e não imunizadas contra o vírus do HPV no Brasil na perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Métodos: A primeira parte é a exploração e avaliação qualitativa de estudos de avaliação econômica sobre estratégias de rastreamento para prevenção do câncer do colo do útero que utilizaram um modelo do tipo Markov feita por meio de uma revisão sistemática. A reunião das várias abordagens utilizadas e das principais características destes modelos poderá auxiliar a construção de um modelo em cenários onde há poucos profissionais capacitados com esta técnica. Baseando-se nesta revisão e nas consultas a especialistas das áreas de ginecologia, virologia e epidemiologia, foi desenvolvido um modelo matemático de análise de decisão estático do tipo Markov que simula a história natural do câncer do colo do útero considerando a imunização contra o HPV. Este modelo simula o seguimento de uma coorte de mulheres, dos 10 anos até o óbito, cujos parâmetros foram estimados a partir de dados secundários (revisão da literatura, sistemas de informação em saúde e inquéritos populacionais) nacionais específicos do rastreamento e calibrados de forma a refletir as condições reais de rastreamento encontradas no Brasil. Resultados: A revisão dos modelos de Markov para avaliação econômica de estratégias de rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero mostrou que a declaração do problema e a descrição das estratégias a serem comparadas foram muito bem relatados. Em contrapartida, os itens de avaliação da incerteza e consistência do modelo e a consistência precisam melhorar o relato. Os resultados obtidos por meio da calibração do modelo se mostraram satisfatórios, pois alcançaram uma boa concordância com os dados empíricos. A análise do caso base sugeriu que a melhor estratégia foi o Teste HPV-DNA como triagem para o encaminhamento da citologia ou da colposcopia, com repetição a cada 5 anos, para mulheres entre 30 e 70 anos. Esta estratégia promove um ganho de 9,5 dias ao longo dos anos e detecta, a cada 100 mil mulheres, 6 casos a mais de câncer e 16 de NIC II/III. A razão de custo-efetividade incremental (RCEI) foi de R$16.056,94 por ano de vida ganho, na perspectiva do sistema de saúde. Conclusão: Estudos futuros devem considerar metodologias que levem em conta a incerteza, a heterogeneidade e a consistência no modelo de decisão e utilizar diretrizes validadas para o relato do estudo
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. In Brazil, it is estimated that around 16,000 new cases occur per year. The reduction of this type of cancer over the years owes to cervical intraepithelial lesions screening through pap smears. In 2014, the National Immunization Program (NIP) introduced a vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) as the primary prevention of this cancer, since this virus is a necessary cause for the onset of this malignancy. Vaccination does not replace screening because there is no protection against all types of high risk HPV nor immunization of the entire population. Incorporation of the vaccination program interferes with the results of the screening program, leading to a decreased number of cancer cases and precursor lesions. In this way, there is a need to explore new screening strategies, also considering other existing technologies. Objective: Determining a Markov based model to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of cervical cancer screening strategies for hypothetical immunized and non-immunized cohorts against the HPV in Brazil from the perspective of the Unified Health System (UHS). Methods: The first part is a qualitative appraisal and assessment of economic evaluation studies on screening strategies for cervical cancer prevention using a Markov based model done through a systematic review. The combination of different approaches and of the main features of these models can be auxiliary in the construction of a model in scenarios where there are few professionals trained with this technique. Based on this review and consultations with specialists in the areas of gynecology, virology and epidemiology, a Markov model for decision analysis was developed, which simulates the natural history of cervical cancer considering immunization against HPV. This model simulates the follow-up of a cohort of women, from 10 years-old to death, whose parameters were estimated from secondary data, particular to screening and calibrated in order to reflect real screening conditions found in Brazil. Results: A review of Markov models for economic evaluation of cervical cancer screening strategies showed that the report of the problem statement and the description of the compared strategies were well conducted. In contrast, the uncertainties of the model and the consistency were the worst items. The results obtained by calibration of the model were satisfactory, since a good agreement with empirical data was achieved. The baseline case analysis suggested that the best strategy was the HPV-DNA Test as triage for cytology or colposcopy referral, repeated every 5 years, for women between 30 and 70 years-old. This strategy promotes a gain of 9.5 days over the years and detects, every 100,000 women, 6 cases of cancer and 16 of CIN 2/3. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was R$16,056.94 per life years gained from the health system perspective. Conclusion: Future studies should consider methodologies that take into account uncertainty, heterogeneity and consistency in the decision model and use validated guidelines for the study report

D.Ing. (Engineering Management)
Promotion of ICT usage in developing countries, even under rigorous government initia- tives and policies, is a discouraging undertaking and a very di cult one. One of the many challenges government of developing countries is facing in the promotion of ICT adoption is how to incorporate a subsidy rate discount into a price model as expressed in the following sentiments: Until now, USAASA has used very little of the money in the USAF. It must justify its spending plans each year before it is given access to any of Information on how price a ects the number of users was generated by asking users on how much the spent on internet usage. The sensitivity of users was determined by asking users how many hours they spent on the internet. Analysis of the information gathered showed that there was a substantial amount of money in USAASA and ZICTA co ers which was not utilized. Furthermore users expressed desire to have their prices subsidized. In rural areas internet prices were more expensive, on comparative terms, than those in the urban areas. Analysis of data or results concerning the price and the number of users showed that there was a positive relationship between the number of users and the price of the internet service. The relationship showed that a low price attracted a lot of users, while a high price attracted few users or none at all. The mathematical analysis of the pricing model proved that at a certain subsidy discount rate and price sensitivity, the model was able to reach equilibrium while maximizing the ISP's revenue. In conclusion the price of internet services for the information \have nots" depend on the price sensitivity and the level of subsidy given by the government. the funds". \Universal access of ICT services with particular reference to rural areas is an issue that has been on the agenda of most countries in the whole world today. You are aware that while some countries are currently e ectively extending services to rural areas using various means, others have found this challenging and have ended up with unutilized funds in the banks". Subsidies, though seen as the means of promoting social and economic agendas in developing countries, can create the tragedies associated with public resources usage or something-for-nothing resources. Given a subsidy discount rate or a low price, consumers usually anticipate a net bene t derived from free resources due to subsidy. Anticipation of net a bene t from such resources may generate a damaging rush from consumers to exploit the resource, which may result in the tragedy of the commons. On the contrary, when no subsidy is given, consumers face no di erential between the perceived utility and the price of the resource creating a no social and pecuniary bene t to users, as such very few consumers or users will utilize the resource. The contribution this research develops is as follows: To show the extent of ICT usage patterns in developing countries.To determine why ICT usage in developing countries is low even under rigorous government initiatives and policies. To determine how price a ects the number of users using the internet resource. To incorporate a subsidy discount rate in a price model for unserved or rural areas of developing countries. To proposes a subsidy driven pricing framework that helps both the internet service providers and users to maximize their utilities and prevent the tragedies associated with resource use i.e. the tragedy of the commons and the tragedy of the anti- commons. To apply a non-cooperative game theoretic model to investigate the con ict between ISPs and consumers or consumers in a heterogeneous communities i.e. the infor- mation \haves" and \have-nots". We de ne utility-based decision rules for both providers and users under varying prices and subsidy requirements. We provide a decision model under a non-cooperative, incomplete-information game environment. To investigates the properties of the NE (under di erent optimization rules) and to study whether there exists an optimal solution to the game. The basic hypothesis that this research addresses is: A pricing model, with correct subsidy discount rate allows for better resource usage (preventing the tragedy of the commons and anti-commons) and makes the attainment of the objective of \ICT access for all" more likely. The methodology used for collecting statistical data was a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. The purpose of research was to collect data that would later be used to propose a pricing framework for heterogeneous communities. The strategy was to use three important variables in the subsidy driven pricing model to validate the hypothesis i.e. subsidy discount rate, the relationship between price and the number of users and the sensitivity (elasticity of demand) of users towards price. Incorporation of subsidy discount rate into the pricing model was driven by the fact that institutional frameworks such as universal service and access agency of South Africa (USAASA) and the Zambia information and communications tech- nology authority (ZICTA) were sitting with unutilized universal service and access fund (USAF). Additionally, users of internet services in underserviced areas of the two countries advocated for subsidized prices towards internet provision.

碩士
國立臺南大學
教育經營與管理研究所
93
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of “the training program of the Implement of primary information technology seed elementary schools and teachers’ team work“ which was conducted by Ministry of Education. 423 elementary school teachers who participated in this program were interviewed by questionnaires. The data were analyzed in various statistical methods including mean, t-test, and one-way ANOVA. The main findings of this study were as follows: 1. Teachers agreed with that the program could positively promote the effectiveness of implementing information technology integrated into instruction in the four evaluation levels: context evaluation, input evaluation, process evaluation, and product evaluation. The estimated goals were achieved successfully. 2. For the personal background variables, seniority, personal experience, and educational background of teachers significantly affected their viewpoints on the effectiveness of the four evaluation levels. 3. Teachers serving in different districts had diverged viewpoints on the effectiveness of the four evaluation levels. 4. The main difficulties faced by teachers were: potential violation in intelligence proprieties, spending too much time on configuration and fixing hardware, and limited educational resources.

yes
Background: With the expected increase in the numbers of persons with dementia, providing timely, adequate, and affordable care and support is challenging. Assistive and health technologies may be a valuable contribution in dementia care, but new challenges may emerge. Objective: The aim of our study was to review the state of the art of technologies for persons with dementia regarding issues on development, usability, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, deployment, and ethics in 3 fields of application of technologies: (1) support with managing everyday life, (2) support with participating in pleasurable and meaningful activities, and (3) support with dementia health and social care provision. The study also aimed to identify gaps in the evidence and challenges for future research. Methods: Reviews of literature and expert opinions were used in our study. Literature searches were conducted on usability, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, and ethics using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases with no time limit. Selection criteria in our selected technology fields were reviews in English for community-dwelling persons with dementia. Regarding deployment issues, searches were done in Health Technology Assessment databases. Results: According to our results, persons with dementia want to be included in the development of technologies; there is little research on the usability of assistive technologies; various benefits are reported but are mainly based on low-quality studies; barriers to deployment of technologies in dementia care were identified, and ethical issues were raised by researchers but often not studied. Many challenges remain such as including the target group more often in development, performing more high-quality studies on usability and effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, creating and having access to high-quality datasets on existing technologies to enable adequate deployment of technologies in dementia care, and ensuring that ethical issues are considered an important topic for researchers to include in their evaluation of assistive technologies. Conclusions: Based on these findings, various actions are recommended for development, usability, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, deployment, and ethics of assistive and health technologies across Europe. These include avoiding replication of technology development that is unhelpful or ineffective and focusing on how technologies succeed in addressing individual needs of persons with dementia. Furthermore, it is suggested to include these recommendations in national and international calls for funding and assistive technology research programs. Finally, practitioners, policy makers, care insurers, and care providers should work together with technology enterprises and researchers to prepare strategies for the implementation of assistive technologies in different care settings. This may help future generations of persons with dementia to utilize available and affordable technologies and, ultimately, to benefit from them.

We are at a point in the history of higher education in South Africa when radical changes are occurring in instructional delivery system models. Of increasing significance is a mixed mode of traditional and distance delivery (i.e. Telematic Learning Systems at the PU for CHE). In this changing environment, language lecturers, the persons responsible for developing language modules within various Telematic programmes, remain a key element in the teaching and learning process. However, these lecturers are suddenly expected to make appropriate decisions in terms of distance education technology classification, evaluation, and consequent selection without the necessary knowledge and/or capacity to make effective technological decisions. The purpose of this article is to assist "Lone Ranger" language lecturers, in making pedagogically sound decisions when classifying, evaluating and selecting distance education technologies by: (a) considering technology selection as part of the instructional design process, (b) referring to some reasons for using technology for language learning, (c) focusing on criteria for classifying and evaluating distance education technologies, and by (d) reviewing selected studies in order to indicate the application possibilities of technologies for language teaching and learning.
Thesis (M.A. (English))--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2002

While information communications technology provides new opportunties for supporting mentoring, there is a need to explore how effectively these potential benefits are being realised. The evaluation of the effectiveness of structured e-mentoring in the small business context is problematic because it is contingent upon a multitude of contextual factors and characterised by a range of research difficulties. A review of 31 effectiveness studies across the mentoring, ementoring and small business fields undertaken as part of this study provided a basis for systematically determining the nature of these research challenges. They included the heterogeneity and divergent pedagogical needs of individuals, the complexity of the mentoring phenomenon, measurement difficulties, the paradigm location of evaluation models, inherent problems with evaluation methodologies and data quality, and the almost contradictory imperatives to evaluate individualised outcomes while exploring commonalities and patterns in effectiveness. To extend understanding and knowledge in the field of e-mentoring for small business, it will be necessary to develop empirically-based theories of effective e-mentoring systems. As a means of contributing to the generation and refinement of theory, this study proposed a framework as a potential solution to some of the research challenges and contextual contingencies identified. The framework integrates the DeLone and McLean model of Information Systems Success (1992) which is based on the principle that Information Systems success is best evaluated by considering the dimensions of effectiveness - System quality, Information quality, Use, User satisfaction and Impact - together as a system rather than in isolation. The Rickard model extends this principle to structured e-mentoring, and adapts and redefines DeLone and McLean’s Information Systems dimensions for the mentoring context. The study investigated the framework as a means of consolidating and classifying the metrics used in the informing disciplinary areas, as a reference tool for designing qualitative and quantitative effectiveness measurement instruments, for selecting situationally-responsive research strategies, and most critically, for describing, classifying and interpreting variability in effectiveness outcomes. The framework was applied to evaluate the effectiveness of an Australian e-mentoring program targeted at self-employed professional contractors called Mentors Online. This examination of actual practice provided a basis for proposing a set of determinants of e-mentoring effectiveness. This work in turn provided a basis for understanding how the potential benefits of structured e-mentoring are being realised. Creating a nexus between structured e-mentoring effectiveness evaluation and DeLone and McLean’s Information Systems success model was shown to provide a justified, sufficient and useful basis for evaluating structured e-mentoring effectiveness, and therefore a means of contributing to the body of international literature on e-mentoring effectiveness.

The main purpose of this research is to establish whether ICT models as implemented in distance education do help to render desirable results (increment in throughput, meeting clientele expectations, and reduction in learner drop-outs). If it is not the case, what could be done to overcome the established hindrance? The researcher employed programme evaluation (PE) which integrates both the positivistic and phenomenological aspects of research. The samples were drawn from the population group through probability and non-probability techniques. Different research strategies within PE such as discovery, inspection and auditing were at first employed to gauge the physical presence of what is being achieved by Unisa through use of myUnisa & DVC; followed by the use of the surveys (personal interviews, administered questionnaires, focus group interviews). The ultimate outcomes of the said research activities are audiovisual recordings, statistically analysed transcripts and questionnaire data. The researcher employed the following key questions in grappling with issues in this area; their findings are also given: i. Does the application of ICTs facilitate and enhance flexible learning at Unisa? With reference to flexible delivery as it relates to aspect of teaching and learning in Engineering, it has been established that minimal use is made of ICTs. Are the technologies correctly applied for teaching and learning? Based on the evidence of research findings it has been established that technology application is mainly used for administrative support rather than for teaching and learning. iii. Do the instructional design and technological applications meet the needs of their users? As matters stand, the study suggests that users' expectations through rating their perceptions and attitudes (academics, tutors, instructional designers, multimedia developers and learners), are far from being met (as all the critical parts of the models are not yet in place regarding the Engineering and other departments). According to the main finding, while there is some evidence of efforts aimed at proper implementation, underutilisation of the ICTs appears to be the main problem, as established at Unisa and elsewhere. The research is concluded through a number of recommendations based on the established findings.
Educational Studies
(D. Ed. (Curriculum Studies))

As with many new technology implementations before, Business Intelligence (BI) implementations have come under scrutiny in terms of the value added to organisations. The latest academic research uses various different ‘traditional financial methods’ such as the Return on Investment (ROI) calculations to determine the value of investments. In some instances customized measurement tools are proposed as a result of empirical studies conducted. The main objective of this study is to perform qualitative investigation on the theoretical value of BI implementations in organisations. If it is assumed that BI does add value to organisations, the primary research question aims to investigate how this value is added. A balanced scorecard second generation approach is used as theoretical framework in order to address the question. This approach is also known as strategy mapping. The research process starts with an extensive literature review on the topic of BI value evaluations and BI related balanced scorecards and strategy maps. As a result, various theoretical and practical research contributions are produced. One of the theoretical contributions includes an inventory of previous academic literature on the topic of BI value evaluations. This inventory is also presented diagrammatically. A preliminary version of the BI balanced scorecard is developed and used as foundation for a semi-structured interview template to investigate the value of BI in organisations.\ The semi-structured interview template was used as primary data generation instrument to gather data for this multiple-case study project. Four organisations participated in the study. The data obtained from the study was analysed and presented using an updated version of the theoretical framework of the study and was labelled as the intermediate version of the scorecard. The intermediate version of the BI balanced scorecard provided valuable input towards investigating how value was achieved as a result of BI implementations. These results were verified as part of a final verification process through a consultation process with the same study participants. A final version of the BI balanced scorecard is presented and included in a complete BI value solution. This version of the balanced scorecard is also a valuable practical contribution of the study. The verified results of the investigation indicated the following:- (1) BI adds value to organisations in all four perspectives of the organisation, namely the business value perspective, user orientation perspective, operational excellence perspective as well as the future orientation perspective. (2) Furthermore, the study confirmed that BI adds value to organisations through a number of benefits including an increase in sales and compliance to regulatory requirements (to name a few). (3) However, the study also indicated that value-related studies must adopt a holistic approach in an attempt to cater for the many facets of the topic. (4) Despite the challenge of implementing BI in organisations, the perceived value of BI implementations amongst senior management remained positive. This was supported by the continuous implementation of new BI projects in organisations. (5) There was a definite relationship between BI implementations and organisational performance. This is evident through the positive impact on sales figures, risk and compliance management and operational management. The study contributes to the broader field of Information Systems (IS) in numerous ways. Firstly the research discovers gaps in existing research, then proposes a method to investigate the research question as a result of the gaps identified, and -iiiuses this method as a tool to investigate the problem. The main contribution of the study is to contribute to the body of knowledge by investigating the value of business intelligence to organisations.
College of Engineering, Science & Technology
D. Litt et. Phil. (Information Systems)

Text in English with summaries and keywords in English, Afrikaans and Zulu
Bibliography: leaves 294-314
How does an organisation turn good results into great results? What makes one organisation good and another great? What defines high performance organisations? Which aspects within an organisation play vital roles into taking an organisation from good to great? Are some aspects more important than others, if so, which ones? These questions have been explored and researched over the years and various researchers have proposed different theories and models that impact high performance as well as definitions around high performance with mixed results. The general aim of this research was to develop and validate a High Performance Model for an IT organisation. The concept of high performance was explored in terms of how to define high performance, which high performance models and frameworks have been developed within the literature and what sustains high performance. These existing High Performance Organisation (HPO) models and frameworks were evaluated against an identified set of criteria to arrive at a definitive theoretical model of high performance. The theoretical HPO model was developed based on the evaluation of the literature reviews together with the existing HPO model of the participating IT organisation. The main purpose of the empirical research was to gather data by means of three questionnaires, over six years, which were used to statistically determine the organisational and behavioural constructs that influence High Performance in an IT organisation in South Africa. Furthermore, the researcher developed an empirical model to verify the theoretical model. A quantitative empirical research paradigm using the survey method was followed and explanatory and descriptive research was used in this study. An HPO questionnaire was developed and administered to employees. Over the six years and three questionnaire administrations, 3,451 employees participated. A new best fitting HPO model was postulated based on new constructs postulated in the factor analysis. The model indicated that Leadership, Knowledge Management – team, Strategic Focus as well as Job Satisfaction especially contributed to high performance within the participating organisation, as well as that strong relationships exist between the HPO factors. This research should contribute towards longitudinal studies on high performance as well as a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence high performance, within South Africa but also globally. The new HPO model should assist organisations and practitioners in measuring high performance in any organisation after validation. With increased competition and globalisation organisations struggle to survive, this study can provide a roadmap for organisations to obtain and sustain high performance.
Hoe kan ‘n organisasie goeie resultate in uitnemende resultate verander? Wat maak een organisasie goed en ‘n ander een uitnemend? Hoe word hoë prestasie organisasies gedefinieer? Watter aspekte binne ‘n organisasie speel die belangrikste rol om die organisasie van goed na uitnemend te neem? Is sommige aspekte belangriker as ander, indien wel, watter? Hierdie vrae is al deur die jare heen ondersoek en nagevors. Verskeie navorsers het verskillende definisies, teorieë en modelle wat hoe prestasie beïnvloed word ontwikkel, met gemengde resultate. Die algemene doel van hierdie navorsing was om ‘n Hoë Prestasie (HP) Model vir ‘n IT organisasie te ontwikkel en te bekragtig. Die konsep van hoë prestasie word ondersoek, meer spesifiek, die definisie van hoë prestasie, watter hoë prestasie modelle en raamwerke al ontwikkel is in die literatuur en wat hou hoë prestasie in stand. Die bestaande HP modelle en raamwerke word ge-evalueer teen kriteria wat vooraf geïdentifiseer is om sodoende ‘n beslissende teoretiese model vir hoë prestasie te onwikkel. Die teoretiese HP model was ontwikkel op grond van literatuur evaluasies, tesame met die bestaande HP model van die deelnemende IT organisasie. Die hoofdoel van die empiriese navorsing was om data te versamel deur middel van drie vraelyste, oor ‘n tydperk van ses jaar, wat gebruik is om te bepaal watter organisasie- en gedragsveranderlikes beïnvloed hoë prestasie in die deelnemende Suid-Afrikaanse IT organisasie. Die navorser het ook ‘n empiriese model ontwikkel om die teoretiese model te verifieer. ‘n Kwantitatiewe empiriese navorsingsparadigma, insluitend die vraelysmetode, was gevolg in hierdie navorsingstudie, sowel as verklarende en bevestigende navorsing. ‘n HP vraelys was ontwikkel en geadministreer. Gedurende die ses jaar en drie vraelys administrasies, het 3,451 werknemers deelgeneem. ‘n Nuwe en beter-passende HP model word gepostuleer, gebaseer op nuwe konstrukte gepostuleer in die faktoranalise. Die model wys dat Leierskap, Kennisbestuur—span, Strategiese Fokus, asook Werksbevrediging—veral bydra tot hoë prestasie in die deelnemende organisasie en dat sterk verhoudings bestaan tussen dié HP faktore. Die navorsing behoort by te dra tot longutidinale studies van hoë prestasie, asook ‘n omvattende begrip van die faktore wat hoë prestasie beïnvloed, op globale vlak, maar ook binne die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks. Die nuwe HP model behoort organisasies en praktisyns te help om hoë prestasie te meet in enige IT organisasie, nadat bekragtiging gedoen is. Met toenemende kompetisie en globalisering, sukkel organisasies om kop bo water te hou, dus kan hierdie studie ‘n padkaart bied na die verkryging en handhawing van hoë prestasie.
Ngabe inhlangano ikwenza kanjani ukwenza ukusuka kwimiphumela emihle ibe nemiphumela yezinga eliphezulu kakhulu? Ngabe yini okwenza ukuthi inhlangano ethile ibe yinhle kanti enye ibe sezingeni eliphezulu kakhulu? Ngabe yini okuchaza inhlangano esebenza ngezinga eliphezulu kakhulu? Ngabe yiziphi izinto kwinhlangano ezidlala indima ebalulekile ekwenzeni ukuthi inhlangano isuke ezingeni elihle iye kweliphezulu kakhulu? Ngabe kukhona izinto ezibalulekile ukudlula ezinye, uma zikhona, ngabe yiziphi? Le mibuzo iye yacutshungulwa nokucwaningwa eminyakeni eminingi kanti abacwaningi abehlukene baphakamise amathiyori ehlukene kanye namamodeli athinta umphumela wezinga eliphezulu kanye nezincazelo ngokusebenza kwezinga eliphezulu, ngemiphumela ehlukene. Inhloso enabile yalolu cwaningo bekuwukwenza kanye nokuqinisekisa imodeli ye-high performance model (HPO) ngokwenhlangano ye-Information Technology (IT). Kuye kwahlolisiswa umbono wokusebenza ngezinga eliphezulu ngokulandela indlela yokuchaza ukusebenza ngezinga eliphezulu, nokuthi ngabe yiwaphi amamodeli okusebenza ngezinga eliphezulu nezinhlaka ezenziwe ngaphansi kwemibhalo, kanye nokuthi yini ukuqikelela ukuqhubeka kokusebenza ngezinga eliphezulu. Amamodeli akhona e-HPO kanye nezinhlaka zahlolwa ngaphansi kwama-criteria aboniwe akhona ukuze kufinyelelwe kwithiyori echazayo ngemodeli yokusebenza ngezinga eliphezulu. Ithiyori yemodeli ye-HPO yenziwe ngokulandela uhlolo lwemibhalo ebuyekeziwe kanye nokulandela imodeli ye-HPO ekhona kwinhlangano ye-IT ebingenele ucwaningo. Inhloso enkulu yocwaningo olunobufakazi bekuwukuqoqa idata ngokwenza uhla lwemibuzo emithathu, esikhathini seminyaka eyisithupha, kanti yasetshenziswa ukunquma ngezinto ezihlukene eziphathelene nenhlangano kanye nokuziphatha kwayo okunomthelela ekusebenzeni ngezinga eliphezulu kwinhlangano ye-IT eNingizimu Afrika. Kanti futhi, umcwaningi wenze imodeli yobufakazi ukuqinisekisa imodeli yethiyori. Kulandelwe ipharadayimi yocwaningo lwamanani ngokusebenzisa inqubo ye-survey kanye nocwaningo lwencazelo nengcaciso okusetshenziswe kulolu cwaningo. Kwenziwe uhla lwemibuzo yeHPO yasetshenziswa kubasebenzi. Eminyakeni eyisithupha kusetshenziwswe uhla oluthathu lwemibuzo, kubasebenzi ababambe iqhaza abangu 3, 451. Imodeli engcono kakhulu ye-HPO iye yasetshenziswa ngokulandela uhlelo olusha olwenziwe kwinqubo yohlaziyo. Imodeli ibonise ukuthi Ubuholi, kanye Nokuphathwa koLwazi – ithimba, Ukugxilisa kwinhloso ethile kanye Nokuneliseka Ngomsebenzi ikakhulukazi yikho okunomthelela ekusebenzeni ngezinga eliphezulu enhlanganweni ebamba iqhaza. Imiphumela ibonise nobudlelwane obukhulu obuqinile obukhona phakathi kwezinto eziphathelene ne-HPO, ikakhulukazi phakathi Kwenhlangano Yokuphathwa Kolwazi, okuhambelane kakhulu ngokuqinile nezinto ezinhlano kweziyisishagalolunye eziphathelene ne-HPO. Ucwaningo lungathela esivivaneni ekuqondisiseni okujulile kwizinto ezinomthelela ekusebenzeni ngezinga eliphezulu, kuwo wonke umhlaba kanye neNingizimu Afrika ngokwayo. Imodeli entsha ye-HPO ingasiza inhlangano kanye nabasebenzi ekukaleni ukusebenza ngezinga eliphezulu kunoma yiyiphi inhlangano ye-IT, ngemuva kokuqinisekiswa. Ngokukhula kokuqhudelana kanye ne-globalisation, izinhlangano zikuthola kunzima ukuqhubekela phambili, lolu cwaningo lungahlinzeka ngomhlahlandlela kwizinhlangano ukuthola indlela yokusebenza ngezinga eliphezulu nokugcina lezo zindlela zokusebenza ngezinga eliphezulu.
Industrial and Organisational Psychology
D. Phil. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)