https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/30865 2026-05-05T13:31:35Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32356 Innovative digital pedagogy: a case study of digitally-enhanced Business Studies in grade 12 Magoso, Siyabonga Andrias As education has transitioned into digitalisation with increased reliance on science and technology, the integration of digital technology has transformed the teaching profession enabling teachers to enhance their professional practices. This transition allows teachers to design innovative lessons that support inclusive education, promote learner engagement and provide access to diverse learning resources, thereby improving teaching and learning outcomes. Technology also encourages teachers to think creatively and adopt new teaching approaches, fostering a culture of innovation in the classroom. This qualitative case study, located within an interpretive paradigm, explored the pedagogical approaches used by teachers to integrate digital technologies into Business Studies lessons in rural secondary schools in the Harry Gwala District. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select six Business Studies teachers from six different secondary schools in a rural context. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews and lesson observations and were analysed and interpreted using thematic analysis. The study was guided by Engagement Theory and Conversational Theory. The findings revealed that digital technology plays an important role in enhancing the teaching and learning of Business Studies. Participants indicated that technology helped simplify abstract concepts, increased learner engagement and promoted collaboration among learners. Teachers also reported using various digital tools and social media platforms to communicate and share information with learners. The study also revealed that teachers attend workshops, webinars and training programmes offered by schools, districts and external organisations to strengthen their digital competencies. The study recommends continuous professional development to enhance teachers’ digital competencies and pedagogical practices. It also encourages the adoption of innovative, learner-centred strategies such as self-directed learning, flipped classrooms and multimedia tools to improve learner engagement in Business Studies.; Njengoba umhlaba uya ngokuya uba sedijithali futhi uncika kakhulu kusayensi nobuchwepheshe, ukufakwa kobuchwepheshe bedijithali kushintshe umsebenzi wobuthisha ngokubanika amandla okuthuthukisa imikhuba yabo yobungcweti. Lolu shintsho luvumela othisha ukuthi bakhe izifundo ezintsha ezisekela imfundo ebandakanya bonke abafundi, zikhuthaze ukubamba iqhaza kwabafundi futhi zinikeze ukufinyelela ezinsizeni zokufunda ezihlukahlukene, ngaleyo ndlela kuthuthukiswe imiphumela yokufundisa nokufunda. Ubuchwepheshe buphinde bukhuthaze othisha ukuthi bacabange ngobuciko futhi bamukele izindlela ezintsha zokufundisa, okwakha isiko lokusungula ezintweni ezintsha ekilasini. Lolu cwaningo olusezingeni lekhwalithi (qualitative case study), olusungulwe ngaphansi kwepharadayimu yokuhumusha (interpretive paradigm), luhlolisise izindlela zokufundisa ezisetshenziswa othisha ukuhlanganisa ubuchwepheshe bedijithali ezifundweni zeBusiness Studies ezikoleni zamabanga aphezulu ezisemakhaya esifundeni saseHarry Gwala. Kusetshenziswe izindlela zokukhetha ababambiqhaza ngenhloso (purposive sampling) kanye nokutholakala kalula (convenience sampling) ukukhetha othisha abayisithupha beBusiness Studies abavela ezikoleni eziyisithupha ezihlukene zasemakhaya. Idatha yaqoqwa ngezinhlelo zezingxoxo ezihleliwe kancane (semi-structured interviews) kanye nokubhekwa kwezifundo (lesson observations), yabe isihlaziywa yahunyushwa kusetshenziswa ukuhlaziywa kwezindikimba (thematic analysis). Ucwaningo lwaluholwa yi-Engagement Theory kanye ne-Conversational Theory. Imiphumela yocwaningo iveze ukuthi ubuchwepheshe bedijithali budlala indima ebalulekile ekuthuthukiseni ukufundisa nokufunda kweBusiness Studies. Ababambiqhaza babike ukuthi ubuchwepheshe busiza ukwenza lula imiqondo eyinkimbinkimbi, bukhulisa ukubamba iqhaza kwabafundi futhi bukhuthaza ukubambisana phakathi kwabafundi. Othisha baphinde babika ukusebenzisa amathuluzi ahlukahlukene edijithali kanye nezinkundla zokuxhumana (social media) ukuxhumana nokwabelana ngolwazi nabafundi. Ucwaningo luphinde lwaveza ukuthi othisha bayaya emihlanganweni yokuqeqeshwa (workshops), ama-webinar kanye nezinhlelo zokuqeqesha ezinikezwa izikole, izifunda kanye nezinhlangano zangaphandle ukuze baqinise amakhono abo edijithali. Ucwaningo luncoma vi ukuqhubeka kokuthuthukiswa kobungcweti (continuous professional development) ukuze kuthuthukiswe amakhono edijithali othisha kanye nezindlela zabo zokufundisa. Luphinde lukhuthaze ukwamukelwa kwezindlela ezintsha ezigxile kumfundi ezifana nokuzifundela (self-directed learning), amakilasi aphenduliwe (flipped classrooms) kanye nokusetshenziswa kwamathuluzi e-multimedia ukuze kuthuthukiswe ukubamba iqhaza kwabafundi kuBusiness Studies; Namate die wêreld toenemend digitaal word en meer op wetenskap en tegnologie staatmaak, het die integrasie van digitale tegnologie die onderwysberoep getransformeer deur onderwysers in staat te stel om hul professionele praktyke te verbeter. Hierdie verskuiwing stel onderwysers in staat om innoverende lesse te ontwerp wat inklusiewe onderwys ondersteun, leerderbetrokkenheid bevorder en toegang tot diverse leerhulpbronne bied, en sodoende onderrig- en leeruitkomste verbeter. Tegnologie moedig onderwysers ook aan om kreatief te dink en nuwe onderrigbenaderings aan te neem, wat ’n kultuur van innovasie in die klaskamer bevorder. Hierdie kwalitatiewe gevallestudie, geleë binne ’n interpretatiewe paradigma, het die pedagogiese benaderings ondersoek wat deur onderwysers gebruik word om digitale tegnologieë in Besigheidstudie-lesse in landelike sekondêre skole in die Harry Gwala-distrik te integreer. Doelgerigte en gerieflikheidsteekproefneming is gebruik om ses Besigheidstudie onderwysers uit ses verskillende sekondêre skole in ’n landelike konteks te selekteer. Data is gegenereer deur semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude en leswaarnemings en is geanaliseer en geïnterpreteer met behulp van tematiese analise. Die studie is gelei deur die Betrokkenheidsteorie (Engagement Theory) en Gespreksteorie (Conversational Theory). Die bevindings het getoon dat digitale tegnologie ’n belangrike rol speel in die verbetering van die onderrig en leer van Besigheidstudies. Deelnemers het aangedui dat tegnologie help om abstrakte konsepte te vereenvoudig, leerderbetrokkenheid te verhoog en samewerking onder leerders te bevorder. Onderwysers het ook gerapporteer dat hulle verskeie digitale hulpmiddels en sosiale media-platforms gebruik om met leerders te kommunikeer en inligting te deel. Die studie het verder bevind dat onderwysers werkswinkels, webinars en opleidingsprogramme bywoon wat deur skole, distrikte en eksterne organisasies aangebied word om hul digitale vaardighede te versterk. Die studie beveel deurlopende professionele ontwikkeling aan om onderwysers se digitale bevoegdhede en pedagogiese praktyke te verbeter. Dit moedig ook die aanvaarding van innoverende, leerdergesentreerde strategieë aan, soos selfgerigte leer, omgekeerde klaskamers (flipped classrooms) en multimediahulpmiddels omleerderbetrokkenheid in Besigheidstudies te verbeter Summary and keywords in English, Zulu and Afrikaans 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32354 The impact of marketing communication strategies on the performance of small independent retailers in Soweto, South Africa Makhubela, Vincent Funani Small independent retailers in Soweto, a township of Johannesburg in South Africa, are losing business due to the emergence of large retailers in the township area. These large retailers are taking customers away from small independent retailers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of marketing communication strategies on the performance of small independent retailers in Soweto, South Africa. The study employed a descriptive research methodology that involved a quantitative research design. 300 small independent retailers in three townships in Soweto, namely, Meadowlands, Dobsonville and Protea North were targeted, and the self-administered printed questionnaires were distributed to these retailers. Data was analysed by means of descriptive statistical analysis, factor analysis, regression analysis and ANOVA. The results depict that small independent retailers have a positive attitude towards marketing communication strategies. Small independent retailers were found to utilise word-of-mouth content and personal selling more in their businesses, while moderately using internet and social media. The results of the research study further revealed that marketing communication strategies (digital marketing, advertising, internet and social media) have a positive impact on the performance of small independent retailers. The study also found that the major challenges experienced by small independent retailers are electricity outages (load-shedding), the high cost of marketing communication tools, crime, and selecting the right location for the business. The key recommendation stemming from the study is that there is a need for more research on small independent retailers to identify the marketing communication strategies preferred by their customers. The study should be from the customer’s perspective. Future studies should employ different research methodologies in order to delve deeper into determining why small independent retailers in Soweto do not utilise digital marketing, advertising, direct marketing, sales promotion, and word-of-mouth message involvement. 2019-03-11T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32334 Integration of information and communication technology solutions in the provision of library services in selected academic libraries in Nigeria Abdullahi, Mohammed Shaba Concerns about the accessibility of intellectual communication in higher education have arisen because of academic libraries' struggles with the physical space constraints brought on by an increasing volume of print publications. The integration of Information and Communication Technology solution (ICTS) has changed how traditional library functions, such as acquisitions, cataloguing, and circulation are carried out. Notwithstanding these changes, academic libraries continue to be essential sources of authoritative knowledge. To address the changing needs of information professionals and users, this study looked at the level of ICTS integration in fifteen academic libraries in Nigeria. It specifically focused on the adoption of automation, digitisation, cloud computing, and other online services. It adopted a pragmatic research paradigm, employing a mixed methods research approach, and a convergent parallel mixed methods research design. The study population was 1,500 people selected from fifteen academic libraries in Nigeria. The Krejcie and Morgan formula was used to calculate or determine the sample size of 306 participants, which included postgraduate students, ICT librarians, and general librarians. A probabilistic sampling was used for this purpose. Qualitative data was collected through interviews, observation, and document analysis and was analysed thematically using Atlas 22.1.1 (Web version). Quantitative data, on the other hand were collected using questionnaires and was analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 22. The results showed that most libraries lacked a strong policy to facilitate e-resource use, access, retrieval, and utilisation. Factors attributed to limited ICT integration in academic libraries include funding, improper policy adoption, unskilled information technology personnels, inadequate bandwidth and internet connection. The study recommended the need for quarterly user education programs for library users, the national information and technology development agency (NITDA) most enforce academic institutions to mandate libraries in their domain to implement IT policies, prioritised supply and acquisition of computers and other related devices, the librarian registration council of Nigeria must liaise with donor agencies to ensure e-library standards policies were followed during hardware’s and software’s donation, enhanced infrastructure benchmarks for new libraries, with inclusion of structural design and the recruitment of ITS librarians, having additional skills like programming and artificial intelligent. 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32331 Investigating how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to optimise the distribution and allocation of social grants in South Africa Hlatshwayo, Mthokozisi Alfred This study investigates the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance the distribution and allocation of social grants in South Africa, addressing inefficiencies, high costs, and administrative complexities. Social grants are vital for reducing poverty and improving welfare, but the current system faces challenges such as lengthy processing times, inconsistent data, and limited accessibility. A qualitative research design was employed, utilising semi-structured interviews with 20 stakeholders, including policymakers, officials from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), and beneficiaries. Data analysis used thematic analysis to assess the feasibility of AI integration. Pilot studies of Electronic Know Your Client (EKYC) and biometric verification across select provinces provided empirical insights. In order to enhance decision-making, lower fraud, expedite beneficiary verification, and optimise resource allocation within South Africa's social grant ecosystem, this study explores the potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including machine learning, predictive analytics, natural language processing, automated document verification, and anomaly detection. The study looks at international best practices, assesses the possible advantages and disadvantages of integrating AI in South Africa, and reviews policy preparedness in light of the nation's larger Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) goal. Findings reveal that AI technologies could mitigate inefficiencies by automating data verification, enhancing fraud detection, and streamlining decision-making processes. Pilot implementations of Electronic Know Your Client (EKYC) and biometric systems across Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and North West provinces demonstrated varied outcomes. Gauteng saw a 5% improvement in fraud detection but faced challenges with system integration. The Eastern Cape struggled with downtimes, while the North West achieved a 10% reduction in identity theft but encountered transaction inaccuracies. This research contributes a comprehensive AI integration model tailored to South Africa’s socio-economic context, providing actionable recommendations for policymakers. Key considerations include robust infrastructure, workforce training, regulatory updates, and ethical safeguards to ensure fair and inclusive AI deployment. The study advances the discourse on AI in public administration, offering practical insights for achieving greater efficiency, transparency, and equity in social grant distribution.; Lolu cwaningo luhlola ukuhlanganiswa kobuchwepheshe be-Artificial Intelligence (AI) ohlelweni lokusabalalisa izibonelelo zenhlalakahle eNingizimu Afrika ukuze kuthuthukiswe ukusebenza kahle, kuncishiswe ukukopela, futhi kwandiswe ukufinyeleleka. Uhlelo lwezibonelelo zenhlalakahle lwaseNingizimu Afrika, olulawulwa yi-South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), lubalulekile ekunciphiseni ububha nasekuthuthukiseni inhlalakahle yezenhlalo. Nokho, izinselelo ezinjengokungasebenzi kahle kokuphatha, ukukopela, nokulinganiselwa kwezinsiza kuthinta ukusebenza kahle kwalo hlelo. Lolu cwaningo lusebenzisa indlela yokucwaninga yekhwalithethivu, lusebenzisa izingxoxo ezihlelekile neziphathimandla ezibalulekile, okuhlanganisa izikhulu ze-SASSA, abenzi benqubomgomo, nabathola izibonelelo. Ukuhlaziywa kwezindikimba zedatha, okuhlangene nocwaningo lwamapayona lwe-Electronic Know Your Client (EKYC) kanye nebiometric verification ezifundazweni ezikhethiwe, kuhlaziywe imiphumela yocwaningo. Ucwaningo lwapayona lubonise amandla e-AI ekutholeni ukukopela, kwathi eGauteng kwaba nokwehla ngo-5% kokukopela, kwathi eNyakatho Ntshonalanga kwaba nehlazo lokuncipha kuka-10% ekuntshontshweni kobunikazi. Nokho, izinselelo ezifana nokwehla kwezinhlelo zesistimu nokungahlangani kahle kwezinhlelo eMpumalanga Kapa ziveza isidingo sokuthuthukiswa kwezingqalasizinda. Imiphumela ikhombisa ukuthi i-AI ingathuthukisa kakhulu ukuphathwa kwezibonelelo zenhlalakahle ngokuzenzekelayo ekuqinisekisweni kwabamukeli, ekunciphiseni izikhathi zokucubungula, nasekukholeni ukusebenza kwamasistimu atholayo. Nokho, ukuthuthukiswa kwe-AI okuphumelelayo kudinga ingqalasizinda eqinile, ukuqeqeshwa kwabasebenzi, kanye nokuqapha kwezomthetho ukuze kuqinisekiswe ukusetshenziswa okuzuzisayo nokulungile. Lolu cwaningo lunikeza isibonelo sokuqaliswa kwe-AI esenzelwe isimo seNingizimu Afrika, lunikeza izincomo ezisebenzayo kubenzi benqubomgomo. Ucwaningo lufaka isandla engxoxweni enkulu mayelana nokwethulwa kwe-AI ezinsizeni zomphakathi, lugqamisa isidingo sendlela elinganiselayo eqhathanisa izinzuzo zokusebenza kahle kanye nemithelela yesimilo nezenhlalo. Ngokubhekana nezinselelo zokwethulwa kwe-AI, lolu cwaningo lunikeza isiqondiso sendlela yokusebenzisa i-AI ukwenza uhlelo lwezibonelelo zenhlalakahle eNingizimu Afrika lube olusebenzayo, olungcono, nolungagwegwesi.; Patlisiso ena e hlahloba ho kenyelletsoa ha mahlale a Artificial Intelligence (AI) tsamaisong ea kabo ea meputso ea sechaba Afrika Boroa ho ntlafatsa ts'ebetso, ho fokotsa bomenemene, le ho ntlafatsa phihlello. Tsamaiso ea meputso ea sechaba ea Afrika Boroa, e tsamaisoang ke South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), e bohlokoa ho fokotseng bofuma le ho ntlafatsa boiketlo ba sechaba. Leha ho le joalo, mathata a kang ho se sebetse hantle tsamaisong, bomenemene, le mefokolo ea lisebelisoa a sitisa katleho ea tsamaiso ena. Patlisiso ena e sebelisa mokhoa oa lipatlisiso tsa boleng bo phahameng, e sebelisa lipuisano tse hlophisitsoeng le ba boholong, ho kenyeletsoa liofisiri tsa South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), ba etsang melao, le ba amohelang meputso ea sechaba. Tlhatlhobo ea data e entsoeng ka ho sekaseka lihlooho tsa bohlokoa, hammoho le teko ea pele ea Electronic Know Your Client (EKYC) le biometric verification liprofinseng tse ling, e fana ka leseli ka bokhoni ba AI tsamaisong ena. Teko ena e bontšitse hore AI e ka fokotsa bomenemene, moo Gauteng ho bileng le phokotso ea 5% ea bomenemene, ha Profense ya North West e bone phokotso ea 10% bosholu ba boitsebiso. Leha ho le joalo, mathata a kang ho putlama ha tsamaiso le mathata a kopano ea sistimi Profinseng ea Eastern Cape a bontša tlhoko ea lintlafatso tsa motheo. Liphuputso li bontša hore AI e ka ntlafatsa tsamaiso ea meputso ea sechaba ka ho nolofatsa ts'ebetso ea netefatso ea ba amohelang meputso, ho fokotsa nako ea ts'ebetso, le ho ntlafatsa lits'ebetso tsa tlhahlobo ea bomenemene. Leha ho le joalo, katleho ea AI e hloka hore ho be le motheo o tiileng oa meaho, koetliso ea basebetsi, le taolo e matla ho netefatsa hore AI e sebelisoa ka toka le ka nepo. Patlisiso ena e fana ka mohlala oa ho kenya AI ts'ebetsong ka mokhoa o lumellanang le maemo a Afrika Boroa, e fana ka likhothaletso tse sebetsang ho ba etsang melao le ba ikarabellang ho tsamaiso ea meputso ea sechaba. Patlisiso ena e kenya letsoho lipuisanong tse pharalletseng mabapi le AI le lits'ebeletso tsa sechaba, e hatisa tlhokahalo ea mokhoa o leka-lekaneng o hlahlobang melemo ea ts'ebetso hammoho le litlamorao tsa boitšoaro le tsa sechaba. Ka ho sebetsana le mathata a kenyelletsong ea AI, patlisiso ena e fana ka tataiso ea ho sebelisa AI ka tsela e ntlafatsang le e lumellanang le litlhoko tsa sechaba tsa Afrika Boroa. Abstract in English, Isizulu and Sesotho 2025-08-01T00:00:00Z