https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/69 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:20:49 GMT 2026-04-15T12:20:49Z https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4321 Title: Effect of blockchain technology on payment services: a case of a South African commercial bank Authors: Abrahams, Mercia Theresa Abstract: This study investigates the challenges and opportunities of adopting blockchain technology in payment services within a South African Commercial Bank, motivated by the problem that, despite blockchain’s potential, its integration into traditional banking systems faces significant obstacles. The research seeks to identify the primary barriers hindering blockchain adoption, assess its potential impact, and evaluate the advantages it can bring to payment services. Employing an interpretive qualitative approach, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with sixteen subject matter experts at tactical and operational levels, and thematic analysis was used to interpret findings. Thematic analysis revealed significant challenges, including regulatory compliance, data privacy, technology integration, resource requirements, and a shortage of in-house blockchain expertise. The research results underscore blockchain’s potential to streamline payment processes, reduce transaction costs, enhance security, and improve operational efficiency, particularly in cross-border transactions and real-time settlements. The study finds that while blockchain technology can advance payment services, challenges related to legacy systems, regulatory ambiguity, and high initial costs hinder its seamless implementation. Importantly, the study highlights the need for strategic collaborations, investment in employee upskilling, and the establishment of clearer regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance and facilitate blockchain’s full potential in the financial sector. The study’s recommendations include establishing stronger regulatory frameworks, prioritising collaborative efforts to enhance data privacy, investing in technical upskilling, and exploring sustainable integration solutions. While the findings are specific to a single bank, the study provides a strategic framework for broader banking institutions seeking to leverage blockchain technology to enhance operational efficiency, competitiveness, and customer satisfaction in a rapidly digitising financial environment. These findings have implications for financial institutions in similar regulatory environments, suggesting that a carefully structured approach to blockchain adoption could yield competitive advantages, reduced operational costs, and improved customer satisfaction. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on blockchain’s role in the digital transformation of banking, offering a strategic framework for banks aiming to integrate distributed ledger technology within existing infrastructures while navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance and technical integration. Description: Thesis (Master of Technology Business Administration)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4321 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4319 Title: The influence of eLearning on students at a university of technology in the Western Cape Authors: Wanana, Nokonwaba Abstract: All industries were impacted worldwide by the COVID-19 pandemic, and especially so, higher education. To rescue the 2020 academic year, higher education institutions had to resort to emergency online teaching and learning activities. Fortunately, the advancement in technology provided the opportunity for universities to quickly adapt to online teaching and learning during the pandemic. In addition, funding was provided to support students who had no access, with data and devices. However, the existence of the digital divide was a reality for many students who needed to stay home, where geographically not all areas had the ICT infrastructure in place to accommodate the new teaching model. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the elements that influence students' eLearning experiences at a University of Technology in the Western Cape. Using a mixed approach, a survey questionnaire was distributed among second and third-year students enrolled for the Business Applications subject in the Business and Information Administration Programme within the Business and Management Sciences faculty. A total of seventy-three responses were received. The closed-ended responses were analysed using NCSS 2021 Statistical Software (2021) and the open ended responses were analysed using content analysis. The findings revealed that students had mixed feelings about online teaching and learning activities. Some of the students’ academic performance improved due to eLearning. The biggest challenge for some students, was load shedding; it disrupted their connection during eLearning, which affected their learning process. The recommendations made included: • that the university of technology continue to follow a blended learning approach in the future, to accommodate different student learning styles. • a specific help desk where staff, lecturers, and students can get 24/7 technological support for all eLearning activities. It is intended that the results may shed light on how online teaching and learning affects students' academic performance for other departments and faculties Description: Thesis (Master of Technology Business Administration)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4319 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4202 Title: An exploration of women's voices in the public sector: a case of a government department Cape Town Authors: Nkentsha, Zizipho Belinda Abstract: This study investigates the exploration of women's voices in the public sector in a government department in Cape Town. It analyses the causes of women conforming to male dominance, their inability to voice their opinions, and how they can make decisions for themselves in the public sector. The investigation is conducted on the presupposition that women are still not given their full rights, specifically in the workplace, where an insignificant number of them are given high positions that are permanent and how women face discrimination within the workplace because of male dominance. Moreover, in Cape Town, most women are believed to work in lower-paid jobs, and those who hold permanent positions in the public sector are not given an opportunity to practice authority due to inequality between men and women. The study also investigates how the government department of Cape Town has a serious problem of women holding qualifications yet struggling to attain better positions that will match what they have studied. They are forced to settle for entry-level positions that do not motivate them to climb the ladder and fully support their families financially. Inclusivity is also a detriment to women in the workplace. It has been observed that women are not given the room to be confident and be part of management decision-making. Instead, they are belittled and undermined and given unfavourable duties that are not important. Moreover, women are excluded from major work meetings and events that allow them to express their input and viewpoints, as it is believed that it is not their place to do so. This dissertation is underpinned by the social constructivist theory, where knowledge is built from human experiences. The social constructivism theory postulates that such experiences are influenced by society and its cultural setting. In addition, the data collected in this research was gathered utilising interviews and questionnaires where participants were given a series of questions to answer. The interview questions were structured as a conversation between the interviewer and the interviewee. Moreover, questionnaires were also collected in the research, which allowed the researcher to gather information from a larger audience than interviews. The researcher managed to receive a good number of questionnaires from the participants, while others were uncomfortable answering the questionnaire. The findings from the data collected insinuate that the government department of Cape Town still needs to put more effort into opportunities that support and uplift women. Furthermore, a course of action should be taken to eliminate inequality and discrimination in the workplace so that employees can be in a healthy work environment. Description: Thesis (Master of Technology Business Administration)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2024 Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4202 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4201 Title: Factors affecting project communication in a selected retail head office in Cape Town Authors: Ngoma, Zuko Cornelius Abstract: Effective interpersonal communication skills are essential in project management, particularly within industries where performance heavily depends on these abilities. This research investigates project communication challenges, with a specific focus on internal communication issues within a retail head office in the Western Cape, South Africa. It also suggests ways to improve communication to achieve better project outcomes. Here, communication is defined as the transfer of ideas, thoughts, and understanding, where feedback is a critical component. Poor internal communication, often resulting from siloed operations, can lead to confusion, flawed decision-making, and financial losses. This study underscores the need for an integrated communication system to mitigate these issues. To examine these challenges, the research gathered both primary and secondary data. Employees involved in project management activities served as survey respondents, providing insights into communication barriers, tools, feedback mechanisms, and issues with unclear information. The study utilized a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative research—analysing literature on project communication challenges in South Africa's retail market—and quantitative research, in the form of a self-administered questionnaire based on the Likert scale. The study's findings revealed that unprofessionalism, lack of feedback, absence of communication plans, and ambiguous instructions negatively impact project communication within this retail head office. Feedback, it was noted, is essential throughout a project's life-cycle, especially in a retail environment. To improve communication, project managers are encouraged to hold regular meetings with team leaders, send monthly emails highlighting exceptional performance, and promptly address any queries that might hinder project success. Additionally, the research highlights the risks associated with delayed information dissemination, which can lead to financial losses. A recommended solution is to conduct stakeholder analyses to identify relevant stakeholders and distribute project reports regularly. Project coordinators should meet monthly with project managers to align on what information needs to be communicated to different stakeholders. Effective communication is recognized as a foundation for establishing a shared culture, enhancing workplace satisfaction, and achieving organizational goals. The study proposes several strategies for effective communication within project-based environments. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of clarity by ensuring that project-related information is concise and implementing standard communication protocols to prevent misunderstandings. To avoid information overload, it suggests prioritizing essential content using tools and technologies that streamline communication. To foster a productive communication environment, the study recommends minimizing external noise, setting up dedicated channels for project discussions, and promoting cultural sensitivity to reduce miscommunication due to cultural differences. Additionally, language training and support are suggested to overcome language barriers. The study also underscores the role of technology in enhancing communication, advocating for the use of project management software and collaboration tools for efficient information sharing. Lastly, training in communication skills, such as active listening, empathy, and clarity, is emphasized to improve overall communication effectiveness. Collectively, these strategies contribute to a comprehensive communication framework that supports successful project outcomes. Description: Thesis (MTech (Business and Information Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2024 Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4201 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z