IT business consulting competencies to address business intelligence and analytics challenges in South African organisations
- Authors: Chatapura, Ruvimbo Faith
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Business enterprises Information technology South Africa , Business intelligence , Business analytics , Business consultants , Dynamic capabilities , Knowledge management
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/462680 , vital:76325
- Description: Background: In today's dynamic environment, the importance and popularity of business intelligence and analytics (BI&A) has increased due to the rise in big data being generated across the globe. BI&A is an essential emerging business competency area and dynamic capability that serves as an enabler for organisations to harvest value from their big data. When implemented correctly, BI&A is a powerful tool that leads to increased competitive advantage. However, organisations in South Africa are facing major challenges when it comes to adopting and harnessing it. As such, it is IT business consultants that South African organisations turn to for acquiring BI&A expertise. Objective: Using the Theory of Dynamic Capabilities as an underpinning lens, the purpose of this study is to investigate the relevant competencies IT business consultants need to address BI&A challenges in South African organisations. This study focuses on developing a BI&A competency framework based on these competencies that IT business consultants can consider when addressing the BI&A challenges in South African organisations. Methods: A qualitative research approach was utilised in this study by making use of an interpretive paradigm, abductive reasoning, qualitative description research strategy, as well as semi-structured interviews and questionnaires as data collection methods to elicit feedback on this study’s BI&A competency framework. Content analysis was conducted to categorise and code the interview data, and descriptive analysis was conducted to rank the competencies in order of relevance. Findings: It was found that the relevant business competencies to consider are business acumen, industry knowledge and strategic conceptual abilities. The relevant technical competencies are categorised into three categories: analytical skills (logical thinking, problem-solving, statistical analysis and what-if analysis), data engineering (data modelling skills, data warehousing, database management, data governance, data interpretation, data stewardship, data visualisation tools and data processing languages) and supplementary skills (project management, consulting skills and artificial intelligence). The relevant values and behavioural competencies to consider are integrity, communication, teamwork, resilience, commitment, creativity, emotional intelligence, humility, behavioural analysis, curiosity, leadership and social intelligence. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Information Systems, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
Investigating the competitiveness of small and medium-sized management consulting enterprises in serving state-owned enterprises: subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual
- Authors: Mpapele, Fanisa Monaliza
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa , New business enterprises -- Management , Business consultants , Government business enterprises -- South Africa Government corporations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65811 , vital:74270
- Description: This dissertation examines the competitiveness of management consulting (MC) of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in serving state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa (SA). The research focused on the preparedness, scalability, and sustainability of MC SMMEs in addressing the strategic challenges faced by SOEs. The mixed-method approach combined self-administered interviews with management consultants and a comprehensive literature review. The qualitative research method allowed for an in-depth exploration of the factors influencing the competitiveness of MC SMMEs. The interviews revealed that MC SMMEs possess the necessary technical expertise and skills, yet they face hurdles related to scalability and sustainability inherent in SMMEs. These challenges include limited access to funding, inadequate marketing capacities, and delayed payment for services rendered. The study highlights that MC SMMEs can handle high-value projects for SOEs but they encounter difficulties within the SOE environment, which is marked by ethical concerns. It emphasises the importance of vigilance and maintaining discipline in service delivery to address these challenges. Additionally, the research provides practical recommendations for SOEs to support and facilitate the growth of MC SMMEs, enabling innovative solutions in their services. By evaluating the competitiveness of MC SMMEs in serving SOEs, this research contributes to understanding the MC industry landscape in SA. It aims to assist in strengthening the capabilities and credibility of local MC SMMEs, fostering their growth and sustainability. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, industry practitioners, and stakeholders seeking to enhance the role of MC SMMEs in driving economic growth and innovation within the context of SOEs. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-12