http://hdl.handle.net/11189/5591 Sun, 16 Aug 2026 06:39:17 GMT 2026-08-16T06:39:17Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/5808 Title: The level of participation during the development of a mobile application for home-based healthcare data in a developing context: An actor-network theory perspective Authors: De la Harpe, Aretha Abstract: The context of this study is home-based healthcare in a South African resource-restricted community. The research case involved the design and development of a mobile care data application, created to assist community caregivers in their professional activities. However, the development principles of a suitable mobile application for feature phones (limited functionality) in this context are not fully established. A participatory design approach was employed using a design science research in information systems strategy. Data was collected during the co-design sessions with the active participation of the caregivers to design and develop a suitable mobile application to capture process and report care data. The activities of the caregivers in practice and the design and development activities were observed. It was observed, conversely, that the level of participation of all stakeholders differed significantly during the process. It was especially observed that the designer and end-users were less involved in the actual development of the prototype. These differences may have an influence on the end product/result. Actor-network theory (ANT) was used to offer a new perspective on the development processes, concepts and structures. Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/11189/5808 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/5326 Title: Prioritising University-Community engagement in North-South research partnerships Authors: De la Harpe, Aretha; Van Zyl, Izak Abstract: This paper will respond to the theme of multidisciplinary areas of research that are considered of high importance for SANORD’s member universities and countries. It will explore the facilitation of existing networks and initiatives, with a specific focus on innovation, in forging partnerships that are useful and appropriate to communities. The ambition here is to address the knowledge discrepancies between universities and communities by establishing collaborative networks that actively involve members of both institutions. The strength of this endeavour is its reciprocal nature where local stakeholders are fruitfully and continuously engaged as network contributors and facilitators. Ultimately, the paper will present existing cases of North-South actions involving researchers, educators, and local role players that assist citizens of local (Southern) communities, aligned around mutual objectives in a single network. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/11189/5326 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/3534 Title: At-home 2.0 – an educational framework for home-based healthcare Authors: Van Zyl, Izak; De la Harpe, Aretha Abstract: This paper intends to describe some of the primary social and cultural dynamics in South African home-based healthcare, using ethnographic case study material and design methodology. This constitutes a detailed narrative of the “care experience” in a poor community, emphasising the needs of and barriers to educational information, particularly concerning caregivers. In reaction to this context, a collaborative training model – AT-HOME 2.0 – emerges through design intervention. This is foreseen as a basic framework whereby caregivers (are encouraged to) develop educational content via information and communication technologies (e.g. mobile phones and social media). Such content can and may include experiences, suggestions, and guidelines that are relevant to the practice of caregiving. ATHOME 2.0 will conceptually – and in some cases practically – demonstrate how educational content may be generated, published, and disseminated in the sphere of home-based healthcare. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/11189/3534 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/3522 Title: Decision making in the context of business intelligence and data quality Authors: Marshall, L.; De la Harpe, Aretha Abstract: Making decisions in a business intelligence (BI) environment can become extremely challenging and sometimes even impossible if the data on which the decisions are based are of poor quality. It is only possible to utilise data effectively when it is accurate, up-to-date, complete and available when needed. The BI decision makers and users are in the best position to determine the quality of the data available to them. It is important to ask the right questions of them; therefore the issues of information quality in the BI environment were established through a literature study. Information-related problems may cause supplier relationships to deteriorate, reduce internal productivity and the business' confidence in IT. Ultimately it can have implications for an organisation's ability to perform and remain competitive. The purpose of this article is aimed at identifying the underlying factors that prevent information from being easily and effectively utilised and understanding how these factors can influence the decision-making process, particularly within a BI environment. An exploratory investigation was conducted at a large retail organisation in South Africa to collect empirical data from BI users through unstructured interviews. Some of the main findings indicate specific causes that impact the decisions of BI users, including accuracy, inconsistency, understandability and availability of information. Key performance measures that are directly impacted by the quality of data on decision-making include waste, availability, sales and supplier fulfilment. The time spent on investigating and resolving data quality issues has a major impact on productivity. The importance of documentation was highlighted as an important issue that requires further investigation. The initial results indicate the value of research to investigate information quality in a BI environment. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/11189/3522 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z