TechWorld 2025: Big Data, Computer Science and Information Technologies

Stella Bvuma

Biography

Prof Bvuma currently serves as the Director of the University of Johannesburg's School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems, holds various UT qualifications including a PhD in Information Technology Management. An internationally recognised expert in information technology (IT), known for her strategic acumen, policy impact, and dedication to promoting inclusive technological growth. She has various recognitions and awards such as the 2025 South Africa?s Woman?s Leaders Award, 100 Influential Women in Tech 2024, 2023 Women in Tech Award, Best Coach and Mentor, Best Academic leader in Applied Information Systems, 2024 Cybersecurity Leaders to watch, Mentor of the Year and Top Fifty Inspiring Women in South Africa amongst others. Prof. Bvuma dedicates her career to creating a more inclusive environment where everyone has access specifically in the digital era. Her research interests are on innovation at the convergence of ICT4development, technology adoption for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), Digital transformation, Cybersecurity, and the digital economy. Her leadership positions amongst others include/d Deputy Chairperson of South Africa's State Information Technology Agency (SITA), Non- Executive Director on the South African Tourism Board, and 4IR Commissioner for the KwaZulu- Natal Provincial Government in the office of the Premier, Group Advisory Committees to the City of Johannesburg Mayor's Office on 4IR and digital transformation demonstrates her ability to link cutting-edge IT solutions to socioeconomic requirements. . Prof. Bvuma, combines academic rigour with industrial pragmatism, presenting keynote talks throughout the world on issues ranging from ICT to sustainable digital economies. Her leadership style is defined by rapid decision-making, cross-sector cooperation, and a tireless commitment to closing the digital gap. Prof. Bvuma typifies a leader who sees the future of Technology while ensuring that it benefits all stakeholders, solidifying her reputation as a catalyst for equitable advancement in the digital age.

Research Interest

Prof. Stella Bvuma's research interests include ICT4Development, technology adoption for SMMEs, smart cities, cybersecurity, and the digital economy. She focuses on leveraging technology to drive inclusive growth and digital transformation.

Abstract

Large Data, Little Victories: How Data-Driven Understandings Can Help Small Businesses Make Better Decisions This thorough cross-sectional study reveals important insights into the complex links between Data Driven Insight (DDI), Decision Making Process (DMP), Resource Allocation (RA), and Business Outcome (BO). It was carried out by watching 150 organisations during the influential year of 2024. The results highlight the critical role of the Decision Making Process and reveal a statistically significant positive correlation between DDI and BO, as well as a minor positive correlation between the two. Interestingly, the study finds that effective resource allocation is another important component that has a moderately positive correlation with business results. The measurement instrument's robustness is confirmed by the reliability statistics, which gives confidence to the collected data. Moreover, the ANOVA regression results highlight the substantial role that the interaction between DDI, DMP, and RA plays in explaining the variance in BO. These significant realizations stress the vital role that sound decision-making and wise resource management play in determining a company's success. In the changing world of 2024 and beyond, researchers and practitioners may devise strategies and make well-informed decisions that improve overall organisational performance, thanks to the actionable knowledge they possess. Keywords: Data Driven Insights, Decision Making process, Resources Allocation and Businesses Outcomes