REGENT Business School launched its accredited Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in 2021. In no time, aspirant doctoral students joined the programme and started the hard research, REGENT is proud to present these doctoral candidates and is particularly pleased with the quality of the contributions their theses make in their respective fields. Our thanks go to the Doctoral Office, the supervisors and support staff to help REGENT reach this important milestone.
Doctor of Business Administration Degree - Graduates 2025
Dr. Nomthandazo Malevu
Supervisor: Dr Ezekiel Nohumba
Title: Internal Stakeholder Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence in South African Retail Banks
This study focused on adopting a digital transformation strategy for South Africa’s retail banking sector using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. It aimed to address challenges in delivering dynamic customer service and proposed a customer-centric framework for leveraging AI technologies. Using a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Digital, Data, and Analytics (DDA) and Customer Experience (CX) professionals from various banks. The analysis revealed that digital transformation improved customer convenience through mobile apps, online banking, and contactless payments, but barriers like trust deficits, cybersecurity concerns, and knowledge gaps persisted. The study concluded that AI-driven transformation could enhance customer experience by improving accessibility, service quality, and operational agility. The proposed framework provided a strategic blueprint for integrating AI tools to create a customer-focused approach while addressing security and trust issues. Recommendations included prioritising trust-building, customer education, and innovation to mitigate cybersecurity risks, helping retail banks remain competitive in the digital era.
Dr. Vusi Vivian Mvelase
Supervisor: Dr Olivier Niyitegeka
Title: Developing an Adaptive Information Technology Service Management Reference Model
The thesis developed a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency in South Africa, addressing regulatory gaps and uncertainties. It employed both qualitative (interviews) and quantitative (surveys) methods to examine how government institutions, including regulatory agencies, the South African Reserve Bank, and legislative bodies, influenced cryptocurrency policy. The research highlighted the need for a clear regulatory framework to promote innovation while protecting consumers and investors. It emphasised the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and academia, offering practical recommendations for policymakers.
Dr. Ignitius Molepo
Supervisor: Dr Bongani Ngwenya
Title: The Critical Value in creating a Data Management Framework for Sustainable Organisational Performance for Small and Medium Enterprises in Limpopo, South Africa
This study explores the impact of data management on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Limpopo Province, culminating in a contextualised framework for sustainable organisational performance. The study adopted a mixed research approach and pragmatism paradigm, the study administered online questionnaires with additional participants selected for qualitative analysis. Findings emphasised the need for aligning data management systems with organisational goals and strategies. The study highlighted data management challenges, particularly in systems and data transformation. The framework offered insights for improving data management practices and informs policies to support SMEs in adopting effective strategies.
Doctor of Business Administration Degree - Graduates 2024
Ryan Moodley
Supervisor: Dr Rishaad Ebrahim
Title: Developing an Adaptive Information Technology Service Management Reference Model
Organisations face a challenge in realising the value of IT service management (ITSM) for digital transformation and service delivery. This study develops an adaptive ITSM reference model, empowering organisations to implement practices effectively amid digital transformation. It emphasises the importance of robust ITSM strategies for successful digital transformation and integration of modern technologies. By contributing to the understanding of ITSM, the study emphasises its pivotal role in navigating digital complexities. With a holistic approach, it highlights key constructs such as Thought Leadership, Digital Innovation, Sustainability, Customer Experience, Adoption Management, and Communication, integrated into the proposed adaptive ITSM reference model.
Anthony Diesel
Supervisor: Prof Robert P. Machera (PhD)
Title: A Social Entrepreneurship Sustainability Framework for Not-for-Profit Organisations in South Africa
The main thesis delves into South African social entrepreneurship, proposing a sustainable business model for Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs). It advocates transitioning from charity based NPOs to hybrid social enterprise models, integrating the Ubuntu philosophy. The study reveals the importance of social entrepreneurship as pivotal, addressing societal challenges with community support, governance, leadership, and education. Key pillars of Share, Grow, Develop, Empower, Create and Innovate (SGDECI) are uncovered, emphasising sustained funding, community involvement and hybrid models for NPO success. This research lays the groundwork for policy support to foster transformative change in South African NPO sector.