Second call for papers (6 June 2021)

Submissions

SAICSIT 2021 is the annual research conference of the South African national computing society of the same name (www.saicsit.org.za). It presents researchers with a forum for presenting research in computer science, information systems, information technology, software engineering and computer engineering (as defined in the ACM, AIS and IEEE-CS). SAICSIT 2021 is an ACM conference and contributions from all parts of the world are welcomed.

Submission format

All submissions will be double-blind peer-reviewed by international experts. English is the official conference language - all submissions must therefore be in English.

Submissions in all categories of the SAICSIT 2021 Main Conference and the Graduate Symposium must follow the ACM International Conference Proceedings Series prescribed format - MS-Word or LaTeX format (with no additional libraries or special fonts).  The template and guidelines for papers are located at https://www.acm.org/publications/taps/word-template-workflow. Papers that do not follow the template may be excluded from the conference proceedings. The maximum paper length as stipulated in the various submission categories will be strictly enforced.  For all tracks, only anonymised PDF files must be submitted for review.  Any questions regarding the formatting and uploading of submissions should be directed to Dr Jan Mentz (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

All submissions must be made in Easy Chair: https://easychair.org/cfp/SAICSIT_2021

Full research papers

We invite the submission of FULL PAPERS (maximum of 10 pages, excluding references) to report original previously unpublished work in the topic areas of the conference. Full papers typically report on completed and mature research results.

We also invite submission of conceptual papers (maximum 10 pages, excluding references) to report on the latest developments in literature, theory, methods, and philosophy regarding the topic areas of the conference. Conceptual papers may report on novel non-empirical research.

All full paper submissions will be double-blind peer-reviewed by an international panel of experts. The review process will therefore retain the anonymity of authors and reviewers. The program committee will consider the following criteria when evaluating submitted papers:

  • originality of contribution;
  • relevance to the conference;
  • technical/scientific merit; and
  • presentation and clarity.

Accepted full research papers must be presented at the conference by either the main author or one of the co-authors. Authors should ensure the anonymity of their submissions, by removing names and affiliations from the first page and elsewhere in the paper, as well as in the name that the paper is saved as.

Panels

We invite proposals for PANELS on stimulating or controversial topics of current interest within the general scope of the conference.

Topics and/or themes for a panel session may also be proposed by individuals with an interest in chairing a panel in a topic of interest. Preference will be given to topics that raise forward-looking and/or contentious issues, and that promote debate among panel members and involvement of the audience. All suggestions will be assessed for their topicality and ability to generate stimulating debate.

Send your proposal (including an abstract of up to 500 words) directly to Prof. Shawren Singh (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Submissions for panels are NOT anonymous and will be reviewed by leaders in the appropriate area. The proposal should include the proposer’s name and affiliation as well as the names and affiliations of possible panel members. The description of accepted panels will be published in the conference proceedings.

Workshops

We invite proposals for WORKSHOPS as auxiliary events associated with the conference.

Workshop proposals should include the aim of the workshop; tentative programme; possible speakers; and expected outcomes.

Send your proposal (including an abstract of up to 1000 words) directly to Prof Bester Chimbo (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Submissions for workshops are NOT anonymous and will be assessed for appropriateness and feasibility by the conference committee. The proposal should include the proposer’s name and affiliation.

Postgraduate Symposium

SAICSIT 2021 offers postgraduate students at master’s and Doctoral levels the opportunity to actively engage with their peers and established researchers on the first day of the conference. Successful students will be required to present their research during the dedicated session. Due to the virtual nature of the conference, the symposium will also be hosted in a tailored virtual collaboration space. Details will be communicated upon acceptance.

Participation is free and open to all CS, IS and IT postgraduate research students at any stage of their research.

The Postgraduate Symposium provides students an excellent opportunity to:

  • Do presentations of their research in a friendly and fertile environment;
  • Present research to peers and experienced supervisors for valuable feedback;
  • Participate by also providing feedback to peers;
  • Meet other postgraduate researchers working on similar areas of research but based in different locations.

There is no registration fee for the postgraduate symposium for students who present at the symposium. If they attend the main conference, a registration fee will be charged for the main conference. The postgraduate symposium is open to postgraduate students and invited moderators only.

  • Master’s and doctoral research papers should be no longer than 4 pages, references excluded.  Clearly indicate that the paper is intended for the Postgraduate Symposium.  Submit the paper via EasyChair.
  • Postgraduate student papers must include:
    1. the student’s name and email address,
    2. the names and email addresses of their supervisors,
    3. their affiliation and discipline (IS, CS, IT), and
    4. indicate whether you are doing a doctorate or master’s degree.

Postgraduate Symposium paper structure

Prospective symposium participants should clearly and carefully introduce the following in their papers:

  1. The topic of interest and problem statement. Carefully argue WHY this problem issue is relevant and persisting in the field of study.
  2. The research questions or study objectives. Add a clear purpose statement to each of the research questions/study objectives.
  3. The value of doing the research and HOW you can know that the results of the research will contribute to your chosen field of study.
  4. The methods/methodology that will be employed to ensure that you can demonstrate a command of the literature of the field of study.
  5. The choice of research methodology/methods and WHY it is appropriate given the problem and field of interest. Where applicable, include a discussion on the sources of data and WHY they are appropriate for observing the phenomena of interest that you are investigating.
  6. The theoretical framework/conceptual framework if applicable.

All postgraduate Symposium paper submissions must be made in Easy Chair: https://easychair.org/cfp/SAICSIT_2021