bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Information and Communication Technologies for Cultural Transmission among Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Harris Charlotte A. , Harris Roger W. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe global digital divide threatens to exclude millions of people from the potential benefits of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), especially computers and the Internet. Many of these people live in rural, isolated and remote places of developing countries and are unlikely to be able to afford the cost of owning their own computers. However, NGOs, international aid agencies and governments are becoming increasingly aware of the potential that ICTs offer for rural development and poverty reduction and are creating more opportunities for providing wider access to them. This paper looks at how ICTs have contributed to the social development of a rural indigenous ethnic community. It focuses on the benefits of ICTs in recording and passing on their unique culture and traditions, something that is of considerable importance to the community. The research builds an understanding of the nature of cultural transmission within an indigenous community in East Malaysia and demonstrates how ICTs can bridge the digital divide by accentuating the importance of family, friends and other social interactions within a community in strengthening the processes of cultural transmission. Based on the findings, suggestions are offered for reinforcing social processes of cultural transmission with ICTs, in the form of a virtual museum and a community radio station.
Mobilising Local Networks of Implementers to Address Health Information Systems Sustainability
Authors: Sheikh Yahya Hamad , Braa Kristin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper addresses the problem of health information systems (HIS) sustainability in developing countries. Two interrelated questions are addressed. 1) How do we mobilise the local networks in the present settings of shortage of human and capital resources? 2) In which ways are these networks sustained for the sake of the HIS sustainability? With empirical material from the information systems integration project for the Zanzibar healthcare sector, the analysis is centred on the communities of practice concept in conjunction with the networks of action concept. The study reveals that building communities through organised practical works helps to build such networks at the lowest level of the HIS bureaucracy, enhancing learning at minimal resource usage. To make the networks themselves sustainable, participation in the larger networks of similar activities to enable wider exchange of knowledge and material resources is very important. This direct involvement not only helps in knowledge and resource exchange but also helps to forge political establishment which is highly important in influencing decisions concerning HIS related issues.
Does Public Access Computing Really Contribute to Community Development? Lessons from Libraries, Telecentres and Cybercafés in Colombia
Authors: Gomez Ricardo , Baron‐Porras Luis Fernando 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe use of information and communication technologies (ICT) can contribute to local community development and help connect local communities to global issues. Public access computing (PAC) venues such as telecenters, public libraries and cybercafés make ICT more broadly available and extend the benefits of ICT to underserved populations. This paper discusses findings from a study of the contribution of PAC to community development in Colombia, with particular attention to the town of Carmen de Bolívar. This town has a strong tradition of community organization for social development, and a long history of violence that has shaped its social fabric. While the introduction of PAC may not have contributed significantly to community development, use of ICT gives the local population a sense of belonging to a larger, global community, which in turn may help local activities in support of community development. We conclude that personal friendships and entertainment are perceived as stronger benefits of PAC, not community development or social transformation. Future research can explore if personal friendships and entertainment can be indirect contributors to community development.
Digital Doorway: Social‐Technical Innovation for High‐Needs Communities
Authors: Stillman Larry , Herselman Marlien , Marais Mario , Boshomane Mmamakanye Pitse , Plantinga Paul , Walton Sheelagh 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe application of the Living Lab (LL) approach to social‐technical innovation to the Digital Doorway Initiative in the informal settlement of Zandspruit near Johannesburg is outlined in the context of the initiative's evolution from an educational project to a broader community innovation initiative. The relationship between different stakeholders is explored in a theoretical and practical sense as a future research and practice challenge for both the study of ICTs in society (in this case, a poor community), and the fostering of community‐driven innovation. The activity also offers a research challenge for understanding the cultural transformations that are necessary for bringing about more effective integration between technical and social‐technical viewpoints about design and research in a social context. Current and projected community‐based research activities are also outlined, including the development of a project in Australia for high‐needs indigenous communities.
An Effective Model for Successful IT Professionals in Thailand
Authors: Tantisajjatham Pravate 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAs human differences in characteristics such as thinking preferences and behaviors can affect their professional careers, IT people with differences in their background and characteristics possess different career paths. This research focuses on how inner characteristics and personalities affect IT professionals in Thailand. The major characteristics of Thai IT professionals were identified in order to create the model for successful Thai IT professionals. Statistical methods were used to verify and validate the model using large groups of varying types of IT professionals in Thailand. The model was then reconfirmed using the unseen testing subjects. The result showed that the model was useful for Thai IT Professionals to plan a successful career path.
Strengthening the Link between Traditional and Modern Practices for Improving Data Quality in Health Information Systems: The Case of Malawi
Authors: Kanjo Chipo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper describes an empirical qualitative analysis of how knowledge and data generated through traditional health practices, specifically by traditional birth attendants, with respect to maternal and child health, define and control data quality in health information system. The aim is to gain an understanding of how knowledge and data crosses the boundary between traditional and modern sectors with varying practices, and how the existing mechanisms linking the two sectors can be strengthened. Using an interpretative approach, this research provides the health informatics and information systems community with an understanding of how bridging the divide between scientific and indigenious knowledge can improve data quality in a context where two different sectors exist; each utilising different types of knowledge. Concepts from community of practice theory were employed as the framework for analysis. We recommend that boundary crossing of knowledge and data between the two health sectors must be tailored from histrorical, cultural and modern perspectives, with an emphasis on: i) utilizing the historical‐cultural means of capturing data through chiefs and ii) the modern mechanisms of utilising health surveillance assistants as the link.
The Enablers and Disablers of E‐Commerce: Consumers’ Perspectives
Authors: Alqahtani Mohammed A. , Al‐Badi Ali H. , Mayhew Pam J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe availability and continued growth of Internet technologies (IT) have created great opportunities for users all over the globe to benefit from these services and use them in a variety of different ways. The use of IT to conduct business online is known as Electronic Commerce (E‐Commerce). While developed countries have harnessed and adopted E‐Commerce, developing countries are not yet fully adapted to its adoption. The aim of this study is to investigate the main factors that play a role in the adoption of E‐Commerce from a consumer's perceptive and, hence, develop a framework that conceptualises the influential factors (enablers and disablers) of E‐Commerce. A ‘grounded theory’ methodology was used to collect and analyse the data and develop the proposed framework. Thus, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with Saudi residents to elicit their opinions about E‐Commerce enablers and disablers in Saudi Arabia. The findings of the study suggest that the factors that have the most significant impact on the adoption of E‐Commerce in Saudi Arabia are security, fraud and hacking, trust, cyber‐law, awareness and perceived usefulness, postal services, government e‐readiness, resistance to change, the presence of commercial electronic websites, cost, tangibility, warranty, trial and experience.
Developing a Contextualized Information Systems Curriculum for an Emerging Economy
Authors: Ayalew Yirsaw , Renken Jaco , Mgaya Klodwig V. , Nkgau Tallman Z. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractInformation Systems (IS) curriculum development in developing countries faces the challenge of balancing conformance to international trends while remaining relevant to the local context. Model curricula such as IS2010 provide a clear and up‐to‐date reflection of IS curricula trends. However, such curricula cannot be directly implemented especially in developing countries where there are a number of environmental factors that affect the curriculum. In this paper we describe the approach taken to develop a contextualized undergraduate IS curriculum in a highly interdisciplinary African university. In an effort to harmonize the 3 undergraduate IS programs at the University of Botswana (UB), it was necessary to identify the content and direction for a new common IS core curriculum. To achieve this, several activities were carried out, namely: study of existing model curricula, survey and study of the needs of the local IS industry, tracer study of UB IS graduates, study of some regional and international IS curricula, and study of some relevant local policy documents. The paper discusses how the results of our empirical enquiries (i.e., different studies) have shaped the proposed IS curriculum appropriate to the emerging economic context in Botswana. We emphasize on the importance of proper adaptation/contextualization and exploiting the interdisciplinary nature of IS that can resolve important resource (both human and physical) constraints which is common in many African universities.
An Investigation of e‐Government Services in China
Authors: Tan Margaret , Xiaoai Deng , Qiushi Yang , Chen Cheng 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis objective of this research is to understand the adoption of e‐government services in China, especially in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. An online survey was conducted to investigate the level of awareness, usage and satisfaction of e‐government services in these cities. The survey questionnaire, translated in Chinese, was sent to some 330 participants (110 from each city). The findings show that e‐government services in China are not that advanced to address the actual expectations of the communities. There is a general mismatch between what the governments wish to provide online with what the communities see value in. Inadequate promotion, lack of content and the design of the websites are some of the factors that limit the value of the e‐Government services. The paper provides suggestions on how the local governments of Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen can improve the adoption of e‐government services.
A Multipurpose Cadastral Framework for Developing Countries‐Concepts
Authors: Duncan Edward Eric , Rahman Alias Abdul 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLand acquisition and ownership for wealth creation has eluded most individuals in various regions of the Earth especially regions described as developing or less developed countries. Most European countries have developed multi‐purpose cadastre (MPC) to streamline property ownership. Heterogeneity of space ownership is complex when it has to deal with space ownership above and below the surface. The concept of wealth can be measured as one's interest in land. This research seeks to introduce a conceptual framework using tools readily available and can be adopted by most countries. Reviews of cadastre being practised in some countries are presented. Concepts within the Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) framework are also presented within the concepts of some standards such as CityGML. The concept for above and below volume parcels is presented. Land package by governments in African countries will help alleviate poverty and create wealth in many African countries. A graphical interface is developed for this concept. The need for a conceptual schema for land volume parcels and marine blocks for countries having borders with the sea or ocean is emphasised.
An Exploratory Study on the Adoption and Use of ICT in Myanmar
Authors: Lau Sim Kim , Winley Graham Kenneth , Lau Sim Yee , Tan Kim Song 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis exploratory study investigates the adoption and use of information and communication technologies in Myanmar by examining the nature and structure of the information technology profession. The investigation is based on a theoretical framework consisting of three components: domains of information technology professional expertise; the scope of the information technology professional's knowledge, skills and experience; and specific knowledge and skills associated with the domains of professional expertise. The findings show that specialist skills in systems development, database, network and communications are important. This paper also provides insights that are not found in current literature which investigates information technology skills in Myanmar.
Determinants of Online Waqf Acceptance: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Amin Hanudin , Abdul‐Rahman Abdul‐Rahim , Ramayah T. , Supinah Rostinah , Mohd‐Aris Masmurniwati 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study explores the factors influencing the acceptance of online waqf, generally termed as Islamic e‐donations in Malaysia. The technology acceptance model (TAM) was used as a baseline theory. Questionnaire survey was conducted. The data of the survey were analyzed using Partial Least Square (PLS) approach. Results indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived religiosity and amount of information are instrumental in influencing one's decision to perform online waqf. Importantly, the results of this study will extend current knowledge on technology acceptance, and online waqf particularly. The results propagate valuable insights for Islamic banking institutions to introduce online waqf in the future where the factors analyzed could be used as a guideline for better planning and implementation of online waqf. Limitations and future researches are provided.
Health Information Systems and Democracy: Contributions from the Brazilian Sanitary Movement
Authors: Fornazin Marcelo , Joia Luiz Antonio 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWithin the context of studies on Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D), earlier research has sought to understand how Health Information Systems (HIS) can achieve success in developing countries. In Brazil, in addition to these studies, research under the guise of Information and Information Technology in Health (IITH), developed within the context of the Brazilian Sanitary Movement, has also investigated how HIS can contribute to the development of health practices. IITH research seeks to understand how Health Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can enable the development of a democratic arena to improve health practices management in Brazil. This paper reviews the IITH literature in order to link its proposals with studies of HIS developed within the ICT4D realm. Thus, it was perceived that both theoretical approaches can be compared under six dimensions of analysis, namely: a) the need for a political approach to HIS analysis; b) the importance of integration standards for health information; c) the quest for research methods based on practical research; d) the need for a holistic approach to understand HIS implementation and use; e) the importance of local context settings; and f) the influence of technical artifacts on HIS. For each dimension, IITH and ICT4D contributions are compared and it is noted how similar they are in reality, as well as how they can learn and benefit from each other.
The Innovation of Multiview3 for Development Professionals
Authors: Bell Simon , Wood‐Harper Trevor 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe Multiview Methodology for Information Systems Development has never been a widely used or mass‐market approach. It has always had a small user base, a localised approach to a global issue: coherent IS development. This paper concerns the underreported innovation of the Multiview3 methodology for Information systems analysis, design and development –specifically designed for non‐specialists working in developing countries. The innovation emerged from the identification of a methodological ‘gap’ in support for non‐specialists struggling with Information Systems problem structuring challenges. The Multiview3 story tells us how IS methodology can be innovated to address the needs of users. This version of Multiview is argued to be theoretically distinct from previous versions in terms of its focus (developing countries) and application (problem solving and co‐learning in practice).
Effective IT Governance in the Albanian Public Sector – A Critical Success Factors Approach
Authors: Kurti Ilir , Barolli Ezmolda , Sevrani Kozeta 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis research grew out of the work of Nfuka & Rusu (2010), who identified eleven critical success factors (CSFs) that need to be considered for effective information technology (IT) governance in the public sector. It is motivated by the limited literature on CSFs for effective IT governance, especially from the point of view of a developing country. Our objective is to advance our understanding on CSFs for effective IT governance in the Albanian public sector. Adopting a holistic approach, we propose a new construct of analysis for CSFs. This construct blends in two components. The first is IT governance as an ongoing process and encompasses IT Governance Institute (ITGI) defined focus areas (ITGI 2003). The second is related to business‐IT alignment and consists of three dimensions: human, social, and intellectual (Schlosser et al. 2012). Using case study research method, we gather data from five government organizations. Our results supports those of Nfuka & Rusu (2010). From the Albanian public sector perspective, they indicate a greater emphasis on CFSs related to resource management focus area and human dimension. Limitations on IT resources, knowledge and culture (Nfuka & Rusu 2010) and insufficient IT resource management (Yahya 1993) provide the explanation for such results. In addition, IT departments are viewed as service providers. This perception further motivates the emphasis on resource management.
Challenges in Implementing Patient‐centred Information Systems in Tanzania: An Activity Theory Perspective
Authors: Shidende Nima Herman 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDefaulter tracing systems are patient centred information systems which are used to enhance monitoring of patients who have dropped out of health programs. The aim of this study is to explore the operation of defaulter tracing systems in practice. The study has been undertaken in Tanzanian health facilities by using qualitative data collection methods. Activity theory is employed as a conceptual framework to analyze the findings. Findings show that the implementation of defaulter tracing system is challenged by issues of the existing information systems, such as absence of clear guidelines and tools, and information recording incompleteness, as well as contextual issues. The paper contributes to Healthcare Information System literature (HIS) which has elaborated how patient centred information systems are utilized in practice at the level of primary health care. This study concludes by providing implications for policy, practice, design and implementation.
Validated Risk Identification Tool for ICT in International Development Co‐operation Projects
Authors: Kemppainen Jyri , Mpogole Hosea , Tedre Matti , Chachage Bukaza 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLiterature shows that there are a number of different frameworks for managing international development co‐operation (IDC) projects. Those frameworks have their own strengths and weaknesses and they vary from being highly abstract to relatively practical. However, none of the frameworks provide help in situations where IT professionals are incapable to identify potential project risks when entering a new project milieu. The situation is common in the context of IDC projects. For this purpose, Kemppainen et al. (2012) designed a taxonomy‐based risk identification tool. The tool addresses potential risks by 55 quantified yes/no‐questions. The quantification specifies the significance of each issue to project success. The tool is aimed at guiding IT professionals, planners, donors, field staff, and other stakeholders to identify and mitigate potential threats that may materialize in an unfamiliar project context. The tool's questions were designed based on the literature analysis, their classification into five groups was derived from Tedre et al. (2011), and their taxonomy based scoring was derived from the researchers’ own data. Hence, the tool lacked wider empirical evidence. This study validated the tool based on empirical data of a sample of 83 IT experts and IT department leaders from a number of organizations, institutes, universities and international development co‐operation projects in Tanzania. The mode value of the Likert‐scale questionnaire answers were used to adjust the question‐scoring scheme, and reliability analysis were conducted for testing internal consistency of the question groups’ questions. Systematic reorganization of the questions with reliability analysis and content considerations led to three distinct question groups instead of the five original ones. In addition, two of the original questions were combined together due to their similarity. Hence, the validated risk identification tool contains three question groups, namely; Institutional, Societal, and Technical characteristics, including totally 54 quantified questions. Those three question groups determine the risk level of the prospective project.