bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Introducing a Mobile Payment System to an Emerging Economy's Mobile Phone Subscriber Market. An Actor Network Perspective
Authors: Harry Ricardo , Sewchurran Kosheek , Brown Irwin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe introduction of mobile payment systems to the African continent has given rise to a significant number of published research material. These research projects have addressed issues such as needs assessment, design of systems, areas of application, adoption, adaptation and impact assessment. Few studies have engaged with a deeper understanding of the interactions and relationships that are created amongst stakeholders of a national mobile payment system. A mobile payment system, similar to the one introduced in Kenya in 2007, was introduced to the South African economy in 2010. The South African economy is renowned for its dual economic system that consists of both developing and developed components. This paper focuses on understanding the processes involved in introducing the mobile payment system and the reaction of the South African mobile subscriber market to its introduction. Actor Network Theory was used as the theoretical lens, which gave rise to an understanding of the networks of relations formed amongst the actors affected by the mobile payment system introduction.
Development Projects and ICT: A Review of Non‐Technical Aspects
Authors: Kemppainen Jyri , Tedre Matti , Sutinen Erkki 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe role of information and communication technology (ICT) in international development co‐operation (IDC) is tightly linked with international political agenda. Currently, international development co‐operation emphasizes three concepts:sustainable development, international human rights, andmillennium development goals. This article presents to IT professionals six non‐technical aspects for improving ICT oriented IDC projects. Firstly, those ICT projects should be aligned with internationally agreed political agenda. Secondly, they should cohere with internationally agreed development goals. Thirdly, their design should recognize the political and legal context of the host country. Fourthly, their design and implementation have to follow donor guidelines derived from commonly agreed good practices of IDC project management and design—even when the contextual design tools of ICT for development (ICT4D) research are of limited use with the structured design approaches of IDC. Fifthly, ICT oriented IDC projects should have appropriate indicators for their formative and summative evaluation. Sixthly, IT professionals should stay up‐to‐date with constantly developing ICT and evolving IDC. The presented non‐technical aspects of IDC projects are derived from the central concepts and consensuses of IDC as well as from an analysis of the relevant literature, and the six aspects are reflected on our fourteen years of field work in IDC projects in the least developed countries of Sub‐Saharan Africa. We argue that IT professionals are more competent for IDC projects when their technical expertise is complemented with the presented aspects.
The Role of Contextual Factors in the Uptake and Continuance of Mobile Money Usage in Kenya
Authors: Wamuyu Patrick K 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe use of mobile money, mobile payments and other related mobile financial transactions in Africa vary from one country to another. This can be attributed to the level of technology maturity, a country's level of social‐economic development and the financial transactions ecosystem. The study investigates usage patterns and adoption of mobile money in day‐to‐day person‐to‐person money transfers using mobile telephone, mobile payments and integration of mobile money in financial services in Kenya. The study explores the underlying contextual social and economic factors influencing successful use of mobile money in Kenya by probing the pre‐usage (before mobile money) transfer of funds and the innovation attributes of mobile money that could have positively influenced this rapid uptake and continuance intentions. The study employs a survey questionnaire and two focus groups to collect data from mobile money users. The study result indicates that pre‐usage methods of money transfers significantly influenced initial uptake of mobile money in Kenya while its technical attributes have sustained a positive influence on continuance intentions. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
The Knowledge‐Bridging Process in Software Offshoring from Japan to Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thu Huong , Umemoto Katsuhiro , Dam Hieu Chi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe role of coordinators in highly knowledge‐intensive international business has been increasingly portrayed as filling the communication, cross‐cultural, social gaps; or facilitators of knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer. However, they do not mention the process coordinators cooperate with partners to create new knowledge; whereas a critical issue is to facilitate the collaboration among partners in international and cross‐cultural context. Our study bridges this gap by studying the knowledge‐bridging process of bridge System Engineers (bridge SEs) in the software offshore development context. Our analysis pointed out that beside required knowledge, bridge SEs utilized background of long term residence or study abroad; and “bridging‐knowledge” to adjust communication contents before information is sent from one side to another. Based on the theoretical work of Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995) and empirical evidence of bridge SEs in Software Offshoring from Japan to Vietnam; we further develop the model of Knowledge‐bridging process to show how the bridge SEs, the vendor and the client interact to create technological, business, bridging knowledge and decrease the cultural gaps.
Analysing ICT and Development from the Perspective of the Capabilities Approach: A Study in South Brazil
Authors: Coelho Taiane Ritta , Segatto Andréa Paula , Frega José Roberto 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCertain international agencies propose that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) allows development to be reached more efficiently and quickly. While there are success stories galore, there is acknowledgement of not all investments in ICT bringing positive effects towards development. Following the Capabilities Approach, this paper discusses how the use of ICT can promote a more effective development by studying the case of Sudotec (association for technological and industrial development), a non‐profit organization that saw in ICT the opportunity to change the local scenario. The results revealed positive effects of the use of ICT in social, economical and cultural spheres, but not presenting political effect.
Using Photo‐elicitation to Explore Social Representations of Community Multimedia Centers in Mozambique
Authors: Vannini Sara , Rega Isabella , Sala Simone , Cantoni Lorenzo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTen Mozambican Community Multimedia Centers (CMCs) were investigated by analyzing Social Representations of users and staff members. Photo‐elicitation, an underexplored methodological approach in the domain of Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D), was employed to conduct the study, and a three‐step qualitative content analysis was performed on both visual and textual data. Results tend to confirm and build upon outcomes from the existing literature on Public Access Venues (PAVs). Local communities value these centers because they bring social recognition to people working or learning there. The venues are associated with a symbolism that extends from the social recognition of the individual to the development and social inclusion of the whole community, which, because of the presence of the venue, does not feel left behind. In this vein, the study also shows that the importance of CMCs is often not related to the newest technology available, but to the technology that reaches the most of the community. The study also highlights neglected dimensions of CMCs, such as the importance of the exterior appearance of the venue, and the perception of a switch in their nature from static centers funded by third parties towards more entrepreneurial‐driven ones. The presented research also contributes to the ICT4D field by proposing a promising research protocol, which is able to elicit representations otherwise difficult to obtain.
Building Technology Trust in a Rural Agricultural e‐Marketplace: A User Requirements Perspective
Authors: Isabirye Naomi , Flowerday Stephen V. , Nanavati Amit , von Solms Rossouw 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTechnologies that are widely perceived to bring value to users in the context of developed countries are not always readily adopted in the developed world. This study uses theories from trust literature to propose that, for users to adopt technology to enhance their effectiveness in terms of their livelihoods, they must be convinced that the technology will work in their best interests and will perform its intended purpose reliably or predictably. The user's experience with the technology must result in positive expectations with respect to its functionality, usefulness and reliability. Moreover, the manner in which the technology is conceptualised, designed and implemented will have a strong bearing on the user's perception of its trustworthiness. Rural users with limited experience of information and communication technologies (ICTs) are particularly sceptical about the role technology can play in their income‐generating activities. Therefore, if technology is to be adopted successfully by its intended users, it is critical that an approach to software development should be used that enhances users’ perceptions of its trustworthiness. This paper presents a model for the development of trustworthy applications for rural users with limited experience with ICTs. The model is based on an action research project involving the deployment of a voice‐driven e‐marketplace targeted at a rural aloe farming community. The model proposes that the manner in which requirements are defined and managed will influence the extent to which the users can trust the technology.
Teachers’ Understanding of E‐Safety: An Exploratory Case in KZN South Africa
Authors: Govender Irene , Skea Brian 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe exposure of online risks to young adults has been of concern for some time. While e‐safety may be regarded as the responsibility of parents and the individual, teachers’ role in inculcating safe and effective use of online computing is important. The purpose of this study is to contribute towards igniting the interest of educators in the aspect of e‐safety by exploring the issues related to educators’ awareness and knowledge of e‐safety, particularly in a developing country. An exploratory case study using mixed method approach was adopted wherein two schools from either side of the digital divide was used to inform the study. Preliminary data was collected via interviews and questionnaires. Qualitative data from interviews were obtained, supported by some quantitative analysis was. Key findings from this study were that (1) most educators were not fully knowledgeable about online risks and the associated e‐safety measures; (2) all educators from both sides of the digital divide required training in e‐safety education and were not competent enough to handle e‐safety issues. Some recommendations are suggested.
Analysis of the Acceptance Process of District Health Information Systems (DHIS) for Vertical Health Programmes: A Case Study of TB, HIV/AIDS and Malaria Programmes in Tanzania
Authors: Kiwanuka Achilles , Kimaro Honest C. , Senyoni Wilfred 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDistrict Health Information System (DHIS) is used in many parts of the world to report aggregated data at the district level. Tanzania is one of the countries where the ministry of health endorsed DHIS for such use. Although the system has been rolled out recently throughout the country, Vertical Health Programmes (VHPs) are on their way to fully adopting the system. The objective of this study was to analyse the acceptance process of DHIS by three VHPs so as to examine the facilitating conditions and the challenges that they face. Data was collected through interviews, document review and observation. Analysis of the data showed the facilitating conditions to be having a consensus on which VHP indicators to include in the DHIS, existence of infrastructure including the routine Health Information System (HIS), and support from development partners. Challenges of acceptance process of DHIS include inadequate human resource for HIS, data quality and information flow issues, and existence of separate monitoring and evaluation systems for the VHPs. The study recommends integration or interoperation of DHIS with VHP systems, creating a pool of resources for HIS, training and motivating human resource for HIS.
The Role of ICT Expenditure for Cash Crop Production and Income Generation in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tirkaso W Tafesse , Hess Sebastian 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPrevious studies indicate that cash crop producers in developing countries are, in comparison to other farmers, more inclined to spend a share of their income on information communication technologies (ICT). In some cases however, it is not known whether the larger cash crop producers are spending more on ICT because they are wealthier, or if the cash crop farms that make more use of ICT services have in the past been able to accumulate wealth faster. This paper attempts to understand this causality for the case of smallholder farmers in rural villages of southern Ethiopia. In the analysis, special emphasis is placed on the role of market participation and the role of investments into ICTs for household income generation. Results from Two Stage Least Square (2SLS) regressions indicated that income is the most significant driver of farmers’ spending behavior on ICT goods and services, while being a cash crop producer is the most important determinant of having a relatively high income. Thus, especially investment into mobile phones and cash crop production appear to be complementary.
Monitoring Carbon Stocks on Smallholder Farms Using Information and Communications Technologies: Evaluating the Potential for Central Africa
Authors: Mbile Peter , Makansi Athan , Ajayi Olu , Ferguson Caitlin , Manzinga Andre , Ebokely Martin 
Published: December 2017

SummaryRural land users in central Africa foresee numerous governance problems participating in centralized incentive programs to reward carbon storage on their farms. This has created a need to grow individualized means of monitoring changes in carbon stocks on smallholder farms using information and communications technologies – ICTs. The potentials of an ICT innovation – the Community‐Based Biomass Assessment and Monitoring System or CB‐BAMS is evaluated.CB‐BAMS is a cloud‐based automated database system built around an SMS platform for sending and receiving SMS text messages. Data collected through the SMS system is integrated with a web‐based application – Force.com, which holds a relational database. The SMS system is in two parts; the first Application [Cloudbees©] is fully integrated with the Force.com database. The second SMS support Application [Telerivet©] is installed in an external phone used as a dedicated ‘Project Phone’ working as inter‐phase between the Force.com./Cloudbees© automated database system, a commercial Mobile Telephone Network and farmer mobile phones. The potentials of CB‐BAMS to communicate with individual farmers to estimate carbon stocks changes on their farms were evaluated in Cameroon and the DR Congo.Options for farmer data entry via SMS and or EXCEL.CSV upload were successful. Data entry via farmer SMS can however contain minor typographic and syntax errors. Estimates of emissions [tC02/ha] combining secondary data in Force.com, data via SMS or by upload were computed seamlessly in Force.com. The Telerivet platform also worked well as SMS relay and as backup to Force.com for farmer SMS data. Farmers demonstrated very quick mastery of SMS syntax as well as high levels of enthusiasm with the innovation. ICTs hold great promise in improving governance in land use by eliminating human intermediaries.
Factors Impacting on the Current Level of Open Innovation and ICT Entrepreneurship in Africa
Authors: Cunningham Paul M , Cunningham Miriam , Ekenberg Love 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAcross Africa, Innovation and ICT entrepreneurship are increasingly recognised as important enablers of national and regional socio‐economic growth. However, the level of skills capacity, indigenous entrepreneurial expertise and policy support varies considerably. This research study was informed by a semi‐structured, moderated focus group involving five public and four education and research stakeholders from eight African Member States. It focused on identifying factors impacting on the current level of open innovation and ICT entrepreneurship in Africa. Organised in Lilongwe, Malawi on 08 May 2015 during IST‐Africa Week 2015, a purposive approach was applied to identify the nine informants based on intensity sampling. The results highlighted six main factors: a) level of political will reflected by resource prioritisation; b) alignment with national development plans and associated funding priorities; c) level of understanding of strategic benefits by ministers and senior civil servants; d) level of awareness and sensitization of the general public, e) availability of national innovation and entrepreneurial expertise; and f) willingness and capacity to cooperate with other stakeholders to achieve common goals. Future research will capture perspectives from the private, societal and international donor sectors, and create and validate potential models/methodologies to address the challenges and opportunities identified in this study.
Designing a Knowledge Resource to Address Bounded Rationality and Satisficing for ICT Decisions in Small Organizations
Authors: Kabiawu Oluyomi , van Belle Jean‐Paul , Adeyeye Michael 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMany Small Organizations in South Africa do not effectively adopt ICT in their operations due to lack of knowledge and information. This Design Science study sets out to understand the situation and possibly proffer a solution. In particular, this study attempted to establish the relevance of information for ICT decision tasks. The sources of information for Small Organizations, as related to ICT decisions, were elicited through semi‐structured interviews. This study also attempted through the same research method to ascertain if a reliable information source will be useful and ultimately improve the Bounded Rationality situation. The survey showed the Internet as the top information source, followed by social capital for Small Organization's ICT decisions. The study, guided by Hasso‐Plattner‐Institute School of Design Thinking (HPI‐D) methodology, was used to create an appropriate, consolidated and enhanced Internet information source. A final survey was later used to test and evaluate the designed artifact. The preliminary results indicate expected high usability and effectiveness of the proposed solution.
Technology for Small Scale Farmers in Tanzania: A Design Science Research Approach
Authors: Misaki Ezra , Apiola Mikko , Gaiani Silvia 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSmall scale farmers (SSF) in Tanzania are challenged by food insecurity, lack of infrastructure, lack of access to credit and services, and lack of reliable channels for farming information. Despite various initiatives the agriculture sector in Tanzania has remained poor. Unreliable information has been found as one factor that hinders decision‐making and productivity. This study is the first step in a design science research (DSR) approach to address farmers’ challenges directly with technology. This research studied the acute challenges, information channels, and information gaps of SSFs in Chamwino, Tanzania. Based on our previous qualitative results, a structured questionnaire containing 76 items on a Likert scale was administered to 150 small scale farmers in Chamwino, Tanzania. A response rate of 83% (n=124) was reached. The data was analyzed for descriptive statistics as well as basic measures of statistical association. The results show that farmers rely on tacit knowledge in regards of weather information, market data, plant and disease identification, and business management, and are vulnerable to middlemen frauds and inaccurate decision making. Many of these challenges can potentially be solved by technology. A number of engineering solutions for the basis of future DSR projects are proposed.
The Impact of Open Development Initiatives in Lower‐ and Middle Income Countries: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Bentley Caitlin M. , Chib Arul 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to explore the field of open development in lower and middle income countries (LMIC) through a review of the literature. We examined 269 articles between 2010 and 2015, that were retrieved through keyword searches of the Scopus database and four ICT4D journals. This article adopts the pathway of effects model to analyze contributions according to inputs, mechanisms and outputs of open initiatives in LMICs. The review finds a fairly even spread of articles across the three stages of effects. Studies that disentangled reasons why or why not openness makes a difference provided the most insight to underlying mechanisms and impact of open initiatives. We found very little evidence that research within this area is concerned with the perspectives of poor and marginalized people – notably women. We therefore question the normative value of open development as a means to transform power relations. However, we argue that a more concentrated vision within this field is needed to exploit the full potential of digitally enabled openness for development.
The Information Transparency Effects of Introducing League Tables in the Health System in Malawi
Authors: Moyo Christon , Kaasbøll Jens , Nielsen Petter , Sæbø Johan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLeague tables are used to compare the performance of different entities in the health systems in developing countries. The aim of this paper is to study the implementation process and its effects related to a computerized league table application in Malawi. Focusing on the health district and using a field experiment research approach, the focus is on the implementation process and how it improves information transparency for health managers. Based on routine health data recording in the health management information system DHIS2, the introduced league table was used by the district health management teams in the pilot districts to rank and compare performance among their health facilities. While the introduction of the league tables was challenging, it also showed its potential through effects including improved visibility of information and accessibility for managers, better understanding of indicators, the identification of data quality issues, skills acquisition in computing and information use and improved communication and collaboration among stakeholders.