bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends of Convergence and Divergence in the Information Economy: Lessons for Developing Countries
Authors: Nair Mahendhiran , Kuppusamy Mudiarasan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractOver the last decade, uneven developments and growth in information, communication and technology (ICT) infrastructure, human capital and innovation in the developed and developing countries have led to uneven competitive position across these economies. In this paper, we examine the trends pertaining to the above‐mentioned indicators for selected developed and developing countries. Results from the empirical analysis showed countries that have invested heavily into ICT infrastructure, human capital and innovation tend to have higher productivity levels. The empirical evidence also showed that the gap between the developed and developing countries have increased over the seven years from 1995 to 2001. This study also examined the type of policies pertaining to the above‐mentioned factors in the more developed and highly competitive economies. Results from this empirical analysis will serve as lessons for developing countries to catch‐up with the more evolved economies.
ICT and Productivity of the Manufacturing Industries in Iran
Authors: Gholami Roghieh , Moshiri Saeed , Lee Sang‐Yong Tom 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper extends the existing evidence on the relationship between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and productivity using data from the entire Iranian manufacturing sector (22 industries) over the period 1993–1999. Estimates of efficiency using panel data confirm the positive and significant impact of ICT investments on productivity. Our finding is consistent with the most recent literatures in the context of developed and a few middle‐income developing countries. Human capital and increasing ICT capital are probably two determining factors in gaining the positive payoffs from ICT investments in Iran.
The Role of Information Technology Policies in Promoting Social and Economic Development: The Case of the State of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Dabla Amitabh 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAn examination of the information technology policies of the state of Andhra Pradesh in India, from 1994 to 2002, reveals the promotion of the three sectors of the information technology industry, technical higher education institutions, and electronic government to attain economic and social development. These three sectors have contributed towards generating and increasing employment and technical education opportunities, and ushered in efficient government services. However, diverse social groups in the state with different levels of skills, access, and education cannot benefit equally from these sectors. Therefore future information technology policies, and the development goals of the state itself, need to be reconstructed and redesigned to generate broader inclusion and participation of underprivileged social groups.
Information and Communication Technologies and Non‐Governmental Organisations: Lessons Learnt from Networking in Mexico
Authors: Rodríguez Gabriela Romo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractRecent years have witnessed increasing demands on Non‐Governmental Organisations’ (NGOs) to achieve development goals. These greater demands, particularly with respect to the provision of public welfare services, as well as the changing context in which NGOs operate, challenge these organisations to strengthen their capacities to fulfil their missions. At the same time, the policy discourse at the international level fosters the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for development. The introduction of an electronic‐based learning network in the Gulf of California in Mexico is taking place as a way to address the organisational learning needs of key organisations dedicated to conserving that region's biological and natural resources. An in‐depth analysis, based on interviews with members of that electronic network, allows for an examination of practical experience involving ICTs for NGO strengthening. The study found that, beyond the commonly understood obstacles presented by the lack of infrastructure and skills, there are various other pitfalls to the successful implementation of e‐networks for the strengthening of NGOs in developing countries. Lessons learnt and recommendations are made based on the results of the analysis.
A Framework for Culturally Influenced Information Systems Management
Authors: Feng Xiuzhen 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper presents a framework for culturally influenced Information Systems Management (ISM), which is developed to resolve the increasing challenge of managing Information Systems (IS) in a complicated international environment. The framework consists of entities such as: ISM tasks, ISM actors, “Closed Loop”, and cultural influential factors; each of these entities will be explored on the basis of prior research publications from both ISM studies and national culture studies. The objective of this framework is to study management patterns for culturally influenced ISM in a cross‐cultural environment. The contribution of this framework is twofold: (1) to create clear relationships between national culture variables and ISM task domains, revealing how aspects of the national culture could impact ISM and what perspectives of the ISM might be influenced by national cultural variables; (2) to study critical factors of culturally influenced ISM and ascertain the management patterns of ISM in a cross‐cultural environment. In this regard, the framework is helpful for ISM in a complicated multinational environment by taking into account cultural differences.
Community Resource Mapping in Sustainable Natural Resource Management: A Case Study of SW Uganda
Authors: Nabwire Beatrice B. , Nyabenge Meshack 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSouthwestern Uganda represents a fragile ecosystem of complex and interrelated ecology with extreme socio‐cultural and biophysical diversity. The area has productive soils and receives bimodal rainfall promoting varied agricultural systems and land use practices. With population growth of 2.2% per annum, this ecosystem is exposed to environmental and socio‐economic problems like land degradation, soil erosion, low‐income, poor nutrition, fragmented farms and low agricultural output. To mitigate these environmental and socio‐economic uncertainties, and continue exploiting these rich natural resources areas, ICRAF and FORRI developed intervention strategies ranging from integrated watershed management to tree germplasm production and distribution. These intervention strategies were supported by community resource mapping for integrating predefined‐research areas into community knowledge of their own resources. Acquired geospatial data were analyzed to support community resource mapping and scientific analysis was used for assessment of impacts of land management practices, conservation and conflict resolution. Community–based resource managers and local policy makers were trained in geospatial tools and applications. A GIS node was established in Kabale district to support future spatial analysis and information management. This paper reviews how integrated natural resource intervention strategies and community resource mapping were complemented to realize sustainable development action planning in SW Uganda. It also reviews the benefits of community resource mapping in property rights and geospatial technology transfer. IN this paper, technical backstopping of community effort and capacity building are recommended for sustainable community resource mapping activities.
The Role of Information and Communication Technologies in Enhancing Processes of Entrepreneurship and Globalization in Indian Software Companies
Authors: Gajjala Venkataramana 
Published: December 2017

AbstractInformation and Communication Technologies (ICTs) enable hitherto untradable services to be traded internationally, just like commodities, via the internet and the telephone – the recent outsourcing of software programming, airline revenue accounting, insurance claims and call centers to India is a good example. Consequently, ICTs have enabled not only small and medium‐sized firms but even start‐ups to globalize their operations. For instance, Silicon Valley based technology start‐ups owned and managed by foreign‐born entrepreneurs have successfully exploited India's software talent – this paper investigates the close relationship between ICTs, globalization and entrepreneurship. A theoretical basis for analysis is developed using innovation theory to study the link between immigrant entrepreneurship and the processes of globalization shaped through the use and proliferation of ICTs in developing countries. The theory is illustrated using seven case studies. This paper adds to the growing body of literature that emphasizes the aforementioned link as compared to the existing studies which have focused exclusively on the behavior of multinational corporations and national markets.
ICT Infrastructure Expansion in Sub‐Saharan Africa: An Analysis of Six West African Countries from 1995 to 2002
Authors: Bollou Felix 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA decade has passed since many African countries started consistently investing in the new Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Currently, there is need for more research on the impact of these investments on the expansion of productive capacity necessary for economic and social developments in this region on the world. Presently, the African Telecommunication Union (ATU) is advocating higher levels of investment in ICT in African countries, regional integration and new policies for the ICT sector. High‐tech parks are being constructed for the development of the technology and to attract and encourage business initiatives in the sector. However, UNDP agencies for information technology and social development have not yet been able to state firmly whether the adoption of ICT has had a significant impact on less developed countries in general and African countries in particular. In this paper, I demonstrate that the investments in the ICT sector have resulted in technical progress. This study uses a DEA approach and some novel analysis to examine the impacts of investments in the ICT sectors of six West African countries during the period of 1995 and 2002.
The Failure of E‐Government in Developing Countries: A Literature Review
Authors: Dada Danish 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper provides an insight to the trends that exist within academic writing in the much talked about area of e‐government, and the potential they hold for developing countries. While there is much hype about success stories, the bitter truth that presents itself is that the majority of e‐government projects in developing countries fail. After an introduction to Ciborra's (2005) view on e‐government, this paper proceeds to use Heeks’ (2003) ‘archetypes of failure’, which are brought about by gaps between the design of the technology itself and reality of the context, to classify some of the current literature. This classification provides a brief overview of themes manifested within this body of knowledge, serving as a useful background for practitioners and implementers of e‐government in developing countries.
Analysing Socio‐Demographic Differences in the Access & Use of ICTs in the Philippines Using the Capability Approach
Authors: Alampay Erwin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper presents disaggregated survey data on ICT ownership, access to public ICT facilities, capabilities and actual use of ICTs in two locations in the Philippines: Carmona and Puerto Princesa City.The results showed that the diversity in a location's topography and differences among people complicates the problem of access. In areas that are more isolated, distance and lack of infrastructure remain the biggest hurdles. In more developed areas, however, social issues like lack of motivation, skills and knowledge may hamper people's perception of how an ICT can benefit their lives. The results also supported the general expectation that people who are younger, more affluent, well‐educated and live in areas with better infrastructure tend to have better access and are more capable in using ICTs.But, overall, income and remoteness were the critical barriers that need to be overcome if ICTs are to be meaningful for more people. This is because income influences not only the affordability of ICT services, but also the level of education (and therefore the skills) that also factors into increased relevance for ICT use. Remoteness, on the other hand, is relevant with respect to the physical availability and access of needed ICT infrastructure. It was also revealed that use of ICTs such as the land line phone and cell phone are still predominantly social, rather than work‐related.The results also showed how technological innovation and social intermediation have been helpful in overcoming some of these barriers. For one, wireless options, such as cell phones, have been instrumental in bringing access to areas that landline services could not reach, and likewise, with new payment options (i.e. prepaid), and technologies (i.e. short messaging systems (SMS)), more people are able to find the use of ICTs more affordable and payment less restricting.This paper uses the capability approach (Sen, 1999) to evaluate the implementation outcome of universal access to ICT policies and strategies. It investigates the real opportunities available for households to access ICTs; the characteristics of people who use and not use these facilities; and their reasons for using them. To do so, the study discusses the results of surveys conducted in Carmona and Puerto Princesa City. Carmona is a semi‐industrial municipality in close proximity to Metro Manila. Puerto Princesa, on the other hand, is the capital city of Palawan, an island province detached from Luzon Island.This study describes the state of access to ICTs in these two locations. It then presents the results of field surveys that were conducted there: discussing what access to ICT means to people, and how access or lack thereof affects them.
Explaining the Factors Influencing Cellular Phones Use in Guinea
Authors: Kaba Bangaly , Diallo Amadou , Plaisent Michel , Bernard Prosper , N’Da Koffi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTechnical and financial factors and the deregulation of the telecommunication field are often used to explain both the use of the cellular phones and the satisfaction of end‐users in developing countries. Little attention, however, has been paid to factors such as perceptions, motivations, and social variables which directly influence the decision of an individual to adopt and use a cellular phone. This study aims at better understanding the effect of these factors on the utilization of cellular phones. A questionnaire survey was conducted among cellular phones users in Guinea. Results obtained from a sample of 463 respondents show that familiarity, social influence, and the needs for mobility required by the task are key determinants of cellular phones’ use.
Is Initiatives in the Vocational and Technical Education Sector of Developing Asian Countries: A Systems Approach to the Management of Project Intervention Processes
Authors: Gunawardena Channa , Brown David H. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper is set against a background of national IS initiatives implemented in the Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) sectors of developing Asian countries through donor agency funded projects, which can be seen as Project Intervention Processes (PIPs). This research is based on a six year research study of IS initiatives implemented in nine VTE sector projects covering Laos, Sri Lanka and Vietnam undertaken through empirical investigations and a review of secondary data. The IS initiatives that were studied focussed on aiding strategy formulation and management in the VTE sector as opposed to classroom based training. The research reveals that the process of managing PIPs using traditional project management theory, which is based on hard approaches, is problematic in terms of generating desirable outcomes from the IS initiatives to address perceived VTE problems. Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) is based on a learning/enquiring cycle and is often used to manage problem situations that are poorly structured. The paper presents two key findings: namely the nature, scope and problems faced by PIP based IS initiatives; and a SSM approach to managing PIP based IS initiatives.
Key Issues for Cios in South Africa
Authors: Johnston Kevin , Muganda Nixon , Theys Karen 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBusiness strategy, operations, communication and technology have converged and resulted in increased demand for business flexibility. Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are particularly challenged because they operate at the intersection between information technology, their organisations, and society. Amidst increasing emphasis on cost‐efficiency, information technology resource investment and emergence of new technologies, stakeholders need to understand the most relevant issues within a three‐ to five‐year period. This study was undertaken to contribute to the body of knowledge around key information systems issues in South Africa, with its unique social issues. Thirty‐one responses were received from South African CIOs surveyed in late 2004. The top issues were: Security and control, Building a responsive IT infrastructure, IT value management, Service delivery, and Improving IS strategic planning. The ranked list of issues was compared to previous studies, and further analysed by industry and source of IT services (in‐house, outsource or combination). Industry and the sourcing of information services were found to have an effect on the ranking of key issues.
Cordaid‐IICD Health Programme Uganda
Authors: Fenenga Christine , de Jager Arjan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA Health Management Information System (HMIS) can be a powerful tool to make health care delivery more effective and far more efficient. This paper describes how an HMIS can also be used for organisational development and reports on the experiences of the HMIS programme of the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau (UCMB) in Uganda. The programme forms part of a larger programme on ICTs for health in Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia and is supported jointly by the International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD) and the Catholic Organisation for Relief and Development Aid (Cordaid). The goal of the paper is to evaluate the project against a background of organisational development and to draw practical lessons from the project that may provide guidance to new HMIS projects in the development context.
Exploring the ICT and Rural Poverty Reduction Link: Community Telecenters and Rural Livelihoods in Wu'an, China
Authors: Soriano Cheryll Ruth R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractApplying the ‘Rural Livelihoods’ framework of analysis, this study explores the link between information and communication technologies (ICTs) and rural poverty reduction by analyzing the role of community telecenters in enhancing the livelihood strategies of rural poor households. The ‘Rural Livelihoods’ framework argues that interventions that play a role in facilitating an increase in the poor's livelihood assets and resources and facilitate diversified livelihoods have a potential for reducing poverty. Using telecenters set up by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the China Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) in selected rural villages in Wu'an, China as case studies, the paper explores the direct and indirect role that telecenters play in facilitating the poor's access to more livelihood resources and assets and in influencing the adoption of diverse livelihood strategies. Findings show that while the intensity of the changes experienced cannot support the claims about the transformative role of telecenters on the rural poor, these have some positive implications on certain aspects of rural poverty. These implications extend not only to economic aspects (such as better earnings or production), but to human (such as e‐literacy and new farming techniques) and social (such as creation of venues for community integration and knowledge sharing) dimensions. The paper gives emphasis on specific conditions and factors that motivate rural communities to use telecenter facilities and obtain useful information, and those that facilitate the translation of information into the construction of diversified livelihood strategies.
Integrated Health Information Systems in Tanzania: Experience and Challenges
Authors: Smith Matthew , Madon Shirin , Anifalaje Adebusoye , Lazarro‐Malecela Mwele , Michael Edwin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHealth is a serious development issue. The perceived link between health and development has been articulated in much of the policy and academic literature resulting in many initiatives to introduce integrated health information systems at the local level. Despite huge investments made in this direction, these systems have not made any radical impact on the delivery of healthcare for local communities. Drawing on empirical work in Tanzania, we argue that this has been because of the adoption of a narrow, managerialist perspective of “integration”. We propose instead an interpretation of integration from a variety of standpoints; development studies, management, and sociology. According to this approach, it is not just data that is integrated, but ways of working and the social relations which support the health information systems at global, national and local levels. In our discussion section, we broaden the scope of integrated health information systems to consider the integration of not just management information but also epidemiological data.
Attitudes of Staff to Information and Communication Technologies in a Provincial University in Thailand
Authors: Intaganok Prachit , Waterworth Peter , Andsavachulamanee Thanasak , Grasaresom Guah , Homkome Udom 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe capacity people have to adapt to change is influenced by a number of organizational and personal factors. The government of Thailand, in collaboration with the university sector, is developing ICT facilities and processes in universities which are expected to have a great impact upon educational processes. University staff expected to embrace ICT have reacted in a variety of ways to the introduction of ICT which should, by this stage, be transforming academic, administrative and teaching programs. This paper reports on a project at a regional Thai university which collected data on staff skill levels in and attitudes towards ICT. It presents and analyses survey data on competence levels in a range of ICT skills required for scholarly work and teaching and on the levels of anxiety and enthusiasm staff had towards the use of ICT in their work. The results showed that poor skill levels in ICT are significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety in staff regarding ICT use. Skill levels in ICT were not significantly related to staff age, subject specialization, gender or years of teaching experience but they were related to access to a home or office computer. Negative attitudes towards ICT were significantly related to higher levels of anxiety. In a second part of the project, interviews with staff who typified extremes of positive or negative attitudes to ICT confirmed the polarization in skill levels and attitudes towards ICT. Cultural factors proved to be important moderating influences upon willingness to engage adequately with the new technology.