bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Monitoring System for Numerous Local Organizations of Poor People: A Case from Bangladesh
Authors: Benini Aldo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis is a case study of the monitoring system that a rural development NGO has been using for over ten years to track the progress of a large number of commune‐level organizations of the poor. “RDRS Bangladesh”, the NGO supporting 260 federations of neighborhood groups, has been the intermediary in an aid chain that mobilized considerable funding for social organization in the northwestern region of the country. It has used a highly standardized monitoring tool to demonstrate good project management as well as for internal decision‐making. This bureaucratically administered system co‐existed for many years side by side with participatory arrangements of federation governance.There does not seem to be much accessible research on monitoring systems suitable for the collaboration between intermediary NGOs and numerous grassroots organizations with their own internal complexity and diversity. Around this case study, I briefly review the importance of collective organizations of the poor, and then give a more detailed account of the structure and performance of these 260 federations. In assessing this experience I believe that neither the monitoring nor the participation literatures are as yet adequate to guide research into the monitoring of such large and complex collaborations. The concept of systems of mutual observation in which the supporting NGO and the participant local organizations observe each other continuously, although by different means, may be more appropriate.The challenge is to encourage interpenetration between the two sides for greater validity and innovation while at the same time maintaining simplicity and coherence. Our specific case suggests, perhaps counter intuitively, that less data should be collected so that more time and energy are left to analyze it and to disseminate findings into the organizations of the poor. More generally, this article is written as an invitation for researchers and practitioners to join in the effort to strengthen the information management support for social movements of the poor.
Internet Advertisement in Malaysia: A Study of Attitudinal Differences
Authors: Haque Ahasanul , Al Mahmud Shameem , Tarofder Arun Kumar , Hj Ismail Ahmad Zaki 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study aims to identify attitudinal difference due to gender and race, (namely Malays, Chinese, and Indians) concerning Internet advertising in Malaysia. The advertisers can gain benefit from Internet advertising only when they can identify these differences. Results showed that Malaysian consumers have positive perceptions toward Internet advertising. To test the hypothesis independent sample‘t’ test and ANOVA were carried out. Results of ‘t’ test showing significant attitudinal differences between males and females is consistent with the previous results that males showed a more positive attitude toward Internet advertising compared to females. In addition, the results of ANOVA showed significant attitudinal differences only between two races, namely Malay and Chinese, while the overall attitudes of all three races were positive toward Internet advertisement. The results of this study can help advertisers to introduce new, innovative advertising over the Internet. In conclusion, these findings increase what is currently known about web and gender theory.
Culture and Vietnam as a Knowledge Society
Authors: Nguyen Tuyen Thanh , Johanson Graeme 
Published: December 2017

AbstractKey features of traditional Vietnamese culture are contrasted with modern conceptions of a knowledge society on a national scale. Longstanding features of Vietnamese society inhibit the acceptance of necessary ingredients of a knowledge nation. This article analyses evidence from official publications, recent commentaries about Vietnam, and fieldwork interviews undertaken between 2004 and 2007, relating to economic progress and cultural change, challenges of the market economy to traditional culture, and the contribution of information and communications technologies to the promotion of knowledge.
Modeling Students’ Intention to Adopt E‐learning: A Case from Egypt
Authors: abdel‐Wahab Ahmed Gad 
Published: December 2017

AbstractE‐learning is becoming increasingly prominent in higher education, with universities increasing provision and more students signing up. This paper examines factors that predict students’ intention to adopt e‐learning at the Egyptian University of Mansoura. Understanding the nature of these factors may assist Egyptian universities in promoting the use of information and communication technology in teaching and learning. Data was collected through a survey of 258 first year business students at the University of Mansoura in Egypt. The technology adoption model is utilized in this study. Two more independent variables are added to the original model, namely, the pressure to act and resource availability. The results show that there are five factors that can be used in modelling students’ intentions to adopt e‐learning. These factors are attitudes toward e‐learning, perceived usefulness of e‐learning, perceived ease of e‐learning use, pressure to use e‐learning, and the availability of resources needed to use e‐learning.
Apac's E‐Society Programme for Uganda
Authors: van Doodewaard Margreet , de Jager Arjan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this article, the authors present and evaluate an e‐society strategy in the East African country of Uganda. The programme‐based on a participatory approach and the strategic use of digital and analogue ICTs‐aims to improve service delivery to the rural citizens of Apac district and strengthen democratic processes and interaction between Civil Society and Local Government. On the meta level the project aims to develop a practical model for civil society and local government interaction and collaboration towards common e‐society goals. The achievements of the project to date are presented and evaluated according to their impact on the quality of service delivery and the quality of democratic processes. On the basis of this article, the authors elicit lessons that can be used to guide similar programmes in rural areas in the developing world.
The Impact of ICT Investments on Economic Development in Egypt
Authors: Kamel Sherif , Rateb Dina , El‐Tawil Mohamed 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSince the mid 1980s, Egypt has realized significant growth in information and communication technology (ICT) usage across different sectors in the economy. However, in today's global environment, the challenge no longer lies in accommodating the growth of the ICT sector that introduced changes that are arguably the most important since the industrial revolution. The essence is the diffusion of ICT across the society and ensuring that it furthers socioeconomic development. Managing this transformational process requires cooperation and partnerships between different stakeholders in the society to ensure steady and successful progress towards the goal of realizing a fully developed information society. Moreover, in order to generate economic development and growth, ICT need to be transformed into economic activities offering services, applications and content that create new markets, reduce costs and increase productivity. While ICT are generally adaptable; their effectiveness in addressing development issues still depends on their introduction, adoption, diffusion and adaptation within a healthy and encouraging regulatory environment. In that respect, the importance of ICT in socioeconomic development in Egypt was realized since 1999 leading to the allocation of ICT on the government agenda supported by the private sector and the civil society. This article addresses the recent efforts that were exerted in Egypt, as an emerging economy, in terms of building its ICT sector while analyzing the associated investments and their impact on economic development.
Open Pit Mining and Land Use Changes: An Example from Bogosu‐Prestea Area, South West Ghana
Authors: Duncan Edward E. , Kuma Jerry S. , Primpong Seth 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe Bogoso‐Prestea area has experienced mining for over a century and with advances in mineral processing and the promulgation of a new Mining and Mineral Law in 1986, surface mining became viable. High demand for gold will lead to increase in mining activities which will result in land use changes. Estimation of areas and analysis of land use flows methods were employed over a twenty year period (1986 – 2006) to evaluate areas within the Golden Star Resources Bogoso Prestea Limited (GSRBPL) concession that have experienced land use change due to mining. The study revealed that mining in the area increased by 12.1 % in land coverage from 4.69 ha in 1986 to 530.84 ha in 2006. Agricultural land use reduced from 97.8% in 1986 to 82.7% in 2006. A significant rural – urban migration was acknowledged because settlements increased from 0.45 % in 1986 to 4.95 % in 2006. The study also revealed that land use due to mining stabilised between 1996 and 2006 due to good reclamation practices and reduced mine development.
Mass customization and strategic benefits: a case study in Brazil
Authors: Zilber Silvia Novaes , Nohara Jouliana Jordan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis article presents an overview of the academic debate about mass customization (MC). The objective is to describe how the MC strategy was introduced in a Brazilian company and the results obtained, relating them to theoretical considerations. This is illustrated through a case study in an industry of the Brazilian household appliances sector. The context was the launch of a totally customized product, to be sold on the Internet to consumers with high purchasing power, with the strategic use of IT. The aim was to create value for these customers by reinforcing the brand's own values using a clear differentiation strategy. MC is already used alongside conventional strategies in a growing number of worldwide organizations, but in Brazil the use of this tool is still in its infancy, hence the importance of this study. Its qualities have transformed it into a valuable marketing device in the search for consumer loyalty. This has the effect of strengthening the brand, drawing customers into a closer relationship and making it a powerful tool for sustaining company competitiveness, via a differentiation strategy.
Can Mobile Internet Help Alleviate Social Exclusion in Developing Countries?
Authors: Chigona Wallace , Beukes Darry , Vally Junaid , Tanner Maureen 
Published: December 2017

AbstractResearch has shown that traditional Internet has not been successful in alleviating social exclusion in developing country. Since a significant number of the population in developing countries use mobile phones, others have suggested that mobile internet may be the solution to the problem. However, to date there has not been empirical studies in developing countries to explore that possibility. This study aims therefore to explore whether the mobile internet may be a viable option for addressing social exclusion in a developing country context. Data for the study was gathered using semi‐structured interviews with socially excluded individuals and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study show that usage of mobile internet amongst the socially excluded is low mainly because internet‐capable cell phones are still beyond the reach of the socially excluded and because of limited awareness of what mobile internet is and what it can achieve. The study also shows that while mobile internet has significant impact in addressing exclusion from social participation, its impact on economic as well political dimensions of exclusions is still limited.
The Adoption and Use of Personal Internet Banking Services in Thailand
Authors: Prompattanapakdee Surapong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBased on existing theory and previous studies a theoretical model of the important variables that affect the adoption and use of personal Internet Banking services is developed. Using data collected by questionnaire from 618 respondents the theoretical model is analyzed and simplified using structural equation modeling techniques. The findings represented in the final model are: interpreted; compared to the findings from previous studies; and used to draw conclusions which are of practical use for those involved in the development and use of personal Internet Banking.
Whose ICT Investment Matters to Economic Growth: Private or Public? The Malaysian Perspective
Authors: Kuppusamy Mudiarasan , Raman Murali , Lee Geoffrey 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTheoretical and empirical research on the economic benefits of ICT is represented in academic and policy‐related publications worldwide. Most of these studies assess the impact of ICT in countries as a cohort and most conclude that ICT is indeed a key driver for economic growth. Nevertheless, we are of the opinion that there is room for more research on this issue, especially pertaining to developing countries such as Malaysia, in light of the extensive ICT‐based investments undertaken by the country in recent years. Consequently, we examined the effect of ICT investment carried out by both the private and public sector on Malaysia's economic growth over the period 1992 – 2006 using the ARDL econometrics approach. The empirical results suggest that ICT has had a significant impact on Malaysia's economic growth during this period of time, suggesting good payoffs from the investment. Specifically, ICT investments made by the private sector seem to have contributed significantly to the country's growth compared to investments made by the government. This implies that the private sector has adapted well to the various ICT‐based policies implemented in the country over the years. This also shows that Malaysia's economy is being driven by the private sector, especially by the manufacturing and wholesale industries. We are however of the opinion that in order to sustain economic growth leveraged against ICT, more concerted efforts need to be made in order to escalate ICT diffusion in the country. Such initiatives will ensure that the value potential of ICT investments in the economy is maximized, due to greater ICT‐enabled community that will translate to escalated economic growth.
A Perspective on the Critical Success Factors for Information Systems Deployment in Islamic Financial Institutions
Authors: Kuppusamy Mudiarasan , Raman Murali , Shanmugam Bala , Solucis Santhapparaj 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSuccessful deployment of new information systems is vital for efficient business operations. Empirical and conceptual research papers have provided various success factors for IS implementation in various type of organizations. There is very limited focus on the success factors in the context of Islamic financial institutions, which is now regarded as one of key players of global financial landscape. Successful adoption to new IS applications and tools is paramount in creating and sustaining growth for financial institutions including Islamic financial institutions. This paper presents some of the critical success factors that need to be considered during or before implementing IS applications and tools in Islamic financial institutions.
Factors Affecting Adoption of e‐Government in Zambia
Authors: Bwalya Kelvin Joseph 
Published: December 2017

AbstractZambia has been implementing e‐government model of government for close to 3 years now. This is because e‐government has been identified and adopted as one of the most efficient vehicles for appropriate, transparent and inclusive / participatory decision making. Zambia has shown a higher propensity to indigenous knowledge systems which are full of inefficiencies, a lot of red tape in public service delivery, and prone to corrupt and inefficient practices. The adoption of e‐Governance promises a sharp paradigm shift where public institutions will be more responsive and transparent, promote efficient Public Private Partnerships (PPP), and empower citizens by making knowledge and other resources more directly accessible. This paper has examined two cases from Zambia where ICT has been utilized in support of e‐government initiatives. It has also assessed the challenges, opportunities, and issues together with e‐government adoption criteria regarding successful encapsulation of e‐government into the Zambian contextual environment. It has been found that lack of adequate ICT infrastructure and political will, provision of content in English other than local languages, lack of proper change management procedures, non‐contextualization of e‐government practices, etc., contribute much to the delay in appropriate e‐government adoption in Zambia. Out of these challenges identified, the paper proposes a conceptual model which offers balanced e‐government adoption criteria involving a combination of electronic and participatory services. The proposed conceptual model is a start‐point for a model which can later be replicated to include the whole lot of Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries given the similarity in the contextual environment.
Sustainable Development: The Role of GIS and Visualisation
Authors: Latu Savae 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe physical environment in which we live and on which our continuing existence depends has limited capacity, therefore people should not consider it as a resource to be exploited for short‐term maximised profits. If we are to enjoy a safe and a successful life on the planet Earth then we must use the limited resources at our disposal wisely by being good stewards of our own environment. Our environment has been dominated by our actions and the need to better manage it has been debated widely and vigorously in recent years. In many developing countries, including the insular island nations of the Pacific, economic development and environmental conservation are often in conflict. Conservation is often viewed by economists and some politicians as a constraint to a nation's economic development aspirations. This paper argues that decision makers, especially in traditional societies ignore expert advice provided by Geographic or Spatial Information System (GIS, or SIS). The capability of GIS has been extended to include modelling and visualisation of terrain features in order that decision makers will be able not only to see the current state of the resources that they managed but also see the impacts of their decisions and the future state of those resources. The paper examines the impact of economic development activities on the coastal ecosystems in exemplar developing countries, in the Pacific, and proposes GIS‐Visualisation strategies for moving beyond subsistence and economic development aspirations to socially, economically and environmentally sustainable development activities.
Web‐Based GIS and the Future of Participatory GIS Applications within Local and Indigenous Communities
Authors: Kyem Peter A. K. , Saku James C. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAs resource managers search for strategies to meet the challenges posed by intense competition for scarce local resources, the implementation of Community‐based GIS applications have become widespread. Besides mapping, the Participatory GIS (PGIS) projects create a peaceful medium for community groups and public officials to meet, exchange views and also learn to develop trust for each other. However, the PGIS projects face many problems including the lack of basic supporting infrastructure and services. The adoption of the Internet as a platform for PGIS applications therefore raises concerns about the future of PGIS projects. While the Internet may open the participatory process, it can also hinder participation among local groups. In an era when PGIS applications have become important in the management of local resources, there is an urgent need to examine implications of the On‐line PGIS project. Accordingly, in this paper, we assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of on‐line PGIS applications within local communities.
Appropriate ICT as a Tool to Increase Effectiveness in ICT4D: Theoretical considerations and illustrating cases
Authors: van Reijswoud Victor 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe need to bridge the digital divide is no longer a point of discussion and therefore focus has shifted to the design and implementation of programs that have the potential to close the information and knowledge gap between the developing and developed nations. Unfortunately, the majority of these programs are small and mimic what has been successful in the developed world. It has become increasingly clear that these successes do not necessarily translate well in the context of developing nations. This paper develops the hypothesis that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects in developing countries will become successful only when they are adapted to local conditions. The general concept of Appropriate Technology (AT) will be explored for the field of ICT. AT has already been embraced by fields like architecture, building technology and agriculture, but has not yet been rooted in ICT.The paper proposes a preliminary theory of Appropriate ICT along the lines of existing theories in AT and System development. The theory identifies Appropriate Technology principles at three levels: hardware, software and ICT change management. By means of real life mini cases in the ICT for Development context in Africa, the guiding principles for Appropriate ICT are illustrated. The paper will conclude with an agenda for further research in the three identified levels. The research agenda targets academia, governments, NGO's and industry.
Information Literacy in Kenya
Authors: Tilvawala Khushbu , Myers Michael D. , Andrade Antonio Díaz 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThere are a growing number of information and communications technologies (ICT) initiatives in developing countries. These initiatives are usually undertaken on the basis that they are important for social and economic development. However, one barrier to the efficient utilisation of ICT in developing countries is the relatively low level of information literacy. Without the ability to manipulate and use information effectively, investments in ICT‐for‐development projects may be unsuccessful. In this research project, three ICT initiatives in Kenya are analysed in the light of the dimensions of information literacy. Implications for other developing countries are discussed.
A Framework to e‐Transform sMEs in developing countries
Authors: Kapurubandara Mahesha 
Published: December 2017

AbstractResearch into e‐commerce and eTransformation indicates viable and practical solutions from e‐commerce for organizations to meet challenges of a predominantly changing economic environment. Much of this research relates to developed countries ready to pounce on new approaches. However, developing countries seem to fall far behind. The few available studies related to SMEs in developing countries reveal a delay or failure on the part of SMEs to adopt ICT and e‐commerce technologies. Various factors identified as causes for this reticence can be broadly classified as Internal Barriers and External Barriers. Exploring the identified barriers further, with an exploratory pilot study and interviews, this paper answers the question how barriers for adoption of e‐commence impact the SMEs at different stages of sophistication. The paper also presents a framework to determine the current stage of an SME on a roadmap, which tracks eTransformation, and assists in overcoming barriers for moving between stages. Proceeding further, it identifies barriers predominant at various levels for different SMEs on the roadmap. Accordingly, SMEs at discrete stages need to be supported differently to suit requirements pertaining to level of ICT Sophistication. The proposed framework is a pointer in this direction to assist SMEs, policy makers and other stakeholders in addressing issues impeding adoption of e‐commerce technologies in SMEs in developing countries.