bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deployment of Enterprise Architecture in the Namibian Government: The Use of Activity Theory to Examine the Influencing Factors
Authors: Shaanika Irja , Iyamu Tiko 
Published: December 2017

AbstractGovernment in both developed and developing countries strive to deliver effective and efficient services to its citizens. Hence the rapid increasing use of information technology to enhance service delivery. However, IT carries its own challenges, such as incompatibilities, lack of integration and lack of scalability. Many approaches, from both academic and professional domains have been employed to assess the challenges, for improvement purposes. Government of some countries have therefore introduced enterprise architecture (EA) to addressing IT challenges. Similarly, EA is influenced by many factors, making it not as easy as we are made to understand. Thus activity theory was applied to examine and understand how the challenges manifest into complexities, and in turn, have negative impacts on services delivery.The use of the activity theory (AT) helps to reveal that non‐technical factors were completely ignored or sometimes considered to be less significant to the technical factors. Based on the interpretation of the findings, process, communication, lack of awareness, roles and responsibilities, actors’ relationships, policies and people were uncovered as some of the influencing factors in the deployment of EA, in the Namibian government‐wide Ministries. The communication between various business units and IT unit was influenced by those in authority as they make use of their power for individual interest. These types of legitimate actions through roles and responsibilities, contributed to the misalignments of business processes and activities in the deployment of EA in the Namibian government‐wide Ministries. If both technical and nontechnical factors are not considered in the implementation of systems and technologies governments’ service delivery will continue to be hampered as depicted in the framework presented in this article.
The Influence of Higher Education Institutions on the Sustainability of ICT4D Initiatives in Underserved Communities
Authors: Tanner Maureen , du Toit Andries 
Published: December 2017

AbstractICTs should be used to narrow the digital divide that exists between advantaged and underserved communities. Given South Africa (SA)'s socio‐economic legacy, higher education institutions(HEI) were tasked by Government to make social responsiveness a key principle of their mandate. This study identified factors hindering and promoting sustainability in ICT4D initiatives and analysed how HEIs influence the sustainability of such initiatives. A case study was conducted in a telecentre from an underserved community in Cape Town(SA). Through its findings, the study can promote the positive influence of HEIs on the sustainability of ICT4D initiatives and further increase the positive impact of these initiatives on the community.
Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries (2000 – 2013): A Bibliometric Study
Authors: Naudé Filistéa 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA systematic analysis was performed of 378 articles published in the 59 volumes of the Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries (EJISDC) in the period 2000 to 2013. The aim of the study was to create a bibliometric profile of the journal by investigating variables such as the article productivity, Web citations and non‐Web citations, authorship patterns, background of the authors, institutional collaboration, degree of collaboration, as well as most productive authors and institutions together with their countries and regional affiliations. This study used the bibliographic database Inspec as a data collection source. Results of the study reveal that the average number of articles per year was 27 and the average length of an article 16.24 pages. The reference list analysis showed that most authors cite print resources, with 81.89% non‐Web references compared to 18.11% Web references. A total of 697 authors contributed to this journal, with an average of 2.16 authors per article. An overwhelming 86.51% of the authors are from a university background. The journal displays a collaborative authorship pattern with 250 (66.14%) articles that were co‐authored, compared to 128 (33.86%) that were single authored.
Country Trends and Scholarly Collaboration in the ICT4D Research Community 2000–2013: A Single Journal Study
Authors: Naudé Filistéa 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore the country productivity, collaboration behaviour and citation impact of ICT4D researchers by examining all 378 articles published in the Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries (EJISDC) over a 14‐year period. Data were collected from the Inspec database. The most active countries and regions were identified by analysing the author affiliation details. The contributions of developing countries were compared to developed countries. The trend in the EJISDC is towards collaborative research involving 250 (66.14%) articles with multiple authors and 128 (33.86%) articles with single authors. Articles by authors from the same institution accounted for 32.01% of jointly authored articles. National or domestic collaboration accounted for 173 (45.77%) articles and international collaboration accounted for 77 (20.37%) articles. Of the 69 countries represented in the EJISDC, 51 countries collaborated globally. Regional distribution of authors showed that Africa had the strongest representation, followed by Asia and North America. Between 17.83% and 20.87% of developing countries contributed articles to the EJISDC. The results of the study show that for this journal, single‐authored articles are cited more often than multi‐authored articles in Google Scholar.
Utilizing IT to Enhance Knowledge Sharing for School Educators in Developing Countries
Authors: Kalema Billy M.M. , Motsi Lovemore , Motjolopane Ignitia M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractKnowledge has been considered a critical factor for any organization's survival however its retention and utilization has remained a challenge to many organizations in developing countries education institutions inclusive. These challenges are mostly attributed to the fact that knowledgeable employees often leave organizations before they could share their valuable knowledge and expertise. In schools of developing countries in particular, educators struggle for subsistence and many leave to seek for greener pastures. Such exodus of educators has led to knowledge loss and has widened the knowledge gap between the schools for the rich and those for the poor. This has been worse especially in the most challenging subjects like Science and Mathematics. Closing this gap, schools need to depend on the knowledge of other experienced educators that are still in the Education system in order to enhance the capabilities of those that are inexperienced. For this reason, leveraging Information Technology (IT) to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, communicate ideas, exchange views and information between educators is paramount. There is a need for schools in developing countries’ to have guidelines of how IT could be utilized for knowledge sharing. The major objective of this paper is therefore to report on the utilization of IT to enhance Knowledge Sharing (KS) among educators in developing countries taking a case of South Africa. The Social Exchange Theory (SET), Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) were used to design a conceptual framework for the study. Data was collected from secondary schools’ educators in Tshwane South district of South Africa and was analyzed quantitatively. The results indicated that, knower's attitude is a high significant contributing factor whereas dependence of the knower is the least and insignificant in the utilization of IT to enhance knowledge sharing. Practically, this study could be leveraged by schools and governments to entrench tacit knowledge and to address the brain drainage associated with the continuous exodus of the skilled and experienced educators. Further still, the designed framework could be used by Information Systems scholars to extend research of knowledge sharing and management.
A Critique of the Claims about Mobile Phones and Kerala Fisherman: The Importance of the Context of Complex Social Systems
Authors: Steyn Jacques 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper challenges some fundamental aspects of research and conclusions relating to the use of technology for community development. Views of technology, in this case the mobile phone, as a tool for increased economic welfare are often skewed due to extreme reductionism, ambiguous interview questions and poor data sources. Research of complex social systems or sub‐systems give the wrong answers when reductionist methodologies are used. To demonstrate such shortcomings, the 2007 paper of Robert Jensen serves as an example. His conclusion that mobile phones enable Kerala fishermen to increase their economic welfare is the most cited paper on ICT4D topics, but there are fundamental methodological and logical problems with the claim, while other research came to contradictory conclusions. This critique is presented on many levels: ideological, paradigmatic, methodology, logical, statistical and semantic.
Participation in ICT Development Interventions: Who and How?
Authors: Thapa Devinder , Sæbø Øystein 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe aim of participatory development (PD) in the context of using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for development (ICT4D) is to empower underprivileged communities and disadvantaged segments of the stakeholders. The literature on ICT4D is replete with empirical evidence showing that ICT interventions often fail since they are often externally initiated, with very limited involvement from the affected (Heeks, 2002). Clearly, the principles and concepts of PD are relevant to ICT4D. However, we should not consider PD a panacea but need to understand the caveats and processes by which PD happens. Questions to ask include: What are the various challenges in PD? Who are the relevant stakeholders? Why and how do actors enrol in the project? How do we create sustainable ICT4D projects through PD? To understand these research questions, we present a case analysis of a project in Nepal called the Nepal Wireless Networking Project (NWNP). Investigating the specific initiatives that they enabled, telemedicine, education and jobs, we propose that the key participants in the NWNP were activist actors and the affected and that activists drew upon existing Social Capital to enrol the affected through a process explained by Actor Network Theory (ANT). In the process, they built other forms of Social Capital, which in turn extended the benefits of PD to several mountain villages.
E‐governance: A Sociological Case Study of the Central Admission System in Tanzania
Authors: Mahundu Fabian G. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper draws upon “sociotechnical theory” as an effective approach to examine e‐governance implementation challenges in higher education institutions where multiple stakeholders exist. The use of sociotechnical theoretical approach provides a valuable contribution to the research domain of sociological studies of e‐governance in the public sectors, particularly in higher education quality assurance. A sociological interpretive analysis of the Central Admission System in Tanzania (as a case study) is presently under concern for this end. In African context, Tanzania in particular, ICT penetration is concentrated in urban areas hence the issue of “digital divide” is an on‐going debate which calls upon the need to understand the implementation of e‐governance projects and their challenges. The paper concentrates, through in‐depth interviews with key users of the Central Admission System (applicants, admission officers and IT staff), on how the implementation of the system poses various socio‐technical challenges in attempt to improving quality assurance in higher education admissions. Our research reveals that introduction of new technology in higher education admissions have created multiple challenges for users and implementers of the system. The paper shows that “digital divide” and low IT skills – are leading challenges in the implementation of e‐governance in the country. Given the prevailing admission malpractices, Tanzania's initiative to implement the Central Admission System will most likely eliminate such practices within higher education institutions. The paper highlights the milieus in which the implementation of the system takes place; specifically, the existing multiple stakeholders of the system and autonomous nature of the higher education institutions. This research advances the theoretical understanding of “sociotechnical systems” to a new “multilevel” ICT implementation and offers policy makers propositions for confronting such circumstances. This paper also appeals practical recommendations to assist e‐governance adopters in the public sectors especially regulatory agencies in Tanzania as well as other developing countries.
Undergraduate Students’ Failure in Programming Courses in Institutions of Higher Education in Developing Countries: A Nigerian Perspective
Authors: Dasuki Salihu , Quaye Ago 
Published: December 2017

AbstractUniversities of developing countries are faced with increased dropout rate from computing degrees due to the high failure rate of introductory programing courses. In this paper, we apply a grounded theory approach to investigate why student's fail introductory programming courses in a Nigeria University. A qualitative method of data collection was adopted to examine the students’ views about the factors that contribute to student's failure in introductory programming courses. The findings identified lack of intrinsic motivation, lack of future expectation, anxiety, peer influences, and poor lecturer skills and behavior as the challenges resulting in a high failure rate in introductory programming courses. The study contributes to the research on computer education in developing countries by proposing a model to understand the factors that affect IS student learning process when undertaking introductory programming courses. We conclude with some recommendations following recommendations that could help students to overcome the challenges in learning computer programming.
Explaining ‘Irrationalities’ of IT‐Enabled Change in a Developing Country Bureaucracy: The Case of Ghana's Tradenet
Authors: Addo Atta A 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThrough a case study of Ghana's TradeNet, a business‐to‐government (B2G) Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) implemented to automate and integrate customs clearance, this article investigates ‘irrationalities’ of IT‐enabled change in the context of a developing country bureaucracy. Our data revealed that despite TradeNet's potential for full automation and integration, bureaucrats sometimes preferred manual, face‐to‐face, paper‐based practices. We explain such outcome—often depicted in the literature as a kind of ‘irrationality’—by drawing upon the theoretical notion of institutional logics to trace underlying logics of TradeNet‐enabled change. We investigate two specific TradeNet‐enabled practices—Import Declaration Form (IDF) processing and risk controls—and show that where ‘irrationality’ was present (IDF processing), the managerial logic of TradeNet contradicted existing bureaucratic logics. We therefore interpret ‘irrationality’ as ‘good enough’ or satisficing when new logics of IT and old bureaucratic logics contradicted. Our findings move beyond success or failure interpretations typical in Information Systems in developing countries (ISDC) and ICT for development (ICT4D) research. We also enhance knowledge of IT‐enabled change in developing country bureaucracies by moving beyond the organizational milieu to emphasize broader institutional forces in developing countries such as neopatrimonialism. Such theorization advances ISDC/ICT4D research where reconciling micro with macro accounts remains daunting.
Challenges and Strategies for Standardizing Information Systems for Integrated TB/HIV Services in Tanzania: A Case Study of Kinondoni Municipality
Authors: Mukasa Esther , Kimaro Honest , Kiwanuka Achilles , Igira Faraja 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe synergetic prevalence of Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV infections led to the launch of integrated TB/HIV services, officially coined “collaborative TB/HIV activities”. The Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children in Tanzania works with multiple implementing partners in achieving collaborative TB/HIV goals. This study assessed challenges, best practices and strategies for standardizing Health Information Systems (HIS) for integrated TB/HIV services. A descriptive cross sectional study design employing both qualitative methods was used. Data were collected through key informant interviews, observation of existing practices, and document review. Absence of health information system standards control mechanisms was noted to be the cardinal challenge. The study recommends a need to establish formal mechanisms to control information system standards across partners, reviewing existing national TB/HIV policy guidelines to include adequate aspects of monitoring and evaluation, establishing a functional partner regulatory authority and implementing data quality assurance mechanisms.
An Investigation into the ICT Vendor – Value Added Reseller Partnership Satisfaction in South Africa
Authors: Hassa Ishmael , Tanner Maureen 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe study was conducted to explore the perceived factors that contribute to relationship satisfaction between Vendors and Value‐added Resellers (VARs) within Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) downstream Supply Chain Management (SCM) in South Africa (SA). The study highlights the challenges faced in these critical dyads by exploring the relationship satisfaction in an under‐researched industry and country context. The study was qualitative and relevant experts from both ICT Vendors and VARs were interviewed. An initial set of findings derived from using the Interaction Approach (IA) as theoretical lens, was published in Hassa and Tanner (2016). This current paper presents an additional set of findings relating to critical factors found to be antecedent and consequent of perceived relationship satisfaction. In particular, this paper specifically discusses factors relating to Commitment, Communication, Trust, Loyalty, Profitability and Value. This inquiry contributes to depicting a more holistic picture of the landscape around perceived relationship satisfaction between Vendors and VARs within the ICT industry in South Africa. The results from these findings could promote transparent cooperation and collaboration between ICT industry partners and stakeholders (customers, government, etc.) and support an increase in ICT diffusion and adoption in South Africa and Africa.
Alignment of Human Competencies with Mobile Phone Technology and Business Strategies by Women‐LED SMEs in South Africa
Authors: Ajumobi Deborah O. , Kyobe Michael 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWomen‐led SMEs are faced with challenges that inhibit the performance of their businesses. By aligning their human competencies, mobile phone technology and the appropriate business strategy, they can steer their businesses to better performance. However, there is a scarcity of studies providing insight into how they can achieve this. Given the existence of the interplay between human competencies, mobile technology and business strategy, the perspective of alignment as Gestalts was adopted to determine the best way women‐led SMEs may align these three aspects. Data was collected from 70 women‐led SMEs in four provinces in South Africa and analysed using cluster analysis. Of the four clusters that emerged, one performed highly. This study contributes to theory by showing the value of Gestalts theory in assessing the configuration and patterns of organisational variables; and to practice, by providing insight into ways women‐led SMEs can combine these three variables to achieve high business performance.
Towards a People Centred Early Warning and Disaster Response System in Samoa: The Use of ICT by Samoans During Disaster
Authors: Mow Ioana Chan , Shields Charles , Sasa Hobert , Fitu Lealaolesau 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper reports on the findings of a 400 household survey which investigated what sources of information and technical medium Samoan citizens trust and act upon in times of disaster. Findings of the survey indicated the following. 1)The predominance and pervasiveness of mobile phones at 91% indicate its potential for use in any disaster response and relief interventions. 2) With only 34% of mobile phones being Smart phones: disaster preparedness, early warning and response interventions should target basic mobile phone sets. 3) With 65% of respondents using Face Book this social media should be considered as a possible avenue for lateral dissemination for early warning and disaster response. 4) The predominance of radio followed by TV as an important, trusted source of information which people act on indicate its important role in any emergency response interventions. Since these media are trusted sources they should be used extensively for dissemination of information for preparedness, early warning and disaster response. 5) Professional reporters are regarded by the majority as the most predominantly used, the most trusted and the most important source of information and news during an emergency. The findings of this survey generate important considerations towards a people centred early warning and disaster relief system.
Designing a More Effective Way to Surface the Information Needs of People in Developing Communities
Authors: Grobler Manti , de Villiers Carina 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper is a reflection on the research design of an information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) research project using design science research (DSR) in the pragmatic tradition. The artefact created and evaluated during the study is the Community Shaping Solutions Framework (CSSF) in response to the problem that this study addresses: how should the information needs that are meaningful to women working as domestic workers, be effectively translated through the use of ICT in order to enhance their experience of the good life as defined by Sen's (1999) capability approach and to contribute to the success and social value of ICT4D projects.The study is conducted in Pretoria and Johannesburg, South Africa. A group of women from the domestic cleaning sector represents a developing community in an urban setting and is selected using snowball sampling to participate in the study. Six organisations that have an interest in interacting with developing communities were selected using purposive sampling and participated in the study to provide a perspective on information inclusivity. The study has three phases starting with the group of women using journals to self‐document their interactions with information, followed by a design thinking workshop with the women and ending with the organisational interviews.The CSSF contributes to knowledge as a theory of design and action. The novelty of the CSSF is the combination of DSR with ICT4D, the use of journals as a self‐documentation technique to collect data, followed by a design thinking workshop and interviews. The effectiveness of the CSSF and utility to the community of users are demonstrated through the participatory approach to facilitate the community to shape solutions that they value and the empowerment experienced through both the activities as well as the impact of the solution as an expansion of choice.