bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing the Adoption and Usage of Online Services in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al‐Ghaith Waleed , Sanzogni Louis , Sandhu Kuldeep 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAdvances in electronic service technology have created great opportunities as well as threats to organizations in various business and services sectors. As such businesses, either willingly or reluctantly, are increasingly embracing the Internet as distribution channel in order to remain competitive or gain market share. With particular reference to e‐services, absence of accurate information on factors that have influenced users’ behaviour to adopt or use e‐services could mislead an organization into adopting unhelpful solutions as it strives to accelerate the implementation of e‐services. This study, based on the diffusion of innovations (DOI) theory leveraged into the online environment, investigates factors that influence adoption and usage of e‐service, especially, in Saudi Arabia. Factors were empirically tested against data collected from 651 participants using survey questionnaires. Perceived Complexity was found to be the most significantly related factor affecting e‐service adoption in Saudi Arabia, followed in turn by Privacy and Compatibility. Quality of the Internet and its relative advantage also had a notable affect on e‐service usage and adoption in Saudi Arabia.
Same but Different: Understanding Women's Experience of ICT in the UAE
Authors: Vodanovich Shahper , Urquhart Cathy , Shakir Maha 
Published: December 2017

AbstractInformation Communications Technologies (ICTs) have become a potent global force in transforming social, economic, and political life. Given the centrality and importance of ICTs, men and women need to have equal opportunities to access, use, and master them. In particular, it could be asked whether women in Islamic societies within the GCC region have equal access to these new technologies. What are some of the promising new social, economic and political opportunities for Islamic women in the ICT sector, or does ICT access and use by those women replicate patterns of segregation seen elsewhere in their societies? What are the barriers that women, especially those in the Islamic world, have to overcome to actively participate in the promise of these technologies? We use grounded theory as our preliminary research methodology to analyse interviews with women who work in the ICT sector in the UAE. We discuss five major themes from the research: Westernization, IT as Modernity, Education, Government Initiatives, and Gender Perspective, and introduce a preliminary framework of the area. We conclude by discussing some inherent contradictions of women's ICT use in a society that wishes to modernize, rather than Westernize, and how this is played out in our study.
Digital Library Adoption and the Technology Acceptance Model: A Cross‐Country Analysis
Authors: Miller Jade , Khera Otto 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this article, we examine, through the framework of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), some of the features that inform user acceptance of a digital library system implementation at agricultural universities in two developing countries: Kenya and Peru. This is a study not only examining factors contributing to adoption of this offline digital library, but also a cross‐site comparison, meant to examine the functionality in the developing world of a theoretical model developed in and based on conditions in the developed world. As we unravel predictors of technological acceptance of a digital library implementation in the developing world, we simultaneously investigate a broader question: not just questions regarding improved researchinthe developing world, butonit as well.We analyze data from both sites on overall measures of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness (two constructs of the TAM), and on individual measures making up the overall measures. We found the TAM to work well in describing factors that affect usage of digital libraries in developing countries, with perceived usefulness as the main predictor of intent to use this system (The Essential Electronic Agricultural Library, or TEEAL), and with relevance as the major constituent driver of perceived usefulness. Overall, we also found particular predictors of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use that are consistent across cultures (relevance, trust, and ease of access), while other constructs (social norm, domain knowledge, visibility, and self‐efficacy) demonstrated predictive power in only one setting. While post‐hoc analyses gave several clues as to drivers of these differences, this study cannot definitively address what causes differences in predictive power between sites. What is clear, however, is that application of the TAM to IT implementation in developing countries must be guided more by the specificities of local circumstances than by the performance of the TAM in highly‐developed countries.
Organisational Issues with Electronic Government Procurement: A Case Study of the UAE
Authors: Al‐Moalla Abdulrahman , Li Dong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe success of electronic procurement (e‐procurement) in the private sector has been a driving force for governments to seek cost reductions and administration efficiencies by adopting this method on a wide scale. However, the enthusiastic reaction to e‐procurement in richer developing countries, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has never been measured by critical evaluation, and this paper makes a first attempt in this respect. In doing so, it evaluates and investigates the case of the UAE e‐government procurement in relation to organisational issues. This examination is then followed by an exploration of best practice in this field.
ICTs, Citizens, and the State: Moral Philosophy and Development Practices
Authors: Unwin Tim 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper examines the moral implications of the use of ICTs in e‐government initiatives, focusing especially on national databases, identity cards, and surveillance technologies. It suggests that in resolving debates over these, we need to reach ethical resolutions concerning notions of trust, privacy, and the law. It also draws attention to the ethical problems that emerge in linking the notion of Universal Human Rights with the introduction of ICTs in developing countries.
Probing Factors Affecting Knowledge Sharing Behavior of Pakistani Bloggers
Authors: Ellahi Abida Abi. , Mushtaq Rabia 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe objective of this study is to identify those factors that affect the knowledge sharing behavior of individuals in the context of blogs of Pakistan. A research model has been developed, which consists of six construct derived from three well known theories namely Innovation Diffusion Theory, Social Capital theory and Theory of Reasoned Action. This theoretical model was tested empirically by conducting web based survey. Questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection from 120 bloggers. Partial Least Square technique was employed to test the model. Four out of five hypotheses were confirmed. This study confirmed that relative advantage, attitude and social interaction ties have significant influence on intention to share knowledge and intention to share knowledge is a predictor of actual knowledge behavior. This study has several implications for professional and academic institutions.
ICT‐Driven Public Service Transformation of Social Security Systems in a Developing Country: The Brazilian Case
Authors: Cavalheiro Gabriel , Joia Luiz Antonio , Welke Richard , Dahanayake Ajantha 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis article reports on large‐scale service transformation in the social security system in a developing country accruing from the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in recent years. In the context of the Brazilian case, it offers insights into how a developing country is extensively employing ICT to meet its socio‐economic needs and circumstances. Here, it is provided an historical overview of experiences relative to re‐engineering of processes and the expansion of Internet and multi‐channel social security services. This paper examines ICT solutions from a functional perspective and it contributes to improve understanding of operational challenges faced by social security system in a developing country.
Mobile Banking Adoption in Nigeria
Authors: Bankole Felix O. , Bankole Omolola O. , Brown Irwin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSeveral studies have affirmed that the adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is culturally inclined. Mobile banking is an ICT application considered to be of vital use among people in various countries who are likely to have dissimilar cultural backgrounds. Research into the use and adoption of mobile banking has shown varied findings in different countries across the globe. This can be attributed to the diversity of the cultural landscape in different countries. The development of mobile banking in a country is likely to be determined by some characteristic factors which are unique to that country. This study conducted a cross‐sectional survey through a judgmental sampling procedure. The respondents were mobile banking customers that consisted of students, and workers from diverse fields of employment. A total of 231 questionnaires as well as interviews were collected from the sampled population of mobile banking customers. The data were analysed through statistics and qualitative techniques. This article explores the factors that influence adoption of mobile banking in Nigeria. The results show that culture is the most important factor influencing the adoption behaviour of users of mobile banking in Nigeria.
An Exploratory Model for the Relevant Factors Related to the Professional Performance of the Brazilian CIO
Authors: Vreuls Etienne Hubert , Joia Luiz Antonio 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to develop an exploratory model for the relevant factors related to the professional performance of the Brazilian CIO (Chief Information Officer). For this purpose, exploratory research was carried out using a quantitative approach. Six theoretical frameworks found in the academic literature on this issue were taken into account, which led to the development of indicators associated with the CIO's professional performance. A questionnaire was then applied via a web survey, from which answers from 111 Brazilian CIOs were collected. Thereafter, exploratory factor analysis was conducted in order to obtain a consolidated model. From this analysis, seven factors were considered relevant to the professional performance of the Brazilian CIO, namely knowledge of the business; systemic view of the organization; ability to influence the organization; technical expertise; external networking; management of information technology (IT) operation; and capacity to innovate using new information technologies. The conclusion reached is that the Brazilian CIO's skills do not differ very much from those found in CIOs in developed countries. However, some exceptions are analyzed. Lastly, the managerial and academic implications accrued from this work are set forth and the research limitations are identified, as well as further steps to be taken regarding this research stream.
ICTs For Agricultural Extension: A Study in the Indian Himalayan Region
Authors: Kameswari V.L.V. , Kishore Devash , Gupta Vinita 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper reports on the availability, use and information seeking behaviour of a farming community with specific reference to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). It fills a research gap by examining what people do with a medium when they have access to it, rather than looking at barriers surrounding the use of ICTs and digital divide issues arising due to differential access and capabilities. The study was conducted in a state in North India, and provides insights into intentions and factors surrounding the use of various media by farmers. It highlights the socio‐cultural context within which information seeking and use occurs in rural India.
The IT Productivity Paradox: Evidence from the Nigerian Banking Industry
Authors: Ekata Godfrey E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper reports the study of an investigation conducted to determine whether or not a relationship exists between IT expenditure and the financial performance of the Nigerian banking industry. A non‐experimental quantitative, correlation method was used in the investigation. The IT expenditure data were collected for the period 2005 through 2009 from the Nigerian banking industry using a survey instrument, while the financial performance data were collected from the banks’ annuals reports for the same period. The total IT expenditure was analyzed against certain financial performance indicators (ROA, ROI, and net profit) using the SPSS software. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the data and to test the hypotheses formulated for the study. The results suggest the presence of IT productivity paradox in the Nigerian banking industry.
The Rural ICT Comprehensive Evaluation Framework: Implementing the First Domain, the Baseline Study Process
Authors: Pade‐Khene Caroline , Sewry Dave 
Published: December 2017

AbstractICTs are continuously emerging as key tools to support development activities. However, with the growing implementation of such technology requires the need to account for such implementations and assess the need, process, outcome and impact of ICT projects in developing countries. Most evaluations in ICT4D tend to focus on impact assessment, yet assessing the impact of a project relies on interdependent assessments that should be conducted throughout the life of a project; especially to gauge the actual contribution of an ICT project to specified impact in a rural community. This paper presents a Rural ICT Comprehensive Evaluation Framework (RICT‐CEF), which encompasses the key domains of evaluation that should be applied throughout the progression of an ICT for development project. The scope of this paper, specifically elaborates on the first two stages of the framework: 1) The Overall Evaluation Plan, and 2) The Baseline Study. These stages are explored in the Siyakhula Living Lab, an ICT4D project in South Africa, to reveal the shortcomings and suitability of the framework through lessons learned, and contribute to the continuous revision of the RICT‐CEF.
Conceptualising the Effect of the Black Economic Empowerment Score‐Card on IT Governance
Authors: Mohapi Mateka , Njenga Kennedy 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAugmented concerns regarding Information Technology (IT) Governance have resulted in organisations continuing to relentlessly seek the right IT decision makers who make the right IT decisions as baselines for value generation in dynamic and competitive business arenas. As a result of the implementation of policies such as the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), the IT sector in post‐apartheid South Africa has increasingly seen signs of a rising number of Black IT professionals entering this sector. Organisations now find themselves with a growing number of influential Black decision makers whose decisions are seen to impact large IT investment spending. This article conceptualises the critical role that BEE scorecard has played towards the growth of this number and seeks to understand the influencing dynamics BEE has had towards IT Governance in South African organizations. The study explores BEE policy as a means of redressing past inequalities and then presents BEE challenges that influence IT Governance implementation. A conceptual framework that assesses the relationships between the variables, BEE and IT Governance is presented. The purpose of the framework is to shed insights regarding the strength of the relationship between these two variables both of which have a bearing on the success of businesses operating in South Africa. The framework has been tested using empirical quantitative research, which utilised questionnaires that targeted IT professionals. The findings show a weak association between BEE and successful IT Governance implementation. The results also reveal IT Governance maturity has advanced to well‐managed level 4. The human capital and diversity in the IT workforce lag behind in progress as a result of modest compliance by organisations towards BEE initiatives.
Risk Identification Tool for ICT in International Development Co‐operation Projects
Authors: Kemppainen Jyri , Tedre Matti , Parviainen Panu , Sutinen Erkki 
Published: December 2017

AbstractVarious stakeholders in international development co‐operation projects have presented frameworks for managing those projects. Each framework has different strengths and weaknesses, and they vary from highly abstract to relatively practical. However, none of those frameworks pays attention to situations where professionals are unable to identify possible risk sources due to insufficient information about the project milieu. Yet, such situations are common in international development co‐operation projects where information technology (IT) is involved, and where IT professionals have to operate in an unfamiliar project milieu. This article presents a risk identification tool that is aimed at assisting IT professionals and organizations to identify sources of challenges in international development co‐operation projects, and to design appropriate countermeasures for overcoming risks before the project enters the implementation phase. Our tool does not replace project management frameworks or software, but when utilized appropriately, it guides preparation of IT professionals to face possible threats that originate from an unfamiliar project context, especially in international development co‐operation.
A Preliminary Investigation of Islamic Websites’ Design Features that Influence Use: A Proposed Model
Authors: Aliyu Mansur , Mahmud Murni , Tap Abu Osman Md , Nassr Rasheed Mohammad 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe growing availability of the Internet and advances in the use of technology among Muslims have led to an increase in the number of websites with an Islamic content. Currently, there is an emerging trend in the improvement of the design and quality of Islamic websites. Islamic websites serve as a medium for Islamic organizations, scholars, and individuals to contribute and participate in several online activities. This research is drawn from the deep understanding that website design is a major factor affecting the use of websites by Muslim users. We therefore investigate the most important design features that influence Muslims to use websites in learning about Islam, as an alternative to the traditional face‐to‐face learning from scholars and books. Website design is measured by functionality, navigation, interactivity, attractiveness, and organizational features, and website use by the extent to which frequent use is influenced by the website's design features. An online survey was conducted from November to December 2012. 89 usable responses were collected from faculty members and students at the International Islamic University Malaysia. The participants have experience in using Islamic websites. They were guided to the survey website via the faculty students’ mailing list and Facebook group page. The findings indicate that website attractiveness, functionality, navigation, organizational information, and security/privacy are the most important factors influencing the use of Islamic websites. Interactivity design features were found to be least significant in influencing Muslim users to use Islamic websites for religious purposes. The majority of the Muslim users visit Islamic websites to search for information, seek for scholars’ opinions regarding personal issues/problems (Q&A), and learn about Quran and Hadith. The results of the study are valuable indicators for the direction of future research, and also suggest guidelines for the successful development and adoption of Islamic websites.
Big Data Analytics for developing countries – Using the Cloud for Operational BI in Health
Authors: Purkayastha Saptarshi , Braa Jørn 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe multi‐layered view of digital divide suggests there is inequality of access to ICT, inequality of capability to exploit ICT and inequality of outcomes after exploiting ICT. This is evidently clear in the health systems of developing countries. In this paper, we look at cloud computing being able to provide computing as a utility service that might bridge this digital divide for Health Information Systems in developing countries. We highlight the role of Operational Business Intelligence (BI) tools to be able to make better decisions in health service provisioning. Through the case of DHIS2 software and its Analytics‐as‐a‐Service (AaaS) model, we look at how tools can exploit Cloud computing capabilities to perform analytics on Big Data that is resulting from integration of health data from multiple sources. Beyond looking at purely warehousing techniques, we suggest understanding Big Data from Organizational Capabilities and expanding organizational capabilities by offloading computing as a utility to vendors through cloud computing.
Exploratory Study of M‐Transaction: User's Perspectives
Authors: Alqahtani Mohammed A. , Al‐Badi Ali H. , Mayhew Pam J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBoth the recent advances in mobile technologies and the high penetration rate of mobile communication services have had a profound impact on our daily lives, and are beginning to offer interesting and advantageous new services. In particular, the mobile transaction (mtransaction) system has emerged, enabling users to pay for physical and digital goods and services using their mobile devices whenever they want and wherever they are. It is anticipated that M‐transaction will enjoy a bright future. However, apparently there is still a lack of acceptance of mobile transaction amongst users. This paper empirically investigates what are the factors that make the mobile subscribers reluctant, and which factors that make them keen to accept m‐transaction. This study applies a modified model of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and use of Technology (UTAUT), a robust well‐known model, as an approach to collect and analyse the data and, therefore, to develop a categorization of the important factors that play a role in accepting and using M‐transaction. Following a qualitative method, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with Saudi residents to elicit their opinions and concerns about using m‐transaction in Saudi Arabia. The findings of this study show that the factors that have the most significant influence on the acceptance and use of m‐transaction in Saudi Arabia are: usability, usefulness, telecommunications infrastructure, security, hacking and fraud, availability, trust, payment gateway, awareness, cost and promotion, privacy, cyber‐law, the postal services, government e‐readiness, Arabic language support.
Formation and Failure of an E‐Marketplace Pioneer in a Developing Country
Authors: Effah John 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to understand the formation and failure of an e‐marketplace pioneer in a developing country. Much of the research on e‐marketplaces focuses on the developed world. Within the limited literature on the developing world, the dominant focus has been on user adoption and related constraints. Little research thus exists on how emarketplaces are formed and whether they succeed or fail. This study therefore follows qualitative interpretive case study methodology to investigate the formation and failure of an e‐marketplace pioneer in a developing country. The findings show that the e‐marketplace was formed without a clear e‐business model and without enough attention to the developing country environment. The failure was subsequently caused by inability to generate revenue and failure to renew domain name license. The paper advises potential entrepreneurs to pay attention to their local environment and develop e‐business models with appropriate revenue options to guide their e‐marketplace initiatives.