ICT Adoption Research Articles

E-GOVERNANCE IN REVENUE COLLECTION AND CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION IN SIERRA LEONE – A SURVEY

The willingness of taxpayers to comply with their obligations depends to a large extent upon the perception that the funds collected are put to good use. It also depends on how easy and convenient it is for the taxpayer to comply. Hence getting taxpayers to voluntarily pay their correct taxes at the right time is the dream of every government. The four key research objectives are: to find out whether the implementation of ICT will improve the performance of public enterprises; to investigate whether there is a link between the tax filing system and revenue collection; to determine the significance of tax compliance and performance of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) and to examine the relationship between tax administration and revenue collection. Data was collected through questionnaires from selected tax administrators and taxpayers in Freetown and two provincial locations, Bo and Makeni, using convenience sampling. Descriptive statistical analysis techniques were employed for data analysis. Findings from the study revealed that a vast majority of the respondents believe that the implementation of ICT results in better performance of public enterprises; and that there is a link between the tax filing system and revenue collection which allows refunds to be deposited directly into taxpayers' bank accounts; the level of tax compliance is significant to the performance of the National Revenue Authority; and adoption of ICT has positive impact on a country’s tax collection rate. The paper recommends that the Government of Sierra Leone should embark on public sensitisation on the benefits of the adoption and use of ICT infrastructure that aids easy tax administration and collection in the other rural regions of the country.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0758/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Examining the effects of solar energy Innovations, information and communication technology and financial globalization on environmental quality in the united States via Quantile-On-Quantile KRLS analysis

The development of renewable energy infrastructure is widely recognized as pivotal in solving ecological concerns. However, despite their significance in advancing ecological sustainability, researchers have given scant attention to the interplay between solar energy innovations, information and communication technology (ICT), and their impacts on ecological quality. Addressing this research gap, this study examines the impact of solar energy innovations, trade openness, ICT, economic growth and financial globalization on ecological quality in the United States context. To achieve this objective, the study employs the novel Quantile on Quantile Kernel-Based Regularized Least Squares (QQKRLS) approach proposed by Adebayo et al. [1], analyzing data from 2000 to 2020. The findings from QQKRLS analysis unveil several key insights: Firstly, solar energy innovations, economic growth and trade openness exhibit a significant positive association with ecological quality. Secondly, financial globalization and ICT demonstrate a positive impact on ecological quality. Drawing from these results, the study underlines the necessity for the United States to prioritize the promotion of solar energy innovations, financial globalization, trade openness and ICT adoption. By accentuating these strategic imperatives, the United States policymakers can work towards nurturing a more sustainable ecological route while advancing economic development objectives.

Effect of Financial Constraint on Export Performance of Manufacturing Firms in SSA: Does ICT Adoption Matter?

Effect of Financial Constraint on Export Performance of Manufacturing Firms in SSA: Does ICT Adoption Matter?

Tackling Digital Degree in Education: Optimal Use of Green Information and Communication Technology (GICT)

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in all areas of the education sector, particularly in developed economies as well as developing countries, regardless of preparedness. This is because, under the new normal, ICT adoption has become ubiquitous and fast-moving, even in the face of impending challenges. In the case of education, in particular, the disruption caused by the pandemic has caused ICT to become an instantaneous apparatus that has sustained the teaching and learning sector during the global lockdown that ravaged the world between 2019 and 2020, with consequences that are still visible today. Once more, the pandemic's outbreak made it clear to world leaders in numerous developing nations that they had no option but to use an ICT tool that was accelerating the growth of their countries' national knowledge bases. Notwithstanding the apparent difficulties integrating ICT into teaching and learning, the COVID-19 pandemic's effects accelerated the spread of ICT, forcing teachers and students in Nigeria and, in fact, around the world, to work online despite their readiness in terms of knowledge, abilities, and resources. In today's globalized world, ICT has become indispensable in filling gaps in the education sector, but it is also important to recognize the role of green information technology. This study examined how ICT instantly filled in the educational gaps during a pandemic-related lockdown, as well as how Green IT impacts our ecology. In order to truly close the digital divide that existed in the education sector in today's carefree world, the research has supplied the essential information and details, as well as recommendations for how to best use ICT tools to secure the ecosystem. Keywords: ICT, Covid -19 Pandemic, Green IT, Digital Divide. Aims Research Journal Reference Format: Malasowe, B.O., Okpor, M.D. & Edim, B.E. (2024): Tackling Digital Degree in Education: Optimal Use of Green Information and Communication Technology (GICT). Advances in Multidisciplinary and Scientific Research Journal Vol. 10. No. 1. Pp 67-76. www.isteams.net/aimsjournal. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/V10N1P5

The Impact of ICT Adoption in Enhancing Teaching and Learning in Primary Schools of Amathole East District, Eastern Cape

This study examines how information and communication technology (ICT) impacts the schooling environment within the primary sector in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province's Amathole East District. ICT adoption in education can fully modify the ways that instruction and learning are given to students, but it also comes with obstacles, especially in the rural primary schools in the Amathole East District. This research intends to shed light on the current ICT status adoption of Amathole East District's primary schools. Three primary schools were chosen, and three research participants from each school were chosen using the purposive sample technique. Data were gathered through focus groups and in-person interviews. The acquired data were analyzed and presented using a thematic approach. It was revealed as the findings that while teachers were willing to embrace ICTs into teaching and learning and had a good attitude toward technology adoption, they needed the necessary ICT competencies. Furthermore, several challenges and barriers were identified, and these included inadequate ICT infrastructure, a shortage of teacher training in technology integration and a lack of access to ICT tools. The study concludes that teacher training programs be expanded, invest in infrastructure development, and develop a comprehensive ICT policy framework. Taking the research's findings into account, the research offers practical recommendations in enhancing ICT adoption, investing in infrastructure development, expanding teacher development opportunities, to formulating a comprehensive ICT strategy framework so that schools are ready to run virtually in the event of another pandemic related to COVID-19.

Measuring the impact of information and communication technology investment on the profitability of Indian manufacturing MSME

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) investment on the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) profitability in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a framework based on the ICT investment and firm size, measuring the impact on profit before depreciation, interest, tax and amortisation of MSME by taking a random sampling of 300 Indian MSME manufacturing firm’s secondary data from the Prowess database. This framework was analysed using the design of experiment (DoE) technique.FindingsThe study showed that ICT investment has a significant positive relationship with profitability. This study examines the different ICT investment levels to predict investment strategies and fine-tune profit targets. The critical finding is that ICT investment maximises profit at one million rupees. This discovery aids MSME leaders’ sustainable business decision-making.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has an explicit limit to the Indian context, where the firm requirements of countries are different, and these findings need to be validated with many operating variables and applied to more firms with more data. Even so, as a theoretical implication, this study took a novel approach to ICT adoption (through ICT investment) in the Indian MSME sector with guiding levels of ICT investment for each type of firm (i.e. micro, small and medium). This study opens new avenues for investigating researchers and stakeholders by exploring other factors responsible for ICT adoption.Practical implicationsThis study uniquely provides practitioners with the functional level of ICT investment for MSMEs in the Indian context. These finding guides top management to make strategic ICT adoption decisions with information symmetry. At the same time, these findings suggest financial institutions astern their credit programme to provide credit for ICT investment in MSMEs.Social implicationsThis study highlights the value of ICT as a practical resource for business owners that significantly makes MSMEs more informed and profitable, thus creating more jobs and incrementing the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).Originality/valueThis study offers unique empirical findings on how decision makers in MSMEs maximise profits through optimal ICT investment levels depending upon the firm size in an emerging economy like India. There is evidence in the study to conclude that ICT is a need of MSME and has implications for firm performance.

Digital health and the promise of equity in maternity care: A mixed methods multi-country assessment on the use of information and communication technologies in healthcare facilities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Timely access to maternity care is critical to saving lives. Digital health may serve to bridge the care chasm and advance health equity. Conducted in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, this cross-sectional mixed-methods study assessed the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in healthcare facilities in nine Latin American and Caribbean countries to understand the landscape of ICT use in maternity care and the barriers and facilitators to its adoption. Between April 2021 and September 2022, we disseminated an online survey in English and Spanish among, mainly public, healthcare institutions that provided maternity care in Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Honduras, Paraguay and Peru. We also interviewed 27 administrators and providers in ministries of health and healthcare institutions. Most of the 1877 institutions that answered the survey reported using ICTs in maternity care (N = 1536, 82%), ranging from 96% in Peru to 64% in the Dominican Republic. Of institutions that used ICTs, 59% reported using them more than before or for the first time since the pandemic began. ICTs were most commonly used to provide family planning (64%) and breastfeeding (58%) counseling, mainly by phone (82%). At the facility level, availability of equipment and internet coverage, coupled with skilled human resources, were the main factors associated with ICT use. At country level, government-led initiatives to develop digital health platforms, alongside national investments in the digital infrastructure, were the determining factors in the adoption of ICTs in healthcare provision. Digital health for maternity care provision relied on commonly available technology and did not necessitate highly sophisticated systems, making it a sustainable and replicable strategy. However, disparities in access to digital health remain and many facilities in rural and remote areas lacked connectivity. Use of ICTs in maternity care depended on countries' long-term commitments to achieving universal health and digital coverage.

Using UTAUT model to assess the factors influencing the use of ICT in Ghanaian pre-tertiary mathematics education

As the demand for acquiring Information communication and technology has increased rapidly due to the exponential growth of technological advancement in all human endeavor, researchers are also developing theories and/or models that could be used to describe and prognosticate humans’ espousal and use of these technologies as they are being released in the markets. The present study adapted one of the powerful models for information and communication technology (ICT) integration (thus, unified theory of acceptance and technology use) to assess pre-tertiary mathematics facilitators’ intentions and actual use of ICT for mathematics instructions in Ghana. This study adopts a quantitative research approach with a questionnaire as a survey instrument for collecting 185 valid data from both junior and senior high schools’ mathematics facilitators. Descriptive statistics and an enter multiple regression were deployed to validate the proposed research questions. Using SPPS v.23 as a statistical software for analyzing the data, the result reveals that, performance expectancy, and effort expectancy had a positive and significant effect on mathematics facilitators’ intentions toward ICT adoption. Moreover, social influence was significant but had a negative impact on facilitators intentions. The impact of mathematics facilitators’ intention to use ICT and the facilitating conditions (FCs) within the school environment was also a positive and significant predictor of facilitators’ ICT use behavior. It was concluded from the findings that FCs were the better predictor for mathematics teachers’ ICT use behavior than intention. Hence, the researchers recommended that more government expenditure must be allocated to infrastructures that would improve the use of ICT as well as frequent ICT training must be undertaken to enrich teachers’ knowledge in the affordance of using ICT in mathematics classrooms.

Sustainability Affected by ICT Adoption in Enterprises

ABSTRACT While the potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance sustainable development is recognized, research on its contribution to sustainability remains fragmented. This study explores the impact of ICT adoption on the ecological, economic, sociocultural, and political dimensions of sustainability in Poland. It employs a survey of 390 randomly selected enterprises and uses Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for data analysis. The findings reveal that ICT management significantly promotes all dimensions of sustainability. ICT quality affects ecological, economic, and political sustainability, while information culture enhances sociocultural and political sustainability. ICT outlay has a limited impact, primarily on ecological sustainability. This research provides valuable insights into leveraging ICT for sustainable development, offering guidance for both enterprises and policymakers.

Assessing the factors influencing the intention to use information and communication technology implementation and acceptance in China’s education sector

Information and communication technology (ICT) has become increasingly important worldwide in education. This study aims to recognize the factors that influence the intention to use information and communication technology (ITUICT) and its acceptance in the education sector in China. A literature review was conducted to ascertain the potential factors such as perceived awareness, information acquisition, trustworthiness, social influence, and regulatory support that could affect the acceptance and ITUICT. For results, a survey was conducted on a sample of 381 university employees in China using a convenience sampling approach. The collected data were analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that individual factors such as perceived awareness, information acquisition, trustworthiness, social influence, and regulatory support significantly impact the ITUICT. Additionally, trustworthiness positively moderates the relationship among perceived awareness, information acquisition, social influence, regulatory support, and ITUICT. Policymakers and educators can use the findings of this study to enhance the adoption of ICT in China’s education sector. The results of this study suggest that it is important to provide educational sector employees with training and support to increase their use of ICT technology. Furthermore, this paper offers theoretical progression to create a supportive organizational culture and provide the educational sector with the necessary technological resources to facilitate the use of ICT.

The Role of Information and Communication Technology in Interactive Learning

This article is the result of an in-depth literature review on the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the context of interactive learning. Education has undergone a significant transformation with the adoption of ICT, transforming the traditional way of learning into a more dynamic and participatory learning experience. The purpose of this literature review is to analyse the positive impact of ICT in shaping interactive learning environments, explore the use of multimedia in the learning process, and identify the challenges and opportunities associated with the application of ICT in education. This literature review describes the transformation of learning through ICT, explaining the paradigm shift from conventional approaches to more adaptive and collaborative interactive learning. The results of this literature review illustrate how important the role of ICT is in shaping the future of education that is more interactive, inclusive and relevant to the demands of the times. Through collaboration between educational institutions, government, and the technology industry, as well as a careful pedagogical approach, ICT can be a catalyst to optimise the learning process and empower students to face the complexities of the modern world.

Teachers’ Perceptions on the Role and Challenges of using ICT in English Language Classrooms

This paper assessed teachers’ perceived role and limitations on using ICT as a pedagogical tool in enhancing English language fluency. The study employed a descriptive case study design in which interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis were used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed qualitatively through recording the data for thematic procedures. It was found that teachers perceived ICT as an important pedagogical tool for enhancing grammar, vocabulary and accurate pronunciation. However, the use of ICT for teaching English language was limited due to poor ICT infrastructures, insufficient training, teachers’ readiness and unclear policies. The study recommends the government to make a critical investment in ICT facilities and ensure high internet connectivity in secondary schools. A practical training for English teachers on the adoption and integration of ICT through virtual platforms would certainly improve the practice.

Determining Digitalization Issues (ICT Adoption, Digital Literacy, and the Digital Divide) in Rural Areas by Using Sample Surveys: The Case of Armenia

Digital technologies have penetrated all spheres of human life, becoming an integral element of sustainable development, and rural areas and agriculture are no exception. However, the processes of digital transformation possess certain challenges. Among them are ICT penetration, digital literacy of society, and the digital divide. This article aims to evaluate the digital penetration and the digital divide in rural areas of Armenia and identify and propose directions for improvement. For that purpose, a sample survey was conducted among rural households. The questionnaires included questions aimed at assessing digital literacy, as well as the level of ICT penetration and use. In addition, the Digital Devices and Technologies Usage Index (DTUI) was composed and calculated. The comparison of DTUI values revealed that being distant from the capital Yerevan can negatively impact ICT usage and digital penetration. It was revealed that households with higher incomes tend to use more ICT, which can indicate a possible positive relationship between DTUI and can be further studied by integrating econometric regression analysis. To facilitate and accelerate the processes of digital penetration and ICT use in rural areas of Armenia, relevant proposals were presented in the scope of the article. The results of this article can be useful for policymakers and the results part can be relevant for wider audiences. In particular, the recommendations presented in the article can be used by the RA Government as practical state support measures aimed at the promotion of digitalization in rural areas. Further research can include the digitalization issues in urban areas and provide insights into the digital divide between urban and rural areas.

Investigating ICT adoption and public value of e-recruitment in the public sector: the role of social media use

PurposeThis study examines the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT) for e-recruitment and its impacts on public value outcomes.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted with 213 public sector employees in the federal civil service using a questionnaire to test a conceptual model integrating the Technology Acceptance Model, Media Richness Theory and Public Value Theory using PLS-SEM analysis.FindingsResults validate significant positive relationships between ICT adoption, social media use for e-recruitment and public value creation. Internet self-efficacy positively moderates public value outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this study makes valuable contributions, avenues remain to further expand generalizability, strengthen validity and incorporate additional institutional factors in the framework.Practical implicationsThe study provides insights to guide policies and interventions aimed at improving ICT adoption success and public value gains from e-government investments in developing countries.Originality/valueThe research makes key contributions by operationalizing and empirically assessing the public value impacts of e-government innovations and examining adoption issues in an understudied developing country context.

The Role of Organizational Innovativeness and Size on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Adoption During COVID-19

This research aims to advance the understanding of the moderating effect of organizational innovativeness (OI) and organizational size on the relationship between Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) adoption and the technological, organizational, and environmental elements of the Technology- Organization- Environment theoretical framework (TOE) in the hospitality industry during the pandemic. A sample of 502 hotel owners and managers in Greece participated in the e-survey. The results indicated that OI has a moderating effect on the relationship between ICTs and the technology readiness of the hotel. In addition, concerning the size of the hotel, small hotels with 11-50 employees are a moderator on the adoption of ICTs within the environmental uncertainty of the COVID-19 outbreak. Theoretical and practical implications of the outcomes are discussed in this study.

Attitude of Library Professionals Towards Information Communication Technology in the Select Central University Libraries of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh

With the advent of new technological transformations in libraries and information centres, library professionals have experienced major challenges with changes in the generation, creation, dissemination, and preservation of knowledge in libraries. The objectives of the present study are to find out the hindrances to implementing ICT, and incorporation in libraries has a prominent place in fulfilling the needs of users, but one must not ignore the fact that ICT is not only the factor responsible for achieving the goals of libraries; it is also the library professional’s positive attitude that endorses the implementation of the same. There are many factors that can help library professionals develop a positive attitude, including prior knowledge, proper training, and continuing education like in-service courses, workshops, and seminars. If the staff of the library shows a positive attitude towards the adoption of ICT in their organisation, it will raise their self-confidence, thereby increasing productivity, while also raising their morale and motivation among colleagues. On the other hand, a negative attitude will raise high levels of anxiety, lower levels of self-efficacy, technophobia, cyberphobia, and fear of losing their jobs. The negative attitudes of library professionals are the main hindrance to the implementation of ICT in libraries. The present study’s findings can advance our understanding of ICT adoption in libraries and provide practical recommendations for maximizing the use of ICT resources in library services. The study concluded that the major objectives have been accomplished by those in the library industry who adopt a critical stance toward the adoption and rejection of new technologies

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Interventions for Enhancing Access to Education in Rural sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

The incorporation of ICT in the learning environment is essential for preparing learners for future employment, as education is an ever-evolving process. However, sub-Saharan African learners are being left behind due to limited access to ICT infrastructure, resulting in disparities in education. This study presents the findings of a systematic review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA protocol, which aimed to investigate various ICT interventions, challenges, barriers, and key factors that contribute to their successful implementation and scalability in enhancing access to education in rural sub-Saharan Africa. The review was based on scientific databases, which were the primary sources of articles retrieved. The selected articles underwent a process of defining and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in the selection of 17 articles that aligned with the study. The study further identified four focus areas that aided in discussions of the findings and recommendations to enhance ICT adoption and integration in education in rural sub-Saharan Africa. The findings revealed a disproportionate focus of research on ICT interventions in rural sub-Saharan Africa, with a notable bias towards South Africa.

Leveraging ICT for improved quality services in secondary healthcare facilities in Nigeria: Evidence from Kogi State

This study focused on investigating the relationship between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the provision of high-quality healthcare services. The research employed a survey research design and concentrated on secondary healthcare facilities within the state. A total of 273 healthcare personnel were randomly selected from these facilities using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected through a well-structured questionnaire. The secondary information was provided through the Kogi State Strategic Health Development Plan, textbooks, journal articles, conference papers, theses, and the internet. The gathered information was analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regression. Data on respondents’ demographic characteristics and ICT utilisation were presented using simple percentages in tables. The findings of the study demonstrated that the adoption of ICT significantly influences the delivery of quality healthcare services in secondary healthcare facilities. Specifically, the utilisation of ICT can enhance patient safety by facilitating comprehension of medical information, enabling online treatment evaluations, monitoring patient progress, and predicting potential medical complications. Based on the results, it can be concluded that improving ICT adoption is crucial for enhancing and sustaining the provision of quality healthcare services. Therefore, the study recommends that the management of secondary healthcare facilities should prioritise efforts to enhance ICT adoption within their operations. The practical implication of the study is that incorporating ICT in healthcare practices can contribute to more informed decision-making and proactive measures, ultimately fostering a safer and more effective healthcare environment in secondary healthcare facilities.

Adoption Of ICT By Basic Education Teachers: A Systematic Review

The current study seeks to explore the current situation of the adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in basic education schools, specifically at the primary level. For this purpose, a systematic review of scientific articles related to the topic published in 2023 was carried out. Three databases were used to find the articles (Scielo, Scopus, ScienceDirect), of which, of the 1169 articles found, 18 were chosen for analysis. examination. The results were obtained that the use of ICT in primary school has mixed effects on academic performance. Its adoption requires conditions such as equity in access to devices and the Internet, development of teaching and student digital skills, curricular adaptations and adequate infrastructure. Otherwise, instead of supporting learning, poor implementation can frustrate the educational community.

Connecting the fields: How ICT improve agricultural productivity in sub‐Saharan Africa

AbstractThis study seeks to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the influence of information and communication technology (ICT) on agricultural productivity in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), both through direct and indirect mechanisms. Utilizing data gathered from a sample of 20 sub‐Saharan African nations spanning the period from 1995 to 2014, we employ a rigorous examination through static and dynamic panel models. Our findings robustly indicate a substantial and positive impact stemming from the presence of mobile phones and internet coverage on agricultural productivity in the region. Furthermore, we uncover the indirect effects of ICT, notably through its influence on farmers' education levels and their access to essential agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers. To validate the robustness of our results, we additionally establish a positive and statistically significant association between an ICT adoption index and agricultural productivity in SSA. In light of these findings, we recommend the prioritization of strategies aimed at fortifying the adoption of communication technologies within the agricultural sector. In addition, efforts should be directed toward enhancing farmers' education and improving access to fertilizers, leveraging the potential of ICT tools as key enablers in this process.