Information Communication Technology Adoption Research Articles

Smart Banjar: An ICT Adoption Framework to Enhance People's Welfare

Economic development has slowed dramatically in several countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, like in Indonesia. Bali Province was one of the regions that was severely affected. Due to its reliance on the tourism industry, Bali had the most significant negative growth. It is time for Bali and other regions to develop the potential of a locally-based, sustainable, and resilient economy to enhance the people’s welfare. Improving the community’s welfare can be done with the synergy of various entities—the synergy created by integrating programs in Banjar with microfinance to develop microenterprises. The main objective of this research is to ascertain the framework’s dimensions and components. Furthermore, the relationships between these dimensions or elements have been determined. Based on the findings, the two primary objectives were completed. This procedure has produced the Smart Banjar framework as a theoretical solution to enhance people’s welfare. This research created the information communication technology (ICT) adoption framework that uses the TOE theory as its theoretical basis. The Advisory Board serves as the environmental context for formulating policies. The policy will regulate governance to realize the synergy between microenterprises, microfinance, and Banjar in the organizational context. ICT adoption, including ICT infrastructure, ICT services, and ICT literacy, will support and optimize the synergy. Further investigation is required to ascertain the Advisory Board's specific constituents. Additional studies are needed to implement ICT, obtain empirical evidence, and prove its ability to improve people's welfare.

Leveraging information communication technology (ICT) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance auditing practices

Purpose In the fourth industrial revolution, where business accounting integrates with automation through artificial intelligence (AI) and information communication technology (ICT), auditors must be able to access and analyze vast data and information to identify potential risks and issues. Using data analytics and AI to study significant amounts of data linked to audits, this study aims to investigate auditing practices by leveraging ICT and AI to enhance the audit process. Design/methodology/approach Bibliometric and quantitative research techniques have been used in the study’s mixed-method process. The theoretical underpinnings of AI have been investigated using the bibliometric research method, and the challenge of implementing ICT-enabled auditing practices among auditing professionals has been studied using the quantitative research method. Surveys, interviews and bibliometric analysis have all been used as data-gathering techniques. Findings Research in AI and auditing has a broad worldwide scope, involving developed and developing nations. ICT perceived benefits have no direct effect on auditing practices. However, ICT training has a mediating effect on the relationship between ICT perceived benefits and auditing practices. ICT adoption has no moderating effect on the relationship between ICT training and auditing practices. Research limitations/implications Findings have significance for lead auditors, policymakers and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), who are keenly interested in upgrading the auditing practice of accounting professionals in India by incorporating AI and ICT determinants. Practical implications This research makes a significant contribution by offering a thorough framework for improving the knowledge management of practising auditors regarding ICT adoption, training and perceived benefits, a crucial component of auditing practices in the digital age. In addition, it provides insightful information about how AI affects accounting practices, which may point the way for further study in this area. Originality/value This research has significant implications for auditing firms in India. It can inform ICAI, policymakers and regulators in their attempts to foster the incorporation of AI and ICTs in auditing practice.

Factors affecting Information & Communication Technology (ICT) adoption among MSMEs

The purpose of this study is to determine the factors influencing the Information & Communication Technology (ICT) adoption by the managers or owners of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) operating in India. Based on two established theories of technology adoption - Technology acceptance model and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology - the factors influencing ICT adoption behaviour were hypothesized. The adequate sample was selected through the combination of random, judgmental and snowball sampling. Using structural equation modelling approach, the proposed model was tested. Findings reflect that perceived usefulness and social influence emerged as the dominating factors influencing ICT adoption decision. The study has also highlighted the barriers encountered by MSMEs in adopting ICT. The obtained barriers were categorized into three categories: resource/infrastructure, human resource, and technological environment. Government, MSME owners and ICT industry can benefit from the findings of this study.

The impact of information communication technology adoption on rural labourers’ off-farm employment: an analysis based on China family panel studies

ABSTRACTRural family income growth in China depends significantly on off-farm employment. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies, this research examines the influence of information and communication technology (ICT) on off-farm employment of rural workers and the underlying mechanism. We find that ICT has a positive impact on promoting off-farm employment among rural workers. Furthermore, the analysis suggests that ICT affects off-farm employment of rural workers by enhancing their risk preferences. Specifically, rural workers with higher risk preferences are more likely to engage in off-farm employment. In addition, the positive impact of ICT on off-farm employment is more pronounced among rural workers with stronger learning abilities, active learning habits, and higher learning frequency and social frequency of Internet use. This study provides valuable insights on how to improve off-farm employment opportunities for rural workers, thereby reducing the income gap between urban and rural areas.

Examining the barriers to the adoption and integration of information communication technologies as e-Government in Africa

The study explored the adoption of information communication technologies (ICT) and its integration in Africa as an e-Government system. The article contributes to the continuing debate regarding the constraints that developing-country e-government systems face when it comes to the implementation and adoption of ICT as e-Governance for service delivery and the realization of socio-economic development. The study covers the various stakeholders who may have an impact on the implementation of e-Government at the grassroots level. It also highlights the barriers cited by other scholars of e-Governance that require local government attention. The impediments include challenges with governance, access to resources, leadership, ICT skills and funding. The study primarily relies on secondary data that is available in both the private and public domain to produce qualitative primary data. The research observations are on the essential role that local municipalities play in pursuing e-Government by using inductive thematic data analysis. The research concluded that the planning and implementation of e-governance should focus on finding methods to address a variety of issues which includes amongst other ensuring that the existing e-Governance initiatives gives valuable insight into what works and what does not, and provides meaningful guidance in developing and refining e-governance.

Effect of Women's Entrepreneurship Practices on Information Communication Technology (ICT) Adoption During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study in West Sumatra, Indonesia

Today, the increasing number of women entrepreneurs adopting ICTs has grown their businesses and made them more efficient. This study empirically analysed the practice of women's entrepreneurship and its relation to the adoption of Covid-19 Pandemic ICT among SMEs in West Sumatra. A quantitative approach was used to empirically prove the connection between women's entrepreneurship and the use of ICT among SMEs. The population of this study consisted of female SMEs listed in the Cooperative and SME's Office of West Sumatra Province. A random sampling technique with a simple random type was used to select respondents. Questionnaires were distributed to 210 respondents to collect data and other related information. The results of this study proved that there is an effect of women's entrepreneurship practices on ICT adoption among SMEs in West Sumatra. Several aspects of women's entrepreneurship practices, such as customers, education and training, skills, internal support (including culture, social structure, religion, and family), and external environments (including governmental and associated institutions), contributed to women's entrepreneurship. Overall, this research contributes to the empowerment of women by providing them with equal opportunities to learn, improve their abilities, and work in business professions as technology-based innovation entrepreneurs, similar to men.

Adoption of Information Communication Technology during the Pandemic: Exploring the University Teachers' Experiences in Pakistan

This study aimed at exploring the university teachers’ experiences regarding the adoption of Information Communication Technology (ICT) during the pandemic in Punjab. The sample has been selected conveniently from four public universities based in Punjab. The sample consisted of 28 university teachers teaching in the Education departments. The data were collected with the help of a semi-structured interview protocol comprising 10 questions. The collected data from individual interviews have been analyzed with the help of Thematic Analysis. The results revealed that the teachers working in Distance Education providing universities were already aware of using ICT in teaching. However, those who were teaching in Formal Education mode universities were not well versed in the integration of ICT in teaching. Similarly, the teachers were not given any proper training for conducting online classes. Rather they were given some videos which described how to use online channels for teaching.

Digital transformation in foreign language education: Examining the position of the EFL teacher in ICT literacy diffusion

Digital transformation and ICT adoption in Japanese higher education has lagged behind other developed countries. Drawing on Diffusion of Innovation theory, this preliminary case study examines the role of English foreign language (EFL) teachers as opinion leaders in information communication technology (ICT) literacy diffusion in the Japanese university context. The preliminary findings indicate EFL teachers enhance ICT literacy in breadth and depth for both teachers and students. With these findings this study proposes a tentative conceptual model that adds to the current scholarship on ICT utilization in Japanese higher education by illuminating how teachers can support digital transformation to expand the breadth and depth of ICT literacy, and cross-cultural diffusion of technology. Policy and pedagogical implications for in-service teacher professional development are discussed.Keywords: EFL; opinion leaders; Japan; digital transformation; ICT literacy; higher educationPart of the Special Issue Teaching practices in times of digital transformation <https://doi.org/10.21428/8c225f6e.ac86609b>

Potential of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Livestock Development: A Review

In most developing nations, including India, agricultural extension services are mostly focused on crop husbandry, but public sector animal husbandry activities are frequently dominated by animal breeding and health services. ICT has been widely employed in the study and enhancement of numerous elements of livestock production, research, and education in the United States and worldwide. Specifically, ICT is becoming more important in livestock disease control, dairy herd management, livestock production, and livestock and livestock product marketing. However, the success of ICT in livestock promotion or related areas is dependent on a number of factors, including farmer adoption of ICT, the political and policy environment, farmer education, ICT penetration rate, ICT infrastructure (such as connectivity), and the Rural Information Model etc. So, this paper throws light on the points of such capabilities of ICT for Livestock Development.

Effects of Covid-19 on smallholder tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is an agricultural based economy contributing an average 20% to the gross domestic product (GDP). The sector has been facing a number of challenges including low productivity, erratic rainfall, poor soil fertility, low investment, shortages of farm power, poor physical and institutional infrastructure. Tobacco is one of the major crops grown in Zimbabwe normally accounting for more than 50% of agricultural exports, 30% of total exports and nearly 10% of GDP. The advent of COVID-19 significantly affected tobacco production. The government instituted measures such as restrictions on transportation and movement of people, lockdowns, curfews, limited gatherings and closure of schools and universities. The study investigated the effects of COVID-19 on smallholder tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe. The results revealed both positive and negative effects of COVID-19 on tobacco farmers. On the positive side, there has been an increased adoption of information communication technology among farmers. The negative effects of the COVID-19 included reduction in tobacco hectarage, distortions in supply chains, shortage of labour supply, increased cost of production and difficulty in accessing extension services. Extension workers were also not able to offer training to farmers, negatively affecting new tobacco farmers given that they had limited know-how on cultivation of the crop and to, later on, cure it. The non-contracted farmers adopted coping and resilience strategies that ensured that they minimised losses and debts. These farmers were worried about the persistence of the pandemic and how long it would take them to take their produce to the markets. The implication of the study is that shocks to the agriculture sector have serious ramifications on farmers and the downstream industries. There is need for the government to build resilient mechanisms for the farmers and ensure timely bailouts so that production and marketing are not disturbed. Key words: Tobacco, Value Chains, COVID-19, Pandemic, Smallholder Farmers, Contract, No-Contract, Hectarage

The boon and bane of ICT services to small and medium-sized tourism and hospitality enterprises (SMTHEs) in northern Ghana

ABSTRACT The adoption of Information Communication Technology (ICT) by SMTHEs is increasing – with its accompanying benefits and challenges. Yet, researchers have barely turned their attention to the benefits and challenges of using ICTs among SMEs within the hospitality and tourism industry, especially in Ghana. Informed by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT 2), Diffusion of Innovation, and the Task-Technology Fit Theories, this study unlocks the benefits and hinders of ICT applications to SMTHEs. Using a qualitative research approach, 20 in-depth interviews were conducted among owner-managers and non-owner managers of accommodation, restaurants, and travel and tour agencies using purposive sampling. The study found that the adoption of ICTs leads to the survival and sustainability of SMTHEs notwithstanding noticeable challenges encountered: technology abuse, insecurity, and high cost that affect the competitiveness of these firms. The practical and policy implications of the study are discussed.

Factors Influencing ICT Adoption Among Incubated Small Businesses in Sido Mwanza

Purpose: This study aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of what influences the adoption and use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) by incubating small businesses in SIDO (Small Industries Development Organization) Mwanza.&#x0D; Design/Methodology/Approach: The researchers used a mixed research design (triangulation). The study used questionnaires and Key Informants Interviews to obtain data from participants in the study. The study used the census to obtain respondents for the questionnaire who are 57 owners of incubated small businesses at SIDO Mwanza and two incubator leaders and purposive sampling to identify KIIs. Multiple linear regression was utilized to analyze data.&#x0D; Findings: The study found that there is a positive effect of the perceived usefulness of ICT by incubated SBEs on its adoption and use. Small business enterprises (SBEs) are likely to adopt and use ICT when they can easily quantify their benefits to their businesses, improve productivity and lower their operation cost. It was also established that perceived ease of use has a positive influence on ICT adoption and use by incubated SBEs at SIDO Mwanza.&#x0D; Research Limitation: The participants selected for the study may not be representative of the population of incubated small businesses in Sido Mwanza. The sample may be biased towards businesses that have already adopted ICT or have a positive attitude towards it, which may not be reflective of the overall population.&#x0D; Practical implication: When SBEs perceived usefulness increases it will literally increase the benefits and reduce the perceived cost. Also, the government should provide funding support to the SBEs.&#x0D; Policy implication: ICT adoption among incubated small businesses requires a coordinated effort among policymakers, incubators, universities, and other stakeholders to promote the development of effective strategies that can improve the access and use of ICTs among incubated small businesses and promote their growth and success.&#x0D; Originality / Value: The novelty of ICT adoption among incubated small businesses lies in its potential to transform the traditional model of business incubation by leveraging the power of digital technologies. While business incubation has traditionally focused on providing physical infrastructure, technical assistance, and access to financing, ICT adoption offers a new dimension of support that can enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of incubated small businesses.

Information and communication technology adoption and electronic information resource usage among university-owned senior secondary school students in southwestern Nigeria

Electronic information resources (EIRs) usage by students involves accessing and utilizing electronic sources and services for knowledge acquisition, entertainment and learning purposes. However, extant literatures have shown that most of the students in Nigeria do not use these information resources adequately. Previous studies focused largely on accessing and utilisation of IRs among students in tertiary institutions with little emphasis on secondary school students, particularly those in university-owned secondary schools. This study, therefore, was carried out to examine the adoption on EIRs usage among students in Federal university-owned senior secondary schools in southwestern Nigeria. The survey design of ex post-facto type was utilised. The university-owned senior secondary schools from five federal universities in southwestern Nigeria were purposively selected. Six hundred and seventy- four Senior Secondary School II students in the five schools were enumerated. The instruments used were: Information Communication Technology Adoption (r=0.70) and IRs Usage (r=0.77) scales. This was complemented with a focus group discussion session with 10 students in each school. Quantitative data were subjected to descriptive analysis, Pearson’s product moment correlation at 0.05 level of significance, while qualitative data were thematically analysed. The respondents’ age was of 16.0±2.0 years, 50.6% were males and 68.1% were from the sciences. The ICT adoption level was high ( ̅=2.90) against 2.50 criterion mean. Information resources were used on a regular basis within the interval of 26-50 on the test of norm table. The sources of accessing the IRs were Internet (85.4%), mobile phone (77.8%), television (71.5%), e-books (50.9%) and educational software (49.1%). The ICT adoption (r=0.58), correlated significantly with IRs usage. ICT adoption predicted IRs usage (F(3;670) =24.26; Adj. R2=0.366), accounting for 36.6% of its variance. The ICT adoption (β=0.52) contributed to IRs usage. Instability of network services, information overload, inadequate technical support and restrictions of ICT tools use were challenges facing IRs usage among the students. Information and communication technology adoption influenced information resources usage among students of university-owned senior secondary schools in southwestern Nigeria. Therefore, there is need for the provision of functional and effective network services and enactment of flexible rules on information and communication technology tools.

Information and Communication Technology Adoption and Life Insurance Market Development: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

As part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), blockchain, fintech (financial technology), and insurtech (insurance technology) are some innovations that have been rolled out in the financial landscape and have captured the imaginations of policymakers and scholars alike. The African continent lags in embracing technology and is still grappling with financial access and enhancing financial inclusion. As such, it is bewildering whether African insurance markets are at a stage where they can leverage the possibilities offered by the 4IR. Against this backdrop, the aim of the study was to investigate whether information communication technology (ICT) adoption influences the development of African life insurance markets. We utilised a sample of 31 sub-Saharan African countries for the period 2005–2020. Panel data techniques were employed, and the pooled ordinary least squares, fixed effects, and random effect estimators were used to test the relationship between life insurance density and the measures for ICT adoption (proxied by fixed telephones, internet use, mobile cellular telephones, and broadband) as well as financial freedom being the control variable. We found that the life insurance market development variable was positively related to three of the four ICT adoption variables, namely, fixed telephone, mobile cellular telephone, and broadband. Further, the life insurance market development variable is positively related to the financial freedom variable. These findings suggest that ICT adoption fosters the development of the life insurance market in Africa. The findings also lend credence to the view that the degrees of financial freedom of insurance companies (who are unencumbered by regulations) have a bearing on the levels of insurance sales and, hence, promote life insurance access in Africa. The policy imperatives that flow from this study are that African governments must ensure that they (1) institute ICT adoption-friendly policies and (2) regulate the life insurance sector optimally, in order to foster the development of their life insurance sectors.

The impact of ICT, green finance, and CSR on sustainable financial performance: moderating role of perceived organizational support

Recently, the financial performance of the steel industry has faced several challenges due to a lack of focus on corporate social responsibilities (CSR), green finance, and information communication technology (ICT). Hence, this study investigates the impact of CSR, green finance, and ICT on the financial performance of the steel industry in China. The present research also investigates the moderating role of organizational support among CSR and firm performance and ICT and firm performance. We applied structural equation modeling to analyze the primary data of 290 employees collected from the employees of the steel industry in China. The findings indicated that CSR, green finance, and ICT have a positive and significant impact on the financial performance of this industry. The results also showed that organizational support significantly and positively moderates the interaction between CSR, ICT, and financial performance. These findings suggest that Chinese steel industries should adopt CSR practices and implement an ICT adoption strategy for better financial performance.

The persuasive role of the past: Policy feedback and citizens' acceptance of information communication technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.

How can the enforcement of policies in the past influence a society's future adoption of information communication technologies (ICTs)? In this paper, we tackle this question by exploring how past e‐governance policies influence citizens' willingness to use the health QR code, which is a COVID‐19 tracing app widely used in China's pandemic control. Past policies regarding smart‐city development in China involve two aspects: the construction of electronic infrastructure and the applications of specific technologies. Empirical analysis based on a nationwide dataset in China suggests that past policies exhibit persuasive effects and influence citizens' acceptance of the health QR code. Specifically, e‐governance applications in cities significantly enhance citizens' acceptance through the demonstration of their usefulness. However, the construction of e‐governance infrastructure per se does not have the same impact on citizens' acceptance. By connecting citizens' acceptance of new technology with past e‐governance policies, the study illustrates a nuanced policy feedback mechanism through which past policies can substantially reshape public opinion by policy outcomes.

ADOPTION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN ENHANCING FOOD SECURITY AMONG SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined adoption of Information Communication Technology in Enhancing Food Security among Small-Scale Farmers in Delta State, Nigeria. The objectives were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics and Likert scale while hypothesis one and two were analyzed with multiple regression and Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) respectively. Sample size adopted through multi-stage random sampling was 88. The mean age, farming experience, farm size and household size were 43.05 years, 12.66 years, 3.79ha and 7 persons, respectively. Most (82.96%) of the farmers were aware of ICT use on farm production. The use of ICT was constraint by high cost of ICT tools, poor network coverage, lack of funds and poor infrastructure. Socio-economic characteristics of the farmers like gender (b = 3.081), age (b = -2.017), educational level (b = 2.315), farming experience (b = 3.001) and farm size (b = 0.986) played significant role in their perceived contribution of ICT to farmers production. Result also revealed that significant relationship exist between farmers with low and those with high level of ICT awareness in agricultural production. The study therefore recommended that government should make policies that should help to improve infrastructure that concerns roads, electricity supply and network coverage so that they can be encouraged to the use of ICT tools for improved agricultural production.

Investigating Residents’ Acceptance of Mobile Apps for Household Recycling: A Case Study of New Jersey

Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) have created new opportunities to deliver recycling education. This study employs the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology-2 (UTAUT-2) to examine primary factors impacting U.S. residents’ intention to use recycling mobile applications. Uniquely, the research interrogates whether ICT adoption can increase the intention to recycle household waste and thus generate social change. The data, from an online survey of 1215 app users located in New Jersey, is analyzed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Results demonstrate that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, and habit, have a positive and significant effect on the intention to use recycling apps. The intention to use apps also has a positive and significant effect on the intention to recycle. The results support the use of ICTs as a tool for building recycling habits. Recommendations for solid waste management practitioners, and app developers, are also discussed.

Evaluation of a Tailored Digital Literacy Intervention in Affordable Older-Adult Housing: Case Study

Background Older age, low socioeconomic status, living alone, and low English proficiency are independent factors associated with low information communication technology (ICT) use. Evidence-based interventions are needed to increase digital access and literacy among underrepresented groups. Objective This study aimed to increase the understanding of factors influencing ICT adoption and sustainable resources for training and support in affordable older-adult housing. Methods Broadband, tablet computers, training, and support were offered at 1 affordable older-adult housing community. Three 60-minute classes covered device basics, Google Translate, YouTube, and Zoom; in-language user guides were provided. Resident Ambassadors offered weekly in-language tech support. Mixed methods evaluation included surveys at entry, 30 days, and 90 days and key informant interviews. Results Overall, 72% (N=76) of residents participated. The average age was 78 (SD 8) years, and the participants were primarily Asian (62%), lived alone (68%), and had low English proficiency (65%). About half (49%) of the participants had less than a high school degree. Reasons to decline initial participation included: already owned another device, visual or cognitive challenges, or unwillingness to complete surveys. Of the participants, 89% attended at least 1 class and 37% attended all 3 classes. Over 90% of participants found the classes helpful, 87% found the user guide helpful, and 49% received help from a neighbor. At 30 and 90 days, 82% of the participants reported using their tablet at least twice per week for various activities. However, over half of participants reported the tablet was difficult to learn, and from 30 to 90 days, confusion and the fear of making mistakes when using the tablet slightly increased. Conclusions Overall, participants reported high satisfaction with the devices and tech support, although the decreasing comfort with technology over time indicates a need for additional training and ongoing support. This case study provides a model to increase ICT use among older adults in affordable older-adult housing communities.

Job commitment, total quality management, information communication technology adoption and work-related stressors: A conceptual framework for student satisfaction

This paper aim to examine the direct effect of job commitment (JCT) on student satisfaction (SST), exploring the mediating roles of total quality management (TQM) and information communication technology adoption (ADT), and moderating roles of work-related stressors: toxic leadership (TLE) and job demands (JDD). The paper develops a conceptual framework along with postulations by combining both empirical and theoretical literature multidisciplinary fields. This paper proposes that JCT will be positively related to SST, and this positive relationship will be mediated by TQM and ADT. Additionally, work-related stressors: TLE and JDD will moderate the direct positive effect of JCT on SST. This paper provides implications for both researchers and practitioners in the areas of strategic decision-making and stress management in educational institutions for enhancing SST by applying JCT, TQM and ADT as strategic tools, while keeping work-related stressors: TLE and JDD under control. It lays the foundation for upcoming researchers to empirically test this conceptual framework in different educational settings. By boosting employees’ JCT, educational institutions stand the chance of improving SST via TQM and ADT. Additionally, JCT can foster SST under a working environment where work-related stressors: TLE and JDD are kept low. The paper offers unique insights into how TQM and ADT connect JCT to SST, and how JCT relates to SST under work-related stressors: TLE and JDD. It also highlights the theoretical contributions of the resource-based theory of a firm, affective events theory, and activation theory.