Information Communication Technology Adoption Research Articles

A theory grounded framework of information behaviour of SMEs on emerging information communication technology adoption decision-making

Although studies have made significant efforts to study information behaviour using numerous model and extended ones, many have extrapolated the findings of others as if small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operate in the same way other sectors do. This has slowed down the development of an integrated framework aimed at understanding the information behaviour of SMEs. The paper, examines information behaviour of SMEs by explicitly exploring the determinants of perceived information need for EICT adoption by SMEs, information source selection for EICT adoption by SMEs and factors influencing information sources selection for new ICT adoption by SMEs. Qualitative approach was adopted with the use of unstructured and semi-structured interviews with 20 participants drawn purposeful from Luton directories. The study developed an integrated framework underpinned by the TOE framework and helped identify the critical determinants of perceived information need, information sources selection when the need for EICT arises and factors influencing SMEs information source selection for EICT adoption decision-making.

ICT Adoption and Stock Market Development in Africa: An Application of the Panel ARDL Bounds Testing Procedure

The nexus between Information Communication Technology (ICT) and stock market development has been predominantly based on studies of the developed markets and high-income economies of the world. The objective of this study was to examine the causal relationship between ICT adoption and stock market development in Africa. The study examined a panel of 11 African stock exchanges for the period 2008–2017 and employed the panel ARDL bounds testing procedure to test for cointegration and examine the causal relationship between ICT adoption and stock market development. The dependent variable employed was the stock market development index (FINDEX), while the independent variable was the ICT adoption index (ICTDEX), and the financial freedom index (FFI) was employed as a control variable. Firstly, the results of the study documented that the variables are cointegrated in the long term. Secondly, the results of the study documented a bi-directional causal relationship (complementarity) between ICT adoption and stock market development. In essence, ICT adoption and stock market development reinforce each other. Thirdly, the study established a causal relationship running from financial freedom to stock market development. This lends credence to the notion that financial market deregulation promotes stock market development. Lastly, a positive causal relationship that ran from financial freedom to stock market development was documented. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in the sense that it is the first study to examine the phenomenon of the ICT–stock market development nexus by employing a panel study. Hitherto, studies were mainly country-specific in nature. The findings of the research imply that policymakers should be more resolute when formulating ICT policies, as ICT adoption can drive stock market development and vice versa for better economic growth. Policymakers should embrace policies that support the deregulation of stock markets as this will lead to the development of the latter.

When online learning becomes compulsory: Student nurses' adoption of information communication technology in a private nursing education institution.

BackgroundIntegrating the use of information communication technology (ICT) in nursing curricula when preparing student nurses for the digital health future such as the sudden online learning as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is vital. However, when student nurses in a South African private nursing education institution, struggled to complete obligatory online learning courses, nurse educators had to search for solutions.ObjectivesTo explore the barriers and enablers for ICT adoption by a diverse group of student nurses in a private nursing education institution in the Free State Province.MethodFollowing a qualitative, explorative, interpretive-descriptive design, student nurses were invited to participate. Based on all-inclusive, purposive sampling with inclusion criteria enabled selecting, a total of 17 participants who took part in three focus groups and written narratives. Transcribed interviews underwent thematic analysis with co-coder consensus. The study adhered to strategies to enhance trustworthiness.ResultsStudents shared their views related to ICT and online learning within their theory and practice training. Student nurses held positive, negative and contrasting views of ICT adoption and online learning. Actions to master ICT adoption and online learning are highlighted. Information communication technology brings a challenging interdependence between nurses and technology.ConclusionIntegration of ICT into nursing programmes is important. The enablers and barriers to ICT are described. Expose students to different technologies, especially using smart phones to search for (academic/non-academic) information. The adoption of ICT should enhance the learning process and facilitate deep learning. Students preferred online learning for self-assessment and described how they tried to master ICT and online learning. Information communication technologies in the clinical setting highlight the challenged interdependence between nurses and technology. Context-specific recommendations are proposed.

Development and validation of a new tool to identify factors that influence users’ motivation toward the use of teleconsultation systems: A modified Delphi study

BackgroundHealthcare providers have improved consumer access to healthcare services by the adoption of information communication technology and the use of telemedicine. With the current COVID-19 pandemic, consumers are shifting to remote teleconsultation. There are several studies regarding consumers’ acceptance and satisfaction with telemedicine among healthcare providers and a few among patients at healthcare facilities. However, studies about patients’ motivation toward the use of teleconsultation systems are very few. AimThe aim of this study was to validate an instrument of a newly developed framework to identify factors that motivate patients to use a teleconsultation system. MethodThis study used a modified eDelphi method incorporating content validity index and content validity ratio procedures to validate the instrument among fifteen experts from different disciplines. The eDelphi consisted of three rounds to review each item’s relevance, clarity, importance and the overall validity of the instrument. ResultThe result showed a significant level of agreement among experts for individual items’ relevance, clarity and importance. For relevance, all items had excellent I-CVI above 0.889, except one item with I-CVI = 0.78, which is still acceptable. For clarity, all items had an excellent I-CVI > 0.889, except one with I-CVI = 0.667. For importance, most items had CVR above the threshold value of 0.778, except 5 items. Also, the result showed moderate to high content validity of the overall instrument (S-CVI/UA = 0.694; S-CVI/Ave = 0.996). DiscussionThese findings support the validity and reliability of the developed instrument, which can be used to identify factors that motivated patients to use a teleconsultation system. Future testing of the instrument should be conducted with a larger population that uses a teleconsultation system. ConclusionAn instrument was developed to identify factors that motivated consumers to use teleconsultation, using a modified eDelphi method among experts. The eDelphi method consisted of three rounds and the results showed that the instrument is a valid and reliable tool.

The Impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT) on Procurement Processes: Case of Zimbabwean Urban Councils (2009 to 2018)

The research aimed at determining the impact of ICT applications on procurement processes. The population of study was composed of 110 respondents from Chegutu, Kadoma, Kwekwe, Chinhoyi and Gweru urban councils with a representative sample of eighty-six participants all drawn from the procurement, finance and works departments of the five councils. Quota sampling was used in this research with strata based on the level of employment in the three different divisions. The research utilized a proportion of 78% from each stratum to select eight-six respondents. Both primary and secondary data was used. Primary data was collected through questionnaire which was designed to satisfy research objectives. Secondary data came from relevant literature review, journals, business magazines, conference papers, and internet. Questionnaire responses were tabulated, coded by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative analysis was used to obtain in depth knowledge of the level of ICT utilization and why users were operating at different levels. Findings of the study indicated that although ICT infrastructure with procurement application is in existence and available, utilization of Information Communication Technology is at basic level. Acceptance and adoption of ICT in procurement was driven by both organization and personal objectives. The view that technology adoption is based on the Technology Acceptance Model was applied in this study by testing the perceptions of ease of use and usefulness of ICT. The study revealed that ICT adoption in procurement improves the process and benefits other operations of the business. ICT training and skills development, coupled to organizations’ leadership commitment and availability of financial resources were cited as critical success factors in the acceptance and improved utilization of ICT in procurement. The researchers recommended further studies on the topic of ICT adoption in business operations by public entities.

Tele-Monitoring System for Chronic Diseases Management: Requirements and Architecture.

In the last years a large variety of eHealth services and Apps for professional medical users have been developed for different scenarios. The increasing elderly population (+100% in 2050) makes urgent to implement tele-medicine paradigm in the healthcare structures. The need of monitoring large number of patients distributed over the territory, together with the lack of medical resources, makes the adoption of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) crucial for the future healthcare services. This paper presents an ICT architecture model for the provision of tele-monitoring services within a novel proposed remote monitoring concept for healthcare, considering the new Family and Community Nurse (FCN). An integrated and personalized tele-monitoring solution is presented, through a detailed description of the reference network architecture and service platform. Moreover, the preliminary results of the experimental activities carried out for the evaluation of the system in terms of usability in operational scenarios are provided.

Home Information and Communication Technology Use and Student Academic Performance: Encouraging Results for Uncertain Times.

This study set out to examine the associations of certain information communication technology (ICT) factors in the home environment with academic performance. We employed existing data sets collated by Pearson Clinical Assessment in 2016 which included the WIAT-III A&NZ (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test - Australian and New Zealand Standardised, Third Edition) completed by 714 students aged between 4 and 18 years old, and the home environment questionnaire (HEQ) completed by the parents of those children. Sequential multiple regression models were used to analyze the complex interactions between home ICT factors and measures of student reading, writing, mathematical, and oral ability. The findings of this study indicate that after accounting for the known powerful predictors of household income and parental education: (a) a student’s access to an ICT rich home environment, (b) their aptitude in using home ICT, and (c) their recreational use of home ICT, are largely unrelated to academic performance. We observed some small positive correlations between academic performance and child ICT affinity, but also comparably sized negative associations with use of social media and educational TV viewing. Encouragingly, we propose that these findings suggest that increasing levels of ICT use and access in the home are unlikely to be detrimental to academic progress. These results provide important information for parents and educators given the impact of the Coronavirus global pandemic and the near world-wide adoption of ICT for home-schooling.

Knowledge and Utilization of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) among Health Professionals at Debretabor Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Incorporation of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in health care system has gained a great momentum of acceptance globally. Thus, ICT adoption in the health system can significantly contribute to improve quality service and accessibility. However, most health care providers in Ethiopia just like other developing countries have underprivileged ICT utilization. The objective of this study is to investigateknowledge, and utilization of Information communication technologyamong health professionals at DebretaborReferralhospital.Methods: -A cross-sectional study was conducted. Study participants selected using simple random sampling. Data collected through self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and logistic regression techniques were deployed. SPSS20 was used to analysis. Result: -314 participants enrolled in the study giving an overall response rate of 94.9%. The proportion of those who have good utilization habits for ICT was 39.9% and about 87.2% were good ICT knowledge. Age with [AOR: 4.29, 95% CI (1.781-10.329)], educational status (AOR: 7.57, 95% CI 2.047-27.976), ICT training (AOR: 4.92, 95% CI 2.762-8.779), and ICT knowledge (AOR: 9.01, 95% CI 4.014-20.207) were found to be significantly associated with ICT utilization habits of health professionals.Conclusions: -The result suggests that health professional’s ICT utilization habit was relatively low. Age, educational status, ICT training and ICT knowledge were factors significantly associated to ICT utilization. Therefore the DebretaborreferralHospital put up ICT training for healthcare in order to accrued from efficient and effective utilization of ICT

Convergence and divergence of ICTs in Egyptian newsrooms: A longitudinal approach

The convergence of information communication technologies (ICTs) in news-making processes has changed the nature of news production in post-Arab Spring Egypt. Several newsrooms have integrated ICTs into their daily routines to develop their content and reconnect with their audiences. Although on the surface this seems a positive development, it appears that today, just a few years after integrating ICTs, Egyptian newsrooms are lagging behind. This study examines the utilization of ICTs – especially social media – in three Egyptian newsrooms. Three waves of questionnaires in 2012, 2014/2015 and 2018 which constitute a longitudinal survey of ICT convergence across the three newsrooms. The questionnaires’ repetition of cross-sectional questions allowed the author to measure changes in newsrooms’ adoption of ICTs over this seven-year span. In short, this study measures how newsroom culture has changed in relation to ICTs, how newsroom management views ICTs and the growing role of social media in newsroom operations.

Factors Affecting The Use Of Information Communication Technology In Teaching And Learning In Saudi Arabia Universities

Technology and machine learning are becoming increasingly important in Saudi Arabia educational system. There is a growing demand for educational institutions to use machine learning to teach the skills and knowledge students need for the digital age towards Saudi Vision 2030. The integration and adoption ofdigital technologies into learning and teaching brings more opportunities for Saudi universities students and teachers to better embrace the globalized digital age. There is huge potential for the Saudi educational system to perceive the key role of digital technologies inenhancing the education process quality. The aim of this article is investigating the barriersthat affectteachers’ integration and adoptionof information communication technologies(ICT) in universityclassroom. The study adopted a qualitative research design to collect the data through the semi-structured interview. The sample of the study is four Saudi ICT-experts professors from four public universities in Saudi Arabia. The findings of the study showed that there are three types of barriers namely; teachers’ level barriers e.g. attitudes, knowledge, access, resistance to change. Technology level barriers e.g. compatibility, perceived of useful, institutional barriers. Institutional level e.g. leadership support, resources. The recommendation and suggestion for studies were suggested in light of the findings.

Survival and competitiveness of traditional travel agencies in Malaysia: a qualitative enquiry

Purpose Empirical evidence is insufficient to explain which factors contribute to the survival and competitiveness of traditional travel agencies (TTAs). Malaysian TTAs are rather slow in information communication technology (ICT). However, several initiatives by the government were directed to enhance ICT adoption. Furthermore, the non-ICT factors to remain competitive by the TTAs were not sufficiently studied. The purpose of this study is to close the gap by examining the perceived factors that influence the survival and competitiveness of Malaysian TTAs. Design/methodology/approach This study used qualitative multiple case studies method to ensure that the issues were explored through multiple lenses. Semi-structured interviews and direct observation are used to collect data from 15 TTAs and industry experts in Malaysia. Findings This study found that the key to remain competitive and relevant is to co-exist with technology and embrace proactive strategies (i.e., competitive aggression, public relation, dependence development, smoothing, cooperative, and manoeuvring strategies). Originality/value Travel and tourism industries have long been acknowledged to provide an impetus for the economic growth of developing and developed economies. TTA is the key component in the global tourism activities in promoting tourism products and services. However, they are threatened by the continuous growth in ICT. Past literature reviewed TTAs that operate in the highly competitive and volatile environment due to various external forces such as technological advancement, fierce competition from the virtual travel agencies and global economic condition. This study provided empirical evidence contributed to the survival and competitiveness of TTAs in Malaysia.

Framework for adoption of information communication technology by small and medium-sized enterprises in developing economies

Framework for adoption of information communication technology by small and medium-sized enterprises in developing economies

An Evaluation of Using Library Resources and Services by the Agriculture Scientists in Postgraduate Agriculture College Libraries: special reference to Chhattisgarh, India

Library resources and services are pivotal role players in teaching, learning, and innovation. Owing to the adoption of information communication technology (ICT) in library and day-to-day changing information needs of the users, it is need of present era to redesign the library resources and services. The study which forms the subject matter of the present article highlights the usage of resources and services by agriculture postgraduate colleges of Chhattisgarh and examines the library resources and services which are really useful to agriculture scientist. Further the study is focused on significance satisfaction level differences amongst agriculture scientists. For carrying out this study, the research approach was used as a survey method. Questionnaire was used as a tool for getting information from respondents. The findings of the study have confirmed that most of the agriculture scientists were occasional visitors to the library due to less information resources in the library. It was found that majority of the agriculture scientists were partially satisfied with the library resources and services.

Do digital governments foster economic growth in the developing world? An empirical analysis

The research has largely documented favorable economic outcomes of investing in Information Communication Technologies (ICTs). Does implementation and adoption of ICT in the public sector also lead to favorable economic gains? The answer to this question has received little attention. The available evidence is largely country-specific from the developed world. This study contributes to the empirical literature on ICT-growth nexus by analytically exploring and empirically testing the relationship of e-government with economic growth of 122 developing economies over the period 2003–2015. The empirical analysis is based on Fixed Effects, Random Effects, and System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). The results show that an implementation of an e-government in developing economies causes a robust positive impact on economic growth. This finding is shown to be robust to different specifications, to different econometric techniques and to the endogeneity problem.

ICT Adoption in the Educational Management of Primary Schools in Kenya

Information Communication Technology (ICT) plays an important role in enhancing the quality of education. The adoption of ICT for educational management in developed countries has significantly transformed the education sector in terms of data storage, resource management, and decision making. In African countries, initially, the use of ICT in management of schools was low compared to other fields such as business and engineering, however, in recent times, school managers have embraced ICT in the education sector. In the case of Kenya, through the ministry of education, the Kenyan government has made deliberate attempts to encourage the use of ICT to revolutionize the management of schools, which is evident through the introduction of National Education Management Information System (NEMIS), putting in place an ICT policy and creation of institutional websites. However, very few primary schools have effectively adopted ICT for management with a majority using it for teaching and learning. This is attributed to a myriad of challenges facing most schools and consequently resulting in slow and low adoption rates despite its promise and potential for improving educational management in schools. As such, this paper analyses the slowness that has surrounded the adoption of ICT in the management of Kenyan schools. The focus is on the benefits of introducing ICT in educational management, the current status of ICT adoption in educational management in Kenya and barriers to the adoption of ICT in educational management of primary schools in Kenya.

Transformation of Academic Ecology through Information Communication Technology Adoption

Transformation of Academic Ecology through Information Communication Technology Adoption

Exploration of Adoption of Information Communication Technology by Tourist Camps in Maasai Mara, Narok County, Kenya

The use of ICT in service and hospitality industry is intended to enhance delivery of goods and services in a timely and less costly manner. In consideration of ICT as one of the driving forces of globalization, it may deliver unique opportunities by mitigating on vise such as poaching eradication, terrorism, and poor service delivery, access to information, connectivity as well as access to new markets. The importance of ICT to the economic development has long been recognized and yet tourist camps in Maasai Mara seem to be low in its adoption and use compared to other sectors or within the same sector elsewhere. The purpose of this study therefore was to explore ICT adoption by the Tourist Camps in Maasai Mara. This study was guided by three specific objectives. First is to establish Financial Resources that influences adoption of ICT by the tourist camps in Maasai Mara. Secondly is to determine infrastructural resources that influence adoption of ICT by the Tourist Camps in Maasai Mara. Thirdly is to investigate human resources and adoption of ICT by the Tourist Camps in Maasai Mara. The research utilized descriptive design and was limited to a population of 520 camps in from the Eight Conservancies in Maasai Mara, Narok County.The camps in the study includes both seasonal and permanent Camps. The study adopted a stratified random sampling where the population was grouped into stratus according to status that the camps belong to. The study utilized a formula that was proposed by Mugenda and Mugenda where ten percent of camps were taken from each stratum and their manager used as a respondent to constitute a study sample size of 520 respondents. In this regard, the respondents were the managers of these camps. The study utilized primary data that was gathered using semi structured questionnaire that contained open as well as closed-ended questions. Content validity of the data collection instrument was assessed by the researcher and the supervisor reviewing the items and adopting it from a similar study. On the other hand, the reliability was assessed by use of Chronbach’s alpha coefficient test. The investigator administered questionnaires to the respondents and in cases where the respondent was not available, drop and pick later method was adopted. The study used descriptive statistics in the analysis of the data, which included mean, standard deviation and distribution tables. The presentation of the results was done in various forms, including charts, graphs, and tables. The findings of the study indicated that the independent variables (Financial Resources, infrastructure, and Human Resources) were significant and that there was an association between them and ICT adoption (the dependent variable). The value of adjusted R squared in the final model shows that the percentage of variation of the adoption of ICT can be explained by the combination of the three variables. The research established that there was a significant effect of Financial Resources, infrastructure, Human Resources on ICT adoption by the Tourist Camps in Maasai Mara. Both empirical and statistical evidence proved that a relationship existed between these variables and ICT adoption by the Tourist Camps in Maasai Mara. The study recommends to the institutional infrastructure that supports adoption of information communication technology by the tourist camps.

Promoting Information Communication Technology Adoption and Acceptance for Aging-in-Place: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The prevailing digital divide along with barriers to information communication technology (ICT) adoption among older adults is well elucidated. To contribute evidence on ICT education, a 2-year randomized controlled trial verified the long-term effect of a novel individualized ICT training program for older adults in demographic cohorts who are known to underutilize ICT (n = 42 in the training and n = 43 in a control group). Mixed-model repeated measures analysis of data was conducted from baseline and 6-month intervals (df = 4, 1) post training. Older adults in the training group engaged in a wide range of leisure (p = .03), health management (p = .006), and instrumental activities of daily living (p = .02) significantly more than those in the control group. They also reported significantly enhanced technology acceptance and sustained sense of independence in key ICT-based activities. The study supports the implementation of one-on-one ICT training programs to promote access and utilization of digital resources for aging-in-place.

An Investigation in to the Status of Kenya’s Information Communication Technology (ICT) Policy in the Education System

While it is apparent that the information revolution has changed the way the world learns, conducts business or governs, there is a compelling divide between the digital ‘Haves’ and the ‘Have nots’. Despite the many initiatives taking place in our educational institutions, there is no uniformity in the adoption and implementation of ICTs in our secondary schools. The central problem of this study was the vexed question of the status of the Kenya National ICT Policy on Education and Training. The study adopted a descriptive research design which involved collecting data in order to determine the status of ICT Policy in Education and Training in Kenya. Out of a target population of five ICT experts in the Ministry of Education Science and Technology, six from Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, seven from Teachers’ Service Commission and eight from Computer for Schools Kenya, all the respondents were purposively sampled giving a total of 26 respondents. The sample responded to items in the research instruments which were administered by the researcher. The instruments were Questionnaires and Interview Schedules for TSC ICT Department, Ministry of Education ICT Department, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Media Department and Computer for Schools Kenya officials. The researcher visited all the three sections of the Ministry of Education and the Computer for Schools Kenya offices and administered the instruments. The vast field of collected data was condensed and summarized before being analyzed using statistical methods such as the mean, percentages, frequency tables and graphs. The findings of the study have shown that Kenya adopted her ICT Policy on Education and Training in the year 2006. It further emerged that the Ministry of Education developed ICT curriculum for secondary schools in 1996. The study noted that computer studies are optional and most public secondary schools lacked the facilities needed for the subject. This means that computer curriculum could not be implemented in most secondary schools and the objective of making all secondary schools graduates computer literate is far from being achieved. Most teachers were found to be computer illiterate thus hindering the use of computers in secondary schools as an instructional tool. For effective implementation of the National ICT Policy on Education and Training, the study noted that the government re-look into the ICT policy on education and training and come up with clear-cut implementation strategies and policies. The government should ensure that computer studies are made a core unit in secondary schools and in all teacher training programs. It was also noted that the government should fast track the digitization of the curriculum and provision of e-books to all secondary schools for equitable access. This would ensure uniformity in the ICT policy on education and training implementation process and help the government to achieve her objective of making all secondary schools graduates computer literate. Article visualizations:

The Practice of Civic Tech: Tensions in the Adoption and Use of New Technologies in Community Based Organizations

This article reports on a qualitative study of community based organizations’ (CBOs) adoption of information communication technologies (ICT). As ICTs in the civic sector, otherwise known as civic tech, get adopted with greater regularity in large and small organizations, there is need to understand how these technologies shape and challenge the nature of civic work. Based on a nine-month ethnographic study of one organization in Boston and additional interviews with fourteen other organizations throughout the United States, the study addresses a guiding research question: how do CBOs reconcile the changing (increasingly mediated) nature of civic work as ICTs, and their effective adoption and use for civic purposes, increasingly represent forward-thinking, progress, and innovation in the civic sector?—of civic tech as a measure of “keeping up with the times.” From a sense of top-down pressures to innovate in a fast-moving civic sector, to changing bottom-up media practices among community constituents, our findings identify four tensions in the daily practice of civic tech, including: 1) function vs. representation, 2) amplification vs. transformation, 3) grassroots vs. grasstops, and 4) youth vs. adults. These four tensions, derived from a grounded theory approach, provide a conceptual picture of a civic tech landscape that is much more complicated than a suite of tools to help organizations become more efficient. The article concludes with recommendations for practitioners and researchers.