Information Communication Technology Adoption Research Articles

Information communication technology and electricity consumption in emerging economies

This study examines the impact of information communication technology (ICT) on electricity consumption in emerging economies. The empirical results, obtained from dynamic panel demand models, show a positive and statistically significant relationship between ICT and electricity consumption when ICT is measured using internet connections, mobile phones or the number of PCs. Long-run ICT elasticities are smaller than income elasticities but because ICT growth rates are so much higher than income growth rates, the impact of ICT on electricity demand is greater than the impact of income on electricity demand. One implication of these results is that policies designed to close the “digital divide” between developed and developing economics by increasing the adoption of ICT in developing countries are put at odds with energy policies to reduce GHG emissions.

Challenges Facing Adoption of Information Communication Technology (ICT) In Educational Management in Schools in Kenya

ICT has contributed greatly to educational management in schools globally (Zhao and Frank, 2003). However, in Kenya schools hardly use ICTs to manage the quality of output, or to raise teacher productivity, or to reduce costs through analyzing spending. This is attributed to a myriad of challenges facing most schools in Kenya with regard to adoption of ICTs in educational management. This has resulted to a slow rate of adoption of technology despite its promise and potential for use in educational management in schools. As such, this paper analyses the lethargy that has surrounded education management in schools with respect to acquisition of Information Communication Technology. Education and training sector has a major role to play in the implementation of the proposed ICT policy. First, the sector itself is a major user of ICT, not only in education, training and research but also in the management of the sector. The paper argues that ICT policies must be dynamic, cost-effective, adaptable, and differentiated between sectors and between the various segments of educational management in order to contribute effectively to education management. The recommendations of this paper provide a basis for the urgent need for the integration of ICTs in educational management in schools in Kenya.

Factors mediating gender and firm performance in Lao micro, small, and medium sized enterprises

This study investigated firm resources, networks, and operation factors that mediate the relationship between the gender of entrepreneurs and firm performance in Lao micro, small, and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs). The sample consisted of 1,534 companies, made up of 896 male-headed firms and 638 female-headed firms, with 1 to 99 employees. By the use of ordered probit, binary logistic, and multiple linear regression models, the study examined whether male-headed firms outperformed those led by females through consideration of firm resources, networks, and operation factors. The findings showed that some firm resources and networks mediate the relationship between gender and firm performance and that male-headed firms outperformed female-headed ones. However, operation factors did not show any impact on the performance of male- and female-headed firms and there was no evidence of superior performance. This paper suggests policy implications for both policy implementers and policymakers that firm resources (human and tangible resources) and networks (network participation and Information Communication Technology adoption) should be emphasized because of their contribution to firm success. The paper also recommends the reduction and/or elimination of the gap between firms operated by male and female entrepreneurs.

Digital Divide and Social Cleavage: Case Studies of ICT Usage among Peasants in Contemporary China

AbstractDuring its structural transformation, rural China witnessed the emergence of four types of village: traditional, industrialized, commercial and villages in cities. Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), including fixed phones, cell phones, television sets and the internet (with personal computers), are now commonly used in Chinese villages but in ways that differentiate villagers according to variables such as occupation, villager membership and social status. The adoption of ICTs by peasants not only represents but also accelerates growing peasant differentiation; in other words, the function of ICTs could not penetrate the barrier of social structure. Meanwhile, structural transformation in China has been an activator to shaping peasants' diversified ideas about information, and the demand for and usage of ICTs. An analysis of peasants' ICT adoption thus enables us to identify the basic trends and characteristics of social transformation in contemporary China.

Role of information and communicational technologies in perceived organizational performance: An empirical evidence from higher education sector of Pakistan

This research study is an attempt to measure Impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT) on Organizational Productivity (Efficiency and Effectiveness); which leads to Organization Performance (∆Cost, ∆Time, and ∆Quality) using IRA Model. Study also explores barriers in ICT Adoption and impact of IT Literate Human Capital on Organizational Productivity. Sample for this research study has been chosen from Higher Educational Sector (HES) of Pakistan. These institutions are located at various geographic locations of Pakistan. Result shows significant relation of ICT adoption on the effectiveness, nonetheless ICT adoption is insignificant on efficiency; however the relationship between the two is positive. Research suggest that ICT adoption needs to be implemented with the intent of maximizing organizational outcome, in a manner that ICT fundamentally improves the Organizational Productivity of the firm, which, in turn will improve Organizational Performance.

An empirical test of causal relationships of factors affecting ICT adoption for building project management

PurposeBuilding project management (BPM) requires effective coordination and collaboration between multiple project team organisations which can be achieved by real time information flow between all participants. In the present scenario, this can be achieved by the use of information communication technologies (ICT). The purpose of this paper is to present part of a research project conducted to study the causal relationships between factors affecting ICT adoption for BPM by small and medium enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThis paper discusses structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis conducted to test the causal relationships between quantitative factors. Data for quantitative analysis were gathered through a questionnaire survey conducted in the Indian construction industry.FindingsSEM analysis results help in demonstrating that an increased and matured use of ICT for general administration within the organisation would lead to: an improved ICT infrastructure within the organisation; development of electronic databases; and a staff that is confident of using information technology (IT) tools. In such a scenario, staff would use advanced software and IT technologies for project management (PM) processes and that would lead to an increased adoption of ICT for PM processes. But, for general administration also, ICT adoption would be enhanced if the organisation is interacting more with geographically separated agencies and senior management perceives that significant benefits would accrue by adoption of ICT. All the factors are inter‐related and their effect cannot be maximized in isolation.Originality/valueThe results provide direction to building project managers for strategically adopting the effective use of ICT within their organisations and for BPM in general.

Benchmarking Framework to Measure Extent of ICT Adoption for Building Project Management

This paper discusses a component of the research study conducted to provide construction organizations with a generic benchmarking framework to assess their extent of information communication technology (ICT) adoption for building project management processes. It defines benchmarking and discusses objectives of the required benchmarking framework and development of the framework. The study focused on ICT adoption by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the construction industry and with respect to SMEs it is important to understand processes, their indicators, and measures in the local context. Structure of the suggested benchmarking framework has been derived after extensive literature survey and a questionnaire survey conducted in the Indian construction industry. The suggested benchmarking process is an iterative process divided into four stages. It can be implemented at organization and industry levels for rating the construction organizations for ICT adoption and performance measurement. The framework has a generic structure and can be generalized and applied for other countries with due considerations.

IT‐enhanced communication protocols for building project management

PurposeBuilding project management requires real time flow of information between all the project team members or the supply chain members. In the present scenario, when project participants are geographically separated, adoption of Information Communication Technology (ICT) enables such effective communication. But strategic adoption of ICT requires that all the supply chain members follow the accepted methods of communication or the communication protocols. The majority of the construction organizations are small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This research, therefore, proposes to focus on developing IT‐enhanced communication protocols for building project management by SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts a sequential mixed methods approach, where data collection and analysis are conducted in both the quantitative and qualitative phases of research.FindingsThe protocols are proposed as a “Strategic Model for Enhancing ICT Diffusion in Building Projects”. The framework for the model is discussed at three levels of study, i.e industry, organization, and people.Practical implicationsWhile the research was conducted in an Indian context, the research outcome is envisaged to be widely applicable in other countries with due considerations.Originality/valueThe developed framework has implications for national level bodies and academic institutions, organizations, people or project managers and is applicable at the international level after due considerations.

The influence of contextual elements, actors’ frames of reference, and technology on the adoption and use of ICT in construction projects: a Swedish case study

In contemporary research on construction‐related ICT (information communication technologies), little distinction is made between the use of ICT in permanent line organizations and its use in temporary organizations (for example, in building and construction projects). This paper makes that distinction. The aim is to understand how the interplay among contextual elements, actors’ frames of reference, and the ICT itself, influences the adoption and use of ICT in a building and construction project. This will be done through a description and analysis of a case study of ICT use in a major Swedish construction company. It is concluded that the well‐defined duration of the temporary organization (the construction project) stands in sharp contrast to the generally indefinite duration of ICT‐mediated change processes. However, by analysing the ICT application to be implemented, it can be revealed whether it can be ‘ready packed’ for, or delimited to, certain processes in order to achieve immediate benefits. When implementing more encompassing ICT applications, the challenge for the company is to find alternative ways of implementation in the project‐based organization and of creating alternative spaces for innovation and renewal where new ICT can be tested and experimented with.

E-Business Among Ethnic Minority Businesses

A small but growing body of evidence (SBS, 2004; Beckinsale & Ram, 2006) has indicated that Ethnic Minority Businesses (EMBs) have not adopted Information Communication Technology (ICT) at comparable rates to their non-EMB counterparts predominantly Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). With EMBs accounting for almost 10% of businesses in the UK the economic impact as ICT adoption continues to further develop across mainstream markets could be highly significant. Existing UK ICT policies have also failed to engage with EMBs until the NW ICT Adoption Pilot in 2004. The current, limited body of research is fragmented, provides limited understanding and coherence on reasons of low ICT adoption and lacks exemplars upon which policy considerations may be made. Firstly, the chapter will examine and review the existing body of literature. Secondly, EMB cases that have developed ICT to a degree where they are engaging in eBusiness activity are analysed and discussed. The findings provide a number of options and guidance for EMB owners. Finally, the recommendations point to the need for improved ICT awareness, better business support provision nationally and the importance of generation and education as key drivers.

Evaluating eHealth Interventions: The Need for Continuous Systemic Evaluation

In the first in a series of three articles on evaluating eHealth, Aziz Sheikh and Lorraine Catwell outline the background to the series and discuss the importance of evaluating the widespread investments in and adoption of information communication technology in health care.

Benefits of collaborative ICT adoption for building project management

PurposeEffective flow of data and communication at every stage of a construction project is essential for achieving required coordination and collaboration between the project participants, leading to successful management of the projects. In present scenario, when project participants are geographically separated, adoption of information communication technology (ICT) enables such effective communication. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to focus on ICT adoption for building project management.Design/methodology/approachIt is difficult to quantitatively evaluate the benefits of ICT adoption in the multiple enterprise scenario of building project management. It requires qualitative analysis based on the perceptions of the construction professionals. The paper utilizes interpretive structural modeling (ISM) technique to assess importance of perceived benefits and their driving power and dependence on other benefits.FindingsThe developed ISM model shows that all the categories of benefits, i.e. benefits related to projects, team management, technology, and organization are inter‐related and cannot be achieved in isolation. But, organization‐ and technology‐related benefits have high‐driving power and these are “strategic benefits” for the project team organizations. Thus, organizations are required to give more attention on strategically increasing these benefits from application of ICT.Originality/valueThis analysis provides a road map to managers or project management organizations to decide that if they are planning ICT adoption for achieving certain benefits then which are the other driving benefits that should be achieved prior to that and also which are the dependent benefits that would be achieved by default.

Role of Information Communication Technologies Adoption in SMES: Evidence from Botswana

Role of Information Communication Technologies Adoption in SMES: Evidence from Botswana

Information communication technology adoption by small-to-medium-sized food enterprises in Australia

This article reviews the intensity and quality of information communication technologies (ICT) adoption by small-to-medium-sized (SME) food enterprises in Australia. The study investigated the reasons why SMEs have adopted or not adopted ICT and the reasons for prioritising the ICT capabilities that the firms have adopted. The study was completed through a literature review, a mail survey based on systematic sampling, and face-to-face interviews with a sub-set of non respondents. The findings reveal that the majority of SMEs have only adopted e-mail and informational websites and that the SMEs have not adopted intranets, extranets, e-business, e-commerce and other capabilities. When SMEs introduce higher level capabilities, the firm tends to ladder-up the technology adoption scale. SMEs were reticent to leapfrog and adopt more sophisticated capabilities. The characteristics of the food industry in Australia, the power of two retail chains, seem to influence the ICT adoption strategy of Australian SMEs.

Cross-National Field Research in Developing Countries

Cross-national field research performed in developing countries presents researchers with a number of obstacles. Challenges include creating equivalent samples, countering biases, and managing linguistic and cultural issues. In this article the author reviews the conduct of a cross-national study focusing on small tourism operators and the adoption of information communication technologies. He presents the research process, the issues encountered and how they were addressed are discussed, and a number of lessons. This article adds to our understanding of cross-national field research in developing countries and presents a number of implications for social science researchers.

Learning barriers in adopting ICT among selected working women in Malaysia

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify learning barriers in information communication technology (ICT) adoption among working women in Malaysia. Regardless of gender, it would be advantageous for all individuals in today's society to acquire basic ICT skills. Despite significant growth in ICT professionals during the last two decades, there remains a gender imbalance, particularly in developing countries such as Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a self‐developed questionnaire to measure the learning barriers and ICT adoption. The survey instrument was developed from the constructs used in the individual innovativeness theory and theory of perceived attributes. The questionnaires were administered face‐to‐face to a total of 315 working women, who participated as respondents in this study.FindingsThe findings revealed that the working women in Malaysia possess only average level of ICT skills. They seldom use the internet and e‐mail at their workplace or at home, they do not face serious learning barriers with respect to ICT, and they have complexity as their innovation characteristics. However, they are innovators in the adopters' categories. The combined variance in the characteristics of learning barriers, ICT skills, and ICT usage amounted to 70 per cent in innovation characteristics.Practical implicationsThis study reduces the knowledge gap regarding the identification of learning barriers, ICT skills, and ICT usage as predictors of ICT adoption among working women in Malaysia. These factors have been overlooked by some previous researchers. This study also calls attention to the fact that employers and training agencies that are responsible to provide ICT training to women employees must understand and employ the proper learning approaches and methods that ought to be used in adult training and education. Malaysian women are able to adopt an innovation with a high degree of uncertainty at the time of adoption, and it is believed that with correct and suitable training schemes Malaysian working women can acquire appropriate ICT skills and become competent in using ICT at the workplace. With managerial skills and ICT‐based competencies, the working women would have a lot more knowledge seeking skills, increased access to up‐to‐date information, be effective in decision making, and establish networking and linkages. With this they will stand a better chance for promotion and advancement.Originality/valueThe sample of this study is unique. This study was conducted in a multi‐ethnic, multi‐cultural and multi‐lingual society. Malaysia presents an interesting case study on working women because it is a society undergoing rapid changes from its strong traditional religious and cultural norms to modern values about women.

Developing Countries and ICT Initiatives: Lessons Learnt from Jordan's Experience

AbstractMany developing countries have started major Information Communication Technologies (ICT) initiatives including e‐Government, e‐Learning, e‐Health, and other schemes that are designed to boost the adoption of ICT based applications within public and private sectors as well as creating a knowledge society. The main aims of these initiatives is to be ready to undertake major reform programmes in order to achieve the social and economic development that ICT is believed to deliver. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan commenced major ICT programmes in 1999. Eight years on most of the e‐Initiatives that have been implemented have not met their intended objectives. This paper will review Jordan's ICT transformation over the past decade identifying critical factors that might be behind the country's lack of progress with its transformation. This might prove useful for other developing countries undertaking similar ICT initiatives.

Information Communication Technology Adoption and Efficiency of Student Services

The study investigated the influence of information and communication technology on the efficiency of student services of Liceo de Cagayan University. The descriptive research used 20 service providers and 100 clients as respondents. As rated by the clients, the university obtained a satisfactory rating for its ICT practices in terms of system restructuring, system selection, ICT staff’s skills and capabilities. For ICT applications, as rated by the service providers, the university got a satisfactory rating on functionality, availability, maintainability, and utilization. As to the efficiency of the different departments’ student services, as rated by the service providers, the university got a very satisfactory rating for the Registrar’s Office, Cashier’s Office, Library, and Internet Services. The predictors of the efficiency of student services were ICT implementation in terms of timely provision of information to other providers with student support roles and ICT practices in terms of ICT as a tool for competitive advantage and survival, as a tool for testing and altering school’s administrators’ know-how to get things done in the existing system, and as a tool for day-to-day operation. Key words - ICT practices and application, effeciency of student services

Public healthcare in Mozambique: Strategic issues in the ICT development during managerial changes and public reforms

It has been predicted that major introduction of information communication technology (ICT) for health care organisations (HCO) over the next 10 years will be used to achieve the universal coverage and improve the quality of health care delivered to people. Which is the best strategy on ICT transfer, adoption and adaptation for the local Mozambican HCO? This paper argues that a sociotechnical approach of ICT development can help policy makers and health managers to address the technology transfer in a better and more appropriate way to their social context and to the public health reforms in progress. The urgency of health care demands (e.g. AIDS epidemic) and the institutional changes implemented by the Government and the local Ministry of Health (MOH), open a dynamic process of re-organisation inside the health institutions in the next years. This process needs to be monitored and initiatives planned, which places pressure on the evolution of health information system (HIS). The increase in the use of ICT can be an ally for health managers. The emergence of the open source software (OSS) and the recent ICT market trends towards networking may also enable local HCO to better face and solve the long process of health care standardisation, which usually prepares and accompanies any introduction of ICT. On the other side, the “big bang” introduction of electronic packages, devices and software applications may be an obstacle framing and anchoring local HCO to external settings, “modern” and universal models. Thus, a uniform step-by-step implementation of hospital-based health information system is desirable.

Exploiting ICT potential in service firms in transition economies

Service industries are the most intensive users of information-communication technology (ICT) and some developed countries have already displayed noticeable productivity gains due to ICT use in services. The pattern of intensive use of ICT in services tends to be replicated in transition economies, however the evidence of ICT impacts on growth and productivity is lacking at the aggregate and industry level owing to deficient data and methodological problems. To overcome some of the problems in estimating the effects of ICT use we pursue firm-level analysis and apply production function approach to estimate the impact of ICT on the performance of service firms in Slovenia. The results suggest that service firms are more intensive ICT users than manufacturing firms and that ICT use significantly influences the productivity of service firms. The positive impact of ICT use on productivity applies to all service firms irrespective of their size. The links are stronger for service firms with above average ICT use. Due to the absence of data on complementary expenditures for training and organisational change related to ICT adoption the results might overemphasise the effects of ICT investment.