Advanced Information And Communication Technologies Research Articles

Impact of corruption control, free information flow, and ICT infrastructure on China's outward foreign direct investment

ABSTRACT This study examines the interplay between corruption control, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, and free information flow, assessing their collective influence on China's Outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI). Based on unbalanced panel data on China's OFDI flows to 182 countries from 2005 to 2020, we find that improved corruption control measures and advanced ICT infrastructure in host countries significantly increase China's OFDI. Furthermore, a more robust information flow, facilitated by e-participation and a free press in the host country, enhances the positive influence of corruption control measures on attracting China's OFDI. Importantly, the beneficial effect of corruption control on China's OFDI is amplified when the host country has well-developed ICT infrastructure that supports e-participation. By elucidating the complex interplay between institutions, ICT, and international business activities, this study contributes novel insights into the understanding of ICT's role in socioeconomic development, particularly in the context of foreign investment.

Reshaping the energy landscape of Crete through renewable energy valleys

Renewable energy valleys (REVs) represent a transformative concept poised to reshape global energy landscapes. These comprehensive ecosystems transition regions from conventional energy sources to sustainable, self-reliant hubs for renewable energy generation, distribution, and consumption. At their core, REVs integrate advanced information and communication technology (ICT), interoperable digital solutions, social innovation processes, and economically viable business models. They offer a vision of decentralized, low-carbon landscapes accessible to all, capable of meeting local energy demands year-round by harnessing multiple renewable energy sources (RES) and leveraging energy storage technologies. This paper provides an overview of the key components and objectives of REVs, including digital integration through advanced ICT technologies and open digital solutions that enable the seamless management of RES within the REV. The social innovation aspect via the REV’s active communities is also examined, encouraging their participation in the co-design, implementation, and benefit-sharing of renewable energy solutions. In addition, business viability through sustainable business models central to the REV framework is proposed, ensuring affordability and accessibility to all stakeholders. The paper presents a case study of Crete, showcasing how the REV idea can work in real life. Crete utilizes various energy sources to become energy-independent, lower carbon emissions, and enhance system resilience. Advanced energy storage technologies are employed to ensure supply and demand balance within the REV. Situated on the picturesque island of Crete, Greece, it is pioneering the establishment of a Renewable Energy Valley ‘Living Lab’ (REV-Lab), integrating Community Energy Labs (CELs) as innovation hubs. This initiative exemplifies the REV model, striving to create a digitalized, distributed, and low-carbon landscape accessible to all residents throughout the year.

Understanding factors affecting fundamental school teachers’ use of technology in Luxembourg through a survey study

Over the last few decades, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have brought about significant disruptions across nearly every industry, including education. Acknowledging the power of the digital revolution to make a positive change, educational policy makers in Luxembourg have made efforts to translate these trends into policies leveraging the potential of technologies while also tackling the challenges they present. However, these efforts and their impact on teacher ICT integration behaviors in Luxembourg are rather underexplored. The aim of the study was to examine and understand factors associated with efficient educational technology practices. The study data were collected through an online survey of 159 teachers and analyzed through a mixed-method approach, including regression and correlation analyses. Findings shed light on the connections between professional use of ICT and a set of interrelated factors such as (a) teacher attitudes followed by (b) subjective norms, (c) teacher self-efficacy beliefs, (d) facilitating conditions, (e) teacher value beliefs, and (f) fundamental pedagogical beliefs. The study also revealed possible deterrents and challenges of ICT integration in Luxembourgish fundamental schools, including gaps between teacher ICT competencies and advanced ICT uses, class management issues, and developed suggestions for professional development training to ensure efficient and advanced ICT uses in the classroom.

Pelatihan Penggunaan Aplikasi Sistem Informasi Gender dan Anak Tingkat Kota Kendari Tahun 2023

The use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the world has become increasingly widespread. This can be seen from the use of ICT which is not limited to the trade sector, but also in other fields, such as education, defense and state security, social and so on. ICT is used because it has advantages compared to using traditional methods of interaction. The advantages of ICT are speed, convenience, lower costs, data centralization and data access that can be used by all groups. With the advantages as above, it can be said that using ICT can create efficiency in the movement of human life in interacting with each other. Therefore, ICT is widely applied in various fields of human life, and with the advantages offered by this technology, it is starting to be applied in government practice. The development of technology and information sources from all media, it turns out that internet media is currently very popular with the public and business people. The information obtained is fast and accurate and can also be used and obtained anywhere. The use of technology and information is increasingly wider in scope, including in government management. Implementing E-Government is also a necessity in responding to challenges in the current Information Technology Era. One of them is by developing a website that can increase information disclosure. By implementing a website, it can help provide information and as a means to reach the public, which of course can help the performance of the Kendari City Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Service (DPPPA) to improve services to the community.

Improving the Effectiveness of Teaching and Training Through Information and Communications Technology

Information and communication technology (ICT) has emerged as an indispensable tool in the realm of global education. The swift advancement of ICT has presented both significant opportunities and challenges within the educational landscape. This paper aims to explore the effects of ICT on teaching and training, employing methods of observation and investigation. The results indicate that the utilization of information and communication technologies can enhance the effectiveness of educational practices. However, it is essential to regard information technology as a supplementary tool in teaching, while maintaining the pivotal roles of teachers and personal interaction. Overreliance on information technology should be avoided, as the key lies in the correct, reasonable, and effective integration of these technologies in the teaching process.

Telemedicine and Robotic Surgery: A Narrative Review to Analyze Advantages, Limitations and Future Developments

Today, the introduction and application of telemedicine are leading to a radical transformation in healthcare systems all over the world. In particular, the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) can have a positive impact on the containment of healthcare costs. The concept of telemedicine has also been applied to surgery, defining telesurgery as the use of robotic systems composed of one or more arms controlled via a console located in a remote position from the patient, where the surgeon sits and performs the surgical tasks. This revolution—made possible by technological advances in robotic systems and ICT—allows surgical care to be provided to patients in remote locations. Telesurgery, therefore, adds to the advantages of minimally invasive robotic surgery by overcoming geographical barriers and allowing patients to avoid traveling. Although there has been a rapid increase in interest and demand for telesurgery, its use in clinical practice is still rare. The purpose of this article is to review the advantages and benefits of the use of telesurgery, to identify the limitations that do not yet allow its use in current clinical practice, and to describe the existing challenges and possible solutions that are being explored by research.

The impact of natural resource, information and communication technology adoption, and economic expansion on financial development in post COVID era

This study explores the interplay between natural resources, economic growth, and financial development in China, extending the inquiry to the moderating role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Utilizing the advanced Fourier Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) framework on data spanning from 1991 to 2020, our analysis delineates the dual influence of natural resources on financial development. Results indicate that natural resources alone have a deleterious effect on financial development both in the short and long run. However, when combined with ICT, the long-run effects are positive, suggesting that ICT has a transformative potential on the natural resources-financial development nexus. Conversely, in the short run, this interaction proves detrimental. These findings underscore the imperative for a holistic strategy that harmonizes economic growth, ICT advancement, and natural resource utilization to foster sustainable financial development.

Digital technologies of transportation-related communication: Review and the state-of-the-art

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) play a significant role in transportation systems as they provide the connection between transportation system users, system planners, operators, and managers. Over the last few years, with advancements in ICTs, there has been a rapid change in travel behaviour. However, little is known about how ICTs and other emerging digital technologies are being utilised in transportation-related communication for public, private, and active transportation. To bridge this gap, this study aims to explore academic and grey literature focused on the use of digital technologies in transportation-related communication. The methodological approach employs a systematic literature review, with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) protocol, to identify digital technologies that are found promising among scholars and practitioners for research, testing and deployment. The study analysed 158 publications and identified some common themes of how these digital technologies can be implemented to improve access to transportation communication. The study finds that: (a) The main literature focus is how information is gathered and shared with transportation users; (b) Advances in mobile applications afford real-time route updates, easy navigation of complex routes, and personalised journey planning; (c) Some notable knowledge gaps exist in how these technologies are implemented—including, willingness to use and digital literacy to understand them; (d) Many digital technologies are at the trial or development phases, which have potential to improve how transportation information can be made readily accessible to all users.

TEACHERS’ COMPETENCIES AND STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD ICT AT AN EFL SECONDARY SCHOOL

Teachers as educators should have adequate competency in using a variety of media and knowledge to deliver the information to their students in order to use information and communication technologies (ICT) effectively. This study explores teachers’ competencies of ICT in their teaching and students’ attitudes toward ICT in learning English. Three English teachers and their 90 students of eleven graders at one secondary school in one district in East Kalimantan participated in this study. The data were gathered from semistructured interviews, observations, and questionnaires. Using a qualitative approach design concerning phenomenological perspective, the content analysis results have revealed that approximately 70% of the students had a positive attitude toward ICT, while the teachers’ competencies were varied from mostly incorporating all the ICT tools to rarely using them in their classroom. The results suggest that English teachers need to have more professional development programs related to ICT in order to understand and be able to operate the ICT media and tools to teach English. EFL students should aware of their attitude toward ICT in this modern era and firmly use the advancement of ICT for educational purposes.

Overcoming the barriers to women's career in information and communication technology business

PurposeThe paper focusses on the intrapersonal vs environmental barriers to women's career advancement to the top leadership positions in the information and communication technology (ICT) business and envisages the individual, organisational as well as societal practices for overcoming such barriers in the given sector.Design/methodology/approachThe study relies on the qualitative research method of expert interviews with top-level women managers in the leading ICT companies in Lithuania. The study allowed identifying and structuring the key barriers to women's careers and three-level practices for overcoming them.FindingsThe research has shown that the key intrapersonal barriers are related to the lack of self-confidence and perceived glass ceiling. The main environmental barriers are male domination and socially gendered professions. The practices for overcoming women's career barriers can be categorised into three levels – individual, organisational and societal. The study has shown that the most important individual practices are the ability to continuously self-educate and self-affirmation. On the organisational level, the following key practices can be applied: mentorship and inclusive company culture. The societal practices for improving women's career advancement in ICT are mainly represented by the visibility of successful leaders as role models and initiatives increasing awareness for an inclusive society.Research limitations/implicationsThe research limitations are largely related to the research sample selected for the qualitative research (interviews). The respondents are already established in the top leadership positions, so may only have a retrospective view on the obstacles to the respondents' careers. A larger sample could provide a more generalisable data, whilst a larger number of interview participants for preselected categories, like company category or tenure in a position, would provide insights on the different stages of career growth and company's influence for the individual's growth. The authors encourage extending research to other sectoral and national contexts.Practical implicationsThe research sets out the key barriers that can be overcome with the help of individual, organisational and societal practices. This provides a comprehensive list of practices that can be adopted by the organisations (in the ICT and beyond), as well as the policy makers on the societal level.Social implicationsAddressing the issues of gender balance and women's career advancement in one of the fastest growing industries (ICT) has profound social implications. Qualitative research has shown how the barriers can be overcome at different levels of the social system.Originality/valueThe paper marks one of the first attempts to introduce a three-level approach to addressing the intrapersonal and environmental barriers to the advancement of women's careers with a particular focus on the ICT sectoral context.

The Impacts of Blended Learning on English Education in Higher Education

The research examines the effects of blended learning (BL) on English education in Saudi Arabian higher education and its potential future developments in the context of increasing integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs). The study emphasizes the importance of measuring students' actual outcomes, access to learning opportunities, and views of those outcomes when evaluating the effectiveness of English education. The authors compare minority retention and graduation statistics in traditional English classes and BL English courses and present a set of consistent principles for measuring progress in English language acquisition and development, regardless of course format or final grade. The study suggests that BL has the potential to enhance accessibility, personalization, and active learning in English education, especially in a post-pandemic "new normal" where technology is increasingly used and diverse language learners need to be accommodated. The authors argue that BL's development will be closely tied to advances in ICTs that model language learning and cognition aspects. The research provides valuable insights into BL's impact on English learning, teaching, and development in higher education, useful for educators, researchers, language experts, and policymakers shaping the future of English education in Saudi Arabia.

Practical Use of ICT course in Libraries: Perspectives of MLISc graduates in Nepal

Although the Central Department of Library and Information Science (CDLIS) was founded in TU 27 years ago, the Masters in Library and Information Science (MLISc) program is less popular among recent graduates. The MLISc program's reputation and significance are dependent on how successfully it has adapted to emerging information and communication technology (ICT). It is an early attempt to assess the MLISc ICT course material, primarily focusing on how applicable it is to real-world professional situations.Working librarians from Nepal participated in a focus group discussion to assess how well the MLISc ICT course applied to their line of work. Participants have suggested that the basic and advanced ICT course topics in the MLISc curriculum should be distinguished clearly. Library automation, digital library software, and other advanced ICT courses are available. However, the library profession places a high value on graduates with a complete understanding of information system architecture, library automation, and digitization services.

VR/AR TECHNOLOGIES FOR E-LEARNING

The article is devoted to the analysis of the latest information technologies, the process of virtualization of the world educational space and the introduction of virtual and augmented reality technologies into the educational process of higher education institutions. The relationship between the real and virtual educational environment is identified and characterized. Mastery of modern information and communication technologies (ICT) is a prerequisite for a digital society. Modern students are a network generation for which the electronic way of receiving educational information is a component of their life. ICT has become their usual everyday tool, and e-learning gives them access to global educational resources and improves the quality of the educational process as a whole. In e-education, all educational content is presented only in electronic form. A feature of the development of higher education is the use of the latest advances in ICT and the emergence of a new environment – virtual, which transforms the traditional system of higher education into electronic. In many countries around the world, e-learning has become an integral part of modern education. Ukrainian higher education institutions are also moving towards e-learning as one that aims to acquire in-depth professional competencies and knowledge. Virtual reality technologies challenge researchers to increase access to the practical application of these technologies in solving professional problems. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the feasibility of using the latest digital technologies, namely virtual reality technologies in the educational process of the higher education system of Ukraine. The article uses methods of application of the latest digital technologies, namely virtual reality technologies in the educational process of the higher education system of Ukraine. The main feature of the digital space is its unique opportunities for communication, self-expression and self-determination. The Internet activity of higher education students is accompanied by a number of motives, goals, needs, attitudes, phenomena, knowledge associated with this new environment. There are many useful applications and interesting educational channels through which you can learn something new.

Learning impact of recent ICT advances based on virtual reality IoT sensors in a metaverse environment

The use of avatars in the Metaverse and virtual reality technology in education is a rapidly developing field that has the potential to revolutionize the way students learn. In the context of the Indian EdTech market, virtual reality could play a significant role in enhancing the learning experience for students, although more research is needed to explore its full potential.ICT has already made a significant impact on education, with academic programming, technical instruction, and theoretical concepts being taught through digital platforms. Virtual reality has the potential to take this a step further, allowing students to experience immersive and interactive learning environments that simulate real-world scenarios.However, as mentioned in the paragraph, there is still limited research on the use of virtual reality in education, particularly in the Indian context. Further studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of this technology and ensure that it can be integrated effectively into the educational system.Overall, the use of virtual reality in education is an exciting development in the ICT industry and has the potential to make a significant impact on the learning experience for students. Various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) seek to improve women's lives and provide them with self-sufficiency training. The government is likewise concerned about this issue and has established a number of programs to assist women. Information and communication technology (ICT) is significant in this context. ICT has improved the security, knowledge, education, employability, confidence, and popularity of women. The significance of ICT for the empowerment of women is highlighted in this study. To illuminate the various facets of ICT's impact on society, various examples have been addressed. Because of ICT, new generations of women all over the globe have defied all expectations and proven themselves in every aspect of life, even the most complicated and time-consuming realm of enterprise. In this regard, ICT may possibly become a magic wand for improving women's current situations. In this research, the eight factors that influence how ICT affects rural women's empowerment were found.

Literasi Digital Pemuda dalam Konteks Pemberdayaan Masyarakat di era Society 5.0

The purpose of this study is to determine the level of digital literacy among the member of youth organization (commonly called Karang Taruna) of Cicau Hamlet, Gadobangkong Village, Ngamprah Sub-district, West Bandung Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia, focusing on the use of the Internet in the context of community empowerment in the fields of self-development and economy. Case study methodology is employed, with data gathering approaches consisting of in-depth interviews, documentation studies, and observations of fifteen (15) Karang Taruna member informants. The findings of the study indicate that: The youth digital literacy in computer operation and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) abilities in the internet area are fairly strong, but there is still opportunity for improvement through enhancing infrastructure for stable internet connections and educating youth about the most recent ICT advances. When it comes to creating digital products in a variety of formats and models, youth have a low degree of digital literacy. This is due in part to a lack of imagination and creative thinking skills among digital content creators. Youth require continual training to increase their digital literacy and ability to create various types of digital material, which will contribute to the expansion of Indonesia’s creative economy sector. Youth digital literacy must be improved in terms of their ability to collaborate in the digital space, and education about collaboration must be conducted in accordance with digital ethics and security so that the youth of the Indonesian nation can collaborate with respect and remain safe from cybercrime. Youth still lack the digital literacy necessary to pick and filter legitimate and hoax-free content. Digital literacy pertaining to the ability to use digital technology for youth economic empowerment is included in the category of lacking because youth are still not literate and digitally proficient in using digital technology to increase income, raise their economic level through business opportunities in the digital space, and use digital wallets for sales transactions. Youth digital literacy in relation to self-development is also still weak and must be focused to add insight into access to information in the digital realm for career development and self-potential. As well as the usage of communities that are favorable to youth growth and self-healing. This study recommends intensive training and assistance for youth in digital content creation, as well as financial literacy education related to capital management and digital-based creative economy business opportunities.

Impact of Vocational Education and Training On Decent Job Opportunities Regarding Information and Communication Technology

Vocational education and training plays a crucial part in the creation of decent job. The fast growth of information and communication technology (ICT) during the past ten years has increased work opportunities for laborers. This research uses the yearly labor force survey data to study the impact of vocational education and training on decent job opportunities for employees in the context of Vietnam's information and communication technology development. The logit model results indicate that the 2020 rate of decent jobs is still low, at approximately 25.6 percent. However, vocational education and training and the advancement of ICT positively affect decent job opportunities. This long-lasting impact affects laborers in various areas, regions, and industries. These findings suggest that vocational education and training and ICT must play a significant role in transitioning from precarious to more secure employment, so laborers must acquire professional knowledge and information technology skills.

Teachers’ Level of Training on ICT and the Implementation of ICT Curriculum in Some Public Primary Schools in Mezam Division, North West Region of Cameroon

Purpose: This paper buttress the importance of training teachers on use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as one of the major boosters the government could support implementation of ICT curriculum in Cameroon public primary schools. This study examined teachers’ level of training on ICT and implementation of ICT curriculum in some public primary schools in Mezam Division.
 Methodology: The study employed a mixed method research design consisting of a cross sectional survey and an interpretive phenomenology. The sample was made up of 375 teachers and 72 head teachers who were teaching in public primary schools in Mezam Division. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guide. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools and thematic analysis approach.
 Findings: The study found that teachers’ level of training on ICT has a positive and significant influence on implementation of ICT curriculum. In order to become confident users in the classrooms, teachers require extensive, on-going exposure to ICTs to be able to develop their ICT competences, evlauate and select the most appropriate resources. Not only does training aid teachers in the development of ICT competence, it equally helps teachers to recognise ICT as an essential teaching and an enabler of other teaching and learning practices.
 Conclusion: This study conclude that teachers’ level of training influences the implementation of ICT curriculum.
 Recommendations: The study recommend that teacher training colleges should ensure that the period given for practical implementation of ICT curriculum is proportionate to the period spent in class to acquire theory on the implementation of ICT curriculum. The study also recommend Ministry of Education as well as the Regional Pedagogic Inspectors for ICT to organize regular and practical in-service training with demonstration lessons that help teachers develop basic, intermediate and advanced ICT skills.

Promoting agri-food systems resilience through ICT in developing countries amid COVID-19

An increasing body of literature has demonstrated COVID-19's harmful impact on agri-food systems, which are a major source of livelihood for millions of people worldwide. Information and communication technology (ICT) has been playing an increasing role in enhancing agri-food systems' resilience amid COVID-19. In this study, the PRISMA approach was employed to perform a systematic review of the literature from January 2020 to December 2021 on the overall impact of COVID-19 on agri-food system networks and ICT's role in enhancing agri-food system resilience in developing countries. This study reveals that COVID-19 has posed abundant obstacles to agri-food systems actors, including a lack of inputs, technical support, challenges to selling the product, transportation barriers, and low pricing. These impediments result in insufficient output, unforeseen stock, and revenue loss. COVID-19's restrictions have caused a significant food deficit by disrupting the demand and supply sides of the agri-food system networks. A high number of small-scale farmers have had to deal with food insecurity. As a result of the cumulative effects, actors in the agri-food system are getting less motivated to continue producing. This study also argues that many challenges in the agri-food systems can be overcome using ICTs, including maintaining precise farm management, product marketing, and access to production inputs. To assist stakeholders in coping with, adapting to, and building resilience in the agri-food system networks, this article emphasizes the critical need to turn to and expand the application of advanced agricultural ICTs to meet the world's growing needs for food production and to ensure the resilience and sustainability of farming systems, particularly in the face of a pandemic like COVID-19.

Dynamic capabilities as a strategic flexibility enabler: organizational responsiveness to COVID-19

PurposeTo cope with the existing pandemic situation and to be organizationally responsive, firms need to be strategically flexible, where they need to develop dynamic capabilities (DCs) by continuously reconfiguring their resource base. To address such challenges, firms heavily rely on information and communication technologies (ICT) because of advancement in disruptive technologies. This study aims to explore techniques used by higher education institutional (HEI) leaders to successfully address challenges posed by global disruption, i.e. COVID-19 with the help of advanced ICT software such as Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was adopted to explore strategic factors such as strategic flexibility (SF) and DC that disclose shortcomings in the current extant literature. A total of 15 interviews were conducted with heads of departments of HEIs in the United Arab Emirates. Data were analyzed using NVivo software.FindingsThe findings suggested three dimensions of SF (resources, operational and collaborative) and four dimensions of DC (strategic planning, innovative, adaptability and technological) for firms to adopt to be strategically flexible, where DC serves as building blocks of SF.Originality/valueThis research provides a framework as an avenue for future researchers and practitioners on how to strategically manage their resources and be strategically flexible in turbulent environment such as pandemics. Theory-based investigations on strategic capabilities and DC from resource-based perspective are still under-researched, emphasizing the need for theoretically based research on strategic responsiveness, especially during the times of environmental complexities such as COVID-19 pandemics. This research enriches strategic management research by exploring the important antecedents of organizational responsiveness, including SF and DC together with the support of human factor, i.e. leadership qualities of HEIs managers. This study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is among the first to systematically explore main dimensions of DC and SF based on the resource-based theory of strategic management in the Middle Eastern context.

A Study on Impact of Online Marketing on Customer in Rural Areas at Ambur

Online marketing is the concept which emerges in a last decade. It evolved very well in western countries. It concentrates more on Chronic equipment one more area in which this marketing concentrates is the educational sector The customer are focused in the internet only for the purpose of information but as the technology improve and the people started migration. They concentrated in e-online marketing. Close to 70% of India’s population resides in villages, and are in the rural segment. With India truly on the path of global IT leadership, it first needs to look into itself or not. With the advent of E-commerce, one reason for the same is that urban business have all the advantages of technology, while rural business. Rural India has not been able to take advantage of ICT (information and communication technology). Basic strategy to be followed in e-online marketing is the creating awareness of the product or service. It is not easy to create the awareness of the product. If the segment is very niche, it is so tedious to attract the peoples mind. It requires lot of creativity and data regarding the product or service. The online marketing has impact on the rural marketing. The study is undertaken to identify the factors influencing purchase and study the attune of customers.