Adoption Of Communication Technologies Research Articles

Maximizing financial efficiency through technological synergy: Unleashing ICT for enhanced cash management in SMEs

ABSTRACT This article examines how the adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) tools such as accounting software and financial management systems, as well as electronic payment platforms, affects the relationship between cash management and the financial performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. The research was designed using descriptive survey research and deployed the simple random sampling method to select 200 SMEs in Berekum East Municipality in Ghana. Questionnaires were used for the data collection. The SmartPLS 4 software was used in the data analysis. The results showed that ICTs moderated the relationship between cash management and financial performance of SMEs positively, therefore validating pecking order theory. When SMEs use ICT tools efficiently, they are able to optimize the use of internal funds while, at the same time, reducing liquidity risks, which are accompanied by agency costs when external funds are used.

Developing pathways for modern and sustainable agriculture in emerging economies: investigating the impact of information and communication technology adoption on food security

This study examines the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) adoption on food security in emerging seven countries: namely China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, and Turkey from 1995 to 2019. To obtain robust findings, we deploy several econometric approaches, including the Westerlund ECM co-integration test, PMG method, and D-H causality test. This research paper presents significant findings through the utilization of panel co-integration tests as the primary estimation techniques. The findings from the PMG method reveal that increases in usage of Mobile phone and Internet access significantly boost long-term food security by 0.092 and 0.036%, respectively. In addition, the findings from the Dumitrescy–Hurlin causal relationship test show a bidirectional causal relationship between Mobile phone use and food security but a unidirectional causality from Internet use to food security. Furthermore, the impact of ICT on food security is more prominent in the long run than in the short run. The current study’s conclusions have significant policy implications for the E7 countries. For example, the E7 countries should invest in ICT to gain future benefits. Authorities in the countries should develop and implement policies that encourage Mobile phone and Internet use in rural areas. Such a promotion will strengthen the farming system while also increasing sustainable food production.

Efficiency of information and communication technology adoption by entrepreneurs

PurposeThis study seeks to improve the understanding of the motivation driving the entrepreneurs of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to integrate ICTs and why this process is easier for some. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) is a suitable framework for this analysis. Our research aims to establish an explanatory typology based on the optimization of individual perceptions of entrepreneurs and usage intentions which enables identification of those groups that possess a greater intention to use ICTs in their businesses. This sheds light on how these factors influence their information and communication technology (ICT) adoption intentions within their businesses.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts an alternative approach and methodology to contribute new insights into academic discourse regarding the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Building upon the theoretical foundation of the UTAUT, the present study pioneers the application of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to a dataset encompassing 436 Spanish entrepreneurs. The objective is to examine the combination of diverse UTAUT perceptions that optimise the intention to implement ICTs in their companies while minimising anxiety associated with the adoption of new technologies (the outputs). Based on the results obtained, an explanatory typology is established that combines perceptions and usage intentions.FindingsWhen applied to our group of entrepreneurs, DEA reveals that certain individuals can optimise their intentions with their current perception levels. This discovery has enabled us to create an explanatory typology through an examination of the efficiency of various perception-intention and/or anxiety combinations. Our proposed typology aims to shed light on the debate as to why not all perceptions translate into intentions and why certain entrepreneurs have a greater intention to use ICTs. An investigation of these efficient entrepreneurs reveals a wide range of combinations, which encompasses both those in harmony with effective usage behaviour and those deviating from such behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsDEA provides a snapshot of efficiency at a specific point in time and does not account for dynamic changes or adjustments over time, and DEA efficiency scores are relative measures that depend on the efficiency of other decision-making units in the dataset. The identification of appropriate benchmark units for comparison can be challenging, especially in heterogeneous datasets and cross-cultural analysis. In this respect, the UTAUT literature is lacking in cross-technology and cross-cultural comparisons.Practical implicationsOur methodology and results have implications for business management, business accelerators and economic policy. A detailed study of these clusters could reveal potential barriers and obstacles hindering the effective implementation of ICTs in MSMEs, thereby enabling researchers to focus on individuals who do not align with the model. Entrepreneurs classified in the most unfavourable typologies can take steps to enhance their perceptions, while administration and business accelerators can focus their efforts on these entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThe application of the UTAUT model on individual entrepreneurs receives limited coverage in the existing literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to utilise a DEA methodology within the framework of the UTAUT model (in contrast to the prevalent use of structural equation modelling in previous studies related to UTAUT). This analysis contributes fresh empirical evidence to the academic discourse on technology adoption models among individual entrepreneurs. Our methodology is a tool that reveals potential barriers and obstacles in individual perceptions that hinder the effective implementation of ICT in certain types of entrepreneurs.

Information and communication technology transform the agricultural extension practices in North Maluku, Indonesia

The world's swift digitization has profoundly transformed how farmers and extension workers operate, learn, and communicate. This study explores how information and communication technologies (ICT) adoption transforms agricultural extension practices in North Maluku, Indonesia. Using a qualitative approach, the study gathered and analyzed data from fifteen extension workers through interviews, observation, documentation, and focus group discussions from November 2022 to March 2023. The findings reveal ICT adoption has transformed the extension workers’ strategies in five areas: i) coordination and collaboration, ii) digital learning, iii) virtual group dynamics, iv) promotion and mobilization, and v) online consultation and monitoring. However, ICT adoption has not replaced traditional extension methods, such as demonstration plots, field schools, and field trips. The use of ICT is not always in line with the deterministic view that technology automatically changes society. In contrast, recursive patterns in practice adaptation create complex dynamics in which extension workers' decisions continue to play a key role in the evolution of agricultural extension. These findings enrich practical and policy debates regarding harnessing ICT potential for enhanced agricultural extension in Indonesia. Additionally, they advance theoretical discussions on the merits of the technological determinism perspective in analyzing ICT utilization.

The Impact of Digitalization and Information and Communication Technology on the Nature and Organization of Work and the Emerging Challenges for Occupational Safety and Health

Digitalization, driven by the widespread adoption of information and communication technology (ICT), reshapes occupational safety (OSH). This study examines emerging OSH risks linked to digitalization, assessing its benefits and challenges. Through a comprehensive literature review, key technologies influencing OSH are identified, their effects are categorized, and mitigation strategies are proposed. While ICT enhances workplace safety through improved monitoring and decision-making, it also introduces risks such as stress and information overload. The findings emphasize the need for further research on long-term impacts and effective risk management. This paper contributes to the field by highlighting ICT’s positive and negative implications on OSH and underscoring the importance of responsible technology adoption. The insights presented are valuable for policymakers, researchers, and industry practitioners committed to fostering a safe and healthy work environment.

Effect of corporate social responsibility-moderated digital marketing on small and medium enterprises performance in the emerging market

Purpose With the wide adoption of information and communication technologies globally, digital marketing (DM) has emerged as an important and influential role in the growth and development of firms. However, it remains unclear how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets that normally have limited digital technology resources can gain benefits from DM. Thus, this research aims to investigate how DM benefits SMEs in emerging markets. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the resource-based views (RBV) theory and a sample of 156,625 SMEs in Vietnam, this research uses statistical models and examines the performance of SMEs in terms of sales and productivity. Findings There is strong evidences that the sales and productivity performance of SMEs are positively affected by DM. Furthermore, there is evidence that corporate social responsibility plays an important role in moderating the influence of DM on SME performance. Originality/value This finding suggests that entrepreneurs should carefully consider using digital technologies to create DM strategies. This result also encourages local policymakers to invest more in digital technology and boost the growth of SMEs.

Towards a Framework for the Adoption and Use of Information and Communication Technology for Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Case of Egypt

Towards a Framework for the Adoption and Use of Information and Communication Technology for Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Case of Egypt

Assessing learning methods used in rural secondary schools in the Vhembe district of the Limpopo Province in South Africa

PurposeThe advancement of technology has given rise to various ways of processing information and learning. Some of the challenges that hinder the adoption of information communication technologies in teaching include limited resources, infrastructure, and lack of support from the governing bodies of schools. This study aimed to investigate the learning methods used in rural secondary schools in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province in South Africa.MethodologyA positivist paradigm was adopted in which a quantitative research approach was employed. Survey research was followed with the use of questionnaires as a data collection instrument. The target population was 156 teachers in four secondary schools in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province in South Africa. Multistage sampling, which involves two sampling stages using cluster sampling and simple random sampling, was used. The data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the results were presented in simple tables, frequency, and charts.FindingsThe findings show that secondary schools require adequate learning and teaching resources to improve student performance. The findings further indicated that learners could benefit more by improving their reading fluency, improving digital literacy skills, grasping proper pronunciation and tone, and reducing distractions while learning.RecommendationsThe study recommends that the establishment of audio-assisted learning materials should be considered as a method that could help learners improve their performance. Schools should appeal to nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, individuals, and industries to assist in supplementing and substituting obsolete learning materials and aids.

The Impact of Digital Marketing and Information Technology Capabilities on the Marketing Performance of SMEs in Türkiye

Purpose: Digital marketing competence is the capacity of a business to organise, carry out, and oversee digital marketing in order to boost its perceived competitiveness by customers. Small and medium-sized businesses' (SMEs') performance may be significantly improved by digitalisation. The majority of researchers tackled the issue from several angles by looking at how company performance is affected by technological skills, digital skills, information systems capabilities, adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT), and digital transformation. In addition to examining the effects of technological orientation, relationships with customers, and digital marketing on SMEs' business performance in emerging markets (EMs), this study attempts to provide a comprehensive conceptualisation of how digital marketing and its adoption boost the productivity of SMEs. Method: Convenience sampling was used to gather data from SMEs in Türkiye’s Konya Region in order to evaluate the suggested model. Using the framework of structural equation modelling with partial least- squares estimation (PLS-SEM) method, 119 responses from SMEs that were gathered via online and in-person surveys were examined. 82% of those surveyed said they were partnerships or entrepreneurs. Eight respondents are white-collar workers, 13 are high-ranking managers, 14 are mid-level managers, and two said they have various roles. Findings: The findings demonstrate the beneficial effects of organisational agility and digital maturation on corporate achievement. However, it is shown that organisational agility, when considered as a moderator, lessens the impact of digital maturation on firm performance. Conclusion: While there are many advantages to digitalisation for businesses, it is still debatable whether it has a direct impact on performance results. The results of earlier research evaluating the effect of digital maturity on company performance were not entirely consistent. Therefore, several studies recommended investigating potential intervening factors. Thus, the impact of organisational agility and digital maturity on business performance is investigated in this research. Additionally, the moderating function of organisational agility in the relationship between business performance and digital maturity is also examined.

"Necessity is the mother of invention": Experiences of accessing and delivering dementia-related support services by information communication technology during the pandemic in the UK.

The remote delivery of dementia-related support services by information communication technology, defined as any hardware or software, including the telephone and videoconferencing software, increased during the coronavirus pandemic. To guide the future use of information communication technology, this study explored the experiences of delivering and accessing social care and support services during the pandemic in the UK. Remote semi-structured interviews with social care and support providers, people with dementia and family carers were conducted between May-December 2022. Topic guides were co-developed with two public advisors (one former family carer, one person with dementia) and garnered information on delivering and accessing services during the pandemic. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim. Employing a mixture of inductive and deductive analytic approaches, a thematic analysis was conducted. Twenty-one interviews (n = 14 social care and support providers; n = 6 family carers; n = 2 people with dementia) were conducted. Three themes were generated: adapting to changing circumstances; responding to unmet needs by information communication technology and information communication technology should be a tool, not the default. Social care and support providers' creativity and motivation facilitated the adoption of information communication technology, however, available resources and guidance varied. While some people with dementia and family carers benefitted from accessing services by information communication technology to address some needs, the format was not suitable for everyone. Beyond the coronavirus pandemic, the use of information communication technology within service delivery needs to be carefully considered, to avoid disenfranchising some people with dementia and family carers, while empowering people with the option of how to access services. Digital training and guidelines advising the use of information communication technology within service delivery may facilitate its improved use during the current landscape, and amidst future pandemics.

The importance of ICT adoption on MSMEs performance: the mediating role of distinctive competencies

Purpose This study aims to examine and identify how the resource-based view and dynamic capability theory contribute to information and communication technology (ICT) adoption to improve micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) performance, mediated by distinctive competencies. This research provides insight into how MSMEs can improve performance by strategically adopting ICT tools and developing distinctive competencies. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through online questionnaires from creative industry MSMEs (fashion, culinary and crafts) in Indonesia. The results were analyzed using the partial least squares-structural equation method technique (Fornell and Cha, 1994) with Smart PLS 3.0 (Ringle et al., 2015). Findings The results show that ICT adoption significantly impacts the MSMEs marketing performance in the creative industry sector. In addition, adopting ICT tools influences the development of distinctive competencies among MSMEs, improving MSMEs marketing performance. Distinctive competencies were found to mediate the relationship between ICT adoption and MSMEs marketing performance, which underscores the importance of technology skills, organizational skills, environmental skills and entrepreneurial mindset in driving business success. These findings highlight the critical role of distinctive competencies as a key factor in leveraging ICT adoption to improve MSMEs marketing performance. Research limitations/implications The main limitation is that this research coverage area is less extensive due to the time constraints of this study. Future work could cover different regions and explore other mediators in the ICT–performance relationship. Practical implications This research assists MSMEs in improving performance by adopting ICT and developing distinctive competencies with targeted training in relevant skills. Social implications This research highlights the potential to improve MSMEs marketing performance and drive economic growth and resilience through ICT adoption. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence of the relationship between ICT adoption, distinctive competencies and MSME marketing performance in the context of the creative industries sector. This study offers a new perspective on how MSMEs can use ICT tools and develop distinctive competencies to enhance their marketing performance competitive advantage and achieve sustainable growth. By emphasizing the mediating role of distinctive competencies, this study highlights how ICT adoption impacts positively MSME marketing performance, providing valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers and researchers in entrepreneurship and technology adoption.

Assessing the improvement of information communication technology for the construction SMES in the 4IR

Purpose: The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is assured to transform the construction sector from a project-based industry to a market-based industrialised process. Yet, its slow uptake can be attributed to current emphasis on technological adoption. This study focused on the development of small medium enterprises (SMEs) in the construction industry (CI) of South Africa (SA). The study explicitly focused on the adoption of information communication technology (ICT) in the construction SMEs. In a bit to further advance SMEs, the study observed the practice of communication technology tools. The purpose of this paper is to investigate to what extend ICT is practised in the construction SMEs. Methodology: the research design was established on explanatory case study approach in Gauteng province, South Africa – the methodology adopted is quantitative method. The approach was done via the use of survey questionnaires which was distributed virtually by means of emails, LinkedIn and WhatsApp. Participants are questioned regarding their experience of practicing ICT tools within their organizations. Findings: The study findings indicated that ICT tools have been in practice to a negligible extend in SA construction SMEs, the empirical results affirm that the number 1 classified communication tool used in SA construction SMEs is face to face meetings, seconded by phone calls. However, the experience is diverse; it shows that ICT tools are being practised in the organizations with 4IR experience unlike the SMEs without experience that portrays the highly practised paper-based system in their organizations. Originality: the study recommends that the SMEs review the influence of ICT tools in construction and implement them in their organizations considering their benefits to the industry in this era (4IR). This will help maximise the opportunities brought by ICT and further improve the South Africa construction SMEs in terms of technology adoption.

Are Smart Tourism Destinations more productive efficient? The Spanish case

The widespread adoption of information and communication technologies has led to the emergence of new business models and increased competition among tourist destinations. In recent years, Smart Tourism Destinations (STDs) have started to leverage information and communication technologies to enhance the overall tourist experience, allegedly improving operational efficiency. The goal of this study is to empirically examine whether transforming a destination into an STD has indeed an effect on its productive efficiency, understood as those that achieve a higher volume of overnights stays given a set of inputs. The analysis is performed using panel data on 137 destinations in Spain in the period 2005–2021. Using Stochastic Frontier Analysis, our results show that becoming an STD does not have a significant effect on productive efficiency. Our analysis thus casts doubt on the common belief that STDs are more efficient and offer relevant implications for destination managers and policy makers.

Analytic Approach for ICT Embedded in Technical Education

The importance of Information and Communication Technology in driving the overall development of the global space is undeniable. Developed economies have been able to accelerate their growth and progress in this century through their advanced usage of technology. The integration of Information and Communication Technology tools has greatly enhanced research and educational development in these countries. However, Nigeria’s Technical Education programme seems to be facing challenges in this aspect. Despite the nation’s quest for technological advancement, it is evident that there is a need for improvement in this field to fully utilize the potential of Information and Communication Technology. The meta-analysis conducted on the journal articles regarding Information and Communication Technology adoption in technical education between 2012 and 2024 reveals that Nigeria and Africa are facing significant challenges in adopting this technology. The study, which was conducted using Google Scholar as the database, included 26 publications after applying the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings of the study suggest that most researchers tend to focus on review studies without providing any specific recommendations for improving the adoption of Information and Communication Technology tool in Technical Education. This highlights the need for further research and efforts to fully integrate this technology into technical education in Nigeria and Africa.

Navigating Technostress: An In-Depth Analysis of Determinants and Consequences

The widespread adoption of information and communication technologies necessitates continuous interaction with these tools for individuals to optimize their job performance. This dynamic catalyzes both organizational and individual transformations. Users striving to adapt to these changes through devices such as televisions, mobile phones, and computers often encounter a phenomenon known as "technostress." Technostress, a syndrome arising from the intensive utilization of information and communication technologies, is increasingly the focus of scholarly research. Despite the existence of numerous studies on this topic within the technostress literature, comprehensive reviews remain limited. This study aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the definition of technostress, the technostress model, and the sources of both work-related and non-work-related along with its associated consequences. To fulfill the objectives of the study, a systematic search was conducted using the Database Access and Statistics System (VETİS). Through the delineation of a general profile of the technostress field, this study aims to enhance the existing literature and make a substantial contribution to the body of research.

TOURISM CLUSTER LOCATION ANALYSIS IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF PRIMORSKY KRAI

Tourism industry operations are affected by many overarching issues, such as maintaining the balance between the under-visited and the over-visited attractions. Tourism is among the most important sources of income in Primorsky Krai regional budget. This study is aimed at proposing a scientific approach to recreational zoning of coastal areas based on the assessment of urbanization, digitalization and availability of touristic infrastructure. Several municipalities located in the southern part of Primorsky Krai have been selected for the analysis. It was found that touristic infrastructure favors heavil y urbanized and densely populated areas, usually in close proximity to the shoreline. It was concluded that the results of tourism cluster analysis do not always coincide with the territorial planning documentation. The relationship between the tourism industry operations and the possibility for adoption of information and communication technologies in the study area was assessed using the cellular network coverages. The results presented indicate that the tourism industry potential in Primorsk y Krai is unevenly distributed across the study region, thus challenging the balance of overtourism and undertourism. However, the more disadvantaged areas are potentially able to expand upon the existing infrastructure and attract more tourist traffic . Therefore, the tourism sector in the study area indeed has the possibility to create several attractive tourist clusters to evenly distribute the tourist flows.

A INFLUÊNCIA DAS TICs E INTELIGÊNCIA ARTIFICIAL NA PRECARIZAÇÃO DO TRABALHO DOCENTE

This article aims to discuss the relationship between the precarization of teaching work and the adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Artificial Intelligences (AIs) in the school environment. Additionally, it seeks to debate the efficiency of theseresources for the educational field and who truly benefits from them. The methodology used was a literature review of articles, books, and dissertations. The study considered the challenges of the digital age in teaching work, particularly aspects such as: the need for comprehensive and critical teacher training for the use of technologies; and the impacts of poor working conditions on the health of these professionals. The results highlight the necessity for further studies to understand the potential implications of ICTs in general and the use of AIs in particular for the process of devaluing teachers' work.

Internal organizational factors influencing ICT adoption for sustainable growth

AbstractOrganizations today depend increasingly on the effective adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to ensure sustainable growth in a competitive global landscape. However, research on the internal factors influencing successful ICT adoption, especially through case studies, remains limited. This study seeks to address this gap by exploring the internal factors such as organizational culture, leadership styles, employee attitudes, resource availability, user perceptions, and peer influence that drive ICT adoption and align with organizational strategies. Drawing on a literature review and qualitative case study analysis of peer-reviewed articles, books, and reports published from 2003 to 2024, the study examines how these factors impact ICT integration and contribute to long-term success. Case studies from leading organizations illustrate how ICT strategies are implemented effectively in diverse contexts. The study is guided by theoretical frameworks, including Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), extending their application to internal organizational dynamics. The findings extend existing theoretical frameworks such as Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by applying them to internal organizational contexts, illustrating the role of leadership, culture, and resources in ICT adoption. Practically, this study provides recommendations for developing an ICT-driven culture, aligning technology initiatives with strategic goals, and investing in infrastructure to overcome adoption barriers and create sustainable technological progress in a globalized society.

ICT Adoption in Indonesian’s Houses of Representative: TAM Analysis and Lessons From UK Parliament

This study analyzes the adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Indonesian House of Representatives through the lens of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and draws lessons from the UK Parliament. The analysis is divided into four parts: 1) Historical context and policy framework of ICT adoption in the Indonesian House of Representatives; 2) Policy and strategy of ICT adoption in the Indonesian House of Representatives; 3) Best practice from the UK Parliament; and 4) Challenges of Big Data Management in the Indonesian House of Representatives. The study provides an in-depth understanding of ICT adoption in the Indonesian House of Representatives and valuable lessons from the UK Parliament experience to enhance ICT adoption effectiveness. Study conclusions include: 1) The importance of a Big Data system, particularly for bill digest summaries; 2) The early stage of ICT adoption in the Indonesian House of Representatives; 3) Prioritization of bill digest availability to enhance public engagement in the legislative process; 4) Crucial collaboration with state institutions for Big Data integration, aligned with the national one data initiative. The Indonesian House of Representatives plays a central role in providing legislative data in Indonesia.

Digital divide: a phenomenon of unequal adoption of technology by SMMEs in the agribusiness sector in South Africa

The digital evolution and the adoption of technology have made it possible for information access and management to improve the social and economic impacts of the tourism sector globally. Technology has undoubtedly become the prime driver of modern e-commerce. This article examines the digital divide as a barrier to the adoption of technology by small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the agribusiness sector in the city of Tshwane, South Africa. The study adopted a quantitative approach and data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The data were subsequently analysed by using descriptive statistics. The relationships between variables were compared and interpretations were made. The results showed that a digital divide is hampering the adoption of technology by SMMEs in the agribusiness sector. The results further revealed that the high cost of technology/online platforms, limited funds and a lack of technical know-how are some of the obstacles faced by SMMEs in the adoption of information and communication technologies. However, the study also established that if these obstacles could be addressed, the benefits would be substantial. It is concluded that empirical work is required to investigate the extent to which SMMEs in South Africa are adapting to the challenges posed by the digital divide.