Digital Initiatives Research Articles

Evaluating the availability and accessibility of digital resources and services in public university libraries in Nigeria

The present study assesses the availability and accessibility of digital resources and services at the public university libraries in Nigeria. With the world being swept into the vortex of this digital revolution, the expected transformation in libraries includes embedding digital technologies to meet users’ needs. While huge investments are being made in such digital initiatives, there is, however, skepticism regarding accessibility, especially in a developing environment like Nigeria. The paper synthesizes the existing literature in order to establish the state of affairs relating to digital resources at these libraries, discusses the challenges faced including infrastructure, funding deficits, and user awareness, and assesses the effect these have on accessibility. The results portray a mixed picture, whereby some libraries are keen to improve their services in relation to digitization, while various obstacles limit full usage in most of them. The findings point out that strategic intervention on improving the availability and accessibility of digital resources, policy reform, increased funding, and training programs for users are necessary.

Enhancing Arbitration: Recent Developments in the UNCITRAL Working Group’s Efforts to Improve Efficiency and Quality.

In recent years, international arbitration has come under the microscope for its costs, lengthy processes, and perceived inefficiencies, sparking a worldwide push for reform. The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) has been proactive in tackling these issues through its Working Groups—especially Working Group II (Dispute Settlement) and Working Group III (Investor-State Dispute Settlement Reform). This paper delves into the latest developments in UNCITRAL’s ongoing efforts to improve both the efficiency and quality of international arbitration. The research kicks off by placing UNCITRAL’s role in the global arbitration scene into context, highlighting its significant influence in standardizing international legal norms. It then takes a closer look at specific reforms that UNCITRAL has introduced or proposed, such as the 2021 Expedited Arbitration Rules, advancements in procedural efficiency, digitalization initiatives, improvements in transparency, and new mechanisms for early dismissal and summary procedures. The study also considers the implications of UNCITRAL’s Code of Conduct for Arbitrators, which focuses on ethics, impartiality, and conflict-of-interest standards aimed at enhancing trust in arbitration processes. Emphasis is placed on the reform proposals from Working Group III, especially those concerning investor-state arbitration. This includes ideas like creating a standing multilateral investment court, establishing appellate mechanisms, and incorporating mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods to complement traditional arbitration. By analysing UNCITRAL documents, reports, and discussions, along with insights from arbitration professionals and academics, this paper assesses the potential of these reforms to tackle the main criticisms of international arbitration. It argues that while these reforms represent a significant step forward, their real-world success will depend on widespread acceptance, consistent application, and a careful balancing of stakeholder interests.

How Can We Promote Digital Transformation in College Libraries? A Study on Readers’ Intention to Adopt Digital Services

In the Industry 4.0 era, digital transformation is crucial for college libraries aiming to improve reader service quality. The current research proposes various digital transformation initiatives for college libraries but ignores readers’ willingness to use digital services, which is key to a successful digital transformation. To better help college libraries in their digital transformation, this study explores readers’ willingness to use digital services from a perceived benefit–risk perspective. Using structural equation modeling, it examines factors that influence this willingness, like readers’ attitudes, trust, perceived benefit, and perceived risk. The results show that perceived benefits positively affect the willingness to adopt, while perceived risks have a negative effect. Readers’ attitudes and trust indirectly influence this willingness by affecting their benefit–risk perceptions. This study is practically significant for guiding strategies to boost readers’ willingness to use digital services, offering valuable insights for universities in digital transformation complexity.

DIGITALIZATION IN ENTERPRISE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGY FORMATION: IMPACT AND TRANSFORMATIONAL POTENTIAL

This article investigates the transformative impact of digitalization on the performance management system of enterprises and the formation of their strategic directions in a rapidly changing economic environment. The authors offer a comprehensive theoretical and methodological justification for the integration of digital tools—such as ERP systems, KPI dashboards, BI platforms, and scenario-based planning software—into enterprise management architectures. The study highlights that digitalization is not merely a technical innovation but a fundamental driver of managerial paradigm shifts, facilitating the transition from traditional paper-based models to dynamic, real-time decision-making ecosystems. Particular attention is given to the role of data analytics, predictive modeling, and digital culture in enhancing enterprise adaptability, transparency, and strategic flexibility. Based on an in-depth analysis of recent research, the article identifies key phases of digital transformation, ranging from initial readiness assessment to the development of smart KPI frameworks and adaptive management strategies. Emphasis is placed on the systemic implementation of digitalization processes that align with strategic goals and organizational capabilities. The authors argue that successful digital transformation requires not only technological upgrades but also organizational change, staff upskilling, and the cultivation of analytical thinking as a core managerial competency. A conceptual model is proposed that encompasses five interrelated components: digital infrastructure, KPI analytics, strategic dashboards, adaptive control systems, and organizational digital culture. The study concludes that only those enterprises that approach digitalization as a comprehensive institutional reform—rather than isolated technological enhancement—can achieve sustainable improvements in performance and competitiveness. The practical value of the research lies in its guidance for managers on how to diagnose digital maturity, design integrated transformation strategies, and align digital initiatives with broader performance objectives.

Azure Edge Computing: Enhancing IoT Deployments with Microsoft Azure

Edge computing has become indispensable in the landscape of the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling immediate data processing at or near the data source, thereby reducing latency and enhancing operational efficiency. Microsoft Azure stands out among cloud service providers by offering a comprehensive suite of tools specifically designed for deploying edge computing solutions. Leveraging Azure IoT services and Edge modules empowers organizations to extend their computing capabilities from centralized cloud environments to the edge of their networks. The integration of Azure's Edge computing capabilities into IoT deployments addresses several critical aspects essential for modern digital ecosystems. Primarily, it facilitates processing data closer to its origin, which proves beneficial in scenarios requiring rapid responses, such as industrial automation, remote monitoring, and smart cities. This proximity minimizes latency and optimizes overall system performance by reducing bandwidth usage. Azure's versatile toolset supports a wide array of IoT applications, including predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, real-time analytics, and AI inferencing. These capabilities enable enterprises to derive actionable insights from data in near real-time, enhancing decision-making processes and operational agility.However, the adoption of Azure Edge computing presents challenges, particularly in managing edge devices distributed across various geographical locations. Robust security protocols, reliable connectivity solutions, and efficient device management strategies are crucial to ensure data integrity, scalability, and resilience. In summary, Azure's Edge computing solutions represent a significant advancement in IoT deployments, empowering organizations to achieve higher levels of operational efficiency and intelligence. Azure's commitment to innovation and its ecosystem of Edge computing tools position it as a key facilitator of next-generation digital transformation initiatives globally

Digitalisation of interorganisational communication in the East African food industry

ABSTRACT Despite rapid economic growth in East Africa, fragmented food logistics networks continue to hinder the region’s integration into international trade. While global advances in ICT have improved logistics efficiency elsewhere, their implementation in East Africa remains limited. This study fills a critical gap by examining interorganisational communication in East Africa’s food logistics networks through the qualitative analysis of 17 in‐depth interviews conducted in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Our analysis evaluates the use of concrete technologies – such as in‐person visits, phone calls, instant messaging, email, and digital platforms – and differentiates their implementation according to country, logistics network actor, target market, and type of product. Findings reveal a predominant reliance on basic ICTs while highlighting significant variations in digitalisation across contexts. These granular insights enable stakeholders to identify weak points in their logistics networks and develop targeted digitalisation initiatives to enhance efficiency and food security.

The Digital Silk Road: a strategic initiative in China’s multifaceted superpower quest

ABSTRACT This article explores the ways in which the Digital Silk Road Initiative promotes China’s superpower quest. This article is based on primary and secondary data and is framed within the qualitative research’s case study design. This article argues that the Digital Silk Road Initiative intensifies China’s superpower quest in three ways. First, by harnessing Chinese economic influence globally through expanding digital financial infrastructures, introducing long-term structural financial strategies and innovative frameworks. Second, the Digital Silk Road Initiative has the potential to revolutionize the Chinese security domain through alliance formation, mutual cyber-security cooperation and manufacturing dual-use machinery. Third, the Digital Silk Road Initiative is fostering China’s international relations through economic and cultural diplomacy, whereas incorporating digital legal platforms and smart contracts will be a paradigm shift. Also, the Digital Silk Road Initiative is more appealing worldwide due to its distinctiveness from the Belt and Road Initiative in the areas of larger geographic reach, stakeholders engagements and financial affordability. Notwithstanding, the Digital Silk Road Initiative must practice accountability and transparency, as it is exposed to the high tide of economic nationalism, digital competition and complex geopolitics to endure with China’s superpower quest.

How Analyst Attention Promotes Digital Transformation in Chinese Firms: The Moderating Role of CEOs’ Green Experience

In an era of global digitalization, understanding the drivers of corporate digital transformation is crucial for sustainable economic growth. This study examines the impact of analyst attention on the digital transformation of Chinese firms using a comprehensive dataset of 27,850 firm-year observations from 2010 to 2023. We employ regression analysis—including fixed effects, robustness checks, and instrumental variable approaches—to assess whether increased scrutiny from financial analysts influences the adoption of advanced digital technologies. Our empirical results reveal that heightened analyst attention significantly promotes digital transformation. Furthermore, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance partially mediates this relationship, while CEO green experience moderates it by amplifying the positive effect of analyst attention. These findings underscore the critical roles of external monitoring and leadership in driving digital initiatives and provide valuable insights for policymakers and corporate managers seeking to integrate sustainability practices into digital strategies.

Creative self-efficacy and innovative behaviour amidst the digital deluge: unravelling their nexus with autonomy and workplace civility

PurposeThe coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak has accelerated the pace of digital transformation, prompting a significant number of businesses to transition swiftly to online operations and remote sales, thus bringing an increase in the information and communication workload of employees. The potential negative psychological effects on individuals facing heightened job demands have been understudied. Thus, this study investigates digital transformation from the perspective of knowledge workers who contend with amplified information flows in their professional roles. Following the job demands-resources (JD-R) model, this study explores the relationship between information and communication overload and innovative behaviours of knowledge workers, mediated by creative self-efficacy.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilises an empirical research framework to collect data from a sample of 277 knowledge workers in Kuwait. Structural equation modelling was employed to examine and confirm the hypotheses of the research model.FindingsOur findings demonstrate that communication overload significantly enhances knowledge workers’ creative self-efficacy, thereby fostering innovative behaviour. Work autonomy negatively moderates the relationship between communication overload and innovative behaviour.Originality/valueThis study broadens the conceptualisation of job resources in the JD-R model to encompass workplace civility, thus providing insights for organisational policymakers on the overlooked individual psychological dimensions impacting knowledge workers’ engagement in digital transformation initiatives.

The Role of Human Resource Management in Facilitating Digital Transformation: A Focus on Employee Skills and Organizational Adaptability

The aim of this study is to determine the role of Human Resource Management (HRM) in advancing digital transformation in organisation while considering skill development among the work force and organisation adaptability. HRM plays important roles in hiring, training and leading the workforce in order to leverage technological changes and make those changes support their operations. The research investigates the difficulties encountered by HRM with the development of digital skills, for example resistance to change, skill gaps, as well as introduction of new technologies. It also examines HRM practices that can increase the organization’s organizational adaptability, including, agile learning initiatives, and flexible work arrangements. The findings of the study suggest that employee skills development is one of the key elements that influence the success of the digital transformation initiatives, and a digitally skilled workforce is essential for innovative development and advancement of business.

Contrasting insights: digital transformation through the lens of higher versus middle management

PurposeThis study explores clusters of leadership skills and behaviors in the context of continued management digitalization, assessing disparities in perceptions of higher and middle managers.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses group concept mapping, a mixed-methods approach that identifies groups’ comprehension of multifaceted phenomena to discover novel meaning. Participants were higher and middle managers from the Netherlands’ largest public organization.FindingsClusters of important leadership skills and behaviors included working remotely, digital technology, cooperation, personal leadership and general management. Both higher and middle managers ranked general management and personal leadership as most important, while clusters of cooperation and digital technology were least important. Average ratings of the clusters were greater among higher managers, with a statistically significant difference for clusters of cooperation and digital technology.Research limitations/implicationsThis qualitative study was limited by sample size, subjective data interpretation and single-source data collection. However, since leadership research rarely assesses differences between higher and middle managers, this study adds to the literature by assessing conceptions of managers’ leadership skills and behaviors in relation to digital transformation to deepen understanding of the topic and supplement extant studies.Practical implicationsHigher and middle managers’ operational and tactical agendas create complexities regarding organizational politics and competing interests. These dynamics affect the success of digital initiatives, emphasizing the need for strategies that foster alignment and collaboration.Originality/valueThis study is the first to investigate disparities between higher and middle managers, assessing conceptions of managers’ leadership skills and behaviors in relation to participant-driven digital transformation.

Designing knowledge-driven digitalization: novel recommendations for digitally supported multi-professional collaboration

IntroductionPalliative care is based on the principle of multi-professional collaboration, which integrates diverse competencies and perspectives to provide holistic care and support for patients and their relatives. In palliative care teams, there is an intensive exchange of information and knowledge; however, current documentation and hospital information systems often fall short of meeting the specific demands for effective collaboration and dynamic communication in this field.MethodsThis action design research study is based on the three-and-a-half-year interdisciplinary research project PALLADiUM and aims to demonstrate the added value of knowledge-driven digitalization.Results and discussionOur study provides novel recommendations for digitally supported multi-professional collaboration tailored to the specific requirements of palliative care and similar fields. Based on the analytical distinction between ‘information’ and ‘knowledge,’ we present design recommendations for co-creative, knowledge-driven development processes and multi-professional collaboration support systems. We further illustrate how these recommendations have been implemented into a functional technical demonstrator and outline how our results could impact future digitalization initiatives in healthcare.

Leveraging Technology for Environmental Sustainability in the Hospitality Sector: Innovations and Strategies

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates how technology supports environmental sustainability in the hospitality sector by examining key innovations such as energy management systems (EMS), innovative building technologies, AI‐driven waste management, water conservation techniques, and digital guest engagement platforms. While previous studies have explored individual technologies, a holistic understanding of how these solutions can be systematically integrated within the hospitality industry's operational framework is still lacking. Grounded in Institutional Theory, Resource‐Based View (RBV), and Diffusion of Innovation Theory, this study synthesizes existing literature to identify the drivers, barriers, and enablers of sustainable technology adoption. Findings reveal that technology adoption significantly reduces environmental impact, enhances cost efficiency, and improves operational performance, but financial, organizational, and regulatory barriers hinder widespread implementation. This study offers practical insights for industry leaders and policymakers by providing strategic recommendations to overcome these barriers. The research contributes to theoretical discourse by integrating multiple perspectives on sustainability‐driven technological change. Future research should explore empirical validation through case studies, investigate cross‐sectoral comparisons, and analyze consumer engagement with digital sustainability initiatives in hospitality.

ІДЕНТИФІКАЦІЯ СТРАТЕГІЧНИХ НАПРЯМІВ РОЗВИТКУ СИСТЕМИ ЕЛЕКТРОННОГО УРЯДУВАННЯ В КОНТЕКСТІ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ

The article identifies strategic directions for developing Ukraine’s e-governance system, emphasizing information security aspects. The author notes that the development of information society significantly transforms traditional approaches to public administration. E-governance acts as a critical tool that ensures transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness of public administration processes. However, the adoption of advanced information and communication technologies (ICT) simultaneously generates new cybersecurity challenges. The research analyzes the existing regulatory and legal framework, institutional structure, technological dimensions, digital literacy initiatives, and international collaboration efforts, highlighting their importance in building a robust information security ecosystem. The regulatory environment requires continuous updating and flexibility due to rapid technological advances and evolving cyber threats. Institutional modernization, particularly the creation of specialized cybersecurity units like CERT-UA and cybersecurity departments within the Ministry of Digital Transformation, significantly enhances the state's capabilities to address cyber threats effectively. Technological advancements enable rapid monitoring, threat detection, and innovative security management but also create dependencies on providers and risks related to software vulnerabilities. Digital literacy initiatives are essential for minimizing human-factor-related cyber threats, although their effectiveness demands a comprehensive and sustained educational approach. Finally, international cooperation is pivotal in sharing best practices and standards, despite challenges posed by political differences and varying state interests. The article concludes that future e-governance development in Ukraine should integrate a comprehensive, strategic approach emphasizing cybersecurity as an integral component of public administration.

Citizen Involvement in Urban Improvement: Problems and Solutions

Introduction. The indicators characterizing the degree of Russian citizens’ involvement in urban improvement and development add up to a contradictory picture. On the one hand, according to official data, public interest in this type of social activity is growing, the dynamics of quantitative indicators is positive. On the other hand, the level of trust in local governments is decreasing, and public activists are claiming insufficient involvement of citizens in urban improvement. The purpose of the study is to identify the main problems that reduce the level of involvement of Russian citizens in urban improvement and give recommendations for improving the practices of their participation in urban renewal. Materials and Methods. The study analyzed 28 sources published between the years of 2020 and 2024 and devoted to the issues of citizen involvement in urban improvement in Russia and abroad. The sources include articles taken from Russian electronic libraries and regulatory legal acts. Results. The analysis showed an increase in Russians’ interest in improving the urban environment and a potential for their substantive involvement in specific projects. A comparison of the best international practices with Russian approaches revealed a major problem of the quality of communication between city authorities and citizens. There are some practices in Russia that promote citizen involvement in one way or another, but they cannot compare with their foreign counterparts in terms of diversity, democracy and informality. Discussion and Conclusion. The basis for the growth of Russian citizens’ involvement in urban improvement and development is the de-bureaucratization of the existing communication mechanisms between all stakeholders and the expansion of the variety of relevant practices, such as digital, interactive and educational initiatives, developing partnerships and cooperation.

Generative artificial intelligence (ChatGPT) technology and its impact on the development of digital entrepreneurship skills among university students

This research aimed to study the impact of generative AI technology, specifically ChatGPT, on the development of digital entrepreneurship skills among university students. It explores how AI technologies can be integrated into higher education to develop core digital entrepreneurship skills, including innovation, creative thinking, and entrepreneurial initiative. A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving two groups of graduate students from the College of Education at King Khalid University. The experimental group was exposed to generative AI platforms (ChatGPT), while the control group was trained using traditional educational methods. To measure the impact, assessment tools, such as the Digital Entrepreneurship Scale and the Entrepreneurial Product Scorecard, were used before and after the intervention. The results indicated significant positive differences in favor of the group that used ChatGPT, demonstrating improved digital entrepreneurship skills and the ability to create pioneering digital products. Generative AI technologies provided a conducive environment for students to systematically organize their ideas, generate innovative solutions, and effectively analyze data. This research demonstrates that the integration of generative AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, into university curricula has a positive impact on the development of digital entrepreneurship skills. These technologies also enhance students' entrepreneurial mindset and innovative capabilities, helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and the practical requirements of the digital job market. Educational institutions should therefore integrate generative AI into their curricula and provide comprehensive training for faculty and students to maximize the benefits of these technologies. In doing so, universities can better prepare students for dynamic professional environments and foster sustainable and innovative digital entrepreneurship initiatives.

Impact of E-Governance on Social and Economic Development in Maharashtra (2024)

E-Governance has played a vital role in transforming Maharashtra’s administrative efficiency, public service delivery, and economic landscape in 2024. Research paper studies how digital governance initiatives have enhanced accessibility, transparency, and efficiency, driving social welfare and economic growth. Key developments, including policy reforms, digital infrastructure expansion, and emerging technologies, are analyzed to assess their impact on businesses, governance, and citizen engagement.

Strategic Sustainability Initiatives and the Circular Economy: Insights From Firm‐Level Targets, Board Dynamics, Stakeholder Pressure, and Digital Transformation

ABSTRACTThis study contributes to the literature on sustainability, innovation, and corporate governance by advancing the understanding of the circular economy (CE) through an analysis of firm‐level sustainability targets, board dynamics, stakeholder pressure, and digital transformation within firms in the MENA region. Drawing on resource‐based, stakeholder, and innovation theories, we developed models linking sustainability targets and board dynamics to CE performance, with stakeholder pressure as a mediator and digital transformation as a moderator. We tested these hypotheses using data from 647 publicly listed manufacturing companies in the MENA region, spanning 2010–2022. By employing robust econometric techniques, we found strong evidence that embedding sustainability incentives in executive compensation and implementing structured sustainability initiatives significantly enhance CE performance. Additionally, effective boardroom characteristics positively influence CE adoption, while stakeholder pressure mediates the relationship between sustainability targets, board dynamics, and CE performance. Similarly, digital transformation reinforces sustainability governance, strengthening the role of board dynamics and sustainability targets in driving CE adoption. Finally, our findings highlight regional and performance‐based differences in how MENA firms implement sustainability targets and board dynamics to influence CE outcomes. The results remain consistent after multiple robustness tests, including rolling window analysis, sensitivity analysis, and endogeneity tests. The findings emphasize the need for incentive‐driven policies that integrate CE principles into corporate governance, promote sustainability‐linked executive compensation, enhance board diversity, and support digital transformation initiatives. Policymakers should also standardize CE reporting frameworks to align with global sustainability commitments, ensuring transparency, accountability, and long‐term sustainability adoption.

Impact of HR Digitalisation on HR Transformation, HR Analytics and Artificial Intelligence: A Mediation Analysis

This study examines the relationships between key enablers of human resource (HR) digitalisation, specifically digital talent acquisition and e-learning management, HR analytics and artificial intelligence, with a focus on how HR transformation mediates these relationships. Grounded in the resource-based view (RBV) theory, the study posits that digital technologies serve as strategic resources that enhance HR capabilities and drive organisational transformation. Data were collected from 360 HR managers across various organisations in India, and the proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 4.0. Findings indicate positive relationships between digital talent acquisition and e-learning management on HR transformation, HR analytics and artificial intelligence adoption. Additionally, the study highlights the mediating role of HR transformation strategies in maximising the benefits of digitalisation, HR analytics and artificial intelligence within HR functions. These insights offer valuable guidance for organisations pursuing HR digitalisation initiatives and contribute meaningfully to understanding HR practices in the digital age.

Value of a Nationwide University Network in scaling up telemonitoring: a qualitative study

ObjectivesThe adoption and subsequent implementation of telemonitoring across university hospital settings is a challenging task. This study provides insight into the perceived value of using a nationwide network to support...