ICT Services Research Articles

Incorporation of software in the life cycle assessment of an ICT service: A case study of an ICT service for energy efficiency in the transport sector

AbstractInformation communication and technology (ICT) services and solutions can improve resource efficiency in a variety of sector, but also result in direct environmental impacts. This study assesses the direct environmental impacts of an ICT service that improves vehicle fuel efficiency using a cradle‐to‐grave life cycle assessment (LCA). This is one of the first studies to examine the entire life cycle of an ICT service from development to use and maintenance, with a focus on software—an aspect that is typically neglected in previous studies. The results suggest that software development and maintenance and the use of in‐vehicle communicators for data transmission have the largest environmental impacts across multiple categories. Deployed across a fleet of 150,000 vehicles over 5 years, we estimate that the ICT service is responsible for 174 tCO2e. However, this is negligible compared with the total emissions of the fleet and the potential savings from the service, given a single diesel vehicle in this fleet emits around 130 tCO2e over the same period. We explore several scenarios to reduce the footprint of the ICT service. The largest potential reduction of around one‐third is achieved by replacing in‐house servers with cloud computing in a data center located in a region with low‐carbon electricity. The study demonstrates how LCA can be used to assess the environmental impacts of ICT services and the importance of considering software in these assessments.

Financial Stability and Innovation: The Role of Non-Performing Loans

This study analyses the relationship between non-performing loans (NPLs) and innovation systems at a global level. The data were obtained from the World Bank and the Global Innovation Index over the period 2013–2022 for 149 countries. The k-means algorithm was used to verify the presence of clusters in the data. Since k-means is an unsupervised machine-learning algorithm, we compared the Silhouette coefficient with the Elbow method to find an optimization. The results show that the optimal number of clusters is three, as suggested using the Elbow Method. Furthermore, a panel data analysis was conducted. Results show that the level of NPLs is positively associated with cultural and creative services exports as a percentage of total trade and innovation input sub-index and negatively associated with the Hirsch Index, ICT services exports as a percentage of total trade, ICT services imports as a percentage of total trade, and information and communication technologies.

Strategic Management Model in Achieving Presidential Regulation on Electronic-Based Government System in Medan City Government

This research aims to determine the quality of public services through the Electronic-Based Government System (SPBE), as well as to know and analyze the Implementation of Strategies for Achieving PERPRES No. 95 of 2018 concerning SPBE in the Medan City Government. This research is important to obtain a Strategic Management Model in Achieving PERPRES No.95 of 2018 concerning SPBE in the Medan City Government. The research paradigm used is Constructivist Paradigm, with Qualitative Research Method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, discussions with several informants from the Medan City Office, DPRD, UPT Kecamatan, and community leaders. In addition, data was also collected through literature study, document study, and secondary data. The results showed the following: First, there is coordination between agencies in the development of application services. The coordination is conducted by the Diskominfo of Medan City Government. A number of Departments used external consultants in the development of SPBE. Diskominfo made new rules to address ICT service issues. The services use external programmers and experts and if an error occurs, the City Government is not responsible for the service. Secondly, Medan City Government conducted a Memorandum of Understanding with Tangerang City to collaborate and share resources through the innovation of E-Files application for correspondence needs. The use of shared correspondence applications by the Government in Tangerang City was adjusted based on the specific needs of each city. The platform used is the same, but with different application names, E-Files in Tangerang and Sarana in Medan. Third, there are 3 SPBE service providers in Medan City Government, including: Telkom (PT. Telekomunikasi Indonesia) for Kelurahan/Kecamatan, GDS (Global Digital Solusi) for Diskominfo and other OPDs, and TNC (Telemedia Network Cakrawala) for Medan City Office. Fourth, Medan City Government uses a Strategic Management Model that combines the Environmental Model with the Collaboration Model in developing the Achievement of PERPRES No.95/2018 on SPBE in Medan City Government. The Environmental Model/Flow emphasizes vertical and horizontal coordination between work units in Medan City Government. The Collaboration Model develops a strategy of collaborative cooperation with other local governments or state-owned/private enterprises.

E-Booster Uganda: towards an inclusive digital economy in Uganda through provision of ICT services to the underserved and unserved communities

E-Booster Uganda: towards an inclusive digital economy in Uganda through provision of ICT services to the underserved and unserved communities

Analyzing developmental strategies and the role of ICT in underdeveloped economies: implications for North Korea

We analyze developmental strategies in various sectors in countries with underdeveloped economies and their implications for North Korea. We investigate the development plans of four underdeveloped transitional economies during the 1990s using the World Bank’s engagement reports. We find an emphasis on energy, transportation, and agriculture in those countries, while development strategies in North Korea focused on ICT in addition to energy, transportation, and agriculture during the same period. Statistical regression analysis reveals that ICT has the greatest potential impact on economic growth. Historically, domestic and external constraints have limited the performance of North Korea’s ICT policy. However, we recommend that ICT should have high priority in North Korea’s strategic development plan for the following reasons: the socio-economic environment is changing; ICT service trade across borders has been increasing; the population is aging; and our analysis identifies disruptive

Healthcare professionals perceptions towards the determinants of effective emergency health care services in public health centres of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

IntroductionEmergency healthcare services enable early detection and life-saving interventions for time-sensitive acute injuries and illnesses. The aim of this paper was to assess health care professional's perception towards determinants of effective emergency healthcare services in public health centers of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2023. MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at public health centers in Addis Ababa with a sample of 422 study participants. Study participants were selected using simple random sampling techniques. To identify factors associated with the outcome variable, bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Variables having a p-value less than 0.05 in multi-variable logistic regression analysis were declared determinants of positive perception towards emergency medical services effectiveness. ResultsAmong the study participants, 76.3 % (95 % CI: 72.3, 80.6) had a positive perception towards the public health centers effectiveness in providing emergency healthcare services. Moreover, training (AOR: 4.05; 95 % CI: 1.97, 8.32), ICT service implementation (AOR: 6.55; 95 % CI: 3.37, 12.73), resource availability in the emergency department (AOR: 5.07; 95 % CI: 2.51, 10.25), and management support (AOR: 3.22; 95 % CI: 1.66, 6.25) were determinant factors associated with the perception of effectiveness in emergency medical care services. ConclusionNearly three-fourths of healthcare providers in Addis Ababa perceived that the emergency healthcare services were effective. Furthermore, training on patient service delivery, ICT service implementation, availability of resources in emergency departments, and management support were independent determinants of positive perception towards effective emergency healthcare services.

Factors of Dynamics of ICT Services Exports: The Case of Kazakhstan

The paper examines the trends in Kazakhstan’s export of information and communication technology services, which is currently one of the priorities of the country’s economic development.Aim and Tasks. Determining the impact of government spending, foreign investment and other significant factors on exports of ICT services; assessing the extent of this impact.Methods. Evaluation of the impact on the dynamics of ICT services export on the basis of comparative and correlation analysis, comprehensive analysis of the industry development indicators in the context of its export orientation, assessment of the impact on ICT services export of the factor of migration of companies and specialists from Russia in 2022–2023 and the resulting growth in the number of ICT sector enterprises with foreign capital.Results. It has been revealed that the influence of traditional factors on the export of ICT services by Kazakhstan, including state budget expenditures, gross inflow of foreign investments, and FDI stock in industries producing these services, has been insignificant or absent over the past decade. The maximum impact on the export of ICT services was caused by an increase in the presence of companies in the industry with the participation of foreign, primarily Russian capital, which occurred in 2022–23.Conclusions. The development of foreign trade activities in sectors of the economy with low initial indicators of export orientation may be more strongly influenced by non-traditional sporadic factors, such as migration of businesses and specialists in the case of the ICT sector in Kazakhstan, whereas traditional factors of their development, including government fostering and foreign investment may not be effective enough.

Combining the management of natural resources with the management of environmental resources: Modeling the impact of high-tech and ICT service export

The sustainable development of nations highly depends on the management of natural resources and their environment. Based on the above, we can establish that there is a practical solution the incorporation of natural resources and environmental management in the export sector of high-tech and ICT services working for sustainable development. The high-tech and ICT sectors, using technology and new business models, can solve many issues in the natural resources and environmental sectors. This paper examines Combining the management of natural resources with the management of environmental resources in China from 1990 to 2022 in the light of renewable energy consumption and ICT service exports as control variables. This study reveals that renewable energy consumption is positively associated with the management of natural resources and ICT service exports are positively related to the management of environmental resources. The implications of these results are the necessity for the co-management of natural and environmental resources in China and the opportunities for leading technologies to improve environmental management practices. One of the greatest troubles that climate change has brought is the production of natural resources. Policymakers can integrate natural resource management with exports of high-tech and ICT services to develop novel solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change, including creating early warning systems, disaster management technologies, and climate-smart agriculture. Also, policymakers can make more informed decisions and enforce impactful policies to achieve sustainable development goals through modeling and simulation.

The Influence of ICT Services Usage on Customer Satisfaction in Financial Institutions: A case of NMB bank – Lushoto branch

The Influence of ICT Services Usage on Customer Satisfaction in Financial Institutions: A case of NMB bank – Lushoto branch

Electronic Marketing Strategies and Customer Satisfaction of Commercial Banks in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

The study examined the relationship between Electronic Marketing Strategies and Customer Satisfaction of commercial banks in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The study adopted the correlation survey research design. The target population of this study comprised of 21 registered commercial banks in Port Harcourt, Rivers State gotten through the Central Bank of Nigeria. Given a population of 21 banks which is less than thirty (30), the study adopted a census approach and undertook a study of the entire 21 banks with a focus on the staff (ICT personnel, Service Managers and Business Development Managers). To generate data for the study, sixty-three (63) copies of the questionnaire were given to the twenty-one (21) registered Banks in the frame of three (3) copies per bank. The questionnaire was structured on a four (4) point Likert scale. The data collected through the questionnaire were analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. From the bivariate analysis carried out, it was discovered that electronic marketing strategies showed a significant relationship with customer satisfaction of commercial banks in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. It was revealed that content marketing showed a very strong and significant relationship with customer retention of commercial banks in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Also, e-mail marketing showed a moderate and significant relationship with customer retention of commercial banks in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The study concludes that electronic marketing strategies are significant predictors of customer satisfaction of commercial banks in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The study recommends that banks should create content on various social media platforms as this would increase customer retention and they should adopt e-mail marketing in reaching out to customers. This would increase customer patronage and retention.

Gamification Approach to Provide Support About the Deferral Experience in Blood Donation: Design and Feasibility Study.

Multiple studies have examined the impact of deferral on the motivation of prospective blood donors, proposing various policies and strategies to support individuals who undergo this experience. However, existing information and communications technology systems focused on blood donation have not yet integrated these ideas or provided options to assist with the deferral experience. This study aims to propose an initial gamified design aimed at mitigating the impact of the deferral experience by addressing the drivers of awareness and knowledge, interaction and validation, and motivation. Additionally, the study explores the feasibility of implementing such a system for potential users. We conducted a literature review focusing on the dynamics of motivation and intention related to blood donation, as well as the deferral situation and its impact on citizens. Through this review, we identified weak donor identity, lack of knowledge, and reduced motivation as key factors requiring support from appropriate interventions. These factors were then defined as our key drivers. Taking these into account, we proposed a gamification approach that incorporates concepts from the MDA framework. The aim is to stimulate the aforementioned drivers and expand the concept of contribution and identity in blood donation. For a preliminary evaluation, we designed a prototype to collect feedback on usability, usefulness, and interest regarding a potential implementation of our proposed gamification approach. Among the participants, a total of 11 citizens interacted with the app and provided feedback through our survey. They indicated that interacting with the app was relatively easy, with an average score of 4.13 out of 5 when considering the 11 tasks of interaction. The SUS results yielded a final average score of 70.91 from the participants' answers. Positive responses were received when participants were asked about liking the concept of the app (3.82), being likely to download it (3.55), and being likely to recommend it to others (3.64). Participants expressed positivity about the implementation of the design but also highlighted current shortcomings and suggested possible improvements in both functionality and usability. Although deferral is a common issue in blood donation, there is a missed opportunity in existing ICT services regarding how to effectively handle such experiences. Our proposed design and implementation seem to have captured the interest of prospective users due to its perceived positive usefulness and potential. However, further confirmation is needed. Improving the design of activities that currently rely heavily on extrinsic motivation elements and integrating more social components to create an enhanced activity loop for intrinsic motivation could further increase the value of the proposed project. Future research could involve conducting a more specialized and longitudinal design evaluation with a larger sample size.

Availability and Utilization of ICT Facilities in Teaching and Learning of Agricultural Sciences at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania

This study examined the availability and utilization of ICT facilities in teaching and learning of agricultural sciences at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). The study adopted a descriptive survey design and the population of the study comprised of 65 instructors from the College of Agriculture (CoA), 4 Heads of Department and the Head of ICT services at the university. A list of instructors with a minimum of ten or more years in teaching from the CoA was used to develop a sampling frame and all research respondents were purposively selected. The interview schedule and questionnaire with a reliability of 0.89 were employed as means of data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively while qualitative data were analyzed based on themes. The study revealed that most of the ICT facilities were found to be available at the university but they were inadequate to accommodate the number of instructors present at the respective departments. The study further revealed that the extent of utilization was moderate with some of the ICT facilities being over utilized while others were being underutilized. Therefore, it is recommended that the university administration should improve the ICT infrastructure at the departmental level, offer professional development programs that focus on enhancing instructors' technological proficiency and advocate for sufficient resource allocation at both the university and departmental levels to meet the growing demands of instructors and students.

A Comparative Study on the International Competitiveness of Digital Trade between China and Malaysia: A Diamond Model Approach

This study examines the international competitiveness of digital trade between China and Malaysia using Michael Porter's Diamond Model. The Diamond Model, which focuses on four key determinants—factor conditions, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, and firm strategy, structure, and rivalry—serves as the analytical framework for this comparative analysis. In assessing factor conditions, the study evaluates the digital infrastructure, human capital, and technological innovation capabilities in both countries. Demand conditions are analyzed through consumer behaviors, market size, and the growth rate of the digital economy. The presence and strength of related and supporting industries, such as e-commerce platforms, fintech, and ICT services, are considered to understand their role in enhancing digital trade competitiveness. The study also examines firm strategies, government policies, and the competitive environment that shape the digital trade landscape in China and Malaysia. Findings suggest that China demonstrates a higher level of competitiveness in digital trade, driven by its advanced digital infrastructure, robust innovation ecosystem, and large, tech-savvy consumer base. Malaysia, while showing significant progress, particularly in regulatory frameworks and digital adoption, faces challenges related to scale and innovation intensity. The study highlights the need for Malaysia to invest in digital skills development and innovation to enhance its competitiveness. The comparative insights derived from this study aim to inform policymakers and business leaders on strategic initiatives to bolster digital trade capabilities and foster sustainable economic growth in the digital era.

Does gender of firm ownership matter? Female entrepreneurs and the gender pay gap

We examine how the gender of business owners is related to the wages paid to female relative to male employees working in their firms. Using Finnish register data and employing firm fixed effects, we find that the gender pay gap is—starting from a gender pay gap of 11 to 12%—two to three percentage points lower for hourly wages in female-owned firms than in male-owned firms. Results are robust to how the wage is measured, as well as to various further robustness checks. More importantly, we find substantial differences between industries. While, for instance, in the manufacturing sector, the gender of the owner plays no role in the gender pay gap, in several service sector industries, like ICT or business services, no or a negligible gender pay gap can be found, but only when firms are led by female business owners. Businesses with male ownership maintain a gender pay gap of around 10% also in the latter industries. With increasing firm size, the influence of the gender of the owner, however, fades. In large firms, it seems that others—firm managers—determine wages and no differences in the pay gap are observed between male- and female-owned firms.

Location choice of foreign direct investment in technical KIBS in China: impact of human capital and intellectual property rights protection

PurposeThis study considers the “technology creation” characteristic of technical knowledge-intensive business services (T-KIBS) and examines how human capital and intellectual property rights (IPR) protection affect the location choice of foreign direct investment (FDI) in China for two types of T-KIBS: (1) information transmission, software and information technology (ICT) services and (2) scientific research and technology (SCI) services.Design/methodology/approachOur empirical analysis is based on panel data on 22 Chinese provinces from 2009 to 2017. We use the generalized method of moments estimation for the regression analysis.FindingsFDI in ICT services prefers regions with high human capital, while FDI in SCI services favors regions with good IPR protection.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could use more comprehensive data and qualitative interviews to enhance the findings.Practical implicationsThese findings provide a foundation for China’s future policy on attracting FDI into T-KIBS, especially in areas related to human capital and IPR protection.Originality/valueThis study bridges the research gap on the FDI location choice of T-KIBS in China by clarifying the influences of human capital and IPR protection and providing theoretical support for the location choice of T-KIBS FDI.

MEDINA Catalogue of Cloud Security controls and metrics: Towards Continuous Cloud Security compliance.

In order to address current challenges on security certification of European ICT products, processes and services, the European Comission, through ENISA (European Union Agency for Cybersecurity), has developed the European Cybersecurity Certification Scheme for Cloud Services (EUCS). This paper presents the overview of the H2020 MEDINA project approach and tools to support the adoption of EUCS and offers a detailed description of one of the core components of the framework, the MEDINA Catalogue of Controls and Metrics. The main objective of the MEDINA Catalogue is to provide automated functionalities for CSPs' compliance managers and auditors to ease the certification process towards EUCS, through the provision of all information and guidance related to the scheme, namely categories, controls, security requirements, assurance levels, etc. The tool has been enhanced with all the research and implementation works performed in MEDINA, such as definition of compliance metrics, suggestion of related implementation guidelines, alignment of similar controls in other schemes, and a set of self-assessment questionnaires, which are presented and discussed in this paper.

ICT service exports and CO2 emissions in OECD countries: the moderating effect of regulatory quality

ICT service exports and CO2 emissions in OECD countries: the moderating effect of regulatory quality

Foreign Trade of Ukraine’s ICT Sector: state and prospects

The article analyses the dynamics, features and structure of foreign trade of the ICT sector of Ukraine in 2008-2022, focusing on the exports and imports of ICT goods and services. It has been determined that the commodity structure of Ukraine’s ICT sector exports is dominated by communication equipment and consumer electronics, and that Ukraine mainly exported ICT goods to European countries, in particular to Hungary, Russia, Moldova, and Austria. At the same time, Ukraine imported the most communication equipment, as well as computer and peripheral equipment, mainly from China and Vietnam. The study of dynamics showed a long-term trend of decreasing exports and increasing imports of ICT goods by Ukraine. Additionally, the trade balance and indices of international trade in ICT goods showed a low level of specialization of Ukraine in the production and export of ICT goods. Having examined the structure of Ukraine's ICT services exports, we found that computer services predominate. The main importers of ICT services from Ukraine include the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Malta, and other countries. In addition, it has been determined that technology companies from countries that import ICT services from Ukraine have gradually opened their own R&D centres in Ukraine. The study of the dynamics of foreign trade in ICT services during 2008-2022 showed a constant upward trend in the volume and share of ICT services in Ukraine's exports of services. In addition, the calculation of the trade balance and international trade indices for 2008-2022 showed a high level of specialization and competitiveness of ICT services in the Ukrainian economy. The article identifies the main factors and reasons that influenced the trends in foreign trade of the ICT sector of Ukraine. Finally, three possible scenarios for the development of Ukraine's ICT sector over the next few years were outlined.

Mapping Cloud Based Facilities for Academic Use

The pay-as-you-use service model is one of the key factors for the success of cloud computing paradigm: resources are used only when needed and charged on basis of their actual usage. There are ICT services through cloud which are even provided free to educational institutions and institutions can benefit from these services. Universities necessarily do not have enough resources to spend on subscribing or establishing ICT facilities but these facilities are essential for improving the way faculty & student interact, communicate, and carry research activities. Faculty, staff and students have access to services like institutional email, 1 TB drive space, Office applications free which otherwise require purchased licenses. In this paper, the different free services provided for educational use are discussed, analysed for perception of its adoption. Further, case study of these services implemented at university of Kashmir has been chosen as the research methodology to discuss and demonstrate the educational cloud services. According to the results, clear understanding and operational ease, high reliability, ease of accessibility with no financial implications is achieved. This guarantees the desired performance level and minimises the expenditure otherwise to be incurred on setting up or subscribing to such services

노인맞춤돌봄서비스 현장에서 ICT 활용과 사회복지 종사자의 전문가 윤리 기반 실천경험 연구

The use of science and technology and ethical considerations have recently been applied to the field of social welfare, and professional ethics for social welfare workers is emerging as a major task. In order to actively reflect these changes of the times, the ‘Korean Code of Ethics for Social Workers’ was revised in 2023 to strengthen the scientific and technological ethical standards of social workers. This study explored the meaning and limitations of social worker professional ethics for dedicated social workers who provide ICT services, focusing on customized care services for the elderly. In addition, directions for the use of science and technology and the professional development of social workers were proposed. To conduct this research In-depth interviews were conducted with five social workers working in customized care services for the elderly and analyzed using a qualitative case study method. As a result of the study, it was analyzed that 1) “Recognition of the need for training related to the use of ICT care devices and insufficient ethics education system”, 2) “Ethical issues that prevent workers from developing expertise and expanding services related to the use of ICT”, 3) “Ethical issues due to the structure of ICT safety support services that require sacrifices of workers”, 4) “Ethical issues due to personal information protection infringement and absence of alternative services that occur when responding to safety support”, 5) “Providing ICT devices with low technological acceptability to clients It was analyzed as an “ethical problem that arises from its use.”Based on the results of this study, policy and practical approaches and alternatives were presented to improve social welfare expertise related to the use of science and technology.