Information Communication Technology Tools Research Articles

Implementing a Web-Based Home Monitoring System within an Academic Health Care Network: Barriers and Facilitators to Innovation Diffusion

The practice of outpatient type 2 diabetes management is gradually moving from the traditional visit-based, fee-for-service model to a new, health information communication technology (ICT)-supported model that can enable non-visit-based diabetes care. To date, adoption of innovative health ICT tools for diabetes management has been slowed by numerous barriers, such as capital investment costs, lack of reliable reimbursement mechanisms, design defects that have made some systems time-consuming and inefficient to use, and the need to integrate new ICT tools into a system not primarily designed for their use. Effective implementation of innovative diabetes health ICT interventions must address local practice heterogeneity and the interaction of this heterogeneity with clinical care delivery. The Center for Connected Health at Partners Healthcare has implemented a new ICT intervention, Diabetes Connect (DC), a Web-based glucose home monitoring and clinical messaging system. Using the framework of the diffusion of innovation theory, we review the implementation and examine lessons learned as we continue to deploy DC across the health care network.

Utilization of Satellite Imaging and Information Communication Technology in Agricultural Information Dissemination in Nigeria

This study appraised the level of usage of satellite imaging and selected Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools by agricultural extension workers (EWs) in the North Central Zone of Nigeria. Specifically, information on usage of satellite imaging, personal skill ratings, and constraints faced by respondents in the usage of ICT equipment were gathered. Findings revealed that a majority of the respondents (97%) perceived themselves as incompetent in reading and interpreting satellite imaging for agricultural information dissemination. The study posited that government at various levels should assist in training EWs on digital compatibility.

Awareness And Use Of Information Communication Technologies Among Cattle Farmers In Oke-Ogun Area Of Oyo State

Increasing the access to information and augmenting the process of information exchange, Information Communication Technology (ICT) offers the potential to increase efficiency, productivity, competitiveness and growth in various business and social sectors. The study thus investigated the use of ICTs among cattle farmers in Oke-ogun Area of Oyo State. Snow ball technique was used to sample 75 cattle farmers from four randomly selected Local Government Areas in Oke-ogun area and structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on respondents’ personal characteristics, awareness of ICT, use of ICT components and messages in cattle management. Findings revealed that the most frequently used ICT components are telephone, radio, meetings/ workshop, television and camera with total frequency scores of 106, 100, 99, 48 and 47 respectively. On the other hand, ICT tools such as DVD (9), drama (12), internet (14) and computers (17) were the least frequently used in livestock management. Age and level of education had significant relationships with use of ICT (r = 0.353 and 0.612, p

Potential of Information Technology as a Tool for Transforming Indian Agriculture

The availability of prompt and reliable information about what is happening in the market significantly improves the decision making capability of the farmers and strengthens their bargaining power. Disseminating the information through various media like radio, newspapers, blackboard display and public address system at market yards is now turned history; as stale information is of no help to farmers in taking decisions concerning marketing of their produce. The information of prices, prevailing in other or nearby markets due to inability of Market Committees in disseminating the information in respect of their own markets, is a blunder to the extent, that it should be declared as cognizable offence, in the present era information revolution brought by convergence of all the technical tools available for information. All said and done, but all these inefficiencies ultimately force the farmer, due to their unawareness, to land into exploitative and uncaring death claws of stoic market forces. This Case Study cum Status Paper has compiled number of ways Information Communication Technology tools can be applied for transforming the Indian Agriculture. If the country has to win the battle for economic supremacy, then this will have to be done for changing the farmers’ destiny. They urgently need the real time information on many variables in full crop cycle, i.e., sowing to selling. The farmers are the food providers for any society; if they are sleeping hungry then none in the society can afford to be comfortable. The case further details the various initiatives and schemes launched by both, the Government of India as well as Corporate Sector, particularly those operating in niche area, sometimes called as Agribusiness or Food Business. The study is supposed to acquaint the student to basics on use of information technology in agriculture by making him understand the Need, Importance and Use of Information Communication Technology Tools, in transforming in transforming the face of agriculture. Author acknowledges the contribution provided in development of this case study or status paper, by the facilities provided by College of Agribusiness Management, Govind Ballabh Pant Krishi Evam Prodyogik Vishwa Vidyalaya, Pantnagar, U. S. Nagar, PIN 263145, Uttarakhand, India. Author takes the pleasure of thanking the Learned Dean of the College and Hon’ble Vice – Chancellor of the University for their Kind and benevolent administration, which facilitated the work of this nature. Author is also grateful to the people with vision and zeal for having developed good number of information communication technology models to penetrate even in most remote area, tn the endeavour to change the destiny Indian Farmers.

Perceived Effects Of Information Communication Technology Among Researchers, Extension Agents And Farmers In Nigeria

The agricultural macro production system consists of researchers, extension agents or sometimes described as technology transfer workers, and the farmers. This description implies that there is need for proper coordination and linkage among them and the linking commodity is information. The breakthrough in the information communication technology reveals the digital face of farming and thus making the practice of farming to be precision agriculture. In this way the use of sensors, digital application controllers, communication links, the global positioning system, computers and innovative software solutions to automatically match agricultural inputs and practices to variable local conditions within afield. A triangulation approach was used to determine the perceived effects of Information Communication Technology among researchers, extension agents and farmers in Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the different sets of respondents and information elicited through a structured questionnaire based on the existing level ofawareness of Information Communication Technology tools. The result shows that the use of Information Communication Technology was perceived to be of positive effect. This is based on the fact that digital tools could make farming more productive and environmentallybenign. However the constraints to the realization of this potential lie in the infrastructure availability, manpower development and the policy frame work for the implementatio.

Information communication technology: reform of organisational crisis management during natural disasters

Based on the trends within the last century of relative increases in global threats in the form of terrorist attacks, natural disasters, health pandemics and chemical and biological threats, it is imperative to test the robustness of current government crisis management capabilities. In conjunction with the growth in asymmetric threats, there has been a digital revolution in technology in relation to disaster response. Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools have key properties that are vital for traditionally 'inflexible' organisations managing modern risks and vulnerabilities. Lessons from past cases of major natural disasters in the UK and Turkey illustrate specific areas where emergency response agencies continuously exhibit weaknesses during response operations. Some of these limitations can be specifically targeted by means of technological solutions, while others need fundamental change to organisational design and policy making.

Does the Proposed European Procedure Enhance the Resolution of Small Claims?

This paper evaluates the impact which the proposed European Small Claims Procedure (ESCP) may have on the existing domestic Small Claims Procedures (SCPs), with a specific focus on the Irish, English and Spanish SCPs. Firstly, it reviews the present SCPs which are designed to deal with low cost disputes at a national level. Secondly, it considers the proposal for a regulation establishing a European Small Claims Procedure (ESCP). The proposed ESCP is predominantly a written procedure that deals with claims under 2,000 Euros in value arising in cross-border disputes within the EU. It provides enforcement of contested decisions in any of the Member States without the present need of going through the mutual recognition of judgments. The paper suggests that the ESCP in conjunction with Information Communications Technology tools have the potential to realise more efficient enforcement of consumers' rights. However, the optimal effectiveness of this proposal may be hindered by some of its own restrictions. This article advocates that using the ESCP as an optional procedure for domestic disputes will provide a useful instrument in those European Member States which lack SCPs and it will also remove national limitations where SCPs exist. It also argues that including the recognition procedure for uncontested claims will stop those who would intend to delay the enforcement of decisions. This paper suggests that the current economic limit should be raised given that this procedure may not be the best option for low monetary claims. This paper concludes suggesting that the use of online dispute resolution methods, such as online mediation, is a necessary complements to the ESCP and the existing SCPs.

The role of ICT in information seeking and use amongst research officers in research institutes in Nigeria: The nigerian institute for oceanography & marine research institute experience

Information Communication Technology (ICT) is on the lips of every nation of earth because it brings innovation into information seeking and knowledge acquisition. It is on this premise that this study is embarked upon to identify the roles ICT plays in information seeking and use amongst research officers in Research Institutes in Nigeria. The paper case studies the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Lagos using questionnaires, interviews, personal observation and examining relevant records. One hundred and seventy two research officers of the institute were sampled upon. The study examines awareness, use, exposure to ICT; role of ICT and improvements on ICT tools among other things. Results show that ICT plays an immense role in information sourcing, generation, processing, storage/retrieval, dissemination and even entertainment. Also, it shows that for ICT to be used optimally and maximally, there is need to have steady/regular power supply, workable/stable infrastructure and provision of more ICT tools and centres. Recommendations were made to the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide reliable sources of electricity and infrastructure or adapt the technology to local conditions and requirements (e.g. current/planned infrastructure). Manufacturers of ICT tools are urged to use non-radioactive materials in the manufacture of the tools. Other stakeholders should check for security and provide for more African sites.

The role of ICT in information seeking and use amongst research officers in research institutes in Nigeria: The nigerian institute for oceanography & marine research institute experience

Information Communication Technology (ICT) is on the lips of every nation of earth because it brings innovation into information seeking and knowledge acquisition. It is on this premise that this study is embarked upon to identify the roles ICT plays in information seeking and use amongst research officers in Research Institutes in Nigeria. The paper case studies the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Lagos using questionnaires, interviews, personal observation and examining relevant records. One hundred and seventy two research officers of the institute were sampled upon. The study examines awareness, use, exposure to ICT; role of ICT and improvements on ICT tools among other things. Results show that ICT plays an immense role in information sourcing, generation, processing, storage/retrieval, dissemination and even entertainment. Also, it shows that for ICT to be used optimally and maximally, there is need to have steady/regular power supply, workable/stable infrastructure and provision of more ICT tools and centres. Recommendations were made to the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide reliable sources of electricity and infrastructure or adapt the technology to local conditions and requirements (e.g. current/planned infrastructure). Manufacturers of ICT tools are urged to use non-radioactive materials in the manufacture of the tools. Other stakeholders should check for security and provide for more African sites.

Unions and cyber‐activism in South Africa

PurposeThe paper aims to present a historical overview of the use of information communications technology (ICT) tools and platforms, particularly e‐mail and the internet, as tools of cyber‐activism by the labour movement in South Africa. The paper also aims to give some consideration to constraints and challenges facing unions in the South Africa in the effective deployment of such cyber tools.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the experience of a participant observer, incorporating analysis of historical examples of the application of the key ICT tools, and supported by reference to relevant documentation and related literature. The use by unions in South Africa of e‐mail and the internet as tools of organisation and mobilisation is examined against the background of both access barriers and organisation constraints, and in relation to union strategies to address such challenges.FindingsDespite recognition by the South Africa labour movement of the possibilities of e‐mail, the internet and other tools of cyber‐activism, the ability of unions to exploit these tools has been limited, characterised by both successes and failures.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper has a relatively narrow focus on the experiences of specific unions in a single country, leading to conclusions which are not necessarily susceptible to generalisation. The lack of availability of both relevant primary documentation and secondary analysis makes it difficult to assess the accuracy of observations and conclusions.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests the possibilities and opportunities for unions in similar environments to exploit ICT tools, as well as the barriers and constraints facing their deployment.Originality/valueThe paper presents the analysis and reflections of a uniquely placed participant observer regarding how unions in South Africa have been able to exploit e‐mail and the internet as tools of cyber‐activism. The analysis reveals both possibilities and limitations of cyber‐activism in South Africa.