Information Communication Technology Adoption Research Articles

The Potential and Challenges of Using ICT as a Vehicle for Rural Communication as Characterised by Smallholder Farmers

Agricultural extension is a communication network linking different stakeholders in agriculture to improve their productivity and Information Communication Technology (ICT) has been utilised as an extension tool for enhancing information flow between agricultural extension services and their clients. The application of ICT in agricultural extension and rural development has significantly increased in several countries where it has provided an adequate access to agricultural information. Efforts are, therefore, needed to scale up investments in physical ICT infrastructure and services across developing country. This could be realised through the implementation of interventions aimed at speeding up assimilation and adoption of improved agricultural technology and management practices of the less productive smallholder farmers. Drawing on relevant published works, this paper argues that agricultural knowledge and information management within an extension system can improve productivity of smallholder farmers. The role of ICTs in agricultural extension is discussed together with its challenges towards the improvement of productivity among smallholder farmers. Smallholder farmers need to develop and utilize ICT based knowledge management techniques to implement strategies and interventions to transform the agricultural sector and improve their productivity. Agricultural extension is the ideal mechanism that can facilitate the introduction and subsequent adoption of ICTs for effective knowledge and information management.

Replicating Routines through ICTs: Enacting Complementary Patterns of Augmentation and Adjustment

The replication of routines has been a central theme explaining the rapid expansion of service deliveries. The adoption of information communication technologies (ICTs) provides an opportunity to r...

Engaging through technology: the role of administrative culture and mandates

ABSTRACT Although information communication technologies (ICTs) offer new possibilities for civic engagement, governments have had limited success enacting ICTs to promote participation. We investigate how administrative culture and formal institutions are related to adoption and use of ICTs for bureaucratic and participatory purposes. Using data from a national survey of U.S. municipal departments, we find that prioritizing bureaucratic over participatory values is negatively related to the adoption of ICTs and use for participation. Legal mandates increase adoption but not use for participation. The findings show the critical role of administrative culture and raise questions about using legal mandates to promote participation.

Extension Officers’ Adoption of Modern Information Communication Technologies to Interact with Farmers of Trinidad

The Ministry Extension struggled to provide adequate services to Trinidadian farmers because of a reliance on top-down methods. Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been touted as an effective and efficient way to serve farmers in the Caribbean. This study sought to describe the factors affecting Ministry Extension officers’ decisions to adopt text messaging via Short Messaging Service (SMS) to communicate with farmers. The Diffusion of Innovation theory guided this study, and data were collected from a census of Extension officers in the Ministry Extension service. Results showed most Extension officers used voice calls and SMS to communicate with farmers. Many Extension officers who did not use ICTs were willing to use multimedia messaging, SMS, electronic mail (email), voice calls, and social media to interact with farmers. Extension officers were accustomed to using text messaging, saw the benefit of using SMS to communicate with farmers, and were confident in their ability to use SMS for farmer interactions. However, results indicated a lacking policy environment for SMS use, and limited support existed from peers and supervisors to use SMS to interact with farmers. Findings showed most Extension officers perceived farmers can use mobile telephones to make calls, send text messages, and use multimedia messaging. This implies Extension officers were aware of the potential for using a variety of ICTs to engage with farmers. However, internal policies and administrative support are critical to their adoption of ICTs for farmer interactions in Extension.

Factors Affecting ICT Use in Health Communication among the Older Population in Jiangsu, China

AbstractWe examined the status of information communication technology (ICT) use among the older population in China and investigated their use of ICT in health communication and the factors that impacted their ICT adoption. A total of 215 people who were 45 or older participated in the study. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data on the participants’ social demographic characteristics, health condition, ICT use and ICT-based health communication activities. The data were analyzed using Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, univariate logistic regression and multiple logistic regression. The results showed that 38.1 % of the participants reported being in a good health while 14.9 % were living with no chronic disease. The utilization of ICT was low, especially for computer and digital monitor devices. Only 4.7 % of the participants reported seeking health information online via computer and 7.4 % seeking health information using their cellphone, while 32 % and 14.9 % of the participants contacted healthcare providers or other patients via cellphone. Findings suggest a digital divide exists between the older population and other age groups in China. The older population need to increase the use of digital monitor devices and other ICT to facilitate their self-management process for healthcare purposes. eHealth literacy should be promoted among the older population to increase the adoption and use of ICT in health communication. Future intervention program developers and service providers should tailor their products and services to benefit the older population, especially those with low incomes, limited education and little experience of using ICT.

CHALLENGES OF ADOPTION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AMONG EMPLOYEES OF EBONYI STATE UNIVERSITY, ABAKALIKI-NIGERIA

Ponte Academic JournalMar 2019, Volume 75, Issue 3 CHALLENGES OF ADOPTION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AMONG EMPLOYEES OF EBONYI STATE UNIVERSITY, ABAKALIKI-NIGERIAAuthor(s): Nwele Anaemelechi O. ,Ezekwe Emmanuel A.J. Ponte - Mar 2019 - Volume 75 - Issue 3 Abstract:The study examined constraints of adoption of information & communication technology (ICT) among employees of local government areas for sustainable development in Ebonyi State-Nigeria. The study employed content analysis approach to achieve the objectives of the study. The study sought to ascertain the degree of constraints of adoption of ICT among the employees of local government areas in Ebonyi State. However, it is hypothetical that adoption of ICT can propel sustainable development in local government areas of Ebonyi State. Dwelling on the gains that timely exchange of information, relevant data management at the local government area in provision of service at the grass root may be hampered because of underutilization of ICT facilities among employees and competition will continue to be a nightmare without the adoption of ICT. In order to have a good foundation upon which the study rest, technology adoption theory propounded by Everett Rogers (2003) theories of Innovation and Diffusion was adopted. The major interest of the theory is to elucidate the irresistible power of ICT to propel sustainable development in local government areas of Ebonyi State. Following from the assumption of the theory and its focus the constraints of adoption of ICT emerged. It is the findings of the study that power, competence and funding have continued to be recurrent decimal. Consequently, the study recommends that administrators of local government may explore the opportunities of adoption of ICT in order to achieve sustainable development in local government areas of Ebonyi State. Download full text:Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution Username Password

Factors influencing the adoption of information communication technology (ICT): In selected, rated, hotels in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Factors influencing the adoption of information communication technology (ICT): In selected, rated, hotels in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Dynamic capabilities of a smart city: An innovative approach to discovering urban problems and solutions

With the recent increase in urban population worldwide, and the emergence of big data analytics, there is a growing interest in research on how cities are actively reconstructing themselves into a smart and sustainable city. Research studies have shown that the smart city system primarily focuses on integrating three components: economic, environmental, and social. The social component includes participatory democracy with citizen engagement. In many cases, smart cities focus on discovering answers for various urban problems through the adoption of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) designed to collect citizen feedback, or provide knowledge resources that can improve the quality of urban life. However, there are very few studies that attempt to close the information loop and link problems to solutions in one, unified framework. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate such a unified approach. Using the theoretical lens of dynamic capabilities, we expand the definition of a smart city to include the notion of an urban organization with dynamic capabilities, which operates within cycles of ‘sense’, ‘seize’, ‘align’, and ‘transform’ functions. Our case study focuses on the ‘sense’ and ‘seize’ steps, describing a medium-size city in Texas, where an open-ended survey is used as a collection instrument for citizen input and concept-based analytics are employed to convert such input into actionable insights. Our approach has the potential to assist policy makers in designing a comprehensive strategy toward the goal of the smart city.

To Study the Benefits of Information Communication Technology Adoption in Construction Project Management

To Study the Benefits of Information Communication Technology Adoption in Construction Project Management

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FACTOR INFLUENCE ICT ADOPTION: A CASE of INDONESIAN SMEs

The using of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the industry is growing fast. Ne­ver­theless, Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia do not follow these conditions. The in­fluen­cing factor of ICT adoption has been identified as internal and external factors. Accordingly, the objective of the study is to identify the influence factor of using ICT adoption in Indonesian SMEs. The conceptual model in this study was the combination between Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory and The Technology-Or­ganization-Environment (TEO) theory. The survey method for 146 SMEs selected conve­nient­ly in Indonesia. The distribution of data by online and data obtained is analysed using SEM/Smart-PLS program. The study has exogenous variable including technology, organization, mana­ge­rial charac­te­ris­tic, and envi­ron­ment. The endogen variable is ICT adoption. The research found that ICT used was pre­dic­ted by charac­teristic of management, organizational and technology.

Factors that influence teachers’ adoption and integration of ICT in teaching/learning process

Information communication technology (ICT) is becoming increasingly important in our daily lives and in our educational system. There is a growing demand on educational institutions to use ICT to teach the skills and knowledge students need for the digital age. The adoption and integration of ICT into teaching and learning environment provides more opportunities for teachers and students to work better in a globalised digital age. ICT has the potential to play an increasingly important role in education be it in classroom, administration and online instruction or other activities. There is tremendous potential for teachers and students to harness the power of ICT to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that may influence teachers’ decision to adopt and integrate ICT in teaching and learning process. The study is chosen because of the strategic importance of ICT in education in general and particularly, its great potential, to transform the ways in which teaching is carried out in the classroom. It provides opportunities for greater flexibility, interactivity and accessibility for engaging teaching and learning at the individual, group and societal levels. There are a lot of studies in the area, but very little empirical research has been conducted to examine this phenomenon from the teachers perceptive. In order to achieve the study objectives, in-depth case studies, conceptualised within the grounded theory method will be used to generate thick description and explanation of the phenomenon. The diffusion theory and the technology acceptance model will provide the theoretical foundation for this study.

ICT Adoption Impact on Students’ Academic Performance: Evidence from Saudi Universities

This study investigates and explores the adoption of information communication technology by the universities and the impact it makes on the university students’ academic performance. The study also examines the moderators’ effect of gender, GPA, and student majors on the relationship between ICT and academic achievement. By using a quantitative research approach and a sample size of 1000 students, data were collected about the ICT adoption in universities and the relative performance of students belonging to four Saudi universities. Structure equation modelling was chosen to determine the validity of the research model. The Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS), specially used for structural equation modelling and path analysis, was used as the research tool. The findings reveal that there exists a relationship between ICT adoption and academic performance in a conservative environment. An additional finding also stated that ICT adoption resulted in the improvement of the performance of female students more than the male. However, students’ IT major was found to be making no impact on students’ academic achievement. A discussion of findings, limitations, and suggestions for future research has been provided in the study. Finally, it also provides implications of the current study to the existing knowledge.

Drivers and deterrents of information communication technologies adoption by Zimbabwean tour operators

Tour operators in developing countries have not fully embraced the use of information communication in their business operations. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that drove Zimbabwean tour operators to adopt ICTs in their operations and those that inhibited them to do so. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to gather data for the study. The findings showed that the key driver for information communication technologies adoption was the need to be competitive. The findings further showed that the main deterrent to ICT adoption by tour operators was the cost of initial capital. It is recommended that the government of Zimbabwe creates a tourism revolving fund which will enable tour operators to access affordable funds for their capital expenditure.

Drivers and deterrents of information communication technologies adoption by Zimbabwean tour operators

Tour operators in developing countries have not fully embraced the use of information communication in their business operations. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that drove Zimbabwean tour operators to adopt ICTs in their operations and those that inhibited them to do so. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to gather data for the study. The findings showed that the key driver for information communication technologies adoption was the need to be competitive. The findings further showed that the main deterrent to ICT adoption by tour operators was the cost of initial capital. It is recommended that the government of Zimbabwe creates a tourism revolving fund which will enable tour operators to access affordable funds for their capital expenditure.

Information and Communication Technology Adoption in SMEs in Sri Lanka; Current level of ICT Usage and Perceived Barriers

Information communication technology (ICT), considered as one of the major impacts of organizational performance and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), plays a significant role in the Sri Lankan economy as a strategic partner. Thus, the article examines current levels of ICT usage and perceived barriers to ICT adoption in SMEs in Sri Lanka. The findings revealed that despite the majority of respondents using IT for essential functions, they lacked proper internal IT infrastructures, personal motivation, had internet connection issues, trust issues, and lack of knowledge. These factors were identified as the perceived barriers to ICT adoption in SMEs in Sri Lanka. Data was collected from 67 SME owners from Sri Lanka, except the North province, in November 2016. The findings offer valuable insights to policy makers in general and to the SME owners. The methodology, implications, and suggestions are also discussed.

Understanding factors influencing information communication technology adoption behavior: The moderators of information literacy and digital skills

Digital inequality is one of the most critical issues in the “information age”, few studies have examined the social inequality in information resources and digital use patterns. In the rural areas, such information communication technology (ICT) facilities could not guarantee that users can easily access information technology and overcome the so-called “digital divide.” This research aims to discover the psychological factors that influence information and communication technology (ICT) adoption behavior, as well as confirm whether “information literacy” and “digital skills” have moderator effects in the research model. Using a survey of 875 participants and a structural equation modeling approach, we find that task characteristics and social interaction improve media richness, media experience, and media technostress, which in turn enhance ICT adoption behavior. The proposed theoretical model shows that the impact of ICT adoption behavior is moderated by information literacy and digital skills. The findings of this research can offer guidelines for policy makers and educators who evaluate a community's ICT adoption behavior so as to provide proper access to ICT and promote its visibility by incorporating ICT in educational activities.

Internet-Based ICT Usage By South African SMEs: The Barriers Faced By SMEs

Previous research estimates that 8 out of 10 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) do not operate for more three years (Mason 2015). According to OECD ([sa]), the major problems encountered by SMEs relate to financing and regulatory burdens. However, with information technology, SMEs are able to narrow the information gap, which leads to improved strategies and decision making (OECD [sa]). In today’s competitive world, information communication technology (ICT) is recognized as a crucial success factor for SMEs. ICT refers to the accessing and communication of information using various technologies such as the internet, wireless networks and cellphones (TechTerms 2010). This research study investigates SMEs’ perception of the barriers in adopting ICT in the South African context. The objective of this paper is to determine ICT adoption and the perceived barriers associated with it among South African SMEs. A review of ICT within an SME context is examined. Through judgement sampling, a questionnaire was distributed to gather the responses of 90 SMEs. The most important barriers that were highlighted by the results of the study are the high cost of ICT systems as well as the lack of knowledge to maintain and use ICT. The challenge is to ensure that South African SMEs continue to increase the adoption of ICT. It is envisaged that by determining the barriers they face and providing recommendations as to how they can overcome these barriers, this research will assist SMEs to become more successful, as they play a vital role in the South African economy.

Effects of Information Communication Technology (ICT) On Collection of Premium a Case of Jubilee Insurance Company in Uashin Gishu County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on collection of premium by jubilee insurance companies’ profitability. This study was guided by the following research questions: What are the factors that influenced the Jubilee Insurance to adopt the use of ICT in collection of premiums? How has this collection contributed to profitability of the insurance? To what extent does ICT affect the remittance of low- income households and micro-enterprises? This study adopted an ex-post facto research design; with target population of 105 consisting of branch manager, unit level managers, supervisors and sales agents. A sample of 45 was selected using simple random sampling procedure. With structured questionnaire, interview guide and observation as the main instrument of collecting primary and secondary data respectively. The study found that a positive correlation exists between ICT adoption and insurance companies’ profitability in Kenya. The results also show that: ICT adoption is not a substitute for effective regulation of the insurance industry. The study concluded that, there is a positive relationship between ICT adoption and insurance companies’ profitability in Kenya. Based on the findings the study made the following recommendations; Jubilee insurance company should steam line the organization structure in the line with ICT, A company should recruit employees with the necessary knowledge and skills in ICT know how. The company should engage in campaign to create awareness among policy holder on ICT.

Patterns and Profiles of Information and Communication Technology Use by Older Adults

Abstract Date Presented 4/7/2016 An examination of 453 older adults’ use of information communication technology (ICT) is presented. Analysis of survey data of ICT use, technology experiences, and psychosocial and dispositional correlates of ICT adoption and use are identified. A socioecological model is proposed to inform ICT training. Primary Author and Speaker: Kerryellen Vroman Contributing Author: Sajay Arthanat

USE OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES BY ZIMBABWEAN TOUR OPERATORS IN BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Information communication technologies (ICTs) are a tool that is used by a large number of stakeholders in the tourism industry for product distribution and transacting. This is a result of the development of technology and a response to changes in customer purchasing behaviour. The study aimed at determining the ICT adoption and use by Zimbabwean tour operators. The qualitative research method was used through face –to- face interviews with key informants from the tourism industry. The study revealed that the majority of tour operators had not adopted information communication technologies in their business operations. This was a result of a number of factors for example, lack of knowledge about ICTs, limited information communication technologies infrastructure in the country and lack of appropriate government policies on ICTs. The study concluded that if the tour operators continue to use the current outdated business models the enterprises will gradually decline and close down. It is recommended that the government implements training programmes that are aimed at improving the tour operators’ knowledge about the role that ICTs play as part of a business strategy as well as improving their general knowledge about the tourism industry. The study further recommended that local tour operators seek partnership with international tour operators selling holiday packages to Zimbabwe. This will help the tour operators to lip-frog the “digital divide” at the same time giving them a chance for long term survival.