Information Communication Technology Projects Research Articles

The Concept of Information and Communication Technology on Human Capital Development: Content Analysis Method Approach

Our aim is to investigate the concepts in previous research on human capital through Information Communication Technology (ICT). We use a collection of scientific articles from emeralds as well as books written by experts in the field of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and human resources. Three important components of human resources in Industry 4.0 are workforce architecture with new interactions, embracing future human resources, and topologies that generate competencies anticipated by human resources. This Information Communication Technology study will analyze the notion of information technology. AI is one of the most widely used information and communication technologies (ICT) in Industry 4.0. The artificial intelligence (AI) generated by ICT is essential in implementing current and future ICT projects. ICT professionals should also consider their work environment as a pleasant work environment that substantially affects performance and results. The advantages of information communication technology or ICT in communicating and interacting effectively. ICT is very important to fulfill all human needs. Communication science and the quality of human resources are closely related.

Frequency of Utilization of ICT Tools by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Scientists of Rajasthan State, India

Information communication technology (ICT) is a multidimensional term for information technology (IT) that addresses the role of integrated communication and the integration of telecommunications (telephone lines and wireless signals) and computers as well as essential enterprise software, middleware, storage, communication which enable users to access, store, transmit and manipulate information. ICT’s is emerging as an important tool for the progress of society. The new technology has significantly improved lifestyle and efficiency levels in all sectors of the economy. This enables the utility of information & communication technology to overcome physical distances and time gaps in communication. Rapid improvements in information technology have increased their cost and space requirements, speed and storage capacity in a short span of time with traditional communication materials such as posters, charts, leaflets, folders, bulletins, audio tapes, transparency, photographs, prepared slides, videotape etc. In simple terms, ICT is a set of techniques evolved to manage information and move it from one place to another. It has been observed that in this traditional system used to take a lot of time to convey the information given to the farmers and the information was not received correctly. The rapid development of information technology has given a new look to communication systems. Now connecting two computers across the country has become an easy task. Separate ICT projects have been initiated by government, NGO’s and private companies. As a result, villages in many parts of the country have been connected through a wired network to eliminate the distance between rural and urban people. Krishi Vigyan Kendra are established by Indian Council Of Agricultural Research (ICAR) all over the country as an institutional innovation for application of agricultural science and technology on the farmer’s field with the help of multidisciplinary team i.e. Senior Scientists and Subject Matter Specialists. Who give skill or knowledge oriented training to farmers in multidisciplinary areas like Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Home Science Agriculture Extension, Agronomy, Plant Protection Entomology/Pathology and Agriculture Engineer. The result of the study depict that the frequency of utilization of ICT tools by scientists for the farmers the tool which is utilized maximum by the KVK scientist is Smart phone, Internet and WhatsApp with (x = 5.00) and Rank-I and the minimum utilized by scientists Agri Guru, Mahadhan App, Agro medix agriculture app, Farm Key were not very frequently used ICT tools with (x= 0.21, 0.17., 0.7,.0.00). Rank L,LI,LII.LIII,LIV.

An assessment tool for stakeholder integration excellence and project delivery optimisation

PurposeThe aim of this study was to appraise the delivery of information communication technology (ICT) projects and identify key determinants for stakeholder integration.Design/methodology/approachGiven that empirically, little was known about stakeholder integration in the ICT sector and its influence or effect on project delivery; qualitative method was used. Forty-seven semi-structured interviews were carried out to derive senior project practitioners and policymakers' constructs of stakeholder integration and infrastructure performance improvement of ICT projects. The verification and validation of the proposed assessment tool were achieved through the use of focus group discussion.FindingsAs established in this research study, there is a need for project delivery teams to evaluate the level of stakeholder integration, the formulation of a project business case, the project processes and issues of compliance and regulation in ICT projects. What is evident in the findings of the study is that the management model adopted for the stakeholders in the Kenyan ICT sector ought to make communication the fulcrum of their engagement.Originality/valueThe inferences made herein are critical in contributing to knowledge regarding the ICT infrastructure project management terrain in developing countries. There is evidence in the study to conclude that the concept of stakeholder management and integration has implications for the sustainability of ICT projects. One of the issues that predominantly featured in the research was the input of stakeholder integration in terms of project sustainability.

Optimising ICT infrastructure performance in developing countries: Kenyan viewpoint

The aim of this study was to ascertain how the delivery of information communication technology (ICT) projects in Kenya can be optimised. As established from the reviewed literature, it is not possible to realise benefits and ascertain a meaningful set of ICT infrastructure indicators without knowing what form and level of performance is required and valued by stakeholders. It was for this reason that the researchers set out to establish how the amalgamation of stakeholders, performance and benefits realisation can be attained. A purposive sampling strategy targeting ICT policy makers, project directors, engineers and project planners in various ICT projects was used. A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed to participants, and 286 usable questionnaires were received from respondents. Data was analysed through descriptive statistical tests supplemented with t-tests to compare means. The findings of the study suggest that ICT performance be measured against the achievement of stakeholder integration and realisation of benefits. Commitment to project objectives, competence of key stakeholders, alignment of stakeholder skills, understanding of core project processes and addressing stakeholder needs and expectations were found to be key to stakeholder integration. Through theory elaboration, we have structured the sequence relations of project management constructs that could be used to assess and optimise the delivery of ICT infrastructure projects.

Optimizing ICT Infrastructure Performance in Developing Countries: Kenyan Viewpoint

The aim of this study was to ascertain how the delivery of information communication technology (ICT) projects in Kenya can be optimized. As established from the reviewed literature, it is not possible to realize benefits and ascertain a meaningful set of ICT infrastructure indicators without knowing what form and level of performance is required and valued by stakeholders. It was for this reason that the researchers set out to establish how the amalgamation of stakeholders, performance and benefits realization can be attained. A purposive sampling strategy targeting ICT policy makers, project directors, engineers and project planners in various ICT projects was used. A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed to participants, and 286 usable questionnaires were received from respondents. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistical tests supplemented with t-tests to compare means. The findings of the study suggest that ICT performance be measured against the achievement of stakeholder integration and realization of benefits. Commitment to project objectives, competence of key stakeholders, alignment of stakeholder skills, understanding of core project processes and addressing stakeholder needs and expectations were found to be key to stakeholder integration. Through theory elaboration, we have structured the sequence relations of project management constructs that could be used to assess and optimize the delivery of ICT infrastructure projects.

Understanding the use of health information technology for maternal and child health practitioner training in low and middle income countries

Objectives:To assess the evidence of information communication technology (ICT) use in the training of maternal and child health (MCH) workers, discuss methodological issues present in the identifi...

The Influence of Themes of Interplay on Multistakeholders Engagement Amidst Adversities in Globally Distributed ICT Projects – A Case Study Approach

ABSTRACTStakeholder Engagement is considered a salient and ongoing challenge in globally distributed Information Communication Technology (ICT) Projects. This paper explores multifaceted aspects of stakeholder engagement from an ICT Vendor perspective using the empirical case study method. Qualitative data was gathered from two case studies from different ICT vendor organizations. The case studies involved 14 interviews with multistakeholders engaged in globally distributed projects. Qualitative data were analyzed using Nvivo® software and Associative Rules. The findings revealed the key ‘themes of interplay’ that influence stakeholder engagement during adverse situations and ‘antidotes’ to mitigate adverse situations. These findings inform a research model that can explain the phenomenon and contribute to project management practice within the ICT Vendor Community.

Business and Socio-Political Interaction in International Service Projects: The Case of Brazil

Building on a business network perspective, the aim of this paper is to present a theoretical view for studying service MNEs in ICT (information communication technology) projects centred on the improvement of public services. The four interrelated concepts of cooperation, legitimacy, commitment and knowledge are applied in the analysis of two projects. Defining the projects as object-based services, the study manifests how service MNEs manage three types of actors (business, political and social) having their legitimacy in different systems. The cases illustrate cross-border activities where MNEs from Sweden, Spain and China join forces in Brazil with local business, social and political actors and cooperate to strengthen their competitive market position. The study concludes that successful cooperation is partially explained by the management’s ability to incorporate business resources into the needs of the socio-political actors. Furthermore, in object-based services, which are not similar to long-term business relationships, the three involved parties advance different types of relationships within a loose network structure. A key implication is that extensive public–private relationships are needed even when MNEs enjoy an established position in a foreign market.

The Relationship between Procurement Officers, Project Management Success and Procurement Procedure in Ict Public Outsourcing: a Systematic Literature Review

Obviously the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) by organizations is increasing over the years, whether in government or the private sector. The use of ICT can be seen to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the services or products offered. To meet the demand of stakeholders today, ICT projects need to be developed through outsourcing. However the method of outsourcing has some issues that can affect the success of the development of ICT projects as has been much debated by previous studies. Yet, the discussion on project management success (PMS) factors that concentrate on the competency measurement for the department's officers who are managing the procurement process has not been sufficiently clarified. The aim of this Systematic Literature Review (SLR) is to identify the common attributes that influence project management success through the procurement procedure carried out by the procurement officer (PO). The outcome of the review explained the important relationship pattern between the identified attributes which will be applied in the future empirical and exploratory survey that will be carried out. Addition to this, the competency measurement model of ICT procurement officer to be developed.

Evaluation of the Implementation of the e-Citizen in Kenya

Information Communication Technology (ICT) can make a valuable contribution towards the operations of and the services offered to citizens by a government. While the benefits of e-Government initiatives and projects in Kenya cannot be disputed, there are key issues about their successful implementation. A survey about e-Government initiatives in developing countries by [1] show that 50% have partially failed, 35% have totally failed and only 15% have been successful. This research was based on a case study whose aim was to assess the implementation of the Kenya e-Citizen project. Data was collected through interviews and questionnaires from four ministries and the general users/citizens. The questionnaires and interview guides were created based on the six dimensions of the DeLone and McLean Information Systems Success Model. An enhanced model for assessing successful implementation of ICT projects is presented. In addition to the dimensions of the model, stakeholder engagement, has been suggested. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need of stakeholder engagement during the life of any government ICT project. A strategy that would oversee awareness campaigns would be required. Other strategies required would address communication, change management and training.

A Systematic Literature Review of the Application of Information Communication Technology for Visually Impaired People

Technological advancement in general is providing better and cheaper solutions to assist the visually impaired (VI) community. Although information communication technology (ICT) has great potential to support the inclusion of VI people in educational, social and workforce settings, there are far fewer ICT projects for VI people compared to other projects. This systematic literature review provides our findings on the existing state of ICT projects and describes outstanding issues in ICT support of VI people. Based on our findings, we suggest increased collaboration among healthcare professionals, caregivers, programmers, engineers, as well as policy makers; and adoption of policies in future ICT projects for VI people. A wide search of seven journal databases found a relevant cross-section of articles that were published between 2010 and 2015. Software Zotero Standalone and EndNote were used to screen and maintain metadata. After the initial screening of 6993 titles, 683 abstracts were scrutinised, from which 55 full text articles were selected for final review. We analysed and synthesised 37 articles. Our findings show the progress, awareness, interest, and issues in ICT integration to improve the quality of life for VI people. Three emergent topics for VI people are (a) assistive technology, (b) e-accessibility, and (c) virtual interfaces. Our findings suggest that ICT-aided applications can bring positive changes for VI people. We advance several issues that should be addressed and further developed, collaboratively, to spread awareness and invoke new policies aimed to improve the quality of life of VI people.

Formal Assessments, Teams and Influence of a Project Champion in the Selection of ICT Projects: A Czech Republic and UK Study

We present and critically examine the links between the role of formal appraisal procedures, appraisal teams, and project champions and their influence in the selection of information communication technology projects in the Czech Republic and the UK. Our research is empirical and uses comparative analysis and exploratory descriptive analysis to interpret the findings. We draw on the economic, management and consensus-performance literature, and optimism bias theory to support our research. Our findings show significant differences in the practices between the Czech Republic and the UK, which we believe are the result of cultural and economic diversities. There is a high level of involvement of a project champion in the selection of projects with concern being expressed over their excessive/biased influence in the decision-making process. An important finding from our research reveals that adopting clearly defined appraisal/selection procedures may reduce this biased influence. As project failure can result from the influence of a project champion at the project selection stage, it is important to fill this perceived gap in the literature. The research is the only empirical study of its kind conducted simultaneously in the Czech Republic and the UK.

Quantitative Analysis of Amartya Sen's Theory

In this article, the authors attempted to evaluate the contribution of Information Communication Technology (ICT) for development (ICT4D) project in a context of developing country: Bangladesh. Though ICT4D is a general term referring to the application of ICT within the fields of development of a country, there are many cases where the potential benefits of ICT linked with the individual, group/community and organizational level. Considering two case studies, the authors have attempted to understand how ICT can be linked with the lives of community in rural areas of Bangladesh. They have adopted Amartya Sen's five freedoms as conceptual framework for this study. Through a quantitative perspective the authors argue that ICT projects can lead to development in general and five freedoms at particular.

An Exploratory study of a comparison between the UK and Czech Republic of the financial models used in the appraisal of ICT and non-ICT capital projects

Our research is aimed at identifying the current practices in respect of the financial appraisal of information communication technology and non-ICT projects. We look specifically at the UK – a well-established market economy – and the Czech Republic – an emerging market economy. Our research is based on a unique survey, which simultaneously examines the financial appraisal models used in the two types of projects, and addresses these issues from two diverse market economies. An important finding is that any differences in the financial models used relate to the two countries rather than between ICT or non-ICT projects. While both countries make extensive use of the payback model, they fully defend the view that this model influences a short-term mentality. The Czech Republic, more so than the UK, also support the view that the payback is unsuitable for appraising information communication technology projects, yet they still use it to appraise such projects. The Czech Republic places less importance on the discounted cashflow models than the UK, with the Czech Republic preferring the ‘net present value’ to the ‘internal rate of return’. The UK, by using an ‘opportunity cost of capital’ approach in the determination of the ‘discount rate’, may be making it harder to achieve a positive net present value than the Czech Republic, who adopt an approach which is nearer to the true cost of capital. This exploratory study will aid both practitioners and academics in a greater understanding of the appraisal of capital assets and focus future research in a positive way.

Barriers to Participation in the Scottish Carbon and Energy Management Project and the UK SUSTE-TECH Project

This paper examines the outcomes of two sustainable ICT projects that ran concurrently from 2008 until 2012. Both projects, (the Scotland Energy and Carbon Management Project and the UK SUSTE-TECH Project) were designed to examine the energy demand of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in universities and colleges. The projects also had an additional purpose; implementing sustainable initiatives that would result in energy and cost savings. This paper also includes information on the use of ICT in further and higher education institutions (FHE’s) and the integral role ICT plays in education and research. Using an inductive positivistic methodology and a mixed method approach, with both qualitative and quantitative methods of research, this paper examines 7 key factors that may have affected institutions ability to participate fully in those projects. Those key factors were; lacking managers, disjointed stakeholder engagement, institutional culture, government organisations as weak drivers, budget holders collective action in buying ICT equipment, poorly performing sustainable technology and cuts in funding to institutions. From those 7 factors, 5 of them are identified as being key barriers to participation in sustainable ICT projects. For some institutions, it was a combination of more than one factor, for others just one and for some it was none. Essentially, the findings of this paper highlighted the inability of institutions to participate fully in their respective sustainable (or green) ICT projects and thereby fail to achieve their anticipated cost and carbon savings. Findings also included the fact that both projects produced similar outcomes despite being run in different parts of the UK. This paper concludes that there is considerable overlap between each of the 7 factors with one of the factors (cuts in funding) appearing to underpin most of the others. Some of the factors are interconnected and may, when coupled with one or more factor, be considered a more significant barrier. Alternatively, while some barriers appear to be connected, others appear to be isolated and bear no relation or have any connection to any of the other factors.

An exploratory study investigating the perception that ICT capital projects are different

Purpose – The purpose of this study/paper is evidence to suggest that information communication technology (ICT) capital projects are different from non-ICT projects and that as a result the appraisal of such projects is more difficult. This may suggest that organisations would use dissimilar financial and risk assessment models or place different importance levels on such models between the two types of investment. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this issue and present the results of research into the practices of organisations in Czech Republic that have recently undertaken an appraisal of both ICT and non-ICT capital projects. Design/methodology/approach – A factual and attitudinal survey was developed and conducted during the end of 2011, addressed to organisations based in the Czech Republic. The object of the survey was the identification of current practices in respect of the appraisal of both ICT and non-ICT projects and the opinions of senior executives on a number of important issues regarding such practices. This paper focuses on the issues relating to ICT projects being “different” from non-ICT projects. Findings – The empirical findings support the literature in that ICT projects are, in many respects, different from non-ICT projects. However, the evidence indicates that, in practice, there is no significant difference in the financial and risk assessment models used in their appraisal. This indicates that any perceived difficulties, which may infer that the projects are “different”, are overcome (or ignored), to some extent, when it comes to the formal financial and risk assessment stage of project appraisal. There is also evidence to suggest that practitioners use assessment models that academics regard as unsophisticated. The findings also show that strategic issues are more important with respect of ICT projects than non-ICT projects. The research therefore supports the view that ICT projects are perceived to be different, but that the current conventional (financial and risk) appraisal models are adequate to appraise such capital projects, provided they are supported by a strategic assessment. Research limitations/implications – As the findings are based on a survey of companies in the Czech Republic only, we accept that the research results may have some limitations in terms of drawing general conclusions. The concern over drawing general conclusions is also brought about by the relatively low response rate, although the rate is in line with previous published research. Practical implications – ICT projects are different and as such these differences must be taken into account when appraising capital projects. The evidence supports the need for practitioners to review their appraisal of ICT capital projects, by adopting more sophisticated financial and risk models (as prescribed by academics) and linking their appraisal to corporate strategic goals. Future research should be aimed at identifying the formal and informal strategic approaches adopted by practitioners in the appraisal of ICT capital projects. Originality/value – This is the only survey to simultaneously address the appraisal issues concerning both ICT and non-ICT projects in the Czech Republic. As such, it gives a valuable insight into the practices of Czech Republic organisations in their appraisal of ICT and non-ICT capital projects. The identification of the four main problem areas with respect to the appraisal of ICT projects will help to focus academic research in the future.

Evaluating project risk: an exploratory study of UK and Czech Republic practices

Project specific risk is an important factor when appraising capital projects, for to ignore it can result in high-risk projects being accepted with catastrophic consequences. The literature shows that this is possibly more important with regard to new technology projects, such as information communication technology (ICT), than the more traditional capital projects. The purpose of this paper is to explore these issues and present the results of research into the risk assessment practices of both the UK and Czech Republic organisations that have recently undertaken an appraisal of both ICT and non-ICT capital projects. We believe that this is the first investigation simultaneously to study such practices in these two countries. This research provides valuable insights into the way both the UK and Czech Republic organisations deal with project specific risk in respect of ICT and non-ICT capital projects, and presents data and practitioners' views, which are lacking in the literature.

English

  This paper assesses the impact of the information communication technology (ICT)-based market information service (MIS) on farm households in the eastern corridor of Northern Ghana. Data was collected from 346 farm households in the eastern corridor of Northern Ghana where an ICT-based market information project was implemented between 2006 and 2009. The sample included 159 participants and 187 non-participants. The logit model was used to identify factors which influence the probability of participation in the ICT market information project, while propensity score matching (PSM) was used to assess the project impact. Results indicate that age and value of assets were negatively related to the likelihood of participation in ICT-based MIS. A unit increase in age reduced likelihood of participation by 0.5%, while a unit increase in value of assets reduces likelihood of participation by 7%. Previous participation in a development project increased likelihood of participation by more than 60%. Participation in the ICT-based project increased expenditure on pesticides, and food security by 11%. More participants (13%) used improved seed than non-participants. It is recommended that younger persons are made the target/focus group for ICT projects and that the private and public sectors collaborate to facilitate wide availability and expanded use of ICT MIS.   Key words: Information communication technology (ICT), agricultural market information, smallholders, Ghana.

Exploring developmental and community informatics

ABSTRACT Information communication technology projects that purport to provide access to the internet and are meant to enhance (human) development (ICT4D) are undertaken under ambiguous assumptions about what and how information communication technologies (ICTs) contribute to development. It is, therefore, important to explain what kind of development is accomplished or worth pursuing, and how such development can be sustained. This article speculates on what person-dependent attributes ICT4D initiatives will likely develop. A phenomenological appreciation of the effects of ICT4D is provided by using the principles of existence, learning, cultural evolution, human development, social innovation and imagination. The article sheds light on the key role which the imagination of those who are being developed plays in initiating and sustaining development projects. The authors argue that the imagination of Africans should be an important consideration and resource that these projects should prioritise and be more aware of. Considerable effort is made to explain the phenomenon of imagination, in order to demonstrate how this form of social capital is central to development efforts through the internet. This article, therefore, demonstrates the central role of imagination in enabling development by means of the internet, as an act of the people that should be sustained. Imagination is presented as a more holistic project input than user-centred design or user involvement.

Controlling Risks in ICT Investments with Real Options Thinking

Organizations are making large investments in information communication technology (ICT). However, many are risky and are often considered runaway, because they do not meet original expectations of cost, time, or benefits. Effective management of risks in ICT projects is therefore extremely important. In this paper we propose real options (ROs) thinking for controlling risks in ICT projects. We present a framework for understanding and hedging risks in ICT projects based on the finance literature on ROs. However, existing RO models are based on quantitative analysis and the required input parameters sometimes may be difficult to be estimated for evaluating real life investment opportunities. Instead we adopt a qualitative options thinking for finding the optimum deployment strategy for an ICT project. The proposed framework is applied to a real life ICT case study showing how it can be formulated and solved.