Information Communication Technology Research Articles

Improving business performance: Role of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in SMTEs

In light of the globalisation of businesses and the competitive expansion drive, the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) has become essential. The purpose of this study was to explore how ICT could improve business performance in the context of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises in the Great Kei Municipality. Descriptive and qualitative research approach was employed in this study. A survey questionnaire was used as the main tool for data collection. The findings elucidate that 94.9% of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMTEs) concur that the use of ICT as a tool helps to achieve company goals. The findings further indicate that 46.2% of companies surveyed operate accommodation facilities. The study’s conclusions highlight that 25.6% of entrepreneurs indicated that expensive ICTs appear to be a barrier, while 23.1% reported that access to technology was a barrier. It is recommended that small and medium-sized tourism enterprises utilise ICT as a tool to enhance business performance. In addition, the study suggests that managers and owners make technological investments to ensure the overall success of SMTEs. Moreover, the study provides a foundation for further research.

Bridging the gap: ICTs building innovative pathways for inclusive special education

Education is one of the basic needs that every child should have. Information communication technology has a significant influence on special needs children’s schooling. Instead of considering learning a difficult chore, the adoption of measures such as ICT can simplify it and make inclusive education a reality. Aim: This current systematic literature review aims to determine the extent of ICT adoptions in special education scenarios. Method: This paper examined pertinent literature on ICT in special education in the period 2000 to 2023. The key articles extracted through keyword search were gathered from databases indexed in Web of Science and Scopus. The collected data were then screened using a VOS viewer for the most relevant information. From the web of Science, 31 articles were found to have connections with one another while the same process when applied to the Scopus database, helped obtain 8 articles. Results: A total of 39 articles fulfilled the search inclusion criteria of minimum two keyword occurrences. These articles were all written in English and published between 2000 and 2023. The in-depth analysis of all these articles was performed along three broad themes, viz., availability of SEN based ICTs and their impact on children with disabilities, quality of available ICT integrated curriculum for SEN and the challenges in promoting ICTs for inclusive education. Conclusions: The paper concludes that ICT integration in special education would make learning easier for children with disabilities when compared to learning using traditional methods. Implications: The paper pinpoints significant limitations in ICT use found in existing literature and the lack of it to support inclusive education. The authors make recommendations for improved ICT integrated curriculum to improve inclusivity.

Scope and Career Opportunities of Web Technology Subject of BICTE Program

Web technology refers to the various tools and techniques used in the process of communication between different types of devices used on the Internet. This research paper explores the importance of web technology and opportunities related to web technology in Information Communication Technology and Education (BICTE) program. This article provides Importance of subject matter related to web technology to the students completing this degree and explores the career prospects after completing this degree. This article also highlights the evolving state of web technologies and their relevance in shaping the modern information technology industry.

The impact of Digital literacy on ICT self-efficacy in Islamic secondary school teachers in District Kot addu South Pakistan

Digital literacy is the skill of using digital technologies in order to find, assess and produce relevant information and products. ICT self-efficacy refers to self-confidence in instructional use of Information and Communication Technology tools.This paper focuses on effects of Digital Literacy on ICT self-efficacy of teachers in Islamic secondary schools in District Kot Addu South Pakistan. Hence, probing into how digital literacy affects teacher’s self efficacy when using ICT in teaching becomes relevant given rising push on adoption of technology in learning. The results are expected to contribute to the body of knowledge regarding professional development needed to support appropriate incorporation of technology into teaching practices.It seeks to alert professional development providers on the potential of impacting teacher confidence and competence on using technological tools in instruction. This paper presents a qualitative investigation concerned with the effects of digital literacy on ICT self-efficacies of teachers in the Islamic secondary schools in District Kot Addu, South Pakistan. The research sought to establish the present level of use of, and confidence in use of, information communication technology among teachers; personal computer/Internet literacy skills; and correlation between these skills and attitude towards the use of ICT in teaching. In this study, data was collected through use of semi structured interviews and focus group discussions with fifteen teachers from five Islamic secondary schools. Finally, through analyzing themes identified in the cross-case analysis, it was shown that although most teachers adopted digital literacy and were comfortable with technological tools, they lacked adequate knowledge on how to incorporate digital technologies with higher complexity into their teaching practice. In addition, the study showed that the profile of digital literacy influenced ICT self efficacy, the need to address with immediacy and desire the continuing professional learning to improve on it. The study has therefore called for enhanced training that not only increases computer literacy skills but also the level of self-confidence in the use of ICT in teaching to enhance teaching practices in era of technology.The professional development programs should then focus on developing the skills that would increase ICT self efficacy among teachers so as to increase the level of self confidence in integration of technology in teaching and learning practices.

Adaptation in communication technology utilization: caring for individuals with chronic conditions in South Asia during the Covid-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Background During the Covid-19 pandemic, people with chronic conditions experienced delayed or missed care, while their carers endured social isolation, loneliness, and reduced support. Information communication technology (ICT) can be utilized to encourage continuity of care, address misinformation, and allocate support. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the ICT adaptation of South Asian carers of individuals with chronic conditions by comparing changes in ICT utilization and preferences before and during the pandemic. Method 416 South Asian carers reporting feelings of loneliness and isolation were identified from the Coping with Loneliness, Isolation and Covid-19 (CLIC) online survey. Descriptive statistics and multinomial regression models were utilized. Result The most commonly used ICT modality was auditory, followed by written and audio-visual. Four variables identified were: social network size and relationship proximity, Covid-19-induced distress, age, and living arrangements. We identified a negative correlation between social network size and ICT frequency/intensity, reductions in communication frequency/intensity associated with Covid-19-induced distress, working-age carer (18-60) preference adaptation toward written communication during the pandemic, written and auditory ICT fluency in carers spending time alone by choice, and aversion from auditory ICT in carers who lived and were often alone involuntarily. Conclusion The findings provide insights into South Asian carers’ ICT usage, preferences, and adaptation in response to the pandemic. The findings aid in the development of health and social care pathways that fulfil local caregivers’ unmet support and resource needs.

The Influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information Communications Technology (ICT) on Employee Mental Health With Technostress as Mediation in Generation Z Employees in West Kalimantan

This study investigates the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and information system quality (ICT) on the mental health of Generation Z employees in West Kalimantan, with a specific focus on technostress as a mediating factor. The research uses an explanatory quantitative approach, employing a partial least squares-based structural equation model (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS 4 software. The sample consists of 200 Generation Z employees, selected through purposive sampling based on age (18-27 years) and experience using AI and ICT for at least one year. The study reveals that AI positively and significantly affects employee mental health, while ICT has a negative and insignificant impact on employee mental health. Furthermore, technostress positively and significantly mediates the relationship between AI, ICT, and mental health. This research provides evidence that the effective use of AI and ICT, combined with proper technostress management, can enhance employee well-being and productivity, fostering innovation and efficiency in West Kalimantan’s workforce, ultimately positioning the region to leverage Generation Z’s digital skills to drive economic growth and attract investment in emerging tech sectors.

Enhancing entanglement and steering in a hybrid atom–optomechanical system via Duffing nonlinearity

Abstract We introduce a novel scheme for achieving quantum entanglement and Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) steering between an atomic ensemble and a mechanical oscillator within a hybrid atom-optomechanical system. The system comprises an optical cavity, a two-level atomic ensemble, and a mechanical resonator that possess Duffing nonlinearity. The interaction between these components is mediated by the cavity mode, which is driven by an external laser. Our findings indicate that optimizing the coupling strengths between photons and phonons, as well as between atoms and cavity, leads to maximal entanglement and EPR steering. The amplitude of the driving laser plays a pivotal role in enhancing the coupling between photons and phonons, and the system maintains robust entanglement and EPR steering even under high dissipation case, thereby mitigating the constraints on initial conditions and parameter precision. Remarkably, the Duffing nonlinearity enhances the system’s resistance to thermal noise, ensuring its stability and entanglement protection. Our analysis of EPR steering conditions reveals that the party with lower dissipation exhibits superior stability and a propensity to steer the party with higher dissipation. These discoveries offer novel perspectives for advancing quantum information processing and communication technologies.

The Contribution of Information Communications Technology on Improved Human Resources Performance in Kinondoni Municipality, Tanzania

The study addressed the challenge of improving human resource performance within Local Government Authorities (LGAs), particularly in Kinondoni Municipality, where inefficiencies and limited technological integration have hindered effective governance and service delivery. Recognizing the potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to transform organizational processes, the study explored its contributions to human resource performance, focusing on the policy and legal framework governing ICT use, its influence on efficiency and effectiveness, and the challenges of adoption. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which emphasizes the role of perceived ease of use and usefulness in technology adoption, the study targeted employees and stakeholders, including human resource officers, IT personnel, administrative staff, and community leaders. Using a sample of 100 respondents selected through purposive and stratified random sampling, data were collected through interviews and questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS for descriptive statistics and thematic analysis for qualitative insights. Findings showed that ICT policies are well-established (mean = 4.2, SD = 0.75) and that ICT improves efficiency, accessibility, and data integrity, with record-keeping identified as a significant benefit (40%). Offices were well-equipped with internet-connected computers (mean = 4.3, SD = 0.75), though Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) adoption was moderate (mean = 3.9, SD = 0.85), reflecting limited utilization. Key challenges included inadequate training and insufficient integration of ICT into human resource practices. Despite these obstacles, ICT was found to significantly enhance human resource performance, supporting governance and service delivery. The study recommended increased investments in infrastructure, continuous training, implementation of e-governance initiatives, and the establishment of impact evaluation frameworks to maximize ICT’s potential.

Sex work online: professionalism between affordances and constraints

ABSTRACT The integration of new technologies into sex work has significantly transformed the industry, creating virtual marketplaces and facilitating new forms of sex work. This article examines the impact of information-communication technologies (ICTs) on sex work, highlighting the dual nature of digitalization as both a catalyst for empowerment and a source of new challenges for sex workers. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach that includes online surveys and focus groups with sex workers in Slovenia, the research explores the professional experiences, opportunities, and risks faced by sex workers in both online and offline settings. The findings reveal that while digital platforms offer increased visibility, autonomy, and access to broader markets, they also introduce risks such as privacy violations, digital violence, and techno-stress. Moreover, the study challenges the optimistic view of ICTs in sex work by uncovering how digitalization can perpetuate existing inequalities and introduce novel forms of exploitation and stigma. Through comparative analysis, this paper contributes to the discourse on sex work in the digital age, emphasizing the need for nuanced policies and support systems that address the complexities of sex work within the framework of platform capitalism.

Aktivitas Dakwah Program Muslim Travelers Di NET TV Edisi Sleman Jawa Tengah Perspektif Analisis Holsti

The human reasoning power that needs to be utilized and improved as a form of da'wah activity in this modern era does require support from communication media. Because the existence of communication media and information technology can provide speed, accuracy and practicality in carrying out da'wah activities so that they are conveyed quickly and precisely. As is the case with the Muslim Travelers program on NET TV which is a program traveling packaged creatively and innovatively, so that the presentation is adapted to today's modern times. The aim of this research is to answer, namely to find out how da'wah activities are carried out by the Central Java edition of the Muslim Traveler program, and what influence media communication from a holistic perspective has on da'wah activities. The type of research used is a descriptive qualitative approach with media content analysis methods according to Holsti. In this research, researchers used categories of da'wah activities in three parts, namely: morals, syari'ah and aqidah. and this media communication uses audio visuals or videos in the NET TV. Which is used as documentation that can be consumed by the public.

Understanding collaborative consumption in the technology-driven sharing economy: A cost-benefit analysis perspective.

Driven by the extensive implementation of information communication technology, collaborative consumption has become more popular. Historically, people have always thought that the best way to get something is to obtain the ownership of it. However, collaborative consumption has recently seen a meteoric rise in popularity due to that obtaining the right to use rather than own. More research into this emerging phenomenon is necessary, notwithstanding the huge impact that collaborative consumption activities have had on companies and individuals. Existing research indicates a lack of knowledge on the factors that motivate or impede user engagement in collaborative consumption. Building on the cost and benefit framework, this research presents a model that examines the effects of perceived benefits (enjoyment and economic reward), perceived costs (privacy risk and security risk) and perceived platform quality (system quality, service quality and information quality) on the intention to engage in the collaborative economy. Using a structural equation modelling approach, 524 active users with experience in car sharing evaluated the research model.The results show that perceived benefits and platform quality positively influence CC participation, the perceived cost reveals a partial support relationship to participate in CC, where security risks are supported but privacy risks are not. This research results will contribute to the research and practice on sharing economy.

Magnetoelectric BAW and SAW Devices: A Review.

Magnetoelectric (ME) devices combining piezoelectric and magnetostrictive materials have emerged as powerful tools to miniaturize and enhance sensing and communication technologies. This paper examines recent developments in bulk acoustic wave (BAW) and surface acoustic wave (SAW) ME devices, which demonstrate unique capabilities in ultra-sensitive magnetic sensing, compact antennas, and quantum applications. Leveraging the mechanical resonance of BAW and SAW modes, ME sensors achieve the femto- to pico-Tesla sensitivity ideal for biomedical applications, while ME antennas, operating at acoustic resonance, allow significant size reduction, with high radiation gain and efficiency, which is suited for bandwidth-restricted applications. In addition, ME non-reciprocal magnetoacoustic devices using hybrid magnetoacoustic waves present novel solutions for RF isolation, which have also shown potential for the efficient control of quantum defects, such as negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV-) centers. Continued advancements in materials and device structures are expected to further enhance ME device performance, positioning them as key components in future bio-sensing, wireless communication, and quantum information technologies.

Practical Application and Management of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to Enhance the Performance of Ugandan Secondary Schools in West Nile

This study focuses on the contribution that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can make to improving teacher and student performance in secondary schools in West Nile Region, Uganda. Examines the existing ICT implementation, assesses integration and potential benefits issues, and analyses the relationship between ICT usage and learning outcomes. The research is focused on showing that ICT can go global and how it connects Uganda’s secondary schools in West Nile to global education networks. ICT enhances global learning through active participation, innovation, and flexibility through access to international resources and embracing cross-boundary collaboration and virtual interchanges. This has improved student achievement but also endows students and teachers with the competencies to prosper in a globally connected environment. Ugandan schools have poorly developed ICT facilities, but schools embrace ICT education and facilities for operations. The study centers on specific ICT issues in West Nile schools and explores the possibility of using ICT to raise aggregate performance and efficiency in communication, collaboration, and organizational management. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 400 respondents, including teachers and students from 10 secondary schools. Data collection tools included questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative analysis was performed using SPSS, while NVivo was used for qualitative analysis. Ethical considerations were strictly adhered to protect participants' rights. While observing ICT integration in teaching across the ten selected secondary schools in West Nile and surveying 100 teachers, researchers found that 55.6% of them sometimes, 33.3% consistently, and 11% seldom integrate ICT in their teaching. This limited integration is due to a lack of ICT equipment, for example, computers, projectors, and internet connections; inadequate teacher education, where the majority of the teachers are found to be either lacking skills or self-confidence to incorporate ICT in teaching; and limited resource availability where even schools that have procured ICT tools are most often found to be having very few that are inadequacy for the needs of both teacher and students to make effective use of. These results raise concerns regarding the existing disparities in developments and funds for ICT training in West Nile’s secondary schools, with recommendations being made to enhance specific plans to reduce the digital divide. These include making ICT tools a focal area, increasing internet connection, and providing training activities that would increase and develop the competencies of the teaching staff. They seek to devise a technological learning atmosphere to enhance education, teacher, and student learning outcomes

An online engineering education framework based on the predictors of adaptability and fuzzy inference system

Online engineering education utilizes the internet and information communication technologies as media of learning. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of frameworks developed that address the issues of online learning based on predictors of adaptability of engineering students and faculty members. This paper aims to identify the issues of online learning, establish the causal-effect relationship between socio-demographic factors and adaptability, and propose an Artificial Intelligence-driven framework using mixed methods. The author engaged 886 engineering students and 61 faculty members from the Technological University of the Philippines in Manila and Taguig Campuses in the Philippines. Based on test results, fewer disruptions, more ICT devices, lower monthly internet bills, faster internet speed, and age significantly predict the students’ adaptability to online learning. Meanwhile, faculty members with faster internet speed and higher monthly income have significantly higher adaptability to online learning. The author proposed a framework using a Fuzzy Inference System, which can be used for an accurate and timely decision-making process. Further test results confirmed that the framework is consistently accurate and significantly faster than the conventional method Hence, the proposed framework is a viable decision-making tool for large datasets and complex use cases in online engineering education.

Information communication technology and supply chain efficiency in manufacturing SMES in Bulawayo Province in Zimbabwe

Abstract There has been a global plummeting trend of failure in most manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) due to purported supply chain inefficiency. It is imperative for clothing manufacturing SMEs in developing nations like Zimbabwe, with reference to Bulawayo Province, which lacks digitization to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions into their supply chain operations to improving efficiency and maintain competitiveness in the global market. Thus, the purpose of the study was to evaluate ICT and supply chain efficiency in the clothing manufacturing SMEs in Bulawayo Province. Employing the pragmatic approach, data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires from a sample of 107 from a total population of 147 that were triangulated with 15 interviews from clothing manufacturing SMEs in Bulawayo. A simple linear regression analysis through Ordinary Least Squares was conducted to test the relationship between ICT and supply chain efficiency. The results show that ICT has a positive and statistically significant effect on cost performance, agility and delivery performance in Bulawayo clothing manufacturing SMEs. By prioritizing ICT adoption, managers can achieve better cost management, increased responsiveness to market demands, and enhanced delivery capabilities. It is recommended that clothing manufacturing SMEs in Bulawayo should embrace the ICT. Further studies should examine the relationship between ICT and supply chain efficiency in manufacturing SMEs across different industries and nations.

Integrative approach for reading comprehension espousing information communication technology literacy

Integrative approach for reading comprehension espousing information communication technology literacy

Teacher challenges in Faroese Compulsory Schools during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Support from School Leaders

This mixed method pilot study aimed to elicit the impact of COVID-19 on Faroese compulsory school teachers as professionals and people in 2020-21. The objectives were to understand teacher and teaching challenges during the pandemic, positive and negative experiences, teacher evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of the crisis leadership of their school leaders, identify concerns with ‘learning loss’ and explore any evidence of organisational learning for schools. The findings reveal that teacher challenges included lack of digital competence, coping with the change in the teaching-learning environment, the difficulty in adapting to Information Communication Technology (ICT), reduced teacher self-efficacy and emotional stress. It revealed the tremendous concern teachers have for their students’ learning outcomes and well-being. Teacher evaluation of their leaders is fairly positive. It is not very clear if organisational learning has resulted from the COVID-19 crisis and been anchored to provide a basis for tackling future crises. This may be significant in providing school staff resilience to cope with any future change in the external environment and the resultant consequences for leadership, teachers and students.

APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN ENHANCING FACULTY RESEARCH PRODUCTION TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: AN EVIDENCE FROM A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY OF SAUDI ARABIA

Objectives: The purpose of present study was to identify the role of ICT to achieve sustainable development goals of university by enhancing faculty research production at PNU. Theoretical Framework: Information Communication Technology (ICT) has impacted faculty research productivity in higher education. Any university's Sustainability and ranking depend on the caliber of its research output and the quality of the instruction they provide. High-quality research output raises a university's stature and reputation nationally and internationally. Hence faculty research productivity of any university helps to achieve the sustainable development goals of any educational institute. Methods: Both primary and Secondary data were used for the study. Secondary data included the examination of databases of Scopus and Web of science to examine the Published research. Primary data included a survey in the form of interviews. Interviews were conducted among faculty members selected randomly from 2500 faculty members teaching different college courses. Interviews were conducted in the various departments of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University with a minimum of two faculty from each college. Results and Discussions: It was found that although there is a significant association between the ICT integration by faculty in research activities and their research productivity, researcher characteristics and institutional support also played a significant role in enhancing faculty research productivity at PNU. The results indicated that the integration of ICT had a positive and significant impact on faculty Research Productivity. However, institutional support such as Funding, Research Environment, Rewards and Promotion, and teaching load had the highest impact on Research Productivity. Research Implications: The findings of the study are useful for educational institutes and university to frame their research policies to encourage faculty research.Implementing proper research Funding policies is essential to encourage research productivity in the university, The findings suggest that although teachers are ICT skilled, the institute must provide adequate research training workshops to create awareness about various ICT tools and software for research analysis. Originality/Value: Universities are taking numerous steps worldwide to encourage the research culture among their academic personnel. The present research is providing measures for improving ICT utilization among the academic staff in higher education in Saudi Arabia.

A hierarchical intersection system control framework in mixed traffic conditions

Signalized intersections play a crucial role in urban road system and are a significant source of vehicle delays. Conventional intersection control methods struggle to cope with increasingly challenging traffic conditions. Fortunately, the development of artificial intelligence(AI), information communication technology(ICT) and connected and automated vehicle(CAV) technologies has brought new opportunities to enhance traffic performance at intersections. Based on these technologies, in the mixed traffic environment of CAVs and connected human-driven vehicles (CHVs), this paper proposes a hierarchical intersection system control framework, which adopts intersection level distributed control and corridor level centralized control. At the intersection level, considering the impact of CAV-dedicated lanes and using the CAV platoon and “1 + n” platoon consisting of one leading CAV and n following CHVs as control units, the mixed integer quadratic programming problem and optimal control problem are formulated to collaboratively optimize signal timing, lane settings and vehicle trajectories at isolated signalized intersections. At the corridor level, based on the optimization results of the intersection level and the critical path information, the critical path performance function and multi-stage optimal trajectory control formula are constructed to optimize the signal offsets and vehicle trajectories, which are passed to the intersection level, and ultimately minimize vehicle delays in the corridor. Simulation experiments and sensitivity analysis demonstrate the effectiveness and stability of the proposed framework in reducing vehicle delay and improving fuel consumption.

Digital Information and Brand Loyalty in China: An Emerging Perspective of Metaverse Users in Online Businesses

In the current era of industrialization, metaverse technology is increasing significantly. Particularly, online businesses are heavily investing in metaverse technology which can provide extraordinary benefits to the customers. However, this area is unexplored and most of the previous studies on metaverse ignored online business activities. Therefore, this study is an attempt to highlight metaverse users brand loyalty in China. The relationships between information communication technology (ICT), effective payment method, e-logistic, distribution charges, transit time, customer satisfaction and brand loyalty were considered. Data was collected by using a survey questionnaire. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the collected data. It is observed that metaverse users brand loyalty is grounded on ICT, effective payment method, e-logistic, distribution charges, transit time and customer satisfaction. These factors have the potential to encourage or discourage the level of brand loyalty among metaverse users. Results of the study have vital importance for online businesses to promote performance by introducing metaverse technology.