Information Communication Technology Infrastructure Research Articles

Adoption of Contemporary Technologies Among Hotels in Zimbabwe: A Case of City Hotels in Harare

Numerous studies have shown that leading hotels of the world take a lead in implementing the latest trends in Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) systems. However, most of the hotels in Zimbabwe are usually reactive with the pace at which they are embracing and using the ICT systems. Hence, the study explores extant literature using the scoping review approach to explain the current technological developments shaping the hotel sub-sector. This research explores the tourism and hospitality industry from a global point of view, highlighting the pros and cons brought about by the hotel industry embracing modern technologies. The following objectives specifically guided the research: to explore level of adoption of new technologies usage in Harare hotels, to establish the merits and hindrances encountered by hoteliers in the adoption of new technologies by Harare hotels. Strategies that can be adopted by hotels in Zimbabwe to enhance the contribution of new technologies have been suggested. Hotels in Zimbabwe are aware of the benefits that are obtained through the adoption of new technologies such as: value creation, improved communication, low cost of production, and improved productivity among others. The findings of the study indicate that there is underutilization of ICT by Harare hotels due many challenges that include: limited investments in ICT applications, expensive ICT infrastructure, lack of expertise and technical know-how in new technologies and software, and limited telecommunications infrastructure. The study came up with the following recommendations to the hoteliers: to be transparent when implementing new technologies, to involve employees, to socialize and capacitate all key stakeholders in order to ensure that they are ready to embrace new technologies. Also the management must give all the necessary support to the employees and equip them with the essential skills.

Institutional Information Communication Technology Capacity influence on E-Learning Utilization for Instruction in Kenyan Universities

E-Learning is globally recognized as a significant strategy in improving relevancy, efficiency, costeffectiveness, and quality of higher education. The paper presents a discussion of Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure capacity influences on e-Learning utilization in instruction in Kenyan universities, with a view to determining strategies that universities employ to enhance e-Learning utilization. It opines that e-Learning has not been very popular as a method for instruction in universities, due to limited institutional ICT infrastructure capacities to fully implement e-Learning. The study used the mixed methods research design methodology to debate, reflect, critique, and discuss institutional capacities by universities in utilizing e-Learning in instruction. The reviewed different data sources, borrowed and immensely used government publications, e-Learning books, journals and research articles were used in document analysis. The researchers also used own intuitive experience and knowledge in e-Learning utilization in instruction. E-Learning utilization demands for collaborative effort between government, universities, faculty and students, as well us bodies like the Commission for University Education (CUE). It was found that there are several major barriers to institutional capacities of universities in utilizing e-Learning in instruction. First, was the procurement of technology and sourcing of funds. It was seen that the total capitation for funding the programs was as low as 3%. Secondly, internal barriers arising from within individual institutions and faculty. Majority of the universities for a long time have relied on face to face interaction between students and faculty. However, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, all learning institutions including universities, colleges and schools were forced to close down and seek alternative methods of instruction. It was found that most universities have moderate capacities to utilize e-Learning, but are yet to exploit its full potential. The study also established that nearly all the faculty were aware and used e-Learning for instruction but to a limited extent. Findings revealed that faculty prefer blended mode of instruction, but complained of limited bandwidths and poor connectivity for faculty and students far off from the university campuses. To mitigate the challenge, universities must strive to train and retrain the faculty on how to use technology and not about technology. Based on the review carried out in six universities; all the universities have some technologies in place including Computer Based Learning, Virtual Learning, video conferencing, content delivery via networks, use of memory sticks and emails. All have an e-Learning portal, module and platforms used for e-Learning. Majority of the university dons consider bandwidth, networking and a reliable Learning management system (LMS) as critical infrastructure for e-Learning utilization. Development and improved utilization of e-Learning is practically possible with enhanced institutional capacities. Enhanced use implies enhanced information transfer, reduced movement of faculty and students allow adequate time for faculty to invest in innovative teaching; enable faster transfer of information while students actively learn on their own. This would help bridge the gap and reduce pressure on existing resources. E-Learning could be the solution to the problem of increased student enrolment and reduced quality of university education. However, to ease the burden of financing university programs, public- private sector partnerships need to be encouraged. The study established that universities must provide students with affordable internet. To a large extent it delves into possible benefits and opportunities that would arise if universities realize and utilize fully the available institutional infrastructure and e-Learning resources. Demand is made upon the universities to develop and operationalize e-Learning policy and invest more in capacity building, set up infrastructure to deliver instruction online.

Impacts of ergonomic risk factors on the well-being and innovation capability of employees in the manufacturing industry

Objectives. Although various studies have examined the relationship between ergonomic factors and employee well-being, the impacts of ergonomic factors on workers’ capability for innovation have not yet been studied in the manufacturing industry. This study advances understanding of the relationship between ergonomic risk factors and employees’ capability to innovate and to feel good at work in the manufacturing sector. Methods. The analysis uses the structural equation modeling technique based on cross-sectional data collected from 200 experienced workers in manufacturing industries using self-administered close-ended questionnaires. Results. Findings from this research show that the main ergonomic factors influencing the well-being and innovation capability of employees in the manufacturing industry are neutral awkward posture, psychological risk factors and effective utilization of information and communications technology infrastructures. Thus, ergonomic factors are significantly correlated to the innovation capability of employees. Conclusion. As there have been no studies addressing the integration of ergonomic risk factors and the capability for innovation of employees in the manufacturing industry, this study provides a unique contribution to the body of knowledge. Further research is also required to develop an in-depth understanding of the relationship among components of each ergonomic risk factor, and the well-being and innovation capability of employees.

Smart Banjar: An ICT Adoption Framework to Enhance People's Welfare

Economic development has slowed dramatically in several countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, like in Indonesia. Bali Province was one of the regions that was severely affected. Due to its reliance on the tourism industry, Bali had the most significant negative growth. It is time for Bali and other regions to develop the potential of a locally-based, sustainable, and resilient economy to enhance the people’s welfare. Improving the community’s welfare can be done with the synergy of various entities—the synergy created by integrating programs in Banjar with microfinance to develop microenterprises. The main objective of this research is to ascertain the framework’s dimensions and components. Furthermore, the relationships between these dimensions or elements have been determined. Based on the findings, the two primary objectives were completed. This procedure has produced the Smart Banjar framework as a theoretical solution to enhance people’s welfare. This research created the information communication technology (ICT) adoption framework that uses the TOE theory as its theoretical basis. The Advisory Board serves as the environmental context for formulating policies. The policy will regulate governance to realize the synergy between microenterprises, microfinance, and Banjar in the organizational context. ICT adoption, including ICT infrastructure, ICT services, and ICT literacy, will support and optimize the synergy. Further investigation is required to ascertain the Advisory Board's specific constituents. Additional studies are needed to implement ICT, obtain empirical evidence, and prove its ability to improve people's welfare.

Investigating the factors affecting e-procurement adoption in supply chain performance: An empirical study on Malaysia manufacturing industry

Global business is getting more and more cutthroat. Digital technology plays a significant role in giving companies a competitive advantage and improving the effectiveness of corporate processes. The Malaysian government has advanced by implementing e-government to use digital technologies to improve operations. In line with the objective of Malaysia’s government, this study examines the impact of e-procurement adoption and e-procurement determinants on supply chain performance among Malaysian manufacturing companies. Using a quantitative research design with an online survey questionnaire, 99 responses from manufacturers listed in the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers directory were obtained, representing 19.41% of the response rates. It fulfilled the minimum sample size of 92, and the data were examined using PLS-SEM. A total of 13 hypotheses are supported, accepted hypotheses one and two in which top management support and information communication technology infrastructure do not directly affect supply chain management. Besides, the findings prove this study's mediating effect on e-procurement adoption. It indicates that most Malaysian manufacturing companies have embraced e-procurement to support their supply chain operations.

Technological Dynamics in Strategic Management: An In-depth Analysis of Implementation, Control, and Evaluation

The contemporary business landscape is intricately interwoven with technology, encompassing diverse tools and innovative processes strategically employed to fulfill organizational goals. This comprehensive exploration delves into the multifaceted role of technology in strategy implementation, control, and evaluation within the framework of strategic management. In strategic planning, technology is instrumental in optimizing operational resources across various facets of a company. To effectively harness employee contributions, a strategically managed company must orchestrate the right balance of input in the product development process. The use of information systems emerges as a linchpin for maintaining competitive advantage by enabling companies to respond dynamically to evolving business markets. Whether adapting to changes in a dynamic market or consolidating gains in a stable one, information systems play a vital role in strategic adaptability. The primary focus of this study is a meticulous analysis of the effect of information technology on strategy implementation, control, and evaluation. Adopting a desktop research methodology, this investigation unravels the intricate role of information communication technology infrastructure as a key driver for effective and efficient strategic management processes. However, it underscores the critical need for organizations to carefully select the type of IT infrastructure, as inappropriate choices can introduce confusion and hinder the seamless flow of the strategic management process.

Assessing students’ attitudes and perceptions towards statistical literacy in a university system in a developing African country

Statistical literacy is important in the curriculum of every higher education institution and sustainable development of countries. Nonetheless, low performances and student enrolment recorded in statistical education warrants investigation into plausible factors. This case study used the Students’ Attitude towards Statistics (SATS) 36 item instrument to investigate attitudes and perceptions of 185 students, enrolled in different disciplines, towards statistics education at Chinhoyi University of Technology in Zimbabwe. Descriptive, factor reduction and multiple regression techniques were used to summarise and extract critical covariates, and relate variables in each construct in order to explain the attitudes of students towards statistics. Thematic analysis was done for in depth qualitative explanation of the drivers and barriers to teaching and learning of statistics education. The main factors which induce fear, stress, anxiety and antipathy towards statistics include: perceived difficulty and numerical complexity of statistics, natural low statistics self-efficacy and self-perception and extremely varying statistics cognitive capabilities of students. Inadequate supporting and facilitating conditions such as modern Information Communication Technology infrastructure, and conducive teaching and learning environment leads to low performances. Regardless, students still perceive statistics as imperative for future professions and are willing to exert enough effort provided they are motivated in statistics education. It entails for a diametric paradigm repositioning of teaching and learning of statistics emphasising on collaborative learning, intense use of electronic learning and assessment of statistics and smaller sized classes giving individualised attention to benefit weaker students. Future research need to explore statistics curriculum development which is lagging and may be silently responsible for the low development rate in poor African countries.

The Effect of Information Communication Technology (ICT) on Revenue Generation in Gombe State Internal Revenue Service

This study examined the effect of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on revenue generation in Gombe State Internal Revenue Service to find out if the application of ICT increased the efficiency of revenue collection. The theory adopted for this study was the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The research design used was survey research in which information was gathered from a sample of respondents. The total population of the study was 98 staff of Gombe State Internal Revenue Service who constituted the sample size of the study. The questionnaire was administered using a simple random sampling technique. Data were analysed using average mean score, while the hypotheses were tested using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant difference in mean between the availability of ICT Infrastructure and an increase in Revenue Collection; that there is a moderate positive relationship between ICT availability and revenue generation in Gombe State Internal Revenue Service; and that there is a correlation Coefficient for the relationship between the introduction of ICT and the ease of doing business in Gombe State Internal Revenue Service. The study recommended, among others, that Gombe State Board of Internal Revenue should ensure an improved ICT infrastructure which includes completion of the fibre-optic network project, provision of adequate computer systems and reliable UPS to all offices for staff.

The status of records management in Malawian private universities: the empirical case of University of Livingstonia

PurposeThis study aims to investigate records management practices in Malawian private universities with a focus on University of Livingstonia.Design/methodology/approachThe study used embedded case study design using a mixed methods approach. A survey questionnaire, semi-structured interview guide and a document review were used to collect data from University of Livingstonia staff.FindingsThe study found that University of Livingstonia created records such as minutes, grades, mails, theses, policy documents and reports. Some of the challenges related to records management at the institution were uncoordinated records management practices due to, among others, lack of records management policy, retention and disposal schedules among others. It further reported a number of factors frustrating the success of records management practices at UNILIA such as lack of management support, poor funding and lack of information communication technology infrastructure. Nevertheless, the study acknowledged the role of records management at University of Livingstonia.Originality/valuePrevious studies on records management in Malawi focused on public sector. However, this is a novel study undertaken in the private higher education. Therefore, it forms a basis for conceptualising records management phenomena in the private higher education in Malawi.

Utilization of health data and associated factors among department heads in public health facilities in Eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study in Harari region

IntroductionEven though the information generated by routine health information systems is an essential element in the process of transforming the health sector, the information is systematically under-utilized by the health workers. Hence, this study was aimed to assess the utilization level and associated factors of routine health information system data among department heads in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods:The cross-sectional study design was conducted among heads of departments in the health facilities of Harari region. The source populations and the study populations were all department heads. The data were collected by standardized tools through interviews, observations, and document reviews. The data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify the associated factors and P-value < 0.05 was used to declare the statistically significant association. Result:Of the respondents, 51.8 % live in urban, 82.4 % participated in performance review meeting, 61.7 % received feedback, 80.6 % engage in HIS, and 91 % feel responsible to HIS. Routine health information system data utilization among department heads was 177 (79.7 %); 95 % CI: [73.8 %, 84.8 %] in the Harari region. Factors associated with data utilization were urban residence (AOR = 2.891; 95 %CI: 1.147–7.286), getting feedback (AOR = 3.136; 95 %CI: 1.311–7.499), active engagement in health information system activities (AOR = 2.560; 95 %CI: 1.010–6.490), participation in performance review meeting (AOR = 3.847; 95 %CI: 1.563–9.464), and feeling responsibility (AOR = 3.727; 95 %CI: 1.071–12.961). Conclusion:Level of data use in this study was higher than the one in other studies in Ethiopia. Residence, feedback, level of engagement in health information system activities, sense of responsibility towards health information system, and performance review meeting were the determinants of data utilization. Important attention should be given by the officials at various levels to expand the information communication technology infrastructures and strengthen the feedback system.

Accessibility and utilization of information resources in the post COVID-19 era

University libraries play a pivotal role in fostering teaching, research, and innovation by offering essential information resources. However, patrons often encounter challenges in using these resources. The research aimed to examine the factors influencing the utilization of information resources in university libraries at Kenyatta University Meru University of Science and Technology and post-COVID-19. The objectives were to: determine the skills needed by librarians in supporting utilization of information, analyse the innovative methodologies used to facilitate access to library resources/services, examine the challenges faced by librarians and patrons and determine the importance of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in improving information resources usability and consumption. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design with quantitative research methods. The study was conducted at Kenyatta University and Meru University of Science and Technology libraries. Simple random and purposeful sampling techniques were used to distribute questionnaires to patrons and librarians, respectively. Data was collected from 20 librarians and 309 patrons, out of whom, 26 librarians and 357 patrons were sampled. The questionnaires underwent expert review to ensure their validity and reliability. The study found that 81% of librarians prefer online search resources, while 41% prefer physical textbooks. 16.5% of patrons preferred e-books and e-journals, with inadequate computers (32%) and unreliable networks (25.7%) as challenges affecting access and utilization of resources. The librarians identified lack of cooperation, inadequate digital library skills, understaffing, and poor network as major obstacles to facilitating access and utilization of library resources. The study recommends that university management should enhance librarian capacity building, training, and reengineer ICT infrastructure to enhance access and utilization of resources in the post-COVID-19 era. The study's findings will aid librarians in redesigning library functions to enhance the efficacy of library services in meeting user information needs.

Potential of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Livestock Development: A Review

In most developing nations, including India, agricultural extension services are mostly focused on crop husbandry, but public sector animal husbandry activities are frequently dominated by animal breeding and health services. ICT has been widely employed in the study and enhancement of numerous elements of livestock production, research, and education in the United States and worldwide. Specifically, ICT is becoming more important in livestock disease control, dairy herd management, livestock production, and livestock and livestock product marketing. However, the success of ICT in livestock promotion or related areas is dependent on a number of factors, including farmer adoption of ICT, the political and policy environment, farmer education, ICT penetration rate, ICT infrastructure (such as connectivity), and the Rural Information Model etc. So, this paper throws light on the points of such capabilities of ICT for Livestock Development.

Impact of ICT Infrastructure, Financial Development, and Trade Openness on Economic Growth: New Evidence from Low- and High-Income Countries

This study investigates the joint impact of information communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, financial development (FD), and trade openness (TO) on economic growth (EG). This study includes two contrasting countries that differ from each other based on income level and consider the total sample size of 85 countries (including 27 low- and 58 high-income countries) for the period 2000–2019. We framed various hypotheses and then applied the ordinary least square (OLS) regression, fixed effect regression (FER), and generalized method of moments (GMM) method. Our findings are fourfold: (a) the individual effects of ICT (Internet, secure Internet, broadband, and telephone) on EG are positive, excluding only telephone in LIC and excluding broadband in the HICs context; (b) in case of individual effects, the majority of ICT proxies have a positive and significant relationship with EG in LICs and HICs; (c) the joint effect of ICT infrastructure and FD in both samples indicates that FD complements the positive impact of EG; (d) the result of the joint impact of ICT infrastructure, FD, and TO on EG in both countries is contradictory to each other. Thus, the results of joint effect conclude that in the LICs context, the joint effect of ICT infrastructure, FD, and TO positively affects EG, but the results are reversed in the HICs context. Our findings are important for the policy implications, especially in countries with highly required ICT infrastructure.

The heterogeneous effect of ICT on countries with different levels of ecological degradation and income: A panel quantile approach

Existing studies concerning the nexus between Information Communication Technology (ICT) and the environment have consistently reported findings of an average effect of ICT on environmental degradation. However, false conclusions can be drawn by ignoring that the degree of environmental quality differs across countries and relying solely on ICT's average impact. The present study argued that ICT's impact on the environment differs between countries with different levels of ecological degradation and income. This argument was addressed by employing Panel Quantile Regression (PQR) on panel data spanning 50 high-income economies, 49 upper-middle-income economies, and 72 low-income economies between 2000 and 2020. ICT infrastructure in each country was measured by combining fixed broadband and mobile cellular subscriptions. At the same time, environmental quality was measured by the ecological footprint. According to the PQR analysis, expanding ICT services was associated with a significant deterioration in environmental quality in countries with healthy ecological systems, regardless of income level. In contrast, developing ICT sectors improved the environment in countries with highly degrading environments. Based on this study's findings, a threshold level of the ecological footprint (rather than ICT) existed, after which expanding ICT services improved the environment. In this regard, this study's findings indicated that generalising the benefits of expanding ICT services on the environment is misleading. Consequently, this paper has provided different recommendations and policy implications for each income group.

Experiences on the Utility and Barriers of Telemedicine in Healthcare Delivery in Kenya.

Telemedicine is the provision of health services over a distance using information communication technology devices. Telemedicine is emerging as a promising component of healthcare care delivery worldwide, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed the factors promoting uptake, barriers, and opportunities for telemedicine among doctors in Kenya. Methodology. A semiquantitative, cross-sectional online survey was conducted among doctors in Kenya. During a month, between February and March 2021, 1,200 doctors were approached by email and WhatsApp, of whom 13% responded. Findings. A total of 157 interviewees participated in the study. The general usage of telemedicine was 50%. Seventy-three percent of doctors reported using a mix of in-person care and telemedicine. Fifty percent reported using telemedicine to support physician-to-physician consultations. Telemedicine had limited utility as a standalone clinical service. The inadequate information communication technology infrastructure was the most reported barrier to telemedicine, followed by a cultural resistance to using technology to deliver healthcare services. Other notable barriers were the high cost of initial setup limited skills among patients, limited skills among doctors, inadequate funding to support telemedicine services, weak legislative/policy framework, and lack of dedicated time for telemedicine services. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the uptake of telemedicine in Kenya. The most extensive use of telemedicine in Kenya supports physician-to-physician consultations. There is limited single use of telemedicine in providing direct clinical services to patients. However, telemedicine is regularly used in combination with in-person clinical services, allowing for continuity of clinical services beyond the physical hospital infrastructure. With the widespread adoption of digital technologies in Kenya, especially mobile telephone technologies, the growth opportunities for telemedicine services are immense. Numerous mobile applications will improve access capabilities for both service providers and users and bridge the gaps in care.

Firm growth, exporting and information communication technology (ICT) in Southern Africa

This paper examines the key determinants of firm growth in three Southern African countries of Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia and assesses whether exporting activity and use of information communication technology play any role in growth of the firms. The paper uses data collected by the World Bank through enterprise surveys during the period 2014–2016. Employing the ordinary least squares, the results show that firm growth is determined by size of the firm, age, use of information communication technology, exporting activities, foreign ownership and the legal form of the firm. The result is robust even when controlling for industry and country differences. Overall, the results support industrial policy geared towards small firms through rolling out information communication technology infrastructure and promoting access to exporting markets.

Cybersecurity Awareness: Investigating Students’ Susceptibility to Phishing Attacks for Sustainable Safe Email Usage in Academic Environment (A Case Study of a Nigerian Leading University)

With the advancement in information communication technology (ICT), cyber-attacks have become a global phenomenon, with email phishing at the topmost. Academic institutions' ICT infrastructures are one of many targets, thus the need to facilitate cybersecurity awareness among students. This research is aimed at investigating students’ susceptibility to phishing attacks for sustainable safe electronic mail (email) usage in the academic environment. Two email phishing tests were carried out during this research work to discover how students reacted to phish emails and understand how students respond to phish emails where all group members are recipients. Finally, questionnaires are administered to participants after completing the exercise to ascertain the students' awareness of phishing attacks based on received emails. The results show that 70.6% of college students surveyed are susceptible to this form of attack due to unawareness. In conclusion, recommendations are outlined on securing the academic community and ICT infrastructures to achieve a sustainable and Safe email usage environment.

Challenges of Those in Leadership in The Digitalisation of Nigeria’s Government Organisations

It is becoming increasingly difficult to function without using information and communication technology in all areas of human endeavour. This is because it promotes accountability and openness, which provides citizen-centred administration emphasising easier access to better delivery of government services. Digitalisation is one of the techniques available to government organisations to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of delivering services to the public. This is predicated on the notion that efficient digitalisation of the day-to-day activities of government processes will result in the provision of adequate services to citizens. However, there are various obstacles to effective digitalisation in government organisations in Nigeria. For instance, lack of information technology infrastructure, intermittent power/electricity supply, lack of trained and competent employees, a general aversion to change, etc. Of all the challenges aforementioned, the challenge of those in leadership stands out as a significant component that hinders digitalisation in government organisations in Nigeria. This paper examines the challenges of those in leadership in the digitalisation of Nigeria’s government organisations, as well as proposes suggestions on how to deal with the challenges. Data was gathered from secondary sources such as relevant books, journals and the internet. This paper finds out that the attitude and reluctance to change by leaders in government organisations restrict the adoption and successful digitalisation of their day-to-day activities, which negatively impacts the delivery of high-quality services to the citizens. This paper suggested that the requisite Information Communication Technology infrastructure for digitalisation should be provided by the Federal Government, as the majority of government organisations lack the fundamental infrastructure required to properly digitalise their operations. The government should develop ICT policies that make computer literacy a requirement for hiring and promotion of public or civil servants at all levels, including the federal, state, and local governments.

Online learning for continuous professional development of healthcare workers: an exploratory study on perceptions of healthcare managers in Rwanda

Due to outbreaks of new diseases, development of new treatment regimens and requirement of evidence-based practice, health professionals continuously need to acquire updated knowledge and skills. This type of learning is known as continuous professional development (CPD). The scarcity of skilled health care professionals in developing countries further increases the need of CPD. Traditionally, face-to-face approach has been preferred as the best mode of CPD. Currently, health professionals have started using online learning for continued professional growth in different parts of the world. Consequently, research studies from different settings are needed to investigate the significance of online learning for CPD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the importance and challenges attributed to online learning by the managers of health facilities in Rwanda. Moreover, the study aimed to identify the status of infrastructures that could support online CPD, and assess the perceived enhancement and barriers for implementing online CPD. The study used a convergence mixed-method design to explore quantitative and qualitative data from 42 health care managers. A descriptive analysis was conducted on quantitative data while qualitative data were thematically analyzed to inform the study findings. It was revealed that 90.5% of managers, who participated in this study, consider positively the use of online learning for CPD. All managers acknowledged that online learning could improve the knowledge and practice skills of health care professionals. Nevertheless, 52.4% of health institutions who participated in this study currently do not use online for CPD. Participants demonstrated challenges such as the lack of access to digital devices, poor or lack of internet access, poor online learning design, low digital skills of healthcare professionals, lack of time dedicated to online learning, and heavy workload of staff. These findings indicate then that the managers of health institutions value the importance of online learning for CPD of health professionals. However, online learning should be designed to fit for the purpose and with a high consideration on needs and preferences of healthcare professionals and thereby improve information communication technology infrastructure that support online learning for CPD. Traditional in-person CPD courses are still recommended in health institutions with shortage in resources and technology. Also, the barriers of online CPD delivery such as low internet connectivity and lack of access to digital devices by healthcare professionals need to be co-creatively addressed through the pyramidal structure of the Rwandan health system.

Challenges and best practices for e-municipalities

Background: Electronic-municipality (e-municipality) is a reflection of e-government service in the local sphere of government, described as a way of producing useful information for citizens. Electronic-municipalities play a significant role in delivering effective and efficient services to citizens.Aim: To analyse the role of electronic municipal systems in improving the general welfare of citizens by means of service delivery. This article clarified the concepts of e-municipality by reviewing relevant literatures and further outlined critical factors that are affecting the implementation and adoption e-municipality intensively.Setting: The article focused on both international and South African local government best practices of electronic municipal systems. International best practices from developed countries, outline lessons that the South African local government can learn.Methods: The article used mainly the secondary data analysis, gathered from various sources such as articles, document analysis, government documents, amongst others. The analysis is based on various secondary sources linked to the aim of this article.Results: Key findings of the study showed that most municipalities particularly in developing countries experience challenges in adopting and implementing e-municipality. The concept of e-municipality has been derived from both global and local contexts.Conclusion: It concludes that just like any innovation, there are challenges related to the successful implementation of e-municipality, such as the digital divide issue, trust issues and technical, economical and social issues. Recommendations include that the local government should invest more in Information Communication Technologies infrastructure for e-municipality development.Contribution: The results of this research provides best practices for local government in transitioning to e-municipality, the best practice guidelines provide inputs for decision-making in local government.