Lack Of Information Technology Infrastructure Research Articles

Overcoming online learning challenges in the COVID-19 pandemic by user-friendly platform

The shift of learning activities from face-to-face classroom interaction to online learning beyond the classroom due to the global pandemic has caused technological anxiety in teaching and learning. This study analyzed strategies to overcome learning challenges in the COVID-19 pandemic with user-friendly platforms. This study was in the State Institute of Islamic Studies (IAIN) Surakarta, Indonesia, involving 469 lecturers who taught 983 classes as the respondents. The required data were collected using a web-based questionnaire using Google Forms. The data were analyzed descriptively in percentages and elaborated using focus group discussion. The data analysis showed that most teachers used WhatsApp group to overcome learning obstacles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the considerations are the lack of information technology infrastructure, the lack of e-learning platforms, the lack of time to adapt, and the difficulty of internet access in some regions. This study contributes to the strategy performed by the lecturers to deal with these challenges is selecting a user-friendly and affordable platform for learning.

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.

Modelling the blockchain adoption barriers in the AEC industry

PurposeIn the era of digitalisation, blockchain has the potential to fundamentally change the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry's workflow, trust and procurement environments. However, few studies have investigated blockchain adoption barriers in the AEC industry in detail. Therefore, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these barriers and their interdependent relationships in the context of the AEC industry.Design/methodology/approachBased on a review of the literature, industry reports and expert feedback, 11 barriers towards adopting the blockchain were identified. Then, the authors investigated the interdependencies amongst the factors by adopting a two-stage integrated interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method.FindingsThe findings show that the lack of information technology infrastructure (BC4) and legal and regulatory uncertainty (BC11) are the most prominent barriers towards blockchain adoption in the AEC industry.Practical implicationsThe research contributes in providing a clearer understanding of related barriers and potential solutions for practitioners in this area. Subsequently, the identification of adoption barriers can enable an important knowledge foundation and suggest possible solutions for adopting blockchain techniques successfully and effectively in the AEC industry.Originality/valueThe study lays an essential research foundation for the effective adoption and use of blockchain in the AEC industry.

USING REMOTE SENSING IN STUDY OF EL NIÑO EXTREME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 1997/1998 AND 2015/2016

The years 1997/1998 and 2015/2016 saw the occurrence of El Niño occur among the worst in human history. Until now there is still a lack of research in studying the degree of El Niño's strength impact on climate and weather, especially in the tropic region. The objective of this study is to study the effectiveness of remote sensing technology in identifying the differences between the 1997/1998 and 2015/2016 El Niño events. This study uses six satellite data and temperature data from the Malaysia Meteorology Department (MMD). The first step of remote sensing data will be through pre-processing, converting digital Numbers (DN) to Land Surface Temperature (LST). The results of the study found that there was a change in the pattern of LST columns during the 1997/1998 and 2015/2016 El Niño events. Spatial patterns change based on Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) values. The results of this study are important because of the importance of spatial information to those responsible for preparing measures to overcome and reduce the impact of El Niño on the population. at the developing country level, including Malaysia, there is still a lack of information technology infrastructure in channeling useful information to the community. Through the information, this spatial information provides critical hot spot information that needs more attention.

Effects of Organizational Resource Portfolio on the Performance of Africa Inland Church Theological Training Institutions in Kenya

Although organizations are started for the purpose of achieving some set objectives, this is not always the case with performance being cited as one of the challenges facing them today. Theological training institutions that are affiliated to Africa Inland Church have not been spared from this challenge of under-performance. Some of the areas that these theological training institutions have not performed well are in the declining number of students joining them and lack of reward system for both students and employees. Other challenges are lack of resources such declining financial support from donors besides lack of information technology infrastructure. This study was anchored on organizational resource portfolio which is an aspect of strategic leadership theory to determine its effects on organizational performance in Africa Inland Church theological training institutions in Kenya. Data was collected using both open and closed ended questionnaires from 219 management members, employees and third year students of Africa Inland Church theological training institutions in Kenya. The study made use of experimental research design while respondents were sampled using multi-stage sampling technique. The study established that organizational resource portfolio had a negative correlation with organizational performance (R=-0.145, p>.01) and contributed to 2.1 percent of the performance in Africa Inland Church theological training institutions in Kenya

Application of modern technologies in the management of records in public libraries

Many organisations, including libraries and information centres are struggling to manage their records. Effective management of records ensures the public library’s ability to function effectively and provides documentary evidence of scholars and citizens. Recently, modern technologies such as blockchain, cloud computing and Internet of Things (IoT) have increasingly been adopted by various organisations to manage records while other organisations are slow to adopt them. Public libraries are positioning themselves to take this advantage by implementing innovative technologies to manage their records. This study utilised literature review to investigate the application of modern technologies in managing records in public libraries with the view to highlight how these technologies can revolutionise library practices. The study established that although public libraries acknowledge the importance of modern technologies such as blockchain, cloud computing and Internet of Things in managing their records, these technologies are being slowly adopted due to lack of information technology infrastructure, technical support, and knowledge and skills. Therefore, all these challenges made it difficult for librarians and information professionals to maximise the benefits of these technologies and they struggle to see how these technologies can be incorporated into their institutions. Public libraries thus need to better understand best practices for records management, which may go a long way in influencing library policy to support records-management processes. The study recommends that public libraries consider exploring collaborating with other sectors such as archival services to implement modern technologies for the purpose of managing records.

Mental health quality improvement goes global.

Mental health quality improvement goes global.

Computer usage among nurses in rural health-care facilities in South Africa: obstacles and challenges

This study discusses factors inhibiting computer usage for work-related tasks among computer-literate professional nurses within rural healthcare facilities in South Africa. In the past two decades computer literacy courses have not been part of the nursing curricula. Computer courses are offered by the State Information Technology Agency. Despite this, there seems to be limited use of computers by professional nurses in the rural context. Focus group interviews held with 40 professional nurses from three government hospitals in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Contributing factors were found to be lack of information technology infrastructure, restricted access to computers and deficits in regard to the technical and nursing management support. The physical location of computers within the health-care facilities and lack of relevant software emerged as specific obstacles to usage. Provision of continuous and active support from nursing management could positively influence computer usage among professional nurses. A closer integration of information technology and computer literacy skills into existing nursing curricula would foster a positive attitude towards computer usage through early exposure. Responses indicated that change of mindset may be needed on the part of nursing management so that they begin to actively promote ready access to computers as a means of creating greater professionalism and collegiality.

E‐procurement implementation: a case of Malaysia government

PurposeMany countries worldwide have identified e‐procurement as a priority of e‐government agenda and have implemented, or are in the process of implementing, e‐procurement systems. The purpose of this paper is to understand the challenges of e‐procurement implementation in the government sector and efforts taken to overcome the challenges, using a Malaysia government case.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a qualitative case study approach of an e‐procurement project, which is one of Malaysia's e‐government initiatives. Data were collected using a triangulation approach that involved semi‐structured interviews, document reviews and observation.FindingsThe theoretical framework draws on Croom and Brandon‐Jones and was further developed during data analysis. Findings show that challenges of e‐procurement implementation in government sector are not only related to software integration, data management and roll‐out strategy, but also to legal and administration procedures, information technology (IT) infrastructure, outsourcing contract and IT skills. Findings show the importance of creating an IT facilities centre in rural areas and working closely with a third‐party vendor for users' training and skills development.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings extend key issues of e‐procurement implementation using a case study in the Malaysia government. The paper highlights the need to understand challenges and limitations faced by a developing countries such as Malaysia in implementing e‐government projects. The paper provides a basis for further thought and analysis on important issues such as lack of IT infrastructure and skills, as well as high dependency on third‐party developers that needs to be overcome in order to gain the impact of an e‐procurement system.Practical implicationsThis paper has explored implementation issues of e‐procurement in government sectors, particularly in developing countries, and hence provides guidelines for future implementation strategy for system developers, government officials and ministry.Originality/valueOnly limited studies examine the implementation issues of e‐procurement in the government sector, especially in developing countries. While current studies focus more on the readiness of implementing e‐procurement, this study posits to understand the challenges faced by a developing country in e‐procurement implementation.

The ERP challenge in China: a resource‐based perspective

Abstract. This paper introduces a resource‐based perspective (RBP) model on enterprise recourse planning (ERP) challenges to help make ERP decisions in China. While ERP aims at integrating functional‐area information systems within a company into a coherent, enterprise‐wide, and web‐enabled network, its implementation is especially challenging to enterprises in China because of high implementation costs, technical complexity, lack of information technology infrastructure, lack of well‐trained employees, lack of incentives to state‐owned enterprises, and a corporate culture different from that in the West. A RBP of a firm, however, posits that firms should compete on the basis of unique corporate resources that are valuable, rare, difficult to imitate, and unsubstitutable. Thus, this research assesses major ERP challenges in China based upon a three‐tier decision process in pursuit of a sustainable competitive advantage. This RBP model is then embedded with data from a survey research to illustrate potential applications and managerial implications.