Technology Infrastructure Research Articles

Working from Home During and After COVID-19: A Narrative Review of Its Multifaceted Impacts

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the global adoption of working from home (WFH), fundamentally altering organizational practices and employee experiences. This narrative review synthesizes current research on the multifaceted impacts of WFH during and after the pandemic, focusing on job satisfaction, productivity, work-family balance, collaboration, innovation, and motivation. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple academic databases, encompassing studies from January 2020 to July 2024 and covering diverse industries and employee demographics. Findings indicate that WFH offers numerous benefits, including increased flexibility, autonomy, and potential productivity gains. However, challenges persist, such as reduced social interaction, blurred work-life boundaries, and potential declines in collaboration and innovation. The effectiveness of WFH is influenced by factors like individual circumstances, job characteristics, technological infrastructure, and organizational support. Hybrid work models are emerging as potential solutions, balancing the advantages of remote work with the need for in-person collaboration. This review highlights the complexities of WFH and underscores the necessity for organizations to develop flexible, inclusive policies that address both employee preferences and operational needs. Further research is recommended to explore long-term impacts and best practices for integrating WFH into sustainable organizational strategies.

Cloud based adaptive learning system: virtual reality and augmented reality assisted educational pedagogy development on clinical simulation

An adaptive learning system provides support for student’s academic progress by varying learning routes and pedagogical contents to satisfy various students’ unique academic needs. The primary goal of this research work is to enhance and expand occupational efficiency through the use of technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPCK) frameworks in nursing education. The authors developed an adaptive federated cloud computing learning system in order to better prepare students for the demands of real-world professional practice. The article examined the use of virtual reality(VR) and augmented (AR) technologies in nursing education and developed an instrument that skillfully combines knowledge from the reputable literature on clinical competencies with the peculiarities and ingenuousness particular to virtual simulations. Designated for the remote sharing and utilization of combined educational resources, cloud computing is a distributed information communication technology (ICT) infrastructure built on the Internet of Things (IoT) framework. To increase the occupational efficiency among the nurses and midwives, an educational simulation applied in a way that gamifies the curriculum component for interactive educational pedagogy will be necessary. As a completely integrated part of the curriculum, simulation has proven to be beneficial for nursing students at all levels of instruction. Nursing educators have a plethora of options at their disposal to introduce simulation-based learning approaches into their curricula in the modern era. A three-dimensional (3D) interactive environment that provides users with a sense of spatial presence is created through computer technology, which is an immersive digital ecosystem of VR and AR utilized to improve teaching and learning in nursing education. In this study, the authors offered a cost- effective clinical simulation laboratory for clinical students, nurses, midwives, and practicing healthcare professionals in a manner that ensures constant learning and occupational efficiency by adopting the TPCK model in its central discussion and implementation. The TPCK model has demonstrated how to recognize the boundaries between technological components and pedagogical structures as well as how they are connected when creating facts in nursing education.

Utilizing Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Educational Administration to Enhance School Performance at Junior High School

This study aims to explore the use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in education administration to improve school performance. In the growing digital era, demands for efficiency and effectiveness in education administration are increasing, especially with the development of school information management systems (SIMS) and AI-based technologies. This research examines how these technologies can automate routine tasks such as class scheduling, student data management, as well as improve data-driven decision-making that is more accurate and efficient. The research method used in this study is descriptive qualitative, with the process of collecting data through in-depth interviews, observation, and document analysis directly from several schools that have adopted this technology. In analyzing the data, I used Miles and Hubberman's data triangulation technique in the form of data reduction, data analysis, and conclusion drawing. The results show that the implementation of technology and AI has improved operational efficiency, accelerated administrative processes, and facilitated the monitoring of student and staff performance. However, the study also found challenges in technology adoption, including limited infrastructure, resistance to change, and concerns regarding data privacy. To overcome these obstacles, a holistic strategy is needed, including the development of supportive policies, digital skills training for staff, and improvement of technology infrastructure in schools. This research concludes that although the application of technology and AI in education administration faces various barriers, the potential benefits are significant, especially in terms of improving the efficiency, transparency and overall quality of school performance.

University students’ views on the application of virtual reality in higher education

This study analyzes the perception of university students regarding the use of virtual reality (VR) in higher education, focusing on their level of knowledge, usage, perceived advantages and disadvantages, as well as their willingness to use this technology in the future. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to provide a comprehensive view of the subject. The results indicate that while students have a basic understanding of VR, its use in the educational context is limited. A considerable number of students recognize VR’s potential to enhance the learning experience, particularly in terms of immersion and engagement. However, significant barriers to adoption were identified, such as technical issues, the high cost of equipment, and inadequate access to technological infrastructure. Additionally, there is a need for broader training for both students and faculty to ensure the effective use of this technology in academic environments. The semi-structured interviews confirmed that perceptions of VR vary depending on prior exposure to the technology and access to resources. Despite the challenges, most students appreciate VR’s potential to enrich learning, although its effective adoption will depend on overcoming the identified barriers. The study concludes that strategies must be implemented to facilitate the integration of VR into higher education, thus optimizing its impact on the teaching-learning process.

The Application of Digital Construction Technology in the Process of Smart City Construction

Digital construction technology is essential to achieving high-quality construction in smart cities. This article introduces the application of digital construction technology in smart city construction from the background of smart cities, such as 3D modeling technology, digital twin technology, and artificial intelligence technology. This article conducts qualitative research through literature analysis, exploring the application process, significance, and value of digital construction technology in the process of smart city construction, then discussing its current situation and shortcomings and proposing suggestions. Digital construction technology has been extensively utilized in various fields such as intelligent manufacturing and smart cities and has been introduced into the construction industry. However, model accuracy, data effectiveness, real-time interaction, and comprehensiveness need to be improved, which cannot fulfill the requirements of deep-level applications. In the future, cities will further promote the upgrading of infrastructure and software for digital construction technology, as well as the integration and innovation of AI technology and digital construction technology. Smart cities are anticipated to reach an advanced level of city intelligence and achieve sustainable, efficient, and people-oriented high-quality city development.

Exploring distance learning in rural private schools in the Philippines: Challenges, coping mechanisms, and model development

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to the educational landscape, impacting not only public schools but also private learning institutions. This study explores the experiences of private schools at the administrative and faculty levels, focusing on the challenges encountered and the coping mechanisms employed in implementing distance learning. A descriptive phenomenology research design was used, emphasizing the subjective experiences of private school administrators and teachers. The researchers applied phenomenology to understand the core structure of their experiences in remote teaching and learning, with the goal of informing best practices and guiding potential changes in policies, theories, or responses to distance learning.Private schools faced a range of challenges due to this sudden shift, including insufficient professional preparation for teachers and inadequate technological infrastructure, both of which significantly affected the quality of distance learning. Despite these constraints, school leaders and teachers collaborated to propose strategies for mitigating the impact of these challenges. Key recommendations include prioritizing internet connectivity as a basic project for IT infrastructure with the support of school personnel and community leaders. Additional strategies involve offering diverse teaching modalities, conducting learner assessments, establishing effective communication and feedback systems, practicing efficient time management, fostering positive relationships, demonstrating professional integrity, advocating for ongoing training and simplified instruction, and recognizing the unique value of each learner within their academic environment.

Nurses Innovative Behaviour in the Context of Authentic Leadership: A Scoping Review.

This scoping review aims to explore the existing research on the impact of authentic leadership on nurses' innovative behaviours. The following databases were searched (from 2013 to 2023): PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, APA Psych Info, Educational Resources Information Centre, and ABI Inform. Search results were exported into Covidence software to assist with the selection and assessment of retrieved studies. Studies were included that specifically examined the relationship between authentic leadership and innovative behaviour among nurses working in healthcare settings. 12 papers remained for full-text review after title and abstract screening. Four studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the final analysis. Using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool two reviewers independently evaluated these four studies. Findings revealed that authentic leadership affects nurses' innovation and creativity in various healthcare settings and cultural contexts. It also highlighted mediating factors such as increased engagement and knowledge sharing. Resilience and technological infrastructure were identified as additional factors that affect and support this relationship and influence the development and enaction of innovative behaviours. Authentic leadership was found to contribute to innovative nursing behaviours that have important implications for the best practices in healthcare and outcomes. Innovative behaviour among nurses is essential for rising to the challenges of complex healthcare environmental challenges, and the potential for authentic leadership to act as a catalyst for this is important. Future research needs to further explore the impact of authentic leadership on innovative behaviour and the contextual and cultural influences that effect this. More research is also needed on the exact nature of nurses' innovations and their potential use in healthcare. The EQUATOR guidelines for PRISMA have been met. No patient or public contribution.

Indirect Value of Public Infrastructure Technology

Although prior research has primarily focused on the direct value of information technology (IT) and IT adoption by individuals and firms, this study explores the indirect value of IT in the form of public infrastructure technology. By exploiting a spatial discontinuity in water monitoring stations, we discover that firms located immediately upstream of water monitoring stations exhibit significantly lower levels of corruption than firms located immediately downstream. These findings are particularly noteworthy given that water monitoring stations have the potential to generate significant indirect value as they are not explicitly designed to mitigate corruption. Further analyses reveal that public infrastructure technology alone does not hold the key to mitigating corporate corruption. Instead, it is the synergistic interplay between public infrastructure technology and organizational change that drives the outcome. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the broader IT value landscape, emphasizing the indirect value of technological advancements in public infrastructure that were not originally intended for such benefit. Additionally, our findings highlight the benefits of leveraging existing infrastructure technology to address emerging societal needs. This paper was accepted by D. J. Wu, information systems. Funding: J. Liu acknowledges financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72402127], Shanghai Pujiang Program [Grant 23PJC059] and the Chenguang Program of Shanghai Education Development Foundation and Shanghai Municipal Education Commission [Grant 23CGA10]. S. Pei acknowledges financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72302139]. X. (M.) Zhang acknowledges financial support from the Hong Kong Research Grants Council [Grants GRF 14500521, GRF 14501320, GRF 165052947, and TRS:T31-604/18-N]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.01145 .

Unlocking sustainability: exploring the nexus of green banking, digital transformation, and financial performance with foreign ownership moderation

The purpose of this research is to empirically test and analyze the impact of green banking, digital transformation, and asset quality on the financial performance of commercial banks with foreign ownership as a moderator. Additionally, it aims to test and analyze the financial performance of sustainable business practices for commercial banks. This study was conducted on commercial banks, specifically focusing on bank groups categorized by core capital levels 3 and 4, listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, covering the period from 2017 to 2022. This research employed a judgment sampling technique, encompassing a total of 47 conventional commercial banks. Panel data regression analysis, a data analysis technique, used three variables: the dependent variable, the independent variable, and the moderation variable. The research unveiled that green banking does not appear to have a significant positive impact on financial performance, whereas digital transformation shows a clear positive effect. Non-performing loans, a measure of asset quality, also affect financial performance. Additionally, foreign ownership strengthens the impact of green banking on the financial performance of commercial banks in Indonesia. However, foreign ownership does not enhance the effect of digital transformation. Finally, foreign ownership plays a moderating role in the relationship between asset quality and financial performance in these banks. Ultimately, financial performance has a significant positive influence on sustainable business, suggesting that stronger financial performance contributes to the long-term sustainability of a bank’s operations. The implications of these findings are, first and foremost, that financial institutions should prioritize incorporating sustainable and environmentally friendly practices into their operations to improve their overall financial performance and emphasize the critical role of digital transformation in enhancing financial performance. Consequently, financial institutions are required to allocate resources towards information technology infrastructure and cultivate digital capabilities to adapt to evolving customer demands, such as offering 24/7 banking services from any location. Secondly, financial institutions should not stay far away from digital disruption, but rather embrace it and adapt their strategies accordingly, which includes allocating an adequate budget for IT infrastructure investment and accessing digital services that meet the banking industry’s demands, resulting in effective communication of sustainable practices.

THE IMPACT OF TELEMEDICINE ON ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven the implementation of telemedicine as a solution for maintaining access to healthcare, transforming the primary care landscape in many parts of the world. In Brazil, telemedicine has established itself as an essential tool for overcoming geographical and social barriers, facilitating access to basic care for populations that traditionally faced difficulties in accessing health services. This study seeks to investigate the impact of telemedicine on access to primary care, analyzing its main challenges and opportunities in the context of post-pandemic primary care. This study seeks to analyze the impact of telemedicine on access to primary care, exploring the main challenges and opportunities that arise with this modality of care. It also aims to identify practices and policies that can strengthen the implementation of telemedicine in Primary Care, ensuring that remote care is effective, safe and inclusive. This is a literature review, based on a qualitative approach, using the Scielo, Google Scholar and PubMed databases. To refine the research, the health descriptors “telemedicine”, “primary care”, “COVID-19”, and “equity in access to health” were selected, with a time frame between 2021 and 2023. Through a literature review, the study explores recent data on telemedicine in primary care, focusing on the main opportunities it offers, such as improved access and efficiency of services, as well as the challenges, including limited technological infrastructure in poor regions, privacy and confidentiality issues, and the need for adequate training for health professionals. Telemedicine enables more agile care and coverage of a larger population, but still faces obstacles related to digital accessibility and maintaining quality and continuity of care, especially for vulnerable groups. Telemedicine has therefore proved to be a strategic tool for expanding access to primary care, offering a viable alternative for reducing gaps in primary care. However, in order to maximize its impact, it is essential to overcome the technological challenges, guarantee information security and train health professionals in this new type of care. The continued use of telemedicine in the post-pandemic context presents an opportunity to strengthen the Unified Health System (SUS) in Brazil, expanding the reach of primary care and promoting greater equity in access to health.

Bibliometric analysis of citizen science in global healthcare: Current trends, challenges, and future directions

With the development of information technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, the application scenarios of citizen science worldwide are no longer limited to natural science research. A large number of application cases have emerged in the field of medical health, which suggests that the development of citizen science may bring new impetus to medical health. This study employs CiteSpace for a bibliometric analysis to evaluate the current status, objectives, and methodologies of citizen science in global healthcare. An analysis of 248 articles from the Web of Science Core Collection reveals that citizen science is predominantly implemented in high-income countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands, with significant applications in public health, chronic disease management, infectious disease surveillance, and digital health. The COVID-19 pandemic has further catalyzed the integration of citizen science into health surveillance and public health responses. Conversely, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the development and implementation of citizen science remain nascent, primarily concentrated in traditional domains such as environmental science, ecology, and biodiversity conservation, with limited penetration into the healthcare sector. Several structural barriers, including inadequate technological infrastructure, insufficient policy support, limited public engagement, and constrained resource allocation, have impeded the broader adoption of citizen science in these regions. To mitigate these challenges, this study proposes targeted strategies, these interventions are anticipated to facilitate the expansion of citizen sciences role in global health governance, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes and social welfare.

Effectiveness of Implementing Single Identity Number (SIN) Through NIK Becomes NPWP for Tax Compliance

The inadequate and ineffective tax administration system in Indonesia has a negative impact on taxpayer compliance in carrying out their tax obligations, such as the tax reporting process is often complicated and time-consuming, thus burdening taxpayers, especially those who run small or medium businesses. The implementation of the Single Identity Number (SIN) through the Population Identification Number (NIK) to the Taxpayer Identification Number (NPWP) in Indonesia starting on January 1, 2024, is a major step in efforts to improve tax compliance. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of the implementation of SIN through NIK to NPWP on tax compliance as tax administration in Indonesia. This study uses a literature study approach which is a combination of previous research by collecting data from various sources such as scientific journals, news articles, and government regulations which will then find enormous potential in expanding the tax base in increasing taxpayer compliance to carry out tax obligations through the SIN system. The results obtained from this study indicate that the implementation of SIN through NIK to NPWP has a positive impact on increasing tax compliance in Indonesia, such as more effective and easier tax administration with the simplification of tax administration and increased tax revenue. However, despite having various positive impacts, there are several challenges that need to be considered to maximize the effectiveness of the integration, such as the need for socialization and education to the community throughout Indonesia, the need for readiness in terms of information technology infrastructure to support the integration in a sustainable manner, and the need for certainty of good protection of taxpayers' personal data. So, it can be concluded that implementing the integration of NIK and NPWP through the SIN system can have impressive results in improving tax compliance in Indonesia.

Commentary on the Applications of Blended Learning in the Teaching and Learning Process – A Review

Blended learning, an innovative approach that combines traditional face-to-face (FTF) instruction with online elements, has gained prominence in education. This article provides a comprehensive overview of blended learning, including its definition, advantages, disadvantages, and various factors that affect the effectiveness of this teaching and learning approach. It also explores students’ and teachers’ perceptions of blended learning and the challenges and issues that may arise in its implementation. Blended learning has been found to provide several benefits such as personalized learning, flexibility, improved engagement, cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and real-world skill development. However, it also presents challenges related to technological dependence, digital inequality, reduced face-to-face interaction, and assessment difficulties. Instructors may face challenges in terms of preparation, time management, and scheduling. Factors affecting learning in a blended environment include pedagogical approaches, technology infrastructure, teacher skills and training, student engagement, assessment methods, cultural and social context, and time management. Students and teachers generally perceive blended learning positively, citing improvements in learning outcomes and teaching practices. While blended learning offers a sound pedagogical approach, successful implementation requires addressing technical barriers, ensuring engagement, effective assessment and evaluation methods, effective time management, and providing instructor training and support. Data privacy and security, social isolation, and course redesign are also important considerations in implementing blended learning. In conclusion, blended learning is a versatile and effective educational approach with many advantages and challenges. To ensure its success, careful planning, continuous evaluation, and support for educators and learners are essential to create rich learning environments in a rapidly evolving educational environment.

Implementation of Sports Science and Technology Integration Infrastructure: A Case Study of Speed Skating Utilizing Web and Mobile Applications, and Information Visualization Technologies

In the field of sports, there is an active discussion on and an attempt to apply technologies that integrate sports with cutting-edge science and technology for the purpose of enhancing athletic performance. In line with this trend, South Korea is supporting research on the fusion of sports and science technology at an interdepartmental level. For the improvement of performance in elite sports, it is important to consider the athlete’s skills, the coach’s information analysis, the scientification of equipment, and the environmental optimization. Accordingly, this study aims to propose web and mobile app technologies to establish an integrated infrastructure of sports science and technology for the three factors of athletes, equipment, and environment to improve the performance of speed skating. Furthermore, it aims to make policy recommendations to activate this integration. The application of such technologies and policy recommendations can be transferred and organically integrated into other sports, including track and field, which are time-based competitions. Additionally, it is expected that this approach will lead to the formation of new theories that consider the emotional aspects occurring in sports situations.

Culture-Dependent Characterization of Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria and Fungi from an Artisanal Crude Oil Refining Site

Crude oil refining is a global insert responsible for the production of a wide array of petroleum based products crucial for various sectors including energy, transportation, and manufacturing. However, the artisanal form of crude oil refining, often characterized by its small scale and limited technological infrastructure, has emerged as a major environmental concern in several regions around the world. Illegal refining of crude oil has led to oil spillages which in turn lead to a disruption of the microbial population of the soil. Hence, the aim of this study was to isolate and characterize the heterotrophic and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria and fungi from an artisanal crude oil refining site. A total of thirty six (36) soil samples were collected from three (3) artisanal crude oil refining sites at iwofe, ogbogoro and ibaa community all in Rivers State, Nigeria. The samples were collected using soil auger and subjected to standard microbiological procedures such as culturing, isolation and identification. The results revealed significantly elevated levels of heterotrophic and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria and fungi in the soil samples, with notable variations (p≤0.05) across the different artisanal crude oil refining sites. Total Heterotrophic Bacteria (THB) counts ranged from 3.75x105CFU/g in Iwofe to 2.70x105CFU/g in Ibaa, Total heterotrophic Fungal (THF) counts ranged from 2.80x104CFU/g recorded in Ogbogoro to 1.45x104CFU/g recorded in Iwofe, Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria (HUB) counts ranged from 2.25x103CFU/g in Ibaa to 1.30x103CFU/g in Iwofe and Hydrocarbon Utilizing Fungi (HUF) counts ranged from 2.50x102CFU/g recorded in Ogbogoro to 1.40x102CFU/g recorded in Ibaa community with significant differences (p≤0.05). Bacteria isolated and characterized from the soil include Enterobacter, Pseudomonas putida, Serratia and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens while fungi include Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Mucor. The microorganisms identified in this study have been reported to play key roles in the utilization of crude oil. Pseudomonas and Bacillus were the most dominant bacterial isolates and their dominance could imply that the soil could support the growth of crops. Thus, while they utilize the hydrocarbons, they also serve as plant-growth promoting microorganisms. Although some of the microorganisms in the present study have been reported to promote the growth of plant, the dumping of crude oil products legal or illegal should be minimized to avoid the extinction of plant-promoting microorganisms.

Emerging Trends in E-Commerce in Bangalore Urban District: Opportunities and Challenges for Local Businesses

The rapid growth of e-commerce in India has cemented Bangalore Urban District as a vital area for digital commerce, fueled by its advanced technological infrastructure and consumer base. This study investigates emerging trends such as mobile commerce, omnichannel retail, and social commerce, and examines their impact on local businesses. Through analyzing secondary data and industry insights, this paper identifies factors driving these trends, including high smartphone penetration, an expanding digital economy, and the unique tech ecosystem in Bangalore. The findings underscore the opportunities and challenges for businesses in Bangalore to navigate this competitive sector effectively, providing recommendations on leveraging digital innovations to foster growth.

Pandemic COVID-19 as a challenge for telemedicine in the Czech Republic.

The COVID-19 Pandemic contributed to accelerating the process of using information and communication technologies and digital technologies in healthcare management and delivery within healthcare systems. At that time, the Czech healthcare system faced the same problems as other European systems and struggled with a temporary limitation of direct provision of healthcare services. It was solved by switching to telemedicine. The Czech healthcare system used telemedicine to a minimal extent until then. Despite adopting the law on healthcare digitisation, it is still one of the countries with a lower level of digitisation of healthcare processes. The article presents the results of an exploratory expert investigation focused on the implementation and development of telemedicine in the Czech Republic. The conducted research aimed to identify problems related to the implementation of telemedicine in practice, place them in the broader framework of the healthcare system and structure them, propose possible solutions, and identify the future challenges of telemedicine in the Czech Republic. We based our study on the results of a three-phase QUAL-QUAN-QUAL research. Data collection in the first phase took the form of individual semi-structured interviews with patients (25) with practical experience in the field of telemedicine, followed by the second quantitative phase of the questionnaire survey with patients (650). The third qualitative phase included semi-structured interviews with experts (17) with practical experience in telemedicine. The introduction and expansion of telemedicine require several fundamental changes. These include adjustments to the legislative environment and changes to the technological infrastructure, organisation of care and work. Several barriers have been identified at the healthcare system level, healthcare providers, healthcare professionals and patients.

Strategi Penerapan Media Pembelajaran Sesuai Perspektif Kurikulum Merdeka di MAN Binjai Sumatera Utara

This research aims to explore: First, evaluate the level of understanding and ability of MAN Binjai teachers in implementing learning media that supports the principles of the Independent Curriculum. Second, knowing the strategies that can be implemented to optimize the use of learning media in accordance with the Independent Curriculum at MAN Binjai. Third, knowing the obstacles faced in implementing learning media at MAN Binjai, knowing the strategies that can be implemented to optimize the use of learning media in accordance with the Independent Curriculum at MAN Binjai. This research method is a qualitative type with a descriptive approach. The instruments used in this research were observation, interviews and documentation studies. The location of this research is MAN Binjai, North Sumatra. This research data analysis uses three steps, data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing. The research results show that: First, the implementation of the independent curriculum at MAN Binjai includes the implementation of intracurricular learning, extracurricular learning, and the Pancasila Rahmatan Lil Al-Amin (P5RA) Student Profile Strengthening Project. This independent curriculum emphasizes freedom to think, innovate, learn independently and creatively, as well as the freedom to feel happy. Second, the planning strategy for using interactive digital learning media at MAN Binjai begins with intensive training for teachers to integrate technology in their teaching process. The use of digital media also helps students develop technological skills which are very important in the modern era. The research results show that the use of interactive digital learning media at MAN Binjai has increased student engagement, expanded access to learning, and developed their digital skills. Third, the obstacles faced by Technological Infrastructure: One of the main obstacles is the availability of adequate technological infrastructure. Training Limitations: Despite intensive training, there are still challenges in obtaining adequate training for all teachers. Teacher Readiness and Willingness: Not all teachers have the same readiness in adopting and integrating digital learning media. Insufficient Content: Sometimes, the availability of appropriate and quality content to support project-based learning can be a challenge. Time Limitations: Implementing interactive digital learning media requires additional time for preparation and development of learning content. Student Engagement: While digital learning media can increase student engagement, there are also challenges in ensuring that all students can access and use the technology effectively.

Strategic Technological Innovations Influencing Competitive Advantage Among Micro and Small Enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya

Purpose: The ability of businesses to integrate information technology in their operations has been found to be an integral driver to their success. Through information technology, firms can utilize technological innovations to strengthen the uniqueness of their products in the market thus enhancing their competitive advantage. However, with limited evidence in the local context especially among the micro and small enterprises which continue to face a continuous decline, it warrants the study to assess how strategic technological innovations have been embraced among the small and micro enterprises and the role the innovations have played in enhancing the competitive advantage of the enterprises. Specifically, the study will examine the influence of enterprise’s IT Capabilities on competitive advantage among Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs); determine the influence of Technological resources on competitive advantage among Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs); explore the influence of adopted new technologies on competitive advantage among Micro and Small Enterprises; and establish the influence of Technological Processes and Products (TPP) on competitive advantage among Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Nairobi County, Kenya. The objectives will be anchored on dynamic capabilities theory, Schumpeter theory of innovation, technology acceptance model and diffusion theory of innovation. Methodology: Using a descriptive research approach, the study will collect and analyse both qualitative and quantitative data. This data was obtained from 386 micro and medium enterprises in Nairobi Central Business District, drawn from a population of 11,245 MSEs registered by the Nairobi City County in the CBD. A questionnaire was the main instrument of data collection, which was pilot-tested for validity and reliability. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: The findings were presented using frequency tables and graphs. In conclusion, the findings emphasize the critical role of technology in driving market expansion, customer engagement, and operational efficiency. The study highlights the importance of strategic support and intervention to address technological adoption challenges. By encouraging technological development and integration, policymakers and other stakeholders can assist MSEs in improving their operations, boosting the economy of Nairobi County. Investing in technological education and infrastructure is essential for MSEs to optimally benefit from TPP in the contemporary digital economy. Unique Contribution to theory, policy and practice: Training and development on how MSEs can use the platforms effectively, online marketing and selling needs to be promoted to help MSEs build their capacities. Therefore, when equipped with the appropriate knowledge and tools, the policymakers can help the MSEs to adopt e-commerce and increase their market access and productivity.

The “Simultaneous Development of Quantity and Quality”: Research on the Impact of the Digital Economy in Enabling Manufacturing Innovation

The digital economy is the future direction of global development, and its innovation-driven effect has become the focus of scholars. This study takes China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed manufacturing enterprises from 2012 to 2022 as research samples and uses a text-analysis method to measure the comprehensive index of the regional digital economy. Based on the dual dimensions of quantity and quality, we empirically test the actual impact of the digital economy on manufacturing innovation. The results show the following: (1) The internal components of the digital economy include data elements, digital technology, and digital infrastructure, which have a significant role in promoting manufacturing innovation. (2) There are significant differences in the release of digital economy innovation dividends among enterprises with different growth stages, property rights, and technology endowments. (3) From the macro-regional level, the rational allocation of R&D personnel and R&D funds is an effective way for the digital economy to enable manufacturing innovation. In addition, from the micro-enterprise level, factor-combination and information-optimization effects are also effective ways for the digital economy to drive manufacturing innovation. (4) Further, the impact of the digital economy on manufacturing innovation is nonlinear, with changes in internal composition. This study helps to break through the obstacles of the digital economy to achieve innovation empowerment and provides a theoretical reference for the manufacturing industry to continue to spur innovation vitality.