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1
Auzinger-Hotzel, Kathrin Michaela. "Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Citizenship." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/3334.
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Democracy depends on the civic and political engagement of individuals. Despite a growing body of research analyzing political engagement in the United States, little attention has been paid to the relationship between information and communication technologies (ICTs) and perceptions of citizens concerning civic participation. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationship between ICTs, perceptions of citizenship, and participatory preferences for 18- to 35-year-olds in the United States. Applying Olson's theory of collective action, the goal of the study was to understand how ICT use influenced changes in perceptions of citizenship between 2004 and 2014. A repeated cross-sectional design, pooling secondary data retrieved from the U.S. General Social Survey database, was used to answer the research questions on the effect of ICT use on perceptions and actions concerning citizenship and participation. The hypotheses were tested using multiple linear regression analysis. Study findings suggested that ICT use had no notable effect on changes in perceptions of citizenship. More specifically, results indicated that changes in perceptions and actions between 2004 and 2014 were not the result of ICTs, despite increasing ICT usage over the period. These findings indicate that ICTs are just tools, rather than agents of change. Acknowledging ICT use as a form of expression permits practitioners to deploy ICTs as tools to support civic engagement. Benefits from leveraging them as tools are likely to accrue individuals, society, and practitioners alike. The resulting implications for positive social change include increased participation as well as the adoption of democratic practices reflective of modern participatory demands and behaviors.
2
Gul, Nasreen. "The impact of information communication technologies on the performance of international joint ventures in relation to the communication and culture dynamics." Thesis, University of Salford, 2002. http://usir.salford.ac.uk/14693/.
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This study endeavoured to investigate the effects of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) on the performance of International Joint Ventures (IJVs) by focusing on specific variables known to affect performance i. e. culture (national and corporate) and communication. Given the increasing use of ICTs in business processes this thesis focused on whether the utilisation of ICTs affected the communication and cultural dynamics within IJVs and whether any correlating effect on IJV performance occurred. Three research questions were developed, firstly, how ICTs impacted on communication between IN partners, secondly, how ICTs affected the cultural diversity that exists between partners and thirdly, if the use of ICTs in communication channels had any subsequent effect on IN performance. Research was undertaken using the multiple embedded case study approach allowing data to be linked to theory in an inductive and deductive process. The contextual setting was the European Telecommunications sector since it is a geographical area with an inherent cultural diversity and an industry with a significant number of IJVs. The sample selected focused on five IJVs created between UK and other EU partners during the time period 1995 to 1997. Data was collected primarily through the use of semi-structuredin terviews with directors of eachp arent company. Within and cross case analysis of the results enabled common themes and new ideas to emerge, indicating that the use of ICTs does affect communication channels and is dependent upon the importance of the interaction. Cultural diversity that exists between IJV partners is also affected but at a superficial level, however, results revealed that the use of ICTs does not enhance the performance of IJVs. Results also highlight unexpected findings, that of, two new variables affecting IJV performance which are a unique corporate culture and a common vision for the IJV.
3
Pratchett, Lawrence. "The politics of new technologies in local government." Thesis, De Montfort University, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/2086/4107.
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Li, Jiayan Emma, and 李嘉彦. "Economic evaluations of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for chronic disease management: asystematic review." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2010. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B45173072.
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Acanit, Mary. "Status of Information and Communication Technologies in Academic Libraries in Central Uganda." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/59905.
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Library users are constantly expecting new services, which puts tremendous pressure on academic libraries to re-organise their work patterns and devise better ways of service delivery in order to remain relevant. Although there are a lot of developments taking place in terms of information and communication technology (ICT), academic libraries in Sub- Saharan Africa are at different levels of ICT deployment both between different countries and within the same countries. The aim of this study is to determine the status of ICTs in Academic libraries in Central Uganda. The descriptive study employs a survey methodology gathering both quantitative and qualitative data. Data was collected from library staff responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of ICT at 17 of the 22 academic libraries in Central Uganda using survey questionnaires and interviews over a period of twelve months. Findings indicate that there is an improvement in the status of ICTs in academic libraries in Central Uganda although they are deployed at a minimum level. Funding, power fluctuations and low bandwidth still pose a major threat to ICT adoption in academic libraries in Central Uganda. This report informs government, libraries, LIS schools, LIS professional bodies and policy makers on the future course of action regarding ICT deployment and curricula. Notably, there is need for government to support infrastructural development; engage in public-private partnerships for infrastructural developments; exempt taxation of ICT equipment and supplement funding at universities. Libraries should dedicate more funds to purchase ICT equipment; automate all library functions; develop local capacity to manage ICT projects; promote awareness about ICT services and support initiatives from local and international library associations. LIS schools should conduct a curriculum review to reposition the LIS study program to the present and future needs of the job market; monitor and advice government on policy issues affecting higher education include the need to align ICTs to national development. LIS professional bodies need to champion the cause for the standardization of LIS study programs, promote networking and knowledge sharing; articulate national e-strategies and play advisory role to government, LIS schools and libraries.<br>Mini Dissertation (MIT)--University of Pretoria, 2016.<br>Carnegie Corporation of New York<br>Information Science<br>MIT<br>Unrestricted
6
Tanner, Keith George. "Information and communication technologies (ICTs) and local economic development : the interventionist strategies of British local authorities." Thesis, Manchester Metropolitan University, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.337187.
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Ospina, Parada Angelica. "Climate change adaptation and developing country livelihoods : the role of information and communication technologies." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2013. https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/climate-change-adaptation-and-developing-country-livelihoods-the-role-of-information-and-communication-technologies(9b336c6a-d43d-4015-b106-4c002d0eb6b1).html.
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This research investigates the linkages that exist between climate change impacts, adaptation and information and communication technologies (ICTs) within developing country livelihoods. The analysis is based on an original conceptual framework that explores the notion of 'e-resilience' as a key property through which ICTs may strengthen the capacity of vulnerable systems to adapt and potentially transform in the face of increasing climate change impacts and uncertainty. By drawing key principles from the sustainable livelihoods framework, new institutionalism and Sen's capabilities approach, and based on a critical realist view of the world, the research provides a novel approach to the understanding of ICTs' role in contexts vulnerable to climate change. Based on the experience of Colombia's coffee producers, the analysis demonstrates that ICTs can contribute to the ability of vulnerable livelihoods to adapt to the impacts of climate change and variability through improved short-term informational efficiency and knowledge sharing, and long-term decision-making effectiveness, capacity building and behavioural change. The analysis explores the main factors that enable or constrain ICTs' contribution to the implementation of adaptive actions, arguing that the extent and impact of those contributions are best understood through the concept of e-resilience. As an increasingly relevant property of vulnerable systems, e-resilience integrates foundational (robustness, self-organisation and learning) and enabling attributes (redundancy, rapidity, scale, flexibility, diversity and equality) that may have been overlooked from a traditional 'asset-based' approach, while allowing a systemic (multi-scale/multi-temporal/multi-stressor) understanding of the context within which developing country stakeholders operate. The research findings reveal numerous linkages between ICTs' role and resilience building, suggesting that the e-resilience sub-properties strengthen the ability of vulnerable systems to enact adaptation actions, and better cope with the process of change and increasing uncertainty associated with (but not limited to) climate change. The analysis shows that, while ICT tools have not been explicitly integrated into national or sectoral climate change adaptation strategies, they are playing an increasing role in the adaptive capacity and resilience of developing country livelihoods. The study concludes by recognising the strengths and weaknesses of the e-resilience approach, providing recommendations to facilitate its use in development practice and suggesting key areas for future research.
8
Duberry, Jérôme. "Environmental governance and new ICTs : the impact of new information and communication technologies on global environmental governance." Doctoral thesis, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/295839.
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The doctoral dissertation deals with the impact of the use of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) on global environmental governance. The objective of the research is to analyze the influence of these technologies on the legitimacy of global governance tools and on the competences of global non-state actors –as part of global civil society– involved in processes of environmental politics. After defining the context in which new ICTs emerge, the thesis develops two case studies. The first one analyzes the resolution and recommendation process of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). It illustrates that the use of new ICT improves the participation and the creation of consensus around certain values, and shows therefore that the use of new ICTs has a positive impact on the legitimacy of this global governance mechanism. The second case study examines the use of new ICTs by IUCN and demonstrates that it has no substantial impact on the internal capacities of the organization. However, it has a positive yet limited impact on the external competences of IUCN, since it improves the organization’s capacity to communicate only with its traditional audience.<br>La tesis doctoral trata el impacto de la generalización de las nuevas tecnologías de la información y de la comunicación (TIC) sobre la gobernanza global del medio ambiente. El objetivo de la investigación es analizar la influencia de estas nuevas tecnologías sobre la legitimidad de los mecanismos de gobernanza global y sobre las capacidades de los actores globales no estatales –como parte de la sociedad civil global– implicados en estos procesos de política medioambiental . Después de definir el contexto en el cual emergen las nuevas TIC, la tesis desarrolla dos casos de estudio. El primero de ellos analiza la evolución del proceso de resoluciones y recomendaciones de la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (UICN) y permite ilustrar que el uso de las nuevas TIC mejora la participación en este proceso y la creación de consenso en torno a determinados valores. Por ello, el uso de las nuevas TIC tiene un impacto positivo sobre la legitimidad de este mecanismo de gobernanza global. El segundo caso analiza el uso de las nuevas TIC por parte de la UICN y demuestra que no tiene un impacto sustancial sobre las capacidades internas de esta organización. Sin embargo, sí cabe reseñar un impacto positivo pero limitado sobre las competencias externas de la UICN, de modo que mejora la capacidad de la organización para comunicar tan sólo con su audiencia tradicional.
9
Rodgers, Francis Jayne. "Gendered political spaces in international relations : the case of NGO use of information & communication technologies (ICTs)." Thesis, University of Leeds, 2000. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/362/.
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The thesis contributes to evolving debates on spatial theorising in the discipline of International Relations (IR). It argues that spatial interpretation in the discipline is both gendered, through its focus on public institutions of politics, and state-centric, through a neo/Realist hegemony of ideas in its discourse. These discursive parameters are argued to impose limitations on the study of transnational phenomena, and the thesis therefore develops a framework for analysis apposite to research into political activity that is not state-centred. This analytical frarnework is based initially upon the work of Henri Lefebvre, and identifies three categories of analysis: spatial practice, representations of space and space of representation. In this respect the thesis introduces a form of spatial methodology to the discipline. The thesis argues that these categories provide a more flexible model for analysis of complex interactions in the international arena than extant approaches in the discipline can provide, by permitting examination of political activity at the level of agency. The spatial categories are applied to two transnational phenomena of relevance to the discipline: the international political practices of non-governmental organizations(NGOs), and their use of information and communications technologies (ICTs). A survey of the use of ICT's by Amnesty International, Christian Aid, Friends of the Earth, the Institute for Journalism in Transition and Oxfam is undertaken. The thesis then analyses the use of ICTs as a political tool by these organizations, using spatial theories as a framework. The application of spatial theories as a methodological approach aims to extend the discursive parameters of the discipline by introducing a less gendered, more flexible analytical model, appropriate to research into complex political practices.
10
Bala, Poline. "Desire for progress : the Kelabit experience with information communication technologies (ICTs) for rural development in Sarawak, East Malaysia." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2008. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.611916.
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Mago, Shamiso. "The impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on rural livelihoods: the case of smallholder farming in Zimbabwe." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007185.
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This study seeks to determine the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. The study was motivated by the fact that benefits of ICT development still need to be known among rural smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. ICTs have been upheld as catalysts for the promotion of rural livelihoods the world over. The question that remains is whether ICTs in Zimbabwe promote livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Although the Government formulated the ICT policy in 2005, the benefits still need to be known among rural smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. The challenges faced by smallholder farmers include limited access to ICTs, high costs in ICT services and lack of ICT infrastructural development in the country. The challenges hindered ICT benefits that are expected to accrue to smallholder farmers. This study is significant in the view that most studies on ICT have focused on the general roles of ICT on rural development without giving particular attention to smallholder farming that has a potential of reducing poverty and promoting food security. For a theoretical lens, the Sustainable Livelihood Approach was used with special attention to Chapman et al (2001)’s information wheel. Regarding methodological issues, the study followed a qualitative research methodology guided by a secondary analysis research design. Data were collected from published reports of government, reports from the Ministry of ICT, internet, journals, newspapers and periodicals. The study established that ICTs promote livelihoods of smallholder farmers through the dissemination of vital information for improvement of agricultural productivity. From the research findings, the study proposes four main recommendations. Firstly, strengthening of ICT policy for effective smallholder farmers. Secondly, the government to organise ICT awareness campaigns directed towards rural people especially smallholder farmers. Thirdly, up scaling ICT Infrastructural development .Finally, a large-scale ICTs and livelihoods research must be commissioned in the country.
12
Berber-Irabien, Diana. "Information and communication technologies in conference interpreting." Doctoral thesis, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/8775.
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New technologies, more specifically, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), are today indispensable in all professions. It is undeniable, however, that some professions have been affected to a greater extent than others. <br/>This study describes ICTs used in conference interpreting, in both professional and educational settings. It also records the interpreters' and interpreter trainers' perceptions of ICTs, especially in terms of improving the quality of their performance and their professionalism. The data has been collected through two global surveys, both conducted mainly through questionnaires and personal interviews, and triangulated with in situ observations. <br/>As to the results of the research, it was found that variation in use was not always due to generational or regional differences as had been expected. Conference interpreter trainers, on their part, are identifying different ways to overcome budgetary restrictions to allow students to learn about ICTs in order to better prepare them for the labor market.<br>Las nuevas tecnologías, especialmente las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TICs), son actualmente un componente indispensable de todas las profesiones. Sin embargo, es innegable que hay profesiones que han resultado más beneficiadas por las TICs que otras. La presente investigación describe las TICs utilizadas en la interpretación de conferencias, tanto en el ámbito profesional como en el formativo. Registra asimismo la percepción y actitud de los intérpretes y de los formadores de intérpretes de conferencia hacia las TICs, en cuanto a mejorar la calidad de su desempeño y su profesionalismo. Para recoger la información, se llevaron a cabo dos encuestas a nivel global por medio de cuestionarios, complementadas con una serie de entrevistas y observaciones.<br/>En cuanto a los resultados de la investigación, se encontró que la variación en el uso no era siempre resultado de diferencias generacionales o regionales. Los formadores de intérpretes de conferencia, por su parte, están encontrando nuevas formas de superar las restricciones presupuestales para que sus estudiantes aprendan sobre el uso de las TICs, con el objeto de prepararlos mejor para su inserción en el mercado laboral.
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Nava, Karen E. "Life with Information and Communication Technologies in the DC Metropolitan Area’s Immigrant Bolivian Household." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1187324333.
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Nitsche, Lena. "Development 2.0? Participation and ICTs in a network organization." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för informatik och media, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-226029.
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Participatory communication through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has been identified to enhance self-dependency and equality for local communities in development projects. As well, ICTs served as an accelerator for citizen participation in social movements, such as in Egypt. However, it is still questionable how participation and ICTs are understood on a global scale where structural inequalities between developing and developed countries might influence communication processes. Similarly, international organizations often address a global network of stakeholders with various economic and social backgrounds. However, it is unclear how participatory communication and ICTs are used in global organizations aiming to foster sustainable development. Hence, this thesis investigates the understanding and practices of participatory communication and the role of ICTs in a global network organization, the Global Water Partnership (GWP) based in Stockholm. The GWPs network consists of 2964 institutional partners in 172 countries worldwide. It can be seen that the GWP aims to achieve dialogic communication with local partners, but that they do not have a mechanism that ensures continuous participation in all working processes, although the local partners demand more possibilities to contribute and participate. As well, ICTs play a minor role in addressing the GWP network. In fact, most of the partner organizations do not have reliable internet access and insufficient English literacy, which makes communication through ICTs especially challenging.This suggests that globally operating organizations should be careful not to reproduce existing power relationship between developed and developing countries through the use of ICTs. As well, more mechanisms need to be established which ensure more participation in organization’s processes.
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Jensen, Crystal C. "Native American women leaders' use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for work-life balance (WLB) and capacity building." Thesis, Pepperdine University, 2013. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3588236.
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<p> Native American women's leadership, information communication technologies (ICTs), work-life balance (WLB) and human capacity building (HCB) are grounded in social justice issues due to their long history of overall cultural decimation, inequitable access to technology, monetary resources, and social power (agency), and influence. Currently, there is a lack of research regarding Native American women leaders' use of ICTs for WLB and HCB. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study is to explore ways in which ICTs can enrich Native American women's leadership aptitude, work-life balance, and overall capabilities. Grounded in Giele's (2008) life course research and President Obama's (U.S. White House, 2011) recently signed, "The Executive Order (13592) on Improving American Indian and Alaska Native Educational Opportunities and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities". This order reasserts his <i>cradle to career</i> (Galbraith, 2012) commitment to all Native Americans and Alaskan Indians, this study seeks to answer the following research questions: How are Native American women leaders utilizing ICTs for WLB and capacity building. To answer these questions, narrative life-story framework (Giele 2008; Weber, 2010) based interviews were be conducted and coded for the following themes: Identity, adaptive style, and ICT use. The researcher's intent is to help bridge the existing literature gap and potentially inform culturally ICT use for Native American and global Indigenous women's WLB and capacity-building to empower their efforts for preserving and revitalizing their culture. </p><p> <i>Keywords</i>: Native American, global, Indigenous, women, leaders, information communication technology, education technologies, learning technologies, ICTs, work-life balance, WLB, capacity building, cultural preservation and revitalization</p>
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Moodley, Gunasagren. "Critical analysis of the post-apartheid South African Government's discourse on infromation and communication technologies (ICTs), poverty and development." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/1298.
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Thesis (PhD (School of Public Management and Planning
))—University of Stellenbosch,
2005.<br>This study comprises a discursive analysis of the underlying assumptions, rhetorical devices and the latent agendas masked within: (i) the burgeoning international ICT, poverty and development literature; (ii) the policy agendas of the major players in international development; and (iii) the ICT, poverty and development discourse of the post-apartheid South African government.
The aim of the study is to move beyond the current enthusiasm for derivative description and technological determinism, and to introduce a deeper, more balanced understanding of the relationship between ICT, poverty and development.
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Nanudorn, Paisal, and nanu0002@flinders edu au. "Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and their roles for narrowing the development gaps in rural and remote areas in Thailand." Flinders University. Flinders Institute of Public Policy and Management, 2006. http://catalogue.flinders.edu.au./local/adt/public/adt-SFU20060522.145455.
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This thesis describes a case study of a rural sub district in Thailand, develops a
network model for development and makes policy suggestions that stress the
importance of participatory governance processes. The aim of this thesis is to learn
from a limited case study and explore the extent to which ICT could bridge the gaps
in rural and remote areas and thus aid development and empower those who are
marginalized by virtue of gender inequality, poverty, lack of education and limited
access to resources. The thesis:
- Investigates how a case study of rural and remote communities,
particularly in North Eastern Thailand, can gain more capacity to: i.)
harness and obtain the potential advantages of information and
communication technologies and ii.) promote the interconnectedness and
network partnership across public, private and community sectors.
- Describes the lack of connection across public, private and community
sectors and argues for the need to develop and promote the capacity of
individuals, groups, organizations, and institutions in these rural areas. In
this limited case study, the lack of capacity leads to an inability to use ICT
in many sectors that could support community development goals in
Thailand. Without access to or the ability to share new information and knowledge across the remote and more developed regions, it is difficult to
create success in development projects for individuals and institutions and
to mobilize and allocate tangible and intangible resources from the
workplace, family, and community. Amidst the flood of information and
knowledge globally, including within a nation itself, partnerships among
public and private sectors and other stakeholders both inside and outside a
community can play a substantial role in harnessing the new technologies
to pool information and knowledge, in order to develop the community's
capacity and people's capability to achieve their goals sustainably.
- Argues that the development gaps in these rural and remote areas could be
reduced if the people there are promoted and empowered to be significant
and active partners equally able to share and contribute information and
knowledge to others outside their communities.
The focus of the research is on the powerful knowledge brokers in the society
such as the monks, the village leaders, local government officials and the school
teachers who know about ICTs. The research focus is not the powerless who (in this
case) may not have access to ICT. The thesis points out the way in which the
powerful view the shortcomings and barriers to ordinary people having access to
computers. As such 'the gaze' (in the sense used by Foucault is upwards at the
powerful, not downwards at the powerless. 'Power and knowledge are linked'
(Foucault), according to Foucault and this thesis looks only at the way in which the
powerful see themselves.
Although I argue for participatory governance, my thesis only looks at the
powerful. This is in part as a result of my being a member of the knowledge broker
stakeholders as I am training to be a Buddhist monk and live in the temple.
My thesis makes a contribution, by studying the powerful knowledge brokers, instead
of researching the powerless. I have researched issues with the powerful as I was able
to access them, in my role as a trainee monk and because of my position in and
connections within the community. There are usually two areas in research in Thailand that are not discussed;
they are religion and the role of the state. This thesis addresses some causes or sources
of difficulties or conflicts that have occurred as a part of the obstacles for the
development in selected case study areas, in order to understand what significantly
lies underneath the difficulties.
This thesis does not engage in a discussion on the diverse needs of the
Southern region. Muslims, who live in the five southern provinces adjacent to
Malaysia, see themselves as second class citizens compared to others (in particular
Buddhists who make up about 95% of the population). This is supported by
international criticism of the handling of separatist movements.
This thesis is written from the perspective of a Buddhist monk -to- be who
lives and works in the Northern area and who is concerned with his case study area. I
have been in training to become a monk my entire life as I was brought up in the
Buddhist temple. I acknowledge that my experiences contribute to the way that I see
the world but that I have tried to be as reflexive as possible. Much of the research
draws on my role and position in the society in which I live. I have strived to
understand the wider world. To that end, I was trained in the private and public sector
in leadership skills in Bangkok Life Insurance Company and in Bangkok Business
Administration School including in Naluang Temple, Udorn Thani province. I have
been trained to work with the community leaders such as schools and local
government officers with a view to help with community development as the temple
representative.
This thesis does not argue that information and communication technologies
(ICTs), in and of themselves, are the means to achieving social justice and socioeconomic
being. Instead it argues that they can support and enable the stakeholders to
participate in decision making and greater access to information and resources
amongst and across local stakeholders - village, school, temple and local government
- in the rural areas.
I stress that if there is no political willingness and community spirit (social
capital) to support this, then information and communication technologies (ICTs) are of no value. 'Thick democracy', in the sense used by Edgar, is dependent on better
communication with all the stakeholders. Knowledge management is not about
technology alone it is about pooling and sharing ideas so that development
opportunities can be developed. Technology is the means to achieve joined-up
government. It is not an end in itself. My thesis shows how the lack of ability to work
together, and lack of willingness to cooperate amongst some players, undermine the
potential of people to access information and resources.
I argue that the geographical isolation of rural areas nowadays can be
theoretically bridged by investing in telecommunication infrastructure. It is debatable
if the state could achieve this alone. Local institutions cannot serve, help and work in
partnership with other organizations. They need to be able to work collaboratively, in
order to deal with the complexity of problems. Some temples, for instance, lack
capacity to apply the local, tacit knowledge of people that is needed for balanced
development in the community. A consequence of the isolation of local institutions, in
this case study, is that it can lead to insufficient co-operation across community,
public and private sectors. Also, it can reduce and demote institutional and social
capacity necessary for working together effectively. The aim of this thesis was to
establish to what extent ICT can bridge the gaps in rural and remote areas and thus aid
development and empower those who are marginalized by virtue of gender inequality,
poverty, lack of education and limited access to resources. At the outset the
limitations of the small sample are acknowledge and the analysis is limited to the
discussion of themes that could have potential relevance, but nevertheless the thesis
aims to
- Explore the issue of capacity building (by means of a small purposive
sample) drawn from 7 rural communities, in North Eastern Thailand;
- Consider the themes from the purposive sample to explore the potential
development role for information and communication technologies;
- Consider the extent to which the technologies (as part of a development
process) could support the creation of networks and partnership across
public, private and community sectors; and
- Describe the themes that emerge in the small sample about the lack of
connection across (public, private and community) sectors and argue for
the need to develop and promote the capacity of individuals, groups,
organizations, and institutions in this purposive sample.
The lack of capacity in this small sample indicated that in these communities
there is limited capacity to use ICT in many sectors that could support community
development goals in this part of Thailand. Perhaps the themes that are evident in this
sample could be explored further to assess their more general relevance. It is possible
that without access to or the ability to share new information and knowledge across
the remote and more developed regions, it is difficult to create success in development
projects for individuals and institutions and to mobilize and allocate tangible and
intangible resources from the workplace, family, and community. Amidst the flood of
information and knowledge globally, including within a nation itself, partnerships
among public and private sectors and other stakeholders both inside and outside a
community can play a substantial role in harnessing the new technologies to pool
information and knowledge, in order to develop the community's capacity and
people's capability to achieve their goals sustainably. I argue that the development
gaps in these rural and remote areas could be reduced if the people there are promoted
and empowered to be significant and active partners equally able to share and
contribute information and knowledge to others outside their communities.
18
Selamolela, M. C. "An investigation into the usage patterns of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by females in the Vhembe District - Limpopo Province." Thesis, University of Limpopo, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/1238.
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Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology)) --University of Limpopo, 2015<br>The study investigated trends of rape in Mankweng area between the years 2009
and 2012. The number of cases reported per year, age of victims, area of
occurrence, victim/perpetrator relationship, month of occurrence, day and time of
occurrence and the victim’s rape occurrences were investigated. Archival research
design was employed by studying victim’s records at Thuthuzela Care Centre, using
a self-designed data organization sheet. Descriptive statistics was applied in
analysing data. The following are the findings: there is an increase in the number of
rape incidents, girls aged between 13- 19 years are at risk of being raped. The
victims are likely to be raped by an unknown perpetrator. Rape is more likely to take
place during the month of September. Most cases occur during weekends at night in
the semi-urban part of Mankweng. There are more first-time victims and rape cases
involved only one perpetrator
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Karki, Biswa. "Impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on Livelihood of Rural People: A Case Study of Nangi Village of Ramche VDC in Nepal." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för datavetenskap, fysik och matematik, DFM, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-18247.
Full textAbstract:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is considered as important tool to empower rural people with the ability to communicate instantaneously facilitating rural development process and information needs. In developing countries potential of ICT4D still not understood, what ICTs can do in rural people life and how ICTs are used by rural people, so it has become area of discussion.The study was conducted in rural Nangi village of Ramche VDC at Myagdi district of Nepal which is located at the height of 2300 m in western part of Himalayan region. Qualitative case study research design was adopted for the study. Research study manages structured interview with hundred fifty five users and non-users of ICTs. To provide supplementary information for data collected from individual interviews, four FGD (four focus group discussion) were conducted including both ICTs user and non-user of Nangi village of Ramche VDC. Semi-structured interview was conducted with two telecenter operator, two health workers and one NWNP project responsible person to know in depth of ICTs use and its effect on life of rural people. Majority of ICTs users were male having higher secondary education (Grade 11 & 12) while minorities were female in study area.Telecenter have failed to consider underrepresented groups in the provision of ICTs services in study area. Necessary conditions to access ICTs exist while sufficient conditions such as ICTs skill, and awareness still lacking. In Nangi village of Ramche VDC, technologies do not support socio-economic development totally but have some effect on various aspects of livelihoods. Socially, technologies help for better communication, and knowledge sharing. Economically, technologies help for better income generation, savings and technologies facilitate for better access to information, and ICTs literacy as human capital. Language problem (illiteracy), lack of ICTs skill, lack of time, lack of electricity supply, low bandwidth of internet with timely disconnection, terrible road and poor infrastructure were found significant obstacles for effective use of ICTs in telecenter.The study recommends NWNP project leader and telecenter operator should do regular information need assessment of poor, disadvantaged and underrepresented groups to redesign or restructure the program to bring them in provision of ICTs service instead of looking them as passive users of ICTs services. There should be collaboration between telecenter program and LDC (local development committee) to develop localized application for rural people. The developed localized ICTs application should meet needs of rural people to serve them efficiently and effectively.
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Agarwal, Nikhil. "Technology and social activism : an empirical study of the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by Indian single-issue groups." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/31374.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis explores the role of new Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) in political organisation. It explores the use of ICTs by singleissue groups - the emergence of which has become a salient feature of contemporary political activity. There has been considerable interest amongst politicians, activists, commentators and social scientists in the contribution of ICT (eg. social media) to democracy and the renewal of political life. Optimistic accounts are especially evident around 'the Arab Spring', though subsequent experiences have called into question the prevalent technological utopianism of the time. Despite this, we are now building a complete picture of how ICT can contribute to the political organisation. In particular, the significance of new media and technology for single issue groups has not yet been explored in developing countries context. This thesis, therefore, examines the characteristics of single issue groups and how social activists appropriated new media tools and its consequences for political organisation in a developing country: India. A qualitative study was undertaken to focus on two detailed case studies: India Against Corruption (IAC) and the Pink Chaddi campaign. IAC was the traditional activist organisation that used new media to its advantage whereas Pink Chaddi was the pioneering example of online social activism in the India. Forty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with a range of actors involved to understand how single-issue groups appropriated technology and how new practices have emerge from this appropriation. Drawing upon the Social Shaping of Technology perspective (Williams & Edge, 1996) and its extension to Social Learning (Sørensen, 1996), the thesis refutes prevalent deterministic accounts (whether utopian or dystopian) of the impact of new technologies on political organisations. Instead, a detailed account is rendered of the adoption of various communication media and their utilisation in the particular practices and activities of the single-issue groups selected. The results demonstrate that the particular setting shapes the appropriation of new media and the development of new organisation practices: the skills resources and strategies of the local players involved as well as the availability and affordances of technology. The thesis introduces the concept of 'creative configuration' - to capture the innovative and adaptive process by which the actors involved explored the applicability of general purpose technology infrastructure and tools, assisted by forms of local expertise available to hand, to support organisational objectives. The research examines the applicability of the theory of temporary organisation (Lundin & Söderholm, 1995) to the activities of single-issue groups. It suggests an extension of this theory, highlighting how 'technology' acts as a catalyst to sustain temporary organisations such as single-issue groups. Further, a framework for sustainable local innovations is proposed to explore lessons for organisations in exploiting technologies sustainably and more efficiently.
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Griffith, Kenfield A. (Kenfield Allistair). "Information to iteration : using information and communication technologies [ICT] in design for remote regions." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/72820.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (Ph. D. in Design and Computation)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 2012.<br>Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.<br>Includes bibliographical references (p. 155-159 (i.e. [190]-[194])).<br>Remote design comes with significant challenges. A major barrier to designing in remote regions is the lack of communication between designers and users. As a result, the lack of information flow leads to assumptions about the community's needs- an inherent weakness in the design process. This study examines the role that mobile phones play as a mode of communication between designers of products for communities in developing countries and the users within the communities themselves, in order to provide a better sense of context and environment. This study focused on the use of a communication software called mSurvey and its ability to create accessible feedback flows, that would otherwise be difficult to achieve within remote areas. The investigation uses three case studies as examples. These case studies differ in location, design team, and distance. The first case study took place in Trinidad and Tobago and had software engineers as the design team. The second case study, in Nairobi, Kenya, consisted of architects, engineers, and Masters of Business Administration (MBAs) as the design team. The third case study, in Tanzania, consisted of a company of over 160 employees, whose job titles ranged from designers and engineers, to supply chain strategists. The findings illustrate that, although each design task was different, there are similar challenges when designing for remote regions, specifically, developing countries. The solution to some of these challenges is the increased use of mobile technologies between designers and communities.<br>by Kenfield Allistair Griffith.<br>Ph.D.in Design and Computation
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Brandel, Mikael C., and Mohammad H. Syarif. "Improving business to customer communication : Applying lean and information and communication technologies." Thesis, KTH, Industriell produktion, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-50400.
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In this current economical environment business are looking to become more efficient to lower the costs and provide a better service. New technological advances are quickly being integrated to automate or more rapidly perform the task. Most of these technological advances are in the field of information and communication technology (ICT). Nevertheless, the introduction of technologies is not enough, as better management strategies and organization structures are needed to develop the business further. Duroc Machine Tools identified a problem within the sales and service approach, which does not employ ICT tools while communicating with the customer. Therefore, the cost per order is high and a direct one to one communication is the only approach. The project focuses on lowering the cost of each order, without decreasing the customer care and the overall quality of the service. This was firstly done by studying the possibilities of what ICT tools would be applied to enhance the communication processes. Data was collected from statistical sources to give an overall idea. Next case studies of companies within similar industries and region were performed to indicate in more detail the tools used and available. An educated guess was formulated of what ICT tools should be considered, the more infrequent or conflicting ICTs recommended were verified by interviewing employees with a demonstration of the tools application. The second stage was to analyze the organizational structure and applying lean tools to add value to the customer. A customer perspective is at the centre of this theory and several tools were used to improve the system. Finally the ICT tools were integrated with the new organizational structure to demonstrate the developments possibilities in the future vision. The study found that common ICT functions such as information upload have become essential for doing business today. Another trend that was established is that live information or user-generated approach which is a must have factor in the future ICT platform, this was mostly suggested by introducing micro-blogs. The infrequent and conflicting ICTs within the industry that were recommended were: e-commerce, order management and model driven process solving (MDP). The verification showed a strong consent within the company to apply such tools. To finish the project a strategy of implementation was formulated to guide the company towards its vision of a better system.
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Campbell, Joshua Michael. "How Information and Communication Security Technologies Affect State Power." Malone University Undergraduate Honors Program / OhioLINK, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ma1462540876.
Full text
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Phago, Setotolwane Johannes. "Internationalisation constraints : a South African information and communication technologies entrepreneur’s perspective." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/25626.
Full textAbstract:
There are constraints hindering South Africa‘s ICT entrepreneurs form being internationally competitive. The purpose of this research was to explore them through experiential surveying of South African ICT experts who have successfully internationalised. The outcome of the research was an understanding of both internal organisational constraints and external environmental constraints. Six constraints were explored in detail: human resource, strategy and finance from within the enterprise and political/regulatory, economic and socio-cultural within the environment. It was established that internal constraints exert more influence than external constraints. Human resource was the critical constraint followed by financing which could be influenced both externally and internally. Other constraints are also explored including technology constraints and lack of national planning and collaboration. Recommendations are made to stakeholders. Copyright<br>Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2011.<br>Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)<br>unrestricted
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Holbrook, Beverley. "Do ICTs Matter? : the diffusion of information and communication technologies in Wales, the Republic of Ireland and the South East of England." Thesis, University of Sussex, 1993. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.357657.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis examines the diffusion of infonnation and communication technologies (lCTs) in Wales, the Republic of Ireland and the South East of England in the computer service and electronics sectors. The study is significant as it contributes to academic and policy debates concerning the role of leTs in regional development. The European Community has invested considerable resources in the early introduction of advanced telecommunication services in the peripheral regions through the STAR (Special Telecommunications Action for Regional Development) and Telematique programmes. leTs are emphasised in the academic literature either as elements of infrastructure provision or, more significantly, as being integral to radical changes in organisations and regions. The research examines diffusion of ICTs in the three regions in order to assess the role of ICT in the regional development processes in the electronics and computer service sectors and to investigate the types of organisational and regional changes that are occurring through the applications of ICTs. The Republic of Ireland, Wales and the South East of England were chosen for study as they offered a basis for comparison of the use of ICTs by finns in core, peripheral and semi-peripheral regions. Research methods included a large scale survey in the three regions and in-depth interviews with a number of selected finns. The research focused on both indigenous finns and inward investing finns The survey results provide an indication of the degree of diffusion of particular components of ICTs in the three regions. The analysis also examines the types of finns in the electronics and computer service sector and demonstrates differences in the use of leTs between inward investing, multi-site finns and indigenous firms. The in-depth interviews provides further basis for exploration of the results from the survey but concentrate mainly on the assessment of the organisational and regional implications of the diffusion of ICTs. The main conclusions of the thesis are that leTs, in general, are of less importance in the process of organisational change and regional development than has been claimed by theories which argue that the diffusion of ICTs creates a basis for radical change in these areas. The results show that the diffusion of ICTs is unbalanced across regions and finn sizes. Furthennore, the use of computer networks by SMEs does not appear to be a central factor for their economic viability and the provision of infrastructure and services is not of central importance in Iocational decisions of large firms. The results suggest that other factors apart from the use of ICTs should be given more importance in explanations of patterns of regional development and regional policy-makers should give more weight to these matters. These factors include research on the impacts and extent of take-overs in different regions, and factors which encourage the emergence and sustained growth of indigenous firms and the increased embeddedness of inward investing finns.
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Hackney, Chenay. "The HR challenge of attraction and retention : a survey of information technology graduates in information communication technology companies." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/24029.
Full textAbstract:
Graduate recruitment is an activity that is practiced by many organisations and HR professionals in South Africa (SAGRA, 2012), yet there is still much to learn about the challenge of what graduates perceive to be the most important factors in attracting and retaining them. In addition, it is generally known that the information and communications technology (ICT) industry is at “war for talent” (McKinsey&Company, 2007) among IT graduates due to the scarcity of the IT skills set (ITWEB, 2008). IT News Africa (2012) reports that South Africa has a growing shortage of skilled workers within the information and communication technology (ICT) field. This can particularly be indicated by the numbers released by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, which for instance, has issued a detailed list of 7,600 open ICT technical job vacancies (IT News Africa, 2012). The objectives of the study were: (1) to determine what firstly attracts IT graduates to ICT companies, and (2) to determine what retains these IT graduates. The purpose of this was to assist HR managers to overcome the challenge of attraction and retention within the ICT industry. Data for this study was collected by means of an online survey, namely the IT Graduate Recruitment Survey, on a purposive sample (N = 172) of IT graduates in the South African IT sector. Descriptive frequency, median, ranking and chi-square statistics revealed significant insight into the IT graduate’s perspective of attraction and retention factors. The main findings indicate that the top attraction factors for IT graduates include interest in the prospective organisation’s specific products, the services it provides and the employer’s brand in the industry; the overall reputation of the employer; career opportunities; security of employment; and to be able to make use of the IT qualification for which they studied. The two most influential advertising techniques to attract IT graduates are people who already work in the industry, and employer websites. The top retention factors include the availability of opportunities for further study, being supported by the employer and future career opportunities. The findings contribute valuable insight and knowledge to the field of Human Resource Management that can be applied in the recruitment, selection and talent management processes in relation to IT graduates in the ICT industry. Future research could compare different ethnic, gender and qualification groups – i.e. an IT degree candidate versus a diploma candidate – and their expectations when entering the workplace. The impact of on-boarding and induction can also be investigated in terms of the impact these have on retention. It is also recommended that researchers conduct in-depth qualitative interviews together with the current questionnaire to evaluate IT students’ and graduates’ perceptions of the viable attraction and retention techniques more critically.<br>Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2013.<br>Human Resource Management<br>unrestricted
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Afyounian, Ebrahim. "Information and Communication Technologies in Support of Remembering : A Postphenomenological Study." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för informatik (IK), 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-32692.
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This thesis aimed to study the everyday use of ICT-enabled memory aids in order to understand and to describe the technological mediations that are brought by them (i.e. how they shape/mediate experiences and actions of their users). To do this, a post-phenomenological approach was appropriated. Postphenomenology is a modified, hybrid phenomenology that tries to overcome the limitations of phenomenology. As for theoretical framework, ‘Technological Mediation’ was adopted to conduct the study. Technological Mediation as a theory provides concepts suitable for explorations of the phenomenon of human-technology relation. It was believed that this specific choice of approach and theoretical framework would provide a new way of exploring the use of concrete technologies in everyday life of human beings and the implications that this use might have on humans’ lives. The study was conducted in the city of Växjö, Sweden. Data was collected by conducting twelve face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Collected data was, then, analyzed by applying the concepts within the theoretical framework – Technological Mediation - to them. The results of this study provided a list of ICT-enabled devices and services that participants were using in their everyday life in order to support their memory such as: calendars, alarms, notes, bookmarks, etc. Furthermore, this study resulted in a detailed description of how these devices and services shaped/mediated the experiences and the actions of their users.
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Diga, Kathleen. "Information and communication technologies for development: Reshaping poverty in South Africa." University of Western Cape, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/7838.
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Philosophiae Doctor - PhD<br>The aim of this thesis is to examine the association between information and
communication technologies (ICTs) and poverty reduction in South Africa. ICTs
have been argued to be a means to improve household livelihoods and thereby to
provide people with the capability of changing their existing poverty trajectories.
The study conceptually investigates ICTs as a contributor to human development
through the theoretical lens the sustainable livelihoods framework (SLF). Since
ICTs broaden the asset base of the poor, the study first theorises household access to
ICT as a new form of capital, termed as the ‘digital basket’. This new wealth
indicator augments the current well-developed list of capitals adopted within the SLF
approach. This digital basket concept and the ICT systems that provide its
components are described, establishing the theoretical contributions of this thesis.
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Ruhode, Estery. "ICTS for empowering women in SMEs in the Cape Metropolitan area, Western Cape." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/1774.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MTech( Business Information))-- Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2011<br>Women, being important stakeholders of the community, are lagging behind in terms of economic empowerment. Their opportunity to participate actively in business in the past was hindered by various discriminatory policies that were in place. ICTs have the forte to empower and increase the knowledge base of the women in SMEs through information dissemination. The argument is that women in South Africa and indeed in many other developing countries have not embraced technology in their everyday businesses as much as their male counterparts. This study therefore explores how women in SMEs in the Cape Metropolitan, Western Cape are utilising ICTs to empower themselves to overcome the economic discrimination they have suffered in the past.In order to collect relevant data and obtain deep insights about the utilisation of ICTs by women in SMEs, a qualitative research method was applied enabling respondents to articulate their experiences concerning the use of ICTs in their businesses. Women of all races were selected using the snowball sampling method and were interviewed. The population involved women in SMEs from the five suburbs of Claremont, Rondebosch, Gardens, Pinelands and Mowbray.The findings of the study are that women in SMEs in the Cape Metropole are utilising various ICTs to empower themselves in their businesses. They are exchanging business documentation with other business resulting in marketing of their entities. Women in SMEs are taking advantage of the fast growing social and business networking technologies such Facebook, LinkedIn, Flickr, Twitter, Skype and blogs to promote marketing of their various products and services, gaining mileage in publicity and also managing their expenditures.ICTs enable women to work anytime, anywhere affording them the opportunity to take care of their families which they could not do while they were employed in the corporate world. Some of the women in SMEs reported that they can now independently negotiate business deals due to increase in their self-esteem and also have access to available information in their areas of expertise.
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Enakrire, Rexwhite Tega. "The use of information and communication technologies for the support of knowledge management in selected academic libraries in Nigeria and South Africa." Thesis, University of Zululand, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10530/1470.
Full textAbstract:
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2015<br>Knowledge management (KM) is increasingly important for university library management and information services. Libraries have excelled in the management of explicit/tangible/recorded knowledge for many years, however, not as much in the management of tacit/intangible knowledge which is assumed to be more difficult to manage. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) play a crucial role for knowledge management in the academic libraries. Unfortunately, the knowledge of the role of ICT in KM in university libraries is limited generally, and in Nigeria and South Africa in particular. The purpose of the present study was to explore and examine the use of ICTs as tools for the support of KM in selected academic (university) libraries in Nigeria and South Africa. In accomplishing this, eight research objectives that were guided by nine research questions. Finally, three research hypotheses were examined. The research objectives were: establishing how knowledge management is practised by librarians in academic libraries of Nigeria and South Africa; exploring the available ICT facilities, KM tools, and services that can be used for the support of KM in academic libraries in Nigeria and South Africa; determining the extent to which librarians in Nigerian and South African university libraries utilise ICTs to support KM; investigating strategies that would promote the use of ICTs for the support of KM in academic libraries in Nigeria and South Africa; determining and comparing librarians’ knowledge and ICTs skills for the support of KM in academic libraries in Nigeria and South Africa; finding policies that guide the use of ICTs for the support of KM in academic libraries in Nigeria and South Africa; examining the challenges faced in the use of ICTs for the support of KM in academic libraries in Nigeria and South Africa; and recommending a conceptual model of the use of ICTs for the support of KM in academic libraries in Nigeria and South Africa. The study was informed by positivism and the interpretivism research paradigm. The quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interpretive and content analysis) research methods were employed. The population for the study consisted of all professional librarians in the two countries university libraries. The non-probability sampling, grounded on purposive and convenient/accidental sampling techniques, was used to select 171 professional libraries in the six university libraries. The six university libraries in the two countries were University of Ibadan, Federal University of Technology, Delta State University, University of Zululand, University of KwaZulu-Natal and Durban University of Technology). The six university libraries were selected on the basis of first generation universities and university ranking index in Africa, funding and resourcefulness of the institution (University of Ibadan library and University of KwaZulu-Natal library); Technological universities as practically oriented and the availability of facilities (Federal University of Technology library and Durban University of Technology library); as well as rurally based universities, government-owned and growing institutions (Delta State University library and University of Zululand library). The instruments for data collection used were the questionnaire, interview and observation methods. The professional librarians across the sampled university libraries in Nigeria and South Africa were administered 171 copies of structured questionnaires. While six key informants working in the university libraries in the two countries were interviewed. Observation methods were also used to gather information regarding the university libraries environment, physical structure and location, office space (conduciveness), availability and accessibility of computers and other ICT tools, collections (print and electronic resources), shelving space, size and lighting in the office and attitude of staff towards their work while with them. Of the 171 copies of questionnaires administered among the respondents, 132 (77.2%) were returned. The 132 (77.2%) returned consisted of 77 from university libraries in Nigeria, while 55 came from university libraries in South Africa. The 132 copies of returned questionnaire were subjected to statistical analysis of descriptive and inferential statistics.
The findings revealed that knowledge management practices (KMPs) involve all library operations, processes and services. There are variations in ICT and KM tools and services among the sampled university libraries as their level of development is not the same. The most available and accessible ICT and KM tools and services vary in terms of jobs undertaken by librarians from one university library to another. Old technologies such as computers, CD-ROMs, scanners, projectors, telephones, printers, and monitors appeared to be the most available and accessible tools across the selected university libraries in the two countries. South African university libraries were better resourced than the Nigerian university libraries in the sample. The availability and accessibility of ICT and KM tools and services appear to be in greater effect, as librarians were able to use them to carry out library operations and other management functions. The university libraries sampled tend to use updated ICTs/KM tools including smart boards, semantic web-tools, information retrieval tools, database management systems, management systems for electronic documents, and management information systems for improved library and information management of the organizations. The use of these tools became necessary as current practices in information services have equally changed. It was established that various strategies have been used to train and foster innovation and growth in the library organizations. These strategies have affected the university libraries organizational culture, work environment, management support systems, librarians’ knowledge, and access to information. In order for librarians to cope with the emerging knowledge and skills levels in information service requirements in university libraries, continuing education and training is necessary. The main challenges that affected the use of ICTs in supporting KM in the sampled university libraries included: inadequate funding; lack of motivation; lack of infrastructure; the loss of LIS practitioners to other professions; language barriers; and the inability to work independently. However, the inadequacy of professional staff was noticed in all cases.
It was found that the role(s), for which ICTs play an indispensible tool, in present day library organizations, cannot be overemphasized. ICTs are used to manage knowledge in diverse ways: acquisition, processing, storage, and dissemination of large volumes of information resources, stored in university libraries’ institutional repositories. It can also be used to access and retrieve knowledge from library websites without the need for a physical visitation to the library building. Different strategies have emerged where social networks are used to promote library products and services. Library professionals have equally shifted from being custodians of information and knowledge to facilitators of library resources and services through the attendance of workshops, seminars and conferences. The exposure to workshops, seminars and conferences has enabled librarians to be more knowledgeable and skilled in managing knowledge through the use of ICT tools in the university libraries that were sampled. The study concluded that, knowledge management practices in the academic libraries are diverse, and include the management of both tacit (apprenticeship and mentoring and mentoring of information service providers and training of the library users for effective information access and use, particularly academics who produce new knowledge) and explicit knowledge. ICTs play a major role in the KM activities and processes but re-skilling of both information service providers and the library users is essential at all times in order to counter the rapid changes in information access, service and use of the environment. The challenges that are highlighted in the current study are largely known, however, should be handled boldly and with more immediacy than before.
The study recommends the need to create more awareness of KMPs among librarians in academic libraries. The acquisition of new ICTs and KM tools for better access and use of information services should also be intensified. Staff development through formal, informal and continuing education should be supported. The work of university committees that are charged with coordinating, monitoring and evaluating library services should enable the improvement of the library services. The LIS schools have to step up LIS education to meet the current information service requirements in their curriculum. The management body of academic libraries should set up staff member committee to review and evaluate ICT policies on regular basis to meet their demand. Relevant library stakeholders should be involved in KM activities of the library where such bodies do not exist. TAM should be considered for informing ICT access and use for KM in the academic libraries.<br>Nigerian Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND)
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Al-Foudary, Adel K. E. "Impact of information and communication technologies on charitable organisations in Kuwait." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2005. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/7747.
Full textAbstract:
In many countries, non-profit organisations provide enormous help to the public in the form of services, aid, education, advocacy, and many other humanitarian supports. However, despite the important work of many non-profit organisations in their fields, there has been little research about the role on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in facilitating aid distribution. In an effort to improve understanding of non-profit organisations working in charitable programmes, this research assesses the impact of ICTs in charitable organisations in the State of Kuwait. One of the purposes of this study is to provide guidelines to improve the use of ICTs in order to meet the needs of charities, their donors and beneficiaries, and their ability to comply with state legislation. This research uses a multi-methodology approach, which employs two system methodologies in tackling the research problem. The research methodologies that have been applied are Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) and Effective Technical and Human Implementation of Computer based System (ETHICS). The participants of the research included charities, authorities, staff, beneficiaries, and donors. The results showed that the current services and activities do not meet the needs and satisfaction of the charities, donors, and beneficiaries. The results also showed that the charities fall short in coping with the national and international compliance requirements. Consequently, there is a need for an appropriate change in systems and procedures, which include database system, communication, technical, confidentiality and security of donors and beneficiaries, co-operation and coordination, and awareness and attitudes of authorities. The study provides the changes needed to improve the current situation in Kuwaiti charities. As one of these changes, a novel design of a web-based Information Exchange System amongst Kuwaiti Charity Organisations (IESKCO) has been developed. This web-based system will combine all Kuwaiti charitable programmes in to one appropriate system, which offers the highest level of benefits at the lowest cost for their clients. In order to ensure that this new system meets the users' needs, an empirical evaluation method has been chosen to evaluate the IESKCO prototype. The results revealed that the users' needs are met using the application. This research has also led to conclusions and directions for further research on the impact of ICTs in charitable sectors.
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Rashid, Ahmed Tareq. "Inclusive Capitalism and Bottom of the Pyramid Approaches to Development: The Case of Information and Communication Technologies Fostering 'Inclusion' in Developing Countries." Thesis, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/36599.
Full textAbstract:
With the increasingly salient role of business in development, the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) approach is sparking great interest in multinational corporations, donor agencies, and academic circles. The BOP proposition holds that profit-generating enterprise-based ventures – typically led by multinational corporations – can reduce poverty and improve the standard of living by offering goods and services to the poor or integrating them in the value chain. BOP as a development strategy is predicated on the “inclusion” of the poor into market to enable them to reap the benefits of greater wealth and prosperity. This thesis critically investigates to what extent BOP interventions contribute to the social inclusion of marginalized groups in developing countries like Bangladesh. The thesis analyzes the case of public access information and communication technologies (ICTs) venues such as telecentres. Such venues provide access to ICTs such as Internet that enable people to access, use and share information and knowledge at an unprecedented level, offering great potential for socio-economic development. Overall, the thesis reveals the limitations in the BOP approach in contributing to inclusion, by showing the contradictions between the economic logic of business and the social imperative of inclusion. Through focusing on a broader view of inclusion, the findings highlight the complex relationship between digital inclusion and social inclusion in developing countries. In particular, the thesis problematizes the notion of “inclusive business”, which, by aiming to integrate the poor as consumers and women as entrepreneurs, serves the purpose of extending the reach of business. Thus inclusive business is rather different from a view of inclusion towards meaningfully contributing to one’s social and economic advancement. The thesis also argues that the various dimensions of inclusion are highly contingent on the business strategies and motivations of corporations as well as meso-level organizational formations. The analysis of corporate strategies uncovers how revenue making considerations are driving BOP interventions at the cost of accountability towards their stakeholders. By interrogating some of the issues silent in the discussions on business and development, such as inequality and exclusion, the work provides a counter narrative to the BOP discourse, raising questions about the uncritical repositioning of business as a development agent.
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Osman, Negla Ahmed Albasheer. "The acceptance and use of information and communication technologies by staff members in Khartoum state’s universities (Sudan)." Doctoral thesis, Saechsische Landesbibliothek- Staats- und Universitaetsbibliothek Dresden, 2015. http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bsz:14-qucosa-167921.
Full textAbstract:
This study is mainly designed to investigate the issue of acceptance and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), and examine factors that influence and predict acceptance and use of ICTs among Staff Members (SMs) of Khartoum State Universities (KSUs) (Sudan). To achieve these objectives the study was structured in seven chapters that represent the chronological development of the study. The review of the literature allows for the development of a study conceptual framework, instruments, and methodology of the study. A mixed methodology, mainly quantitative questionnaire of a deductive nature and qualitative methods, was employed. Of 787 questionnaires randomly distributed 527 (a response rate 67 %,) was received and analysed. The analysis was performed using SPSS, Smart Partial Least Squire (Smart-PLS), and qualitative analysis. Thus, descriptive, explanatory, and content analyses were presented and discussed. The results of the analysis of the situations and variations provide important information on SMs’ skills, experience, purposes and duration of ICT use. The result revealed that, ICTs were widely used by most SMs. However, relatively low numbers of SMs used ICTs in teaching. Perceived usefulness (PU) and SMs’ intrinsic motivation were the main reasons that motivated SMs to use ICTs. Amongst different purposes of using ICTs, SMs use it principally for teaching and academic purposes. Among many suggested constrains, specific infrastructure, organization, and individual level were strongly agreed on as the main problem that hinder SMs’ ICT use. The statistical analysis revealed that the use of ICTs for teaching and the duration of this use vary significantly with variations in SMs’ demographic and personal characteristics. In order to examine factors influencing SMs’ acceptance and use of ICTs, a conceptual framework and relevant instruments of data collections, which was based on technology acceptance model (TAM) supported by other models, were developed. The analysis of Structural equation modelling (SEM) via smart-PLS confirmed the reliability and validity of the measurements and the structural models. The results of the analysis of the structural models indicate that nine out of thirteen claimed hypotheses were proved and supported. The findings proved applicability and the validity of TAM in predicting SMs’ acceptance and use of ICTs in the study context. SMs’ acceptance of ICTs was found to<br>Die vorliegende Arbeit beleuchtet die Fragen der Akzeptanz und Nutzung von Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien (IKT). Sie untersucht am Beispiel des Lehrpersonals von staatlichen sowie privaten Universitäten im Bundesland Khartum (Sudan), welche Faktoren und Einflüsse eine Vorhersage von IKT-Akzeptanz und Nutzung ermöglichen. Die Darstellung gliedert sich in sieben Kapiteln, die die chronologische Entwicklung der Studie repräsentieren. Ein vorausgehendes umfangreiches Literaturstudium ist die Grundlage für den konzeptionellen Rahmen und die Methodik der vorgelegten Arbeit. Die Ergebnisse der Arbeit beruhen auf einer Mischung von quantitativen (Fragebogen) und qualitativen (Interviews und eigene Beobachtung) Untersuchungsmethoden. Die Hauptuntersuchungsmethode war ein bereits vorhandener Fragebogen, dessen inhaltliche Gliederung ergänzt, präzisiert und weiter entwickelt wurde für die Anwendungsgebiete im Sudan. Die Grundlage war die Befragung von 787zufällig ausgewählten Lehrkräften aus sieben privaten sowie sieben staatlichen Universitäten. Von den 787 ausgegebenen Fragebögen konnten 527 (67%) ausgewertet werden. Diese Auswertung erfolgte mittels SPSS, Smart PLS. Dazu wurde zusätzlich eine qualitative analyse genutzt. So wurden deskriptive, explorative und enthaltene Analysen vorgestellt und diskutiert. Die Ergebnisse der Analyse der Situationen und Variationen liefern wichtige Informationen über SMs 'Fähigkeiten, Erfahrung und Dauer der IKT-Nutzung. Dabei konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass eine IKT-Nutzung unter den Befragten Lehrkräften zwar generell weit verbreitet ist, in Lehrkontexten jedoch erkennbar seltener Anwendung findet. Für eine IKT-Nutzung wesentliche Gründe stellen die intrinsische Motivation eine Person sowie soziale, kulturelle und organisatorische Normen dar. Als Hemmnisse eine IKT-Nutzung werden nicht nur organisatorische und administrative Mängel und Schwächen, sondern auch individuelle Einflüsse bennant. Die Nutzung von IKT für die Lehre und die Dauer ihrer Verwendung konnte dargestellt werden als einige erheblich variierte demographische und persönliche Eigenschaften Zur Untersuchung von Einflussfaktoren auf die Lehrpersonal Akzeptanz und die Nutzung von IKT wurden ein konzeptioneller Rahmen und relevante Instrumente der Datensammlungen auf der Basis des Technologieakzeptanz Modells (TAM), unterstützt von anderen Modellen, entwickelt. Die Analyse von Strukturgleichungsmodellen (SEM) via Smart-PLS bestätigen die Zuverlässigkeit und Gültigkeit der Messmodelle. Die Ergebnisse der Analyse der Strukturmodelle zeigen, dass neun von dreizehn Hypothesen geprüft und bestätigt wurden. Im Rahmen der Studie bewiesen die Ergebnisse die Anwendbarkeit und Gültigkeit der TAM in der Vorhersage SMs Akzeptanz und Nutzung von IKT. Es wurde festgestellt, dass die Lehrpersonal Akzeptanz von IKT vor allem von PU und Benutzerfreundlichkeit (PEU) beeinflusst und bestimmt werden. Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Situationsfaktoren (SFs) dominanten Einfluss auf die Nutzung von IKT SMs haben Dagegen wurden Einschränkungen (COs) gefunden, um negative nicht signifikante Wirkungen zu haben. Die Erleichterungs-Faktoren (FF) haben jedoch positive dominant signifikante Wirkungen. Bei der Nutzung und Akzeptanz von IKT wurde außerdem festgestellt, dass sie direkt und indirekt von sozialen Faktoren (SIP) und kulturellen Faktoren (CUFs) beeinflusst werden. Die Tests mit Hilfe der Multigruppenanalyse(MGA) zeigen, dass die Kultur mäßigende Wirkung auf SMs IKT Akzeptanz und Nutzung hat. Die Ergebnisse wurden weiter unterstützt und ergänzt durch Informationen aus eingehenden Interviews und Beobachtungen. Bei der abschließenden Diskussion wurde festgestellt, dass einige Ergebnisse in der einschlägigen Literatur nicht unterstützt werden. Die Diskussion schlussfolgert zu den entwickelten Modellen von IKT, dass sie die positiven signifikanten (direkten und mäßigenden) Beziehungen von reflektierenden Faktoren enthalten, die die IKT Nutzung und Akzeptanz durch das Lehrpersonal in KSUs beeinflussen. Die Studie impliziert: Beiträge zu Wissen, Theorie und Praxis wurden weiter diskutiert, gefolgt von Schlussfolgerungen und Empfehlungen
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Abadi, Mohamed. "Issues and challenges in communication within design teams in the construction industry : : Investigation into the use of virtual teams and information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the UK construction industry." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2005. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.488315.
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Ojiako, Udechukwu. "Project failures : a comparative study of information and communication technologies (ICT) and construction projects." Thesis, Northumbria University, 2005. http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/1914/.
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In the ICT industry, since de-regulation business objectives have been closely linked to the lowering of prices and improvement in quality of service. Unfortunately, the industry has arguably failed to deliver the majority of its projects. This research examines this described failure and considers the reasons why it occurs. As a starting point, the research suggests that the ICT industry might be better off by comparing its progress against that already made by the construction industry, an industry involved in projects with similar characteristics such as complex relationships, detailed information and long delivery periods over many phases. A framework demonstrating similarities and differences in project characteristics between construction and ICT was developed from available literature. The framework was examined and refined by carrying out in-depth interviews. It was then tested using data from a survey of professionals involved in Construction and ICT projects. The results of the analysis indicate that there are no fundamental differences either in the definition of projects or the application of project management systems, principles and methodologies between the two industries. Therefore this is not the reason for the failure of project delivery within ICT. The real problem appears to be in the method of project performance measurement, which is based on an approach to project success that is separate from progress measurement criteria.
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Ocen, Geoffrey. "Organisational implementation of information & communication technologies (ICT) : a perspective from the voluntary sector." Thesis, Middlesex University, 2006. http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/13483/.
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This research offers a new framework for dealing with the issues governing lCT adoption and the factors driving wider diffusion in SMVOs. The Internet has provided a great leap in the way the commercial sector does business. Regrettably, the voluntary and community sector, particularly the Small and Medium Voluntary Organisations (SMVOs), risk being left behind. The UK Government is encouraging the Voluntary Sector to improve its infrastructureand deliver public services. This research considers key characteristics of SMVOs and identifiesTechnology, Organisational and People (TOP) imperatives that provide new conceptual framework for understanding and implementing websites (WAM), maximising benefits and managing the attendant change. The research methodology is based on multi-disciplinary theories involving action research which allows change and understanding to be achieved at the same time. The research explores organisation theories and the concept of website adoption within the context of organisational change in a pilot and four selected SMVO case studies. I conclude my thesis by drawing out the findings based on the Website Adoption Model (WAM) and extending it into a Technology Adoption Model (TAM). The framework presents classification of SMVOs which shows the main characteristics of organisations with high technology, organisational and people imperatives. I suggest that in order to facilitate the understanding of SMVOs in particular and organisations in general, it is helpful to classify organisations using a two-dimensional classification based on TOP schematic diagrams. For the first time, SMVOs can identify a vision, develop an lCT strategy and recognise changes arising out of lCT implementation. Finally, I reflect and draw out lessons on research methodology and then consider final conclusions about key findings, policy implications and further research.
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Tshink, Sakafuku. "Grade 6 Mathematics Teachers Perceptions Of Pedagogical Variation With Information And Communication Technologies (Icts) In No-Fee Paying Schools: A Cultural Historical Activity Theory (Chat) Analysis." Master's thesis, Faculty of Humanities, 2019. https://hdl.handle.net/11427/31735.
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The South African education system is under a serious strain in relation to Mathematics attainment. Only 40% of learners in SA pass the final school leaving examination and only 5% of learners manage to pass Mathematics with more than 50%, according to The Economist (2014). In a bid to solve this problem the government proposes the use of ICTs (such as computer hardware and software, tablets, and smartphones) within teaching and learning. The assumption is ICTs can be utilised to address this important challenge and “facilitate ongoing improvement of educator skills” (The National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper: The White Paper, 2016: p.8). Research shows that teachers’ perceptions regarding the use of ICTs impact on their practices (Mwendwa, 2017; Munyengabe, Yiyi, He Haiyan, & Hitimana, 2017; Alharbi, 2012; Yuan & Chun-Yi Lee, 2012). This project intends to explore six grade 6 Mathematics teachers’ perceptions about whether and how pedagogy shifts with the use ICTs in the classrooms utilising Cultural Historical Activity Theory. This research utilises interviews as a method for the collection of empirical data to describe a group of research participants’ (or teachers’) perceptions who happen to be directly interviewed. These interviews have been conducted across two no-fee paying primary schools in the Western Cape Province (WCP), in South Africa (SA). Interviews were analysed along the CHAT dimensions: object, subject, tools, rules, community and division of labour to establish whether pedagogy altered along any of these dimensions. Findings indicate that teachers think pedagogy shifts in the ICT based lessons with division of labour becoming more fluid. Findings also show that the object of the activity system grows to encompass more than mere mathematical compression but also motivation, creativity and cognitive development. Besides, teachers stated that ICT based learning could assist learners in their mathematical attainment. This project is an investigation and not an intervention study. Recommendations are also suggested in this thesis for further research such as video-taping teaching and learning of mathematic contents and concepts in both traditional and computer-based classrooms. Further study in utilising classroom observations to focus on student-student interaction in relation to ICTs is also recommended.
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Linder, Gottfriedz Jonathan, and Sven Wolf. "Modelling How Information and Communication Technologies Can Change the Energy Use in Stockholm’s Södermalm District." Thesis, KTH, Tillämpad termodynamik och kylteknik, 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-118737.
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This master’s thesis is a contribution to the cross-disciplinary research project SitCit that addresses the issue of urban sustainable development. It aims to investigate how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can be used to reduce the energy use and increase the energy demand flexibility in Stockholm’s Södermalm district. This study uses a bottom-up approach to model how ICT can change the energy use. The basis of the approach is the human activities that cause demand for services, delivered by different appliances, which in turn use energy to provide these services. The human activities are represented by Human Activity Systems (HAS) and the different appliances by Energy Usage Systems (EUS). A method for defining an energy system with a bottom-up approach was developed and used to build a conceptual model. Relevant ICT solutions were thereafter identified and described both technically and how they interact with the HAS, the EUS and the surroundings to change the energy use by means of automation, information and persuasion. It was also assessed how and when planning and implementation of ICT can be achieved, and who are the involved actors. The findings were compiled into an integrated qualitative model which was split into two parts, one that illustrates the interrelatedness of the different components expressed in terms of information flows, and one that shows who are the actors involved in the strategies to implement the various ICT solutions. Weaknesses in the bottom-up approach were identified and changes were suggested. The HAS should be split into human activities and what can be denoted “human” since most information flows due to ICT are not with the actual activities. The human can communicate through and with ICT. He or she can decide the activities and how much of them should be carried out, and is also the most important actor when it comes to the implementation of ICT. Furthermore, it was found that the coupling of HAS and EUS is weak, and time-use data and actual measurements on the energy use is therefore needed as input to a quantitative model. This study explains and illustrates how different ICT solutions work and how they can be implemented to change the energy use in an urban area. Together with the improvements in the bottom-up approach, and the methodological discussion, it can be used as groundwork for a quantitative model, or as a tool for decision makers to create and implement a strategy for urban sustainable development.
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Cetinkaya, Yalcin. "Information And Communication Technology Education In Primary Schools: Students." Master's thesis, METU, 2008. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12610180/index.pdf.
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This study aimed to provide a general picture of ICT education in primary schools. Through this aim, students&rsquo<br>perceived ICT competencies, their attitudes towards the ICT course, the characteristics of the teaching-learning process in the ICT course, the deficiencies of the IT classrooms and the effectiveness of the ICT Student Workbook were analyzed. This study was designed as a cross-sectional survey study. In order to collect the data, a self-reported questionnaire consisted of 63 items was developed by the researcher. The sample consisted of 442 Grade 8 students in 11 primary schools located in the metropolitan area of Izmit. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to analyze the data. Multivariate Analysis of Variances with Pillai&rsquo<br>s Trace test was employed to investigate whether the significant differences among dependent variables across independent variables existed.
Results of the study indicated that primary school students generally perceived themselves competent in ICT tasks and they had favorable attitudes towards the ICT
course. Significant differences were found in students&rsquo<br>perceived ICT competencies and attitudes with respect to gender, educational background of parents, computer ownership and availability of home assistance related to the ICT course. This study also revealed several obstacles which prevent taking full benefits of IT classrooms, and problems with the implementation of the new ICT program.
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Chiotis, Thomas. "Farmers, Intermediaries and ICTs in an Agricultural Community in Greece- an ethnographic study." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för informatik (IK), 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-66837.
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The purpose of this thesis is to assess the implications of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) on the agricultural supply chain in Greece by examining the relationships between farmers and their intermediaries, and their interactions during the buying and selling process. More specifically, the focus of the research takes place in Pouri, a small village in central Greece whose economy centers around Apple Farming, where we can observe the exchange of locally grown goods between farmers and intermediaries. The thesis consists of two parts; the first part examines how Greek farmers perceive the process of buying and selling agricultural products and how they respond to problems within their current structure; through observing processes, conducting interviews and collecting narrative stories to identify the issues, we assess whether it would be advantageous for farmers to implement ICTs as part of the solution. The second part consists of a review of the academic literature to examine the same or similar situations in the agricultural supply chain of other global regions and their economic contexts. Lastly, a thorough thematic analysis of the research data provides a better understanding of the issues facing farmers and their needs as they pertain to ICTs, to improve the agricultural supply chain and the entire rural sector.
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Raza, Syed Tosif, and Sundas Naveed. "Mobile Communication Technologies and Their Effects on Elderly, A Case Study of Diabetes type 2 Elderly." Thesis, Blekinge Tekniska Högskola, Sektionen för datavetenskap och kommunikation, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:bth-3378.
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Ageing population’s increasing ratio is alarming and the needs of elder persons are increasing day by day. Fast increase in ageing population means the growing of chronic diseases as well. Diabetes type 2 is a chronic disease which commonly found in elder persons. Technological innovations in Health care sector playing an enormous role in improving the healthy life of all humans. Use of latest technologies in perceiving the health services are now common. Each technology in this era is facilitating in many ways, same is the case with mobile phone which can provide multiple functionalities for the betterment of elderly life. The focus of this study is to investigate the reasons of less use of mobile phone in elderly life and what other functionalities elderly want in coming mobile phones. The results of this study would be supportive in understanding the problems of diabetes type 2 patients in using mobile phone. This study would also be helpful for the manufacturers in developing the mobile phones according to the needs of elder persons. The analysis of this research work depends on three study stages. It starts from the literature review, in which we learned the effects of diabetes on elder persons. It also includes the usability features of mobile phone which necessary for implementing the future functionalities with elderly perspective. On the basis of literature review we designed the questionnaire and prepare the interviews. Interviews were conducted with two health care professionals and questionnaires with the citizens of county of Blekinge. We believe that our analysis will be helpful for both elderly and mobile phone manufacturing companies and they will also be supportive in increasing the quality of life of elderly.
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Hanusová, Lucie. "Analýza využívání ICT v procesu vzdělávání na základních školách." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2012. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-199043.
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The thesis focused on instruments of ICT, their using in educational environment of primary schools and their influence on educational process. In theoretical part, the readers get to know the concept of information literacy, opinions and ICT attitudes in education field over the years. The implementation and using of ICT in Education may have been causes by many reasons and this thesis tries to describe their advantages and disadvantages. The other chapters in this part describe some other methods of education and modern didactic instruments and their own historical development. The end of the theoretical part belongs to possible development in future of modern technologies in whole educational process. The second part presents some selected research studies from different EU countries schools. The research examines the implementation of ICT in educational process and impact of modern technologies on education in general and - basically studying. This chapter deals with the outcomes of the studies and emphasize significant findings and recommandations. The empirical part begins with description of author's own research, its realization, goals, methodics and hypothesis. In main part, author analyzes using of modern technologies and their influence on educational process based on interviews and questionnairies. In the final part, author evaluates the hypothesis and summarize all findings and achievements. Goal of the thesis is to spread information and new point of view on issue which is dealing with whole process of implementation and using of modern technologies in educational process and analysis present influence of ICT on education in selected primary schools.
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Cleveland, Simon. "A Causal Model to Predict Organizational Knowledge Sharing via Information and Communication Technologies." NSUWorks, 2014. http://nsuworks.nova.edu/gscis_etd/16.
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Knowledge management literature identifies numerous barriers that inhibit employees' knowledge seeking and knowledge contributing practices via information and communication technologies (ICTs). Presently, there is a significant gap in the literature that explains what factors promote common knowledge sharing barriers. To bridge this gap, this study examined two research questions: 1) What are the potential factors that contribute to the commonly accepted barriers to knowledge sharing?, and 2) How do these factors impact employees' use of ICTs for knowledge seeking and knowledge contributing? Literature review of 103 knowledge management articles identified three major barriers to knowledge sharing practices (lack of time, poor communication skills, and lack of trust) and three underlying factors that promoted these barriers (role conflict, role ambiguity, and locus of control). A six-stage content analysis study of the 103 knowledge articles identified 199 references to the observed contributors.
To address the second research question, a causal knowledge sharing model was developed and seven hypotheses proposed. A survey consisting of 41 questions was distributed to 1,368 full-time analysts from a variety of industries, and 314 useful responses were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The results confirmed that role conflict, role ambiguity, and locus of control predicted knowledge seeking and knowledge contributing behaviors via ICTs. Moreover, type of ICTs used was found to moderate the strength of these predictors.
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Chabinga, Kelvin. "Investigating the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Grade 6 English Home Language Literacy: A Case Study of one Primary School in the Western Cape." University of the Western Cape, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/4812.
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Magister Educationis - MEd<br>Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), through the use of iPads in English Home Language in the Intermediate Phase, with a special focus on Grade six, at one primary school in the Western Cape. Through the lens of the Sociocultural and Constructivist theories, the study investigated how iPads were used for language and literacy development in the Grade six classroom where English was the main medium of instruction. The study was purely a qualitative single case study involving one teacher and one class of 28 learners at a well-resourced former-white school in Cape Town.
Data was collected through classroom observations and interviews. The interviews were conducted with six selected learners, one Grade six teacher, the Head of Department (HOD) and the Principal. The analysis of the transcribed interviews, video recordings and documents was done through the Atlast.Ti 7 software package.
The findings of the study show that Grade six learners had good access to ICTs, and had no difficulties in using iPads for language and literacy learning. Their competence was associated with their high socio-economic backgrounds as most of them were from middle class families. The findings also indicated that teacher disposition had a positive impact on ICT implementation in the English lessons. Another interesting finding was that while the school had successfully adopted ICT as a teaching and learning resource, the Grade six teacher’s pedagogical strategies did not enhance learners’ comprehension of certain language (English) aspects such as grammar because there was no special training for integrating ICTs in language teaching. Overall, the results showed that the iPad is an extremely potential tool for literacy development and it encourages not only learners’ active engagement and collaboration as directed by the teacher, but also learner initiated engagement and collaboration. The study concludes that while many well-resourced schools seem to do well with regard to access to ICT and its integration in teaching and learning, technology cannot completely replace the role of the teacher in the classroom. There is a need for teacher development to enhance their own understanding of ICTs and how to use it for effective language and literacy teaching and learning.
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Ngwenya, Mpendulo Hilary Farai. "Sustainability use of information and communication technologies: a case study of an asset management company." University of Western Cape, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/3935.
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Magister Commercii (Information Management) - MCom(IM)<br>The problem of global warming has triggered a number of environmental initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change, many of which are driven at governmental level - although private organisations have also taken the initiative. The organisation under study - hereafter referred to as “Company-A” - is one such organisation which has taken strides in incorporating environmental initiatives in its business processes. Company-A is a South African based asset management organisation which has seen rapid growth in its business operations and consequently the number of its employees. This growth has necessitated the need for a new office building. At the commencement of this study the organisation was in the process of planning for a new office building to accommodate its growth. The senior management of Company-A recognised the importance of implementing environmentally friendly practices at the new office building, and sought the services of a sustainability consultancy firm to assist in the planning for the new office building. This study was necessitated by the fact that despite the company’s recognition of the importance and need to implement environmentally friendly processes within its business processes, there was a lack of understanding or appreciation of how ICT could be used in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner in its new office building. With this problem in mind - the researcher - in consultation with the organisations’ new office building project manager and research supervisor, formulated a research question which was
continuously refined until such a point that it was clear. It was envisaged that a research study to answer the research question: How can Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) be used to support environmental sustainability in an organisation? - would provide insight on how the organisation’s top management could deal with the aforementioned problem. The primary purpose of the study was to assist Company-A management in making informed decisions regarding sustainability ICT use, the research can also be used as a
foundation in the formulation of the organisation’s “green” ICT strategies and policies. The main research question was divided into smaller sub questions to give structure, clarity and direction in addressing the main research question. These sub questions were in turn used to formulate the research objectives which set the goals and boundaries of this study.
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Haglund, Sofie. "My country, my development : The diffusion of information and communication technologies in Cambodian NGOs." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för samhällsvetenskaper, SV, 2012. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-19812.
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The purpose of this research is to study the role of information and communication technology (ICT) and information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) in Cambodian non-government organizations (NGOs). By focusing on a workshop on the ICT applications Unicode and Open Office, initiated by the Cooperation Committee for Cambodia (the CCC), I intend to see how these applications were adopted, how they are used and what the future is for ICT and ICT4D in Cambodia. The research is based on qualitative, semi structured interviews with employees at CCC as well as NGO workers who were participants at the workshops. The theories that I have used are Amartya Sen’s capability approach, Everett Rogers’ diffusion of innovation theory and intercultural communication. This study shows that ICT is considered to be a very important tool for the development of Cambodia. Unicode has contributed with an easier way to type and read documents in Khmer and it is considered to promote the Khmer language. Open Office have not found its renaissance yet since people find it difficult to use although the NGOs sees its’ potential and wants to learn it. According to the NGO workers, ICT and ICT4D will play an important role for the Cambodian development in the future but because of a lack of infrastructure and proper knowledge about the new technology, it has not been used to its full capacity. In order for us to understand how ICT can reach its full potential within NGOs, there have to exist an understanding of Cambodian culture and history since the Khmer people’s values affect how the NGO workers look at development and the tools they are using.
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Karagol, Burak. "Macroeconomic Effects Of Information And Communication Technologies In Turkey And Other Oecd Member Countries." Master's thesis, METU, 2012. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12614280/index.pdf.
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This thesis investigates the effects of ICT on economic growth in Turkey and other
OECD member countries. After discussing the theoretical relationships between ICT
usage and economic growth, we test the positive impact of ICT revolution on
economic growth econometrically. In the empirical part of the study, we perform
panel data analyses by employing data sets that belong to 30 OECD member
countries for 1999-2008 period as well as carrying out time series analyses for only
Turkey by using data between 1980 and 2009. We find out that ICT usage and
production have a positive significant effect on economic growth in OECD case.
However, due to some methodological difficulties and insufficiency of critical mass
regarding ICT area and complementary physical and social infrastructures in
Turkey, we cannot find any significant relationship between ICT and economic
growth for Turkish case.
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Arntzen, Jenny. "Mentoring and information and communication technologies (ICT) in teacher education : synthesizing research literature and research practice." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/31620.
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Concerns persist regarding the use of information and communication technologies
(ICT) in education. How are teacher education programs providing for mentoring teacher
candidates to use ICT? A review of literature shows that both instructors and teacher
candidates need multiple forms of support to build ICT literacy. ICT literacy makes it
possible for participants to build ICT fluency, which in turn makes ICT integration
possible. It is possible mentoring could be part of a support strategy to make the
transition from ICT under-use to ICT literacy. Mentoring is not easy to define. My
purpose of engaging in this research was to investigate the phenomena of mentoring. I
wanted to learn what needed to be considered when constructing a definition of
mentoring. Through the process of this research I have developed a proposal for a
mentoring program to support the acquisition of ICT literacy, toward building fluency
and integration in teacher education. I used a dialogic process to systematically
synthesize mentoring research literature data and experiential mentoring data to construct
this proposal. The experiential data reported in this qualitative study was collected over
two academic years 2005 - 2007 from a two-year elementary teacher education program.
In the process of doing the research I developed theoretical perspectives to help me
understand my experience. I learned that: 1) a universal definition of mentoring is not
useful; 2) mentoring is a highly adaptable social learning phenomenon; 3) mentoring can
support ICT use in educational contexts; and 4) there are specific institutional policies,
programs, and curricula that can positively affect the success of a mentoring program. In
the conclusion, I propose that an operational definition of mentoring should be based on
foundational principles and values, well supported by the organization or institution. I
further propose that an operational definition should be designed in response to situated,
emergent, and authentic conditions.<br>Education, Faculty of<br>Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of<br>Graduate
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Mariam, Hina. "Information and Communication Technologies in Care of Elderly – Addressing Care Assistants’ Experiences, Demands and Visions." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för informatik (IK), 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-27960.
Full textAbstract:
In Sweden the need to recruit care assistants is increasing because of a growing older population together with their demands to stay in their own homes as long as possible. Swedish municipalities are responsible for organizing the social care and services for elderly with a coordination of some private provider companies. Moreover, to improve the care work a range of information and communication technologies (ICTs) e.g. safety alarm and electronic health record system are used to support care assistants’ daily activities and communication with elderly. Thus qualitative research aims to explore the care assistants’ use and experiences of existing ICTs. Furthermore, it examines the impact of the ICTs on their daily activities. The thesis pay attention also to care assistants demands, ideas and visions about future ICTs. The research found that care assistants were satisfied with the ICTs, they use today. However, the research also identified some problems related to ICT, which the care assistants are confronted with during their everyday work e.g. alarm buttons loosen and falsely triggered sensors. Care assistants expressed their ideas and visions about the ICT’s degree of involvement in their care activities and elderly’s lives. They had contradictions in their point of views related to the use of monitoring technologies for elder’s care. They also had negative feelings about these technologies. In short, the thesis explored two things; firstly, it reflected ICTs and care assistants’ demands and ideas related to the ICTs. Secondly, the daily activities of care assistants were examined. Therefore this research brings forward care assistants’ activities and makes their work more noticeable in order to be used in the development of new IT systems in the social care work.
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Atarodi, Siavash. "Attribution des technologies de l'information et de la communication pour les activités sociales des personnes âgées." Thesis, Université de Lorraine, 2017. http://www.theses.fr/2017LORR0063.
Full textAbstract:
Cette thèse, inscrite dans le cadre d’un projet de recherche européen, s’intéresse au problème des réticences des personnes âgées à l’usage des TIC. Plus précisément, elle porte sur les facteurs psychosociaux influençant les attitudes des personnes âgées de 62 ans et plus à l’égard des TIC. Nous avons mené six études dans ce cadre, répartis en deux axes. Le premier axe, comportant deux études, concerne les stratégies publiques et pratiques d’orientation des personnes âgées vers les TIC. Dans la première nous avons analysé les pratiques des organismes impliqués dans l’orientation des personnes âgées vers les gérontechnologies en Lorraine. Il en ressort que les parcours d'accès sont très différentes en fonctions des départements et des localités, mais aussi en fonction du premier interlocuteur sollicité par la personne âgée et ses proches. La seconde étude avait pour objectif d’analyser les stratégies publiques et réglementations visant à inciter et faciliter l’usage des services basés sur les TIC destinés aux personnes âgées dans six régions d’Europe. Différentes étapes de développement de ces stratégies en sont ressorties et un décalage Nord/Sud a été constaté. Dans le second axe, comportant quatre études, nous avons étudié sous différents angles les facteurs influençant les attitudes des personnes âgées à l’égard des TIC. La troisième étude visait à connaître les perceptions des personnes âgées à l’égard des TIC et leurs besoins perçus. Nous avons identifié 22 items relevant de perceptions, répartis en huit composantes formant une échelle des perceptions à l’égard des TIC ainsi qu’une échelle des besoins perçus en deux composantes. La quatrième étude a évalué l’impact de l’expérience antérieure avec les TIC sur les perceptions à l’égard des TIC. Nous avons réalisé des analyses de variance des perceptions à l’égard des TIC en fonction de la possession ou non d’un ordinateur et du suivi ou non de cours d’initiation à l’informatique. Les résultats ont montré que la possession d’ordinateur et le suivi de cours associés à des perceptions significativement plus positives des TIC. La cinquième étude a analysé l’impact de la région d’habitation sur les perceptions à l’égard des TIC. Nous y avons comparé les perceptions des personnes âgées de six régions de l’Ue. Nous avons constaté une cohérence entre les stratégies publiques d’orientation des personnes âgées vers les TIC et les perceptions des personnes âgées à l’égard des TIC. Enfin, notre dernière étude portait sur l’analyse des facteurs influençant l’attitude à l’égard des TIC en fonction de différents types d’activités. Suivant la variable dépendante, différents facteurs ont été trouvés, incluant des perceptions à l’égard des TIC, des besoins perçus, l’expérience antérieure, la région d’habitation et des variables sociodémographiques<br>This thesis, which was part of a European research project, focuses on the problem of the reluctance of elderly people to use ICTs. More specifically, it focuses on the psychosocial factors that influence the attitudes of people aged 62 and over to ICTs. We conducted six studies in this framework, divided into two areas. The first axis, containing two studies, adresses public strategies and practices for orienting older people to ICTs. In the first one we analyzed the practices of the organizations involved in the orientation of the elderly towards gerontechnologies in the Lorraine region of France. It emerges that the access routes are very different according to the counties and communities, but also according to the first interlocutor requested by the elderly person and his / her relatives. The second study aimed to analyze public strategies and regulations encouraging and facilitating the use of ICT based services for the elderly in six regions of Europe. Different stages of development of these strategies emerged and a north / south lag was observed. In the second axis, with four studies, we examined from different angles the factors influencing the attitudes of the elderly towards ICTs. Our third study examined the perceptions of older persons regarding ICTs and their perceived needs. We identified 22 perceptual items divided into eight components forming a scale of perceptions of ICTs as well as a scale of perceived needs including two components. The fourth study assessed the impact of previous experience with ICTs on perceptions of ICTs. We carried out analyzes of the variance of ICT perceptions depending on whether a computer was owned or not and the followup of computer literacy courses. The results showed that computer ownership and course tracking were associated with significantly more positive perceptions of ICTs. The fifth study analyzed the impact of the region of residence on perceptions of ICTs. We compared the perceptions of the elderly in six regions of the EU. We found coherence between public strategies for orienting older people to ICTs and the perceptions of older people regarding ICTs. Finally, our latest study focused on the analysis of factors influencing attitudes toward ICTs for different types of activities. Depending on the dependent variable, different factors were found, including perceptions of ICTs, perceived needs, prior experience, region of residence and sociodemographic variables