Academic literature on the topic 'Information needs – public sector – Zimbabwe'
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Journal articles on the topic "Information needs – public sector – Zimbabwe"
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Nengomasha, Cathrine Tambudzai, and Alfred Chikomba. "Status of EDRMS implementation in the public sector in Namibia and Zimbabwe." Records Management Journal 28, no. 3 (November 19, 2018): 252–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/rmj-08-2017-0023.
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Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the adoption and use of electronic document and records management system (EDRMS) in the public service in Namibia and Zimbabwe with the aim of establishing barriers and enablers, and best practices which each country could adopt from the other. Design/methodology/approach This multi-case study was informed by an interpretivist paradigm. Qualitative in nature, the study applied face-to-face interviews as the data collection method, supplemented by documents analysis. The study population was Namibia and Zimbabwe’s public sectors with units of analysis, being the governments’ ministries, offices and agencies which have implemented EDRMS. Findings The paper provides the state of EDRMS implementation in Namibia and Zimbabwe. It establishes how the two countries have implemented EDRMS and factors that have contributed to the success/failure of the implementation in both countries. Originality/value The paper is a response to the need for further research studies on the implementation of EDRMS in various countries.
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Karimanzira, Judith Vonai, and Samson Mutsagondo. "Perceptions of public sector practitioners about records and information management surveys in zimbabwe." Journal of Management and Science 1, no. 4 (December 30, 2015): 329–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.26524/jms.2015.30.
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This article aims at establishing public sector records practitioners‟ perceptions about records and information management surveys which are periodically heldby the National Archives of Zimbabwe (NAZ). The urge to carry out the study emanated from the continuing poor records management practices in public sector departments in Zimbabwe despite the fact that NAZ carries out periodic records and information management surveys. This study was carried out in the City of Gweru in Zimbabwe and it employed a survey research design where data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. The study revealed that public records practitioners largely had negative perceptions about NAZ records surveys as they saw the exercise as intrusive and faultfinding. NAZ officers blamed the impasse on lack of knowledge about the importance of records and lack of professional training in records management. The study recommends that NAZ officers should be sleuth and diplomatic when conducting records surveys to promote good relations and as well, there is need for behavior change on the part of public recordspractitioners for them to develop positive perceptions about NAZ records and information management surveys.
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Kaseke, Nyasha, and Gift Mapakame. "Assessing Funding Mechanism Available for Mining Companies in Zimbabwe." Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies 13, no. 1(J) (March 31, 2021): 57–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.22610/jebs.v13i1(j).3107.
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The mining sector has been the cornerstone of economic growth in Zimbabwe hence funding becomes very crucial to resuscitate the economy. The study aimed to assess the funding mechanisms for the mining sector of Zimbabwe and the effect of these on the performance of the sector. A quantitative study was carried out in the mining sector. The research findings showed that respondents pointed out that the funding mechanisms used in the mining sector of Zimbabwe are project finance, finance by private equity, public bonds and loans from banks and other financial institutions. It was also revealed that over and above available mechanisms, investment in the mining sector is being influenced by Interest rate, Business economic empowerment policies, bank lending criteria and Technical information, simultaneously. Furthermore, the study established that the mining sector needs skilled and technical staff, Technical information, banks’ lending criteria and Capital markets to get funding from investors. It was derived that, investment in the mining sector will increase production, product quality and profitability which in turn lead to infrastructural development. In addition, it is envisaged that funding will result in mining exports increase at the same time that new technologies are being introduced and the GDP is rising. Owing to the focus being exclusively on the funding of the mining sector, the study also recommended further studies on other factors, besides funding, that are affecting the performance of the sector.
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UROMI, SABBATH M. "CHALLENGES FACING PUBLIC PROCUREMENT INFORMATION IN SOME AFRICAN COUNTRIES NAMELY." International Journal for Innovation Education and Research 2, no. 7 (July 31, 2014): 54–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol2.iss7.208.
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This article seeks to find out challenges facing the procurement laws in Africa. The article examines the meaning and purpose of public procurement, drawing parallels between its essential elements, and stages with the need and requirement to enhance transparency and accountability to attain its objectives. It also seeks to provide analysis of traditional procurement reform objectives and identifies the importance of transparency and accountability as well as value for money in procurement to their achievement of joint goals. The article then examines broadly the access to information provisions of the procurement laws in a number of African countries namely -South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Tanzania and concludes that these laws contribute to improving access to information across Africa, particularly where an access to information law is absent, but are not robust enough to sufficiently provide comprehensive access to information. It examines the level of constraint posed by administrative charges for access to information. Also the article concludes based on the Tanzanian experience that limited access to information, laws already exist may be more as a result of; limited capacities in both the citizens sector and public sector to capture and maintain information in a retrievable format; deliberate delays by public officers to frustrate applications for access; poor information management practices and half hearted efforts within the citizens sector to apply existing law, than any application of administrative fee or other limiting provisions of the law, WITTING, W.A (2002).
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Manenji, Tawanda, and Barbra Marufu. "The impact of adopting e-government as a mechanism to enhance accountability as well as transparent conduct within public institutions." Scholedge International Journal of Business Policy & Governance ISSN 2394-3351 3, no. 7 (August 15, 2016): 84. http://dx.doi.org/10.19085/journal.sijbpg030701.
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<em>This study examines the impact of adopting e-government as a mechanism to enhance accountability as well as transparent conduct within public institutions in Zimbabwe. There is a belief that e-government brings about better change in governance issues through active disclosure of governance information. The research found out that e-government in Zimbabwe though still being nurtured, has better prospects and there is great need for clearly setting and meeting a conducive environment for it to flourish. That is a set of pre-requirements need to be assessed before trying to implement e-government into full swing. Zimbabwe lacks an unanimous e-government strategy across its ministries hence the existence of disparities in e-government adoption within the country – some ministries are more advanced while others only exhibit the first initial stages of e-government. However, the adoption of e-government in Zimbabwe has been hampered by a plethora of challenges ranging from politics, economics, social and technological. Among them include inadequate or weak legislative frameworks guiding and directing e-government implementation, budget constraints, digital divide as well as technological incompetence. The study also makes some recommendations as to how e-government prospects can be fully attained and such remedies among others include the passing of a comprehensive IT policy which cut across all government ministries, embracing Public Private Partnerships in building IT infrastructure, and redefining government’s top priorities and focus much on e-government investment. The paper also notes the effects of poor governance to a country. Zimbabwe’s e-government strategy if managed properly, would also reduce government external debt, improve service delivery, promote economic development, and increase public accountability and transparency within the public sector.</em>
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Dzomira, Shewangu. "Plastic Money and Electronic Banking Services Espousal vis-a-viz Financial Identity Theft Fraud Risk Awareness in a Developing Country." Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies 9, no. 5 (October 21, 2017): 255–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.22610/jebs.v9i5.1928.
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Exploitation of plastic money coupled with electronic banking services has come as expediency to financial establishment customers in Zimbabwe. This paper sought to analyze plastic money and electronic banking services espousal vis-a-viz financial identity theft fraud risk awareness in Zimbabwe banking sector via banks’ websites. The theoretical underpinning for this study is Routine Activity Theory. The study used qualitative content analysis research technique for examination of the text content data through the consistent taxonomy process of coding and classifying themes or patterns to submit a painstaking considerate of financial identity theft fraud awareness by the banking sector in Zimbabwe. A sample size of 14 banks (including commercial, merchant and building societies) was used and the banks were arbitrarily chosen on the basis of website accessibility and ease of use of the data. The study findings suggest that there is very little financial identity theft awareness in Zimbabwe by the banking sector through their websites to the general public whilst there is amplified adoption of plastic money and electronic banking adoption. This study proposes a need to amplify the information and inform plastic card and electronic banking customers of the types of financial identity theft fraud. Plastic card and electronic banking is an urgent area to focus on for banking institutions and should inexorably capitalize in it. Financial identity theft information should be easily retrievable and conveyed in a manner that makes reasonableness to the varied customers.
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Nkala, Bernard, and Gordon Liu. "DELINEATINGACCESS TO SPECIALTY HEALTHCARE IN ZIMBABWE A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY TO INFORMEVIDENCE-BASED PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY AND PRACTICE." International Journal of Advanced Research 9, no. 02 (February 28, 2021): 373–402. http://dx.doi.org/10.21474/ijar01/12458.
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The study investigated the determinants of access and utilization of specialty healthcare services in the case of public referral hospitals in Zimbabwe using the period post-independence in 1980s to 2018. This becomes an exciting period for the study as it presents the rise and fall of Zimbabwe’s healthcare system. Although there are many specialists offering specialty healthcare, the study limited its focus on specialty care physicians operating at public health facilities. The study objectives were to identify the socio-economic and health behavioural determinants that could influence access to and utilization of specialty healthcare amongst different groupings in Zimbabwe. The study specifically examined the influence of household income, insurance, health information/ education, distance to the nearest health centre, waiting time and dual practice as a variable of interest on access to specialty care. The study utilized cross-sectional household data collected through a survey from April to October 2019. Out of the 40 selected districts from a cluster of 63 existing administrative health districts, 1000 households were randomly selected using one stage cluster sampling (probability sampling design). The study used the Logistic regression model to identify the determinants of access to and utilisation of specialty healthcare based on 653 households that had reported sickness of a member within the last twelve months before the survey. The study tested the hypotheses that dual practice does not affect the supply capacity at public hospitals hence does not reduce access and utilisation of specialty healthcare household income does not increase the demand for specialized healthcare services and that the distance to the nearest health facility does not reduce the probability of seeking of specialty healthcare services. The Logistic regression results revealed that distance to the nearest health care facility, household income, health insurance coverage, presence of dual practice and waiting time all had a significant statistical relationship with access and utilization (demand) for specialty healthcare at public health institutions. However, the study found out that health information had negative effect though an insignificant variable. Distance to the nearest health facility and waiting time was found to negatively affect access (demand) to specialty healthcare whereas household income, dual practice and insurance coverage were found to positively influence access and utilization of specialty healthcare at public health institutions. The study established that, as there is an increase in income and insurance coverage, access and utilization of specialty care also increased. More households in Zimbabwe (71%) are not medically insured. The study found that the provision of specialty healthcare services is too centralized thereby patients are compelled to travel long distancesto metropolitan facilities where specialty health services are more concentrated. The study further established that dual practice affects the supply capacity in public hospitals. The constraining arrangement of management and teaching services at main teaching hospitals affects the supply of specialty services. Households tend to wait longer to consult specialists at public hospitals due to poorly regulated dual practice that induces long waiting times. Given the study findings, the study recommends health policy planners to adopt a balanced centralized and decentralized modelon access to specialty care, differentiating higher and lower tier specialty care facilities to address the geographic accessibility and availability dimensions and revisiting management of training and structuring of specialty teaching services. Other major recommendations of the study include the review of supply-side policies used to enhance access to specialty healthcare services. The policies may target at implementing a public sector ‘National Health Insurance Fund’, driven by the government of Zimbabwe offering realistic, acceptable and affordable premiums for vulnerable groups and expanding the scope of participation in developing the policy regulating dual practice. The study also recommends the creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) for Specialty health riding on the existing Government framework on SEZs. The adoption of Strategic Specialty care Partnerships (SSCPs) can enhance access and institutional capacities in dealing with the expensive response to Non Communicable Diseases, which are the main drivers for households to seek specialty care. Zimbabwe through its national health authority needs to ‘Reframe the Health Agenda’ on specialty care thus initiate a national health action plan that will continue to drive to evidence-based health policy and practice.
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Bernard Nkala, Charles Mudimu, and Angelbert Mbengwa Mbengwa. "Human resources for health talent management contribution: A case for health systems strengthening in the public health sector." World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews 9, no. 2 (February 28, 2021): 192–201. http://dx.doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2021.9.2.0062.
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Talent Management is an essential component in transforming health systems if carefully implemented for the public sector especially in low income countries. In Zimbabwe public health sector, talent retention and engagement are viewed as amongst the challenges affecting the realisation of effective performance and productivity from the existing Health workforce. Largely, modern health care systems lack robust strategies to identify and utilize employee talent essential to help attain organisational citizenship. The study reviewed the relevancy and effectiveness of talent management practices in the public health sector using a case study of Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, one of the major referral hospitals in Zimbabwe. The study aimed at closing the talent pipe-line gaps as part of the Health Systems Strengthening initiative towards bringing about talent retention and engagement amongst the health workforce in public sector settings. The study assessed the impact of the existing talent management initiatives focusing on variables; recruitment and attraction perspective, compensation and rewarding component, health workforce succession management and implemented performance management system. The study obtained cross sectional data collected through a designed tool following a purposive (non-probability) sampling technique from a sample of n=200 existing health management team to assess the perception of implemented talent management approaches. The study further used responses from n=450 randomly selected health professionals recruited in the last 3 years prior to the survey to analyse the association between the variables on talent management practices namely (recruitment and selection, compensation and rewarding, succession management and performance management system) and the age of health workforce to employee engagement. The data on recruited cadres was obtained from the existing Hospital Human Resources for Health Recruitment Database. The research revealed that talent management in public health sector currently suffers from theoretical problems since the existing Human Resources for Health literature concentrates on anecdotal information. The human resource practitioners need to come up with more involving workplace activities to demystify the theory that millennials are generally finding it difficult to engage. In addition, the public sector succession planning strategies would need to be in place for the millennials well in time to adequately replace the considerable number of those at retiring stages. The Logistic regression analysis revealed recruitment and attraction perspective, and succession management positively influence health workforce engagement while adherence to implementing performance management system negatively affected employee engagement. Compensation and rewarding practices in a public health set up proved an insignificant variable to health workforce engagement hence study concluded further analysis on the impact on wider target group. The study revealed as the age increases, the health workforce become more engaged and self-motivated to develop their personal talent, thus theory suggests such are ‘Baby Boomers’ age group that do not need much push and are prepared to perfect their work talent for the benefit of the health system. The role of performance management system must be equally elevated within health system initiatives in order to achieve ultimate health workforce engagement. The study recommended the public health sector to incorporate in its human resources policy, a strategy for managing and utilisation of talent from the different health workforce generations within the health system. In improving the performance of public health systems, talent management need to be put forward in the health systems strengthening agenda in order to build highly engaged health teams. Talent management practices become essential and if carefully implemented, are likely to help public health systems retain rare skills especially in highly specialised functions. Furthermore, the organisations need to synchronise its strategic plan with the talent management strategy. There must be continuous capacity building of human resources departments to firstly own policies that influence talent management so as to ensure ultimate health workforce engagement.
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Ayeni, Philips O., Blessed O. Agbaje, and Maria Tippler. "A Systematic Review of Library Services Provision in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 16, no. 3 (September 15, 2021): 67–104. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/eblip29902.
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Objective – Libraries have had to temporarily shut their doors because of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the provision of online and remote services. This review analyzed services offered by libraries, the technological tools used, and the challenges facing libraries during the pandemic. Methods – This study employed a systematic literature review, following the PRISMA checklist (Moher at al., 2009). The Building Blocks search strategy was employed to search for keywords of concepts in Library and Information Science Abstract (LISA), Library and Information Science Technology Abstract (LISTA), Library Science Database, Web of Science (WoS) core collections, and Google Scholar. A set of inclusion and exclusion criteria was pre-determined by the authors prior to database searching. Quality assessment of included studies was performed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (Hong et al., 2018). A tabular approach was used to provide a summary of each article allowing the synthesis of results, which led to the identification of eight broad categories of services provided by libraries in included studies. Results – The first set of searches from the 5 databases produced 3,499 results. After we removed duplicates and applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria based on titles and abstracts, 37 potentially relevant articles were identified. Further screening of the full-text led to the final inclusion of 23 articles used for the qualitative synthesis. The majority of the studies were conducted in the United States of America (n= 6, 26.1%), followed by India (n=4, 17%), and China (n=2, 8.7%). The remaining studies were carried out in United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, Romania, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. The most common method used in selected studies was the case study (n= 11, 48%), followed by survey (n=7, 30.4%), content analysis (n=4, 17.4%), and mixed methods (n=1, 4.3%). The majority of the studies were carried out in academic libraries (74%), while the rest were based on medical, public, and special libraries. Findings show that the majority of academic libraries in the included studies are providing and expanding access to electronic resources (n=16, 69.6%) and increasing open access resources and services (n=11, 47.8%). More so, most academic libraries are assisting in virtual education and teaching endeavors of faculty and students (n=13, 56.5%). In addition, some medical and public libraries are bolstering public health safety through health literacy (n=12, 52.2%), supporting research efforts, and engaging in virtual reference services, among others. In order to carry out these services, libraries are harnessing several educational, social networking, communication, and makerspaces technologies. Most of the libraries in the included studies reported budgetary challenges, and the need for new ICT infrastructure and Internet service as they move their services online. Conclusion – This review found that libraries are adapting in a number of ways to continue their roles in meeting patrons’ needs in spite of the growing challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown. For libraries to thrive in these trying times, there must be a well-structured approach to ensuring continuity of services. Libraries should prioritize the acquisition of electronic resources as well as increase their efforts to digitize resources that are only available in printed copies. As library services have predominantly shifted online, there should be concerted effort and support from government and funding agencies to equip libraries with the technological facilities needed to provide cutting-edge services. The quality assessment of the included studies shows that there is need for rigor and transparency in the methodological description of studies investigating library services provision in a pandemic. This review provides an overview of the ways libraries have responded to the challenges posed by a global pandemic, and hence will be of use and interest to all librarians especially those in health and academic sectors.
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Ngulube, Patrick. "Professionalism and ethics in records management in the public sector in Zimbabwe." Records Management Journal 10, no. 3 (December 2000): 161–73. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/eum0000000007262.
Full textDissertations / Theses on the topic "Information needs – public sector – Zimbabwe"
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Mugwisi, Tinashe. "The information needs and challenges of agricultural researchers and extension workers in Zimbabwe." Thesis, University of Zululand, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10530/1204.
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Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Library and Information Science) in the Department of Information Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2013.Agriculture is the dominant sector in Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and providing an income to over 75% of the population. Agricultural research and extension is undertaken in both public and private sector institutions across the five agro-ecological regions of the country. The aim of this study was to investigate the information needs and challenges of agricultural researchers and extension workers in the public sector in Zimbabwe. The government is responsible for agriculture in Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development (MoAMID). The study focused on researchers falling under the Department of Research and Specialist Services (DR&SS) and extension workers under the Department of Agricultural Technical and Extension Services (AGRITEX). The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods; a questionnaire was distributed to researchers and extension workers, and interviews were conducted with key informants and librarians. An observation schedule on the state of agricultural libraries in Zimbabwe was also used. The respondents were drawn from eight provinces and research institutes as defined in the target population. Mashonaland Central Province produced the highest number of respondents because the population for the province included ward and village extension workers in addition to the district and provincial extension officers and supervisors targeted in each province. Forty four (44) districts participated from the projected sixty (60), while sixteen (16) out of seventeen (17) research institutes responded, although there were variations in responses per institute. The findings of the study indicated that the respondents held qualifications ranging from certificates (for extension workers at ward level) to doctorates for senior researchers in their respective areas of work. The study also showed that the agricultural researchers were generally younger than extension workers, and on average the majority of both categories of respondents had less than 10 years working experience. The majority of the respondents also had less than five years working experience in their current positions. In terms of gender, there were more males than females in both categories of respondents. The study revealed that the information needs of the researchers and extension workers aligned with the major agricultural disciplines of crop science, animal science, agricultural engineering, although agricultural economics did not attract prominence. v The respondents were using various sources of information in fulfilling their information needs, ranging from libraries to internet sources (including databases and other electronic sources), consulting colleagues, workshops and seminars, and personal collections. The level of usage and preferences differed, but overall agricultural researchers showed a preference for electronic sources while extension workers preferred print sources. Departmental collections were especially prominent among the extension workers, and these were mentioned as their first point of call when they were in need of information. Library usage was low, and it was observed that the Ministry of Agriculture’s libraries were not adequately equipped to meet the information needs of the researchers and extension workers. The materials were dated, and the libraries had no budget for the acquisition of new resources. Internet access was limited to institutions with access to internet connections and requisite technologies like computers; the TEEAL database, for example, was only available on standalone access at the Central Library. The different available resources were considered to be important sources of agricultural information. The use of indigenous knowledge by both researchers and extension workers in agriculture was also evident in the study. The study revealed that agricultural research prioritisation was determined by the government, national needs, and the availability of funds in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including farmers. The research extension model that is used suggests a communication pattern where researchers reach the farmers through the extension system and also through direct contact with the farmers. The reverse – farmer to researcher - also shows communication in the opposite (upward) direction. Overall, the researchers and extension workers appear to play a pivotal role in disseminating agricultural information to the farmers. Various channels also appear to be used to communicate agricultural information, including the media, pamphlets and posters, and public gatherings like field days and agricultural shows. Lack of material in local languages was identified as a major challenge in the communication process, although some translation was being done. This challenge was exacerbated by the land reform programme, which has seen a massive increase in the number of people directly involved in farming. The Ministry of Agriculture was seen to lack a clear policy on the management of information generated by its departments, including research and extension. This was vi despite mention by the respondents that the information was adequately captured. The study showed that ICTs were used to generate information which was subsequently distributed as hard copies. The distribution of such material was hampered by lack of resources like printers and toners. ICTs such as the radio, television, the internet, databases, and telephones were also being used to disseminate agricultural information, although databases were hampered by the lack of computers. Mobile phones, although not readily available as office equipment, were highly utilised in the communication process. The study revealed that there is collaboration between agricultural researchers and extension workers and with other stakeholders at both local and international level in the areas of material production, research facilities, and training. Linkages were also evident with farmer organisations in the areas of funding, farm research, and materials production. The study concluded that funding was one of the main challenges facing research and extension in Zimbabwe, with donor funding having dried up in recent years. Although privatisation and charging for services have been considered as alternatives for income generation, they face criticism for discriminating against poor farmers. The study recommends that the Central Library should be empowered in terms of personnel and other resources in order to address the information needs of researchers and extension workers. It also recommends the strengthening of the delivery of research and extension services by capacitating research and extension institutions through adequate ICTs, funding and enhanced collaboration with relevant stakeholders among other issues.
University of Zululand
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Buarki, Hanadi J. "Towards an improvement of LIS graduates ICT skills and employability needs in Kuwait." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2010. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/6339.
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The aim of this research was to explore the ICT skills of LIS students in Kuwaiti HE that are potentially defined by the job market. These skills are deemed essential for the employment of LIS graduates in different job market sectors. As a result, the ICT skills of current LIS students, the needs of employers, and the LIS curriculum in Kuwait were all investigated. In addition the factors that had an impact on students ICT skills were also investigated. To fulfil the research aim and objectives, mixed research methods were employed. The research subjects were employers, LIS students, and teaching staff. Their views were sought through qualitative and quantitative methods that included: 54 semistructured interviews; 225 self-administered questionnaires; these were supplemented by three focus groups; and content analysis of relevant web sites, reports, and LIS syllabus to provide further documentation and analysis. The main findings of the research were: (1) overall the students had knowledge and basic ICT skills, but they lacked advanced searching and internet navigation skills. 85% of the students did not have enough ICT skills; their ICT skills level was selfrated as intermediate or beginner ; (2) the research investigated negative factors such as: unsuitable teaching and learning environment, negative attitudes, social influences, and lack of resources; (3) the students most preferred teaching and training method was group training ; (4) the employers identified further ICT skills and non-ICT skills that LIS graduates should possess for employability; (5) gaps were found in the curriculum and in teaching and training the ICT courses such as: course content was inconsistent; did not reflect the needs of the job market and were outdated; an imbalance between theory and practical training, courses had different outline and little use of the English language hindered the students ICT skills improvement and ICT use. In addition, work placement needed careful consideration. Recommendations based on the research findings and conclusions were made to the DLIS in Kuwait and stakeholders. Future ideas were identified for further research.
Books on the topic "Information needs – public sector – Zimbabwe"
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Office, General Accounting. Contract management: DOD pricing of commercial items needs continued emphasis : report to congressional requesters. Washington, D.C: The Office, 1999.
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Office, General Accounting. Contract management: Coast Guard's Deepwater Program needs increased attention to management and contractor oversight : report to the Ranking Minority Member, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, U.S. Senate. Washington, D.C. (P.O. Box 37050, Washington 20013): U.S. General Accounting Office, 2004.
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Office, General Accounting. Contract management: DOD needs better guidance on granting waivers for certified cost or pricing data : report to the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, Committee on Armed Services, U.S. Senate. Washington, D.C. (P.O. Box 37050, Washington 20013): U.S. General Accounting Office, 2002.
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Contract management: DOD pricing of commercial items needs continued emphasis : report to congressional requesters. Washington, D.C: The Office, 1999.
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Sahay, Sundeep, T. Sundararaman, and Jørn Braa. Strengthening Healthcare Systems and Health Information Systems. Oxford University Press, 2017. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/med/9780198758778.003.0010.
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Establishment of health information systems has been a central objective of health sector reform in nearly all LMICs over the last two to three decades. Historically, reform processes have taken introduction of health information systems as inhertently strengthening health sector performance. But today it is more appropriate to talk of health sector strengthening as co-evolving with health information systems strengthening, each reinforcing the performance and reform agendas of the other. The need to build synergies is heightened as there are a multitude of global and national health reform processes underway, like those assoicated with the sustainable development goals or with universal health coverage and each of these have expanded informational needs, requiring robust, flexible, and evolving health information systems. An understanding of the challenges faced by efforts at health systems strengthening helps provide meaningful inputs into health information systems design and vice versa. Such an understanding will enrich public health informatics as an academic discipline, as an area of practice, and as a policy domain.
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Lema Vélez, Luisa Fernanda, Daniel Hermelin, María Margarita Fontecha, and Dunia H. Urrego. Climate Change Communication in Colombia. Oxford University Press, 2017. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228620.013.598.
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Colombia is in a privileged position to take advantage of international climate agreements to finance sustainable development initiatives. The country is a signatory of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreements. As a non-Annex I party to the UNFCCC, Colombia produces low emissions in relation to global numbers (0.46% of total global emissions for 2010) and exhibits biogeographical conditions that are ideal for mitigation of climate change through greenhouse gas sequestration and emission reductions. Simultaneously, recent extreme climatic events have harshly compromised the country’s economy, making Colombia’s vulnerability to climate change evident.While these conditions should justify a strong approach to climate change communication that motivates decision making and leads to mitigation and adaptation, the majority of sectors still fall short of effectively communicating their climate change messages. Official information about climate change is often too technical and rarely includes a call for action. However, a few exceptions exist, including environmental education materials for children and a noteworthy recent strategy to deliver the Third Communication to the UNFCCC in a form that is more palatable to the general public. Despite strong research on climate change, particularly related to agricultural, environmental, and earth sciences, academic products are rarely communicated in a way that is easily understood by decision makers and has a clear impact on public policy. Messages from the mass media frequently confuse rather than inform the public. For instance, television news refers to weather-related disasters, climate variability, and climate change indiscriminately. This shapes an erroneous idea of climate change among the public and weakens the effectiveness of communications on the issue.The authors contrast the practices of these sectors with those of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working in Colombia to show how they address the specific climate communication needs facing the country. These NGOs directly face the challenge of working with diverse population groups in this multicultural, multiethnic, and megadiverse country. NGOs customize languages, channels, and messages for different audiences and contexts, with the ultimate goal of building capacity in local communities, influencing policymakers, and sensitizing the private sector. Strategies that result from the work of interdisciplinary groups, involve feedback from the audiences, and incorporate adaptive management have proven to be particularly effective.
Book chapters on the topic "Information needs – public sector – Zimbabwe"
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Campos, Hugo. "The Quest for Innovation: Addressing User Needs and Value Creation." In The Innovation Revolution in Agriculture, 1–31. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2020. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-50991-0_1.
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Abstract In agricultural and agrifood systems, like in many other economic sectors, the main innovation drivers have traditionally been (1) technological advances and (2) research and development. When innovation fails to address the actual needs of clients and end-users, however, satisfaction gaps are created. The result is that investors receive insufficient returns and end-users receive less than expected value. The consequences of failure can be deeper than just financial, however. Successful innovation in agriculture and agrifood systems is critical to secure affordable, nutritious, and safe food for all people. Rapid innovation is needed to address the serious challenge of climate change and to reduce agriculture’s global environmental footprint. The overarching goal of agricultural innovation should be to deliver high value to end-users and improve their quality of life and well-being. To achieve this goal, organizations must first understand the jobs to be done concept for their end-users. They must take into account user satisfaction gaps and frustrations. Understanding user needs is as important as producing technology to finding innovative solutions. This is true around the globe; in industry and public sectors, and in both developed and developing countries. This chapter explains why investing in innovation is very different from succeeding at it. Ultimately, the examples, ideas, and guidelines in this chapter can be brought to bear on agricultural innovation efforts (and any other economic sector), to make them more productive and worthwhile for end-users and investors/funders. The information herein is meant to increase the likelihood of successful innovation efforts at both profit-seeking firms and nonprofit organizations.
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Carr, T. R. "Geographic Information Systems in the Public Sector." In Public Information Technology, 252–70. IGI Global, 2003. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-59140-060-8.ch011.
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Geographic information systems emerged in the 1970s and have become significant decision-making tools as their capabilities have been enhanced. This chapter includes a brief discussion of various GIS applications and a more detailed discussion of issues that public managers should consider when evaluating implementation of a geographic information system. GIS applications provide benefits at the basic level in terms of producing maps efficiently, at the planning level through the use of database applications, and at the management decision-making level through an ability to access relational databases for policy-level decisions. In considering the capacity of GIS in the public sector, concise definitions of the major application theories—vector and raster—are offered to provide a basic understanding of the analytical process and GIS toolkit aspects. Issues impacting GIS implementation include needs assessment, project planning, access to public records, liability issues, public and private partnerships, dissemination of information, and privacy issues. Public managers should be aware of difficulties associated with justification of costs associated with GIS implementation and that a hesitancy exists on the part of GIS program managers to share missteps and implementation failures.
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Jarvis, Chris, and John Kupiec. "Accessing Public Sector Environmental Data and Information." In Global Information Technologies, 578–86. IGI Global, 2008. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-59904-939-7.ch046.
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This chapter highlights the importance that the Environment Agency places on the provision of information and the key part it plays in achieving environmental goals, an importance that is recognised in a range of national, European and international laws and agreements. The Agency is seeking to ensure that it meets the “letter” and, importantly, the spirit of all relevant legislation. To this end, our vision is environmental information freely available to all – quickly and easily, where and when people want it, and in a format to meet particular needs. The opportunities that present themselves in today’s “Information Age” are exciting and the potential to lever environmental benefit is great. The Agency’s track record in this field is already considerable, with five years’ experience of providing key environmental datasets through “What’s in Your Backyard?” – a GIS, Internet based national portal (www.environment-agency.gov.uk). This system has been developed and extended to include a pollution inventory, flood plain maps, landfill sites and a range of other data layers. Members of the public can find information from a national level, right down to their local environment: locating areas of interest by postcode or place name, displaying data to a chosen scale, formulating individual queries on the datasets, gaining background on information of interest, and downloading data for their own use off-line. The key components in establishing such services are people, data and technical infrastructure. The Environment Agency’s National Centre for Environmental Data & Surveillance has developed a conceptual architecture within which these components can be effectively managed and brought to bear on the processes of delivering timely data and information products. This is a challenging task within large administrations where data collection, management and storage are widely distributed both geographically and organisationally. Experience to date has shown the approach to be flexible, reliable and scalable. We have also developed our understanding of why people want information and how they want to access it – and importantly why some people do not see the relevance of environmental information to them. We have therefore formulated a strategy to improve the flexibility and response of the services we provide. This strategy also includes developing highly tailored information services that feed off the same base datasets. The Agency has recently piloted just such a service aimed at residential house purchasers. This is an e-business service accessible by solicitors over the Internet, with individually tailored environmental reports generated and delivered in real time. There is the potential to develop similar tailored services wherever environmental information is, or should be, a key part of business activities and decisions. Future development will therefore not solely be making more information available in an electronic format. Information must be made relevant to particular needs at particular times. Citizens must be made aware of the wider environmental impacts of their consumer choices and the implications to themselves and others. They must also understand the real effect of the environment on their daily lives and why it is in their interest to be interested.
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Gerke, Lynne, and Gail Ridley. "Tailoring CobiT for Public Sector IT Audit." In Information Technology Governance and Service Management, 101–24. IGI Global, 2009. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-60566-008-0.ch005.
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This chapter examines the potential to use an audit program based on the Control Objectives for Information and related Technologies (CobiT) framework for IT audit within a public sector audit office. It documents research that derives, implements and evaluates such a program with the cooperation of the public sector audit office in an Australian state. Additionally a comparison of the study results was undertaken with those of Guldentops, van Grembergen and de Haes (2002), Liu and Ridley (2005) and the European Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (EUROSAI) IT Working Group CobiT Selfassessment Project. The results suggest that the CobiT-derived instrument was effective for IT audit, and was able to be tailored to the needs of Tasmanian state public sector organization, when evaluated against a number of criteria.
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Jarvis, Chris, and John Kupiec. "Accessing Public Sector Environmental Data and Information." In Information Systems for Sustainable Development, 291–303. IGI Global, 2005. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-59140-342-5.ch018.
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This chapter highlights the importance that the Environment Agency places on the provision of information and the key part it plays in achieving environmental goals, an importance that is recognised in a range of national, European and international laws and agreements. The Agency is seeking to ensure that it meets the “letter” and, importantly, the spirit of all relevant legislation. To this end, our vision is environmental information freely available to all – quickly and easily, where and when people want it, and in a format to meet particular needs. The opportunities that present themselves in today’s “Information Age” are exciting and the potential to lever environmental benefit is great. The Agency’s track record in this field is already considerable, with five years’ experience of providing key environmental datasets through “What’s in Your Backyard?” – a GIS, Internet based national portal (www.environment-agency.gov.uk). This system has been developed and extended to include a pollution inventory, flood plain maps, landfill sites and a range of other data layers. Members of the public can find information from a national level, right down to their local environment: locating areas of interest by postcode or place name, displaying data to a chosen scale, formulating individual queries on the datasets, gaining background on information of interest, and downloading data for their own use off-line. The key components in establishing such services are people, data and technical infrastructure. The Environment Agency’s National Centre for Environmental Data & Surveillance has developed a conceptual architecture within which these components can be effectively managed and brought to bear on the processes of delivering timely data and information products. This is a challenging task within large administrations where data collection, management and storage are widely distributed both geographically and organisationally. Experience to date has shown the approach to be flexible, reliable and scalable. We have also developed our understanding of why people want information and how they want to access it – and importantly why some people do not see the relevance of environmental information to them. We have therefore formulated a strategy to improve the flexibility and response of the services we provide. This strategy also includes developing highly tailored information services that feed off the same base datasets. The Agency has recently piloted just such a service aimed at residential house purchasers. This is an e-business service accessible by solicitors over the Internet, with individually tailored environmental reports generated and delivered in real time. There is the potential to develop similar tailored services wherever environmental information is, or should be, a key part of business activities and decisions. Future development will therefore not solely be making more information available in an electronic format. Information must be made relevant to particular needs at particular times. Citizens must be made aware of the wider environmental impacts of their consumer choices and the implications to themselves and others. They must also understand the real effect of the environment on their daily lives and why it is in their interest to be interested.
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"BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NEEDS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR AND IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION GRADUATE EDUCATION." In Handbook of Public Information Systems, 31–46. Routledge, 2005. http://dx.doi.org/10.1201/9781420000221-6.
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Gonzalez, Rafael A., Alexander Verbraeck, and Ajantha Dahanayake. "Extending the Information-Processing View of Coordination in Public Sector Crisis Response." In Technology Enabled Transformation of the Public Sector, 326–45. IGI Global, 2012. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-1776-6.ch020.
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Coordinating the response of multiple public agencies to a large-scale crisis is a challenge that has been studied predominantly according to the information-processing view. In this paper, the authors extend this view with the notion of emergence giving special attention to information and communication technology (ICT). The extended framework is applied in a case study of crisis response exercises in the public sector. The findings suggest that current practices concentrate on standards and hierarchy, but mutual adjustment and emergent coordination also occur and are susceptible to analysis and equally relevant to understand coordination practices. In addition, ICT can provide information processing capabilities needed for coordination but may also create information processing needs by increasing the volume of data and the interconnectedness of responders. Applying the extended framework improves the understanding of coordination and forms the basis for its future use in designing ICT to support coordination in crisis response and e-government.
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Church, Liam, and Maria Moloney. "Design Principles for Public Sector Information and Communication Technologies." In Advances in Electronic Government, Digital Divide, and Regional Development, 77–96. IGI Global, 2014. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-4900-2.ch005.
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This chapter addresses the design challenge of providing Information and Communication Technology(ies) ICT(s) systems for public e-Service provision. Public sector services differ qualitatively from private sector services in that they aim to provide not just value for money but also public value. Generally speaking, public value is created when public organizations successfully meet the needs of citizens. Therefore, public sector ICTs have unique requirements that are not all thoroughly supported by traditional ICTs and their respective design theories. This chapter presents a design theory to guide developers of public sector ICTs on how to produce systems that provide public e-Services through secure and inclusive information systems. These systems will, in turn, create public value by tackling digital inequality and easing citizens’ online privacy concerns. The design theory was created while designing and deploying a digital postal system. By abstracting from the experience of building the system, a design theory for ICTs providing public e-Services was formulated. This new design theory is an important theoretical contribution because it provides guidance to developers and sets an agenda for IS research into public sector information systems design. It achieves this by articulating theory-based principles outlining how public value can be created through the development of appropriate ICTs. The design principles outlined by the theory are also subject to empirical, as well as practical, validation.
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Dewah, Peterson, and Silibaziso Natasha Ngwenya. "Establishing Tacit Knowledge Transfer Practices for Competitive Advantage at a Public Sector Organization." In Advances in Library and Information Science, 130–49. IGI Global, 2020. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-0043-9.ch007.
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The purpose of the study anchoring this chapter was to establish the tacit knowledge transfer processes for a competitive edge at a public sector organisation. Using a qualitative approach, data was collected through face-to-face interviews. The study revealed that staff understands and appreciates that the knowledge they possess is beneficial and important to the development of other employees and the competitiveness of the organization. It was established that the cultural factors that obstruct tacit knowledge transfer at this organisation include mistrust, insecurity, and lack of communication among employees. The study concluded that for the organisation to gain a competitive advantage over other pension fund organizations, knowledge needs to be transferred from the experienced senior staff to those who need it, such as subordinates who may be less experienced. The study recommended that the establishment of informal networks and communities of practice that allow employees to transfer knowledge to each other.
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Adhikari, Arnab, and Shromona Ganguly. "Manufacturing vs. Services and the Role of Information Technology." In Advances in Public Policy and Administration, 416–30. IGI Global, 2019. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-7661-7.ch033.
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The role of information technology is often debated in the context of economic development of the developing countries. In order to understand the role technology plays in the structural change of the economy, the chapter analyzes the case of India, which, according to many researchers, has experienced an “idiosyncratic” pattern of structural changes since its independence compared to many countries. This is evident from the fact that the growth of Indian economy has been driven by the services sector rather than manufacturing, which prompted many researches to conclude that India has leapfrogged the phase of industrialization. This chapter examines the impact of services-led growth and the role of information technology in India through a comparative analysis of manufacturing versus services in export performance and employment scenario. The chapter concludes that India needs a more broad-based policy of technology adoption, not only to sustain its services-led growth but also to boost its manufacturing sector as well as make the economic development more inclusive.
Conference papers on the topic "Information needs – public sector – Zimbabwe"
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Bouhnik, Dan, Yahel Giat, and Issachar Zarruk. "The Informing Needs of Procurement Officers in Israel." In InSITE 2017: Informing Science + IT Education Conferences: Vietnam. Informing Science Institute, 2017. http://dx.doi.org/10.28945/3686.
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Aim/Purpose: [This Proceedings paper was revised and published in Informing Science: the International Journal of an Emerging Transdiscipline (InfoSci)] To develop and introduce a questionnaire that investigates the informing needs, information-seeking behavior, and supplier selection of procurement officers in Israel. The questionnaire’s internal consistency reliability is given. Additionally, we describe the demographic description of the procurement officers in Israel. Background: Procurement science is an important field that affects firms’ profits in the private sector and is significant to growth, innovation, sustainability, and welfare in the public sector. There is little research about the informing needs of procurement officers in general and particularly in Israel. Methodology: A quantitative questionnaire that is sent to all the procurement officers in Israel’s purchasing and logistics managers association. Contribution: The questionnaire that is developed in this paper may be used by other researchers and practitioners to evaluate the informing needs of procurement officers. Findings: The typical procurement officer is male, with a bachelor degree and is digitally proficient. Recommendations for Practitioners: The procuring side can use the questionnaire to develop better tools for obtaining information efficiently. The supplying side can use this knowledge to improve its exposure to potential customers and address its customer’s needs better. Recommendation for Researchers: The questionnaire can address theoretical questions such as how digital literacy affects the procurement process and provide empirical findings about active research areas such as supplier selection and information-seeking behavior. Future Research: Future research will examine the relationship between the various variables and demographic features to understand why specific informing needs and information-seeking behaviors arise.
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SKVARCIANY, Viktorija, and Kristina ASTIKĖ. "THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF CULTURAL ECONOMICS CONCEPT." In International Scientific Conference „Contemporary Issues in Business, Management and Economics Engineering". Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.3846/cibmee.2021.626.
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Abstract. Purpose – the aim of the article is to present the concept of cultural economics upon analysing the scientific literature and to single out the factors that influence the development of cultural economics. Research methodology – analysis and synthesis of scientific literature. The articles published in CA WoS were analysed in order to extract high-quality information on the topic of cultural economics. Findings – after analysis of the scientific literature, the factors of cultural economics have been determined. They are as follows: creativity; new technologies; consumer society; public authorities; artistic forms; media, information, digitisation; local cultural identity; public sector approach to culture; theatre, cinema, museums, crafts; media, social networks; the needs for a consumer society and culture; public sector funding for culture. Research limitations – the main limitation of the current research is that the factors of cultural economics are distinguished from the scientific literature. For more precise identification, the experts should be interviewed as well. Practical implications – the distinguished factors could be used for measurement of the level of a country’s cultural economics level. Originality/Value – the article summarises
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Ladeira, Marcelo, and Fernando Linhares. "A Verbal Anchor based Fuzzy System to help business managers build Balanced Scorecards Strategy Maps." In XI Simpósio Brasileiro de Sistemas de Informação. Sociedade Brasileira de Computação, 2015. http://dx.doi.org/10.5753/sbsi.2015.5860.
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The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) methodology was proposed to help companies create simple strategy plans that can be explained to all employees. The core of this tool is the strategy map that shows a collection of strategic objectives a company needs to achieve its mission. Small and medium companies find it difficult to create their own strategies without the help of a management consultant, which is not always affordable. This paper presents the Mistral Solutions, a system that supports entrepreneurs and their teams to create their own BSC initial strategy maps. The system proposed is based on fuzzy logic. Initially the user takes a online survey about his/her enterprise. During the knowledge acquisition a verbal anchor scale can be used to represent numeric information if the entrepreneur does not know the exact values for each question answer. The Mistral Solutions uses the answers to ground fuzzy rules for creating business strategies in the shape of BSC strategy maps. The system proposes eight strategic objectives, two for each of the four classic BSC perspectives. These strategic objectives are chosen from a set of forty-five possibilities. The knowledge base has one-hundred-eleven variables and onehundred-twenty-six fuzzy rules. This system was applied to institutions representing the public sector, the private sector and a public concession. In the empirical evaluation, the system performed better when applied to private sector institution when all the eight strategic objectives were considered adequate by the manager in charge of the strategic planning of this institution.
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Yu, Suiran, Jing Tao, Qingyan Yang, Jianpu Zhang, and Fengfu Yin. "Case Study of Chinese SMEs Oriented Environmental Impact Assessment on Refrigerator Production." In ASME 2011 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference. ASMEDC, 2011. http://dx.doi.org/10.1115/detc2011-48920.
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This paper presents a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) case study aiming at assisting Chinese Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to identify the environmental improvement opportunities. A typical refrigerator SME located in suburb of Shanghai is visited for data collection. Besides, related project reports, academic papers, and LCA software and databases are referred for necessary data. Environment inventory of manufacturing a typical Chinese household refrigerator model is calculated and analyzed. Results show that ABS components are the major contributors to energy consumption; production of rubber (for gaskets), MDI (for insulation) and packaging materials are the most water polluting processes, while phosphatizing treatment of compartment plates and door panels generates most of the waste water with phenol; the majority of CO2 (eq.) and SO2 (eq.) is emitted during ABS component and steel sheet production while the use of F-containing coolant causes most of the CFC-11(eq.) emission, which is the major cause of ozone depletion. The opportunities of environmental improvements are then assessed by sensitivity and economical analysis. It is suggested that for refrigerator manufacturing SMEs, reduction in ABS use and eco-optimized packaging solutions are the most cost-effective measures for environmental improvements. Also, there are improvement potentials in material and energy utility management of SMEs. However, considering their limited management capability and access to resources and information, SMEs needs support from the public sector in entrepreneurship and environmental education, technological and financial help and regulatory protection for sustainable development.
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ATKOCIUNIENĖ, Vilma, Alvydas ALEKSANDRAVIČIUS, and Romualdas ZEMECKIS. "Public Policy Impact on Prosperity and Resilience of Farms and Agricultural Companies: Lithuanian Case Study." In Rural Development 2015. Aleksandras Stulginskis University, 2015. http://dx.doi.org/10.15544/rd.2015.128.
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The CAP support is mostly focused on the technological modernization of farms, linked with production intensification, and weakly focused on the farms prosperity and resilience. As a result farmers and managers of agricultural companies are only a slightly motivated to produce added value and high quality food products, to use short food supply chains addressing constantly changing consumer needs, or to pay much attention on issues related to climate change. The paper findings are based on the Lithuanian case study carried out as a part of the international research project “Rethinking the links between farm modernization, rural development and resilience in a world of increasing demands and finite resources” (RETHINK). The Lithuanian case study was determining farmers’ behaviour and causal factors in decision-making. The research based on the positive research paradigm, case study, content and descriptive analysis, empirical study methods (answers of two groups of experts experts-professionals and experts-farmers), logical and systematical reasoning, graphic presentation, abstracts and other methods. The present paper is examining the impact of political factors on prosperity and resilience on farms and agricultural companies. The political factors have the highest impact for prosperity of the farms and agricultural companies in Lithuania (as compared to the technical – entrepreneurial, ethical - social factors, and intangible values). The support from the EU and the national funds is not fully in line with the current concept of farms’ modernization and agricultural innovation. The public policy influence on the competitiveness of the agricultural sector is more strengthening than weakening. The results show the main elements that farmers believe should be included in the new concept of rural prosperity, as well as the main strategies adopted to reach prosperity divided into the five sub dimensions: development of the rural social infrastructure and implementation of information technologies; strong self-governance, social awareness and partnership; high culture of life and communication; rural employment and job creation in rural areas, population welfare; economic and social viability, ecology and environmental security of the countryside.
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Gowin, P. J., and J. Kupitz. "Small and Medium Sized Reactors: Driving Forces and Technology Development." In 10th International Conference on Nuclear Engineering. ASMEDC, 2002. http://dx.doi.org/10.1115/icone10-22339.
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There will be growing demands for energy in the coming decades. One aspect of particular importance is that prospects for nuclear energy will to a considerable extent be influenced by developing countries. Since population growth will occur primarily in developing countries nuclear energy cannot play a significant global role without being a viable option in these countries. Since new power plants to be built will have to be compatible with regional electricity grids, this may result in a greater focus on plants in the small and medium range, defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to produce up to 700 Megawatt of electrical power. This paper first examines the driving forces that could influence the development of nuclear energy in general and of Small and Medium Sized Reactors (SMRs) in particular in the next decades and identifies key factors in that process. Concerns over climate change may to a certain extent influence the discussion on future energy options. Other factors of equal importance for the future of nuclear are a continued emphasis on maintaining high safety standards, the implementation of acceptable solutions for spent fuel and radioactive waste disposal and a globally accepted non-proliferation regime, factors that may in turn have an impact on public acceptance. Economic competitiveness of nuclear energy is an additional important factor, and without being commercially viable, no energy source can in the long run represent a major and stable component in a competitive energy sector. The introduction of SMRs in developing countries poses additional challenges, such as investment limitations. Technology development plays an important role in keeping the nuclear option open for countries wishing to use nuclear reactors to meet their energy needs, and advances in reactor design will be important to enable a significant nuclear component in developing countries. This paper considers the contribution that nuclear science and technology can make towards meeting those needs and discusses the role of the IAEA in the nuclear technology area. The activities of the IAEA encompass the broad areas of nuclear technology, safety and safeguards, together with outreach activities which seek to provide information to decision makers, civil society and the public.
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Kiszl, Péter. "Multifunkciós könyvtár és pénzügyi edukáció." In Agria Média 2020 : „Az oktatás digitális átállása korunk pedagógiai forradalma”. Eszterházy Károly Egyetem Líceum Kiadó, 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.17048/am.2020.284.
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Digitális, globális és multikulturális világunkban a könyvtár szerepe, funkciórendszere jelentősen kiszélesedett. A könyvtár- és információtudomány kutatási horizontja is egyre tágul, a felsőfokú könyvtárosképzés mindenkori szakmai trendeknek, felhasználói, munkaadói és munkavállalói igényeknek megfelelő alakítása folyamatos. A tanulmány bemutatja a multifunkciós könyvtár olyan modelljét, amelyben szerepet kap a pénzügyi kultúrát és a vállalkozásfejlesztést célzó edukáció is. Napjainkban ugyanis kiemelt jelentőségűek a kellő tájékozottsággal meghozott pénzügyi döntések. Különösen igaz ez hazánkra, ahol a felmérések és a tapasztalatok szerint a lakosság pénzügyi tudatossága fejlesztésre szorul. Kézenfekvő megoldásként jelentkezik Magyarország legnagyobb kulturális intézményrendszerének, a könyvtári hálózatnak a bevonása is a képzésbe. Sanghajtól Londonon át Chicagóig és Phoenixig már számos nemzetközi jó gyakorlattal lehet bizonyítani, hogy a könyvtári hálózat tagjai – kiemelten a nemzeti- és a közkönyvtárak – sikerrel kapcsolhatók be a társadalom pénzügyi műveltségének pallérozásába, ami a könyvtári hálózat társadalmi beágyazottságát és elismertségét erősíti, illetve az esélyegyenlőség támogatásán túl, az állampolgárok és a gazdasági szektor szereplői számára is innovatív megoldásokat hozhat, úgymint például a start-upok alapításának és működtetésének könyvtári-információs támogatása. A közlemény interdiszciplináris megalapozottsággal tárja fel a külföldi bevált gyakorlatokat a nem formális, könyvtári pénzügyi oktatási akciók hazai adaptálása érdekében, nemzetközi kontextusban tárgyalva és rendszerezve az alapvető elméleti (szakirodalmimódszertani) forrásokat és kijelölve a jövőbeli hazai kutatási-fejlesztési irányokat. ----- Multifunctional library and financial education --- - - The scope of the library’s roles and functions has expanded considerably in our digital, global, and multicultural world. The research horizon of library and information science is also constantly broadening; post-secondary librarian training is being continuously shaped to fit current professional trends and the needs of users, employees and employers. This paper introduces a model for the multifunctional library, in which education on financial literacy and business development is also present, since informed financial decisions are of particular importance nowadays. This is especially true in Hungary, where surveys and experience suggest that the population’s financial awareness needs improvement. An obvious solution is to involve in this education the biggest cultural institutional system of Hungary: the library network. There are many international examples of good practices from Shanghai to London, and from Chicago to Phoenix, which prove that members of the library network, especially national and public libraries, can be successfully involved in improving the financial literacy of society, which also increases the social embeddedness and reputation of the library network, and in addition to promoting equal opportunities, it can provide innovative solutions for citizens and for the operators of the economic sector, for instance library and information support for the founding and management of start-ups. This paper explores foreign good practices with an interdisciplinary approach in order to adapt non-formal financial educational library operations in Hungary. It also discusses and organizes the basic theoretical resources (literature and methodology) available in the international context to provide directions for future domestic research and development.