Abstract: In this paper we assess the publication base and the research trends in information and communication technology ICT specifically in transition economies. We limit our analysis to work published in academic journals and dealing with ICT in countries that have abruptly abolished a centrally planned economy and one-party controlled political system in favor of a market-driven economy. We conduct a literature review and analyze the reviewed papers looking at research focus, research approach, and theoretical foundations. Based on 173 papers published between 1993 and 2012, we observe several trends and prevalent themes and identify gaps in the literature and opportunities for future research. We find that current published research is concentrated on relatively few ICT issues, such as diffusion and implementation, and is conducted primarily at the country or organization level. Furthermore, very few research studies use otherwise commonly applied theories to explain their results.

Abstract: The social sustainability of information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) projects such as e-government in developing nations remains a vexing issue. Particularly pertinent to the concept of e-government is that of electronic participation (e-participation) of citizens in services offered over an e-government platform, yet studies claim that such initiatives exacerbate the social exclusion problem. Globally, and specifically in Africa, the ineffective participation of citizens is marked by waning confidence in service delivery capabilities of political institutions, yet e-government is considered as one of the reform instrument for the attainment of good governance. Governments and pressure groups in many countries are realizing that these trends are problematic and are seeking to broaden and deepen citizen participation in governance, notably through the use of mobile technologies that continues to play a vital role in the trajectory of ICT development in Africa. This study advances t...

Abstract: Trade is one of the cornerstones of socio-economic development for Africa. Intra-continental trade stimulates productive capacity and competitiveness in nations through exposing domestic industries to competition. The purpose of this study was to investigate how information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure impacts on intra-African trade, taking into account other relevant factors that also influence trade such as Institutional Quality and Educational Attainment. Archival data about Telecommunications Infrastructure (a key indicator of ICT infrastructure), Institutional Quality and Educational Attainment and Trade Flows (Export and Import) from 28 African countries were used as empirical evidence. The research employed structural equation modeling with partial least squares to analyze data. The empirical analysis shows that the Telecommunications Infrastructure has a major impact on intra-African trade. Interacting factors such as Institutional Quality and Educational Attainment also play...

Abstract: This article attempts to enrich our understanding of the role that mobile phones play in the empowerment of women in the developing world. We adapt and explicate an innovative social psychological concept, “mattering,” embed it in the literature that examines the impact of mobile phones on social development outcomes, and consider the utility of mattering for the ICT4D community. Mattering is the perception that others are aware of, interested in, and depend on us. Based on a sample of 335 female microentrepreneurs in Chennai, India, we created a valid and reliable measure of mattering and its three dimensions. Mattering was predicted by 1 entrepreneurial expectations, an element of an individual's mindset; 2 social use of mobile phones; and 3 the perceived benefits of mobile phones for maintaining business networks. Findings suggest that mobile phone use plays a significant role in contributing to female entrepreneurs' perception that they matter.

Abstract: Agriculture-based precise and accurate information needs to be disseminated promptly to farmers so that better decisions such as managing farm fields, making continuous and scientific changes in their production systems and grabbing advantage of market opportunities can be made. In this paper, mobile technology is assessed for the agriculture information dissemination system. A survey has been conducted to find out potential technology, related to the use of the Internet and mobile among farmers in the state of Punjab in India, to deliver agriculture-related information to them. Results show that agricultural information system needs to be developed based on the mass communication technology such as mobile systems. It is also noted that localization and native language of farmers are the concerns to be incorporated into the systems. It has been focused that the use of soft-computing techniques in conjunction with communication networks, for inferring the decision regarding best practices for agricultural activities, is helpful in the development of these systems.

Abstract: One of the dominant issues for Information Systems (IS) researchers in developing countries is to determine the impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure expansion on socio-economic development. Generating sustained socio-economic development in Africa depends largely on the ability of nations to make profitable investments and accumulate capital, which could be achieved through efficient ICT-enabled trade flows. Trade supports employment creation and improves national income levels, revenue generation, consumer price reductions and government spending. It is a key driver of African poverty alleviation, growth, economic maturity and human development. Previous research, in particular Bankole et al. [(2013a). The impact of information and communications technology infrastructure and complementary factors on intra-African trade. Information Technology for Development] identified the significant and positive effect of telecommunication infrastructure and institutional quality (IQ) o...

Abstract: The relevance of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the present-day is hardly disputed. However, most of what we know is grounded in the context of well-developed economies. Resear...

Abstract: Studies have shown that any information and communication technology (ICT) intervention that improves the livelihoods of poor rural families is likely to have a significant impact (direct and indirect) on enhancing agricultural production, marketing, and post-harvest activities. Notable ICT services include: online information services; communication between researchers, extension (knowledge) workers, and farmers; updates on current market information; weather forecasting; input supplies; and credit availability. The lack of up-to-date ICTs can negatively affect information access and utilization among information users. The study sought to investigate the levels of ICT access and utilization by researchers and extension workers within the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development and how this affected the generation and dissemination of agricultural information among researchers and extension workers. Survey questionnaires were distributed to researchers at the various institutes ...

Abstract: The popularity of case study methods in information and communications technology for development research presents challenges in comparing findings across studies for the purpose of theory building. The object of this paper is to describe a qualitative study in which theory triangulation was used to systematically compare multiple cases to develop theory. The concept of development provided the theoretical context for the study. The work of Hall and Midgley was used to provide three rival philosophical positions that give rise to differing approaches to social development. These are: populist, enterprise and statist. The application of these three contrasting perspectives using theory triangulation is demonstrated in the analysis of multiple case studies taken from a community technology center program in Australia. The relative strengths and weaknesses of each approach are identified and used as the rationale for theory development.

Abstract: The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) are used to investigate technology adoption. However, its application in Sub-Saharan Africa is rare and barely extended to the validation phase. In this paper, we introduce six new moderating factors for UTAUT core determinants and two other direct determinants of Internet adoption. The objective of this approach is to identify relevant elements of Internet adoption at the user level in The Gambia. Moderating factors are interacting terms used when the relationship between independent and dependent variable is weak, inconsistent or non-existent. A case study research design was employed and the data were gathered in Autumn of 2012. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered to randomly selected students from the University of the Gambia. The students represented all administrative regions of the country. Our results suggest that Internet adoption at the user level in The Gambia can be viewed as a three-layered pyramid. It consists of seve...

Abstract: This paper discusses factors which determine the adoption of information and communication technology ICT in public services. The provision of online public services is becoming increasingly utilized as a means to streamline and facilitate contact between citizens and public-sector bodies. The implementation of decentralization process also makes the accessibility of public services to citizens simpler. In this paper, the online services and factors which determine the level of such services are analyzed using the data set of 1216 services provided by municipalities in Slovakia. Special attention is paid to the examination of financial indicators which describe financial independence of local governments with respect to the assumption that local governments with higher level of expenditure covered by the revenue coming from proper taxes display more effective behavior in the field of public services. Thereafter, based on the results of econometric model and statistical methods key factors affecting the provision of online services are determined. The results of the model show that a higher level of ICT adoption in public services is achieved by larger municipalities which are district seats and which are financially autonomous. This is an important lesson for the policy as the process of fiscal decentralization appears to be a very important means of narrowing the gap between the developed and transition economies.

Abstract: This paper contains a report on the uses, expectations and gratifications experienced by the users of digital doorways. The researchers adopted a grounded theory approach in their analysis of 200 narratives collected from the users. The stories and the comments in the narratives were categorized according to the macro domain to which they pertained as well as the uses, expectations and gratifications of the users. Once the categories had been saturated, the researchers conducted a quantitative analysis of the findings. It showed clearly that the majority of the respondents reported usage that pertains to learning and school work. This need proved to be stronger than the need for game playing. The short-term dimension of the required educational support eclipses the more future-oriented/idealistic responses. The study postulates the theory that in access-deprived and information-poor communities the need for short-term educational solutions over-rides any other informational need.

Abstract: Political and economic changes in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, competition in the global market, and greater people mobility contribute to increasing number of students studying in a foreign language who expect to improve both their knowledge and language skills. Following the design research approach, we propose a framework for creating university courses that support content and language integrated learning CLIL within a virtual learning environment VLE. The framework was developed on the basis of our experience and a survey conducted among students of Cracow University of Economics, Poland, who study in a non-native language. It incorporates a blended-learning model. All course materials are prepared in Polish and English and are available for multilingual student population in a bilingual VLE course. The framework might be useful for other transition economies where a political and economic transformation has brought similar shifts in language skill requirements.

Abstract: Education is recognized as a fundamental enabler of human development. The adoption of information and communications technologies ICTs by education especially in developing countries contributes to educational system reforms, in addition to the traditional advantages, such as social openness and accessibility. Yet the academic community has not studied sufficiently the challenging context in which ICTs are used as instruments for the reform of inefficient, and sometimes even corrupted, educational systems rather than just as means for smarter classrooms, remote access, or content management. The object of this study is Ukrainian higher education HE and its quality assurance QA system, which appears to be neither flexible nor transparent. We offer an ICT solution to provide the needed transparency. We show that such transparency is urgently needed for the structural reform of this system, in order to empower people and recover their trust and respect toward HE. The solution is based on ontology-driven portal as a digital ecosystem for national QA. We show how the content of the portal can be managed and verified based on users' social activity and reputation management, and how the quality evaluations of different players can be made with personalized procedures and quality indicators.

Abstract: An information systems-adapted Contingent Valuation survey was used to assess smallholder farmers' perceptions and the premium they are willing to pay (WTP) to get mobile phone-based information on market prices and product quality to overcome the recurrent information asymmetry issues in the chain. The investigations, consisting of an exploratory case study in Ghana followed by a survey with 285 observations in Benin, demonstrated that market information asymmetry indeed leads to lower prices for farmers. In Ghana, market price alerts through mobile phone messaging allowed decreasing transaction costs for farmers from US $2 to US $150 per transaction. In Benin, most farmers who are using mobile phones are WTP a premium of up to US$2.5 per month to get market price and quality information. Econometric models showed that decisive factors for the premium to be paid include farm location, market channel, profit margin, contact with agricultural extension services and technical support from buyers. The study ...

Abstract: The Living Labs in South Africa (LLiSA) projects in remote rural South African municipalities have exhibited mixed success. Some projects are quite successful in teaching Internet and smart phones use, while others enjoy initial success only to fall into disuse. Knowledge management (KM) for technology, Internet, computer usage, and software tools expertise, requires a transfer of knowledge to local interested individuals. However, KM is typically not an explicitly named aspect of LLiSA projects. Rather, projects cite a need for training and development of skills for maintainability and sustainability but no need for long term KM. This research describes KM characteristics then analyzes information and computer technology for development projects around the world to develop best practices and their KM components. The Siyakhula Living Lab, a LLiSA program, is evaluated for the extent to which KM best practices are applied. Recommendations for KM are developed for planning, training, and project conduct.

Abstract: IT (information technology) and its association with communication technology (information and communication technologies (ICTs)) have changed the way libraries operate. Today, ICTs play a very important role in the library environment. Traditional library tasks such as cataloguing, circulation, and collection development, which were performed manually a few decades ago, have now been automated to a lesser or greater extent. This has led to changes in some library and information science (LIS) job titles and job descriptions over the years. As a result, LIS professionals have been compelled to acquire IT skills. This study was conducted to investigate whether IT has an influence on LIS job titles and requirements in the South African LIS job market. It sought to answer these questions: (1) Has IT influenced job titles in the LIS job market in South Africa? (2) What IT knowledge and skills are required in the LIS job market in South Africa? A newspaper scan for LIS-related job advertisements over a period ...

Abstract: First, the paper presents the position of the ICT sector in the Czech Republic CZ as a transition economy; it pays particular attention to the ICT industry, university studies, research, and development. Then, it focuses on academic-industrial cooperation AIC in the CZ. As economic conditions in the CZ are different from the traditional developed economies, the AIC might not necessarily exhibit the same characteristics. Thus, the paper tries to identify potential differences on two concrete cases of two schools faculties at two Czech universities. The research is based on interviews with companies and stakeholders from the participating faculties. In comparison with the findings known from the literature on this issue in developed countries, the interviews revealed some differences such as a more positive attitude toward engagement of academicians in private companies and further education at universities. Specific local issues have been discovered such as small volumes of cooperation, not enough flexible researchers, and lacking business orientation at the universities.

Abstract: The main attempt of this paper is to identify the patterns of mobile phone usage among fishermen in Pangkor Island in Malaysia. This study is quantitative in nature, where a total of 250 fishermen were selected as the respondents. The findings confirm that although the majority of fishermen do not spend much time and money on making and receiving calls and messaging, the mobile phone is still a crucial tool for them, particularly in its role in enhancing their safety and easing the communication process with their family while conducting their fishing operation. Although the mobile phone has superior functions in marketing, fishermen in Pangkor Island seem to place less importance on it. The findings also show the similarities and differences relevant to the patterns of mobile phone usage in Pangkor Island, and hopefully this can be applied to other fishing areas and further intensify the development in the fisheries industry.

Abstract: Community multimedia centers (CMCs) are considered by initiating agencies as instruments able to inform, entertain and educate the population, as well as to offer them a voice into knowledge society and to public initiatives. This article presents a quali-quantitative content analysis of 230 interviews held with staff members, users of the venues, people of the community who listen to their radio component but do not use their telecenters, and community members not using CMCs. The sample includes 10 CMCs around Mozambique. The purpose of the study is to investigate the perception of local communities of inbound, outbound, and shared information and communication flows connected to CMCs. Results highlight how CMCs are perceived as inbound information enablers, mostly by means of their community radio component, and as means to share information and communication within the communities' boundaries. Yet, CMCs still do not appear to be widely recognized as participation means to a reality that transcends the ...

Abstract: This paper gives an overview of electronic services that are successfully developed and implemented at the provincial level in Vojvodina Republic of Serbia Serbia is an example of a transition economy The main goal of electronic services development at the provincial level was to achieve improvement of efficiency, effectiveness and transparency of the work of provincial officials Careful defining of feasible goals, management of adopted implementation plans and strict audit have enabled an accelerated development of eGovernment, even with limited resources Integration between separately developed software systems was provided by mandatory procurement requirement for interoperability and emphasis on the use of open standards The problems of putting the systems into use were reduced by providing training, solid benchmark of computer skills and internationally recognized qualification to all public employees This paper may help decision-makers to plan eGovernment development at the regional or local level in transition countries

Abstract: This article forms part of research-in-progress aimed toward creating a comprehensive graduate development framework that will assist Information Systems (IS) departments in increasing the quality and quantity of their enrollments and graduates. In this article, we present the IS Graduate Development Framework (ISGDF). This framework combines concepts from four related fields of IS study into a single framework for identifying the graduate development potential of IS institutions, courses, and development projects. These four fields of study are: (i) Information and Communication Technology for Development, (ii) economic labor market theory that relates to IS labor, (iii) a study of IS education concepts and course structures, and (iv) a study of IS labor within the creative industries. We present the ISGDF based on literature from these fields of study and show how this framework can be applied by means of a comprehensive case study example. The case study gives a detailed account of how the framework wa...

Abstract: While the former have been proactive in their e-waste strategy, the small/medium firms are characterized as indifferent to e-waste; a divergence explained by the very different strengths of determining factors to which they are subject. In turn, those factors relate to the size of these ICT consumers and the nature of value chains into which they are placed. Understanding these determinants can help us plan better e-waste interventions; a point illustrated through critique of recently introduced legislation.

Abstract: The planning stage in the development of an information system IS is important for IS/business alignment. Accordingly, academics and practitioners in both developed and developing countries are concerned about the impact of leadership orientation on strategic IS planning SISP. The focus of this research is to identify the nature of the relationship between leadership orientations and IS planning approaches in the context of Libyan organizations. To investigate this relationship, a postal survey was conducted to collect data from 117 executives responsible for IS planning. The questionnaire asked about leadership values and SISP approaches using multi-item, multi-scaled questions. The results show that “controlling” and “competing” leadership orientations have a positive direct effect on all SISP approaches. Coordinator leadership orientations exhibited the highest positive association with rational, adaptable, and intuitive SISP approaches. The results of this research will have important implications for Libyan organizations, especially as they attempt to rebuild the country's economy after the Libyan revolution. These implications are discussed in detail in the paper.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to produce a framework to help guide the contribution of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to the development of rural areas. Researchers argue that Information and Communication for Development (ICT4D) projects have a high failure rate and seldom meet their expectations. However, research also shows that billions worth of funds have been spent on ICT4D projects in developing countries. Studies suggest that the reason for failure is largely because of the lack of frameworks to guide development through ICT in developing countries. This study presents the findings of a case study research project evaluating two rural ICT cases to determine how the success rate of ICT4D projects can be improved. The researcher interviewed individuals who have participated in ICT4D projects in Alice and Dwesa; both projects were based in rural areas in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The output of this study is a framework that can help guide the contribution of ICTs to...

Abstract: This research develops an integrated model of Information System IS success based on the DeLone and McLean 2003. The DeLone and McLean model of information systems success: A ten-year update. Journal of Management Information Systems, 194, 9–30 IS success model and the technology–organization–environment framework of the firm to provide small-and medium-sized enterprises SMEs with the relative importance and knowledge of IS success. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to collect data from 316 Iranian and Malaysian manufacturing SMEs. Our findings show that the determinants of IS success among SMEs are not limited to the technological factors identified in the DeLone and McLean 2003 IS success model. We in effect found that IS success among SMEs is also determined by some key organizational and environmental determinants. We observed that the involvement of both top management and employees in different stages of IS implementation is important and IS success among SMEs requires internal and external support. The study contributes to the theory by extending and empirically testing the DeLone and McLean IS success model in a different setting than in previous studies. The study can serve as a basis for future research in this field through advancing the theoretical development in the area of IS success.

Abstract: This paper deals with the factors affecting an adoption of information technology IT in micro, small and medium enterprises SMEs within the transition economies of the Czech–Polish region. The basic determinants of IT adoption which were identified include data sources, the use of function modules in information systems, the required IT properties and the way IT operations are implemented. The results of the questionnaire survey carried out in 2012 are evaluated by the asymmetric dependence testing and estimation of ordinal regression models. The paper describes the impact of selected determinants on IT adoption. The analysis results show a different effect of determinants in relation to the size of an economic entity individual SME segments. When we are aware of the importance of these indicators, it can help us to improve the understanding, monitoring and support of the further development of IT adoption in SMEs as an important condition for the successful economy transformation.

Abstract: The implementation of computerized health information systems (HIS) across the African continent has had mixed success over the past 20 years. Many countries have been left with non-functional systems which cannot be adapted to meet current health information demands because funding is exhausted, the source code for legacy systems is not available and the challenge of maintaining complex and distributed systems in resource-poor environments has simply proved too great. The expansion of Internet connectivity in Africa has enabled a new model of provisioning systems using the web which may prove to be more robust and scalable. This paper uses the case of a new web-based HIS in Ghana to illustrate the opportunities and challenges of this new model. We discuss how the HIS in Ghana was materialized through an act of “improvized outsourcing” according to Ciborra [(1999). Notes on improvisation and time in organizations. Accounting, Management and Information Technologies, 9(2), 77–94], improvization is called u...

Abstract: Information and communication technology (ICT), encompassing modern technology that is used to aid the electronic capture, processing, storage and dissemination of information, whether in numerical...