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1 – 10 of over 2000
Book part
Publication date: 10 December 2016

Claudia Magallanes-Blanco and Leandro Rodriguez-Medina

The main goal of the paper is to explore the origins and developments of the first community cellular network in Mexico.

Abstract

Purpose

The main goal of the paper is to explore the origins and developments of the first community cellular network in Mexico.

Methodology/approach

Data were gathered in 2015 and 2016 through in-depth interviews, participant observation, workshops, photos, official documents, and informal interviews in the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. Data was also drawn from the work of two activists, P. Bloom and E. Huerta, working with the community assemblies of a number of Indígena communities: Villa Talea de Castro, Santa María Yaviche, San Juan Yaee, San Ildefonso Villa Alta, San Bernardo Mixetepec, Santa Ana Tlahuitoltepec, San Jerónimo Progreso, Santiago Ayuquililla, San Miguel Huautla, Santa Inés de Zaragoza, Santo Domingo Xagacia, San Pablo Yaganiza, San Pedro Cajonos, San Francisco Cajonos, San Miguel Cajonos, San Mateo Cajonos, Santa María Alotepec, and San Juan Tabaá. To analyze the data, using codes created in Atlas.TI and relying on an inductive approach, we analyzed the history of this network within a theoretical framework informed by Actor-Network Theory.

Findings

Participants in the enactment of this cellular network followed two programs of actions, one technical and one legal. Together, the community assemblies and activists took advantage of available devices, free software and ordinary computers, on the one hand, and communal rules, national laws, constitutional reforms and tacit knowledge, on the other hand. They brought about a new, non-profit, communitarian, and self-organized network that allows for inexpensive communication between members of small, marginalized Indígena communities in the state of Oaxaca in Mexico.

Social implications

The arrangement of actants that the case illustrates is replicable in other parts of the country and outside of Mexico. The new community cellular network reduces the economic costs of communication, facilitates some jobs and family bonds, expands the range of community-owned projects, encourages self-organization and ways of situated conflict resolution, and empowers communities in relation to external powerful telecommunication corporations.

Originality/value

This is a novel account of a highly unusual set of community-led institutional innovations based on firsthand information drawn from the main actants of the new network.

Details

Communication and Information Technologies Annual
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-481-5

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 10 December 2016

Abstract

Details

Communication and Information Technologies Annual
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-481-5

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2002

Stephen M. Mutula

A review of relevant literature reveals a great deal of information on the possible use of cell phones for Internet access via the emerging wireless application protocol (WAP…

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Abstract

A review of relevant literature reveals a great deal of information on the possible use of cell phones for Internet access via the emerging wireless application protocol (WAP) technology, but little information if any exists about the link between cell phones and libraries. Going by the wide use of wireless networks in libraries especially in Western countries, it is possible that as cell phone technology continues to evolve and mature it could have a significant impact on libraries in the same way the Internet did. Ironically, today, a review of cell phone use in libraries only reveals efforts that are being made to dissuade users from making or receiving calls on their handsets within libraries. Few efforts are geared towards exploring ways that cell phone technology could be used to enhance library operations. Attempts to demonstrate that cell phones may in future provide solutions to libraries’ problems of connectivity especially in the remote areas of the Southern African Development Community member states.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2004

Asoke K Talukder and Debabrata Das

Viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spywares have been effective for quite sometime in the domain of digital computers. These malicious software cause millions of dollars of loss in…

Abstract

Viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spywares have been effective for quite sometime in the domain of digital computers. These malicious software cause millions of dollars of loss in assets, revenue, opportunity, cleanup cost, and lost productivity. To stop virus attacks, organizations frame up different security policies. These policies work only within the limited domain of the organization’s network. However, the emergence of wireless technologies, and the seamless mobility features of the wireless devices from one network to the other have created a challenge to uphold the security policies of a particular network. Hence, in this digital society, while mobile devices roam in foreign networks, they get infected through viruses in the foreign network. Anti‐virus software is not so effective for novel viruses. There have been no reports of mobile‐phone viruses in the wild as yet. However, with the emergence of execution environments on mobile phones, it will be possible to write viruses and worms for mobile devices in cellular networks. We should be prepared to fight against viruses in the cellular networks. All the technologies available to fight against viruses are specific to virus signatures. We propose that this fight needs to be multilayered. In this paper the authors have proposed a novel philosophy in cellular network called Artificial Hygiene (AH), which is virus neutral and will work at the class level. With this process a device and the network will take the necessary steps to keep the digital environment safe.

Details

Journal of Systems and Information Technology, vol. 8 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1328-7265

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1999

Peter Curwen

Examines global aspirations of operators that have chosen to increase their global reach via a process of take‐over rather then joint venture, considering their prospects…

Abstract

Examines global aspirations of operators that have chosen to increase their global reach via a process of take‐over rather then joint venture, considering their prospects. Discusses recent cell phone trends and concludes that it is difficult to pick winners at this point in history as their industry structure changes on an almost daily basis.

Details

info, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6697

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 20 January 2017

Robert F. Bruner, Michael J. Innes and William J. Passer

Set in September 1992, this exercise provides teams of students the opportunity to negotiate terms of a merger between AT&T and McCaw Cellular. AT&T, one of the largest U.S…

Abstract

Set in September 1992, this exercise provides teams of students the opportunity to negotiate terms of a merger between AT&T and McCaw Cellular. AT&T, one of the largest U.S. corporations, was the dominant competitor in long-distance telephone communications in the United States. McCaw was the largest competitor in the rapidly growing cellular-telephone communications industry. Prior to the negotiations, AT&T had no position in cellular communications. This case and its companion (F-1143) are designed to allow students to be assigned roles to play. The case may pursue some or all of the following teaching objectives: exercising valuation skills, practicing strategic analysis, exercising bargaining skills, and illustrating practical aspects of mergers and acquisitions.

Details

Darden Business Publishing Cases, vol. no.
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2474-7890
Published by: University of Virginia Darden School Foundation

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 August 2019

Muhammad Naeem

Customers are interested in finding service recommendations, reviews and word of mouth using social networking platforms. These service reviews are useful for enhancing service…

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Abstract

Purpose

Customers are interested in finding service recommendations, reviews and word of mouth using social networking platforms. These service reviews are useful for enhancing service quality, level of information and engagement, and purchase intention of customers. The purpose of this paper is to uncover which social networking platform is more useful for the exchange of service reviews and how organizations are improving purchase intention as well as service quality in the light of customer’s reviews/experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is exploratory in nature because it aims to understand the use of social networking platforms for enhancing service quality and the purchase intention of customers using a purposive sampling technique. To meet the objective of this study, non-directive and semi-structured interviews have been conducted with customers and marketing teams in the banking sector and internet service providers.

Findings

The results show that social networking websites are helpful in fostering responsiveness, awareness, assurance, reliability and empathy. However, respondents revealed serious concerns regarding the privacy of personal and financial information especially in the context of the banking sector. It has been found that official Facebook pages of service-providing organizations, open and closed local community Facebook groups, sponsored ads and promotional advertisements on Facebook, WhatsApp groups and YouTube video comments are more frequently used to exchange service reviews (i.e. influence the process of purchase decision) among friends, friends of friends, family members and the general public. The selected customers and market team respondents revealed that local community Facebook groups (i.e. open groups and closed groups) have gained prime importance for enhancing service quality and purchase decisions.

Practical implications

The effective and well-organized use of social networking platforms can foster service reviews, word of mouth, level of service awareness, interactive communication, intention to purchase, social influence, social trust and services quality. Furthermore, online social networking platforms require a lower level of advertisement costs and offer huge amounts of information, discussions, enquires, service stories, word of mouth, transactions and interactions of consumers.

Originality/value

The present study is exploratory in nature because it selects an under-researched issue regarding the use of social networking applications to enhance levels of purchase intention and service quality. There is limited literature which has combined the multiple constructs in a single study (i.e. social media platforms, cross-platform platforms, service quality and purchase intention of consumers). Most of the previous studies are dependent on various dimensions of service quality (i.e. “reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empath and tangibles”). However, the present study extracted that respondents have given more preferences of services awareness and privacy compared to traditional elements of service quality.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 38 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 April 2022

Elina Tang and Christopher Blocker

This research aims to examine pathways for providers to facilitate social resilience in service communities to promote collective well-being and engagement.

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to examine pathways for providers to facilitate social resilience in service communities to promote collective well-being and engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Using abductive and metaphorical analysis, this study develops insights leveraging: the transdisciplinary field of molecular biology where 150 years of research demonstrates how cells build resilience through clustering together in a hostile environment; and case data collected with nonprofit service communities to help ground and elaborate upon the metaphorical analogues of cellular concepts.

Findings

This analysis uncovers the emergent processes of communal protection, communal adaptation and communal training within customer-to-customer service interactions. Findings identify novel drivers, such as the sharing of vulnerability markers and pre-training for community stressors, as well as pathways through which social resilience within service communities promotes habitual and transformative value, as well as collective well-being.

Practical implications

Service leaders can build upon the ideas in this research to understand the nature of social resilience and to intentionally design communal experiences and interactions that promote greater well-being and brand engagement.

Originality/value

The recent COVID-19 pandemic, along with the UN Development Goal for building a more resilient society, highlights the acute needs for a deeper understanding of social resilience. However, resilience-related research in marketing primarily focuses on individual-level coping. This research provides a deeper understanding of the drivers and outcomes of social resilience in service communities and offers a catalyst for future research on the topic.

Article
Publication date: 9 August 2011

Anwarul Islam and Keita Tsuji

The purpose of this paper is to discuss different attempts that have been made to bridge the digital divide in Bangladesh, with special focus on the Community Information Centers…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss different attempts that have been made to bridge the digital divide in Bangladesh, with special focus on the Community Information Centers (CICs), which are playing a unique and innovative role in reducing the digital gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a case study and is based on a survey method for collecting information through telephone (outbound call center). Besides these, internet, personal visits (as a project member) and other secondary sources such as research reports, Grameenphone internal reports, articles are used.

Findings

This paper highlights the existing initiatives which are bridging the break to build digital Bangladesh and focuses on how CIC is bridging the divide.

Research limitations/implications

This study will usher a new era for its internal values and the findings can be used by the advisory committees. The outcome of this study may, however, empower policy makers to make a decision and it is suggested that discussion and further writings are needed to bridge the digital divide in Bangladesh.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the very few studies which focus on the prospects of Community Information Centers in Bangladesh, particularly breaking the digital discrimination between rural and urban areas.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2009

Hannu Verkasalo

The purpose of this paper is to identify several measures that reflect the diffusion of the mobile internet.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify several measures that reflect the diffusion of the mobile internet.

Design/methodology/approach

The measurements are implemented with a newly developed handset‐based mobile service research platform that provides a novel way to accurately identify trends taking place in mobile service usage. These measures are demonstrated in a case example comparing Finnish early‐adopter smartphone users between 2005 and 2006 (500 and 695 users).

Findings

The results indicate that the mobile internet has not yet emerged on a large scale in Finland. On the contrary operators have slightly increased their power, potentially because handset bundling with mobile subscriptions is now allowed in Finland.

Research limitations/implications

The measurement framework can be further utilized in both cross‐sectional and longitudinal study settings in evaluating the emergence of the mobile internet. No other empirical research method provides the accuracy and scope of usage measurements done with the handset‐based research platform. However, the shortcomings of the new method should be realized.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that the mobile internet has not emerged widely, even in early‐adopter user segments.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the measurement of mobile internet service usage. Mobile internet services are currently emerging in early‐adopter user segments. These services might shake the dynamics of the mobile services industry by introducing different kinds of technical innovation and business logic.

Details

info, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6697

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 2000