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Article
Publication date: 23 October 2023

Muftawu Dzang Alhassan, Louis Nuoterah, Ibrahim Osman Adam, Adiata Borresa Seini, Awal Bukari, Stephen Naatu and Mudasir Issah

Globally, information and communication technology (ICT) is regarded as a reliable tool that facilitates economic development and propels sustainable development. However, little…

Abstract

Purpose

Globally, information and communication technology (ICT) is regarded as a reliable tool that facilitates economic development and propels sustainable development. However, little empirical work exists on the specific effects of ICT access and usage on economic and sustainable development. This paper aims to investigate the nexus between ICTs, economic and sustainable development at the global level.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents ICT for Development (ICT4D) value chain empirical evidence on the linkages between ICTs, economic development and sustainable development goals (SDGs). The research model based on the capability approach is validated by using archival data from 130 global countries and partial least squares–structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings reveal that ICT access and usage significantly influence a country’s attainment of the SDGs. Whilst ICT access plays a crucial role in promoting economic development, ICT usage does not. Also, findings show that economic development significantly mediated the nexus between ICT access and SDGs but not between ICT usage and SDGs. This calls for countries to ensure that access to ICTs is accompanied by a low cost of usage to achieve the full benefits of economic and sustainable development.

Originality/value

Using the ICT4D value chain, this paper empirically shows how ICT readiness and availability in the form of ICT access and ICT uptake (individual ICT use) promote economic development and SDGs (impact). Furthermore, with many studies conducted on SDGs at the country level, this study provides a broader understanding of the roles of ICT access and use on SDGs at the global level. This allows for easy generalisability and reproducibility of results.

Details

International Journal of Innovation Science, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-2223

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2024

Sundeep Sahay and Esther N. Landen

The purpose of this paper is to understand how digital interventions are mediating the identity work of community health workers (CHWs) in the context of two African countries.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how digital interventions are mediating the identity work of community health workers (CHWs) in the context of two African countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes the everyday work of CHWs in two low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts (Uganda and Malawi) and seeks to understand changes in collective identity and the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in mediating this “identity work”. As CHWs conduct their everyday tasks of care giving, data reporting and maintaining social interactions, they play two primary roles. One is the care giving role oriented towards the community, and two, is reporting and administrative work by virtue of them being affiliated with the Ministry of Health, either in formal or voluntary capacity. The ambivalence which they experience as they move back and forth between these two worlds of work is significantly now mediated through ICTs. The paper analyzes these dynamics and identifies three key sets of ambivalence in identity work: (1) role embracing-institutional distancing; (2) conformist-resistant and (3) dramaturgical-transformative. The paper makes unique contributions to information systems (IS) and ICT for development (ICT4D) studies in that it focuses on a nonprofessional group, which plays a fundamental role in providing care to underserved populations and also conducts data work which provides the foundation of the national health information system. This contrasts with dominant research in the field which focuses on professional groups, largely based in Western business organizations.

Findings

The paper identifies identity related tensions that emerge with the mediation of digital technologies in the work world of CHWs. These include tensions of conformist-resistant; and (3) dramaturgical-transformative. These findings are relevant and unique to the field of IS and ICT4D studies in that it focuses on a nonprofessional group, which plays a fundamental role in providing care to underserved populations and also conducts data work which provides the foundation of the national health information system.

Research limitations/implications

While acknowledging identity construction and negotiation is a function of both work and social lives, in this paper we could only focus on the work lives.

Practical implications

As digital interventions in the health sector of low and middle income countries is becoming increasingly widespread, often the focus is more on the supply side (the supply of the technology) rather than on the demand side (users experiences and aspirations). Identity becomes a lens to understand these demand side dynamics, which helps provides practical guidance on implementation approaches to ensure that the technology adds value to user work processes and there is a seamless and not a disruptive transition.

Social implications

CHWs are the most neglected cadre in the health system of low and middle income countries, even though they provide the cutting edge in care provision work to the most marginalized populations, living in rural and underserved areas. By focusing on how technologies can be more effectively implemented to support these care processes, the paper provides important social implications both for practice and research.

Originality/value

Analysis of identity construction and negotiation of informal groups in the unorganized sector of low and middle income countries has not received adequate attention in IS research. The paper seeks to fill this important gap.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2023

Winifred Okong’o and Joshua Rumo Arongo Ndiege

The purpose of this study is to examine the state of the literature on knowledge sharing in open source software (OSS) development communities by examining the existing research…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the state of the literature on knowledge sharing in open source software (OSS) development communities by examining the existing research and identifying the knowledge gaps and opportunities that can inform areas for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted of literature published between January 2011 and February 2023. A total of 24 papers were identified and reviewed.

Findings

The findings reveal that the literature on knowledge sharing in OSS development communities from developing countries are limited. Additionally, there exists a limited focus on the development of frameworks to support knowledge sharing in OSS communities. The transient nature of OSS development contributors’ results in knowledge loss; thus, knowledge retention needs further investigation.

Research limitations/implications

This study only included papers whose titles, keywords or abstracts included the search keywords “knowledge sharing” and “Open Source Software”. While the keywords were carefully applied, when applying the search, it cannot be ruled that some relevant studies might have been missed. The study was also limited to conferences and journal papers published in English. Despite the limitations, the study provides a systematic review of knowledge sharing in OSS communities and presents findings that can be useful to researchers and practitioners interested in this area.

Originality/value

The study provides a systematic literature review of published papers and identifies themes and future research areas on knowledge sharing in OSS communities. Additionally, this review offers insights into future research avenues for theory, content and context on knowledge sharing in OSS development communities.

Details

VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5891

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 April 2023

Neeraj Singh and Sanjeev Kapoor

Although growing Internet penetration in the hinterlands has attracted agribusinesses to promote digital platforms, farmers are sceptical about using them. The literature…

Abstract

Purpose

Although growing Internet penetration in the hinterlands has attracted agribusinesses to promote digital platforms, farmers are sceptical about using them. The literature discusses agricultural platforms from the theoretical perspective of technological determinism, where the platforms are developed and promoted by firms in a top-down manner to be accepted by farmers. However, this approach results in poorly configured platforms with limited utility for farmers. It is evident from the existing literature that the mere creation of a platform business is not sufficient to guarantee adoption by users. Hence, this study explores how to make the agricultural platform more attractive for farmers.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study is based on a discrete choice experiment performed on 126 Indian farmers using agricultural platforms. The data were analysed using the conditional logistic regression method.

Findings

The study suggests that farmers expect government and cooperative entities to be also embedded with the platforms. Complementary features such as prompt service, competitive pricing and farm credit were identified as essential attributes. Further, the platforms should enable smallholders to trade farm produce by providing a mechanism for real-time online nudging and bargaining with buyers.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on the applications of random utility theory. The research has utility for Agtech managers, cooperative institutions and agricultural policymakers.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies focussing on agricultural platform design from the farmers' perspective. The study implies that incorporating preferred attributes can help practitioners configure platforms to benefit farmers with prospects concerning farm management decisions.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 May 2023

Joshua Omondi Omanyo and Joshua Rumo Ndiege

This paper aims to examine the state of research on the symbiotic relationship between knowledge management and learning management systems in advancing the mutual strategic…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the state of research on the symbiotic relationship between knowledge management and learning management systems in advancing the mutual strategic agenda of the two initiatives in higher education institutions (HEIs), so as to uncover the themes that have been studied, identify gaps in the existing studies and suggest future areas of research work.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted systematic literature review (SLR), in which 64 articles published between 2010 and 2022 were identified and analyzed.

Findings

Whereas the review revealed some focus areas that have been researched, it also found that only few studies have explicitly explored the symbiotic relationship between knowledge management and learning management systems, with fewer articles exploring this relationship finding their way to mainstream journals. Thus, the findings showed that examination of the interlink between knowledge management and learning management systems in HEIs is still less explored and has multiple possibilities for future research with potential benefits to the higher education industry.

Originality/value

Although different SLRs exist separately in the fields of knowledge management and learning management systems, there seem to be no reviews on the interconnection between the two fields in the context of HEIs. Additionally, this review offers insights into future research avenues for theory, content and context of interplay between knowledge management and learning management systems in HEIs.

Details

VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5891

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2023

Aubrey Harvey Chaputula

Parliament of Malawi passed the Access to Information (ATI) Bill in 2016 but was operationalised on 3 October 2020. The purpose of this study is to track progress in the…

Abstract

Purpose

Parliament of Malawi passed the Access to Information (ATI) Bill in 2016 but was operationalised on 3 October 2020. The purpose of this study is to track progress in the implementation of the Act.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted the survey research design. Data were collected through a questionnaire adapted from the Carter Centre’s Access to Information Implementation Assessment Tool (2009–2021). The questionnaire, mounted on Kobotoolbox, was administered to heads of ministries, departments, agencies, constitutional bodies and parastatal organisations through email and the WhatsApp mobile application. Data collected was analysed through Kobotoolbox and SPSS Version 19 to generate descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

The study concluded that information holders in Malawi had performed fairly well in the implementation of the ATI Act over the past two years. This determination was made after noting progress registered in the appointment of information officers, setting up a functional record management function to aid operationalisation of the Act and that information holders were receiving and positively responding to requests for information.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study undertaken in the country to determine progress in the implementation of the ATI Act from the time the Act was operationalised. Its findings would assist in shaping practical interventions to deal with challenges standing in the successful implementation of the Act. Additionally, the findings of the study could assist in policy formulation on matters related to implementation of the ATI Act.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2023

Neeraj Singh and Sanjeev Kapoor

Although Agtech firms have promoted digital platforms for retailing farm supplies (RFS), farmers are sceptical while purchasing them online. As a result, they struggle to generate…

Abstract

Purpose

Although Agtech firms have promoted digital platforms for retailing farm supplies (RFS), farmers are sceptical while purchasing them online. As a result, they struggle to generate a sustained demand. Among other approaches, these platforms onboard complementors to become full-stack farming solution providers. Whether platform complementarity can induce farmers' trust remains ambiguous. Literature on network externality theory highlights that complementarity positively affects the perceived value for buyers. The sociotechnical systems literature indicates that perceived value is an antecedent of user trust. In this vein, the authors ask: Does perceived complementarity affect farmers' trust in the RFS platform? Alternatively, the Agtech firms augment the platform's look and feel to make the digital retail setting appear “normal” to farmers. The extant research on the social cognitive theory indicates that a retail setting conforming with the generalised expectancy of buyers harbours their trust. Against this backdrop, the authors ask whether situational normality affects farmers' trust in the RFS platform.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a questionnaire survey of 212 Indian farmers using RFS platforms. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis.

Findings

This study establishes that platforms' complementarity and situational normality ameliorate farmer trust. The authors also identify the socioeconomic factors shaping the farmers' trust in platforms.

Research limitations/implications

The present study has taken all RFS together as a single umbrella category, which can be considered a limitation. Also, the study is based on the cross-sectional survey of RFS platform users; the farmers' attitudes are dynamic in nature and evolve over time; however, the temporal factors shaping the farmer attitudes have not been considered in this study.

Originality/value

The study establishes the epistemological relationship between complementarity, situational normality and farmers' trust in agricultural platforms.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 April 2024

Joanne Vincett

The purpose of this paper is to offer an accessible and interdisciplinary research strategy in organisational ethnography, called action ethnography, that acknowledges key…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer an accessible and interdisciplinary research strategy in organisational ethnography, called action ethnography, that acknowledges key concepts from action research and engaged and immersive ethnography. It aims to encourage methodological innovation and an impact turn in ethnographic practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A working definition of “action ethnography” is provided first. Then, to illustrate how an action ethnography can be designed by considering impact from the outset, the author draws on a study she is undertaking with a grassroots human rights monitoring group, based in England, and then discusses advantages and limitations to the approach.

Findings

The author suggests three main tenets to action ethnography that embrace synergies between action research and ethnography: researcher immersion, intervention leading to change and knowledge contributions that are useful to both practitioners and researchers.

Practical implications

This paper provides researchers who align with aspects of both action research and ethnography with an accessible research strategy to employ, and a better understanding of the interplay between the two approaches when justifying their research designs. It also offers an example of designing an action ethnography in practice.

Originality/value

Whereas “traditional” ethnography has emphasised a contribution to theoretical knowledge, less attention has been on a contribution to practice and to those who ethnographers engage with in the field. Action ethnography challenges researchers to consider the impact of their research from the outset during the research design, rather upon reflection after a study is completed.

Details

Journal of Organizational Ethnography, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6749

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2024

Khurram Shahzad and Shakeel Ahmad Khan

The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of online learning on university librarians’ professional development and library services.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of online learning on university librarians’ professional development and library services.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods study through an explanatory research design was applied to address the study’s objectives. Quantitative data were gathered from 341 librarians working in 221 universities, while qualitative data were gathered from 27 experts working in 21 different universities of Pakistan.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that online learning has a significant positive impact on the professional development of university librarians. Results revealed that online learning assists in the provision of sustainable, innovative library services in university libraries.

Originality/value

The study has offered a model in light of the study's quantitative and qualitative findings. It contributes to theoretical understanding by expanding the existing knowledge base. It offers managerial insights, enabling the development of policies that foster the professional development of library personnel and the implementation of smart library services.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 March 2024

Samer Abaddi

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption intention of artificial intelligence (AI) by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Jordan.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption intention of artificial intelligence (AI) by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts the technology–organization–environment (TOE) model. It examines the moderating effects of innovation culture, employee digital skill level and market competition on the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. A survey was utilized to collect data from 537 MSME owners or managers in Jordan and employed partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results of the study support seven out of eight hypotheses. Business innovativeness, management support, perceived benefits and technological infrastructure have positive and significant effects on AI adoption intention, while perceived costs have no significant effect. However, the innovation culture, employee digital skill level and market competition were found to moderate the relationships between some of the independent variables and dependent variables.

Practical implications

The study provides valuable insights and recommendations for MSME owners, managers, employees, policymakers, educators and researchers interested in promoting and facilitating AI adoption by MSMEs in Jordan.

Originality/value

The current attempt extends the TOE framework by adding significant constructs representing the three contexts. Moreover, it is one of the few studies that analyzed the factors influencing the adoption intention of AI by MSMEs in Jordan, which are significant to the Jordanian economy and represent 99.5% of enterprises.

Details

Management & Sustainability: An Arab Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2752-9819

Keywords

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