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Article
Publication date: 14 October 2022

Sakibu Seidu, De-Graft Owusu-Manu, Augustine Senanu Komla Kukah, Michael Adesi, Eric Oduro-Ofori and David John Edwards

The demand for energy infrastructure projects has increased steadily over the last few decades and has come at a high cost. Disruptive technologies (DTs) have the inherent…

Abstract

Purpose

The demand for energy infrastructure projects has increased steadily over the last few decades and has come at a high cost. Disruptive technologies (DTs) have the inherent capability to affect the performance of energy infrastructure projects. Therefore, this research aims to explore the implications of DTs on the performance of energy infrastructure projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a positivist philosophical position. A quantitative strategy and deductive approach (based on a survey design) guided this study. Sixty-six respondents participated in the study. The study’s population comprised of experts in energy infrastructure projects who possessed a high level of industrial experience including top- and middle-level management of power generation companies. Cochran’s formula was used to select a sufficient sample for the study. Linear regression, one sample test and Cronbach’s alpha were the analytical tools adopted.

Findings

This study established that there is an 18.4% increase in the performance of energy infrastructure projects in Ghana when DTs are applied. In order of importance, DTs improve speed of operations in energy projects; reduce operating cost and enhance efficiency of energy projects; drive sustainable economic development; enhance security in energy projects; and improve environmental sustainability of projects. The study also revealed that e-commerce technologies, renewable energy technologies, three-dimensional printing, bar code technology, photogrammetry, global positioning systems, geographic information systems and nanotechnologies were the topmost ranked DTs with the most impact on the performance of energy infrastructure projects.

Originality/value

This is a novel investigation on the implications of DTs on the performance of Ghanaian energy infrastructure projects. This study’s practical implication is evident in both policy and practice. Energy sector policymakers should endeavour to adopt DTs in their operations to enhance sustainability and performance.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 February 2024

Khameel B. Mustapha, Eng Hwa Yap and Yousif Abdalla Abakr

Following the recent rise in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools, fundamental questions about their wider impacts have started to reverberate around various…

Abstract

Purpose

Following the recent rise in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools, fundamental questions about their wider impacts have started to reverberate around various disciplines. This study aims to track the unfolding landscape of general issues surrounding GenAI tools and to elucidate the specific opportunities and limitations of these tools as part of the technology-assisted enhancement of mechanical engineering education and professional practices.

Design/methodology/approach

As part of the investigation, the authors conduct and present a brief scientometric analysis of recently published studies to unravel the emerging trend on the subject matter. Furthermore, experimentation was done with selected GenAI tools (Bard, ChatGPT, DALL.E and 3DGPT) for mechanical engineering-related tasks.

Findings

The study identified several pedagogical and professional opportunities and guidelines for deploying GenAI tools in mechanical engineering. Besides, the study highlights some pitfalls of GenAI tools for analytical reasoning tasks (e.g., subtle errors in computation involving unit conversions) and sketching/image generation tasks (e.g., poor demonstration of symmetry).

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study presents the first thorough assessment of the potential of GenAI from the lens of the mechanical engineering field. Combining scientometric analysis, experimentation and pedagogical insights, the study provides a unique focus on the implications of GenAI tools for material selection/discovery in product design, manufacturing troubleshooting, technical documentation and product positioning, among others.

Details

Interactive Technology and Smart Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-5659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2023

William Obeng-Amponsah and Erasmus Owusu

This study examines the effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) on employment and economic growth in Ghana and examines the role of technology in these relationships.

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) on employment and economic growth in Ghana and examines the role of technology in these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to cointegration and Granger causality tests to data from 1995 to 2017.

Findings

Based on the empirical analysis, the key findings are as follows: FDI does not affect economic growth or employment in Ghana. However, technology moderates the relationship between FDI and economic growth and FDI and employment in the short run. The study also finds that technology exerts a positive effect on economic growth in both short and long run, whereas trade has a significantly negative effect on economic growth in Ghana.

Research limitations/implications

The greatest constraint that faced the authors is the nonavailability of data,.

Practical implications

The transfer of technology agreement enshrined in the GIPC Act should be made more robust and unambiguous, to make it a strict requirement for MNEs to be allowed to operate in Ghana. This increases Ghana's gains from FDI inflow.

Social implications

The GIPC should tighten its monitoring regime so that MNEs do not exceed their expatriate employment quotas. This will ease the burden of unemployment among the youth in Ghana.

Originality/value

This study adds a new dimension to the literature on the impact of FDI on emerging economies by examining the role of technology in the association between FDI and growth, and FDI and employment.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

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