How information and communication technology affect international trade: a comparative analysis of BRICS countries

ABSTRACT

This study analyzed how information and communication technology (ICT) influences international trade volume, and it undertook a comparative analysis of BRICS countries using panel data from the 2000 to 2016 period. The findings showed that (1) the effect of ICT was more positive on exports than imports, (2) the higher the ICT levels in the value chain were, the less effective they simultaneously were on both exports and imports, (3) the effect of ICT levels on trade increased over time, and (4) ICT improvement levels have more positive effects on trade in labor-intensive countries than on resources-intensives BRICS countries. To improve their export volume, BRICS countries would benefit from increasing their use of fixed-broadband and the internet.     

Factors affecting the adoption of electronic signature: Executives' perspective of hospital information department

The healthcare industry is experiencing a major transformation towards e-healthcare, which delivers and enhances related information through the Internet among healthcare stakeholders and makes the electronic signature (e-signature) more and more important. This paper uses a mature framework, Technology–Organization–Environment (TEO), in information system discipline to identify factors that affect hospitals in adopting e-signature. A survey was conducted on regional hospitals and medical centers in Taiwan to verify the validity of the research framework. The results show that TEO framework is useful in distinguishing hospitals as adopters and non-adopters of e-signature. Based on the research findings, implications and limitations are discussed.     

Software process improvement in small and medium software enterprises: a systematic review

Small and medium enterprises are a very important cog in the gears of the world economy. The software industry in most countries is composed of an industrial scheme that is made up mainly of small and medium software enterprises—SMEs. To strengthen these types of organizations, efficient Software Engineering practices are needed—practices which have been adapted to their size and type of business. Over the last two decades, the Software Engineering community has expressed special interest in software process improvement (SPI) in an effort to increase software product quality, as well as the productivity of software development. However, there is a widespread tendency to make a point of stressing that the success of SPI is only possible for large companies. In this article, a systematic review of published case studies on the SPI efforts carried out in SMEs is presented. Its objective is to analyse the existing approaches towards SPI which focus on SMEs and which report a case study carried out in industry. A further objective is that of discussing the significant issues related to this area of knowledge, and to provide an up-to-date state of the art, from which innovative research activities can be thought of and planned.

Towards a social network model for understanding information and communication technology use for general practitioners in rural Australia

In this study, we develop a theoretical model based on social network theories and the social influence model to understand how knowledge professionals utilise technology for work and communication. We investigate the association between ego-centric network properties (structure, position and tie) and information and communication technology (ICT) use of individuals in knowledge-intensive and geographically dispersed settings. Analysis from data collected using a reliable and validated questionnaire show that task-level ICT use is significantly associated with degree centrality and functional tie diversity; and communication-level ICT use is negatively associated with efficiency. The implications of these associations for knowledge-intensive work mean that it is important to consider the professional social network characteristics of potential users of the technology for designing ICT-enabled organizations. The greater the number and diversity of peers individuals interact with translates into more opportunities to use ICT for context-specific tasks. Results from this study also show that individuals who tend to isolate themselves from peers tend to be slow adopters or low users of ICT. Thus, an understanding of how network structure inter-relates with technology and its adopters proves beneficial in reaping benefits required at the organizational (macro) and individual (micro) levels.     

Assessing environmental impact of small and medium ceramic tile manufacturing enterprises in Thailand

Manufacturing processes employed by small and medium ceramic tile production enterprises in Thailand consume substantial amounts of energy. This study reveals that a small plant uses twice as much energy to produce one square meter of tile than does a medium plant. With the exception of global warming effects, the environmental impacts of a small plant are also larger than those of a medium plant, specifically with respect to ozone depletion, acidification and eutrophication. In addition, the environmental management perspective of the medium plant is based on cost reduction and social necessity. In contrast, the small plant has a negative attitude toward environmental management measures, taking the view that these are not appropriate concerns for small plants. These differing impacts and viewpoints suggest that environmental management in the small and medium plants should apply different approaches. On the one hand, the medium plant should emphasize the accelerated transfer of environmental knowledge to its personnel, while on the other, the owners of the small plant should be made to recognize the environmental impacts of their production activity and products. Additionally, potential benefits that might accrue to the plant owner from environmental impact mitigation should be highlighted.     

Using technology to alleviate poverty: use and acceptance of telecenters in rural India

The preponderance of poor people worldwide live in rural areas. Since they cannot afford, and are not educated sufficiently to take full advantage of contemporary knowledge-based technologies, alternative approaches are necessary. A major business model to do so involves setting up a rural telecenter that provides computer and internet technology as a shared model or highly subsidized. Despite the potential and availability of telecenters, research suggests that telecenters have low usage. In this research, we explore the reasons for the low usage of telecenters using a framework for use and acceptance of rural telecenters. The framework we use builds on prominent IT theories and has the following four dimensions: (a) perceived outcomes, (b) perceived effort, (c) social influence, and (d) facilitating factors. We use this framework to formulate six research questions. The study in general has the goal to identify reasons for low use of telecenters and test it with an exploratory study of information and communication technology users and non-users from rural India. Implications are discussed at the village and provider levels. Ramiro Montealegre is the accepting Associate Editor for this article. View all notes     

Using resource-based theory to interpret the successful adoption and use of information systems and technology in manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises

The purpose of this paper is to consider how resource-based theory can be used to explain success with the adoption and use of information systems and information technology (IS/IT) in manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A number of authors have explored the applicability of resource-based theory to the IS/IT domain, mainly at a conceptual level. Overall they infer that the key differentiators for long-term successful IS/IT deployment reside within the internal context of an organisation, based on organisational competences. This paper is based on in-depth case study research in 12 Portuguese manufacturing SMEs, which identified two factors that, from the empirical evidence, appeared to be the determinants of the different levels of success in IS/IT adoption and use. These factors were also primarily associated with the internal context of the organisations. Therefore, the findings were analysed from the perspective of resource-based theory, to understand why and how the attributes of these factors caused the differential levels of IS/IT success in the firms studied.     

Measuring integration of information and communication technology in education: An item response modeling approach

This research describes the development and validation of an instrument to measure integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education. After literature research on definitions of integration of ICT in education, a comparison is made between the classical test theory and the item response modeling approach for the development and validation of a questionnaire. Following the last approach, a construct on integration of ICT is developed, items are generated and an outcome space of Likert type answering categories is defined. The resulting questionnaire has been administered to 933 teacher educators. In this study the collected data are tested for fit to the Rasch model of measurement. It is concluded that the instrument can be used for fundamental measurement of perceived use of ICT for teaching and support of student learning of the reference population, allowing for identification of stages of innovation of ICT integration. We reflect on the critical value of the item response modeling approach and the Rasch measurement model for measurement of integration of ICT in education and discuss some limitations of the study.     

The Xanadu project: training faculty in the use of information and communication technology for university teaching

Abstract Technology‐enhanced learning (TEL) methodologies are becoming an important part of University teaching but faculty members have tended to shy away from using them. So, how can they be enticed to use them effectively? What approaches can be used? The purpose of the Xanadu project was to analyse the problems involved and to propose a model for training, based on experimentation at the University of Turin. Besides providing a model, this article will deal with the follow‐up, particularly regarding the faculty members' initial approach to using information and communication technology (ICT), as well as examine the motives and conditions influencing their choices. In this sense, the project has enabled us to come to a better understanding of the typical misconceptions leading teachers to favour methodological approaches based on the distributive use of ICT (which are considered less demanding to manage), rather than networked collaborative interaction, which actually involve students more. In this regard, Xanadu has shown how teachers' awareness may be developed towards adopting a wide range of TEL approaches through both gradual training (project‐oriented with a basic and an advanced course) and with the help of a graduate assistant capable of following e‐content development and online collaborative activities. The effectiveness of the method may be confirmed by the large number of faculty members continuing to use ICT to support their teaching despite having no specific university TEL projects.     

The use of computer technology in university teaching and learning: a critical perspective

Abstract  Despite huge efforts to position information and communication technology (ICT) as a central tenet of university teaching and learning, the fact remains that many university students and faculty make only limited formal academic use of computer technology. Whilst this is usually attributed to a variety of operational deficits on the part of students, faculty, and universities, this paper considers the wider social relations underpinning the relatively modest use of technology in higher education. The paper explores how university use of computer technology is shaped into marginalized and curtailed positions by a variety of actors. From the 'writing' of ICT at a national policy level through to the marginalization of ICT within the lived 'student experience', a consistent theme emerges where computer technology use is constructed in limited, linear, and rigid terms far removed from the creative, productive, and empowering uses which are often celebrated by educational technologists. In the light of such constraints, the paper considers how these dominant constructions of a peripheral and limited use of ICT may be challenged by the higher education community. In particular, it concludes by reflecting on current critical thinking about how educational technologists can foster a more expansive and empowered use of computer technology within university settings.     

From transaction to transformation: information and communication technology, professional development and the formation of communities of practice

Abstract Using the concept of ‘layers of community’, this paper describes and explains the ways in which teams of teachers, teacher educators and researchers worked together on the research project InterActive Education: teaching and learning in the information age. The focus is on the development and dissemination of professional knowledge as it relates to teaching and learning that incorporates information and communications technology (ICT) as a tool. Drawing on a range of data, we illustrate how ‘micro‐’, ‘meso‐’ and ‘macro’‐communities inter‐connect to create the settings for improved professional growth. The purpose is to challenge the linearity embedded in much of the professional development processes associated with ICT and to re‐model the relationship between practice and research.     

Factors affecting adoption of smart meters in the post-Fukushima era in Taiwan: an extended protection motivation theory perspective

This study aims to understand factors influencing the intention to adopt smart meters (SM) to save energy in the face of expected increases in electricity costs, stemming from the impact of Taiwan’s plans to increase the proportion of renewable energy in the post-Fukushima era demand. As far as we know, compared to previous relevant studies based on constructs of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and attitudes, this study is the first one based on the application of protection motivation theory (PMT), which uses threat appraisal, coping appraisal, Social Influence, Secondary Data Influence constructs, and control variables to explain the correlation and impact of residential communities’ intention to adopt SM. With 292 valid questionnaires, this study applies SmartPLS 3 software in model analysis, and finds that the impact of coping appraisal variables is more significant than that of threat appraisal variables, while Secondary Data Influence, Age, and Electricity Cost variables have a significant influence on the intention to adopt SM. The relevant results and practical contributions are discussed.     

Developing a scale for teacher integration of information and communication technology in grades 1–9

There is no unified view about how teachers' integration of information and communication technology (ICT) should be measured. While many instruments have focused on the technological aspects, recent studies have suggested teachers' pedagogical considerations, professional development, and emerging ethical and safety issues should be included when assessing teachers' ICT literacy. Using the performance standards created by the International Society for Technology in Education, a group of Taiwanese teachers developed equivalent items. After consulting expert panels and interviewing teachers, a scale was constructed. Using this instrument, 3729 teachers from grades 1 through 9 in Taiwan were sampled. Half of the data was analysed by exploratory factor analysis to find the underpinning structure, and the second half was analysed by confirmatory factor analysis to verify the subscales. The results confirmed six subscales for teachers' ICT integration: (1) information collection and preparation; (2) material production and troubleshooting; (3) communication and sharing; (4) planning, teaching and evaluation; (5) professional development and self‐study; and (6) ethical, health and safety issues. Using two teacher attributes, school levels and course or degree obtained, the scale was further verified for its feasibility. The established scale examines the existing concerns for technology, pedagogy and professional development at once with a new addition of ethical and safety issues, which demand growing attention in teachers of future generation.     

A 10-year assessment of information and communication technology tasks required in undergraduate agriculture courses

This study sought to assess required information and communication technology (ICT) tasks in selected undergraduate agriculture courses in a land-grant university during a 10-year period. Selected agriculture faculty members in the fall 1999 (n = 63), 2004 (n = 55), and 2009 (n = 64) semesters were surveyed to determine the ICT tasks they required of students. There were significant (p < .05) increases in the number of required Internet and electronic mail tasks between 1999 and 2009; but no significant changes in the number of word processing, computer graphics, spreadsheet, database, or miscellaneous ICT tasks required over the period. In 1999, three specific tasks (receive electronic mail, search the Internet, and type a lab or project report) were required in more than 50% of courses; in 2009, these three tasks plus three additional tasks (send electronic mail, submit assignments as attached electronic mail files, and use Blackboard^© to acquire course information) were required in a majority of courses. Faculty with higher levels of self-perceived ICT skills and those teaching higher-level courses tended to require larger and more diverse sets of ICT tasks than other faculty. Course level explained the largest proportion of unique variance in the number of required spreadsheet, word processing, computer graphics, and miscellaneous ICT tasks. Self-perceived ICT skills and course level explained approximately equal amounts of the unique variance in total ICT tasks required. Both the quantity and complexity of ICT in undergraduate agriculture courses should be increased.     

Factors affecting e-training adoption: an examination of perceived cost,computer self-efficacy and the technology acceptance model

The objective of this paper is to highlight the role that perceived cost, computer self-efficacy and the technology acceptance model (TAM) constructs have in e-training adoption in the Nigerian civil service. With the use of the SmartPLS 2.0 M3 software, a framework that included perceived cost, computer self-efficacy and TAM constructs (perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU)) was tested on 450 heads of departments. Scales on perceived cost, computer self-efficacy, PU and PEOU developed by previous studies were modified accordingly and used. This paper found perceived cost to have a significant effect on e-training adoption. Computer self-efficacy was statistically insignificant through PEOU. In addition, PEOU had an indirect effect through PU. Therefore, only PU of the TAM constructs indicated strong predictive strength in e-training adoption. This paper showed that with e-training adoption, facilities such as computers can be put in place, which can improve the outlook of the civil service. In addition, the cost that is usually associated with traditional training can be reduced, increasing the opportunity to invest in other aspects of the civil service which can help in adding to the overall performance. Relationships were examined in this paper, which were shown to be favourable to e-training adoption in the Nigerian civil service.     

Factors affecting the implementation rates of energy and productivity recommendations in small and medium sized companies

The Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has worked with more than 500 manufacturing companies to identify energy and productivity saving opportunities for small and medium sized companies. The most common saving recommendations are summarized. The implementation rates of the recommendations were only about 40%. The logistic regression analysis is used to investigate the factors that affect the implementation rates of the recommendations in 147 manufacturing plants from seven different types of industries. Six possible factors affecting the implementation rates of the recommendations are investigated; payback period, sales, number of employees, plant area, annual working hours, and the industry type. It is determined that each type of industry deals differently with implementing the recommendations. Furthermore, the recommendation type (energy or productivity) and payback period are the main factors that affect the implementation rates. It was also found that the companies which run on full capacity or work more hours are less likely to implement the recommendations.     

利用访问列表技术对中小企业网络安全的研究

随着网络科技的进步的发展,企业在应用电子商务进行业务发展的同时,更加要重视网络安全的建设,维护企业的互联网信息安全,这些是目前我国中小企业首要加强管理的薄弱环节。本文基于对访问列表技术的研究,讨论了访问列表在维护系统安全方面的作用和应用范围,并给出了基本的配置过程以及防范策略,以满足中小企业在网络安全方面的管理要求,最大化的维护好商务贸易环境,这对于企业在未来展开更广泛的业务奠定了稳健的基石。     

Information technology (IT) in Saudi Arabia: Culture and the acceptance and use of IT

The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), a model of the user acceptance of IT, synthesizes elements from several prevailing user acceptance models. It has been credited with explaining a larger proportion of the variance of ‘intention to use’ and ‘usage behavior’ than do preceding models. However, it has not been validated in non-Western cultures. Using a survey sample collected from 722 knowledge workers using desktop computer applications on a voluntary basis in Saudi Arabia, we examined the relative power of a modified version of UTAUT in determining ‘intention to use’ and ‘usage behavior’. We found that the model explained 39.1% of intention to use variance, and 42.1% of usage variance. In addition, drawing on the theory of cultural dimensions, we hypothesized and tested the similarities and differences between the North American and Saudi validations of UTAUT in terms of cultural differences that affected the organizational acceptance of IT in the two societies.     

An analysis of the relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) and scientific literacy in Canada and Australia

Despite the lack of substantial evidence for improvement in the quality of teaching and learning with information and communication technology (ICT), governmental organizations have pushed ICT as a means of providing broad-scale training to meet the demand for a skilled workforce, centred upon a hypothesized ICT–scientific literacy relationship. To better understand this possible association, this study used data from the 2006 administration of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA 2006) to determine the extent to which scientific literacy is predicted by a host of ICT-related variables, after adjusting for student demographic characteristics. The findings suggest that, once demographic characteristics have been accounted for, students with prior experience with ICT, who browse the Internet more frequently, and who are confident with basic ICT tasks earned higher scientific literacy scores. Gender differences existed with respect to types of productivity and entertainment software used; this difference may be attributed to personal choice and initiative to learn ICT. Furthermore, the way in which students are using computers in schools, towards attaining learning outcomes, may have a stronger effect on scientific literacy than how often computers are accessed.