An overview of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Initiatives in rural Africa towards empowerment
- Authors: Joseph, Meera K. , Andrew, T.
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: ICT , Information and Communication Technology , Rural development in Africa
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5302 , ISBN 1-905824-01-7 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5206
- Description: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is transforming global economy, but access to use of ICT is not distributed evenly. This research focuses on addressing major economic, political and social challenges faced by rural Africa to access Information and Communication Technology (ICT). A literature survey was conducted to see the role of ICT for rural development and how different countries developed with ICT initiatives. ICT is vital for poverty reduction and in growth of sectors like agriculture, business, health, tourism, education, governance etc. Computer illiteracy, scattered population, HIV/AIDS illnesses, lack of access to internet and telecommunication facilities and lack of good ICT policies which encourages ICT inflow, have been powerful obstacles for the social and economic growth of rural Africa. The authors present a number of successful ICT initiatives on women empowerment, e-schools, e-government, e-commerce, e-health, e-agriculture and e-business that has helped to access ICT in rural Africa. The paper also gives ideas on how rural Africa can get connected. The case studies will elaborate on ICT initiatives for rural African development. The research also focuses on various ways to close digital divide.
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Online social networking and employee productivity
- Authors: Ferreira, Andrea , Du Plessis, Tanya
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Social networking , Information and Communication Technology , Online social networking
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6193 , ISSN 978-0-86970-661-9 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5272
- Description: Throughout the history of Internet and information and communication technology (lCT) new technologies have evolved quickly and especially networked technologies have gained value from the individuals who apply these technologies. This paper reports the research findings of an investigation of the effects organisations may experience if employees are granted unrestricted access to online social networks. Recent studies by Casella and Hanaki (2008) and Murphy and Pauleen (2007) emphasise the management need to adapt to change that results from employees' use of networked technologies. In current workplaces that rely on intellectual capital to be successful in business, employees are a key source of knowledge and mainly responsible for intellectual capital growth. It is therefore argued in this paper that organisations should critically investigate the application of technology such as online social networking (OSN) in order to support employees in the processes required for knowledge creation. The research problem stated by this study aimed to investigate what the effect of social networking is on employee productivity within organisations and specifically within tertiary educational institutions. In addressing the research problem this paper will provide an overview of the literature review findings as well as the relevant empirical research findings with regard to what OSN entails; what the possible consequences are if employees are allowed access to online social networks without restriction; and how online social networks can contribute to the productivity of an organisation.
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The potential of ICTs to empower rural women
- Authors: Joseph, Meera
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Rural women , Information and Communication Technology , Empowerment
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6147 , ISBN 978-1-4577-1077-3 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13452
- Description: The purpose of the study is to investigate the potential of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to empower rural women. A variety of ICTs are used by the rural women to develop their ICT skills. Participation in decision-making that affect their lives and the use of ICTs are crucial for the socio-economic empowerment of rural women. Mere availability and access to ICTs will not empower women. The paper highlights the need for rural women’s active involvement in ICT policy making and capacity building to give them ‘the strength and confidence to’ use ICTs. The telecentres can provide government services to the rural women, business opportunities and other income generation opportunities. ICTs should be provided at a reasonable cost to help rural women maintain the ‘networks’ with other community members and to develop ICT skills. Engendered ICT policies, gender sensitive and innovative programmes that target rural women are crucial for women to overcome the social barriers in accessing information and to improve their capabilities. ICTs have the potential to improve the quality of lives of rural women and can give them more control over their lives.
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A self-review framework: information and communication technology in a school for learners with special educational needs
- Authors: Diseko, Rabaitse , Pule, Sechaba Precious
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Special education - South Africa - Computer-assisted instrcution , Information and Communication Technology
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6112 , ISBN 978-84-616-3822-2 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12409
- Description: Many learners with special educational needs experience learning difficulties at some stage during their schooling. Their learning disabilities can be better accommodated by well-trained teachers in exploiting the benefits of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in their teaching and learning practice, making a significant difference to their learners with special educational needs (LSEN) experiences. The aim of the research is to undertake a baseline study to determine the use of ICT tools in a school for LSEN in Gauteng Province, West District. LSEN at school range from the Severe Mentally Handicapped to the Mild Mentally Handicapped, terms that emanate from medical reports which learners bring to the school as an admission requirement. The school is well equipped with assistive ICT devices to enable learners to overcome their barriers in the learning process and to improve the quality of teaching and learning. The baseline study used a self-review framework developed by the British Educational Communication and Technology Agency (Becta) as a theoretical lens to evaluate how six teachers out of 15 used ICT benefits in their teaching practice. A qualitative case study research design is used and the discussion in this paper is based on data collected through, observation, interviews and documentary sources. The data was analysed inductively through the interpretative theoretical lens of Becta’s self-review framework. Results show that the school leadership and management structure do not implement ICT policies or encourage ICT use for teaching and learning. Therefore, teachers on an ad hoc basis adapt ICT services to the level of individual learners’ needs. Teachers confirmed that they need professional development to use ICT effectively to support learners. The time table structure of the school limited teachers’ access to the use of ICT resources for teaching and learning. On the other hand, learning with ICT tools, learners had positive outcomes in the learning process irrespective of their levels of differences. Teachers with their limited ICT skills enabled learners to complete learning activities and improved learners’ attitudes towards learning. This is evident that the use of a self-review framework can ensure that a school’s investment in ICT achieves fitness for purpose and also optimises the use of finite resources by teachers in supporting LSEN and inclusion.
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Improving the South African manufacturing sector’s competitiveness through the adequate use of ICT
- Authors: Madonsela, Nelson Sizwe , Mbecke, Paulin , Mbohwa, Charles
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Information and Communication Technology , Manufacturing - South Africa
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4864 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12540
- Description: Information and communication technology expansion creates new opportunities and challenges for developing economies’ manufacturing sectors. South Africa’s inadequate application of information and communication technology (ICT) creates great concern about the manufacturing sector’s inability to compete globally. This study explores how the South African manufacturing sector can improve its competitiveness through adequate use of ICT. For this purpose, an interpretive analysis of recent literature and document review were employed. This study found that the initial problem lies within the manufacturing sector’s inability to successfully identify and integrate the right technologies into business processes. The reason for this is among other factors, the technical skills shortage. The findings of this study can be generalized to those manufacturing sectors that have not adopted ICT. However, the findings can be extended to and applied in developing countries, especially those in Africa, in terms of using ICT in innovative ways to enhance manufacturing performance.
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Lecturers changing andragogy during implementation of integrated information and communication technology (IICT) in accounting education
- Authors: Rhodes, Raymond
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Accounting - Study and teaching , Information and Communication Technology
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12414
- Description: In 2011 the University of Johannesburg embarked on a revolutionary method of teaching finance subjects within the diploma courses. This method of teaching integrates traditional teaching methodologies with the use of commercial accounting software. The traditional setting of teaching financial accounting takes place within an environment of a classroom or auditorium where theoretical work is discussed and practical work is done working from examples given by the lecturer, normally completed on paper and more recently on a spread-sheet package. In the new integrated setting, half of the classes still take place in the traditional setting but the balance of the teaching takes place in a computer laboratory/class as practical sessions. The computers are pre-loaded with industry-standard financial accounting software and these classes take place in a practical hands-on manner. This integration takes place over the full diploma course of three years. As this process starts on its’ third academic year, cognisance must be taken of the innovative and ground-breaking methodologies used, discovered and adapted by the lecturers. The lecturers have undergone an andragogical paradigm shift in their teaching over the period to date and it is this personal andragogical change that is being investigated and chronicled. This investigation into the change management and the lecturers changing andragogy during the implementation of IICT is a PhD study undertaken in the Faculty of Education at the University of Johannesburg. The purpose of this investigation and chronicle is to record the change management that has taken place, the lecturers’ andragogy before and after the change, and to report on the methodologies developed to cope with the change. This study does not argue the pedagogy of teaching actually taking place or being better or worse, it discusses the andragogy of the lecturers and how their teaching methods have adapted to the new challenges. In this paper the focus will be on the changes that have come about and the change management strategies as perceived by the management and also the change management as experienced by the lecturers. The relevant information gathered via interviews and focus groups (qualitative) from key lecturers and management will be used to report on how the successful change management was achieved within an academic environment.
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The future of accounting education with the integration of ICT
- Authors: Rhodes, Nadia
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Information and Communication Technology , Accounting - Study and teaching
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6116 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12413
- Description: This paper reports on the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) and the reform of accounting education that flowed from a process followed to align accounting education to accounting practice in Higher Education. A gap has been identified in the skills and knowledge of accounting diploma graduates creating a need for the integration of ICT and accounting education to close this gap. The implementation process that was followed highlighted how the teaching and learning methods would have had to evolve to accommodate ICTs in accounting education. Firstly, the iterative cycles of design-based research is argued to increase the contribution to the reform of accounting education. Secondly, the article clarifies and verifies the alignment process that was effected. The methodology followed in design-based research with the infusion of cultural-historical activity theory is argued to effect a plan that is practical and feasible for implementation. A planned series of interventions for the staff in the department to augment this alignment process is argued to be one of the necessary steps for closing the gap in the accounting graduates’ skills and knowledge as needed in the workplace. Lastly, it is argued that the design principles that emanated from the findings will in future sustain a process of evolution in accounting education and can be applied as standalone principles or in any combination to work together as a process for the management of change. In conclusion, the implementation plan has been identified as an imperative architect for the augmentation of design principles that will sustain the evolution of accounting education for the diploma students.
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Barriers to information and communication technology use
- Authors: Bhero, Shepherd
- Date: 2013-07-10
- Subjects: Information and Communication Technology , Computer literacy - Study and teaching , Digital divide
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7599 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8465
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is pervasive in tertiary education, commerce and industry, yet many disadvantaged rural areas and townships lag behind in technological development. For example, in rural schools students have weak ICT background and consequently their progress at tertiary education level and career choices suffer, easpecially in the urban career context. This study sought to identify the urban-rural divide in ICT and determine the causes. Questionnaires were distributed to a purposive sample of 196 students at the University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus. The results show that practical use of computers starts at high school ages between 11 and 15 years. The computer instructions are less pronounced. There have been some ICT development initiatives by government and some other organisations although not well coordinated. The resource needs for uninhibited expansion of ICT include computers, connectivity and skilled educators. Despite the current efforts, rural areas and townships lag behind for various reasons such as; technological under-development, low literacy levels and poverty. Thus students from these disadvantaged communities are constrained in career choices and also struggle to cope at university because of the demand for ICT ability. The pervasiveness of ICT in all walks of life has created a digital divide to the extent that township and rural folk remain marginalised although Internet cafes have played a part in making ICT somewhat accessible. The explosion in mobile telephony and its widespread use even in rural areas have immense potential for ICT growth. However, education and awareness campaigns on the utility of cell phones as a medium for ICT will be essential. A renewed focus on computer education in primary school learners will “catch them young” and revolutionalise the ICT in South Africa. The development in ICT will require further substantial investment in ICT infrastructure and hardware as well as improving the skills of educators. The digital divide need be closed so that marginalised rural areas and townships can also derive the socio-economic benefits that ICT bring. Education will raise the literacy thresholds, which will increase awareness of the potency of ICT. Use of local language and content on the Internet will enhance its cultural relevance and acceptability. ICT is a global phenomenon and South Africa cannot afford to take a back seat.
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A review of instructional delivery in social work education using ICT tools
- Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Benedict, H.T , Balogun, O.O
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Social work - Study and teaching , Information and Communication Technology
- Type: Journal
- Identifier: uj:5472 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13448
- Description: Education has been aptly referred to as a veritable tool for meaningful development. The quality and effectiveness of teaching determine to a great extent the overall quality of education and the attainment of educational goals and objectives. Information and Communication Technology ICT) has been globally acclaimed as a tool that can accelerate and promote teaching and learning (National Policy for Information Technology, 2001). As opined by Kirschmer and Waperies, (2003), Information and Communication Technology can make the school more efficient and productive, there by engendering a variety of tools to enhance and facilitate teachers’ professional activities. This theoretical paper reiterates the vital role of ICT in effective teaching and learning generally and essentially in Social Work Education. It kicked off by examining the concepts of ICT and social work; establishing the need for ICT tools in instructional delivery in social work. The paper thereafter examined some applications of ICT tools in Social Work Education delivery and emphasizes the need for social work educators to judiciously utilize the opportunities and benefits inherent in ICT oriented instructional delivery. The paper concludes with a caution on the potential impact of ICT on professional identity of confidentiality.
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Technology and work-life conflict of academics in a South African higher education institution
- Authors: Kotecha, Kajal , Geldenhuys, Madelyn , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Work-life balance , Work-life conflict , Information and Communication Technology
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5475 , ISSN 2039-9340 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13451
- Description: The use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) to work after regular working hours has become prevalent in the academic profession. Although ICTs are known to enhance work flexibility, they also seem to encourage academics to use ICT devices after hours for work-related purposes. The objective of this study was to investigate the implications of technologyassisted supplemental work (TASW) on the work-life conflict (WLC) of academics. The moderating role of gender was also taken into consideration in investigating the relationship between TASW and WLC. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and made use of an online survey to collect data. The WLC scale and the TASW scale were used. The sample consisted of academics from a higher education in South Africa (n = 216). The results of the research revealed a significant relationship between TASW and WLC. TASW is a significant predictor of WLC. Furthermore, the results revealed that gender significantly moderated the relationship between TASW and WLC. This study contributes further knowledge to the emerging field of research relating to TASW in a South African context. This study also emphasises the implications of using ICTs and their potential to encourage academics to extend their working hours.This study therefore questions the benefits of this work flexibility that many academics are privileged to have from using ICTs
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The relevance of modern technology usage on the business ventures of Kenyan women entrepreneurs
- Authors: Ukpere, Celestine Lugaye , Slabbert, Andre D , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Businesswomen - Kenya , Women entrepreneurs - Kenya , Information and Communication Technology
- Type: Journal
- Identifier: uj:5480 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13457
- Description: Technological advancement, the adoption of digital marketing and incorporation of digital platforms and websites have fundamentally changed the entrepreneurial landscape in Africa especially from a gender based perspective. Reduced data bundle rates, growth and spread of Internet use in Kenya has contributed to the development and incorporation of technology and digital tools by most women entrepreneurs in their business. During the last decade women based entrepreneurial ventures on the African continent has had to adapt and develop with the digital and modern technologies. This paper is a case study based on three business ventures, namely an informal small scale venture and two formal woman entrepreneurial ventures. The purpose of the paper was to establish the experiences of these women entrepreneurs with regards to their use of technology and digital marketing platforms, in order to ascertain their impact on the growth and development of their ventures. Incorporating technology tools in business has supported the survival and expansion of most Kenyan women entrepreneurs, through the creation of competitive advantages that allows and encourages prosperity within a global economic setting. This enables technology and digital marketing platforms to be categorised as an important strategic component and tool in modern commercial ventures. Women entrepreneurs on the African continent seem to have adapted to these new developments. This paper also reports specifically on the findings of an online survey conducted in Kenya in 2013, which investigated the experiences of women entrepreneurs in adapting and incorporating online social network platforms and digital tools in both the formal and informal sectors. This paper further explains the role digital technology tools such as ICTs, Online Marketing, and EMarketing including the Social media platforms, play to enhance Kenyan women entrepreneurial ventures.
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Construction digitalisation tools in South African construction industry : an added advantage
- Authors: Tanga, O. T. , Aigbavboa, C. O. , Akinradewo, O. I. , Thwala, D. W. , Onyia, M.
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Construction Industry , Communication , Information and Communication Technology
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/479951 , uj:43431 , DOI: 10.1088/1757-899X/1107/1/012230 , Citation: Tanga, O.T. et al. 2021. Construction digitalisation tools in South African construction industry : an added advantage.
- Description: Abstract: The execution of the building project requires the assembling and accumulation of works at a large scale for it to become a reality. This involves the exchange of a large amount of data from one party to another. The development of information and communication technology (ICT) has therefore enhanced an active and proficient way of exchanging data among professionals. This research work set out to assess the benefits of using ICT tools by construction organisations in South Africa. A quantitative research technique was used through a well-structured questionnaire to collect data from construction professionals. They include construction project managers, civil engineers, quantity surveyors, construction managers, industrial, mechanical and electrical engineers. Standard deviation (SD) and mean item score (MIS) were used to analyse the retrieved data. The findings indicated that the most eminent benefits of ICT tools to construction organisations are effective communication management, competitive advantage and time-saving. This study recommended that construction organisations should provide lessons on different ICT tools uses to address each problem that will rise during the construction cycle and reap the full benefit of ICT such as improved productivity, increased speed, and diversification.
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The relationship between Information and Communication Technology and Travel; a compendium of Literature
- Authors: Aderibigbe, Oluwayemi-Oniya , Gumbo, Trynos , Moyo, Thembani , Mbatha, Siphiwe Given
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Information and Communication Technology , Travel Demand , Intelligent Transport System
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/488067 , uj:44451 , Citation: Aderibigbe, O-O., Gumbo,T., Moyo, T. & Mbatha, S.G. 2021. The relationship between Information and Communication Technology and Travel; a compendium of Literature.
- Description: Abstract: Over the years, the focus of transportation planners has only been on physical travel; neglecting the fact that information and communication technologies may influence travel demand. However, with the advent of telecommunications and other advanced technologies, modern telecommunications are rapidly increasing the accessibility to activities that previously only could be reached by physical transportation. The integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is an essential element for the success of transportation planning. ICTs provide access to information on where, when, and how to make trips thus reducing the negative externalities associated with transportation. In recent years there has been progress in mobile technologies that have influenced and necessitated the growth and development in the transport sectors in all the three worlds; the developed, transitional and the developing worlds. Various scholars have contracting views on the relationships that exist between telecommunication and transportation. Consequently, this study reviewed literature on these relationship as well as examine the impact of information and Communication technologies on travel. The study adopted the Prisma approach by extracting relevant information from peer reviewed journal articles and proceedings. Although the outcomes of these interactions are complex as they both highly depend on each other and there are conflicting views on the relationships; the latest developments call for the need to address the relationships between ICTs and transport. The study recommends that ICTs offers a possibility to increase the efficiency of the existing infrastructure supply and such functions includes Intelligent Transport Systems (ITSs), a technology aimed to directly increase the efficiency of the traffic system and as well influence the passenger demand in such a way that the road capacity is optimally utilized.
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