ICT through the prism of critical technologies

foresight ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oleg V. Ena ◽  
Gulnara I. Abdrakhmanova
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Society ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Private Life ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Quantitative Statistics

Purpose Developing methodically sound approaches for defining and analysing measurements of sectoral science and technology (S&T) priorities is a key pre-requisite of a successful and effective state science, technology and innovation management system. This paper aims to present the results of research into the evolution of Russia’s S&T priorities in information and communication technologies (ICTs) based on a system founded on detailed profiles for sectoral critical technologies (CTs) supplemented by quantitative statistics on the development of the information society in Russia. Design/methodology/approach This analysis of Russia’s ICT S&T priorities was broken down into three periods which tie in with milestones when large-scale changes in ICT were observed: 2002-2006; 2007-2010; 2011-2015. Findings This paper presents the results of research into the evolution of Russia’s S&T priorities in ICTs based on a system founded on detailed and carefully studied profiles for sectoral CTs supplemented by quantitative statistics on the development of the information society in Russia. An important aspect in support of this approach is regular large-scale processes to update the profiles of sectoral CTs (on average once every five years) and to conduct statistical observations in ICT (once every year). The involvement in this process of updating CTs of large (500 or more) numbers of sectoral experts representing industry leaders, research and educational institutions, core ministries and regulatory bodies guarantees a comprehensive cross-section in researching and profiling CTs in different important areas: science, production and government administration. Originality/value For more than 15 years, the Higher School of Economics has been conducting a range of statistical studies on ICT: the amount of goods and services output in the ICT sector and the level of diffusion and use of ICT in the economy, social sphere and public and private life. The results of these studies are used as an evidence base when defining and updating STI priorities to develop Russia’s ICT industry. This paper presents a retrospective view of the evolution of Russia’s S&T priorities from 2002 to the present and discusses the effects of ICT’s transformation in specific changing markets and identifies priority areas for the future.

Twiga Hosting Ltd – providing affordable information and communication technologies services to small and medium enterprises

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Juma James Masele
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Medium Enterprises

TitleTwiga Hosting Ltd – providing affordable information and communication technologies services to small and medium enterprises.Subject areaThe case describes the launch of Twiga Hosting Ltd, a company providing information and communication technology (ICT) services to the underserved small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in Tanzania and in a many countries in Africa.Study level/applicabilityThis case targets a range of audience from undergraduate students taking both Bachelor of Commerce and those taking Bachelor of Business Administration; and Postgraduate students taking business‐related courses. Nonetheless, the case may be used by all other learners of advanced studies in entrepreneurship and innovation management.Case overviewThe case addresses a number of issues including: Issues to be considered when starting an ICT enterprise. Strategic management. Business revenue models.Expected learning outcomes To impart/inculcate entrepreneurial insights in ICT and related areas. To make learners aware of the business growth opportunities in ICT ventures. The success factors for fruitful ICT ventures. To enable learners to identify challenges facing entrepreneurs in ICT ventures and the ways to overcome them.Supplementary materialsTeaching notes.

The management index: simplifying business excellence for management teams?

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 505-520
Author(s):  
Kristen M. Snyder ◽  
Henrik Eriksson ◽  
Hendry Raharjo
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Management Teams ◽  
Measurement Tool ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dialog Management ◽  
Business Excellence ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Degree Of Maturity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present findings from a qualitative research study that was designed to examine the application of the management index (MI) to support effectiveness among management teams. Specifically, the research was twofold: to examine the usefulness of the MI as a tool to enhance effectiveness in management teams; and to identify conditions necessary for successful use of the MI. Design/methodology/approach A three-year multi-site qualitative case study was conducted with five medium- to large-scale organizations, from public and private sectors, to apply and examine the use of the MI. Data were collected from participants during a series of workshops designed to examine the ways in which the tool was used to enhance effectiveness in management teams, and conditions that were determined supportive or a hinder to using the tool. Findings Findings from the qualitative data demonstrate four primary uses of the in which the MI: pulse reader, navigation, systematic dialog, management team development. It is, however, not clear yet if the use of the MI contributes to improvement in efficiency and effectiveness. The degree of maturity within the organization and teams, as defined by open and transparent communication and clarity of purpose of direction, appear to be key factors for how well teams benefit from the MI. Furthermore, the tool appears to benefit from longer term usage rather than quick-fix usage, although this claim has yet to be validated by further investigations. Practical implications The MI was developed by Swedish Institute of Quality to provide a simpler performance measurement tool for management teams to support quality improvement processes in organizations in Sweden. The MI was developed to provide management teams with access to vital information that could serve as the basis for prioritizing areas of needed improvement, while reducing time and complexity associated with traditional business excellence models. Originality/value This study contributes to an ongoing dialogue about how to support quality management through the use of performance measurement tools. In particular, the study supports the need to develop understanding about the importance of dialogue and process combined with the use of measures to achieve results.

Digital creativity: learning by story driven digital production

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 182-191
Author(s):  
Maria Spante
Keyword(s):  
Gender Roles ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Group Work ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Boundary Object ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
Digital Production

Purpose The goal to stimulate perspective taking and inference making on social phenomena, such as gender roles in society, has proven to be difficult to achieve in general and in particular for primary school students. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to develop creative models and concepts for learning that provide guidance addressing these challenges. Design/methodology/approach A case study methodology, including classroom observations, teacher interviews and analysis of videos created by students, was applied within a large-scale action research project related to cross-border collaboration for educational purposes supported by information and communication technologies among Danish, Norwegian and Swedish schools. Findings This study reports on how teachers organized group work for their sixth grades students to reimagine and videoing fairy tales endings of Cinderella in order to explore and learn about gender roles in society in a cross-border setting. The personal, emotional and social negotiations of working with peers and giving feedback to students in other schools from other countries enhanced their learning. Results suggest that adding the framework of boundary object-driven design helps to improve the process by its focus on a shared understanding, common practice and sense-making. Originality/value The study incorporates the framework on boundary objects as a “mental design device” into a story-driven digital production project, suggesting that creativity in combination with a specific yet open task for student group work enhances learning in social science.

Targeting the Digital Agenda for Europe: a new approach for estimating ICT R&D expenditures

Info ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juraj Stančík
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Labour Costs ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
The Eu

Purpose – The main goal of this paper is to create a methodology for estimating public research and development (R&D) expenditures on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the European Union (EU). The study further applies this methodology on business expenditures on R&D (BERD) data across all sectors and estimate ICT BERD within each of them. Then the study assesses the evolution of these expenditures in the context of the Digital Agenda for Europe (DAE) and its specific target to double them by 2020. Design/methodology/approach – The study assumes that the share of public ICT R&D expenditures in total public R&D expenditures is similar to the share of ICT R&D labour costs. The study bases its estimation on government budget appropriations or outlays on R&D (GBAORD). Findings – EU public ICT R&D expenditures grew steadily over the period 2004-2010 and in 2010 reached 5.9 billion. The study also estimates that the total EU ICT BERD in 2010 amounted to 15.8 billion. Regarding the DAE target about ICT R&D expenditures, the study shows that, in both public and private, the EU drops behind. Research limitations/implications – The study estimates that substantial ICT BERD can be found also in non-ICT sectors. Practical implications – The methodology allows for monitoring one of the DAE targets. Originality/value – The methodology currently represents the only way for measuring public ICT R&D expenditures in the EU.

Indicators of Information and Communication Technology

2019 ◽  
pp. 840-853
Author(s):  
Gulnara Abdrakhmanova ◽  
Leonid Gokhberg ◽  
Alexander Sokolov
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Information Society ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Private Life ◽  
Similar Data ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
Information And Communication

Information and communication technology (ICT) has become a major driver of changes in economic, social, public, and private life, leading to emergence of the information society and digital economy. Identification of key trends and analysis of transformation processes can only be made on the basis of reliable statistical data. Development of relevant international statistics plays a leading role here; hence, via establishing and updating relevant standards, it allows to measure development of the information society in a global scale, and benchmark positions of individual countries in the worldwide economic environment. ICT indicators are based on general (definitions and classifications, similar data collection methodologies) and specialized statistical standards, whereas harmonized methodology provides highly compatible indicators for different countries. The objective of this chapter is to present a systemic overview of internationally accepted definitions of main ICT indicators based on accumulated methodological standards and practical experience.

Articulating ICT Use Narratives in Everyday Life

2008 ◽  
pp. 2341-2349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deirdre Hynes ◽  
Tarja Tiainen ◽  
Emma-Reetta Koivunen ◽  
Minna-Kristiina Paakki
Keyword(s):  
Gender Roles ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Society ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Frames Of Reference ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Individual User ◽  
Traditional Gender Roles ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Technological Enthusiasm

The most common definition of the information society lays emphasis upon spectacular technological innovation and the transformative effects of new information and communication technologies. The key idea is that breakthroughs in information processing, storage, and transmission have led to the application of information technology in virtually all, public and private, sectors of society (Webster, 1995). By the 1990s, to admire and indeed enthuse over new ICTs had become highly fashionable and popular. Such technological enthusiasm has become so pervasive that it has seeped not only into political and policy discourses, but also into the whole spectrum of the media and fora of public communication (Preston, 2001). In addition, discourses of the information society are often dominated and shaped by male commentators (e.g., Castells, 2000; Gates, 1995; Kelly, 1999; Negroponte, 1995). For example, when compiling a collection of the dominant players of international information-society discourse, Cawley and Trench (2004) were hard-pressed to find female commentators, succeeding only in finding 3 out of a total of 18 critics.1 We argue that the focus on the artefact, and thus technological celebration, takes precedence over the largely ignored field of technological uses and consumption issues. Hence, we present a study that analyses the individual user experiences to challenge the stereotypical user traditions represented by the information-society discourse. We wish to present a counternarrative that shifts the emphasis from technical expertise, and technological and transformative benefits of artefacts to more individual-user-focused narratives. As a result, this brought about a dual-narrative process through which the respondents described their experiences. We found that when people described their uses, consumption patterns, and domestication2 experiences of ICTs, they tended to do so by employing contrasting frames of reference. These frames of reference we have termed the objective lens (or narratives) and subjective lens (or narratives). Through what we term objective narratives, we found that some respondents would describe their use through official and technical frames of reference. For example, they employed primarily dominant information-society jargon to frame how they made sense of technologies and their use experiences. Through subjective narratives, we found that respondents would describe their use and experiences from primarily a personal perspective to explain how the technology fitted their lives, the role it played in their everyday routines and habits, and the associated meaning and significance of the artefact. While these contrasting narratives are not mutually exclusive or contradictory, it became clear from the interviews that a pattern of use narratives was emerging. We found that such narratives slightly reinforced traditional gender roles in which men tend to talk about technologies in highly technical terms of reference, while women portray themselves as technologically helpless or ignorant (Gill & Grint, 1995; Gray, 1992; Lie, 1995). Although we did not look for or find stable gender categories, the emergent gender narratives seem to renew the existing gender roles that link masculinity and technology (Vehviläinen, 2002). With the development of computer technologies, we have witnessed a shift from IT to ICTs. This has resulted in a redefinition of the computer as an artefact: from a mere computational device to the newly emergent multimedia-enhanced computers, or what Paul Mayer (1999, p. 1) calls a “meta-medium.” Today, the conceptualisation of the computer is more problematic. It may be thought of as the Web or Internet, computer games, CD-ROMs (compact disc read-only memory), reference works, e-mail, and a diverse range of applications for displaying and manipulating text, images, graphics, music, databases, and the like. Spilker and Sørenson (2000, p. 270) argue that computers are no longer “primarily about programming, systems, control and calculation,” but instead “a gateway to communication and cultural activities.” The shift in identity has opened up or unlocked the conceptualisation of the computer. Therefore, it is possible for wider audiences and previously excluded groups (such as the elderly and women) to translate the computer into something meaningful in their everyday lives. As a result, we were not solely focused on the computer as a separate technology, but instead on the wide range of information and communication technologies that are available in the domestic setting.

scholarly journals Post-disaster social capital: trust, equity, bayanihan and Typhoon Yolanda

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 334-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Eadie ◽  
Yvonne Su
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Urban Communities ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bonding Social Capital ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Self Help ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of disaster rehabilitation interventions on bonding social capital in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. Design/methodology/approach The data from the project are drawn from eight barangays in Tacloban City, the Philippines. Local residents and politicians were surveyed and interviewed to examine perceptions of resilience and community self-help. Findings The evidence shows that haphazard or inequitable distribution of relief goods and services generated discontent within communities. However, whilst perceptions of community cooperation and self-help are relatively low, perceptions of resilience are relatively high. Research limitations/implications This research was conducted in urban communities after a sudden large-scale disaster. The findings are not necessarily applicable in the rural context or in relation to slow onset disasters. Practical implications Relief agencies should think more carefully about the social impact of the distribution of relief goods and services. Inequality can undermine community level cooperation. Social implications A better consideration of social as well as material capital in the aftermath of disaster could help community self-help, resilience and positive adaptation. Originality/value This study draws on evidence from local communities to contradict the overarching rhetoric of resilience in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda.

An evaluation of the performance of a large scale collaborative procurement initiative in the social housing sector

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graeme Bowles ◽  
James Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Social Housing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Procurement Process ◽  
Procurement Programme

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the factors relating to the implementation of a new procurement initiative that affect performance and value for money (VFM). The study is based on a four-year research project carried out on behalf of the Scottish Government to monitor and evaluate the performance and efficiency of a bulk procurement vehicle for social housing. Design/methodology/approach – The researchers had a brief to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the procurement process and its influence on cost and efficiency targets. The study employed a mixed method approach with annual rounds of qualitative and quantitative data collection from project stakeholders including the contractors, consultants, clients and sponsor. Confidential semi-structured interviews were conducted on conclusion of the project to gauge views on how well the procurement process worked from the various perspectives and to reflect on the influence of the process on VFM. Findings – The procurement programme failed to achieve the capital cost and efficiency savings targets quantified at the outset and on this measure alone VFM was not demonstrated, although there were a number of reported benefits. A major factor was the extent of process and behavioural change required from the project team and, although a procurement consultant was engaged to facilitate this, the theoretical benefits of “best practice” were not realized. The picture was further complicated by rapidly changing economic conditions experienced, and debate about the robustness of original cost savings targets. Research limitations/implications – The findings and conclusions are of relevance and interest to clients and construction organisations undergoing change through adopting novel procurement processes. Originality/value – The empirical nature of the study provides a comprehensive evidence base for the performance of a collaborative procurement programme and an understanding of the potential difficulties in attaining the theoretical benefits of procurement innovation.

scholarly journals Managerial Decisions in Public Management and E-Governance: A Leadership Aspect

2019 ◽  
pp. 6-17
Author(s):  
Svitlana Haiduchenko
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Public Administration ◽  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Society ◽  
Public Management ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
The State ◽  
Industrial Society ◽  
Leadership Potential

The article examines the development of public management in the process of establishing e-democracy and e-governance in Ukraine, which will contribute to the achievement of key goals of sustainable development of the region in the 21st century, with a revolutionary breakthrough in human resources development. The main purpose of the study is to influence the formation of leadership qualities in the subjects and objects of innovative management in the context of public administration and e-democracy as a key communicative problem of e-government. The systematization of literary sources and approaches to solving this problem shows that the scientific discourse has not yet touched upon the sphere of e-government. The urgency of developing the human resources leadership potential is driven by the rapid progress of universal globalization, which is based primarily on marketing and innovation management in public administration. The logical sequence of the research involves the analysis of the practical achievements of the progressive countries of the world in the field of e-governance and the study of the innovative role of managers in public administration; identifying the benefits of e-democracy; generalization of the sociology of leadership in the context of information society formation and competence of public administration managers; research of elite component of public management and definition of strategic guidelines of the state policy on formation of the information society in Ukraine. The methodological basis of this research is the concepts of marketing and innovation management in public administration, e-democracy, the information society; known theories of sociology of leadership. The subject of the study is Ukrainian public management in the conditions of formation of e-government in accordance with the standards of the European Union, the course for membership in which is enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine. Accordingly, the author's vision of strategic approaches to managing organizational changes in management structures related to the implementation of modern information and communication technologies of e-governance, strategic directions of the state personnel policy for the development of leadership potential as a key factor in the success of not only managers of all management is presented. of spheres and levels, but also of civil society as a whole, as well as exploration of the further development of the theory of sociology of leadership in the context of the transformation of industrial society into information (post-industrial). The research confirms and theoretically proves that human resource development is key in innovation processes. The pragmatic results of this study should contribute to the intensification of the introduction of e-democracy and e-governance in the field of public administration, thanks to the development of leadership potential of all participants in this process, even in the architectural conditions of modern Ukraine.

scholarly journals MODERN FORMS AND METHODS OF BİBLİOGRAPHİC ACTİVİTY İN LİBRARİES

2021 ◽  
pp. 12-16
Author(s):  
SOLMAZ AZAY GIZI SADIGOVA
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Society ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Information Service ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Electronic Document ◽  
New Information ◽  
Information And Communication

The article discusses modern forms and methods of bibliographic activity in libraries. The role of modern information and communication technologies is explained. The information society places new demands on all social and communication institutions, including the activation of the formation of electronic document space, libraries and bibliographies. It is noted that the information society, the activation of the formation of electronic document space, puts new demands on all social and communication institutions, including libraries and bibliographies. New information technologies allow to significantly expand, deepen and diversify all forms of information and bibliographic services, which makes them faster, more efficient and more convenient. At the same time, it is explained that with the application of digital technologies, the category of information and bibliographic services is becoming a daily information service used by any reader of any library. Electronic catalogs are becoming powerful information systems to support the work of libraries and perform large-scale tasks.

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