Public libraries and goal 16 of the SDGS in Cameroon: which actors for a national policy?

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 341-362
Author(s):  
Louise Lutéine Ngo Kobhio Balôck
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Self Employment ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Different Origins

Purpose This paper aims to investigate how public libraries in Cameroon contribute to the achievement of goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which is “peace, justice and strong institutions”. Design/methodology/approach The methodology used is observation, talks with the librarians of public libraries from different regions of the country. Authorities in charge of this domain in Cameroon, that is the Ministry of Arts and Culture. Statistics from these different actors have been collected and used for the study, as well as those available through the National Institute of statistics. Findings The participation of public libraries in the implementation of goal 16 in Cameroon is remarkable, even if they lack substantial budgets for the achievement of their goals and rely partly on donations. The increasingly widespread use of information and communication technologies, as well as certain paying activities, partly compensates for this lack. Democracy, living together, access to employment and self-employment through the dissemination of information and animation are effective tools that public libraries implement. Users from different origins can gather and discuss freely on national issues. Public libraries are sometimes involved as mediators in the resolution of some social conflicts. Practical implications In a period were seeking peace, justice and strong institutions is one of the main national issues discussed in Cameroon, the study provides more visibility to both the authorities and the potential users on the important role played by public libraries in the resolution of national issues. Originality/value The study determines the different actors of a national policy in the framework of the creation, and the promotion of the public libraries and their respective roles for a more concerted and better-oriented action.

Digital sustainability: how information and communication technologies (ICTs) support sustainable development goals (SDGs) assessment in municipalities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daielly Melina Nassif Mantovani Ribeiro ◽  
Flavio Hourneaux Junior ◽  
Cristiana Lara Lara Cunha ◽  
Patricia Taeko Taeko Kaetsu ◽  
Patricia Fernanda Dionizio-Leite ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Public Management ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Sustainable City ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Development Goals

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the effective assessment of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to smart and sustainable city initiatives. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a systematic review of the literature within the Web of Science and Scopus databases, comprising the studies about ICTs related to smart and sustainable city initiatives and sustainable assessment. Findings The main results point out that there are several different ways of assessing SDGs performance related to ICTs use in smart and sustainable city initiatives. However, the effectiveness of these assessments can be questioned. The intensive use of technology understood as the core of smart and sustainable cities does not imply an improvement in sustainability unless these technologies are strategically addressed to underpin those objectives. Moreover, not all SDGs have considered the use of ICTs in their targets. Research limitations/implications The scope of the study is limited to “how” the information is used and managed, rather than analysing the sustainable performance itself. As a limitation, the findings and conclusions do not consider other sources of studies, such as grey literature. Practical implications This study suggests some requirements for providing better and more reliable sustainable assessment, making smart and sustainable city initiatives more correlated with the SDGs. Social implications By acknowledging the difficulties associated with SDGs assessment, concerning the municipal level, the study offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of public policies and public management. Besides, the findings shed some light on if and how the use of ICTs can effectively enhance sustainable development issues. Originality/value This study offers valuable contributions to the literature by providing a collection of insights regarding how the ICTs may genuinely lead to a sound assessment of sustainable development, especially regarding the SDGs.

Gender Differences in Access to and Use of ICTs in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 1699-1718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Immanuel Ovemeso Umukoro ◽  
Aanuoluwapo Oluwaseun Omolade-Lawal ◽  
Samuel Oyelami Babalola ◽  
Kolawole Sunday Akinsumbo ◽  
Rashida Mebude Aligwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Males And Females

There is a skewed perception of the differences in access to and use of ICTs in modern society, especially in technology less-advanced nations. While there are various schools of thought on this topical issue, less is evident to establish that males and females have equal access to and use of information and communication technologies. Given the role of ICTs for development and the significance of gender equality to economic advancement as seen in the sustainable development goals, understanding gendered access to and use of ICTs can help develop interventions that help close the gender gap in access to and use of ICTs in order to help women leverage technology for socio-economic inclusion. The study, therefore, attempted to understand the presence or absence of gender differences in access to and use of ICTs and identify the causes in order to guide the development of interventions aimed at closing these gaps.

University libraries-bridging digital gaps and accelerating the achievement of sustainable development goals through information and communication technologies

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stella Ngozi Anasi ◽  
Clement Chinemerem Ukangwa ◽  
Abimbola Fagbe
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ogun State ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The University

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of university libraries in accelerating the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) through information and communication technologies (ICTs). Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a descriptive survey design using a researcher developed questionnaire for data collection. In all, 103 professional librarians working in all the university libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria were surveyed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 19) was used to run the analysis. Findings The university libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria are not lagging behind in the provision of ICT facilities for the delivery of twenty-first century library services. The paper highlights the critical role of university libraries in bridging digital gaps by taking advantage of ICTs to accelerate the attainment of SDGs. ICTs have the capacity to accelerate the actualisation of SDG in all communities. However, illiteracy, lack of political accountability and transparency, lack of financial resources and inadequate power supply were the major challenges impeding the achievement of SDGs in Ogun State, Nigeria. Practical implications This paper establishes the role of university libraries in bridging digital gaps through ICTs in order to facilitate the attainment of SDGs. Originality/value The paper originality lies in its concise articulation of the roles of university libraries and ICTs in the actualisation of SDGs. Library and information professionals who are eager to contribute their quota to the achievement of SDGs will find this article useful.

Educational methods in Geoparks: Techno-Scientific voice-over as a key tool for accessibility

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús Enrique Martínez Martín
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Earth Science ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Educational Support ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Development Goals

<p>Earth Science education is at a turning point framed in a social and cultural way. The idea of sustainability and, consequently, accessibility to the educational system has shown important advances since the publication of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. The UNESCO Global Geoparks are internationally recognized as educational engines in pursuit of sustainability and instruction in geosciences, and they are making use of alternative teaching methods to get their message worldwide. Focused on geotourism and development, they try to continuously update themselves in order to offer quality education and accessibility for everyone. Information and communication technologies (ICT’s) keep also evolving and they are used as an interesting support within cognitive development and education at all levels. Voice-over is a classical tool used since the beginning of the recording era (radio, film, television, media ...) to communicate a specific message and transmit it adequately and coherently to the receiver.  It is mainly based on the correct use of the human voice to generate sensations and create, in an artistic way, an emotional atmosphere that keeps the viewer attentive to what you want to convey. The nuances, tones and melodic curves mean that no voice is the same as another and the information is disseminated in very different ways depending on that. In recent years, it has been possible to observe a great increase in the use of voice-over and an exemplary care in the selective tone of the messages that has been reflected in sectors such as advertising, general media or scientific documentaries. The promotion of its use in Geoparks as educational support in audiovisuals, presentations or even in geological routes, tailor-made for different collectives, is a key factor to take into account to facilitate the understanding of the information, increase the degree of accessibility and contribute, thus, to the Sustainable Development Goals.</p>

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION INNOVATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Алёна Сергеевна Фотина
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Development Prospects

В статье приведены результаты исследования развития информационно-коммуникационных технологий как инноваций в контексте реализации концепции целей устойчивого развития ООН 2030. Согласно результатам анализа определены инновационные тренды и перспективы развития. The article presents the results of a research of the development of information and communication technologies as innovations in the context of the implementation of the concept of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030. According to the results of the analysis, innovative trends and development prospects are identified.

From digital citizen to digital professional

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 1463-1477
Author(s):  
Olga Marino ◽  
Jaime Andres Gutierrez ◽  
Sandra Aguirre
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovative Strategy ◽  
Global Issues ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Teaching Learning

Purpose This paper aims to propose and evaluate a pedagogically sound and innovative strategy to teach a higher education course that prepares future professionals to intelligently use information and communication technologies (ICTs) in their personal and professional lives. Design/methodology/approach The conceptual framework used for the design of the course was the socio-constructivism and activity theories. The implementation of the course was evaluated using the intrinsic case study methodology by including several instruments. Findings The pedagogical strategy proposed proved to be sound, as the evaluation showed that students were able to describe, use and propose innovative uses of a wide range of cutting-edge technologies in their both everyday lives and professional settings; they also had the skills to analyse the opportunities and challenges that these presented. Moreover, students liked this innovative way of learning and ended with a positive attitude towards ICT. Originality/value Although several courses prepare students to be digital citizens or use ICT to enhance the teaching-learning process, millennials are ill prepared to use cutting-edge technologies in an innovative, responsible and critical way in their future professions. The course that was designed is original in that it goes beyond preparing digital citizens to prepare professionals in any domain to use ICT in an informed and responsible way. Moreover, it is a documented, successful example of an undergraduate universal course in a highly important current society dimension. The authors believe that its pedagogical proposal could be transferred to courses dealing with other global issues such as the environment, economy and peace.

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.

scholarly journals Value-driven engineering of E-maintenance platforms

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 568-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Macchi ◽  
Adolfo Crespo Márquez ◽  
Maria Holgado ◽  
Luca Fumagalli ◽  
Luis Barberá Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Maintenance Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
A Value ◽  
New Information ◽  
Information And Communication

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology for the engineering of E-maintenance platforms that is based on a value-driven approach. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology assumes that a value-driven engineering approach would help foster technological innovation for maintenance management. Indeed, value-driven engineering could be easily adopted at the business level, with subsequent positive effects on the industrial applications of new information and communication technologies solutions. Findings – The methodology combines a value-driven approach with the engineering in the maintenance scope. The methodology is tested in a manufacturing case to prove its potential to support the engineering of E-maintenance solutions. In particular, the case study concerns the investment in E-maintenance solutions developed in the framework of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system originally implemented for production purposes. Originality/value – Based on literature research, the paper presents a methodology that is implemented considering three different approaches (business theories, value-driven engineering and maintenance management). The combination of these approaches is novel and overcomes the traditional view of maintenance as an issue evaluated from a cost-benefit perspective.

Understanding the gendered nature of developing country MSMEs’ access, adoption and use of information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D)

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-295
Author(s):  
Elisa Mohanty ◽  
Anindya Jayanta Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Power Dynamics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose The widespread use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has had a significant effect on various groups and communities of people including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and their owners/managers. The current study aims to analyze recent literature regarding adoption of ICTs by MSMEs. Further, it tries to locate gender within this broader context of diffusion of ICTs among MSMEs. Design/methodology/approach Using the thematic analysis approach, the research articles pertaining to six leading journals on ICTs, gender and entrepreneurship published during the time period from 2011 to 2019 are reviewed. Findings The literature selected for the study has been discussed under two primary categories, viz. “adoption of information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) for business purposes” and “insights on gender in ICT4D use by MSMEs.” Research limitations/implications The context-dependent nature of ICT use can enable future entrepreneurs to assess the scope of specific ICTs in given areas of operation. The gendered nature of ICTs helps to evaluate as well as question the empowerment potential of ICTs. The study emphasizes the need to account for historical specificities and transnational linkages in understanding access, adoption and use of ICT4D by women MSME entrepreneurs. Originality/value The study bridges together literature on ICT4D use by MSMEs and the role of gender in ICT-mediated entrepreneurial environments. While unraveling the interplay of power dynamics in such environments, the scope for future research in terms of tapping into the content of information exchanges and exploring the implications of “dark side of internet” for women MSME entrepreneurs is also indicated.

Logistics practices in healthcare organizations in Bogota

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 519-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nubia Velasco ◽  
Juan-Pablo Moreno ◽  
Claudia Rebolledo
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Inventory Management ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Cross Case Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the current state of logistics practices in healthcare organizations in Bogota, Colombia. Design/methodology/approach The assessment is based on case study research using open interviews, focused interviews, a questionnaire and direct observations as sources of evidence. Seven Colombian health care settings are analyzed: four public hospitals and three private clinics. Cross-case analysis allows the identification of patterns regarding supply management, inventory management, replenishment and use of information and communication technologies. Findings Manual procedures, poor planning, little recognition from top management and a lack of specialized personnel characterize the current situation. Innovative practices with a potential to improve the efficacy of logistics activities are rare, particularly in public hospitals. Research avenues Future research could replicate this study in other Colombian cities, in order to generalize the results to the whole country. It could also be interesting to document successful and less successful implementations of innovative logistics practices in Colombian hospitals to guide and promote their adoption. Research limitations/implications The small number of cases considered, and the fact that the research is concentrated in one city, limits the generalizability of the results. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to explore the state of healthcare logistics practices in Colombia.

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