Iran will expand its monitored national internet

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Presidential Elections ◽  
Internet Access ◽  
Access Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Security Services ◽  
Media Applications ◽  
High Chance

Significance Under development for over a decade, the NIN had its first major trial when Tehran imposed an internet blackout in response to mass protests last November, with mixed success. Impacts Tehran could increase efforts to enforce bans on foreign social media applications. If dissent were to rise in Iran, citizens would likely become more suspicious of the NIN. Security services may become more overtly involved in internet access management. If Joe Biden wins in US November presidential elections, there is a high chance sanctions affecting internet access will be eased.

scholarly journals The impact of social media on the performance of microfinance institutions in developing countries: a quantitative approach

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Daowd ◽  
Muhammad Mustafa Kamal ◽  
Tillal Eldabi ◽  
Ruaa Hasan ◽  
Farouk Missi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Poverty Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Media Platform ◽  
Media Applications ◽  
The Impact

PurposeOver the last few decades, microfinance industry is argued to have played a constructive role in alleviating poverty level and providing the underprivileged with access to financial services. Statistics from the World Bank reveal that, currently, only 4% of the underprivileged have been served out of the 3 billion+ potential clients. Such results are due to several claims, particularly the operational and financial challenges faced by microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the constant flux inviting more attentions towards its performance. While explicit attention is given by many researchers towards mobile banking and information and communication technology (ICT) in improving the MFIs’ performance, the study on how social media, as a rapidly growing online phenomenon, can impact on the MFIs’ performance remains scarce. As such, this study aims to investigate this impact based on four dimensional performance indicators: efficiency, financial sustainability, portfolio quality and outreach.Design/methodology/approachA model is proposed and tested to ascertain the relationship between social media applications and organisational performance. In so doing, web-based questionnaires have been used to collect data from MFI employees in developing countries. Results reveal a significant influence of the social media over the MFIs’ performance, offering valuable insights into both researchers and practitioners in the domain of microfinance, as well as social media—conforming that the adoption of social media as marketing, advertising and communication tools may significantly improve the MFIs’ performance.FindingsThe results demonstrate that there is a positive and significant impact of social media use within microfinance on the key indicators of MFIs. They also show that the highest impact of social media usage within the microfinance is on the portfolio quality. In addition, it was found that marketing and advertising; communication and sales and distribution are the main areas where social media is able to support while social networking websites are the most popular platforms employed in MFIs.Originality/valueThis study adds to the existing literature few theoretical and practical aspects. First, this study developed a model for assessing the value of social media as a new phenomenon within this type of organisation. Second, it offers microfinance sponsors, managers and policy makers with a frame of reference to understand what social media platform can be deployed for each purpose. Third, with the identification of the main MFIs’ performance indicators, this research provided a reference of performance measurement guide for microfinance industry when assessing different technological employment.

Developing cross-cultural managerial skills through social media

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Wankel
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Intercultural Training ◽  
Global Networks ◽  
Cultural Training ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Skills ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Cross Cultural Training ◽  
Media Applications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to familiarize managers with alternative social media applications of cross-cultural training approaches. Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides an overview of the current state of social media-based cross-cultural training and its trajectory. Findings – Social media is increasingly an integral part of contemporary communication. This paper shows how training technologies engaging to the born-digital generation have multiple advantages and unique deployment opportunities for cross-cultural know-how development. Originality/value – This paper provides a technological reframing of intercultural training that better aligns with the practices of the millennial generation, who are ready to embrace the accoutrements of international business and global networks. Readers will be sensitized to the advantages and disadvantages of new social media for intercultural training and education.

Cuba faces tough choices despite new constitution

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Internet Access ◽  
Gay Marriage ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Vote Count ◽  
Critical Citizens

Significance A 21-hour time lag between the closing of polling stations and the publication of the results gave rise to suspicions of fraud but vote count reports from independent observers are in line with the published data. With no campaigning against the reform permitted in the leadup to polling day, the referendum did not meet democratic standards. Dissenting voices were nevertheless more respected than in any vote since the 1959 revolution. Impacts Havana increasingly will feel pressure to offer its more critical citizens a legitimate say in politics to preclude increasing discontent. Churches, emboldened by their success in having gay marriage removed from the reform, will push their interests more openly than before. Internet access remains limited, but any future improvements to coverage could see social media strengthen the voices of government critics.

scholarly journals Using mobile learning and social media to enhance learner feedback

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mireilla Bikanga Ada ◽  
Mark Stansfield ◽  
Gavin Baxter
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mobile Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Educational Institution ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Media Applications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate an area of growing importance that is widely recognised in the literature relating to the issue of how to improve ways that assessments and feedback are provided to students within higher education. This paper reports on a study that aimed to explore the views of both educators (n=70) and students (n=540) on feedback and feed-forward at a UK university. The study also investigated their experience and attitudes to social media applications as a means of enhancing access to feedback within the context of mobile learning. Design/methodology/approach The research approach adopted in this study predominately conforms to a quantitative research design though embeds elements of qualitative research via a “mixed methods” approach. The overall methodology of the paper adheres to an exploratory case study in a higher education environment to identify various issues and approaches that could be addressed or enhanced to aid ways that assessments and feedback are disseminated to students within higher education. Findings Participants’ views were sought in relation to students receiving learning materials, as well as feedback from tutors directly to their smartphones and mobile devices. In addition, the study explored possible reasons for students not wanting to use social media and mobile devices for their learning and feedback. Overall, the results indicated a positive attitude on the part of educators and students to using mobile devices and social media applications for teaching and learning purposes. Research limitations/implications The case study presented in this paper draws on findings from one higher educational institution. Further research is required to determine the generalisability of the findings to allow comparison of the findings to be undertaken within other higher education institutions. Originality/value The originality of the paper is that it provides detailed empirical evidence and findings that provide several important implications in relation to enhancing the student learning experience and providing considerable improvements to the way that feedback is provided that make it more likely that students will take more notice to feedback and act upon it. This in turn enables educators to better plan and manage their teaching and student experience online and through students’ mobile devices. The value of this study is that it explores views of both educators and students, whereas many other previous studies tend to focus on the views of either educators or students.

Political anxiety over social media in Africa to grow

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Presidential Elections ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Virtual Private Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
High Profile ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Sub Saharan

Subject Outlook for social media in sub-Saharan Africa. Significance Across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in recent months, several high-profile protests have been coordinated using social media platforms, including the #ThisFlag demonstrations in Zimbabwe and opposition unrest following Uganda's presidential elections. This is spurring governments to tighten rules governing online platforms and content, and block platforms such as Twitter and Whatsapp. Impacts Opposition activists will increase use of virtual private networks to circumvent blocks on censored websites. Initiatives such as the Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation will help governments to police online content. Nevertheless, some Western donors will continue to sponsor initiatives, such as radio call-in shows, encouraging free speech. Clampdowns on social media will mainly affect political mobilisation in urban areas, for now, given poor rural internet penetration. Unit and subscription-related costs for web-enabled phones will continue to fall, increasing social media usage.

Fact-checking on social media will not curb falsehoods

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Presidential Elections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fact Checking ◽  
Primary Focus ◽  
Media Firms

Subject Falsehoods on social media Significance Recent reports that Russia is continuing its attempts to meddle with the 2020 US presidential elections has once again spotlighted efforts by social media firms to tackle the circulation of falsehoods on their platforms. Impacts Major geopolitical events, such as US elections, remain the primary focus of large disinformation campaigns by state-linked adversaries. The use of images, videos and fringe platforms will make tackling disinformation harder. Small changes to how social platforms work will prove ineffective.

Use and measurement of social media for SMEs

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 273-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret McCann ◽  
Alexis Barlow
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
True Value ◽  
Current Thinking ◽  
The Social ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Media Applications ◽  
Goals And Objectives

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate why small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are using social media and how they should measure its return on investment (ROI). The measurement of economic value associated with the use of social media by business is discussed in order to construct a model designed for analysing the ROI of social media for SMEs. The importance of a planned entry into the social media arena, formulation of measurable goals and objectives and understanding the business process are presented as vital pre-cursors to measuring, and indeed attaining, ROI. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review was compiled to explore the current thinking that exists on business use and measurement of social media in mainstream academic literature and other business-oriented publications. Primary research in the form of a survey was conducted with SMEs to determine the usefulness of social media and how SMEs measure its ROI. Findings – SMEs find some social media applications more valuable than others but 65 per cent of the companies surveyed did not measure the ROI. An overarching framework, aimed at SMEs, is presented which advocates that SMEs should take a strategic focus and plan their use of social media, and draw insight from both quantitative and qualitative data when measuring ROI. Originality/value – Most existing research on social media is related to large organisations and tends to focus on technical and commercial use rather than examining the value and ROI gained from social media from an SME perspective. This paper offers a simple framework to help SMEs plan their use of social media as well as measure its true value.

Social media models, technologies, and applications

2015 ◽  
Vol 115 (5) ◽  
pp. 769-802 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric W.T. Ngai ◽  
Ka-leung Karen Moon ◽  
S.S. Lam ◽  
Eric S. K. Chin ◽  
Spencer S.C. Tao
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Behavior Theories ◽  
Media Research ◽  
Social Media Research ◽  
Media Applications

Purpose – In recent years, social media have attracted considerable attention. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to conduct a critical literature review of social media research with the aim of developing a conceptual framework to explain how social media applications are supported by various social media tools and technologies and underpinned by a set of personal and social behavior theories or models. Design/methodology/approach – This study adopted a two-stage approach. The first stage involves a critical literature review of academic journals in social media research, followed by the proposal of a conceptual framework that highlights the tools and technologies as well as theories and models that serve as the foundation of social media applications. The second stage involves the use of an actual case to demonstrate how the proposed framework facilitates the development of a social media application for a regional division of an international non-government organization. Findings – The literature review indicated that social media have been applied in diverse business areas with the support of various social media tools and technologies and underpinned by a range of personal and social behavior theories and models. Based upon such findings, a conceptual social media application framework was devised and its usability illustrated via a real-life case study. Managerial implications are also discussed. Research limitations/implications – Social media covers a wide range of research topics and thus, the literature review presented in this study may not be exhaustive. Nevertheless, the proposed framework and case study can both serve as reference for future research and provide recommendations for practitioners in the design and development of their own social media applications. Practical implications – This study not only explains the importance of applying social media in various business sectors, but also enhances the understanding of the infrastructure of social media applications. The study also provides insights for improving the efficiency of application solutions. Organizations are advised to adopt social media in their business based on the proposed conceptual framework. Originality/value – With a literature review of social media research and a real-life case study, this study presents a conceptual framework using extant theories and models to form a foundation for social media applications. The framework extends existing knowledge on the design and development of information systems.

Chinese entrepreneurs’ experience of social media marketing: perception, strategy and challenge

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huan Chen ◽  
Dalong Ma ◽  
Ruowen Wang
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Media Marketing ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Marketing ◽  
Marketing Activities ◽  
Chinese Entrepreneurs ◽  
Emic Perspective ◽  
Media Applications

Purpose This paper aims to explore Chinese entrepreneurs’ perceptions and interpretations of social media marketing (SMM) in their daily business practices. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was adopted to explore the phenomenon. Specifically, 18 in-depth interviews were conducted among Chinese entrepreneurs to obtain their experiences of and perceptions on SMM. Findings Findings revealed that Chinese entrepreneurs have good understandings of SMM. They believe SMM is a necessary way to interact with customers and SMM can provide flexibility and sensitivity which are important for entrepreneurial marketing and are not easy to achieve through traditional marketing activities. When they choose social media applications, they will match the purpose of marketing activity with the characteristics of the social media. They have developed the specific strategies for different social media applications. In the meantime, they are facing some challenges, such as breaking the communication clutter, measuring the results and over depending on social media. Originality/value Findings of the current study extend the uses and gratifications theory to the context of business-oriented media usage. In addition, findings of the study expand previous literature by enriching the theoretical understanding of the concept of entrepreneur and entrepreneurial marketing in new social and cultural contexts. Finally, findings of the current study also supplement previous research on social media advertising by uncovering rich meanings of SMM from business owners’ emic perspective.

Russian state will both curb and direct social media

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Security Services ◽  
Russian State ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Unlimited Access

Significance Roskomnadzor plays an intrusive role in monitoring social media platforms and deciding what is acceptable. The largest platform is Russia's own Vkontakte, which is now controlled by Mail.ru. Impacts A June 2015 law gives the security services unlimited access to all communications. However, such solutions are technically impractical so their application will be more selective than universal. The authorities will use social media to convey their own messaging and confuse that of their opponents.

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