Blockchain technology in Africa: problems and perspectives / Tecnologia Blockchain na África: problemas e perspectivas

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 74359-74377
Author(s):  
Michele Romanello
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Economic Transformation ◽  
Technological Innovations ◽  
Disruptive Technology ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
New Concepts ◽  
Database Technology ◽  
Poor Infrastructure

One of new technologies that has gained popularity within a few years is blockchain. Blockchain technology offers distinct advantages over database technology as it provides for thrustless recording of transaction data without relying on an existing intermediary.African countries need technological innovations, such as blockchain, to achieve economic development and converge to the level of other countries. These technological innovations can indeed turn the poor infrastructure of African countries from a weakness into a resource. The continent can be a laboratory where testing and validating new concepts and technologies.The purpose of the paper is to analyse spread, problems, and potential of blockchain in African countries. Moreover, the paper presents policy recommendations as how countries could incorporate the technology towards achieving their economic transformation agenda.The results indicate that this disruptive technology will be essential for African countries in the next few years and the legal and regulatory mechanisms will have to operate in many ways. In order to accommodate this, domestic and regional legislations and institutions would have to undergo some changes to handle blockchain becoming a certainty.  

The Role of Industry-Academia Collaborative Research in Mineral Exploration

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Marlatt
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Research ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Board Members ◽  
Technological Innovations ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
The University ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Economic Mineral

ABSTRACT Many people may not be aware of the extent of Kurt Kyser's collaboration with mineral exploration companies through applied research and the development of innovative exploration technologies, starting at the University of Saskatchewan and continuing through the Queen's Facility for Isotope Research. Applied collaborative, geoscientific, industry-academia research and development programs can yield technological innovations that can improve the mineral exploration discovery rates of economic mineral deposits. Alliances between exploration geoscientists and geoscientific researchers can benefit both parties, contributing to the pure and applied geoscientific knowledge base and the development of innovations in mineral exploration technology. Through a collaboration that spanned over three decades, we gained insight into the potential for economic uranium deposits around the world in Canada, Australia, USA, Finland, Russia, Gabon, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Guyana. Kurt, his research team, postdoctoral fellows, and students developed technological innovations related to holistic basin analysis for economic mineral potential, isotopes in mineral exploration, and biogeochemical exploration, among others. In this paper, the business of mineral exploration is briefly described, and some examples of industry-academic collaboration innovations brought forward through Kurt's research are identified. Kurt was a masterful and capable knowledge broker, which is a key criterion for bringing new technologies to application—a grand, curious, credible, patient, and attentive communicator—whether talking about science, business, or life and with first ministers, senior technocrats, peers, board members, first nation peoples, exploration geologists, investors, students, citizens, or friends.

scholarly journals Blockchain Technology for Winning Consumer Loyalty: Social Norm Analysis Using Structural Equation Modeling

Mathematics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 532
Author(s):  
María de los Ángeles Pérez-Sánchez ◽  
Zhuowei Tian ◽  
Almudena Barrientos-Báez ◽  
José Gómez-Galán ◽  
Hanliang Li
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Social Norm ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Consumer Loyalty ◽  
Blockchain Technology

Remarkable changes have taken in social operation mode and consumers’ behavior mode because of the foot ban during the pandemic spread of COVID-19. Digital technologies such as Blockchain have shown potential in gaining competitive advantages for enterprises in such situations. This study aims to provide an insight into how to gain consumer loyalty through the use of modern and efficient Blockchain technology. In contrast to the current literature, this study combined the technology acceptance model of planned behavior theory, social exchange theory to explain the loyalty of an online travel agency (OTA) consumer. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from citizens in Hangzhou, a city full of technological innovation atmosphere. Using structural equation modeling with SmartPLS©, responses from 1403 citizens were analyzed. Social norm was discovered to have a positive and significant association with the consumers’ attitude toward technology and thus enhancing the perceived usability and hedonism of OTA application, which can increase consumer loyalty. The findings suggested OTAs may gain consumers’ loyalty through adopting Blockchain technology, and local governments have played a key role in creating such an environment. New technologies have become essential professional and social tools for society. The technological environment and Blockchain within the tourism sector are fundamental elements of China’s economic engine.

scholarly journals Nurses and the acceptance of innovations in technology-intensive contexts: the need for tailored management strategies

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Barchielli ◽  
Cristina Marullo ◽  
Manila Bonciani ◽  
Milena Vainieri
Keyword(s):  
Social Influence ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Technological Innovations ◽  
Utaut Model ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
The Social ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Facilitating Conditions

Abstract Background Several technological innovations have been introduced in healthcare over the years, and their implementation proved crucial in addressing challenges of modern health. Healthcare workers have frequently been called upon to become familiar with technological innovations that pervade every aspect of their profession, changing their working schedule, habits, and daily actions. Purpose An in-depth analysis of the paths towards the acceptance and use of technology may facilitate the crafting and adoption of specific personnel policies taking into consideration definite levers, which appear to be different in relation to the age of nurses. Approach The strength of this study is the application of UTAUT model to analyse the acceptance of innovations by nurses in technology-intensive healthcare contexts. Multidimensional Item Response Theory is applied to identify the main dimensions characterizing the UTAUT model. Paths are tested through two stage regression models and validated using a SEM covariance analysis. Results The age is a moderator for the social influence: social influence, or peer opinion, matters more for young nurse. Conclusion The use of MIRT to identify the most important items for each construct of UTAUT model and an in-depth path analysis helps to identify which factors should be considered a leverage to foster nurses’ acceptance and intention to use new technologies (o technology-intensive devices). Practical implications Young nurses may benefit from the structuring of shifts with the most passionate colleagues (thus exploiting the social influence), the participation in ad hoc training courses (thus exploiting the facilitating conditions), while other nurses could benefit from policies that rely on the stressing of the perception of their expectations or the downsizing of their expectancy of the effort in using new technologies.

Proteome and proteomics: New technologies, new concepts, and new words

1998 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 1853-1861 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Leigh Anderson ◽  
Norman G. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
New Words ◽  
New Concepts

scholarly journals High tech meets high touch in upscale hotels

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 347-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Brochado ◽  
Paulo Rita ◽  
Ana Margarido
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Technological Innovations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hotel Websites ◽  
Hotel Managers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Qualitative Phase ◽  
Business Travellers

Purpose This paper presents an analysis of the impact of current technologies on customer experiences in upscale hotels and assesses the potential of the latest technologies for enhancing customers’ stay. Design/methodology/approach A two-step approach was applied in this study. The qualitative phase included an examination of upscale hotel websites, interviews with hotel managers and an internet search regarding the latest technological innovations in hotels. In the quantitative stage, a questionnaire was developed for hotel guests, generating a sample of 310 valid completed questionnaires. Findings The results reveal that hotel guests value digital involvement in their hotel experience. Moreover, business travellers and younger generations give greater importance to latest technologies. Originality/value This study analyses the most innovative technologies, providing guidance for hoteliers wishing to upgrade or implement new technologies. Based on the findings, hoteliers can achieve greater differentiation by offering the most important and latest technology to guests, enhancing their experience and attracting new customers, which can potentially lead to increased revenues. The study’s results are also important because they include the perceptions of both managers and customers.

scholarly journals FORECASTING OF BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT IN ECONOMY: ACCOUNTING POINT OF VIEW

2019 ◽  
pp. 37-44
Author(s):  
L. Shkulipa
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Hype Cycle ◽  
Predictive Assessment ◽  
Further Development

In the article the importance of blockchain technology in the economy and predicting its development from the accounting point of view was investigated. The methods used in the study are based on the analysis of literature related to disclosure issues and a description of existing blockchain claims on the world stage. On the basis of this, a predictive assessment of the considered results for the further development of blockchain technology in the economy, its impact on accounting and the profession of accountant was made. The findings include the positive and negative effects of blockchain technology on the medical and banking sectors, information technology, the financial sector, and accounting. The blockchain in the hype cycle was considered as a phenomenon that all new technologies undergo before stable existing or disappearing. Based on the consideration of the most famous blockchain projects with the combination of Big Data, the estimation of the development technologies of Blockchain and Big Data in finance was discussed. This study suggests to consider blockchain technology as (1) a new way of sending and processing invoices, documents, contracts, and payments, reducing errors, costs and transaction time; (2) a path to financial equality through affordability; (3) investments in the local economy so that developing countries can grow significantly; (4) updating the currency market and the international monetary and financial transaction system; (5) a major breakthrough in the economy together with the Big Data technology.

scholarly journals Public Opinion in Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Conroy-Krutz
Keyword(s):  
Public Opinion ◽  
Political Development ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Political Competition ◽  
Political Campaigns ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Political Actors ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Health And Economic Development

Projects to measure public opinion in Africa have increased considerably in the last two decades. Earlier data-collection efforts focused on health and economic development, with limited attempts to gauge public opinion before the late 1990s. Possibilities expanded as a wave of political liberalizations swept the continent after the Cold War, and as government limitations on speech freedoms and survey research loosened. Knowledge about public opinion remains uneven, however; more surveys are conducted in wealthier, more stable, and more democratic countries. Various actors are leading these efforts. Academic and research organizations have been at the forefront, with Afrobarometer, which has conducted surveys in about two-thirds of African countries since 1999, the most prominent. The majority of studies are conducted by for-profit companies, media houses, and political campaigns, and many results are never publicly released. The growth in surveys of public opinion in Africa has had important ramifications across a number of realms. Academics have developed and tested new theories on how Africans respond to and shape their political and economic systems, and some long-standing theories have been challenged with newly available empirical evidence. Candidates and parties attempt to measure public opinion as they develop mobilizational and persuasive campaign strategies. Election observers have used survey data collected before and after voting to assess whether official results comport with citizens’ preferences. And international and domestic policymakers have increasingly used public opinion data from Africa to determine economic and political development priorities, and to assess the effectiveness of various programs. However, there is evidence that the survey enterprise in Africa is becoming increasingly politicized, with some officials attempting to block the release of potentially embarrassing results, or preventing surveys from being conducted altogether, and other political actors attacking survey organizations when they do not like what the data show. As organizations conducting public opinion surveys in Africa modify their strategies in the face of new technologies and changing political contexts, the ever-increasing availability of data on what Africans think about how their countries are and should be governed continues to fundamentally change academic understanding, policymaking, and actual political competition.

scholarly journals An Exploration into People’s Perception and Intention on using Cryptocurrencies

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-144
Author(s):  
Jake McMorrow ◽  
Mona Seyed Esfahani
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Financial Intermediaries ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
Technological Evolution ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Human Race ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Effort Expectancy ◽  
Data Transparency

Abstract The cryptocurrency market has been described as revolutionary due to the constant technological evolution and innovation that the blockchain technology provides. Leading many to believe that this could be the next step for the human race, just like how fiat currency replaced gold. Cryptocurrencies were originally created to be a form of savings or income for the unbanked, reduce costs and energy consumption, for a means of data transparency and to remove financial intermediaries. It is undeniable that the cryptocurrency market has created a divide of opinions, as some look to explore the market further while others reject the thought of adopting this innovative technology completely. This study focuses on the perception and intention to use cryptocurrencies. Diving into previous literature about the adoption of cryptocurrencies and new technologies. Highlighting key factors that can affect an individual’s perception and gaps in the literature that need to be explored further. A quantitative approach was used to gather data from 102 participants. The findings indicated that performance and effort expectancy as the most influential variables for cryptocurrency adoption, as people seek understanding as what benefits cryptocurrencies can provide for them when they feel incapable of using the innovative technology.

Blockchain Technology: Opportunities and Challenges for Small and Large Banks During COVID-19

2021 ◽  
pp. 2140001
Author(s):  
Grazia Dicuonzo ◽  
Francesca Donofrio ◽  
Antonio Fusco ◽  
Vittorio Dell’Atti
Keyword(s):  
International Institutions ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Emerging Technology ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Study Methodology

New technologies are assuming a prominent role in the transformation of economic and social systems and are capturing the interest of many businesses and international institutions. Blockchain is an emerging technology that is relevant in all sectors, as its applications can be adapted to multiple contexts with possible significant advantages for business. The ability to perform transactions without a central entity acting as a trust guarantor, typical of blockchain, offers the opportunity to rethink the way business processes are managed. Based on the case study methodology, this work aims to understand how blockchain could affect the business model in the banking sector and how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the implementation of blockchain.

Modelling blockchain-based business processes: a comparative analysis of BPMN vs CMMN

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 638-657
Author(s):  
Fredrik Milani ◽  
Luciano Garcia-Banuelos ◽  
Svitlana Filipova ◽  
Mariia Markovska
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Process Analysis ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Disruptive Technology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Block Chain ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeBlockchain technology is increasingly positioned as a promising and disruptive technology. Such a promise has attracted companies to explore how blockchain technology can be used to gain significant benefits. Process models play a cardinal role when seeking to improve business processes as they are the foundation of process analysis and redesign. This paper examines how blockchain-oriented processes can be conceptually modelled with activity- (BPMN) and artifact-centric (CMMN) modelling paradigms.Design/methodology/approachThis paper discusses how commonly occurring patterns, specific to block-chain-based applications, can be modelled with BPMN and CMMN. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of both notations for accurately representing blockchain-specific patterns are discussed.FindingsThe main finding of this paper is that neither BPMN nor CMMN can adequately and accurately represent certain patterns specific for blockchain-oriented processes. BPMN, while supporting most of the patterns, does not provide sufficient support to represent tokenization. CMMN, on the other hand, does not provide support to distinguish between activities executed and data stored on-chain versus off-chain.Originality/valueThe paper provides insight into the strengths and weaknesses of BPMN and CMMN for modelling processes to be supported by blockchain. This will serve to aid analysts to produce better process models for communication purposes and, thereby, facilitate development of blockchain-based solutions.

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