E-Government and Digital Divide in Developing Countries

2011 ◽  
pp. 1310-1317
Author(s):  
Udo Richard Averweg
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Government Sector ◽  
Ict Adoption ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Ict Infrastructure ◽  
The Government

The transition of the global economy from an industrial focus to one based on knowledge and information presents numerous opportunities and challenges to countries, especially those in the developing world (Cape IT Initiative, 2003). The government sector (and especially the local government sector) needs to embrace information and communication technologies (ICTs) that enable it to operate more efficiently and communicate better with its citizens. ICTs encompass all technologies that facilitate the processing and transfer of information and communication services (United Nations, 2002). Many factors affect how local governments (i.e., municipalities) in developing countries access ICTs. In order to bridge the digital divide?which separates the technology ‘haves’ from the technology ‘have nots’?it is necessary to gauge where citizens are in terms of ICT adoption, that is, their e-readiness. E-readiness can be defined in terms of availability of ICT infrastructure, the accessibility of ICT to the general citizen population, and the effect of the legal and regulatory framework on ICT use in, for example, an e-government strategy. eThekwini Municipality (2003), in the city of Durban in the developing country of South Africa, sees the e-government strategy and its Web site at http://www.durban.gov.za as important management tools for improved citizen service delivery and communication. The objective of this article is to report, as an example, on the survey of ICT and information needs of a selected metropolitan municipal area (eThekwini Municipality in South Africa). Such a report maybe useful to other municipalities in developing countries for their egovernment strategies. This article is organized as follows. The background to e-government and the digital divide are discussed. eThekwini Municipality in South Africa is then described. The research goals are outlined, the research method and data gathering are discussed, the survey results and discussion are given, and future trends for implementing an e-government strategy in municipalities in developing countries are suggested. Finally, a conclusion is given.

scholarly journals Comparative Study of Competitive Intelligence Practices between Two Retail Banks in Brazil and South Africa

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. S. A. Du Toit
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
South African ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Competitive Intelligence ◽  
Regulatory Requirements ◽  
Operational Risks ◽  
Retail Banks ◽  
E Mail

Using competitive intelligence (CI) can help developing countries to increase their competitiveness. This paper compares the CI activities between two retail banks in Brazil and South Africa. An e-mail survey in a sample of 2550 employees in a retail bank in Brazil and 847 employees in a retail bank in South Africa was carried out in which CI practices were measured. Respondents in both countries were not very effective to conduct effective CI analysis. Respondents from Brazil consider information on operational risks as the most important while for South African respondents the most important information was on changing regulatory requirements. Although there is a culture of competitiveness in both organizations, it is recommended that if they want to compete effectively in the global economy, they should create CI awareness by organizing CI training sessions for employees.

M-Government and Its Application on Public Service Delivery

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Vannie Naidoo ◽  
Thokozani Ian Nzimakwe
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Global Change ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Public Service ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Technological Changes ◽  
Government Sector ◽  
The Government ◽  
Improve Service Delivery

Technology has taken over every aspect of society. It is only fitting that governments embrace technological changes in society and develop m-government for the technologically savvy people of today's society. A global change that is transforming the government sector is the use of ICTs to improve service delivery. In this chapter, the following themes will be investigated and discussed: e-government, defining mobile government, different perspectives on mobile government, mobile government in developed countries, mobile government in developing countries, benefits and limitations of mobile government, way forward in implementing mobile government, and future research in areas of mobile government.

ICT Considerations for a Municipality in South Africa

2011 ◽  
pp. 1158-1170
Author(s):  
Udo Averweg ◽  
Siyabonga Manyanga
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Ict Adoption ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Internet Networks ◽  
Transfer Of Information

The availability of publicly accessible Internet networks and services are the first prerequisite in ensuring that all citizens and nations can benefit from information on the World Wide Web (UNESCO, 2003). Information and communication technologies (ICT) are playing an increasingly important role in the daily lives of citizens, revolutionising work and leisure and changing the rules of doing business. ICT encompass all technologies that facilitate the processing and transfer of information and communication services (United Nations, 2002). In the realm of government, ICT applications are promising to enhance the delivery of public goods and services to citizens not only by improving the process and management of government but also by redefining the traditional concepts of citizenship and democracy (Pascual, 2003). The spread of ICT brings hope that governments can transform (Pacific Council on International Policy, 2002). This article is organised as follows: • Background to the research is given • ICT adoption in the eThekwini Municipality in South Africa is described • The research goals, method, data gathering, and results are discussed • Management implications towards implementing a successful e-government strategy are given • Future trends are then suggested and a conclusion is given

An Overview of E-Commerce Security and Critical Issues for Developing Countries

2011 ◽  
pp. 56-65
Author(s):  
Pierre F. Tiako
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Significant Research ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Ict Infrastructure ◽  
Transaction Services ◽  
Financial Transactions

Deficient information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructure, lack of awareness on e-commerce issues, network payment and secure transaction services present enormous challenges to developing countries. For e-commerce to be a viable tool for trade in developing countries (DC), a “secure infrastructure” which makes possible the electronic exchange of financial transactions is a necessary prerequisite. There has been significant research on e-commerce security, although most of these studies have focused on developed countries. Less attention has been paid to underdeveloped countries that face different circumstances due to the above challenges. From technological perspectives, this work discusses important issues of e-commerce security for developing countries in regards to lack of fraud repression and justice in those countries.

Digital Divides and Grassroots-Based E-Government in Developing Countries

2008 ◽  
pp. 116-124
Author(s):  
Farhad Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Public Affairs ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Digital Divides ◽  
The Government ◽  
Scholarly Contribution

Once properly managed, e-governance can add tremendous dynamism in reforming public administration and can change the mode of interaction between the state and its citizens. However, concerns regarding digital divides and the challenges of e-governance in the developing states of Africa, Asia, and Latin America are growing. If the factors contributing to digital divides are not carefully identified and properly solved, there is a growing risk that in the coming years digital resources might become the preserve of the “haves,” while ignoring the plight of the “have-nots” as they seek access to resources in developing countries. The current Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan (2000) provided the insight that new information and communications technologies are bringing people together, and bringing decision-makers unprecedented new tools for development. At the same time, however, Mr. Annan added, the gap between information “haves” and “have-nots” is widening, and there is a real danger that the world’s poor will be excluded from the emerging knowledge-based global economy. E-governance in this article could be referred to as the use of digital devices, usually by public authorities, when dealing with their public, private and non-profit stakeholders. E-governance comprises a practice, process, or activities through digital means and could equally be practiced by different stakeholders in managing public affairs. While in contrast “e-government” is defined by Shafritz and Russel (2003) as conducting any aspect of government business operations over the Internet—from providing information by government to paying bills to the government. This article examines and analyzes the current status of emerging electronic and Web-based governance (e-governance) in developing countries. In doing so, the article outlines the market model, participatory state model, flexible government model, and the deregulated government model presented by Professor Guy Peters for reforming governance. In light of the above, the article brings forward the emerging issues of governance, e-governance, and the possibility of shared governance. Emerging e-governance is reshaping the process of administrative reforms in developing countries—which requires fresh academic research and a scholarly contribution.

An Overview of E-Commerce Security and Critical Issues for Developing Countries

2008 ◽  
pp. 52-60
Author(s):  
Pierre F. Tiako
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Significant Research ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Ict Infrastructure ◽  
Transaction Services ◽  
Financial Transactions

Deficient information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructure, lack of awareness on e-commerce issues, network payment and secure transaction services present enormous challenges to developing countries. For e-commerce to be a viable tool for trade in developing countries (DC), a “secure infrastructure” which makes possible the electronic exchange of financial transactions is a necessary prerequisite. There has been significant research on e-commerce security, although most of these studies have focused on developed countries. Less attention has been paid to underdeveloped countries that face different circumstances due to the above challenges. From technological perspectives, this work discusses important issues of e-commerce security for developing countries in regards to lack of fraud repression and justice in those countries.

Digital Divide in Turkey

2010 ◽  
pp. 75-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mete Yildiz
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
International Organizations ◽  
Private Firms ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Discussion Section ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Government

This chapter examines the nature of digital divide in Turkey. To this end, after a brief summary of the literature, first, the dimensions of digital divide in the country are explained. Then, various initiatives by the government, private firms, NGOs, and international organizations to combat digital divide are presented. Next, in the discussion section, issues for further discussion regarding digital divide in Turkey are listed. The chapter ends with the examination of the issues regarding the future prospects for overcoming digital divide in Turkey and developing countries elsewhere.

A Theoretical Framework and Model of ICT Adoption and Inclusion in Developing Countries

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Alice S. Etim
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Mobile Phone Technology ◽  
Human Needs ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Ict Adoption ◽  
Technology Adoption Model ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Adoption Model ◽  
Information Poverty

Information and communication technology (ICT) adoption is cardinal to the sustainability of all societies, and it is the engine that can transform developing countries. This first chapter for the book uses the theories of poverty, human needs, and information poverty as the lenses to examine the framework for ICT adoption and inclusion. A world pyramid of needs that embodies information needs is developed. Information poverty is discussed along with the case of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the global pandemic that brought to a halt many communities in 2020. A mobile phone technology adoption model (MOPTAM) is presented as the framework to understanding ICT adoption and inclusion in developing countries.

Identification of Facilitators and Barriers of ICT Usage in the Education Sector of Pakistan

2021 ◽  
pp. 27-53
Author(s):  
Kiran Adnan ◽  
Farhan Bashir Shaikh ◽  
Rabia Afzaal ◽  
Adnan Bin Amanat Ali ◽  
Vasaki Ponnusamy
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Education Sector ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Ict Integration ◽  
Effective Implementation ◽  
Prisma Statement ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers ◽  
Ict Infrastructure

Information and communication technology (ICT) integration in the education sector plays an important role in the socio-economic growth of any country. The developing countries are facing hindrances in effective implementation of ICT in the education sector. Pakistan is one of the developing countries of Asia and facing challenges in ICT integration in the education sector. This study aims to identify the challenges being faced in the implementation of ICT in the education sector of Pakistan at all levels of education. The second objective of this study is to explore the best practices to overcome the identified challenges. The PRISMA statement has been used to achieve the objectives of the study. The qualitative synthesis and descriptive analysis are used to demonstrate the findings of this systematic literature review. The findings of this study highlight the need to improve the ICT infrastructure to facilitate students with digital online resources, economical solutions, technical facilities, and self-efficacy.

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