The Internet and SMEs in Sub-Saharan African Countries

Relevant Literature ◽

Global Network ◽

The Internet ◽

African Countries ◽

Internet Protocols ◽

The World ◽

Sub Saharan

The Internet is a global network of interconnected computers using multiple Internet protocols (IP). Increasingly, it is being used to enhance business operation by both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large organizations around the world (Bunker and MacGregor, 2002; Turban, Lee, King, & Chung, Lee, J., King, D. & Chung 2004). One reason is that the Internet, when used to facilitate e-commerce and e-business, offers several benefits for the adopting organizations (Walczuch, den Braven, & Lundgren, 2000; Turban, et al, 2004). Such benefits include the following: 1) reducing distance barrier, 2) the development of new products and services, 3) opening direct links between customer and suppliers, and 4) enhancing communication efficiency. Our study of the relevant literature reveals that the diffusion of the Internet among businesses in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA), including SMEs, is the lowest in the world at around 2% (ITU, 2005). A recent report shows that the whole of Africa has only 1% of the total international Internet bandwidth (UNCTAD, 2005). Thus, it is to be expected that businesses in the region with such poor connectivity and use will be unable to fully reap the benefits of the technology. Against such unfavorable situations, it would seem reasonable for research efforts to uncover why such unfavorable conditions prevail in the region. Sadly, very few studies exist that have investigated such issues. Little is known about the perceptions of the Internet or the factors inhibiting its spread among SMEs in SSA. To fill this gap in research, this article aims at adding to knowledge by presenting a summary of the findings of a preliminary study designed to investigate the perceptions of the Internet and the sorts of barriers facing SMEs in SSA desiring to adopt Internet in their operations or for commerce. The study used SMEs in Nigeria, a Sub-Saharan African country. The country was chosen for illustration proposes as it is the most populous country in Africa and has favorable indicators for the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) compared to other SSA countries (Ifinedo, 2005). Importantly, researchers, for example, Ojukwu (2006) have discussed use of ICT among Nigerian SMEs and it is hoped that this present effort will complement similar research efforts.

ICTs and Their Impact on Women's Roles and Evolution within Developing Societies

Human Rights and Ethics ◽

10.4018/978-1-4666-6433-3.ch080 ◽

2015 ◽

pp. 1452-1473

Author(s):

Ana-Cristina Ionescu

Keyword(s):

Positive Impact ◽

Western World ◽

The Internet ◽

New Information ◽

The World ◽

Promote Gender Equality ◽

Modern Technologies

The Internet is definitely the most complex and dynamic technical and cultural phenomenon that humanity ever experienced. Nevertheless, despite its positive impact on the Western world, Web 2.0 has yet to prove its power in the undeveloped regions of the globe, where the Internet Era is still at its dawn. In developing countries, the barriers that women face, such as poverty or social imbalances, establish significant challenges that hinder connectivity and access to modern technologies. In this context, the chapter discusses the evolution of gender speech in relation to new Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The authors determine whether the declarations and plans for action that were issued subsequent to the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing enhanced the establishment of gendered policies on ICTs, particularly in the undeveloped regions of the world, and whether, in this way, they empower women, contribute to combating women's poverty, and promote gender equality.

The Web as a Learning Environment for Kids

Distance Learning Technologies ◽

10.4018/978-1-878289-80-3.ch013 ◽

2000 ◽

pp. 166-185 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sherif Kamel

Keyword(s):

World Wide Web ◽

Human Resources ◽

Learning Process ◽

World Wide ◽

The Internet ◽

The World ◽

The Future ◽

The Internet and the World Wide Web are demonstrating the growing influence of information and communication technologies in various aspects of the economy. Regardless of the barriers of time and distance, newly introduced information highways are linking the world countries together, their societies and cultures contributing effectively to globalization. One of the growing trends in societal development and growth is investment in people. Therefore, the learning process is a priority issue that information and communication technologies are serving trying to upgrade and leverage human resources to become more competitive as we approach the 21st century with all its challenges and opportunities. This chapter covers an initiative that was launched in Egypt in 1997 that targets the investment of Egypt’s young generation, the kids of the present and the leaders of the future. This initiative is part of a national plan that aims at leveraging the capacities of Egypt’s human resources. The focus of the chapter will be the learning process, the Internet and the presence of the first Egyptian Web site for children on the Internet “Little Horus.” With the introduction of the Internet since 1993 in Egypt, today there are around 250,000 Internet subscribers, among which are a growing community of schools, teachers and children. As the Internet grows in magnitude and capacity, perceived to reach over one million subscribers in the coming five years with an estimated 20 percent under the age of 16, the Internet and the World Wide Web could play an active role in the education process in Egypt. The chapter, therefore, will demonstrate the “Little Horus” initiative, the steps that were achieved so far, the plan for the future and the building blocks that represented the critical success factors for the realization of this initiative with relatively modest resources.

Criminal law aspects of countering extremism in the virtual space

Current Issues of the State and Law ◽

10.20310/2587-9340-2020-4-13-141-150 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 141-150

Author(s):

Andrey Paramonov ◽

Vadim Kharin

Keyword(s):

Criminal Law ◽

Virtual Space ◽

Psychological Characteristics ◽

The Internet ◽

Practical Implementation ◽

World Community ◽

The World ◽

The relevance of the study is confirmed by the fact that extremism is one of the most dangerous phenomena in the security of the world community, which pose a threat to the whole society both with committed crimes and the destruction of generally recognized rules of morality, law and human values. We point out that in modern conditions the dissemination of extremist ideas is actively promoted by information and communication technologies, especially the Internet. It is emphasized that extremists have the opportunity not only to demonstrate their materials to a multimillion audience, but also to enter into discussions and uphold their ideas and views. The Internet is very promising for extremists. This study considers the benefits that the Internet provides in disseminating extremist information. We believe that the problem of the spread of extremist information on the Internet is especially perceptible to young people. Due to personal and psychological characteristics, this social group is very vulnerable, as they are easily imposed on the ideas and views of extremists. In the context of the active spread of extremism on the Internet, the regulatory framework for combating these crimes is extensively presented. We indicate some problems with the practical implementation of countering extremism on the Internet.

Several Contemporary Economy Features, Consequences of Internet Expansion and I.C.T. Innovations in the World

Studies in Business and Economics ◽

10.2478/sbe-2019-0052 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. 175-181 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Șerbu Răzvan

Keyword(s):

Turning Point ◽

The Internet ◽

Future Developments ◽

Internet Firms ◽

The World ◽

On Line ◽

Different Levels

AbstractThe Internet has reach half of the population of the planet and in the latest three years more than 700 millions users came on line from the emerging world. Most of them are coming now from the poorer population. This it may be a turning point for their economic development. This paper attempts to outline some possible future developments of the contemporary economy within the new digital transformation and development of internet firms in emerging markets, some of the pluses and minuses, some of the opportunities and threats brought by the expansion of the Internet and information and communication technologies at different levels. We will present some significant aspects about this impact for individuals and for companies especially in Eastern Europe but also around the world. The study intends to deliver also analysis at the level of governmental reactions. Governments have gone through different sentiments that have led to different responses to these technologies. A new revolution that is about to begin it will be grounded on blockchain the technologies that cryptocurrencies are based on. What was initially translated as a threat to governments and central banks can become a solution if it’s deal cautiously.

Internet and Political Parties in Chile

Systems Thinking and E-Participation ◽

10.4018/978-1-60566-860-4.ch018 ◽

2010 ◽

pp. 276-293 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Eduardo Araya Moreno ◽

Diego Barría ◽

Gustavo Campos

Keyword(s):

Political Parties ◽

Political Communication ◽

The United States ◽

The Political ◽

The Internet ◽

New Information ◽

The World ◽

Due to the importance that the Internet has gained as a means of communication, literature on political communication has incorporated it as one of its preferred topics of focus. Literature stems almost entirely from Europe and the United States. Very little is known about the political use of new information and communication technologies (NICTs) in other parts of the world. The present chapter aims to provide evidence in that line, starting from the study of the incorporation of the Chilean political parties to the Internet. In specific, the following questions are answered: In what extent do factors such as the organizational characteristics of the political parties explain their greater or lesser adoption of NICTs? What do parties use NICTs for? Furthermore, although briefly, the authors will try to answer the question whether the parties have experienced change in their interaction with the citizenry and their bases because of the usage of NICTs.

Practice, Progress, and Proficiency in Sustainability - Handbook of Research on Institution Development for Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth in Africa ◽

Technological Innovations in Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa

10.4018/978-1-7998-4817-2.ch016 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 254-275

Author(s):

Amadou Tandjigora

Keyword(s):

Public Policy ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

The Internet ◽

Technological Innovations ◽

Policy Recommendations ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Scientific Arguments

The purpose of this chapter is to review the literature on technological innovations in general and more specifically on the use of information and communication technologies in agriculture. Emphasis was placed on two main tools, namely the telephone and the internet. The opportunities created by these two tools have been highlighted on the basis of previous studies supported by scientific arguments. Some stylized facts have also made it possible to highlight the level of these ICTs in 20 countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Some countries like Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Rwanda, and, to a lesser extent, Senegal are more advanced in this process of using ICT because they are relatively more economically stable. Finally, the constraints linked to the adoption of these ICTs as well as certain public policy recommendations were formulated.

Electronic Commerce in Egypt

Managing Web-Enabled Technologies in Organizations ◽

10.4018/978-1-878289-72-8.ch010 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 210-232 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sherif Kamel

Keyword(s):

Electronic Commerce ◽

21St Century ◽

Development Process ◽

Business Development ◽

The Internet ◽

The World ◽

Challenges And Opportunities ◽

The information and communication technologies have had remarkable impacts worldwide on the emergence of a number of trends and applications affecting business, the industry and the economy. One of the vastly growing waves in today’s changing environment is electronic commerce. It is directly affecting the way people communicate, interact and do business. Electronic commerce currently represents 2% of the global business transactions but promises to dominate the business environment in the 21st century. The successful presence of electronic commerce through the Internet has helped create low cost and more efficient channels for product and service sales through a more dynamic and interactive venue of opportunities where the world becomes the market place. This chapter reflects on the ways business will be developed and formulated in the 21st century. As the world is converging into a global village where supply and demand interacts across nations and continents, electronic commerce represents an opportunity for many countries around the world. Egypt, one of the rapidly growing economies among the developing world has thoroughly invested in transforming its society to deal with the information-based global market economy of the coming century. Respectively, one of the associated technologies in business development and trading has been electronic commerce. With the introduction of the Internet since 1993 in Egypt, today there are around 250,000 Internet subscribers served by 50 Internet service providers and representing the starting point for a potential electronic commerce community. As the Internet grows in magnitude and capacity, electronic commerce will flourish and will have direct implications on the socioeconomic and business development process in Egypt. This chapter demonstrates Egypt’s vision with regard to electronic commerce and its possible utilization in its developmental and planning processes. Moreover, the chapter will demonstrate the roles of the government, the public and the private sector facing the challenges and opportunities enabled by electronic commerce, and how Egypt places the new enabled information and communication technologies as tools that can help in the nation’s development process.

Advances in Electronic Government, Digital Divide, and Regional Development - Digital Public Administration and E-Government in Developing Nations ◽

ICTs and Their Impact on Women's Roles and Evolution within Developing Societies

10.4018/978-1-4666-3691-0.ch018 ◽

2013 ◽

pp. 335-358

Author(s):

Ana-Cristina Ionescu

Keyword(s):

Positive Impact ◽

Western World ◽

The Internet ◽

New Information ◽

The World ◽

Promote Gender Equality ◽

Modern Technologies

The Internet is definitely the most complex and dynamic technical and cultural phenomenon that humanity ever experienced. Nevertheless, despite its positive impact on the Western world, Web 2.0 has yet to prove its power in the undeveloped regions of the globe, where the Internet Era is still at its dawn. In developing countries, the barriers that women face, such as poverty or social imbalances, establish significant challenges that hinder connectivity and access to modern technologies. In this context, the chapter discusses the evolution of gender speech in relation to new Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The authors determine whether the declarations and plans for action that were issued subsequent to the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing enhanced the establishment of gendered policies on ICTs, particularly in the undeveloped regions of the world, and whether, in this way, they empower women, contribute to combating women's poverty, and promote gender equality.

Scientific Notes of Taurida National V.I. Vernadsky University. Series: Economy and Management ◽

ELECTRONIC GOVERNANCE IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING MANAGEMENT DECISIONS

10.32838/2523-4803/71-3-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 71 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Alexey Mikhalchenko

Keyword(s):

Public Participation ◽

Public Services ◽

The Internet ◽

Access To Information ◽

Public Authorities ◽

The World ◽

Mobile Computers

The article reveals the features of the process of development of information and communication technologies (ICT), and with them e-government, which in turn affects the state-building processes. ICTs are becoming more accessible to increase simplicity and efficiency in many areas of life. ICT is particularly promising in the field of governance and public participation. Proponents of open and e-government believe that in the digital age, governments can use information to reduce corruption and increase government transparency, accountability, efficiency, and citizen participation. Proponents of human rights argue that the successful use of ICT in governance requires access to information, education and the ability to share information with citizens. One of the main goals of e-government is to increase the level of citizen involvement in state activities and government decision-making. This goal is achieved through openness and transparency of public authorities and local governments. Citizens' trust and support of the government play a key role in the formation and successful support of a democratic state. The world revolution in information and communication technologies is currently underway. The Internet, the personal computer and the mobile phone are radically changing our lives - influencing how we work, learn and interact. Governments around the world recognize the value of e-government. With the right design and implementation, e-government can increase the efficiency of public services, simplify government regulation, strengthen public participation and trust in government, and save money for citizens, businesses and government itself. Not surprisingly, politicians and leaders seek to introduce e-government in countries around the world - from the most developed to the least developed. The use of information technology by public authorities (such as global networks, the Internet and mobile computers), which have the ability to transform relationships with citizens, businesses and other branches of government. These technologies can serve a variety of purposes: better delivery of public services to citizens, better interaction with business and industry, empowering citizens through access to information, or better governance. Its benefits can be reduced corruption, increased transparency, greater convenience, increased revenue, and / or reduced costs.