TI in the Institutional Scientific Productivity of Ecuador, Cuba and Colombia

Scientific production is one of the indicators of relevance to measure the efficiency in the institutional environment, which implies a development conditioned in all the sectors from the society to world level. In the same way, the technologies of the information (TI) represent a decisive element for their administration which has experienced a constant growth during the last decades similar to the consolidation of the university studies in the different areas of the knowledge and study modalities. The following article makes a reflection on the base of the concepts and tendencies of the scientific investigation and its linking with the technologies of the information. The production of the investigation was characterized in the countries of Ecuador, Cuba and Colombia, as well as the existent relationship among the investment in technologies of the information and the institutional productivity, which was performed with the analysis of bibliometric indicatives. As a result, it was set down the bases for the theoretical-practical deeping of the investigation. Also, it was verified that the investment in IT focused in articles and scientific magazines, contribute to a better knowledge in academic institutions and that the three countries develop policies to motivate this activity, being Colombia the one with more production in the last ten years, as well as the one that has had bigger expense in IT as percentage of the GDP, which is carried out mainly by the government; although the administration of the knowledge has a transcendental impact for the economic and social development of any country.

Communication Within and Among Faith-Based Organizationsin Community Empowerment Program

The issue of this research is concerning the communication within and among Zakat Management Organizations (OPZs) as Faith-Based Organization (FBO). The main research problem is how OPZ(s) can successfullydevelop cooperationin increasing both public trust and institutional productivity. Interpretive Approach through Social Construction Theory was used as a reference to see the process of organizational communication through OPZ’s communicator ethos. The research method used was qualitative with a technique of case study, and informants were from OPZ’s West Java unit. The results showed that the communicator ethos as a source of credibility in communicationwithin and among OPZs, derived from Islamic Teachings, applicable (positive)laws, and basic guidelines of OPZs, can produce organizational values as the basis of implementing cooperation in community empowerment programs. Cooperation among OPZsin an empowerment program is more related to personal power and interpersonal power aspectsthan to political power aspect. There is a need to strengthen openness and mutual trust values among the OPZs, changes in zakat regulation, more transparent, accountable and equitable governance in order to increase trust, realization of zakat potentials, and prosperity.

Scientific Writing: The Predicament of Weather and Climate Scientists in India

While writing is integral to science, it gets little attention in formal science education/academics. Such neglect has serious implications for nonnative English-speaking (NNES) scientists. An inability to write effective and efficient manuscripts can considerably delay the publication of new results while reflecting badly on the performance of individual scientists and on institutional productivity. In the multiethnic and multilingual Indian society, NNES scientists may face more linguistic complexities that inhibit clear and precise scientific writing. This article tries to address the predicament of scientific writing among NNES scientists in weather and climate sciences in India. Results from an informal e-mail survey with 80 respondents, mostly drawn from academic and research institutions in India, bolster anecdotal evidence of the difficulties NNES scientists have in writing about their science in research and popular publications. The responses also reflect high levels of interest these scientists have in addressing their communication difficulties. The survey results address the scientists’ perceptions and dilemmas in clear scientific writing as well as their perceived skills and training needs. The article also suggests possible solutions.

Improving Higher Education Productivity and Its Measurement: Linking Productivity and Student Success in Australia

The current research explores links between university productivity and student success in Australia. Interviews were conducted with 15 stakeholders and experts on the topic of higher education productivity. The research uses qualitative methods to identify instances when participants discussed institutional productivity in conjunction with student success factors. Four common themes emerged that linked institutional productivity to student success: “Student experience and engagement,” “attrition, retention and progression,” “cross-subsidies,” and “teaching-research effort.” Findings reveal two feasible options for improving productivity estimation for the education function of universities. Findings also reveal leverage points for intervention to improve student success and productivity. The research highlights where mutual interests lie for managing resources and facilitating better student outcomes.

Efektivitas Kelembagaan Pemerintah Dalam Pengembangan KEK Tanjung Lesung Kabupaten Pandeglang Provinsi Banten

Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Tanjung Lesung located in Pandeglang, Banten Province, was established to increases local economy by tourism. Under law No. 39 year 2009 on SEZ, SEZ was managed by Zone’s board with assistance of SEZ secretariat, its administrator, and company such as PT. Banten West Java (BWJ). Effective institutional productivity is needed in the development of SEZ Tanjung Lesung. This research uses quantitative and qualitative methods to measure effectivity level of its employee’s character, government policy, human resources effectivity, also role and coordination of zone’s board . There is inefficiency in SEZ management mainly in role and coordinating aspects that turns SEZ working inefficently because of the lack of coordination, communication, service standards, monitoring and supervision. Further institutional evaluation and restructurization is needed to ensure optimum SEZ function.