AN APPRAISAL OF VIRTUAL INTERNSHIP IN KENYA: EXPERIENCES AND PERCEPTIONS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Purpose: This paper sought to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on Virtual internship. It explores the interns experience and perceptionon virtual internship that was accelerated by the outbreak of COVID-19. Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional study on interns in different companies in Kenya. The study used both close-ended and open-ended online questionnaires to collect data from 161 interns about their experience and perception of switching to virtual internship. The data analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: Internship programs were interrupted by COVID-19 pandemic greatly. There was low number of interns in organizations, and management made changes on the scope and intake of interns. Among the changes made by organization was the shift from traditional internship to virtual internship. The virtual interns reported great satisfaction. They reported gaining by learning technical skills and soft skills for remote work. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The findings of this study contribute and fill the gaps to the literature around virtual internship. The study recommends organizations to adopt policy that allow for virtual internship. The policy should, firstly, provide for orientation of interns. This will enable the interns to understand their scope of work and company culture. Secondly, the policy should clearly provide the most appropriate communication platforms e.g. zoom, WhatsApp, teams etc. Finally the policy should include a framework that will allow interns to attend departmental meetings. This will go a long way in exposing the interns to the company’s work culture and reduce isolation.

IMPLICATION OF GIS ON SUSTAINABLE URBAN PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT IN UGANDA

Purpose: The fundamental purpose of this study was to assess the implication of GIS on sustainable urban planning and management in Uganda, one of the East African countries. Methodology: This study was a desk review research where documents were reviewed using a documentary checklist as the primary data collection instrument. Data was analyzed using content thematic analysis where emerging themes were identified and presented in a narrative form accompanied with quotation of texts from the documents where the identified themes emerged from. Findings: This study found out that GIS contributes to sustainable urban planning and management through the following ways; analyzing the existing situation for adequate urban planning process; producing and maintaining geographical information which aids planning of urban areas and towns; providing quick access of data to planners and other stakeholders which eases the urban planning and management process; enabling planners to make effective, efficient and informed decision with regards to urban planning and management; enabling monitoring, evaluation and provision of feedback with regards to implementation of urban plans. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This study concludes that GIS has a positive implication on sustainable urban planning and management. This study also recommends that Governments of developing economies especially low income and middle income economies, Uganda not being exceptional should develop a strong data base for GIS systems so as to enable quick access to data by planners for effective and informed decision making in order to foster sustainable urban planning and management in low and middle income countries.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CAPABILITIES AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: A REVIEW

Purpose: The purpose of this review is to examine the relationship between information technology (IT) capabilities of enterprises and their ability to gain competitive advantage through IT resources, based on underpinning theories and empirical studies. Methodology: The approach to the review was to conduct extensive literature searches in the fields of strategic management and information technology management, as a result of which four supporting models and perspectives, that is, technology acceptance model (TAM), unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), the IT capability theory, and RBV, and seven empirical studies that linked IT capability dimensions of IT infrastructure; IT human resources; and IT knowledge management and competitive advantage were eventually reviewed. Findings: The review provides indications to better understand the relationship between IT capabilities and competitive advantage. The RBV was discovered to be a very popular and useful underpinning theory favored by many scholars in explaining the relationship. Evidence from empirical studies showed a positive and significant relationship between IT capabilities and competitive advantage, which led to conclusions and recommendations. Contributions to theory, practice, and policy: The review was able to highlight the importance of investment and deployment of IT resources such as infrastructure, human resources, and knowledge management to gain a competitive advantage, and established the role of RBV in strategic management research. Recommendations were made on theory, practice, and policy

CYBERCRIME: THEORETICAL DETERMINANTS, CRIMINAL POLICIES, PREVENTION & CONTROL MECHANISMS

Purpose: The research aimed to explore the theoretical determinants of cybercrime in Qatar and assess how it can be prevented and minimised. Methodology: This was done using the mixed method research design through the survey strategy and semi-structured interviews with experts in the field of cybercrime in Qatar. Having adopted a mixed-method research methodology, the study had a target population of 200 participants for questionnaire survey, while expert interview had a target population of 11 experts. All these participants were purposively sampled in pursuit of engaging respondents who had knowledge, experience and expertise in cybercrime, such as IT experts and professionals working on cyber security solutions, Lawyers, police officers working in cybercrime department in Qatar, and lawyers who had dealt with cybercrime. The results of the survey were quantified using the Likert scale and analysed quantitatively by the factor analysis, and frequency tables. The results of the interviews were analysed qualitatively. Findings: The results of the survey revealed that the most typical types of cybercrime in Qatar include website hacking, email cyberattacks, and online banking cyberattacks. The predominant motive for cybercrime in the country is monetary gains. However, the findings from the logistic regression analysis reveal that different types of cybercrime are associated with different determinants, and online banking crimes are predominantly driven by monetary gains. Moreover, the findings from IT experts interviewed revealed various measures can be adopted as control measures of cybercrime activities and hazards, such as development of stronger networks by commercial companies to protect their cyber assets and use of up-to-date protective software that detect and ensures complete data security. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Further, the findings, in relation to the effective methods and mechanisms for preventing cybercrime, suggest that it can be reduced through the spread of awareness among people and companies and through the adoption of preventive control mechanisms. Further, the study recommends that governments should formulate and implement legislations aimed at enhancing stringent measures of combating and dealing with cybercrime in convergence with international standards and practices. Besides, companies should adopt technological cybersecurity solutions to enhance effective protection of intellectual property, intrusion, and malicious damage of data as well as other cyber-related crimes.