Deo Shao, Hilda Mwangakala, Fredrick Ishengoma, Hector Mongi, Cesilia Mambile and Frederick Chali
The emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected organizations differently, leading to adopting alternative business operation models, including digital technologies. The rapid…
Abstract
Purpose
The emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected organizations differently, leading to adopting alternative business operation models, including digital technologies. The rapid adoption of digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates how adaptive technologies intersect with human and social institutions in potentially risky or inequitable ways. However, the sustenance of the digital transformations (DTs) induced by the COVID-19 crisis is still unclear. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the sustenance of DTs accelerated by the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic response in the Tanzanian context amid the crisis.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a qualitative approach that included a literature review and semi-structured interviews with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) personnel from selected public institutions in Tanzania. The interviews elicited interviewees’ perspectives on the following: the digital revolution that occurred during the COVID-19 outbreak; how it affects their work; and the country’s future digital landscape. Additionally, a literature analysis established and generalized the practices used by the governments during the COVID-19 crisis.
Findings
The results show that there is enormous, colossal press toward adopting digital solutions. The use of digital technologies, such as digital payments, e-commerce, telemedicine and online education, has attracted the attention of businesses and individuals in Tanzania. Consequently, the move has enabled the country to cope with the cascading impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and progressive economic recovery to achieve its development goals. Furthermore, the findings offer policy strategies for taking the induced DTs to the next level and sustaining it.
Originality/value
This study reports the lessons from the DTs induced by COVID-19 and their sustenance. It also contributes toward forward-thinking reforms and policy measures that could help Tanzania and the likes harness the DTs'’ potential in the wake of the pandemic.
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Fredrick R. Ishengoma, Deo Shao, Charalampos Alexopoulos, Stuti Saxena and Anastasija Nikiforova
With the development of information technology (IT), governments around the globe are using state-of-the-art IT interfaces to implement the so-called 3E’s in public service…
Abstract
Purpose
With the development of information technology (IT), governments around the globe are using state-of-the-art IT interfaces to implement the so-called 3E’s in public service delivery, that is, economy, efficiency and effectiveness. Two of these IT interfaces relate to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT). While AI focuses on providing a “human” garb for computing devices, thereby making them “intelligent” devices, IoT relies on interfaces between sensors and the environment to make “intelligent” decisions. Recently, the convergence of AI and IoT – also referred to as Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) – is seen as a real opportunity to refurbish the public service delivery formats. However, there is limited understanding as to how AIoT could contribute to the improvisation of public service delivery. This study aims to create a modular framework for AIoT in addition to highlighting the drivers and barriers for its integration in the public sector.
Design/methodology/approach
This descriptive-explanatory study takes a qualitative approach. It entails a thorough examination of the drivers and barriers of integrating AI and IoT in the public sector. A review of literature has led to the development of a conceptual framework outlining the various factors that contribute to creating public value.
Findings
Value creation occurs when AI and IoT coalesce in the public service delivery mechanisms.
Originality/value
AIoT is a cutting-edge technology revolutionizing health care, agriculture, infrastructure and all other industrial domains. This study adds to the growing body of knowledge on the public sector's use of AI and IoT. Understanding these disruptive technologies is critical to formulating policies and regulations that can maximize the potential benefits for the public-sector organizations.
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Deo Shao, Fredrick R. Ishengoma, Charalampos Alexopoulos, Stuti Saxena, Anastasija Nikiforova and Ricardo Matheus
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the drivers, barriers, benefits and risks affecting the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) into the e-government and to provide a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the drivers, barriers, benefits and risks affecting the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) into the e-government and to provide a future research agenda.
Design/methodology/approach
Existing literature examining the relationships between e-government and IoT is scanned and evaluated by conceptualizing the IoT concept in the e-government perspective.
Findings
The study shows that there are drivers to integrate IoT in e-government, such as ensuring the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of government operations, which would largely establish a relationship between the government and the citizens. Furthermore, there are barriers to such integration, given the lack of political will, the appropriate information technology infrastructure, the training of the stakeholders with a focus on the employee and the like.
Originality/value
The integration of IoT in e-government is a novel and weakly explored concept, particularly in the light of new advances such as blockchain in the e-government, which requires further exploration and conceptualization, thereby achieving a shared/common vision and body of knowledge for its further successful and sustainable adoption – to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the current study is one of these initial attempts.
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The purpose of this study is to examine the applicability of the technology acceptance model (TAM) in libraries considering the advanced technologies and users’ behaviour.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the applicability of the technology acceptance model (TAM) in libraries considering the advanced technologies and users’ behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
The research uses a critical reflective approach to review and synthesize a body of recent academic literature on the use of TAM in libraries. The review included assessing TAM’s historical evolution, its limitations and how it could be improved.
Findings
The findings indicated that, although TAM can be viewed as an appropriate theoretical model to explain the users’ intention towards technology acceptance, it is limited in explaining both the users’ attitude towards advanced technology and their behaviour in advanced library settings.
Research limitations/implications
To enhance the practicality of TAM in libraries, several recommendations for strategic advancements have been proposed such as contextualizing TAM to libraries, exploring AI-driven adoption, integrating library-specific constructs, understanding cultural differences and using holistic research approaches.
Originality/value
The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of technology adoption in libraries and to the future possibilities of TAM.
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Cesilia Mambile and Fredrick Ishengoma
The objective of this research is to examine the accelerated adoption mechanisms of emerging technologies in information systems. Its goal is to comprehend the drivers behind the…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this research is to examine the accelerated adoption mechanisms of emerging technologies in information systems. Its goal is to comprehend the drivers behind the prompt assimilation of technology trends such as TikTok, ChatGPT, mobile payment schemes, cryptocurrency and VR.
Design/methodology/approach
The study follows the systematic literature review methodology (using the PRISMA protocol to guide the selection of scholarly materials from Google Scholar, Scopus and Springer). Specifically, the research draws on identified literature on the adoption trajectories of technologies (ChatGPT, TikTok, cryptocurrency, mobile payment systems, and virtual reality) to systematically assess pertinent insights, and draws on theoretical lenses of Disruptive Innovation Theory to reach interpretations.
Findings
The study indicates that the prompt assimilation of technology is shaped by several variables such as user-centered design, network effects, content powered through algorithms, viral trends, ease-of-use and accessibility features, engagement levels and retention rates.
Research limitations/implications
The selection of specific platforms may limit the generalizability of findings.
Social implications
The emergence of new technologies is causing a shift in societal behaviors and norms, which has significant social implications. While platforms such as TikTok offer opportunities for community-building, there are concerns regarding digital divide and privacy issues that need to be addressed. So understanding the impact of these changes becomes vital for achieving fairness in access and making technology's potential transformation practicalized effectively.
Originality/value
This research enhances the current body of literature by presenting a thorough examination of the non-linear patterns involved in adopting advanced technologies. By combining knowledge from numerous fields, this study delivers an integrated comprehension regarding what factors prompt swift adoption.