Jane Brodin and Peg Lindstrand
This paper is based on a study aimed at ascertaining whether information and communication technology (ICT) can be used as an integrating link for children with motor disabilities…
Abstract
This paper is based on a study aimed at ascertaining whether information and communication technology (ICT) can be used as an integrating link for children with motor disabilities in primary school. The study includes an introductory questionnaire with parents of 16 children and observations in the classrooms of five pupils attending a school in a small town in Sweden. In this article inclusion is exemplified with one of these pupils. The results of this study show agreement with other research that the computer, which often symbolises the whole ICT field, is used as a pedagogical tool for learning at school. However, it is difficult to see whether ICT is used in a way that enhances inclusion, an overall goal for many people with disabilities in today's society. One reason for this is the school's strong focus on learning, another that limited efforts have been put into communication and collaborative work between the pupils.
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Globalization of the media communications progressed rapidly during the twentieth century thanks to innumerable innovation within information technologies particularly…
Abstract
Globalization of the media communications progressed rapidly during the twentieth century thanks to innumerable innovation within information technologies particularly communications satellites, digitalization and advances in computer technology. Today we can utilize new communication systems that allow a worldwide distribution of messages from one place to another. In the middle of the global development of mass media we can find many children and young people. With their engaging, interactive properties, the new digital media are suggested to have more impact on how children grow and learn, what they value, and ultimately who they become than any other medium that has come before (Montgomery, 2002). New media technology influences the life and culture of young people. What is the nature of the content in it and whose values and judgments does it represent is a fatal question for educational researchers today.
– The paper aims to investigate small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) bank selection and patronage behaviour in the Ghanaian banking sector.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to investigate small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) bank selection and patronage behaviour in the Ghanaian banking sector.
Design/methodology/approach
A detailed literature review was used to identify five determinants of bank selection and other patronage factors which were used to survey 503 SMEs randomly selected from the data base of the National Board for Small Scale Industries in Ghana. Exploratory factor analysis, multiple regression and correlation analysis were used for the data analysis.
Findings
The study found price competitiveness, credit availability, perceived service quality, staff attributes and bank attributes as determinants of SME bank selection. In addition, loans and overdrafts, cash collection, transfers, bank guarantees, advisory services and training were among the core services patronized by the SMEs.
Practical implications
The study highlights the importance of factors considered important to the SME bank selection and patronage behaviour. It thus provides practical leverage to banks on how to attract, serve and retain SMEs in Ghana.
Originality/value
The study is the first of its kind that investigated both bank selection and patronage behaviour at the same time and provides important insight for banks on how to attract, satisfy and manage SMEs. It also makes a major contribution to the literature on SME banking behaviour especially in a sub-Saharan Africa and responds to the recent call for more studies on SME practices in emerging economies.