Boluwaji A. Akinnuwesi

A framework for user-centric model for evaluating the performance of distributed software system architecture

Highlights? Most software evaluation models are machine centric. ? There is need to match software factors with organizational variables. ? Paper presents a neuro-fuzzy based user centric model. In this work we carried out a review of models for evaluating the performance of distributed software system architecture (DSSA) and Information System (IS) success evaluation models with a view to establishing the utilization of organizational variables in the evaluation of DSSA performance. The findings from the review show that the existing DSSA performance evaluation models are machine-centric and existing IS success measurement models do not map organizational variables with DSSA components. In view of these, we developed a user-centric model for DSSA performance evaluation using organizational variables. Our model utilizes neuro-fuzzy logic in matching organizational/user variables with DSSA evaluation factors.

An empirical study of potentials of adoption of grid computing as a vehicle for tertiary institutions collaboration

Grid computing is emerging as the foundation upon which virtual collaborations can be built among large organisations with the aim of integrating and sharing computer resources, and thus offering performance and resource availability, which is unattainable by any single institutional technology resources. With the level of increase in the number of tertiary institutions in Africa, and the attendant shortage of basic information technology resources, the use of grid computing for collaboration purposes would contribute to the enhancement of research, course delivery, course management, and other aspects of institutional development. This paper carries out an empirical study of the possibility of adoption of grid computing as a vehicle for collaboration among tertiary institutions in Nigeria from the perspective of the potential adopters (users) of the systems. This study also proposes a design and implementation framework for adoption of this technology by the tertiary institutions. The key challenges that significantly affect the adoption of grid computing in tertiary institutions are mainly attitudinal (perceived need and perceived benefits). Infrastructural issues (facilitating conditions) also impose limitations on the ability of universities to implement grid computing.

Stay or quit: IT personnel turnover in botswana

Information Technology (IT) has become a major driver of business functions of organizations. Recruiting and retaining competent IT personnel has become a key managerial function. A number of studies (especially in the developed world) have focused on IT personnel issues such as career orientations, recruitment, and turnover. This study contributes to the literature on IT personnel turnover intentions from a developing country perspective. The results of the study indicate that majority of the IT personnel either intend to leave their jobs for another or uncertain about whether or not to leave their jobs. Job satisfaction and growth opportunities are key influences on turnover intention. Career satisfaction, supervisor support, organization commitment, length of service, and age did not contribute significantly to turnover intention.

A Framework for Deployment of 3g Wireless Network and Mobile Agent in Health Care Delivery System

The extent of the AIDS crisis is becoming clear in many African countries, as increasing numbers of people with HIV are becoming ill. The technology of mobile phones has brought ubiquitous access to information coupled with software agents and health care delivery systems in hospitals. It enables patient-physician contact to be more frequent. Such an environment can provide personalized monitoring services to patients and decision support to physicians, as well as maintenance for cost control. This paper proposes the deployment of 3G wireless technology with mobile agents for health care delivery to HIV/AIDS patients. Patient, nurse and physician are the agents in the proposed system. Each agent uses a mobile phone to communicate with the server anywhere at any time without restrictions. The system employs the mobility, flexibility and autonomous characteristics of mobile agents to monitor patients. The system has the ability to provide fast and reliable assistance to the patients.

Identifying factors for evaluating software project proposals

One vital aspect of software project management is the initial evaluation of project proposals. Many authors have proposed varying sets of criteria for information technology (IT) software project evaluation. There is the need to develop a common framework for evaluating software projects, based on a manageable set of criteria. In this paper, we identified 83 software project proposal evaluation variables from literature and direct interviews with project evaluators; 31 variables were extracted under ten constructs using exploratory factor analysis. Product characteristics, user characteristics and vendor experience were found to be very crucial in software project proposal evaluation. The parameters identified in this work could serve as a basis for the development of a software system for evaluating software project proposals.

Conceptualisation of a national integrated credit bureau NICB in a developing country context

The financial crisis of 2008 was triggered by a liquidity shortfall in the banking systems of major global economic players, which resulted in the collapse of large financial institutions and businesses, loss of jobs and lack of confidence in global economy. A number of developing countries e.g., Nigeria had long been experiencing liquidity shortfall in the banking system due to a highly disintegrated credit management system that has resulted in a high ratio of non-performing credits. The review of literature indicates that a large number of African countries do not have an integrated national credit bureau system. This has resulted in individuals incurring credits beyond their income capacities through the use of single collateral for multiple loans. The research reported in this paper focuses on the development of a conceptual framework for an integrated national credit bureau databank. The proposed framework recognises the uniqueness of the African traditional credit system, which is still predominant in most African societies.