Godwin Ariguzo

Knowledge management through the development of information schema

Knowledge management (KM) has been receiving considerable attention in the human-systems research community in the past few years. This paper discusses the key concepts of user-computer interaction for knowledge development and proposes a model of an information schema. Such an information repository for KM must be organized into a domain schema. Users of an information repository play an active role in searching through information to coordinate their actions. An example of information schema for KM can be found in a student advising system. This will be used to illustrate the concept of the development of an information schema.

The first decade of e-commerce

Executives remain hopeful, despite recent turmoil in the e-commerce business environment, that the internet will fulfil their expectations and become a source of competitive advantage. The authors of this article provide a historical review of the first decade of e-commerce and its business models. The authors provide a historical foundation so that future research will not duplicate what has already been done by documenting the evolution of e-commerce models developed by researchers during the initial decade of e-commerce. In addition, strategic challenges facing executives who seek to use the internet as part of their global business strategy are offered.

Mapping the global digital divide

The global digital divide as a concept is intuitively understood by most academicians, politicians and public policy makers. However, to date little empirical work exists to explain differences in per country access to information and communication technologies (ICTs). The research that does exist places heavy influence on the impact of country wealth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, on the diffusion of ICTs. While GDP per capita certainly influences the diffusion of ICTs within a country, it is not the sole determinant of a countrys location versus other countries vis-a-vis the global digital divide. To investigate and map the global digital divide, as it currently exists, the authors utilise model-based cluster analysis to determine cohorts of countries based on three variables: personal computers per 100 population, internet users per 100 population and internet bandwidth per person. The results indicate that the global digital divide consists of four tiers. And although all of the developed countries are included in the first tier, some surprising results are obtained. Implications of the results are discussed and directions for future research are provided.

Putting the world in the world wide web: the globalisation of the internet

Without question, the first decade of the internet as a mass communications platform belonged to the USA. US universities, businesses and users dominated the online landscape to the point that English became the language of choice of the world wide web. However, as internet technology and access diffuses to more countries, will US dominance of the internet continue? The authors argue that one tipping point has already occurred the majority of users on the internet today are non-native English speakers. The next tipping point, not too far away, is when non-native English speakers conduct the majority of e-commerce. The paper discusses internet usage trends, including language, diffusion models and the challenges facing businesses figuring out when and how to effectively compete in the trillion dollar e-commerce marketplace. This paper concludes with research opportunities.

Using Time Series Analysis to Predict U.S. Service Exports

The economy of the United States became predominately service oriented over 50 years ago. Research regarding the significance of the growth of the service sector in the U.S. economy remains scant. Using time series analysis, this article investigates the significance of growth in total U.S. service exports for the 1960–2011 timeframe and provides an econometric estimate of expected growth in U.S. service export volume for 2012 through 2014. Knowing the significance, growth rate, and expected volume of U.S. service exports is important for marketers and policy makers alike. The findings indicate that the growth trend of the U.S. service exports is positive, significant, and expected to continue.

The future of information technology education in Nigeria: innovative public-private partnerships

Nigerias current status in the world and within the Sub-Saharan region is reviewed in terms of its focus on information technology education, by examining the Higher Education market, private computer industries within Nigeria, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), a national initiative designed to dramatically improve Nigerias competitiveness in computer industries. The results of research into the effectiveness of Public-Private Partnerships in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Nigeria are then discussed. The perceptions of computer industry executives and Higher Education representatives towards greater competitiveness in Nigerias Information Technology industry are investigated. The authors provide recommendations for how Nigerian Higher Education Institutions and computer-related businesses can develop effective method of advancing ICT Public-Private Partnerships.

International sourcing and East Coast seafood processors

The sourcing behaviour of 308 seafood processors (NAICS 3117) located along the eastern seaboard of the USA from Maine to Florida is investigated, and the differences between those using domestic sourcing versus those using international sourcing are investigated. The results indicate significant differences exist in terms of the place where the seafood is purchased, how it is harvested, gross sales, the number of employees, years in business, the type of processed seafood, and the perception of foreign-processed seafood as an industry problem. Processors utilising international sourcing are larger in terms of gross sales and the number of employees compared to processors using domestic sourcing. Conclusions and directions for future research are offered.

Exploring demographic differences in the adoption of mobile money: M-PESA in Kenya

Mobile money is an innovative concept that has a fundamental impact on how marketing exchanges and transactions are consummated. The concept of exchange and payment is at the core of marketing and the ultimate conclusion of an effective marketing strategy. How consumers pay for goods and services profoundly impacts the frequency and quality of products purchased. Despite its diffusion and adoption, mostly in developing countries, scant research exists regarding the characteristics of adopters of mobile money. Using the most successful implementation of mobile money globally, M-PESA in Kenya, demographic differences between adopters and non-adopters of mobile money are examined. Data is collected from 1,975 respondents covering all eight Kenyan provinces. Significant differences between the two groups exist for the variables of gender, age, income, education and location (rural versus urban).