Solomon Negash

The effects of web-based technologies on knowledge transfer

Does using enhanced Web-based services increase problem-solving skills?

Synchronous Hybrid E-Learning: Teaching Complex Information Systems Classes Online

An empirical analysis in the form of a pilot study was conducted to compare a complex information technology course taught in a synchronous hybrid e-learning environment with one taught in a traditional classroom. The aim of the pilot study was to explore whether virtual learning environments (VLEs) are ready for teaching complex courses. Three courses taught during the summer semester of 2006 were used for the study; the results indicate the promise of synchronous hybrid e-learning for complex courses. Self-efficacy and satisfaction were also examined, and no differences were found between students in the two learning environments. Directions for future research were proposed to further evaluate synchronous hybrid e-learning environments.

Mobile Banking Adoption by Under-Banked Communities in the United States: Adapting Mobile Banking Features from Low-Income Countries

This research in progress paper adapts a theoretical framework from Internet Banking domain and test it in a new domain, conducts empirical study to test the theoretical framework in the US, and identifies common mobile banking features in low-income countries and tests their adaption in the US. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is used to test student behavior in Mobile Banking use. We test eight constructs that were found to affect Internet Banking use and adapt it to mobile banking use. The constructs include perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived enjoyment, mobile network quality, security and privacy, trust, awareness, and regulation and compliance. The study is under progress.

A PhD in information systems for emerging economies: the Addis Ababa University model

Information systems (IS) provides a critical skill set for all economies, yet many of the emerging economies find that when they send the best minds overseas for a PhD in IS, many of them do not return. As a result, many poor countries are unable to create the intellectual infrastructure that they need to improve internal efficiency and participate in the world outsourcing market. Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia has developed a PhD in IS based on the willingness of overseas IS faculty to conduct intensive PhD seminars on a yearly basis. Now in its third year, the program is a model that other countries or regions might consider emulating.

Accessing ICT Enabled Content in Low-Income Countries: Think Big, Start Small, and Scale Up

While the digital revolution has transformed the way many of us work and live, more than half the worlds population lives in rural areas that have been shut-out of the digital transformation. Low-income countries have yet to realize the benefits from the digital revolution; therefore, a need exists for innovative and alternative models to overcome the lack of access to knowledge and learning. This paper examines the challenges faced by low-income countries in accessing ICT enabled content and proposes a Big-Small model where low-income countries can harness the ICT revolution. This paper concludes with a discussion on sustainability and future research directions.

IT Infrastructure Role in the Success of a Banking System: The Case of Limited Broadband Access

This study provides empirical support for including IT infrastructure (ITI) as part of the information systems (IS) success model. The IS success model has been validated in high-income countries, but research in low-income countries is still lacking. This research bridges this gab by identifying ITI as a contributing construct when evaluating the IS success model in the context of low-income countries. This paper investigates the research question: when considering low-income countries, what is the role of ITI in information systems success? The research is motivated by limited ITI and limited Internet access in low-income countries that hinder the success of information systems. We conducted a survey with 102 bank employees in a low-income country – Ethiopia. The SEM-PLS analysis showed strong impact of ITI on user, user satisfaction, and net benefit. This study recommends inclusion of the ITI construct when evaluating the success of information systems and the policies that govern it.

Perception of African Youth on Personal Computer Utilization: The Case of Ethiopia and Rwanda

The tendency to pursue innovativeness and adopt new technologies has been found more likely with younger individuals and a strong relationship between attitude and personal computer PC utilization has been found. However, research in these areas is mainly focused on high-income countries. Do these findings hold for low-income countries? What are the perceptions of African youth on the factors that impact PC use? There is a dearth of micro-level studies that promote understanding about the behavior of individuals in low-income countries. This study looked at demographic data including age, gender, grade level, region, and prior experience among 228 youth from Ethiopia and Rwanda. PC utilization constructs including complexity, long-term consequences, and facilitating conditions were studied. The author found access to PCs at least three times a week and providing structured computer training programs as major factor for increased PC utilization. Computer centers with more female instructors were found to have larger female enrollment. The author also found younger groups 15 year olds and younger disagreed about PC utilization factors. Implications and directions for future research are also included.

ICT Integration Efforts in Higher Education in Developing Economies: The Case of Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

A situational modified version of Tearle’s model (2004) is utilized in this study to understand the integration of ICTs in the educational process. The study evaluated self efficacy beliefs, institutional support and policy in the context of developing economies where challenges of inadequate resources and insufficient skills persist. We assess the state of affairs, and the challenges faced by teachers and management at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. The results show that educators are generally appreciative of ICTs role in the teaching/learning process.

ICT adoption in Cameroon SME: application of Bass diffusion model*

ABSTRACT In almost all low-income countries, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a primary engine for the country’s economic development. While many information and communications technology (ICT) diffusion studies exist, only few focus on low-income countries and even fewer employ Bass-based analysis to examine ICT diffusion in these countries. This study applies the Bass diffusion model to understand SME adoption of ICT in Cameroon, a low-income country. The Bass model was employed because of its predictive capacity. We find that diffusion of ICT among SMEs in the context of a low-income economy is largely driven by forces of imitation rather than forces of innovation. Contributing to practice, this study finds that SMEs with greater sizes, multiple plants, and whose owners have higher education have a greater tendency to adopt ICT early. The theoretical contribution of the paper is applying the well-recognized Bass model from marketing to the IT/IS field and applying it within a low-income country environment by evaluating diffusion of ICTs among SMEs in Cameroon.

Mobile healthcare services adoption

Recent penetration of mobile technologies opens exciting potential for e-healthcare in low-income countries - e-healthcare services can now reach the populations of rural and far away locations in a cost effective and timely manner. The final challenge however rests on successful user acceptance of the technologies of e-healthcare, which we investigate in this work. Our research enhance the basic TAM model with two additional context appropriate constructs from extant research to arrive at an extended TAM model that is suitable for understanding e-healthcare adoption in low-income countries. We operationalise the model with the help of a validated survey questionnaire in the health extensions workers of Ethiopia, a Sub-Saharan low-income country. Our result shows that compatibility positively affects adoption intention. These results demonstrate that inclusion of additional constructs of compatibility and network quality enhances the richness of the model and explain adoption intention in a more effective manner.