Showing papers in "Electronic Government, An International Journal in 2007"
TL;DR: The key findings were that the factors with the main influence on attitude towards adoption of broadband were usefulness, service quality, age, usage, type of connection and type of accommodation.
Abstract: This paper empirically examines the reasons for the slow progress in broadband adoption in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and investigates the factors that may be affecting the adoption of broadband by KSA consumers. Particular emphasis was placed on individual level factors such as social and cultural influences. The key findings were that the factors with the main influence on attitude towards adoption of broadband were usefulness, service quality, age, usage, type of connection and type of accommodation. The paper also provides a discussion on research implications, limitations and future directions.
89 citations
TL;DR: This research highlights the importance of national technological and organisational contexts for e-government development and reveals the anomalous significant relationship of public institutions with e- government development in the negative direction.
Abstract: There are relatively few empirical studies that analyse e-government development from a global perspective Using secondary data from 115 countries and the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) as the guiding theoretical lens, we examine the facilitators for e-government development Our research highlights the importance of national technological and organisational (human capital) contexts for e-government development Our results also show that national environment (institutional and macroeconomic) is not a significant facilitator for e-government development Further, post hoc analysis reveals the anomalous significant relationship of public institutions with e-government development in the negative direction Through this research, we make some important contributions that have implications for researchers, practitioners and policymakers
81 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined empirically the factors affecting the adoption of broadband in Bangladesh and found that attitude, primary influence, secondary influence and facilitating conditions resources are important factors for explaining behavioral intentions to adopt broadband.
Abstract: This study examines empirically the factors affecting the adoption of broadband in Bangladesh. This study is part of a wider research looking to explore consumer adoption of broadband services in various geographical and national settings. Thus, attitudinal, normative and control factors to provide insights into broadband adopters and non-adopters as identified in the literature are examined together with usage of broadband. The findings of this paper suggest that attitude, primary influence, secondary influence and facilitating conditions resources are important factors for explaining behavioural intentions to adopt broadband. The paper also outlines the contributions, implications and limitations of this research.
80 citations
TL;DR: This research found that, despite a superior ICT infrastructure, issues such as lack of awareness, bureaucratic business practices and citizens' satisfaction levels with the current national e- government strategy were influencing the adoption of e-government services in the State of Qatar.
Abstract: E-government has shown encouraging results in developed countries in the context of delivering electronic information and services to citizens. However, despite the many lessons that can be learned from the experiences of those e-government initiatives, developing countries are still faced with various issues pertaining to their implementation of e-government services. Like many other developing countries, the e-government initiative in Qatar has faced a number of challenges since its inception in 2000. Using survey-based research, this paper examines some of these challenges from a citizens' perspective. Among others, this research found that, despite a superior ICT infrastructure, issues such as lack of awareness, bureaucratic business practices and citizens' satisfaction levels with the current national e-government strategy were influencing the adoption of e-government services in the State of Qatar.
63 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that the UK government is raising expectations by moving beyond a modernisation agenda to a 'transformational government plan' before e-services have reached an adequate level of sophistication.
Abstract: Governments are investing heavily in e-government as a means of promoting 'the knowledge society'. A discourse of technology-enabled transformation is prevalent in Western culture, yet drawing upon...
30 citations
TL;DR: An eclectic theoretical framework aims at identifying the dynamic relationship pattern between the government and the various stakeholders including citizens, and addresses how the various environmental factors, such as politics, bureaucracy, technology and culture, may contribute to the e-government success.
Abstract: E-government is often considered as a dynamic mechanism to establish citizen-centric, more transparent and more accountable government system. However, such mechanism is often thwarted by a host of intricacies contributed by the lack of ICT resources and infrastructure, unequal access to technology, low e-literacy rate and the lack of appropriate government policy initiatives and commitments. The dilemma surrounding the concept of privacy versus openness and the connectivity between the wider society and technology may also impact on the e-government implementation process and its success. This paper initially discusses the challenges to successful implementation of e-government. Subsequently, from a developing country perspective, an eclectic theoretical framework is proposed. The framework aims at identifying the dynamic relationship pattern between the government and the various stakeholders including citizens, and addresses how the various environmental factors, such as politics, bureaucracy, technology and culture, may contribute to the e-government success.
30 citations
TL;DR: Factors influencing WCT's development are modelled, illustrating how government intervention has affected the technology.
Abstract: Wireless Cellular Technology (WCT) has advanced rapidly in both the USA and the European Union; however, the two are pursuing different public policy and business market approaches in developing, adopting and deploying the technology. Efforts to promote the commercialisation of the technology to further wireless enhanced emergency call services policy also differ. We explore existing mandates and the current state of cellular technology. Factors influencing WCT's development are modelled, illustrating how government intervention has affected the technology.
29 citations
TL;DR: The findings of this paper suggest that primary influence, facilitating conditions resources, cost and perceived ease of use are significant factors for explaining behavioural intentions to adopt broadband in Pakistan.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to provide a context for understanding the factors affecting the adoption of broadband internet in a developing country context, in this instance, Pakistan. In order to achieve the stated aim, this study identified and examined various attitudinal, normative and control factors to provide insights into broadband adoption. The data on these variables was collected using a survey approach. A self-administered questionnaire was sent between October and December 2006 to 275 consumers, with a total of 237 responses obtained from the respondents. The findings of this paper suggest that primary influence, facilitating conditions resources, cost and perceived ease of use are significant factors for explaining behavioural intentions to adopt broadband in Pakistan. The paper also outlines the theoretical contributions, implications for practice and limitations of this research.
24 citations
TL;DR: This study targeted only SMEs in Hong Kong and investigated whether the Digital 21 strategies can overcome the concerns of SMEs and provides recommendations based on studying government policies adopted by other countries.
Abstract: Many researchers have studied strategies by which government can promote e-commerce development for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with respect to government policy, telecommunication infrastructure and technology. But how effective are these strategies? Since different countries have different cultures and environmental factors, this study targeted only SMEs in Hong Kong. We studied the human behaviour models and made some hypotheses and a questionnaire to elucidate the factors that influence the adoption of e-commerce by SMEs. We then investigated whether the Digital 21 strategies can overcome the concerns of SMEs and we provide recommendations based on studying government policies adopted by other countries.
22 citations
TL;DR: The purpose of this paper is to link police knowledge to information systems within the framework of the stages of growth model for knowledge management technology.
Abstract: The amount of information that police officers come into contact with in the course of their work is astounding. The purpose of this paper is to link police knowledge to information systems. First, knowledge in police work is discussed. Next, information systems in police knowledge management are discussed within the framework of the stages of growth model for knowledge management technology.
22 citations
TL;DR: The findings of this study illustrate that by employing the diffusion theory of King et al., the local government policies are reducing the digital divide, however, the danger does exist that in the pursuit of providing an equitable distribution of the e-society, a novel and diverse form of digital divide could occur.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to analyse the translation of the national policies at local levels in order to draw some conclusions about the impact of the strategies upon an equitable distribution of an e-society in terms of ethnicity and disadvantaged groups, such as the elderly and disabled. Three data-gathering activities were conducted in the UK local areas of Hillingdon and Medway. The findings of this study illustrate that by employing the diffusion theory of King et al., the local government policies are reducing the digital divide. However, the danger does exist that in the pursuit of providing an equitable distribution of the e-society, a novel and diverse form of digital divide, a rural-and-urban-and-diverse-ethnic-groups divide, could occur. This research should offer a substantial contribution to various stakeholders, including government agencies, management consulting firms, internet service providers and Information Technology (IT) organisations, who may want to identify areas where e-government services can still be improved.
TL;DR: This study demonstrates how political and administrative challenges interacted with technical aspects of the interorganisational system design in an initiative undertaken by the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium.
Abstract: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a powerful new technology which, in combination with other information technologies, offers great potential for supporting interorganisational collaboration. The case study reported herein suggests that organisations adopting RFID will need to change their technical and organisational processes and make accommodations in response to political and environmental constraints. The study focused on an initiative undertaken by the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC). Through it, a large number of disparate organisations are working together to utilise RFID to track livestock movements, thereby helping to mitigate the potentially harmful effects of contagious diseases. This study demonstrates how political and administrative challenges interacted with technical aspects of the interorganisational system design. Suggestions are offered for further research on the assimilation of RFID and other emerging technologies in interorganisational contexts.
TL;DR: A maturity model for geographic information systems in crime mapping consisting of eight maturity levels covering visualisation, communication, simulation, optimisation, organisation, and strategy is developed to help practitioners and researchers study organisational evolution and determine future direction in police organisations' use of electronic systems when mapping crime.
Abstract: The diffusion of computerised crime mapping in policing has been studied extensively. However, there is a lack of research concerned with the extent to which such systems are used after adoption. This paper develops a maturity model for geographic information systems in crime mapping. The model consists of eight maturity levels covering visualisation, communication, simulation, optimisation, organisation, and strategy. The purpose of such a model is to help practitioners and researchers study organisational evolution and determine future direction in police organisations' use of electronic systems when mapping crime.
IBM1
TL;DR: The e-government architecture issue is investigated as a means of addressing the interoperability gap and will incorporate the new knowledge acquired in the e- government integration methodology of the interconnectivity of cross-layers.
Abstract: This paper investigates the e-government architecture issue as a means of addressing the interoperability gap. It will incorporate the new knowledge acquired in the e-government integration methodology of the interconnectivity of cross-layers. These layers include the vertical direction of strategy, business, process, service and information. Enterprise architecture mainly mediates between business and IT to minimise the gap by improving governance, agility and business integrity. All of these disciplines and principles should be applied to attain e-government transformation.
TL;DR: This paper reviews the generic cryptographic models that have been proposed in the academic literature for secure electronic voting and provides a comprehensive assessment of recent cryptographic schemes that extend the generic models to support online elections.
Abstract: Electronic voting may be a feasible option for several election environments, from closed-group elections to nationwide elections. Especially with online voting, people will be able to cast their votes through a web browser, from their home or any other location where they can get internet access. This paper reviews the generic cryptographic models that have been proposed in the academic literature for secure electronic voting and provides a comprehensive assessment, in terms of security and functionality, of recent cryptographic schemes that extend the generic models to support online elections. The paper also highlights several critical security and implementation issues that need to be addressed before online voting is adopted for critical elections.
TL;DR: The preliminary findings from a case study of the Brazilian interoperability standard (e-PING) are presented, based on documents content analysis, face-to-face interviews and direct observations, which suggest some aspects that may be conditioning the setting of these standards.
Abstract: Information sharing and systems integration are critical factors for the establishment of electronic government. And to achieve effective implementation of this process, it is necessary to define the compatibility standards to be adopted. However, setting these standards maybe a complex task, owing to the number of agents involved and the adoption barriers, among other factors. This paper discusses the management of the standardisation process in an electronic government environment. It presents the preliminary findings from a case study of the Brazilian interoperability standard (e-PING), based on documents content analysis, face-to-face interviews and direct observations. As a result, this study points out some aspects that may be conditioning the setting of these standards. It is believed that the understanding of this process allows addressing future actions for standards diffusion and evolution.
TL;DR: The research concludes that differences exist between CSFs in Private and Public Sector enterprise software implementations, and that government acquisition rules must be revised to align with the CSFs.
Abstract: Much has been written about Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for private sector Enterprise System implementation success. Our focus is on CSFs for public sector enterprise software implementations, and our research concludes that differences exist between CSFs in Private and Public Sector enterprise software implementations. These differences are described in this paper. Private sector CSFs apply to the public sector, but additional factors apply uniquely to the public sector. Our primary conclusion is that public sector success is more difficult to achieve, and that government acquisition rules must be revised to align with the CSFs.
TL;DR: It is highlighted that eRAs can improve procurement processes, realise cost savings and reduce delivery times, and the research also notes that e RAs can produce disbenefits, including poor buyer and supplier relationships and social implications.
Abstract: This paper presents the findings from an exploratory in-depth case study with regard to e-Reverse Auctions (eRAs) in the UK public sector. An eRA is an internet-based, online and dynamic auction, in which suppliers bid against each other to provide products or services at the lowest price to the procurer. This is an important and current issue due to the call from central government to both improve and maximise efficiency from the procurement process. Indeed, for the first time, central government has set targets in relation to procurement savings. These findings highlight that eRAs can improve procurement processes, realise cost savings and reduce delivery times. The research also notes that eRAs can produce disbenefits, including poor buyer and supplier relationships and social implications. The paper elicits lessons learnt from the case study analysis. These are presented with the aim to inform theory and practice.
TL;DR: An introduction to the advantages and disadvantages that affect companies who are using a GIS are discussed as well as the organisational benefits/costs that a company may incur by using aGIS.
Abstract: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are systems that can provide a competitive advantage for firms if used properly in today's market and properly regulated by governmental agencies in cases of security and privacy and planning activities. In this paper, an introduction to the advantages and disadvantages that affect companies who are using a GIS are discussed as well as the organisational benefits/costs that a company may incur by using a GIS, the business strategies/decisions that are enhanced by the use of a GIS, and current companies and governmental agencies (such as the US Justice Department) who have successfully implemented and are currently using GIS. Governmental agencies can increase operational efficiency by enhanced digital data processing, image cleanup, image-enabling (which provides a very powerful tool to visualise imagery and data), and entimeter-level GPS (which allows users to switch from GIS to survey functionality).
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report the findings of a case study of e-government implementation undertaken recently at a local government authority in the UK, and use the framework proposed by Heeks to understand the underlying reasons for the failure of local authorities to implement eGovernment.
Abstract: Governments in many countries have invested significantly in building electronic infrastructures to support e–government initiatives. However, there is mixed evidence about the success of e–government initiatives. In this paper, we report the findings of a case study of e–government implementation undertaken recently at a local government authority in the UK. Despite the success of such efforts at National Health Services Direct (NHSD) in the UK, local authorities in the UK have not been able to replicate the success of e–government initiatives at NHSD. Consequently, local authorities in the UK have largely failed to meet the expectations of the UK government. We use the framework proposed by Heeks to understand the underlying reasons for the failure of local authorities to implement e–government. Using a case study at a local authority in the UK, this paper contributes to our understanding about successful implementation and adoption of e–government initiatives at the local level.
TL;DR: Although e-voting could gradually lead to a smoother, electoral process, citizens and politicians must not assume electronic machines are cure-alls to the traditional ballot crisis and security and privacy concerns become increasingly imminent.
Abstract: The constant change of technology has put increased pressure on e-governance initiatives to modernise its election process to keep pace with e-commerce activities. After several national elections, many citizens have noticed first hand the numerous voter irregularities that included long lines, hanging chads, and other polling problems as many countries rush to update their aging and out-dated voter machines and traditional forms of capturing and identifying voters' information. Although e-voting could gradually lead to a smoother, electoral process, citizens and politicians must not assume electronic machines are cure-alls to the traditional ballot crisis. Since e-voting entails plugging votes across a network into a central IT-infrastructure, security and privacy concerns become increasingly imminent. This paper focuses on such e-governance initiatives and what steps election officials could take to ensure its elections via e-voting are secure through a cost/benefit analysis.
TL;DR: There is a disconnect between the current orthodoxy of local government, the expected benefits of IT, and the actual experience of IT management in public sector organisations, as illustrated with a case study.
Abstract: Information Technology (IT) is often assumed to be a critical enabling factor for modern democratic processes. We briefly examine widespread reform of public service institutions along market principles, known as the New Public Management (NPM). We then examine some of the IT management issues that have arisen as a result of the changing nature of local government. We identify a disconnect between the current orthodoxy of local government, the expected benefits of IT, and the actual experience of IT management in public sector organisations. Many public sector organisations suffer from multiple IT management problems. These seriously affect their ability to deliver on the promise that IT management will deliver the quality management information that is required by increased demands for public accountability. We illustrate this with a case study.
TL;DR: The paper offers three conclusions: broadband-based service innovation is seen as a two-step process; first a technologically oriented project, followed by an organisational implementation, and traditional project management is not well suited to understand and manage service innovation.
Abstract: This paper investigates the relationship between broadband and service innovation in an e-government context. We ask, what characterises successful broadband-based service innovation projects in the public sector? The research approach is a quantitative survey in a large public broadband diffusion initiative in Norway. The paper offers three conclusions. First, broadband-based service innovation is seen as a two-step process; first a technologically oriented project, followed by an organisational implementation. The focus of the project manager should be on the second of the phases, not the first. Second, the engagement of a professional external project manager does not support service innovation. The reason is that the external project manager lacks the necessary local knowledge and alliances with central stakeholders. Third, traditional project management is not well suited to understand and manage service innovation. Our contribution is aimed at the e-government research community, but our conclusions are also relevant for project managers and public sector managers.
TL;DR: The paper attempts to demonstrate the digital divide obstacles hindering the Office of Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC)'s effort on its e-learning programme's initiative, which aims to improve the common skills of the Royal Thai Government staff in response to the requirements of the Good Governance Act of 2003.
Abstract: The paper attempts to demonstrate the digital divide obstacles hindering the Office of Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC)'s effort on its e-learning programme's initiative. This program aims to improve the common skills of the Royal Thai Government (RTG) staff in response to the requirements of the Good Governance (GG) Act of 2003. The primary obstacles reflecting the digital divide include the infrastructure barrier (e.g., speed and size of the internet network that are varied between Bangkok and provincial areas), the language difficulty (i.e., increasing the content cost), and the low number of qualified developers for local-language content in the market. By having identified these issues, it is hoped that the deployment of the e-learning programme will be better planned and will not encounter significant roadblocks.
TL;DR: The Smartcard technology as an effective user-authentication tool and the KOBNPS project: its objectives, pros and cons, and applications are explored and results of a survey conducted on the Bahraini environment will be presented.
Abstract: The Smartcard is one of the most promising technological innovations in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Its ability to store relatively large amounts of data in a credit card-sized card has enabled and enhanced the development of many beneficial applications for both society and businesses. The ability to store and process large amounts of data and the portability of this small card makes it a state-of-the-art authentication device. This paper discusses the Smartcard technology in the light of the Kingdom of Bahrain National Personal Smartcard (KOBNPS) Project. This project is part of the Bahraini overall IT strategy and e-government initiative. The KOBNPS project has many objectives, but perhaps the most important one is to improve the efficiency, security and integrity of government data and processes. The Smartcard will have an early implementation phase comprising the Central Population Register (personal data); Traffic (driving licence); Immigration (visa and travel); a Public Key Infrastructure identification and authentication application (authentication and digital signature); Health (health data); and e-purse. Later on, extra applications of a business nature will be added to expand and improve the project. This paper will present a brief introduction of Smartcard technology as an effective user-authentication tool and will explore the KOBNPS project: its objectives, pros and cons, and applications. Finally, it will present results of a survey conducted on the Bahraini environment to study the feasibility in terms of public acceptance and understanding of the KOBNPS project.
TL;DR: E-safety is taking advantage of current technology, effectively using online components to enhance current safety programmes, revitalising them to influence the awareness, knowledge and behaviour of workers and decrease the severity and number of work related accidents.
Abstract: In today's highly competitive global market, domestic businesses are forced to cut excess costs wherever possible. Among the factors being addressed by industry is the rising costs associated with employee accidents. Accidents lead to higher workman's compensation insurance rates and increased costs from employee lost time, and general societal costs. The challenge is to create an effective safety programme that will produce and encourage a safety culture within the company. E-safety is taking advantage of current technology, effectively using online components to enhance current safety programmes, revitalising them to influence the awareness, knowledge and behaviour of workers and decrease the severity and number of work related accidents. Governmental agencies and corporate partners can streamline the online learning modules and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for greater efficiencies and compliant requirements.
TL;DR: E-government is becoming important in reducing transaction costs and exploiting economies of scale in small markets of cultural goods in Slovenia, and income elasticity of demand for cultural goods vary by products and services, but with income tending to increase, increasing economic potentials for suppliers of cultural Goods is suggested.
Abstract: This paper presents changes in markets, government policies, and e-government of cultural goods in Slovenia. E-government is becoming important in reducing transaction costs and exploiting economies of scale in small markets of cultural goods. Income elasticity of demand for cultural goods vary by products and services, but with income tending to increase, increasing economic potentials for suppliers of cultural goods is suggested. E-government of cultural projects and services is in an initial stage, but there is an increasing awareness to encourage more competitive markets for cultural goods.
TL;DR: The exploratory factor analysis that was conducted and the results were consistent, though the factor loadings were more closely aligned with the confirmatory analysis for Minneapolis, though markedly less so for the Los Angeles survey respondents.
Abstract: Increasing usage of technology in various government services is resulting in novel applications for augmenting the efficiency and convenience of citizen-related services. Studies that measure the effects of such provisions play an important role in disseminating the expectations from these services. This study evaluates one of such digital deliveries (i.e., ATIS) to objectively and subjectively examine the performances in satisfying the information needs of citizens. Online surveys in two US metropolitan cities, Los Angeles (n = 155) and Minneapolis (n = 246), were conducted. This study details the exploratory factor analysis that was conducted and compares it with the confirmatory analysis that had been conducted in the earlier stages of this research. In general the results were consistent, though the factor loadings were more closely aligned with the confirmatory analysis for Minneapolis, though markedly less so for the Los Angeles survey respondents. Such differences may be due to the larger transit usage of the Minnesota sample, as well as differences in sociodemographic characteristics.