Browsing by Subject "Developing countries"
Now showing items 1-12 of 12
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Gerhan, D.R.; Mutula, S.M. (Emerald, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – To examine the technical reasons for excessively slow internet speeds at the University of Botswana, to discover the present state of development efforts addressing such examples of the qualitative digital divide, and to recommend remedies. Design/methodology/ approach – Surveys of students, the authors' professional experiences, and reports from corporate, public, and intergovernmental organizations provided insights into the effects – and causes – of internet slowdown. Findings –Bandwidth bottlenecks were identified in successive stages of intercontinental internet traffic. Causes included network design and capacity, telecommunications regulations, and competing budgetary demands within Botswana. Research limitations/implications – Much of the literature on the digital divide has stressed plentiful hardware and internet connections in affluent societies versus their scarcity in developing societies. This study illustrates that hardware and connections are necessary but not sufficient for adequate online performance. Technological advance and development can each stimulate the other, and that two-way interconnection necessitates more than a simple call for more spending to increase developing countries' bandwidth. The paper presents recommendations in addition to higher funding. Originality/value – Student and other micro-level data serve as measures for the local performance of a global utility, the internet. Tracking message transmission uncovers bottlenecks along the path of the intercontinental internet, specifically as it reaches Africa. These “street-level” approaches can assist the international aid community, the telecommunications industry, and the public sector in Botswana and elsewhere in removing obstacles to the internet as a potentially important tool for national- and human-development. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/796 Files in this item: 1
Gerhan_LHT_2005.pdf (1.566Mb) -
Oladiran, M. T. (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/RecentIssue.jsp?punumber=13, August NaN, 1999)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper presents the results of an investigation to determine the level of continuing professional development (CPD) for engineers in developing countries. Questionnaires were administered randomly to engineers of different specialties. It was found that CPD for engineers in developing countries seems neglected. Experience and state of the art in the profession are, thus, not usually acquired in an organized fashion. Nevertheless, many of these engineers would support the introduction of continuing professional development at all levels of their careers. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/666 Files in this item: 1
Oladiran_IEEETE_1999.pdf (763.3Kb) -
Temtime, Z.T.; Chinyoka, S.V.; Shunda, J.P.W. (Journal of Management Development; Emerald Group Publishing Limited; www.emeraldinsight.com/0262-1711.htm, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: There is a general consensus among public policy makers, academics and researchers that entrepreneurship is a vital route to economic advancement for both developed and developing economies. As a result, a host of small business assistance programs are conducted by public, private and nonprofit organizations. Although the need for integrating these programs has always been a high priority on the national agenda for public policy and research in entrepreneurship, their implementation particularly in developing economies is characterized by fragmentation and lack of coordination. Small business assistance will be meaningful if they are designed in a holistic and systematic way and implemented with a view to achieve long term sustainable development. This paper offers a conceptual framework for designing an integrated model of small business assistance. The paper identifies the major characteristics of small firms and potential small business assistance programs, and presents a decision tree model that matches the characteristics of firms with appropriate assistance program(s). A case study of small business assistance programs in the Republic of Botswana was conducted to provide an empirical evidence of the need for an integrated design or model. Finally, conclusions, discussions and the implications of the model for policy makers, practitioners and further research are presented. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/12 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_decision_tree.pdf (5.483Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T.; Chinyoka, S.V.; Shunda, J.P.W. (Emerald Group Publications, www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: There is a general consensus among public policy makers, academics and researchers that entrepreneurship is a vital route to economic advancement for both developed and developing economies. As a result, a host of small business assistance programs are conducted by public, private and nonprofit organizations. Although the need for intergrating these programs has always been a high priority on the national agenda for public policy and research in entrepreneurship, their implementation particularly in developing economies is characterized by fragmentation and lack of coordination. Small business assistance will be meaningful if they are designed in a holistic and systematic way and implemented with a view to achieve long term sustainable development. This paper offers a conceptual framework for designing an integrated model of small business assistance. The paper identifies the major characteristics of small firms and potential small business assistance programs, and presents a decision tree model that matches the characteristics of firms with appropriate assistance program(s). A case study of small business assistance programs in the Republic of Botswana was conducted to provide an empirical evidence of the need for an integrated design or model. Finally, conclusions, discussions and the implications of the model for policy makers, practitioners and further research are presented. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1059 Files in this item: 1
TEMTIME_JMD_2004.pdf (1.334Mb) -
Jain, P. (Emerald, www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to explore the role of information and communication technology (ICT) using a knowledge management (KM) approach. The knowledge in the context of this paper refers to indigenous knowledge. Design/methodology/ approach – The paper is based on a literature review. Findings – The discussion suggests that, in spite of various infrastructural limitations in Africa, KM applications can still play a vital role in indigenous knowledge management and consequently empowering Africa’s development. Research limitations/ implications – The major hindrance is the fact that Africa has thus far achieved little on its own; rather it has been emulating the progress made in the developed world. Because of this, there is a scarcity of in-depth knowledge related to an African context. In truth, some areas in which ICT has the potential to change, pertaining to the economy and society, have not been observed in any way. More research is required to identify specific needs of a country. Practical implications – The paper supposes that in spite of all these variations and implications KM can be adapted for indigenous knowledge. The paper contributes in terms of the literature review to showing how tacit knowledge can be managed using ICT. It can be useful for the researchers and knowledge workers. Recommendations are made concerning what needs to be done to improve ICT conditions in Africa such as: ICT policy formulation; literacy programs; legal and regulatory framework; manpower training; and empowerment of local people. Originality/value – Little has been done in Africa to explore the potential of using ICT as a mechanism with a knowledge management approach, in the thrust of Africa’s development. This paper proposes how it is possible to use ICT to manage and disseminate indigenous knowledge. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/846 Files in this item: 1
Jain_EL_2006.pdf (1.502Mb) -
Akinsola, H.A. (Arnold. http://nej.sagepub.com/, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: The concern for ethical principles and values is not limited to health professionals alone. However, ethical principles in nursing act as safety valves for social control to prevent professional misconduct and abuse of the rights of clients. As a result of colonial experience, developing countries like Botswana usually follow the European lead, especially examples from the UK. This article examines the ethical problems and dilemmas associated with rural nursing practice in Botswana, a developing country in sub-Saharan Africa. The major ethical problems identified are related to the distribution of and access to health resources in rural communities. It is proposed that nurses must assume responsibility in the field of access and allocation by working collaboratively with governments and other professional bodies, and that nurses as a global community must work together as a team to support each other. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/724 Files in this item: 1
Ethical issues in rural nursing.pdf (1.463Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T. (Science Publications / ANSI Journals; http://www.ansijournals.com/3/c4p.php?id=1&theme=3&jid=jas, October NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper reviews the usefulness of the project management approach in promoting organisational and managerial flexibility in traditional organisations in developing countries. Three aspects of project management, viz. organisational structure, organisational behaviour, and planning and control tools, that have immense potential to alleviate these problems are reviewed. The need for indigenous managerial approaches in developing countries, and addressing some of the problems that hinder organisations from exploiting the potential benefits of the project management scheme are discussed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/186 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_pjas_Oct2001pdf.pdf (611.1Kb) -
Mazonde, I.N.; Malete, J.; Sugarman, J. (SRA International Publications. http://www.srainternational.org, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: It is globally expected that universities will ensure that policies guiding researchers’ conduct are in place and adhered to. This expectation is not waived in developing countries. Successful implementation of an ethics policy is facilitated by an appropriate national regulatory framework on which to base the argument for compliance. However, it is possible to implement such policies even when a regulatory framework is absent. The University of Botswana implemented a program to increase awareness of research ethics and to manage allegations of research misconduct through a needs assessment and seminars on the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). This paper describes this problem, and the success of the program initiated to address it. This program serves as a model for other research institutions in the developing world that may encounter similar challenges. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/634 Files in this item: 1
Mazonde_JRA_2007.pdf (1.666Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T. (Journal of Management Development; Emerald Group Publishing Ltd; www.emeraldinsight.com/0262-1711.htm, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper investigates the relationship between scanning and planning, planning and TQM practices, and scanning and TQM practices by collecting primary data from 54 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through questionnaire in the Republic of Botswana. Being explanatory in nature, the study used only descriptive statistics to analyze the data and indicate the nature and direction of the relationship. The study found a statistically significant relationship between scanning and planning; and between planning and TQM practices. However, scanning is indirectly related to TQM and has a moderating impact on TQM practices. Important implications of the findings for practitioners, future research and SME support agencies are also provided. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/48 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_environmental_scanning.pdf (2.214Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T. (Emerald; http://www.emeraldinsight.com/0954-478x.htm, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Total quality management (TQM) research has concentrated on large firms. Little has been done on the TQM practices of small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in developing countries. This paper investigates the relationship between TQM, planning behaviour and firm size by reviewing existing literature and collection of primary data from 54 SMEs in the Republic of Botswana. The findings indicated that the majority of SMEs understand the importance of both TQM and planning activities for their survival and growth. However, their approach to both is unsystematic, non-formal and short-term orientated. Both firm size and planning behaviour are found to have statistically significant relationships with TQM practices. As firm size increases from small to medium, and as SMEs move from operational to strategic planning, they attach greater degree of importance to TQM practices. However, the planning behaviour of SMEs is more strongly related to TQM practices as a prerequisite to the adoption of formalised TQM practices. Some implications for SMEs are also forwarded. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/193 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_TQM_2003.pdf (2.598Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T. (International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business; Inderscience Enterprises Ltd; http://www.inderscience.com/browse/index.php?journalCODE=ijgsb, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The process of gathering and interpreting pertinent information from the environment and introducing the results into the business planning process is referred to as environmental scanning. This paper investigates the practices and perceptions of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in monitoring environmental complexities and changes through the use of different scanning sources and frequency. Data were collected from 44 SMEs in Botswana through questionnaire and analysed using simple descriptive statistics. The findings indicated that SMEs in Botswana do monitor their environment and use all the major scanning sources with different degrees of frequency. Though more importance is attached to the customer/market, competition and economic sectors, owner-managers in Botswana tend to rely more on impersonal (written) and internal sources as opposed to personal (informal) and external sources to analyse an increasingly uncertain sector. This is in contrast to previous findings, since information from these sources is less reliable for analysing unstable, turbulent and hard-to-measure sectors than personal and external sources. The use of inappropriate scanning sources could be partially attributed to the fact that most SMEs in Botswana do not have an integrated management information system designed to capture, store and analyse environmental data for use in strategic decision-making processes. Further implications for SMEs and future research are highlighted. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/49 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_ijgsb_2006.pdf (157.1Kb) -
Temtime, Z.T.; Solomon, G.H. (Emerald; http://www.emeraldinsight.com/0954-478x.htm, NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: Examines the relationship between TQM perceptions, planning behaviour, and firm size in SMEs in Ethiopia. Primary data were collected from 57 SMEs through a questionnaire. However, as the study is a preliminary investigation, uses only simple descriptive statistics to analyse the sample data. The results are not significantly different from those of previous studies in SMEs. TQM perceptions vary with firm size and planning behaviour. The findings also indicated that excessive emphasis on short-term profitability, lack of resources, business planning and vision, and misperception of TQM practices are among the main obstacles to the adoption of a formal TQM program. Suggests some lessons and implications for future research. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/192 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_TQM_2002_formated.pdf (2.044Mb)
Now showing items 1-12 of 12