International development cooperation and innovation promotion: a discussion paper for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Finland

In commissioning this study on innovation and development cooperation, the Department of International Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland has made an important contribution to the ongoing discussion of the role, nature and opportunities that innovation could have in enhancing the current practice and instruments of international development cooperation

Development strategies and food and nutrition security in Africa: an assessment

"Momentum is building in and around Africa today for policy action to decisively confront hunger and malnutrition. If we are to succeed, it is vital that food and nutrition security strategies be both sound and able to be implemented. Ultimately, strategies deficient in either of these two areas will be ineffectual. Lessons from past strategies provide a valuable resource in the design of future strategies, yet there is a dearth of programmatic information and rigorous evaluations of the approaches used in the past. With this in mind, the authors of this 2020 discussion paper review the multitude of approaches and strategies for achieving food and nutrition security in Africa within the context of development over the past four decades. They assess the extent to which these plans have been implemented and identify the key constraints and limitations, along with the priority investments needed for more effective design and implementation in the future." Foreword by Joachim von Braun, Director General, IFPRIFood policy, Hunger, Malnutrition Africa, Food security Africa, Development policies, Assessment, Investments,

Assessing software as a service diffusion : from adoption to its continuance intention

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor in Information Management, specialization in Information TechnologiesTechnological progress is enabling firms to acquire software from different architecture environments. One such architecture environment that has produced a considerable impact on the markets is software as a service (SaaS). SaaS focuses on delivering software hosted off-premises and accessed remotely by means of a subscription fee. Recognized by managers and researchers as a promising solution, it is expanding in the software markets. However, SaaS is surrounded by uncertainty as its perceived viability is still questioned. Although this has motivated recent research into the determinants of SaaS, evidence suggests that it is still not enough. Research has much to cover in order to improve our understanding of the SaaS diffusion process. This dissertation investigates the SaaS diffusion process at a firm level by examining the drivers for each stage. Specifically, we analyze the different influences of the determinant factors on SaaS from the intention to adopt, passing through adoption, routinization and use, as well as its continuance intention. Because SaaS is considered a specific form of information systems outsourcing (ISO), in a first phase we assess the determinants in the context of ISO adoption in order to introduce to its investigation. The purpose of this approach is twofold. First, we test the appropriateness of the theoretical framework selected for the study of SaaS through its application in the analyses of ISO. Second, we find factors of ISO that are transferable to the SaaS context. In a second phase, we consider mediator and moderator influences and propose a new approach of applying a well known theoretical framework in the setting of SaaS adoption. This dissertation contributes to scholarship by enhancing current knowledge of why firms adopt and use SaaS. It incorporates seven studies individually separated into chapters. Chapter 2 is a detailed literature review on ISO and SaaS. As mentioned above, SaaS a specific form of outsourcing. Chapter 3 introduces the main theme by evaluating the suitability of the base framework proposed in this work on the study of ISO. Chapters 4 and 5 are extensions of chapter 3, in which comparisons of the determinants for ISO adoption in different business areas are performed. In chapter 6 we assess the determinants of the SaaS diffusion process (i.e. intention, adoption, and routinization). The factors that influence SaaS use and its continuance intention are identified in chapter 7. In chapter 8 we provide a new approach of applying the theoretical framework used in this dissertation in the context of SaaS adoption. This work adopts a positivist epistemological posture. As for the research methodology, a deductive method is used. All studies of this dissertation with the exception of the one presented in chapter 2 are based on the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework. Additionally, we integrate TOE framework with other theories to enhance the explanatory power of the model. Thus, in chapters 4 and 5 we use diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory; in chapter 6 the institutional theory (INT) is used, in addition to DOI theory; in chapter 7 we include opportunity-risk framework apart from the theories already mentioned. The findings of this dissertation confirm that little research has indeed been performed on SaaS adoption, and more efforts are needed to provide an in-depth understanding of the topic. Through the analysis performed in the ISO context in chapters 3, 4, and 5, the TOE framework suitability as a theoretical basis for the study of SaaS is confirmed. Significant factors of ISO that are transferable for the SaaS context are also found. Relative advantage, complexity, technology competence, top management support, and normative pressures are determinants in the intention to adopt stage. Normative pressures are a constant determinant in the intention, adoption, and routinization stages. Additionally, a total effect (direct effect and indirect effect combined) of cost savings, relative advantage, and top management support is found in the adoption stage of SaaS. A cost savings total effect on the intention to adopt is also found. In terms of the post-adoption stages (i.e. SaaS use to its continuance intention) the findings confirm top management support and normative pressures as determinants of SaaS use. SaaS use and perceived opportunities are significant factors for the continuance intention. Moreover, the relationship between SaaS use and continuance intention is moderated by perceived opportunities. Finally, in this research we validate a new conceptual approach for the TOE framework by introducing moderator effects in its application. This investigation fills a crucial research gap by providing a better understanding of the determinants that affect organizational SaaS diffusion, advancing newer paths of approaching a solid theoretical framework.O progresso tecnológico tem possibilitado às empresas a aquisição de software em diferentes ambientes arquitetónicos. Um exemplo de um ambiente distinto de arquitetura tecnológica que tem produzido um impacto considerável no mercado de software é o software as a service (SaaS). O SaaS refere-se a software instalado fora da infraestrutura da empresa, cujo acesso é efetuado remotamente por meio da subscrição do serviço. Reconhecido, quer pelos gestores e investigadores, como uma solução promissora e encontrando-se em fase de expansão nos mercados de software, a sua viabilidade ainda é questionada. Embora esta dúvida tenha motivado a investigação sobre os fatores determinantes do SaaS, evidências sugerem que não é suficiente. Requer-se assim mais investigação para melhorar o nosso entendimento sobre o processo difusão do SaaS. Esta dissertação investiga os fatores determinantes para cada estágio do processo de difusão do SaaS, ao nível de empresa. Especificamente, analisamos as diferentes influências dos fatores determinantes desde a intenção de adotar, passando pela adoção, rotinização e uso, até à intenção de continuidade do SaaS. Porque o SaaS é considerado uma forma específica de outsourcing de sistemas de informação (ISO), numa primeira fase deste estudo avaliamos os fatores determinantes no contexto da adoção do ISO a fim de introduzir esta investigação. Esta abordagem tem dois objetivos: testar a adequação do quadro teórico escolhido para o estudo do SaaS através da sua aplicação no contexto do ISO e obter os fatores que se revelaram significativos no ISO e que podem ser utilizados no contexto do SaaS. Numa segunda fase, consideramos as influências de fatores moderadores e mediadores no estudo da adoção do SaaS e propomos uma nova abordagem para a aplicação do quadro teórico de referência. Sete estudos, separados por capítulos, compilam esta investigação. É nosso objetivo ampliar o conhecimento atual sobre como as empresas adotam e usam o SaaS. Como mencionado, o SaaS é uma forma específica de outsourcing, assim o capítulo 2 é uma revisão detalhada da literatura sobre o ISO e SaaS. O capítulo 3 avalia a adequação do quadro teórico base proposto neste trabalho no âmbito do estudo do ISO. Os capítulos 4 e 5 são extensões do capítulo 3, nos quais são efetuadas análises comparativas dos fatores determinantes para a adoção do ISO entre as diferentes áreas de negócio. No capítulo 6, avaliamos os fatores determinantes do processo de difusão do SaaS (intenção, adoção e rotinização). Os fatores que influenciam o seu uso e continuidade são identificados no capítulo 7. No capítulo 8, apresentamos uma nova abordagem para a aplicação do quadro teórico de referência utilizado nesta dissertação, no contexto da adoção do SaaS. A postura epistemológica adotada é a positivista e utiliza-se o método dedutivo no respeitante à metodologia de pesquisa. Todos os estudos apresentados, com exceção do capítulo 2, são baseados no quadro teórico tecnologia-organização-ambiente (TOE). Adicionalmente, integramos o quadro teórico TOE com outras teorias para aumentar o poder explicativo do modelo. Assim, nos capítulos 4 e 5 utilizamos a teoria difusão da inovação (DOI); No capítulo 6 é utilizada a teoria institucional (INT), em conjunto com a teoria DOI; No capítulo 7, incluímos o quadro teórico oportunidade-risco para além das teorias já mencionadas. Os resultados desta dissertação confirmam que a investigação sobre a adoção do SaaS é escassa e que são necessários mais esforços para conferir uma maior clareza sobre o tema. Da análise realizada no contexto do ISO, nos capítulos 3, 4 e 5, a adequação do quadro teórico TOE como base teórica de referência para o estudo do SaaS é confirmada. Os fatores determinantes para o ISO e que se adequam ao contexto do SaaS também foram identificados. A vantagem relativa, a complexidade, a competência tecnológica, o apoio da gestão de topo e as pressões normativas são determinantes no estágio da intenção de adotar. As pressões normativas são um fator determinante constante, nos estágios da intenção, adoção e rotinização. Além disso, um efeito total (efeito direto e efeito indireto combinado) da redução de custos, vantagem relativa e apoio da gestão de topo é verificado na fase de adoção do SaaS. Um efeito total de redução de custos sobre a intenção de adotar também é detetado. No que diz respeito aos estágios da pós-adoção (uso do SaaS e a intenção de continuidade), os resultados confirmam o apoio da gestão de topo e pressões normativas como determinantes no uso do SaaS. O uso do SaaS e oportunidades percebidas são fatores significativos para a intenção de continuidade. Além disso, a relação entre o uso do SaaS e a intenção de continuidade é moderada pelas oportunidades percebidas. Finalmente, apresentamos e validamos uma nova abordagem do quadro TOE, introduzindo efeitos moderadores na sua aplicação. Esta dissertação preenche uma lacuna crucial na investigação, proporcionando um melhor entendimento dos fatores determinantes que afetam o processo de difusão do SaaS e avançando novos caminhos de abordagem de um quadro teórico de referência. Outsourcing dos sistemas de informação, quadro tecnologia-organização-ambiente (TOE), difusão da inovação, adoção de TI, Software as a Service, pós-adoção, teoria institucional, modelo oportunidade-risco, intenção de continuidade, efeitos moderadores

Responding to the voices of poor people through microfinance in Sub-Saharan Africa: an Action Research Study in Zimbabwe and Zambia

Poverty reduction through microfinance is tied to the belief that access to credit enables poor people to increase business earnings and improve livelihoods. Indeed, the church has often embraced microfinance as part of its theology of social transformation. Microfinance practitioners therefore, have to prudently manage their institutions and ensure improvements in poor people’s lives- a complex combination given that livelihood changes can only be confirmed by people experiencing poverty. This action research aimed to investigate how poor people can inform microfinance practitioners for improved livelihoods. In assessing the efficacy of poor people’s voices, two initial case studies analysed and compared data from the Chinyika Community in rural Zimbabwe, which achieved food security against famine; and the COSUN women’s group of peri-urban Zambia, which was part of a community-driven microfinance initiative. In the next phase of the research, the COSUN group designed and accessed a loan. An innovative aspect of the research is the use of activity theory to frame and theorise the wider social and cultural context of microfinance dialogues and exchanges. The key finding of the research is the value of genuine ‘dialogue space’ where poor people can influence beneficial actions. However, due to limited capacity to recognise root causes of poverty, and lack of informed competence to negotiate livelihood solutions, the efficacy of poor people’s voices will be compromised even where notional dialogue space is afforded. Thus the research identified the need for community dialogue spaces characterised by: enabling contexts for individual and collective agency; structures that enable recourse; alignment of object motives towards benevolent outcomes; capacity to identify root problems; and action triggers before livelihoods deteriorate. The research also identified the need for dialogue spaces between microfinance institutions and community structures in order to respond with appropriate financial products and services that would lead to transformation. The research recommends partnerships with community institutions like the Church who can galvanise social capital and create empowering community dialogue spaces

Enhancing the capabilities of small producers in developing countries to meet global challenges: an investigation into the contribution of international craft development initiatives.

Worldwide, externally supported craft development initiatives aim to enhance the capability of local craft producers to succeed in globalized markets. However, the contribution that these organizations make towards the abilities of local actors remains unclear. Following a hermeneutic reflection on literature, empirical field experience derived from the African and South Pacific contexts and a multiple case study analysis of craft development organizations, the research investigates the pre-conceptions that lie behind approaches adopted in craft development initiatives. Two emerging elements of particular importance have been identified. Firstly, the Western ideological notion of craft, influenced particularly by the Arts and Crafts movement, and secondly the ethos of social design, built on the legacy of the appropriate technology movement. It is argued that both of these have a constraining impact on the development of indigenous design skills that underpin successful participation in global markets. Noting that craft covers a wide range of practices, the research at hand furthermore identifies a category of craft that has become the epitome of Non-Western craft. These decorative and exotic artifacts are labor-intensive to produce, making them only marginally profitable for the makers. Yet there is an apparent emphasis on the promotion of this category within international craft development initiatives. The research concludes that the current practice of craft development initiatives cannot fully contribute to the development of the response capability of the local craft producers. Enhancing the impact of these initiatives would require serious reconsideration of product strategies and a re-think of the premises under which initiatives are undertaken. A new approach is suggested, one that examines design within a framework of social, economic and ecological sustainability, taking into consideration such socio-cultural issues as the peoples right to economic freedoms and the use of capabilities, building on the work of the economist and Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen

Enhancing the capabilities of small producers in developing countries to meet global challenges: an investigation into the contribution of international craft development initiatives.

Worldwide, externally supported craft development initiatives aim to enhance the capability of local craft producers to succeed in globalized markets. However, the contribution that these organizations make towards the abilities of local actors remains unclear. Following a hermeneutic reflection on literature, empirical field experience derived from the African and South Pacific contexts and a multiple case study analysis of craft development organizations, the research investigates the pre-conceptions that lie behind approaches adopted in craft development initiatives. Two emerging elements of particular importance have been identified. Firstly, the Western ideological notion of craft, influenced particularly by the Arts and Crafts movement, and secondly the ethos of social design, built on the legacy of the appropriate technology movement. It is argued that both of these have a constraining impact on the development of indigenous design skills that underpin successful participation in global markets. Noting that craft covers a wide range of practices, the research at hand furthermore identifies a category of craft that has become the epitome of Non-Western craft. These decorative and exotic artifacts are labor-intensive to produce, making them only marginally profitable for the makers. Yet there is an apparent emphasis on the promotion of this category within international craft development initiatives. The research concludes that the current practice of craft development initiatives cannot fully contribute to the development of the response capability of the local craft producers. Enhancing the impact of these initiatives would require serious reconsideration of product strategies and a re-think of the premises under which initiatives are undertaken. A new approach is suggested, one that examines design within a framework of social, economic and ecological sustainability, taking into consideration such socio-cultural issues as the peoples right to economic freedoms and the use of capabilities, building on the work of the economist and Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen

Orbital Tori Construction Using Trajectory Following Spectral Methods

By assuming the motion of a satellite about the earth’s geopotential mimics the known Kolmogorov-Arnold-Moser (KAM) solution of a lightly perturbed integrable Hamiltonian system, this research focused on applying trajectory following spectral methods to estimate orbital tori from sampled orbital data. From an estimated basis frequency set, orbital data was decomposed into multi-periodic Fourier series, essentially compressing ephemerides for long-term use. Real-world Global Positioning System (GPS) orbital tracks were decomposed and reconstructed with error from as low as few kilometers per coordinate axis over a 10-week span to tens of kilometers per coordinate axis over the same time period, depending on the method chosen. These less-than-precision-level results were due primarily to the resonant orbits of the GPS constellation. Additionally, the trajectory following spectral methods chosen experienced difficulties converging on a complete basis set when using data time spans much smaller than the period of the slowest system frequency. However, the lessons learned from GPS led to a new orbital tori construction method. This approach focused on fitting local spectral structures, denoted as frequency clusters, within the sampled orbital data to the analytical form of the windowed, truncated, continuous Fourier transform. Methods employing direct use of the observed spectrum as well as least squares fitting techniques were developed with considerable success. For portions of the low-earth-orbit regime, maximum errors per coordinate axis in orbital tori fits were kept below 5 meters over a time period of 1 year. Simulations using the Hubble Space Telescope yielded 1-dimensional root mean square errors of less than 2 meters in each coordinate axis in the initial and predicted ephemeris fits, both of which used 1-year-long tracks of numerically integrated data

Foreign Investment in Agricultural Development : The Past of the Present in Zambia

This study grounds a highly charged debate on agriculture in developing countries within economic theory, by establishing a structured analytical framework for considering the potential role of foreign investment in supporting agricultural development. The framework is developed to be time and space neutral, such that it can be utilized in various geographic settings and across different time periods, enabling the assessment of continuity and change over time. The general analytical framework developed is then applied to assess the impact of foreign investment in agriculture in the case of Zambia. The study considers long term impacts of foreign investment in agriculture, atall times seeking to balance the need for historical context with the theoretical underpinnings of the analytical framework. To do this, the study compares the colonial administration of Northern Rhodesia (1924-1964) and the modern multi-party democracy era (1992-2016), two periods of broad openness to foreign investment, while also assessing the post-independence era of the first and second republics (1965-1991). In doing so, the study considers how foreign investment has impacted the development of Zambian agriculture, considers whether the Zambian experience conforms to received theoretical wisdom and assesses the extent to which there exist reoccurring patterns of foreign investment behavior from the colonial era to the present day