A test model for telecentre value creation

This paper presents results of a research to create a model for telecentre value creation. The aim is to study the effect of diffusion and adoption of information and communication technology through telecentre implementation. The National Strategic Framework for Bridging Digital Divide states that the socio-economic value could not achieve its optimal level when the focus is on diffusion.Hence this study attempts to determine the effect of diffusion and adoption on value creation individually and combined.A conceptual model was developed based on review of related literatures and then operationalized into research variables that form the questionnaire.A survey was administered and descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the model fit and verify the model for telecentre value creation. Results of the study found compelling strong relationships on both diffusion and adoption with value creation with adoption have stronger effect on value creation as compared to diffusion

Accessibility of Websites for People with Disabilities (PWD) in Malaysia: An Empirical Investigation

According to a report by Department of Social Welfare Malaysia (http://www.jkm.gov.my), there are approximately 277, 509  registered disabled people in Malaysia  since November 2009. The growing  number of people with disabilities in Malaysia indicates the importance of safeguarding the interest by this special underserved group in Malaysia. Thus, this study aims to investigate the accessibility of website for disabled user in Malaysia. A total of 100 websites were chosen from four Malaysia portals; (i) Malaysian Information Network on Disabilities (MIND), (ii) Malaysian Christian Association for Relief (Malaysian CARE), (iii) Kiwanis Disability Information and Support Centre (KDISC) and (iv) Hati. The study revealed several issues pertaining  to website accessibility for people with disabilities in Malaysia. We end our study with few recommendations for  to improve few of the accessibility criteria that may be overlooked by website developers

The moderating effect of community participation on telecentre value creation

This paper examines community participation in using ICT in rural area telecentres with the aim to understand its effect on the relationship between diffusion and adoption of the telecentre on socio-economic value creation.Active community participation is a major factor in contributing to sustainability of telecentres.However,understanding the moderating role of community participation on the effect of diffusion and adoption of the telecentre on value creation is equally important in order to bridge the digital divide.To enable this, a survey was conducted among communities in the rural areas in the northern states of Malaysia.The aim was to determine whether the effect of diffusion and adoption on value creation depends on the community actively participates in the use of the telecentre.The results show that community participation moderates the effect of both diffusion and adoption on value creation with tendency of non-user having negative impact on adoption which can adversely affect value creation.This study found that non-users should be encouraged to use the telecentre facilities in order to bridge the digital divide and increase the socio-economic value of the community