Information and communications technologies as an enabler of supply chain integration

This study is a meta-research analysis that examined the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) as an enabler of supply chain integration. Our analysis covered 55 papers in 34 journals published between 2007 and 2017. RFID systems were the most investigated ICTs in the supply chain integration literature. Besides its impact as an independent variable, ICT’s mediating and moderating roles are also noteworthy. Our study has demonstrated the underutilization of theories in general, dominance of surveys and single case studies, and future research opportunities for the underutilized IS types in SCI. Based on the findings, we proposed a research framework. Our framework illustrated two types of moderating factors between the use of ICT and level of SCI: (1) ICT-related factors as an enabler of SCI, and (2) other factors as an enabler of SCI. ICT-related factors are suitability, criticality, and maturity of ICT; ICT capabilities of, and integration within, an organization; ICT integration with SC partners; and technological differences among available ICT applications. Other factors are availability of industry standards; open information-sharing environment; institutional pressures and organizational culture; and involvement of top management

How 5G wireless (and concomitant technologies) will revolutionize healthcare?

The need to have equitable access to quality healthcare is enshrined in the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which defines the developmental agenda of the UN for the next 15 years. In particular, the third SDG focuses on the need to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”. In this paper, we build the case that 5G wireless technology, along with concomitant emerging technologies (such as IoT, big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning), will transform global healthcare systems in the near future. Our optimism around 5G-enabled healthcare stems from a confluence of significant technical pushes that are already at play: apart from the availability of high-throughput low-latency wireless connectivity, other significant factors include the democratization of computing through cloud computing; the democratization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cognitive computing (e.g., IBM Watson); and the commoditization of data through crowdsourcing and digital exhaust. These technologies together can finally crack a dysfunctional healthcare system that has largely been impervious to technological innovations. We highlight the persistent deficiencies of the current healthcare system and then demonstrate how the 5G-enabled healthcare revolution can fix these deficiencies. We also highlight open technical research challenges, and potential pitfalls, that may hinder the development of such a 5G-enabled health revolution

An extended information system success model for mobile learning usage in Saudi Arabia universities

The emergence of 4G networks allows m-learning to be attractive for educational systems. Mobile devices have the potential to enhance accessibility and efficiency distribution of educational materials and information. Developing countries, especially in the Middle East, lag behind as they face difficulties in the adoption and use of m-learning. Previous researches stated that the studies in the success of m-learning are still insufficient in developing countries, particularly in Saudi Arabia where the number of students involved in m-learning also constitutes low percentages. Nine factors that influence the success of m-learning are incorporated and evaluated into a research model. A quantitative approach was used, where questionnaires were sent to three universities in KSA. The contributing factors and the relationships between them were evaluated using a Structural Equation Modelling technique. The research revealed that information quality, user satisfaction (US), trust in technology, attitude, organisation support, trust in organisation, and the net benefits of m-learning positively influence m-learning usage. In addition, the results confirmed that user satisfaction is positively affected by system quality (SEQ), service quality (SQ), and net benefits (NB) of using (U) the system. The results also showed that there is a significant relationship between NB and US for m-learning technology. This study extends the previous research by providing a conceptual model for the successful execution of m-learning services in universities. This mediating effect of US explains the impact of independent variables (IQ, SEQ, SQ) on U. It also examined the mediating effect of U in explaining the influence of US on the NB using m-learning services. The findings of this study are valuable as input for the Ministry of Higher Education and practitioners concerned with successful m-learning services. This study constructed a new model to enhance the mobile learning usage among students in universities

Behavioral Changes of Independent Palm Smallholders Farmers through Farmer Institution

Farmer institutions along with regulatory, normative, and cultural cognitive aspects have important roles in social cohesion to achieve the food security of independent palm smallholder farmer households. However, some dysfunctionalities and external challenges affect the structure of their institutions. This paper aims to find ways to change the behavior of independent palm smallholder farmers by identifying the internal and external factors of their behaviors in their institutions. The data were collected from 100 smallholders in West Kalimantan using Structural Equation Model (SEM). The results indicate that the internal factors do not influence farmers’ behavior because of lack of social influences on their relationships, exceptional characteristics of the region, and a mismatch between perceived risk sources and risk management strategies. Meanwhile, the external factors (the surrounding environment, institutional information, the extension roles, ISPO, reward, and family encouragement) show positive influences on farmers' behavior. Therefore, to optimize the behavioral changes of independent palm smallholders in their institutions, knowledge exchange is necessary through formal or informal communication networks. Also, they need to have the connections with institutional buyers and potential agro-processing entrepreneurs and the connection with appropriate formal saving schemes, and financial products in their value chains