Bibliometric Analysis of Citation Trends and Publications on E-government in Southern African Countries: A Human-computer Interactions and IT Alignment Debate

Due to technology adoption, many countries are embracing e-government. This study presents the growth and pattern of research on e-government articles and conference proceedings internationally, by scholars in the Southern African countries. It presents research patterns, trends and current gaps in e-government, as well as the most prolific authors and the level of outputs’ prominence. This paper uses bibliometric tools to present the analysis of articles on Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. R computational programming for big data analysis was used to generate summarized metrics. The citation sample size was (n = 33,689), µ = 625, and the outputs impact based on total link strength of citations were; min =11.0, max = 1,686.0 and µ = 118.2, showing the Southern African scholars outputs visibility and prominence on e-government research. The findings present the most prolific authors in the Southern African region and the prominence of their outputs on e-governance. The study, through the computational synthesis of the data, also reveals some of the missing links in e-governance research designs and implementation. Furthermore, the study indicates that the service-oriented design of e-government platforms are still lacking, and the integration of Information Technology (IT) alignment, which is necessary to successfully implement e-government is lacking. The use and integration of mobile technology to enhance citizen-centric and participatory public governance platform and e-government implementation is not sufficiently addressed. Therefore, there is need to measure the maturity level of e-government IT deployment, its user-interfaces, as well as the design of an e-government that is able to respond to often embryonic and heterogeneous needs of citizens

Bibliometric Analysis of Citation Trends and Publications on E-government in Southern African Countries: A Human-computer Interactions and IT Alignment Debate

Due to technology adoption, many countries are embracing e-government. This study presents the growth and pattern of research on e-government articles and conference proceedings internationally, by scholars in the Southern African countries. It presents research patterns, trends and current gaps in e-government, as well as the most prolific authors and the level of outputs’ prominence. This paper uses bibliometric tools to present the analysis of articles on Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. R computational programming for big data analysis was used to generate summarized metrics. The citation sample size was (n = 33,689), µ = 625, and the outputs impact based on total link strength of citations were; min =11.0, max = 1,686.0 and µ = 118.2, showing the Southern African scholars outputs visibility and prominence on e-government research. The findings present the most prolific authors in the Southern African region and the prominence of their outputs on e-governance. The study, through the computational synthesis of the data, also reveals some of the missing links in e-governance research designs and implementation. Furthermore, the study indicates that the service-oriented design of e-government platforms are still lacking, and the integration of Information Technology (IT) alignment, which is necessary to successfully implement e-government is lacking. The use and integration of mobile technology to enhance citizen-centric and participatory public governance platform and e-government implementation is not sufficiently addressed. Therefore, there is need to measure the maturity level of e-government IT deployment, its user-interfaces, as well as the design of an e-government that is able to respond to often embryonic and heterogeneous needs of citizens

Foresight Africa: Top Priorities for the Continent 2020-2030

The new year 2020 marks the beginning of a promising decade for Africa. Through at least the first half of the decade, economic growth across Africa will continue to outperform that of other regions, with the continent continuing to be home to seven of the world's 10 fastest-growing economies. Collective action among African and global policymakers to improve the livelihoods of all under the blueprint of the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063 is representative of the shared energy and excitement around Africa's potential. With business environments improving, regional integration centered around the African Continental Free Trade Agreement progressing, and the transformational technologies of Fourth Industrial Revolution spreading, never before has the region been better primed for trade, investment, and mutually beneficial partnerships. The recent, unprecedented interest of an increasingly diversified group of external partners for engagement with Africa highlights this potential. Despite the continent's promise, though, obstacles to success linger, as job creation still has not caught up with the growing youth labor force, gaps in good and inclusive governance remain, and climate change as well as state fragility threaten to reverse the hard-fought-for gains of recent decades.This special edition of Foresight Africa highlights the triumphs of past years as well as strategies from our experts to tackle forthcoming, but surmountable, obstacles to a prosperous continent by 2030

The relationships between Israel and the African States

openSin dagli anni Cinquanta, Israele ha stabilito relazioni con numerosi stati africani. Nel corso dei decenni, queste relazioni sono cambiate, anche in seguito a eventi internazionali come la guerra dei Sei Giorni o crollo del Muro di Berlino. Ad oggi, Israele vede nei paesi africani possibili alleati sul fronte diplomatico, economico e strategico; difatti, negli ultimi decenni, i governi israeliani, in particolare quelli guidati da Netanyahu, hanno proclamato un "ritorno all'Africa". Quest'ultimo è incentrato su tre principali obiettivi: ottenere un supporto più esteso nelle arene internazionali; espandere la propria presenza nei mercati africani; avviare una cooperazione strategica contro l'Iran e i gruppi fondamentalistici islamici presenti nel continente. Anche gli stati africani hanno numerose ragioni che li spingono a instaurare relazioni con Israele. In primo luogo, un avvicinamento a Tel Aviv comporterebbe un possibile miglioramento delle relazioni con gli Stati Uniti. In secondo luogo, in numerosi stati africani sta aumentando l'influenza delle comunità evangeliche pro-Israeliane che promuovono le relazioni con lo stato ebraico. In terzo luogo, molti stati mirano a ottenere da Israele assistenza allo sviluppo (tecnologie e know-how), cosi come armi e equipaggiamento in materia di sicurezza.Israel has established relations with many African states since the 1950s. These relations have changed during the decades, also affected by international events such as the Six-Day War or the collapse of the Berlin Wall. To date, Israel looks at African countries as possible allies on the diplomatic, economic and strategic front; as a matter of fact, in recent decades, Israeli governments, especially those led by Netanyahu, have proclaimed an "African comeback". The latter focuses on three main goals: to obtain wider support in international arenas; to further exploit African markets; to establish a strategic cooperation against Iran and Islamic fundamentalist groups present on the continent. African states too maintain many reasons for establishing relations with Israel. Firstly, a rapprochement to Tel Aviv would lead to a possible improvement in relations with the United States. Secondly, in many African states the influence of pro-Israel evangelical communities is increasing. Thirdly, many states aim to obtain development assistance from Israel (such as technology and know-how), as well as security equipment and aid

ACEWATER2 Regional database: hydro-climatology data-analysis

The report presents the architecture of a regional hydro-climatology information system, developed in the framework of the ACEWATER2 project, in order to support effective organization of information. Information includes both freely available large and regional scale data sources, as well as databases compiled by the CoEs (Centers of Excellence) and submitted as part of their scientific undertakings. The information system builds upon and specializes the JRC knowledge sharing platform Aquaknow (https://aquaknow.jrc.ec.europa.eu/), including: • at the system core, a relational database; its schema has been designed to store both detailed metadata and, where relevant (avoiding duplication of information otherwise accessible), data themselves. Metadata include, among others, datasets extended description, spatial extent, temporal frequency, reference Institutions/authors, credits and limitations, web links to access original data and/or any further documentation. Data can be stored as public or private, depending upon confidentialy and sharing policies; • user friendly facilities, supporting the end user in efficiently browsing, querying, uploading and downloading information (metadata and data). System access is limited to accredited audience, via password authentication. Dedicated groups for the three ACEWATER CoE networks (Western, Southern and Central-Eastern Africa) have been setup and scientists invited to register. Currently the system is operational and we submitted databases documented and, depending upon confidentiality and authorization issues, also stored. A general review and classification of freely available information at continenal, regional and local scale of interest to ACEWATER2 project, and particularly to selected study areas (Senegal, Gambia and Niger; Zambezi; Blue Nile and Lake Victoria), have been completed. Metadata and, where relevant, data themselves have been stored to the information system database. Information submitted by the CoE (a continuous ongoing process) is migrated to the database as well, depending upon sharing authorization and/or limitations. The report also documents the ongoing scientific research at JRC on climate variability analysis based on L-Moments statistics. In particular maps of estimated precipitation deficit for different return periods at the river basins of interest are presented and included in the database.JRC.D.2-Water and Marine Resource

An American Reaction to Apartheid

Just what is the American reaction to apartheid, and how does one make generalizations about those perceptions and the values they imply? In approaching these questions the method chosen was to look at the visible reactions of those opinion leaders in the administration, press, and Congress that the American public took their cues from in forming attitudes in this area of foreign relations. Written articles and public statements reported by the press and in professional magazines and journals were examined, first to see if the reaction of these opinion leaders to the issue of apartheid and related concerns could be assessed on the basis of a format which attempted to predict the concerns Americans would reflect upon when considering foreign policy issues and making policy recommendations. The reactions of these opinion leaders were examined to see if they reflected a similar emphasis to three major sets of concerns: the perception of the moral wrong of apartheid, and the economic and strategic cost of ending apartheid; the need to avoid becoming embroiled in another Vietnam-type situation; and the perceived need to prevent the incursion of communist influence in South Africa and that region of the world. In addition, the public reactions of these opinion leaders were examined in order to assess whether or not liberal democratic values were mentioned in the context of structuring the debate over the practice of apartheid and U.S. relations with the country of South Africa, or if they were mentioned in the justifications given for specific policy recommendations meant to bring about the end of apartheid. What was found was that there was a distinct difference between conservative and liberal American opinion leaders on their perceptions on the urgency of ending apartheid practices in South Africa. Conservatives would justify non-intervention in South African affairs both by citing the perception that the South African government was committed to ending apartheid, and in their belief that marketplace forces would bring about reform even without government intervention. They also expressed concern over strategic and economic issues, playing up the need to prevent communist influence in Southern Africa and the surrounding region. Liberals would be quicker to stress moral concerns about the continuation of apartheid practices, rejecting the idea that the South African government was trying to end apartheid, and downplaying the need to follow a policy that was in effect a regional anti-communist strategy. In doing so they justified increased American intervention in South African affairs on the grounds that visible liberal democratic practices were abscent under apartheid restrictions in South Africa

Deconstructing Prevention: The Missing Link in the Human Security Approach to Climate Change.

Climate change poses a global threat to human security on an unprecedented scale. The international community has failed to effectively confront this threat, directing efforts primarily to mitigation of climate change drivers rather than adaptation and resilience. This is not due to a lack of concern, per say, but rather the fact that the tools, expertise and experience of states and international institutions are inadequate to address this threat. Traditionally, states and international institutions have employed a top-down and state-centric approach to security. Due to drastically differing vulnerabilities all throughout the world, a bottom-up approach is necessary for the effective prevention of human insecurity stemming from climate change. A bottom-up approach also happens to be the foundation upon which modern civil society was built. However, to date, the voice of civil society, particularly non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with a human security mandate, have been relatively absent from the international dialogue on climate change. This is due greatly in part to divergent approaches to human security within civil society, including a human protection approach and a human development approach. However, within the context of climate change, human security impacts bridge both approaches, specifically in regards to implications for survival, including water and food security, migration and conflict. In order for humanitarian organizations to uphold their ultimate mandate of prevention, there must be a convergence of approaches to human security within civil society to allow for insertion into international dialogue. The tools, knowledge and expertise of human security NGOs can serve to bridge the missing link in the international community’s approach to climate change. As climate change is a relatively slow process, civil society still has time to uphold their mandate of prevention, but the time to act is now. This policy paper will argue that the prevention of human insecurity stemming from the impacts of climate change is still within reach but the time is now, as vulnerable populations are already being negatively impacted. In order for this to occur, the divergent approaches to human security within civil society must converge through realization of mutual concerns stemming from climate change. Civil society, the missing link in international dialogue on human security impacts of climate change, must interject itself in the international arena to foster cooperation between international institutions, states and humanitarian organizations

The Place of Traditional Art Forms as a Positive Element in The Inculcation of Culture in The Nigerian Youth

Nigerian cultures and traditions are demonstrated mainly through art, but in modern times, culture seems to have departed from its usual traditional form and given way to technology. This can be seen in the youth who consistently try to bring new ways of life or rather try very hard to imitate the western system of life. Many Nigerian youths appear to be shunning conventional methods of pursuing their passion and making credible marks in the plethora of areas available to them; but remain focused on the fast-changing stream of contemporary climes thus, diverting their creative talents outward instead of inward. The aim of this argument is to establish the need for positive inculcation of cultural and traditional values in Nigerian youths through the exposition of available traditional arts. The paper focuses on establishing the place and role of traditional artforms as a positive element for the inculcation of cultural values in the Nigerian youth of today. It posits that, every Nigerian youth has the potential to come up with novel ideas and innovations that can be used to build a strong platform for self-discovery and the creation of newer avenues for leadership. The article also looks at how traditional artforms can change attitudes, bring about new ideas and notions for the forward and progressive development of the country through the younger generation. Key words: Youths, Arts, Culture, Traditional, Inculcation DOI: 10.7176/ADS/94-05 Publication date:August 31st 202

Creating Shared Value Through Corporate Social Investment: Managing Water-Related Risk and Opportunity Through Coca-Cola's Replenish Africa Initiative

Nearly 300 million people throughout the African continent lack access to clean drinking water, and far more are without improved sanitation facilities. Companies such as The Coca-Cola Company, which rely on access to freshwater resources and surrounding communities for their core business operations and supply chains, face growing material risks as well as opportunities from the global water crisis (which includes sanitation challenges as well). Investments in water stewardship are becoming an increasingly common strategy for corporate or other private investors to both manage downside risk and build upside potential, particularly in emerging economies throughout the African region. Indeed, organizations that are able to forge relationships with markets and societies in Africa today are likely to be well positioned to enjoy the high rates of growth projected for the region. This report highlights 5 thematic area where business benefits from water stewardship investments can be realized, including: corporate competitiveness, operational efficiency, human capital, social capital, and risk exposure. Through the development of original spatial analyses, the report underscores selected trends and presents a series of recommendations for what type of water stewardship activities should be targeted to specific countries. Through a systemsbased mapping of over 50 distinct dimensions of both societal and business value creation and their interconnections, the report also discusses several high-level leverage points for value creation. These leverage points are capable of effecting deep systems-level change, and are presented as recommended programmatic themes. Finally, The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation’s Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN) is presented and discussed as an example of a water stewardship investment that provides numerous benefits to societies, to larger economies, and to natural ecosystems.Master of ScienceNatural Resources and EnvironmentUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/113283/1/Creating Shared Value Through Corporate Social Investment - Mitler Rostorfer Ledbetter 2015.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/113283/2/Executive Summary-Water Stewardship in Africa the Next Frontier for Building Shared Value.pdfDescription of Executive Summary-Water Stewardship in Africa the Next Frontier for Building Shared Value.pdf : Executive Summar