Information systems evaluation: Mini-track introduction

abreast of technological innovations. Yet, companies are becoming more aware that a competitive advantage can not be achieved, or even maintained by utilizing the latest technology. Indeed, it is becoming more apparent that a strategic competitive advantage will not be achieved through embraced technology alone but, in the way companies approach the evaluation, management and exploitation of their human, organizational and technology based assets and infrastructure. In support of this, Sohal et al. (2001) reported the results of a large-scale survey that demonstrated the limited Information Technology (IT) enabled business benefits resulting in service and manufacturing sectors. The survey highlighted that many of the benefits achieved through adopting IT/IS were limited to improvements in productivity and cost alone. Clearly, such results are surprising given the emphasis the normative literature has placed on the strategic benefits achievable from IT/IS. As a result of the far reaching conclusions reported by Sohal et al. (2001), many organisational have begun to question the scope and depth of those IT-enabled business benefits that are not achieved by those companies proactively adopting IT/IS

Sustained Growth and Anti-Corruption Policies in Egypt

The paper draws attention to the Arab Republic of Egypt’s efforts to confront both administrative and financial corruption as it demonstrates an obstacle to developmental policies. On World Anti-Corruption Day, this was initiated in 2014, when Egypt launched its first national anti-corruption strategy. This strategy was characterized by being in two phases. The first phase was from 2014-2019 and the second phase was from 2019-2022. The research problem centers around the global doubts about the Egyptian role and efforts in combating corruption, thus the research paper aims to measure the extent of administrative corruption before and during the two phases and display the Egyptian role in that matter. The methodology of the research paper is the descriptive-analytical approach, where it analyzes the numbers and ratios related to anti-corruption policies during the two phases. Also, the role of the National Anti-Corruption Academy will be observed by examining the practical cases and assessing its effectiveness and whether it is influential or not. The paper concludes that progress has been made with regard to Egyptian efforts to combat corruption, however, better cooperation and coordination between all concerned bodies and institutions is a must to ensure the sustainability of such improvement

Fundoplication in neurologically impaired children: Nissen or Thal?

Background/purpose Gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent problem in infants and children with severe neurological impairment (33–75%). It occurs in 44–67% of children undergoing antireflux surgery. This study is conducted to compare the results of fundoplication, according to the Nissen and Thal procedure for management of GERD in neurologically impaired children.Materials and methods Between May 2007 and January 2011, 69 neurologically impaired children with severe GERD underwent fundoplication (Nissen= 32, Thal= 37) with construction of a Stamm gastrostomy tube in 58 patients. The male-to-female ratio was 1.6 : 1; the mean age was 1.8 years. Preoperative workup of the patients included upper gastrointestinal tract contrast series, upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy, and a 24-h pH study.Results Perinatal asphyxia was the most common cause of neurological impairment (30.4%). Feeding dysfunction represented the most common indication for surgery (52.2%). Recurrence of symptoms was found in 14 patients (20.3%); 10 patients (14.5%) died because of respiratory failure. Acid pH-metry showed a statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative data; however, this difference was insignificant on comparing the postoperative parameters of the Nissen fundoplication group with the Thal fundoplication group.Conclusion GERD in neurologically impaired children is a very common problem associated with a high failure rate after properly performed fundoplication. In our series, the outcome of Thal fundoplication showed an insignificant difference when compared with that of Nissen fundoplication with less dissection and less dysphagia or gas bloat. Long-term evaluation is needed as incidence of recurrence increases with time secondary to the persistent comorbidities. Further refinement of management strategies is required to decrease incidence of recurrence and to improve the overall quality of life. Keywords: fundoplication, gastroesophageal reflux disease, neurological impairmen