Behavioural model for decision-makers’ towards the intention to adopt green information technology: a preliminary study

This preliminary survey investigates and validates the measurement model of factors influencing decision makers’ intentions to adopt Green information technology (Green-IT) in manufacturing sectors in Nigeria. The Norm Activation Model (NAM) and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) were used to explore the factors that could influence decision-makers’ intention in adopting Green-IT. Using constructs from the NAM and TPB, this survey proposes a model for identified behavioural factors. A quantitative research approach with a data collection and analysis plan using a cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A sample of 30 decision-makers in the top three manufacturing industries in Nigeria was selected using a purposive sampling procedure for participation in the study. The data collected was analysed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the proposed model. The model was validated in two phases: (i) Initial Measurement Model and (ii) Modified Measurement Model. Findings revealed that Green-IT Attitude, Subjective Norm, Ascription of Responsibility, Awareness of Consequences, Personal Norm, Environmental Concern, and Perceive Behavioural Control were the key elements of the behavioural intention model to adopt Green-IT, with 31 indicators having factor loadings of >0.5, adequate internal consistency reliability, CR > 0.7, and Cronbach’s Alpha, >0.7. The result revealed convergent validity, and acceptable discriminant validity was assessed using AVE > 0.5 and Fornell-lacker’s criterion. The results from the full-scale study would contribute to developing a context-specific model to examine Green-IT adoption in developing nations

Instrumental vaginal deliveries at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital

Context: Appropriate anaesthesia, efficient blood transfusion services, efficacious antibiotics and qualified personnel are not readily available for safe caesarean section in most developing countries. There is therefore, the need to promote the practice of instrumental vaginal delivery. Consequently, this review is intended to awaken interest in the practice of instrumental delivery. Objectives of the Study: To determine the extent of use and complications associated with the use of obstetric forceps and ventouse in a teaching hospital. Setting and Subjects: All cases of instrumental deliveries (obstetric forceps and vacuum extraction) at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, between 1 of January 1993 and 31 of December 2000 were reviewed. Results: Out of a total of 10 881 deliveries recorded, 181 (1.67%) were by vacuum extraction and 33 (0.30%) were by forceps. The common indications for forceps deliveries and vacuum extraction were delay in the second stage of labour and medical conditions, including pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and cardiac disease. The main maternal complications were lacerations of the genital tract. One maternal death was recorded. The most frequent fetal complication was birth asphyxia. Fresh stillbirth was found in 7 (2.21 per cent) of vacuum extraction, and 2 (6.06 per cent) of forceps deliveries. Other foetal complications noted were cephalhaematoma and intracranial haemorrhage.Conclusions: Training of resident doctors and other medical staff in charge of deliveries and the use of less traumatic devices are essential in the effort to promote the correct use of the instrument and the avoidance of complications.Keywords: vacuum, forceps, instrumental Vaginal delivery Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol. 22(1) 2005: 42-4

Synchronous multiple primary carcinomas of ovary and cervix: a case report

A patient with synchronous multiple primary carcinoma of cervix and ovary is described. A 50 year old patient presenting with abdominal pain and distension over the last four months and two months history of offensive vaginal discharge, weight loss and no contact bleeding. The patient had total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingoophorectomy. Microscopic examination of the uterus and ovary revealed moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and serous cystadenocarcinoma respectively. This suggests multiple primary malignancies. The follow-up of the patient was unremarkable. There is need to differentiate between primary and metastatic tumour, especially when they involve multiple organs. Keywords: carcinoma, ovary, cervix, metastasis Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol. 23(1) 2006: 75-7

Behavioral intention model for green information technology adoption in Nigerian manufacturing industries

Purpose: Greenhouse effects and the need for cost savings necessitate that an organization's information technology (IT) managers design IT equipment acquisition and service provisioning policies to reduce carbon footprint and cost. Analyzing the influencing factors that influence stakeholders' attitudes toward adopting green information technology (Green-IT) is an important input in designing these policies. In essence, the research aims to investigate into the relationship between these factors and how they influence policy-makers' behavior in Nigerian manufacturing industries. Design/methodology/approach: The study develops a model based on the norm activation model (NAM) and the theory of planned behavior (TBP) to investigate the factors that influence decision-makers' intention in adopting Green-IT. A quantitative approach using a survey method is carried out to gather opinions of IT decision-makers using a random sampling technique. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique is applied to test the structural model and measurement model. Findings: The study's findings support the use of the behavior model for Green-IT adoption. The study's finding indicates that subjective norms, perceived behavior control (PBC), manager's attitude, personal norm (PN), awareness of adverse consequences and the ascription of responsibility (AR) positively influence intention to adopt Green-IT. Research limitations/implications: The development and validation of the model are the study's theoretical contributions. The study reviewed the existing literature on the utilization of Green-IT to better understand the intention to adopt Green-IT in Nigeria. It added to the literature by identifying factors that can influence it as well as theoretical underpinnings that can fit the intentions of decision-makers. The scientific community and the industrial companies would have the chance to investigate how this integrated behavioral intention model promotes the use of Green-IT. The research predictors explained about 70.20% of the variance in the behavioral intention to adopt Green-IT. Practical implications: Research offers practical implications and recommendations for top management practitioners of the manufacturing industries. Business leaders can use the results of this study to develop an effective strategic IT policy for the successful adoption of Green-IT practices for enhanced productivity. The study found that decision-makers' Green-IT attitudes had a substantial impact on their behavioral intention to adopt Green-IT. The study highlighted the importance of the top management attitude toward green products to facilitate the adoption of Green-IT practices in manufacturing industries in Nigeria. Thus, the positive and significant attitude of policy-makers is a necessary tool toward the successful adoption of Green-IT. Therefore, to foster an environmentally sustainability friendly atmosphere, Nigeria's manufacturing industries shall strive to strengthen the decision-makers' attitude toward practicing Green-IT in their respective domains. The findings showed that AR, AQ, environmental concern (EC), perceived behavior and perceived behavior are critical factors to be considered in an organization. Social implications: According to the findings, an individual's Green-IT attitude has a substantial impact on the environment as social behavior. As a result, the positive and essential attitude of the social sector is a key tool for efficient Green-IT implementation. Nigeria's social activists must try to create awareness campaigns to boost decision-makers' attitudes toward implementing Green-IT in their various regions to develop a friendlier environment. Thus, the identified factors can be of great help to the social sector in designing and implementing successful environmental-friendly policies that could support the adoption of Green-IT practices. Originality/value: The current research look at Green-IT adoption in manufacturing industries of West African countries. The study offers practical implications and recommendations for top management practitioners of the manufacturing industries, government policy-makers and organizations to enhance the use of Green-IT for mitigating environmental degradation. Recommendations for future research are stated as concluding remarks