Adoption of social media in Victorian local governments

The use of the Internet and social media tools by Australians has increased significantly over the last five years. Social media tools provide local governments with the opportunity to inform, serve and interact with their constituents on a level not previously possible. This paper uses a mixed method approach to firstly review current use of social media tools by Victorian local governments and secondly interview elected officials and administrators of four Victorian local councils about barriers to the adoption of social media tools. The results show that while 59 Victorian local governments (74%) are utilizing at least one social media tool, there are 20 councils (25%) that still do not utilize social media tools. The interviews indicate that the main barriers hindering social media implementations are: uncertainty, fear of risk, lack of knowledge and experience, lack of resources, lack of trust and, the culture of government. The main contribution of this study is a review of the current level of adoption of social media tools by Victorian local governments and identifies a number of barriers that prevent local government from fully utilizing the advantages of social media tools. Currently most Victorian local governments use social media to disseminate information.<br /

How Mature is Victorian Local E-Government: An Overall View

The purpose of this empirical study is to analyse the level of maturity of e-government in Victorian local governments. The study will help to determine the extent to which Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) help local governments to provide citizens with more transparent and advanced services and to close the gap between the government and its citizens. Analysis of 30 local government websites was conducted using 52 evaluation variables (items) in a questionnaire. The evaluations were performed from the 1st of March to mid July 2011 on 38% of all Victorian council websites. The results of this study show that e-government initiatives in Victorian local governments have achieved considerable levels of maturity in terms of transparency and interactivity. However, this maturity is hindered by the low level of website usability. The main contribution of this study is that it provides a clear picture about how mature Victorian local government websites are

The public value of Gov 2.0: the case of Victorian Local Government, Australia

Dr. Khayri's doctoral studies focussed on the creation of Public Value through the government use of Social Media platforms (Gov 2.0). He developed a method of evaluating the return on investments by implementing these technologies in the public sector. His findings contribute to clarify the value of investing in these new technologies for both academic and public sector areas. This contribution provides a clear understanding of the value of Gov 2.0, value for whom, by whom and, how it is created and evaluated

The Use of Social Media in Government 2.0 Assessed Through the Public Value Lens

This paper investigates the role of social media in the creation of public value by local governments. By assessing the added value of social media through a public value lens we aim to explore more deeply how the use of social media tools impact on public value creation. We propose a conceptual framework based on the theoretical perspectives of public value concepts and public values inventories to support the examination of Gov2.0 services. An exploration of the literature indicates that the creation of public value is highly dependent on three main sources: development of public trust in government, delivery of quality public services, and the achievement of socially desirable outcomes. The framework draws together the elements of public value as determined by Moore (1995) Kelly et al., (2002), Kearns (2004), and the public values inventory by Jørgensen and Bozeman (2007)

E-Government Service Quality Assessed through the Public Value Lens

Abstract. This paper assesses the role of e-government service quality in the creation of public value from the citizen perspective. By assessing the added value of e-government services through a public value lens we aim to explore more deeply how e-government service quality impacts on public value creation. We propose a conceptual framework based on the theoretical perspectives of public value and e-service quality to support the examination of e-government service quality from the citizens&apos; viewpoint. An exploration of the literature on public value, e-service quality, and e-government indicates that the creation of public value is highly dependent on the level of quality of a service delivered by a public organization. The framework draws together the elements of public value as determined by Moor

The use of social media in Government 2.0 assessed through the public value lens

This paper investigates the role of social media in the creation of public value by local governments. By assessing the added value of social media through a public value lens we aim to explore more deeply how the use of social media tools impact on public value creation. We propose a conceptual framework based on the theoretical perspectives of public value concepts and public values inventories to support the examination of Gov2.0 services. An exploration of the literature indicates that the creation of public value is highly dependent on three main sources: development of public trust in government, delivery of quality public services, and the achievement of socially desirable outcomes. The framework draws together the elements of public value as determined by Moore (1995) Kelly et al., (2002), Kearns (2004), and the public values inventory by Jørgensen and Bozeman (2007)

SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance in Malaysia: displacement of B.1.617.2 with AY lineages as the dominant Delta variants and the introduction of Omicron during the fourth epidemic wave

Objectives: This study reported SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing results from June 2021 to January 2022 from seven genome sequencing centers in Malaysia as part of the national surveillance program. Methods: COVID-19 samples that tested positive by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and with cycle threshold values <30 were obtained throughout Malaysia. Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 complete genomes was performed using Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, or Ion Torrent platforms. A total of 6163 SARS-CoV-2 complete genome sequences were generated over the surveillance period. All sequences were submitted to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data database. Results: From June 2021 to January 2022, Malaysia experienced the fourth wave of COVID-19 dominated by the Delta variant of concern, including the original B.1.617.2 lineage and descendant AY lineages. The B.1.617.2 lineage was identified as the early dominant circulating strain throughout the country but over time, was displaced by AY.59 and AY.79 lineages in Peninsular (west) Malaysia, and the AY.23 lineage in east Malaysia. In December 2021, pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia facilitated the introduction and spread of the BA.1 lineage (Omicron variant of concern) in the country. Conclusion: The changing trends of circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages were identified, with differences observed between west and east Malaysia. This initiative highlighted the importance of leveraging research expertise in the country to facilitate pandemic response and preparedness

SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance in Malaysia: displacement of B.1.617.2 with AY lineages as the dominant Delta variants and the introduction of Omicron during the fourth epidemic wave

Objectives This study reported SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing results from June 2021 to January 2022 from seven genome sequencing centers in Malaysia as part of the national surveillance program. Methods COVID-19 samples that tested positive by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and with cycle threshold values <30 were obtained throughout Malaysia. Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 complete genomes was performed using Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, or Ion Torrent platforms. A total of 6163 SARS-CoV-2 complete genome sequences were generated over the surveillance period. All sequences were submitted to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data database. Results From June 2021 to January 2022, Malaysia experienced the fourth wave of COVID-19 dominated by the Delta variant of concern, including the original B.1.617.2 lineage and descendant AY lineages. The B.1.617.2 lineage was identified as the early dominant circulating strain throughout the country but over time, was displaced by AY.59 and AY.79 lineages in Peninsular (west) Malaysia, and the AY.23 lineage in east Malaysia. In December 2021, pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia facilitated the introduction and spread of the BA.1 lineage (Omicron variant of concern) in the country. Conclusion The changing trends of circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages were identified, with differences observed between west and east Malaysia. This initiative highlighted the importance of leveraging research expertise in the country to facilitate pandemic response and preparedness