Innovation-ICT-cybersecurity: The triad relationship and its impact on growth competitiveness

This study examines the global growth competitiveness of countries using the dynamics of growth, ICT, and innovation. It also introduces a new dynamic, cybersecurity, and argues that within a growth competitiveness framework, ICT, innovation, and cybersecurity mechanisms allow some countries to achieve higher ranks on the competitiveness ladder than others. Based on a theoretical framework that encompasses the economic growth model, the complementarity theory, and the international law theory, a model that integrates ICT, innovation, and cybersecurity, depicts the relationships amongst them and with growth competitiveness, and incorporates complementary factors with possible moderating effect is presented. The model proposed relationships are then tested using PLS-PM. The model proves to have adequate goodness-of-fit as well as predictive validity. Results support most hypotheses showing: (1) a positive relationship between ICT and innovation; (2) a positive relationship between each of innovation and ICT with growth competitiveness; (3) a mediating effect of innovation has in the ICT – growth competitiveness relationship; (4) a positive relationship between ICT and innovation on one hand and cybersecurity on the other; (5) a mediating role of cybersecurity in the ICT – growth as well as the innovation – growth relationships; and the (6) moderating effect that human capital has in the above relationships. Cyber threats, however, do not have a moderator role in these relationships. These findings are interpreted in relation to the extant body of knowledge related to ICT, innovation, and cybersecurity. Moreover, the theoretical and the practical implications are discussed and the practical significance is shown. Finally, the study limitations are listed, the recommendations are presented, and the direction for future work is discussed

Dynamic Security of Virtualized Systems: An Analysis of Time-based Impact

Virtualization technologies pose time-sensitive security challenges that need to be addressed from a dynamic security perspective. Adopting a dynamic security approach can help organizations manage the security risks inherent in virutalized environments. This paper conceptually examines current thought on best practices in information security systems which explains the dynamic nature of virtualized systems and paves the way for an information security model into which virtualization can be incorporated. We suggest that a proper analysis of timebased impact of security threats would help mitigate virtualization security risks, allowing IT security professionals and users to efficiently coordinate security objectives with the larger goals of the organization

Towards a Framework for Perceived Effectiveness of Mobile Learning

Recent years have witnessed rapid advancement in mobile learning technology. A major issue is the identification of thefactors that would relate to the diverse needs of users. If mobile learning is intended to enhance distance, interactive, andcollaborative learning, then it is mission critical to understand the impact of individual, social, and technological factors thatwould play a role in the effectiveness of this learning model as perceived by its users. This paper addresses this need byproposing an integrated and a holistic model that depicts the factors that may have the potential to impact the perceivedmobile learning effectiveness. To operationalize the model constructs, a survey-based instrument will be developed based ona review of frameworks pertinent to technology acceptance, diffusion of innovation, and media richness, and of literaturerelated to e-learning. The conceptual model will be discussed, and the study conclusion, implications, and limitations will bepresented

TQM, strategy, and performance: a firm‐level analysis

Purpose The purpose is to examine the role of TQM in a strategy‐TQM‐performance model. More specifically, it seeks to investigate whether TQM has a driving role in the formation of strategy or has a mediating effect in the strategy‐performance relationship. Design/methodology/approach A survey was used to collect data. The instrument was assessed for its validity and reliability. Structural equation modelling was employed. Findings TQM influences strategy formulation process and it is a dynamic resource that contributes to the achievement of a sustainable competitive advantage. In addition, soft TQM has a higher impact than hard TQM on competitive strategy formulation and on performance. Research limitations/implications The model developed and tested can be enriching to the TQM, strategic management, and quality management fields. Future research is recommended to use methods other than self‐report questionnaires and to account for certain behavioral factors that can influence the relationships investigated in the study. Practical implications The findings provide insights to the need to integrate TQM with the various stages of the strategy formulation process, with an emphasis on the soft elements of TQM, including customer satisfaction, management and leadership, and employee relations. Originality/value Despite the remarkable contributions of existent research, there is a lack of substantive research that examines the relationship between the hard and soft components of TQM on one hand and the two types of competitive strategy – differentiation and cost leadership – on the other. This gap is filled by this study