• Accessibility and adaptive technology

      Musgrove, Nick; Salter, Pam (University of Wolverhampton, 2002)
      Experience gained during an earlier project (Musgrove, Homfray & Addison, 2001) supported the premise that providing appropriate specialist hardware systems and adjusting software interfaces could improve accessibility to Information and communications Technology(ICT) and consequently to Technology Supported Learning (TSL) supported modules for certain additional needs students. School of Applied Sciences (SAS) and School of Art and Design (SAD) already have a large constituency of additional needs students which has a potential to increase through normal recruitment as well as through School or University initiatives (e.g. Flexible Access Projects and Widening Participation) and transfer from linked F.E. colleges and other institutions. The project aims to enhance learner support by implementing such specialist resources, infrastructure, training and support, as will enable additional needs students to fully exploit the increasing use of software, TSL and on-line facilities. The project is supported by the broad experience of the team; two members have specific ICT skills as well as specialist subject skills and are involved in SAS TSL developments and the third has considerable experience in supporting additional needs students.
    • Developing a framework for successful adoption and effective utilisation of ICT by SMEs in developing countries: a case study of Nigeria

      Latham, Ann; Moreton, Robert; Apulu, Idisemi (University of Wolverhampton, 2012-02)
      In recent years there has been an increase in the adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in organisations, as the use of ICT causes some form of revolution in business practices. All over the world, ICT has greatly transformed the manner in which companies conduct business. However, there is considerable evidence to show that Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries, particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), are yet to reap the full benefits offered by ICT as compared to their counterparts in the developed countries. Although the contribution of SMEs’ is of notable importance to many countries’ economy, yet those in developing countries lag far behind. For SMEs to survive and remain competitive in the current highly competitive business environment there is a need to adopt and use ICT effectively, in order to attain some level of competitive advantage. This research investigates factors affecting the adoption and effective utilisation of ICT, with particular emphasis on SMEs in Nigeria. It is presumed that SMEs’ adoption of ICT in Nigeria will provide opportunities to accelerate the country’s socio-economic growth as it will offer Nigeria the chance to ‘leapfrog’ some stages of development. The methodology adopted in undertaking this study is the qualitative research approach although a survey was used at the initial stage, to provide an exploratory snapshot of the SMEs in context. This research has empirically identified key factors motivating ICT adoption in Nigerian SMEs, and benefits resulting from the use of ICT in their organisational performance. Factors affecting the adoption and effective utilisation of ICT in Nigerian SMEs were also identified. Following this, strategies were proposed which led to the development of a framework that will assist to increase the adoption and effective use of ICT amongst SMEs in Nigeria and also, aid the further deployment of more sophisticated ICT solutions by these SMEs. The framework was validated via a survey and analysed with the aid of SPSS software. The findings obtained from the validation procedure indicated that the framework is valuable and suitable for use in practice since the research shows that the majority of respondents accepted the research findings and recommendations for success. This research offers recommendations that will assist the Nigerian government, stakeholders such as ISPs, as well as owners/managers of SMEs, in resolving the problems confronting SMEs in Nigeria.
    • DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED DECISION ANALYSIS FRAMEWORK FOR SELECTING ICT-BASED LOGISTICS SYSTEMS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

      Georgakis Panagiotis Dr.; Fadiya, Olusanjo Olaniran (University of Wolverhampton, 2012-03)
      The current application of logistics in the construction industry is relatively inefficient when compared with other industries such as retail and manufacturing. The factors attributed to this inefficiency include the fragmented and short-term nature of construction process and inadequate tracking facilities on site. The inefficiency of construction logistics creates inter alia loss of materials and equipment, waste, construction delay, excessive cost and collision accident on site. Meanwhile, several information and communication technologies (ICT) have been proposed and developed by researchers to improve logistics functions such as tracking and monitoring of resources through the supply chain to the construction site. Such technologies include global positioning system (GPS), radio frequency identification devices (RFID), wireless sensors network (WSN) and geographical information system (GIS). While considerable research has been undertaken to develop the aforementioned systems, limited work has so far been done on investment justification prior to implementation. In this research, a framework has been developed to assess the extent of construction logistics problems, measure the significances of the problems, match the problems with existing ICT-based solutions and develop a robust ready-to-use multi-criteria analysis tool that can quantify the costs and benefits of implementing several ICT-based construction logistics systems. The tool is an integrated platform of related evaluation techniques such as Fault Tree Analysis, Decision Tree Analysis, Life Cycle Cost Analysis and Multi-Attribute Utility Theory. Prior to the development of this tool, data was collected through questionnaire survey and analysed by means of statistical analysis in order to derive some foundational parameters of the tool. Quantitative research method was adopted for data collection because the processes of the tool for which the data was required are quantitative. The implementation of this tool is novel given the integration of the analytical techniques mentioned above and the application of the tool for selecting ICT-based construction logistics systems. The tool takes in data such as cost and quantities of materials for a building project and quantifies the cost and benefits of alternative ICT-based tracking systems that can improve the logistics functions of the project. The application of the tool will eliminate guesswork on the benefits of ICT-based tracking systems by providing an objective platform for the quantification of cost and benefits of the systems prior to implementation.
    • Development of ICT provisions for additional needs science students

      Musgrove, Nick; Homfray, Richard P.; Addison, Ken (University of Wolverhampton, 2001)
      The School of Applied Sciences (SAS) has one of the largest incidences of ‘additional needs’ students in the University, with the potential for this to increase through recruitment from linked organisations (e.g. Rodbaston College), through School initiatives (e.g. Flexible Learning) or University initiatives such as Widening Participation. The increased emphasis placed on the use of ICT as a means of producing assignments (word-processing, spreadsheets, specialist packages etc.), coupled with an expansion in TSL (i.e. use of the SAS intranet, WOLF, and ‘Subject Centre’ and other specialist teaching packages) in the delivery of courseware within our standard IT provision, was considered to be exacerbating the difficulties encountered by some of our students with additional needs. The principal objective of the project is to increase accessibility to the University standard software suites in use in SAS in addition to the specialist packages used in the school. The basic strategy falls within two areas: use of appropriate additional hardware and software to enhance the display options available to students and use of appropriate additional hardware and software to provide alternate means of inputting information into, and receiving output from, standard software packages.
    • Evaluation of smart village strategies and challenges

      Renukappa, Suresh; Suresh, Subashini; Abdalla, Wala; Shetty, Nisha; Yabbati, Nagaraju; Hiremath, Rahul (Emerald, 2022-11-15)
      Purpose: Rural communities around the world are searching for solutions to upkeep, restore and improve local services that are deteriorating. They are exploring the potential of a digital transition along with the opportunities and threats created by new patterns of mobility and closer links with urban areas. The expansion of information and communication technologies (ICT) enhanced applications enable rural communities to improve their quality of life. The concept of Smart Village is primarily about how rural communities make best use of both ICT and social innovation by responding to the ongoing and emerging challenges. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to investigate strategies for adoption of smart villages along with the challenges faced. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research methodology was adopted in this research. A web-based questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data. In total, 110 fully completed and usable questionnaires were received. Statistical analyses were undertaken using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings: The results indicate that lack of budget, lack of clear strategies for development of sustainable 'smart villages', lack of collaboration between stakeholders, and lack of knowledge related to 'smart villages' are the most debated challenges for implementing smart villages agenda. Whereas, smart energy, smart healthcare, smart transport, smart education, and smart water are the top five most important smart villages strategies. Originality/value: Research on smart villages development is rare. This paper presents a theoretical basis on the concept of smart villages. In addition, to the rich insight into the understanding and awareness of the current smart villages strategies along with the key challenges encountering organisations implementing smart villages initiatives. This research has implications towards informing professionals and policymakers on key lessons learnt during the implementation of smart village strategies. Also, this paper contributes to the academic debate on smart village development and provides useful recommendations to both policymakers and practitioners. Limitations: Despite the novel insights provided by this study, it has some limitations. Given that the research reported in this paper is based on literature review and small-scale survey, results presented are only tentative and not generalizable. The findings of this paper are limited to the UK context only. Although generalizability outside of this context may be limited, we infer that the results are relevant to other comparable developed countries.
    • Evaluation of the role of smart city technologies to combat COVID-19 pandemic

      Renukappa, Suresh; Suresh, Subashini; Shetty, Nisha; Algahtani, Khaled (British Academy of Management, 2021-00-03)
      Shetty, N., Renukappa, S., Suresh, S. & Algahtan, K. (2021) Evaluation of the role of smart city technologies to combat COVID-19 pandemic, presented at Recovering from COVID: Responsible Management and Reshaping the Economy, 35th British Academy of Management Conference, the 31st August - 3rd September, Lancaster University Management School, United Kingdom.
    • Examining e-democracy through a double structuration loop

      Parvez, Zahid (Inderscience, 2006)
      This paper develops a structurational framework for examining e-democracy. This framework draws on the Giddens structuration theory, Owanda Orlikowski's Structurational Model of Technology (SMT) and her technology-practice lens, to bring into focus democratic practices facilitated by Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). An examination of social practices mediated by technology assists in uncovering the underlying structures that enable and constrain actors in democratic engagement. The framework ties together the technology-shaping process and technology-use process, that both act on each other to shape the emergent role of e-democracy. It sensitises researchers to the dialectic interaction of institutional mediation structures, technology mediation structures and human agency. In particular, this framework draws attention to 11 key social structures and agency issues that need to be explored by researchers for building a deeper understanding of how the role of e-democracy is enacted and its impacts moderated in the democratic process. This paper argues that this framework provides a useful lens for analysing social issues surrounding e-democracy.
    • ICT and literacy.

      Waller, Tim (London: Sage Publications Ltd., 2008)
      This book: What are the ways in which young children learn to communicate? Collating their extensive experience of language and literacy in the early years, the contributors explore key aspects of this topic, linking practical ideas for early years settings and classrooms to relevant theory and research. This second edition is updated to take into account important developments in research, policy and practice, and now covers the 0-8 age range. It also addresses developments in new media and the impact this has upon literacy in young children, and offers chapters on new areas which have emerged in recent years, such as multimodality, media literacy, creative arts and literacy. Explored in the book are: - the relationship between play and literacy; - the role environmental print has in early literacy development; - the language and literacy development of young bilinguals; - ideas, suggestions and justifications for the use of poetry; - a two-year research project, funded by Creative Partnerships; - key issues relating to family literacy.
    • Model development for the adoption of technology: Electronic commerce in the construction industry

      Sloane, Andrew; Ndekugri, Issaka E.; Moreton, Robert; Jackson, Martin (University of Wolverhampton, 2007)
      Emerging information and communication technology (ICT) introduces many opportunities for the improved transfer of business documents throughout the trading process in the construction industry. Perceived and actual benefits have been realised throughout many studies however the relative success or failure has not been fully investigated for neither an individual organisational basis or throughout a complete supply chain. This research fills this knowledge gap by focusing on the feasibility of success before any design or development is undergone. The primary objective was to explore, explain and understand the nature of an organisation in the construction industry with reference to the adoption of technology and electronic trading methods such as electronic data interchange (EDI) and other methods of electronic commerce (Ecommerce). The second objective was to dissect the primary research and discover the key construct elements that exist and make an organisation what it is. These four quadrants or related business influences will form the basis for the factors governing success or failure of an adoption for both a stand-alone organisation and one within a supply chain. The third objective was to development a new analytical tool for determining success prior to the adoption of new technology into an existing business framework. The fourth objective was to test the tool within the construction industry in the UK and analyse the results. This research adopted a quantitative research approach in the form of a questionnaire that when data was recorded and analysed could produce a graphical representation of an organisation. Three models have been developed, they are focused toward determining success; (1) stand-alone organisational success, (2) supply chain success, (3) period of time taken to achieve successful adoption. This research helps us to understand the nature and extent of intra-organisational factors that influence the adoption of new technology. Secondly it provides the four key factors (four quadrants) that determine successful adoption: human resources, management, processes, and culture. Thirdly, these factors provide the building blocks for newly developed models. This provides for a clearer understanding of whether new information technology and communication developments can be successfully adopted into any organisation. Lastly, the research can help us understand the barriers to, and levers for, successful adoption. This research has some limitations that need to be acknowledged, most importantly the ‘target model’ was constructed from four quadrants that are evenly sized and weighted based on a questionnaire that suffers from a similar issue, further research is needed to address this weighting issue.
    • Redefining ICT embeddedness in the construction industry: Maximising technology diffusion capabilities to support agility

      Goulding, Jack; Arif, Mohammed; Ezcan, Volkan (Taylor & Francis, 2020-01-27)
      Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) research often engages linear approaches for embedding/implementing/diffusing new technology into existing business systems and processes. However, developments in information and communication technology (ICT) often fail to deliver their full potential for a number of reasons. This paper presents these challenges and highlights the need to embrace equifinality as part of a structured approach for improving impact diffusion. The central tenet and foci of this work rests with the optimisation of AEC business agility. Given this, a multiple case study approach using three large construction organisations (in Turkey) was used to capture primary data from 30 respondents – representing viewpoints from three management levels: Top Management, Middle Management and First Line Management. Findings are presented in the form of a conceptual framework, the details of which highlight the constructs needed [inter alia ICT adoption/diffusion] to develop organisational: i) responsiveness, ii) flexibility and iii) corporate competence.
    • The introduction of ICT in fieldwork to enhance student learning

      Wheeler, Anne; Smith, John; Luckhurst, David; Biscomb, Kay; Phillips, Mark (University of Wolverhampton, 2004)
      The aim of the project was to introduce a dedicated ICT package into the fieldwork experience in order to enhance student learning in the field at a range of levels and in a number of subject areas. The field kit consists of a laptop computer, digital camera with multi-card reader, global positioning system (GPS), video camera, portable scanner and printer. The kit is kept in a waterproof portable case specifically for student fieldwork use (Plate 1). A digital microscope and video camera is also separately available. The students have been able to use the equipment in the field in order to produce supporting materials to enhance their fieldwork. For example the IT package has been used in conjunction with a data-logger on mapping equipment allowing maps to be printed in the field for detailed recording of field sites. Also the use of digital and video cameras has allowed students to take responsibility for identifying and recording aspects of fieldwork for their reports.
    • To investigate and then develop an ICT innovation to support students who are dyslexic when applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), thus enabling them to be more independent

      Norton, Liz (University of Wolverhampton, 2007)
      This project is in response to research carried out in 2007 with students who are dyslexic. This research investigated the barriers experienced by students in higher education who are dyslexic when accessing the Disabled Students’ Allowance. Reference is made to their comments throughout the text. The research identified one of the areas that they find difficult. This was the form they need to use to apply for the Disabled Students’ Allowance. The innovation has been designed to support this difficulty. An important thread running through the whole of this project is to help the student who is dyslexic to be in control, to feel valued and so to improve confidence and self-esteem.