Gov4You is a federal government agency responsible for managing and sharing citizen information for large groups of the population. The Gov4You department was created almost 15 years ago to meet the election promise of providing better information services to the citizens. The department was setup to provide complete digital services for citizens. The digital citizen services must cater to the large demographic differences, and for those that are digitally savvy as well as those without any access to the Internet. These services are currently provided by several different departments that sometimes require physical visits by the citizens to the departments with a lot of paper work for identification and service request forms. However, citizens demand better services that use digital platforms in 24 × 7 formats. This concept of providing service using a digital transformation is referred to as ‘Smart …

Virtual enterprises are formed in response to turbulent market conditions and are influenced by factors such as the changing relationship between customers and suppliers, the spread of agile supply chains and shorter product life cycles. Research suggests that successful virtual co-operation and supply chain agility are best achieved when the core capabilities of the partners are complementary. This paper examines the relationship between virtual enterprises in supply chains and provides further insights into the factors affecting agility. A hypothetical model is developed to examine the factors and a structural equation model tests the hypotheses, based on survey data from virtual enterprises in Mongolia. The model uses a simulation based on exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis. The results provide empirical evidence of the ability of the model to predict benefits arising from the formation of the virtual enterprise.

This paper reports on an empirical study (an extension of a pilot study) that analyses the design of icons in a German 3-D virtual art gallery interface. It evaluates the extent to which a sample of typical computer users from a range of ages, educational attainments and employments can interpret the meaning of icons from the virtual interface taken 'out of context' and 'in context'. The study assessed a sample of 21 icons representing the 'action', 'information' and 'navigation' functions of the virtual interface using a new IconRecognition Testing method (IRT) developed by the researchers from existing usability test methods.The Icon Recognition Rate (IRR) of the icons was calculated and they were classified as 'identifiable', 'mediocre' or 'vague' in a novel and useful classification system.The IRT results show that the IRR of almost a quarter of the icons was below the 'identifiable' standard, which could seriously compromise the usability of a virtual interface.A comparison is made, using textual and thematic analysis, between the participants' understanding of the icons' meaning in and out of context and of the effect of positioning icons in relation to their virtual surroundings and of grouping them in tool bars.From the findings of the study, conclusions are drawn, and recommendations are made for economical icon redesign and replacement.It is suggested in the conclusions that further research is needed into how designers' conceptual models can be better matched to users' mental models in the design of virtual interfaces by bringing user profiles into the study.

Virtual tours of museums and galleries are becoming an increasingly common aspect of e-Tourism marketing. This paper reports on a usability pilot study that analyses the design of icons in a German 3-D virtual art gallery interface. It evaluates the extent to which a sample of typical computer users can interpret the meaning of icons from the interface taken 'out of context'. This was done by assessing a sample of twenty-one icons representing the 'action', 'information' and 'navigation' functions. An Icon Intuitiveness Test (IIT) was used to measure their Icon Recognition Rate (IRR) and to classify them as 'identifiable', 'mediocre' or 'vague' according to an adapted stereotypy. The IIT results show that the meaning of almost 30% of the icons was misinterpreted or confused, which can seriously compromise the usability of an interface. Based on these findings, recommendations are made for icon redesign and replacement and it is concluded that further research is needed into the 'learnability' of icons and users' understanding of icons in context. It is contended that increased usability leading to an improved user experience can have an economic impact on e-tourism.

The adoption of mobile devices has reached a critical mass in which it is incumbent upon city governments to tap into the power of digital technology to inform and engage citizens in important aspects of city life. This paper outlines the link between mobile learning and the fostering of a Smart City. It describes mobile learning and discusses how it can be deployed within the context of improving awareness and lifelong learning among citizens. The paper outlines the important elements of a proposed mobile learning framework, which are based on a framework derived from Activity Theory and social constructivism theory. Using the ADDI Model (Analysis, Design, Develop, implement), Validation and a case study approach, the framework will be validated using a sample of nursing students in KSA the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who are using mobile technology to foster greater effectiveness in their learning at the programme level. The paper includes a brief discussion on some of the implications of the mobile learning framework in improving the quality of life of ordinary citizens living in cities across the globe.

In the recent advanced information communications and technology (ICT) era, collaborating virtually and temporarily in supply chains (SCs) to receive mutual benefits such as agility while sharing resources and information becomes an important strategy for enterprises that seek to increase their competitiveness and to optimise their processes and resource usage. As a dynamic and temporary form of alliance from the resource perspective, virtual enterprises (VEs) may contribute network resource heterogeneity and sustain competitive advantage. In addition, agility is suggested as a rare, valuable, network resource that is difficult to imitate and that cannot easily be substituted by other attributes. Although many researchers have investigated VEs and their agility, the research pays less attention to the relationship between VEs and agility in complex SC situations. This paper therefore investigates the relationship between VE and agility in SCs (ASCs) and explores drivers and enablers of agility and outcomes. To clarify the relationships between factors a structural equation model (SEM) is adopted to examine the model fit according to the measurement variables and supporting hypotheses. The results provide rich empirical evidence of the beneficial impact of VEs on ASCs, and theoretical and managerial insights that can be used to strengthen the drivers, enablers and capabilities to enhance the effectiveness of VE collaboration in ASCs in a global and dynamic context. Also, the analysis results can aid a decision maker which ones of the factors are the important ones that he or she should devote more resources and efforts on. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

 Abstract — The proliferation in the development of mobile learning (m-learning) has played a vital role in the rapidly growing electronic learning market. This relatively new technology can help to encourage the development of in learning and to aid knowledge transfer a number of areas, by familiarizing students with innovative information and communications technologies (ICT). M-learning plays a substantial role in the deployment of learning methods for nursing students by using the Internet and portable devices to access learning resources ‘anytime and anywhere’. However, acceptance of m-learning by students is critical to the successful use of m-learning systems. Thus, there is a need to study the factors that influence student’s intention to use m-learning. This paper addresses this issue. It outlines the outcomes of a study that evaluates the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model as applied to the subject of user acceptance in relation to m-learning activity in nurse education. The model integrates the significant components across eight prominent user acceptance models. Therefore, a standard measure is introduced with core determinants of user behavioural intention. The research model extends the UTAUT in the context of m-learning acceptance by modifying and adding individual innovativeness (II) and quality of service (QoS) to the original structure of UTAUT. The paper goes on to add the factors of previous experience (of using mobile devices in similar applications) and the nursing students’ readiness (to use the technology) to influence their behavioural intentions to use m-learning. This study uses a technique called ‘convenience sampling’ which involves student volunteers as participants in order to collect numerical data. A quantitative method of data collection was selected and involves an online survey using a questionnaire form. This form contains 33 questions to measure the six constructs, using a 5-point Likert scale. A total of 42 respondents participated, all from the Nursing Institute at the Armed Forces Hospital in Saudi Arabia. The gathered data were then tested using a research model that employs the structural equation modelling (SEM), including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The results of the CFA show that the UTAUT model has the ability to predict student behavioural intention and to adapt m-learning activity to the specific learning activities. It also demonstrates satisfactory, dependable and valid scales of the model constructs. This suggests further analysis to confirm the model as a valuable instrument in order to evaluate the user acceptance of m-learning activity.

There is a substantial literature on teaching and learning in Higher Education. The majority of this literature is student facing, focusing on the student learning experience. There is also a strand in the literature which examines teaching and learning from the tutor perspective, looking at the experience of teaching in Higher Education. In both student and tutor facing approaches, the aim is to facilitate and enhance teaching and learning and tutor facing approaches emphasise in particular the contribution of staff communication and reflection in improving teaching and learning. Tutor facing approaches include Scholarship in Teaching and Learning, Communities of Practice and Disciplinary Commons. This paper discusses the experience of a School of Computing Commons (School Commons) developed in the School of Computing in a UK university. The School Commons was inspired by the Disciplinary Commons approach but also draws on the Scholarship for Teaching and Learning and Communities of Practice approaches. Elements from these three approaches were used to develop a model which brought together teaching staff from the different disciplines in the School of Computing, creating a forum in which to share practice and expertise. The main focus of the School Commons was on process, providing space for reflection and facilitating communication and the exchange of ideas. However, the School Commons also facilitated a bottom up approach to staff development, allowing staff to feed ideas and expectations into the university framework. The paper describes the motivation for the development of the School Commons, the process of establishing the School Commons and the way in which it was structured. The operation of the School Commons is reviewed and the effectiveness and value of this type of approach in terms of contribution to teaching and learning is critically evaluated. The outcomes from the project are discussed and the paper makes a number of suggestions for building on the achievements of the School Commons and future development.

This paper describes a study of the development of a hierarchical ontology for producing and maintaining personalized profiles to improve the experience of visitors to virtual art galleries and museums.The paper begins by describing some of the features of virtual exhibitions and offers examples of virtual tours that the reader may wish to examine in more detail.The paper then discusses the ontology engineering (OE) approach and domain modelling languages (e.g.KACTUS, SENSUS and METHONTOLOGY).It then follows a basic OE approach to define classes for a cultural heritage virtual tour and to produce a Visitor Profile Ontology that is hierarchical and has static and dynamic elements.It concludes by suggesting ways in which the ontology may be automated to provide a richer, more immersive personalized visitor experience.

In the last few years, it is noticed that mobile smart devices are becoming very essential component of our daily life. The smart phones can do a variety of very useful jobs. In addition to make calls, they can be used to create and share multimedia files, run very useful applications and do data processing. But those devices suffer from some limitations including limited storage and processing capacity and short battery life time due to energy drain which is noticed to be increased when running applications that require intensive computations on the mobile devices. In this paper, the literature is searched for related work, and the power consumption is measured experimentally for different components of two common brands of smart phones, namely, Galaxy Note3 and Sony Xperia Z2. The measurements are done using applications that measures the power consumed in each component of the phone. The obtained results are presented to get more accurate understanding of how these components participate to the overall power consumption of the smart phone. Also, this work can be used in the future to propose better techniques to reduce the energy consumption by the smart phones.

The paper focuses on how the knowledge is being transferred from peer to peer in an organization.Knowledge can be transferred in a number of ways.Knowledge is being considered as the essential resource by most of the organizations.Knowledge gives the richness to the organization, has to be managed to fulfill its aims and targets.Knowledge of individual / organization can be improved by transferring it.We also emphasize the knowledge transformation between entities to discover the central aspect of knowledge transfer by considering two different IT companies as a case study.

The UK National Health Service (NHS) is faced with problems of managing patient discharge and preventing the problems that result from it such as frequent readmissions, delayed discharge, long waiting lists, bed blocking and other such consequences. The problem is exacerbated by the growth in size, complexity and the number of chronic diseases in the NHS. In addition, there is an increase in demand for high quality care, processes and planning. Effective Discharge Planning (DP) requires practitioners to have appropriate, patient personalised and updated knowledge in order to be able to make informed and holistic decisions about a patients' discharge. This research examines the role that Knowledge Management (KM) plays in planning an effective discharge plan. The research examines existing ways in which DP is currently carried out, the stakeholders involved in the DP process and highlights areas requiring further improvement. This research also examines KM models in healthcare and integrates KM with DP in the form of a KM based DP model. The model was developed based on primary research carried out on the stakeholders of DP along with secondary research. The model intends to highlight the nuances that require focusing on, and provides a seamless overview allowing healthcare personnel to impeccably plan the discharge of a patient with the involvement of both patients and their carers. The KM-based DP model is validated by the actors involved in planning the discharge i. e. healthcare personnel. Patients and carers too are involved in DP; however their involvement is focused on their knowledge and experiences influencing the decisions being made. Healthcare personnel such as doctors, nurses and administrators are however actively involved in planning the discharge.

There is a large volume of published studies investigating the factors that affect cloud adoption.However, there are very few studies which investigate cloud computing adoption in technologically developing countries and one focus of the research was to examine whether the factors which influence cloud computing adoption in technologically developed countries also apply in technologically developing countries.The research presented in this paper builds on the diffusion of innovation theory (DOI) and the Technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework in order to investigate the factors which influence cloud adoption.Fourteen hypothesis were developed from the literature on cloud adoption and were examined in the research.Data was collected by using a web-based questionnaire and was analysed using a range of statistical measures.This paper discusses the design and implementation of the study, the data analysis and conclusions from the analysis and compares the findings of this study with the findings of similar studies in technologically developed countries.The study shows that there are some similarities as well as some differences in the factors that affect cloud adoption between technologically developed countries and technologically developing countries.

Mobile learning (m-learning) has a number of uses in a variety of real-life scenarios, especially the provision of ubiquitous educational services. This paper investigates the impact of the usage of mobile technologies for active learning at the Nursing Institute in the Armed Forced Hospital at Alhada in Saudi Arabia. An empirical analysis was conducted via questionnaires (in the Arabic language) to collect data from sixty-two (62) respondents across various levels of the organisation who utilise their own mobile devices to access learning resources. The aim of the primary research is to use the data to evaluate the level of students' awareness and use of portable devices for mobile learning applications. Specifically, the study investigates the attitudes and perceptions of the nursing students towards the potential of m-learning. The survey outcome reveals that nursing students have a high level of awareness of the potential of using Smartphones to embrace mobile learning. The study further notes that a high percentage of the nursing students believe that m-learning can improve access to learning resources and enhance data and information ubiquity. Consequently, the paper concludes that use of mobile learning technologies and applications offers the potential to aid effective learning for nursing students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These conclusions may be extrapolated to other types of learning in other developing regions.

Higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UK are increasingly engaging in work-based learning. The tripartite relationship between the HEI, the employer and the employee is viewed to be of great significance in work-based learning, not only in the initial stages of procurement of a contract, but also in designing and delivering the programme to meet the employer and employee needs, and those of the HEI, to make the programmes successful. This paper is based on one theme related to a larger EU-funded project on work-based learning leading to qualifications. Based on in-depth interviews at a post-1992 university in the UK with a range of staff including executive, senior management, managerial, teaching and administrative staff, we focus on this theme, to analyse employer engagement from the perspective of the HEI. We recommend strategies to enhance the tripartite relationship for the benefit of those involved and to improve policy and practice in the field. These include a strategic approach to work-based learning and regarding it as an integral part of higher education activity rather than a supplementary pursuit.

Cloud computing represents a paradigm shift in the way that IT services are delivered within enterprises. Cloud computing promises to reduce the cost of computing services, provide on-demand computing resources and a pay per use model. However, there are numerous challenges for enterprises planning to migrate to a cloud computing environment as cloud computing impacts multiple aspects of enterprises and the implications of migration to the cloud vary between enterprises. This paper discusses the development of an holistic model to support strategic decision making for cloud computing migration. The proposed model uses a hybrid approach to support decision making, combining the analytical hierarchical approach (AHP) with Case Based Reasoning (CBR) to provide a knowledge based decision support model and takes into account five factors identified from the secondary research as covering all aspects of cloud migration decision making. The paper discusses the different phases of the model and describes the next stage of the research which will include the development of a prototype tool and use of the tool to evaluate the model in a real life context.

The Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare and medical applications promises to solve many problems which are currently challenging the sector, ranging from remotely caring for our aging population to medical discoveries on incurable diseases. However, the challenges and risks of having 50 billion Things and users connected together are complex and may be detrimental to control. Concerns have been raised in relation to the IoT Identification Management (IDM) issues, in which each Thing (user and device) will be required to have a unique identity, and the IDM to be able to distinguish between a device and user, as well as ensuring identity and information context safety. This paper examines the underlying issues behind IDM and proposes a framework which aims to achieve the identification of Things and their safe management. The IDM framework is embedded in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) and assumes that most healthcare devices will be linked wirelessly and in mobile environments. The paper aims to open a research debate which will help to solve the future IoT IDM issues in healthcare applications.

The UK National Health Service (NHS) is faced with problems of managing patient discharge and preventing the problems that result from it such as frequent readmissions, delayed discharge, long waiting lists, bed blocking and other such consequences. The problem is exacerbated by the growth in size, complexity and the number of chronic diseases in the NHS. In addition, there is an increase in demand for high quality care, processes and planning. Effective Discharge Planning (DP) requires practitioners to have appropriate, patient personalised and updated knowledge in order to be able to make informed and holistic decisions about a patients’ discharge. This paper examines the role of Knowledge Management (KM) in both sharing knowledge and using tacit knowledge to create appropriate patient discharge pathways. The paper details the factors resulting in inadequate DP, and demonstrates the use of Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine2Machine (M2M) as candidate technologies and possible solutions which can help reduce the problem. The use of devices that a patient can take home and devices which are perused in the hospital generate information, which can serve useful when presented to the right person at the right time, thus harvesting knowledge. The knowledge when fed back can support practitioners in making holistic decisions with regards to a patients’ discharge.

This paper describes a research project that investigates and evaluates the role of Knowledge Management (KM) in discharge planning (DP) within the UK National Health Service (NHS). KM has been promoted in the NHS for a little more than 13 years. The paper shows that the popular press frequently reports problems associated with DP and examines some more reliable sources, concluding that more research into the phenomenon is needed. The factors that contribute to inadequate DP are summarised as conclusions to the paper. This is therefore an extract from a wider research project into the use of KM in DP, which is aimed at suggesting some causes, indicating some possible solutions and producing a KM framework to guide the DP and decision-making process. The paper indicates the current status of the research, which is continuing. It is hoped that this paper highlights the problem, summarises the research to date and stimulates further discussion of this important topic. Further publications will disseminate the developed solution.