African Journal of Library and Information Science

African Journal of Library and Information Science ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 8 (1), pp. 001-008, January, 2022. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Information technology, financial deepening and economic growth: Some evidence from a fast growing emerging economy

Ali F. Darrat^1* and Saif S. Al-Sowaidi²

¹College of Business, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, 71272, U.S.A.

²College of Business and Economics, University of Qatar, Doha, Qatar.

Accepted 10 November, 2021

Abstract

We empirically assess the role of information technology and financial deepening in Qatar’s fast growing economy. Our analysis follows the vector-error-correction modeling technique that is capable of exploring long-run relations and short-run causal dynamics. We further investigate the common permanent components of the cointegrating system to identify the main driving forces. Consistent with some theoretical priors, the results suggest that real economic growth in Qatar is robustly linked over the long-run to both financial deepening and information technology (defined alternatively). The results further indicate that IT is relatively more important than financial development for propelling long-run growth. However, we find financial development, rather than IT, to be more critical for enhancing economic growth over the short-run horizon.

Key words: Economic growth, financial deepening, information technology, VECM.

African Journal of Library and Information Science ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 7 (12), pp. 001-009, December, 2021. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Achieving competitive supply chain through business process re-engineering: A case from developing country

Ales Groznik¹ and Marinko Maslaric^2*

¹Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana, Kardeljeva ploscad 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.

²Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg D. Obradovica 6, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.

Accepted 16 November, 2021

Abstract

Recent business development in the light of increased competition has caused many companies to explore new drivers in order to remain competitive. In this context, business process re-engineering is the key to the successful implementation of effective supply chain management which has become a potentially valuable way of securing competitive advantage. This paper presents the characteristics of business re-engineering effort and how business process modeling can be used for these purposes. Effective supply chain management requires a high degree of coordination and information sharing between partners in the supply chain. The main idea was to show through business process modeling how the business process re-engineering of existing process needs to follow the introduction of new information technologies into organizations to improve information sharing. This paper will show that only harmonized implementation of information technology and business process re-engineering will bring to the effective supply chain management and full improvement of companies competitiveness.

Key words: Supply chain management, business process re-engineering, business process modeling, competitiveness, case study.

African Journal of Library and Information Science ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 7 (11), pp. 001-008, November, 2021. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Emerging issues and strategies to enhance M-banking services

R. K. Uppal

ICCSR Sponsored Major Research Project, D. A. V. College, Malout, Punjab, India. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +9194635-99700, 01637-261188 (R).

Accepted 6 October, 2021

Abstract

In present day banking, total automation of banking operations is an imperative need for all banks to attract more customers, provide efficient services, and survive in the emerging new competition, apart from the profit motive which is the primary objective of the business. In order to achieve these goals of business, various channels have been developed through technology. ‘Mobile banking’ is one of the best alternative channels available to customers for quick, correct and efficient service at anytime and anywhere. The present paper is devoted to explore the extent of mobile banking in Indian banking industry where cell phone users are increasing at unexpected rate. Time period taken for study is 2000 - 2001 to 2006 - 2007 because this period is the eye-witness of infant condition of IT and during the same period IT became mature. Simple statistical tools like average, standard deviation, co- efficient of variation are used to calculate the efficiency of various bank groups providing the service of M-banking. On the basis of analysis, the paper concludes that the private sector banks are on the top in providing the M-banking services to their customers and have high profitability as compared to other bank groups under study except foreign banks. The paper also highlights the benefits of M-banking to customers as well as to bankers and suggests some strategies with their possible solutions like to spread awareness regarding M-banking and to increase its area and scope to enhance M-banking services in India, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas..

Key words: Extent of mobile banking, strategies to enhance M-banking services.

African Journal of Library and Information Science ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 7 (10), pp. 001-009, October, 2021. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Modified stage-gate: A conceptual model of virtual product development process

Nader Ale Ebrahim*, Shamsuddin Ahmed and Zahari Taha

Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Accepted 9 September, 2021

Abstract

In today’s dynamic marketplace, manufacturing companies are under strong pressure to introduce new products for long-term survival with their competitors. Nevertheless, every company cannot cope up progressively or immediately with the market requirements due to knowledge dynamics being experienced in the competitive milieu. Increased competition and reduced product life cycles put force upon companies to develop new products faster. In response to these pressing needs, there should be some new approach compatible in flexible circumstances. This paper presents a solution based on the popular Stage-Gate system, which is closely linked with virtual team approach. Virtual teams can provide a platform to advance the knowledge-base in a company and thus to reduce time- to-market. This article introduces conceptual product development architecture under a virtual team umbrella. The paper describes all the major aspects of new product development (NPD), NPD process and its relationship with virtual teams, Stage-Gate system finally presents a modified Stage-Gate system to cope up with the changing needs. It also provides the guidelines for the successful implementation of virtual teams in new product development.

Key words: Modified stage-gate system, virtual product development, conceptual model.

African Journal of Library and Information Science ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 7 (9), pp. 001-009, September, 2021. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Perception towards the importance and knowledge of information technology among auditors in Malaysia

Noor Azizi Ismail* and Azlan Zainol Abidin

College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok 06010 Kedah, Malaysia.

Accepted August 14, 2021

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a study that investigates the level of IT knowledge and also IT importance in the specific context of audit work in Malaysia. Results of this study is based on data collected from 95 audit firms via mailed questionnaires. The results suggested information systems audit in Malaysia is still at the infant stage. IT knowledge level among the auditors is lower than their perception towards the importance of the technologies. Twelve technologies are considered relevant in the context of audit work in Malaysia, while only 5 technologies are considered knowledgeable by the responding auditors. On average, General Office Automation receives the highest mean value for both importance and knowledge, whilst system development and installation receives the lowest mean value. Overall, responding auditors perceived their overall IT knowledge as adequate, while the current practice of information systems audit is less than adequate. Findings from this study are significant to the standards setters regulating the audit profession, academicians designing university courses and audit practitioners evaluating their own IT knowledge. The findings can be used to gauge the relevant IT in the specific context of audit work and also the IT knowledge level of the auditors not just in Malaysia but also other developing countries.

Keywords: Auditors, auditing, external auditing, information systems auditing, developing economies.

African Journal of Library and Information Science ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 7 (6), pp. 001-003, June, 2021. © International Scholars Journals

Short Communication

Science entrepreneurship: Challenges and opportunities in India

Akshay Anand

Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 20 May, 2021

Abstract

The rise of economy and information technology is fast transforming the intellectual property and technology commercialization in the developing world, particularly in India. absence of awarenesss, strong domestic pressure groups, lack of consortium of IP attorneys and scientists, biotechnology firms and private sponsored research coupled with increase in brain drain have tremendously affected growth of knowledge economy and value creation. With a new patent law of 2005 in place along with new regulation, which will allow Indian scientists to float their own companies, India is poised to overcome most of these challenges. Indeed, recent results show this is the case, reflecting the success India gained in developing computer technology just a few years ago. It is anticipated that this environment shall foster and facilitate new therapeutic approaches to devastating diseases, particularly chronic diseases of aging.

Key words: Wealth creation, research, commercialization, knowledge, economy.