African Journal of Library and Information Science

African Journal of Library and Information Science ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 7 (5), pp. 001-009, May, 2021. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Investigating service quality dimensions in South African motor vehicle servicing

Adele Berndt

Department of Marketing Management, University of Johannesburg, P O Box 524 Auckland Park [email protected]. Tel: (+27 11) 559 2455. Fax: (+27 11) 559 3143.

Accepted 23 April, 2022

Abstract 

The motor industry plays a critical role in the economy of South Africa, with respect to both GDP and employment. Service quality is a fundamental aspect of service provision, and this is especially the case with motor vehicles, where substantial profits are generated in the servicing of vehicles. The study was conducted using a convenience sample of 761 respondents who were owners of various brands of motor vehicles. The questionnaire was a self-completion questionnaire which consisted of three sections. Factor analysis of the research indicated that five service quality factors could be identified. Apart from the tangible factor, the factors identified differ from the dimensions of service quality proposed by Parasuraman et al. (1988). The dimensions identified also were differed from other studies conducted into service quality dimensions in this context, highlighting the variable nature of service quality in this context. The implications of this study are that the customer perceives the way in which the service is delivered as critical in evaluating service quality.

Key words: Motor industry, service quality, servicing, service quality dimensions, servqual.

African Journal of Library and Information Science ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 7 (4), pp. 001-008, April, 2021. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A delphi examination of emerging issues for successful information technology transfer in North Africa a case of Libya

Khalid Al-Mabrouk* and Jeffrey Soar

School of Information Systems, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, 4350, Australia.

Accepted 26 March, 2021

Abstract

Transfer of information technology (IT) is an increasingly important component for techno-economic development in the developing countries. It can play a major role in the process of technological development. Yet there have been very little studies in IT transfer in developing countries, particularly in Arab countries. The success of the IT transfer process depends upon a number of issues that must be identified for each country. This study identifies key issues on IT transfer process and draws a consensus domain from experts on the key issues. This study also is an attempt to provide a basis for understanding clearly the key elements and requirement for the success and effectiveness of an IT transfer process in Libya. A three- round delphi method was conducted for this study, identifying 15 key issues in the IT transfer, along with their importance and urgency ratings. Analyses show that participating experts achieved a higher level of consensus on the importance and urgency of the issue as the rounds progressed. The findings will assist: (i) academics to build models and provide a broader view and a better understanding of what the important issues are when dealing with successful IT transfer in Libya; (ii) policy makers and government officials to improve and formulate forecasting and policies to promote successful IT transfer process; and (iii) technology suppliers who seek to better understand the key issues surrounding IT transfer success in Libya.

Key words: Information technology transfer, delphi study, Libya.

African Journal of Library and Information Science ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 7 (3), pp. 001-008, March, 2021. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Multi agent system for resource allocation and monitoring

M. Syamala Devi¹ and Manish Arora²

¹Department of Computer Science and Application, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.

²Principal Systems Analyst, DOEACC Society, Chandigarh Centre, Chandigarh, India.

Accepted 3 February, 2021

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present a model that uses Multi Agent Technology to assist Fund Allocating Agencies (FAA) to allocate limited funds to most deserving among competing organizations called Fund Seekers (FS) and monitoring the utilization of allocated funds. These funds are given to execute their projects in Research and Development or to impart quality education. In India, the beneficiaries of this system are likely to be those organizations that allocate funds like University Grant Commission (UGC), Department of Science and Technology, Department of Information Technology and FS that avail funds, could be any university or college. To manage decision-making in such a distributed environment, a Multi Agent System (MAS) for resource allocation was designed. Five agents were identified. One agent, called Coordinator Agent has been designed to perform task of helping FS to find sources of funds available depending on nature of projects, second agent called Fund Allocating Agency Agent has been designed to provide the funds, third agent called Fund Allocator Agent has been designed to allocate funds, fourth agent called Fund Seeker has been designed to avail the funds and lastly Monitor Agent has been designed to monitor the progress of utilization of funds. MAS, methodology is used to model the problem. It consists of number of agents that interact with one another. An Agent is an autonomous entity that performs a given task using information gathered from its environment to act in a suitable manner so as to complete the task successfully. This paper describes the steps carried out to model the problem. To implement the model, physical computing and network infrastructure are required.

Key words: Agents, multi agent system, funds allocation, decision making, distributed environment.

African Journal of Library and Information Science ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 7 (2), pp. 001-005, February, 2021. © International Scholars Journals

Key word: Public sector, fighting corruption, ICTs.

African Journal of Library and Information Science ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 7 (1), pp. 001-003, January, 2021. © International Scholars Journals

Key word: Internet, institutions, research, e-mail.

African Journal of Library and Information Science ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 6 (3), pp. 001-008, March, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

User satisfaction with academic libraries services: Academic staff and students perspectives

Pauline Adeniran

Redeemer‟s University, Serials & Documents Librarian, Ogun State, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: 08027883540.

Accepted 18 November, 2019

Abstract

Academic libraries are presently faced with challenges as a result of the introduction of information technology which has led to an increase in competition among information providers. Libraries must improve the quality of their services to enable them face the challenges of information explosion in the 21st century. Service oriented organizations have identified the customer or user as the most critical voice in assessing service quality. For assessment of service quality to be effectively carried out in academic libraries, it is imperative to investigate what service quality is to users. This paper examines the relationship between service quality and users’ satisfaction at Redeemer’s University and examines how user surveys have been employed in a number of previously published literatures. A questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument for the study. The study revealed that of the academic staff and students who formed the population for the study, students were found to have used the library most; the College of Management Sciences had the highest frequency of use and it also showed that users were satisfied with the services of the library.

Key words: Redeemer‟s University, user satisfaction, academic libraries, services.