1,720,967 research outputs found
Developing a framework for research data management capabilities at the University of Namibia
A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Library and Information Science)This study sought to investigate the University of Namibia’s (UNAM) Research Data Management (RDM) capabilities with a view to developing an RDM framework for the institution. The study was informed by a pragmatic research paradigm and it adopted an explanatory sequential mixed method research design. In line with this research design, the study deployed a two-phased data collection process. First, during the quantitative phase, a bibliometric analysis on UNAM’s research productivity, visibility and impact was conducted using Scopus (SciVal) and the Web of Science. Second, in the qualitative phase, 22 UNAM top researchers as derived from Scopus (SciVal) and the Web of Science were purposefully interviewed based on their relevance to the study. The population of the study consisted of nine hundred and thirty-four (934) researchers. The sample comprised of 40 UNAM top researchers as indexed in Scopus (Scival) and the Web of Science. The study found that RDM is a new concept at UNAM and that it is not integrated in the research processes. It was also discovered that although the concept is new, some researchers practice RDM services using their own means. The study further revealed that there is a lack of institutional support to enhance the management of research data. The study concluded that RDM do exist at UNAM even though different researchers understands and practices the concept differently. The study recommends that UNAM develops and implements the RDM framework as part of the organisation’s structure to support staff members. The study proposes that UNAM undertake an RDM pilot study with leading universities in the region, and document some lessons learnt that can advance the implementation of RDM at UNAM
Developing an e-records readiness framework for labour organisation in Botswana
The application of information communication technologies (ICTs) in records management in many organisations underscores the need for the assessment of e-records readiness. This provides a useful guide in benchmarking, gauging progress and comprehending e-records management. This study examined e-record readiness in labour organisations with a view to proposing a framework for labour organisations in Botswana. The study was largely guided by a quantitative paradigm and used a survey research strategy. This was complemented by methodological triangulation of both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. All the 50 registered labour organisations in Botswana were surveyed, 45 of which responded, representing a response rate of 90%. Data was obtained through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, document review and observations.
The study established that e-records readiness in labour organisations in Botswana was evident, low and evolving, evidenced by the slow adoption of ICTs; inadequate records management standards and practices; and low integration in the national e-readiness framework. The study confirmed that most labour organisations had embraced the utilisation of ICTs in their work; exhibited some form of records management function and acknowledged the existence of national policy directives and strategies on e-readiness. However, traditional ICTs mainly the fax and telephone, were more prevalently adopted and used than newer ones such as e-mail and the Internet. The use of social media technology (Web 2.0 - Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter) was yet to be explored. The management of both paper-based and electronic records was not satisfactory and fell short of best recognised records management standards and practice. The integration of labour organisations into national e-readiness initiatives as espoused in key policy proclamations within the context of the pursuance of a holistic knowledge and information society was slow and remained challenging.
In order to foster successful e-records readiness in labour organisations, several recommendations were advanced that underscored effective ICT adoption and use, implementation of best records management practices and rigorous integration of labour organisations into the information and knowledge society in Botswana. In addition, an integrated framework for examining and understanding e-records readiness in labour organisations was proposed and documented.D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)Information Scienc
Book Review: The Ghana Interlibrary Lending and Document Delivery Network (GILLDDNET)
By AA Alemna and M Cobblah. International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP). 2004, 55p. ISBN 1-902928-26-1
Afr. J. Lib. Arch. & Inf. Sc. Vol.15(1) 2005: 87-8
Digital preservation preparedness of the National Library of Namibia for digital preservation of documentary heritage: a case study
The study inquired into the National Library of Namibia's preparedness to digitally preserve Namibia's documentary heritage. The study triangulated the Open Archives Information System Reference Model and the Digital Preservation Capability Maturity Model, which aided to unpack digital preservation concepts. Within the pragmatic paradigm, the study adopted a convergent parallel mixed methods approach and employed a single case study design. The population of the study consisted of users of the National Library of Namibia, management of the Library and Archives Services of Namibia, board members of the Namibia Library and Information Council and selected staff of the National Library of Namibia. The respondents in the quantitative part of the study were selected using a convenient sampling technique while participants in the qualitative aspect of the study were selected using the purposive sampling method. Quantitative data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interview guides and a document search guide. ATLAS.ti software version 23.08 was used for the analysis of qualitative data, while SPPS software version 28 was used for descriptive statistical analysis of quantitative data. The study's findings revealed that the National Library of Namibia has made deliberate efforts to digitise some information sources which are in high demand by users. It also found that the National Library of Namibia does not have a digital preservation policy, digital preservation strategies and digital preservation programme to safeguard Namibia's documentary heritage for posterity access. The study concludes that the National Library of Namibia is not prepared to and capable of digitally preserving Namibia's documentary heritage due to the following reasons: lack of appropriate technological infrastructure; limited human resources; lack of knowledge and skills for digital preservation; and challenges associated with e-deposits. The study proposes a digital preservation framework for the National Library of Namibia and for the Namibia library and information sector. This framework could assist the National Library of Namibia to develop policies and guidelines to regulate the digital preservation of Namibia's documentary heritage for posterity
Towards a framework for e-records readiness in support of e-government in eSwatini
This article is based on a study whose aim was to develop a framework for the effective management of e-records as a facilitating tool in support of e-government. The IRMT (2004) E-records Readiness Tool was adapted and used as the analytical framework for this study. This tool is designed to assist organizations to benchmark themselves and to determine where they stand with respect to the management of electronic records. The study mainly used the quantitative research approach, exploiting a survey that utilized a questionnaire as a data collection instrument. The quantitative approach was however complemented by the qualitative approach which utilized observation and interview techniques. Using both quantitative and qualitative approaches made it possible to triangulate and validate the findings. The unit of analysis was Eswatini government ministries, with a survey design involving all 18 the government ministries. The target study participants comprised the Directorate of Eswatini National Archives, the Directorate of Computer Services, the Directorate of E-government, Registry staff and the action officers. The results revealed that the level of e-records readiness in the government ministries is at an infant stage and that opportunities for increasing the depth of e-records readiness exist that require resolve. There was evidence of an irresponsive, weak, and disjointed legislative and policy framework on e-records; lack of contemporary records management skills; slow progress in the implementation of envisaged electronic document records management systems (EDRMS) and low capacity building among records management staff. Among other recommendations proffered is a useful e-record readiness framework that could enhance the management of e-records and spur the e-government drive Eswatini
Developing a framework for web archiving of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in selected repositories in South Africa
Indigenous Knowledge is a very important knowledge and developmental tool in Africa. There is a growing trend in the digitisation of heritage materials in Africa but while there is consensus on the importance of digitising IK in Africa, there are issues with ensuring long-term preservation so that digital information is permanently secured and protected. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to discuss the Indigenous Knowledge Systems efforts in Africa. The scope of this paper is the digitisation of IKS in South Africa and how Web archiving can be adopted in ensuring the trustworthiness of IKS in academic institutional repositories. This paper adopted literature review and web content analysis to collect relevant information and make an inference. The paper, therefore, shows that South Africa
is one of the few countries in Africa that has invested immense effort in the use of technology and digitisation of IKS. However, there is a need to consider issues related to the long-term preservation of these digital materials. There is currently a lack of policy and digital preservation frameworks, especially in Africa
Challenges of building educational research capacity in sub-Saharan Africa : The case of the school of education, University of Zambia
Climate change strategy paper for trade unions in Africa
yateguwe na Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Trade Union Centre Competence, yateguwe na Dr. Trywell Kalusopa na Mr. Nnimmo Basse
A strategic framework for digital preservation in the context of e-government in Botswana public service
The purpose of the study was to assess the digital preservation capability maturity readiness in the context of e-government in Botswana Public Service with a view to developing a strategic framework that ensures digital continuity. The study adopted a pragmatic paradigm and case study which were deployed in each of the six selected ministries as a unit of analysis. The target population was 102 respondents from six key purposively sampled ministries. Seventy-nine questionnaires were distributed, of which 55 were completed and returned. Interviews were conducted with 21 staff being senior managers, managers for human resources and administration, heads of divisions for records management units, archives unit, ICT managers and senior records managers. Formal participatory observations of documents were conducted. The study’s findings showed that the Botswana public service has no unified national information systems to manage public sector records, which led to some ministries adopting their own electronic records management systems. Currently, few ministries have implemented the electronic records management system and most digital records are not preserved due to lack of preservation guidelines and strategies. In that regard, the study developed a strategic framework to safeguard digital continuity and make sure that e-government is sustained for the benefit of an open government and increased participatory citizenry
Change management in the implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, South Africa
For decades, public hospitals have relied on managing records manually using different formats of classification. However, driven by an eHealth strategy, hospitals in South Africa are now changing to electronic health records (EHR) systems for their day-to-day functioning. Earlier studies conducted on health records management in the South African provinces of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Gauteng and Western Cape, all point to minimal evidence of change management in EHR system implementation in public hospitals. This paper presents empirical results of an investigation into the management of change in the implementation of an EHR system at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Public Hospital in the eThekwini area of KZN. The findings show that an ill-defined change management approach in the EHR system implementation hinders the progress of the implementation and thus the improvement of health service delivery. The study recommends that the implementation of a robust and functional EHR system be accompanied equally by a viable, parallel and executable change management blueprint
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