MSIS Theses and Dissertations (2011)

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Browsing MSIS Theses and Dissertations (2011) by Author "Marwanga (Dr.), Reuben"

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    A Prototype of a virtual union catalogue for Kenya Library and Information Service Consortium (KLISC) member libraries.
    Gichiri, Peter Mwangi; Marwanga (Dr.), Reuben
    Kenya lacks a national library union catalogue. As a result, researchers contend with overwhelming array of independent catalogues whenever they want to do inter-library research. Most libraries in Kenya are individually uploading their catalogues on the World Wide Web. Although this is a positive scenario, it does not address effectively role and nature of bibliographic information sharing. A fully functional national union remains the ultimate solution to inter-library research. This work involved gathering requirements, designing and developing a prototype for a Virtual Union Catalogue of Kenya Library and Information Services Consortium (KLISC) member libraries. We used online questionnaires generated using SurveyGizmo to gather data that informed the design of the virtual union catalogue gateway. The survey period covered 14th December 2010 at 7.00 am to 24th February 2011 at 12.00 pm. This work reveals the state and capacities of different KLISC member libraries to participate in the virtual union catalogue and suggestions on the design architecture of the virtual union catalogue. The Search/Retrieve via URL (SRU) query interface architecture was used to develop a functional virtual union catalogue prototype for KLISC member libraries. This data retrieval system model was adapted from Purdue University in Indiana United States of America. The prototype uses single query form to search individual libraries one at a time. Performing searches from a single portal provides a one-stop–shop for bibliographic data held by KLISC member libraries. This improves the records retrieval, enhances the inter-library loan services hence greatly reducing costs and effort incurred during inter-library loan operations. The achievement is notable in the realization of a union catalogue for the Kenya Library and Information services Consortium (KLISC).
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    A Framework for a Sustainable ICT Implementation Solution for Public Primary Schools: Case of Nairobi West District
    (2013-11-15) Warui, Michael N.; Ateya, Ismail Lukandu; Marwanga (Dr.), Reuben; Kiraka, Ruth
    Despite the emergence of ICT resources - such as computers, multimedia and the Internet, the proportion of public primary schools in Kenya making use of ICT is still very low. This research revealed that lack of technical support and access to educational software and econtent, and limited understanding on how to integrate ICTs into teaching were perceived by teachers as the key barriers to the further uptake of ICT in primary schools. Consequently, primary schools are unable to embrace an effective learning and quality pedagogy as they relate to ICT integration. Therefore, the dissertation undertook to develop a framework that would support, describe and promote good practice in the use of ICT in learning and teaching in public primary schools. To help schools introduce sustainable ICT into learning environments, a framework that has seven basic execution steps was developed. These steps are i) defining the educational objectives; ii) designing suitable e-school model; iii) selecting the specific technology platform along with the necessary content and applications; iv) deploying the ICT infrastructure; v) working out how much this technology will cost, not just initially but throughout the project life; vi) establishing user training, maintenance and technical support; and finally, vii) setting out framework implementation management, monitoring and reporting for continuous progress and improvement. In each of the steps, a school has to undertake several activities as the inputs in the execution of the framework. There is a resultant outcome after execution of each activity, which is measurable. A Likert scale of 5 has been provided to schools executing the framework in order to score or rate how they are able to attain the desired objectives. Implementation of the framework could help primary schools to introduce sustainable ICT into learning environments by identifying and assessing technology options, their benefits and feasibility.
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    Integration of E-commerce and M-commerce: infrastructure, framework and implementation
    (2013-11-13) Wambui, Mwangi J.; Lukandu, Ismail Ateya; Marwanga (Dr.), Reuben; Kiraka, Ruth
    Electronic Commerce (e-Commerce) and Mobile Commerce (m-Commerce) are evolving at a pace that is revolutionizing how business is carried out. These two technologies can indeed open up markets beyond borders. The purpose of this research was to propose an integrated framework for e-Commerce and m-Commerce and to suggest a suitable implementation strategy. The objectives of the research were achieved through extensive review of vast literature on the subject matters. The research starts by looking at the various aspects of Electronic Commerce and Mobile Commerce, their barriers, benefits and possible future. Existing electronic payment modes were then discussed to identify common methods in which online transactions take place. It was found that there exists a formal framework for eCommerce, but frameworks for m-Commerce were organization specific. Extensive data collection and analysis was done to ensure that the proposed framework was as close to facts on the ground as possible. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 17 and Microsoft Excel 2007. Results of the analysis indicated that 51% of the population knew about e-Commerce. It also found that only 15% had used credit cards to pay for items bought online. The proposed generic framework can help provide a starting point for e-Commerce businesses in Kenya enabling them to operate on similar platform. This proposed theoretical framework borrows from the works of Turban et al., in 2006 and aside from additional components; it allows implementers focus on important aspects of eCommerce and m-Commerce that would otherwise not receive the attention that they deserve such as policy and infrastructure requirements. This framework can then be modified to meet specific business needs. Lastly, recommendations for further research in this area were made.
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    Intergration model for electronic documentation applications:a case of geothermal development company
    (Strathmore University, 2011) Oluoch, Patrick O; Lukandu, Ismail Ateya; Kiraka, Ruth; Marwanga (Dr.), Reuben
    Organizations invest in ICT software with the aim of improving internal process efficiency. Many organizations use more than one application in the same or different phases of their documentation lifecycles to meet predefined ends. Since these applications are developed at different times, and in different settings to solve different problems, they are more often disjointed. In such a scenario, end users are required to integrate the functionality of several independent applications in line with predefined business processes. Manual integration requires extensive user input which can compromise the throughput and quality of documents. Application integration provides an opportunity to improve the efficiency of documentation processes through automation of repetitive manual user input and enforcement of documentation procedures using preprogrammed rules of use. This research aimed at determining applications used in documentation processes of Geothermal Development Company (GDC) Nakuru Office and identifying any gaps which arise due to separately implemented ones. The study then designed a model to abate challenges attributable to application disjointedness. Descriptive research methodology was used since no variables at play could be controlled by the researcher. Through stratified random sampling, a representative sample of respondents was selected to whom a questionnaire was administered. Analysis of responses determined that GDC uses two key categories of applications in predefined documentation processes – word processor and electronic mail client. Use of the aforementioned applications requires manual user input to align their combined functionality with predefined business rules. This in addition to lack of a web publishing application to centrally archive documents has lead to various challenges encountered by end users which include delays in documentation due to limited collaborative support, document version mix-up and difficulty in locating documents published in e-mail. Having identified the need to integrate three applications – word processors, electronic mail client and web publishing applications, this research went ahead to develop a model to guide in achieving the same using Business Modeling Language (BML). BML is useful to all levels of stakeholders from management to technical personnel. An implementation guideline to offer more information about how the applications should be integrated to maximize on the usefulness of the integration model was further highlighted. It is important for organizations using disjointed applications with internal process efficiency improvement needs to consider application integration as the next vital step forward before investing in new applications designed to achieve the same end. This will ensure that maximum return on investment is made on already implemented applications in a shorter time while avoiding the risk of minimal yields from investment in completely new applications.