Background: Since the emergence of e-government in developing countries, several different measurement metrics in the form of models and frameworks have been utilised to evaluate e-government projects. Whilst e-government assessment topologies have developed over time, no measurement metrics exist to assess e-government service gaps according to the best knowledge of the researchers. Consequently, failure to assess e-government service gaps makes it difficult to take well-founded improvement actions, as these gaps are not obvious to the designers and developers of e-government systems.Objective: The objective of this study was to explore dimensions or constructs that could contribute to the development of a multidimensional model for assessing e-government service gaps.Methodology: An integrative literature review was conducted in Ebscohost, Wiley Online Library, Springer Link, Science Direct, Taylor and Francis journals, Sage Research Methods, JSTOR, Google Scholar, Emerald and the Electronic Journal of Information System in Developing Countries (EJISDC) using relevant search strings. The extracted articles were subjected to construct analysis in which constant-comparative analysis, thematic analysis and evaluation functions were used to cluster dimensions extracted from evaluation metrics according to their themes or constructs.Results: Themes and constructs extracted from existing evaluation metrics resulted in the development of a multidimensional model that could be used for assessing e-government service gaps. Accordingly, the model consists of the following constructs: system functionality; service delivery; and service gaps.Conclusion: The findings imply that the model can be used as a prescriptive tool during the design phase (pre-implementation phase) or in scaling up e-government projects and as an evaluation tool in the post-implementation phase.
Several new technologies, for example, the Internet of Things (IoTs) continue to surface in the frontage of ubiquitous and pervasive computing. Internet of things is slowly being embraced in different domains to support control and monitoring systems. The advent of microprocessors embedded with communication facilities has enabled the possibility of integrating ICTs within people and their environments. With the power utilities industry grappling with serious issues like load management which has a potential of damaging their equipment, first movers are turning to advanced technologies such as the IoTs to achieve demandside management. The purpose of this study was to conduct a theoretical and empirical review on the approaches used by Power utilities to manage load in order to determine how IoTs can be used particularly by Zimbabwe's Power utility to solve the supply-demand problem. Currently, the load management approaches used by the Power utility in Zimbabwe are load shifting and load shedding. A conceptual model was developed using C++ guided by the algorithm for load management. The model development was motivated by the research gap establish from the literature review and the problem faced by the Power utility in Zimbabwe in balancing demand and supply during peak periods. The idea is modelled around continuous monitoring of the feeder or substation, activating the automatic control and carrying out load allocation procedure based on priority settings, connection, and re-connection timings. The proposed model is also based on the dependence of demand and consumer priority perception. The model will ensure that electricity is available for basic and essential use in times of increased demand. It requires that load demand is constantly monitored to trigger automatic control and appliances should connect to the electric power grid using smart plugs.
This chapter approached the national digital policy as a target for bridging the digital divide to gain digital dividends that will help in socio-economic development. The chapter argues that digital dividends are key to developing countries as they have helped break the digital divide that has been there for so long. Nevertheless, the findings reveal that some marginalized communities exist in developing countries like Zimbabwe, especially semi-urban and rural communities. Zimbabwe is yet to strengthen the pillars of digital transformation. The chapter recommends that the government and regulators consider taking the outside-in strategy to narrow the digital divide in the country.
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