Information and communication technologies (ICTs) open up new opportunities for rural young entrepreneurs to
enhance their businesses. However, the challenges of adopting and using ICTs obstruct these businesses from
growing into drivers for rural-economic development and job creation. The purpose of this paper is to seek to
validate the technology acceptance model (TAM), which measures the volitional aspect of the ICT adoption
behavior of young entrepreneurs in a rural community. In order to test the model, data are collected using
self-administered questionnaires from 400 rural youth entrepreneurs. The structural equation modeling technique
(SEM) was applied to assess the model. The results confirmed that TAM is robust enough to gauge the
dimensions of young entrepreneurs’ adoption of ICT by way of the model accounting for 55 percent of the
variance in intention to use ICT. They also indicated that attitude toward entrepreneurship partially mediated the
relationship between ICT’s usefulness and entrepreneurial intention. This paper will serve to illuminate this
model and reveal new knowledge perspectives. Policy makers could encourage rural youth entrepreneurs to use
ICT in their businesses, which will in turn inspire other entrepreneurs to look up to these adopters and follow
them, thus increasing the use of ICT in rural communities.
Women entrepreneurs in kenya‘s small scale enterprisesAlexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on the demographic characteristics of women entrepreneurs in small scale enterprises in Kenya and how those characteristics influence business performance. Some key findings are:
1. Marital status, ethnicity, educational level, and age were examined in relation to business performance. Married women and those with secondary education or higher reported higher profits.
2. Ethnicity was found to influence profits, with some ethnic groups performing better than others.
3. Most women entrepreneurs were between the ages of 30-40, and those under 30 reported higher profits.
4. Improvements in sales and capital growth were reported across all demographic groups studied.
Executive Summary
The New York City tech ecosystem generates economic opportunities for all New Yorkers.
The New York City tech ecosystem includes 291,000 jobs
that are enabled by, produce, or facilitate technology. Tech
industries generate 58,000 tech jobs and 83,000 non-tech
jobs, while non-tech industries generate 150,000 tech jobs.
In total, New York City’s tech ecosystem employs 291,000
people or 7% of the 4.27 million people working in New
York City. To put this figure into context, the retail sector
employs 354,000 people or 8% of total workers, while
healthcare employs 665,000 people or 16% of total
workers.
From 2003 to 2013, the New York City tech ecosystem
added 45,000 jobs, growing faster than both total New
York City employment and total U.S. employment. The
New York City tech ecosystem grew from 246,000 jobs to
291,000 jobs, an increase of 18%. In comparison, over the
same period, employment increased by 12% in New York
City and 4% nationally.
The New York City tech ecosystem generates
approximately 541,000 jobs, $50.6 billion in annual
compensation, and $124.7 billion in annual output. Of the
541,000 total jobs, 291,000 are direct, and 250,000 jobs
are generated through multiplier effects. Together they
comprise 12.6% of New York City’s total workforce.
The New York City tech ecosystem includes more than just
highly-educated workers – up to 44% of jobs in the New
York City tech ecosystem do not require a Bachelor’s
degree. 128,000 jobs in the tech ecosystem do not require a
Bachelor’s degree, with 11,600 of those being tech jobs in
tech industries.
Workers in the New York City tech ecosystem earn 49%
more than the average City-wide hourly wage. The hourly
wage for the tech ecosystem is $39.50, while the average
City-wide wage is $26.50.
Jobs in the New York City tech ecosystem that do not
require Bachelor’s degrees pay 45% more in hourly
wages than jobs with the same educational requirements
in other industries. Tech ecosystem jobs that do not require
a Bachelor’s degree pay $27.75 per hour, while the
average City-wide hourly wage for a job with the same
educational attainment requirement is $19.00 per hour.
The New York City tech ecosystem generates over $5.6
billion in annual tax revenues to the City, representing
12.3% of the City’s 2013 tax revenue. $2.5 billion comes
from property taxes, $1.3 billion from personal income
taxes, $0.9 billion from sales and use taxes, and $0.9 billion
from corporation and business income taxes.
Big Data for New Industrialization and Urbanization Development: A Case Study...IJERA Editor
Industrialization and urbanization are considered as interdependent processes of recent economic development.
Innovations in technology and higher affordability of electronic devices have facilitated current age of big data.
Use of digital data provided modern urbanization which is an essential element of industrialization and rapid
income growth globally. Most manufacturing and service production is efficient when undertaken in urbanized
areas where organizations can readily follow best practice in technology and management. Over the past three
decades, China has achieved enormous economic growth, accompanied by a growing number of large cities.
The purpose of this paper is to identify prominent issues relating influence of big data on modern
industrialization and urbanization development in China as well as in other regions. The case study of China
was taken to understand the advancement of big data on industrialization and urbanization enhancement. It was
investigated that industrialization and the rise of the service sector appear to have influenced the growth of
urbanization, but their role was relatively small when compared to the direct effects of economic growth. In the
coming years, urbanization will become increasingly an opportunity as well as a challenge to the country‟s
effort to sustain rapid growth and maintain effective development
Strategy for reducing unemployment in nigeria the role of informal sectorDr Lendy Spires
This document discusses strategies for reducing unemployment in Nigeria through the role of the informal sector. It begins by noting that unemployment is a major problem in Nigeria, with the unemployment rate at 23.9% in 2011. The informal sector contributes about 60% of Nigeria's GDP and accounts for about 90% of jobs. However, workers in the informal sector often have unstable incomes and lack protections. The document then examines the large population engaged in the informal sector within Kogi State, categorizing it into productive, service, and financial sub-sectors. It hypothesizes that the informal sector both threatens and increases unemployment in Kogi State. The literature review discusses perspectives on unemployment and the role of the informal sector in employment generation in Nigeria.
This document discusses small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their role in economic development in Nigeria. It provides background on definitions of SMEs, barriers to adoption of e-commerce among Nigerian SMEs such as costs and skills gaps, and government efforts to support SMEs through various programs and funds. The internet and mobile technologies are increasing opportunities for SMEs, but infrastructure and regulatory issues remain barriers. Overall SMEs represent most businesses and employment in Nigeria but have yet to achieve their full potential for economic growth.
Entrepreneurship education on women entrepreneurs atAlexander Decker
1. The document discusses entrepreneurship education for women entrepreneurs in Kenya, specifically at the pre-primary and primary levels.
2. It notes that while micro and small enterprises contribute greatly to Kenya's economy and job growth, about 60% fail within the first few years, and lack of entrepreneurship education may be a key reason for this.
3. The study aims to investigate how entrepreneurship education for women at early school levels influences the success and growth of women-owned micro and small businesses in Kenya.
Cody I. Smith: Gender Disparities in the Peripheral and Core Sectors of the ...Cody Smith
This paper examines and discusses labor market inequalities and disparities utilizing the theoretical framework of the Dual Labor Market approach in order to frame gender inequalities found in social welfare and occupational status of peripheral-sector service workers.
Women entrepreneurs in kenya‘s small scale enterprisesAlexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on the demographic characteristics of women entrepreneurs in small scale enterprises in Kenya and how those characteristics influence business performance. Some key findings are:
1. Marital status, ethnicity, educational level, and age were examined in relation to business performance. Married women and those with secondary education or higher reported higher profits.
2. Ethnicity was found to influence profits, with some ethnic groups performing better than others.
3. Most women entrepreneurs were between the ages of 30-40, and those under 30 reported higher profits.
4. Improvements in sales and capital growth were reported across all demographic groups studied.
Executive Summary
The New York City tech ecosystem generates economic opportunities for all New Yorkers.
The New York City tech ecosystem includes 291,000 jobs
that are enabled by, produce, or facilitate technology. Tech
industries generate 58,000 tech jobs and 83,000 non-tech
jobs, while non-tech industries generate 150,000 tech jobs.
In total, New York City’s tech ecosystem employs 291,000
people or 7% of the 4.27 million people working in New
York City. To put this figure into context, the retail sector
employs 354,000 people or 8% of total workers, while
healthcare employs 665,000 people or 16% of total
workers.
From 2003 to 2013, the New York City tech ecosystem
added 45,000 jobs, growing faster than both total New
York City employment and total U.S. employment. The
New York City tech ecosystem grew from 246,000 jobs to
291,000 jobs, an increase of 18%. In comparison, over the
same period, employment increased by 12% in New York
City and 4% nationally.
The New York City tech ecosystem generates
approximately 541,000 jobs, $50.6 billion in annual
compensation, and $124.7 billion in annual output. Of the
541,000 total jobs, 291,000 are direct, and 250,000 jobs
are generated through multiplier effects. Together they
comprise 12.6% of New York City’s total workforce.
The New York City tech ecosystem includes more than just
highly-educated workers – up to 44% of jobs in the New
York City tech ecosystem do not require a Bachelor’s
degree. 128,000 jobs in the tech ecosystem do not require a
Bachelor’s degree, with 11,600 of those being tech jobs in
tech industries.
Workers in the New York City tech ecosystem earn 49%
more than the average City-wide hourly wage. The hourly
wage for the tech ecosystem is $39.50, while the average
City-wide wage is $26.50.
Jobs in the New York City tech ecosystem that do not
require Bachelor’s degrees pay 45% more in hourly
wages than jobs with the same educational requirements
in other industries. Tech ecosystem jobs that do not require
a Bachelor’s degree pay $27.75 per hour, while the
average City-wide hourly wage for a job with the same
educational attainment requirement is $19.00 per hour.
The New York City tech ecosystem generates over $5.6
billion in annual tax revenues to the City, representing
12.3% of the City’s 2013 tax revenue. $2.5 billion comes
from property taxes, $1.3 billion from personal income
taxes, $0.9 billion from sales and use taxes, and $0.9 billion
from corporation and business income taxes.
Big Data for New Industrialization and Urbanization Development: A Case Study...IJERA Editor
Industrialization and urbanization are considered as interdependent processes of recent economic development.
Innovations in technology and higher affordability of electronic devices have facilitated current age of big data.
Use of digital data provided modern urbanization which is an essential element of industrialization and rapid
income growth globally. Most manufacturing and service production is efficient when undertaken in urbanized
areas where organizations can readily follow best practice in technology and management. Over the past three
decades, China has achieved enormous economic growth, accompanied by a growing number of large cities.
The purpose of this paper is to identify prominent issues relating influence of big data on modern
industrialization and urbanization development in China as well as in other regions. The case study of China
was taken to understand the advancement of big data on industrialization and urbanization enhancement. It was
investigated that industrialization and the rise of the service sector appear to have influenced the growth of
urbanization, but their role was relatively small when compared to the direct effects of economic growth. In the
coming years, urbanization will become increasingly an opportunity as well as a challenge to the country‟s
effort to sustain rapid growth and maintain effective development
Strategy for reducing unemployment in nigeria the role of informal sectorDr Lendy Spires
This document discusses strategies for reducing unemployment in Nigeria through the role of the informal sector. It begins by noting that unemployment is a major problem in Nigeria, with the unemployment rate at 23.9% in 2011. The informal sector contributes about 60% of Nigeria's GDP and accounts for about 90% of jobs. However, workers in the informal sector often have unstable incomes and lack protections. The document then examines the large population engaged in the informal sector within Kogi State, categorizing it into productive, service, and financial sub-sectors. It hypothesizes that the informal sector both threatens and increases unemployment in Kogi State. The literature review discusses perspectives on unemployment and the role of the informal sector in employment generation in Nigeria.
This document discusses small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their role in economic development in Nigeria. It provides background on definitions of SMEs, barriers to adoption of e-commerce among Nigerian SMEs such as costs and skills gaps, and government efforts to support SMEs through various programs and funds. The internet and mobile technologies are increasing opportunities for SMEs, but infrastructure and regulatory issues remain barriers. Overall SMEs represent most businesses and employment in Nigeria but have yet to achieve their full potential for economic growth.
Entrepreneurship education on women entrepreneurs atAlexander Decker
1. The document discusses entrepreneurship education for women entrepreneurs in Kenya, specifically at the pre-primary and primary levels.
2. It notes that while micro and small enterprises contribute greatly to Kenya's economy and job growth, about 60% fail within the first few years, and lack of entrepreneurship education may be a key reason for this.
3. The study aims to investigate how entrepreneurship education for women at early school levels influences the success and growth of women-owned micro and small businesses in Kenya.
Cody I. Smith: Gender Disparities in the Peripheral and Core Sectors of the ...Cody Smith
This paper examines and discusses labor market inequalities and disparities utilizing the theoretical framework of the Dual Labor Market approach in order to frame gender inequalities found in social welfare and occupational status of peripheral-sector service workers.
1) The document discusses findings from an IFC study on job creation. It summarizes that private sector activity, particularly from small businesses and improved access to finance, infrastructure like reliable power, and skills training can significantly contribute to job creation.
2) In Nigeria specifically, the agricultural sector provides the most jobs but has low productivity. Infrastructure constraints, especially unreliable power, significantly affect competitiveness. Large skills gaps also exist.
3) Improving the investment climate, access to finance for SMEs, infrastructure like power networks, and training programs linked to the private sector can help address these issues and enable more inclusive job growth.
An exploratory evidence of youth’s ict empowerment in nigeriaAlexander Decker
This document summarizes an exploratory study on youth empowerment through information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Nigeria. It provides background on ICT development in Nigeria, defining ICTs and discussing their potential benefits. The study utilized a survey of 389 youths aged 18-35 across three zones of Bauchi state, Nigeria, analyzing responses using statistical methods to understand factors impacting ICT empowerment. Key findings could provide insight into how improving youth access to ICT training and skills development can promote economic opportunities and reduce poverty in Nigeria.
Enhancing women empowerment through information and communication technologyDr Lendy Spires
This report examines enhancing women's empowerment through information and communication technology (ICT). It aims to assess ICT infrastructure for women in rural versus urban areas and how women's social/economic backgrounds impact ICT workforce participation. It also evaluates ICT policies in education regarding scholarships, reservations, and self-employment programs for women. Finally, it assesses social and health implications of ICT for women workers. The report reviews literature, studies findings through research questions, and provides conclusions and suggestions. The overall goal is to understand how to strengthen ICT's role in empowering women across India.
Educational qualifications of entrepreneurs and performance in small and medi...ResearchWap
ABSTRACT
The study examined the effect of educational qualifications on entrepreneurs and performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. In this study, relevant and extensive literatures were reviewed under sub-headings. The descriptive research survey was used in the assessment of the opinions of the selected respondents with the adoption of the questionnaire and the sampling technique. A total of 100 (One Hundred) respondents were selected and used as samples for this study, the respondents were made up of (50 males and 50 females). A total of four null hypotheses were generated and used in this study using both the percentage frequency counts and the t-test statistical tools at 0.05 level of significance. At the end of the data analyses, the following results were generated: hypothesis one found that there is a significant effect of educational qualifications and performance of entrepreneurs in small and medium enterprises in Lagos State Nigeria, hypothesis two showed that there is a significant gender difference in the management of small and medium scale enterprises due to educational qualifications of the entrepreneurs in Lagos State while hypothesis three indicated that the effective management of small and medium scale enterprises significantly depend on the educational qualifications of the entrepreneurs in Lagos State, Nigeria and finally, hypothesis four revealed that there is a significant gender difference in the successful management of small and medium scale enterprises in Lagos State, Nigeria
Giving Them an Edge? The Effects of Work Experience on the Employment Prospec...The Rockefeller Foundation
This brief summarizes the results of NCLR’s quantitative analysis of the marginal effects of work experience on the employment prospects of millennials. It focuses on Latino young men, offering an overview of the structural barriers, an investigation of whether and to what extent additional work experience gives millennials a competitive edge in today’s hypercompetitive labor market, and recommendations to ensure that they fully leverage their work to maximize their potential in the labor market. In particular, this brief will examine the labor market outcomes of Latinos, the youngest and fastest-growing segment of the American labor force.
This document discusses factors that drive economic growth according to various economists. It provides GDP data for various countries from 1990-2010 that shows high growth rates in China, India, and other developing economies. Theories discussed include how physical and human capital accumulation, technology improvements, and institutions like private property rights systems can influence economic growth. It also examines China's high growth despite a relatively weak legal system, noting the role of informal institutions like guanxi social networks in enabling business transactions.
International Journal of Business and Management Invention (IJBMI)inventionjournals
International Journal of Business and Management Invention (IJBMI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Business and Management. IJBMI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Business and Management, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
The Journal will bring together leading researchers, engineers and scientists in the domain of interest from around the world. Topics of interest for submission include, but are not limited to
The document discusses the challenges of balancing regulatory burden on micro- and small enterprises (MSEs) with protecting workers in MSEs. It notes that MSEs employ a major share of workers globally but often operate informally without legal protections. Some key points:
1) Many countries exempt MSEs from certain labor laws or have parallel legal regimes with lower standards to reduce regulatory costs, but this leaves workers unprotected and can discourage business growth.
2) Low compliance with labor laws among MSEs is also due to lack of enforcement, legal exemptions, and widespread informality. Representation of MSE interests is also often insufficient.
3) Reforms to improve the business environment can boost job creation, but their
Can ICT Reduce Poverty and Unemployment and Elevate Development Integrating M...Dr. Amarjeet Singh
Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) can boost the performance of people and improve
overall human capital for the alleviation of poverty in a
society. Today, ICT is considered as one of the major
sources of driving force for the overall economic
development integrating with Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs). The e-Commerce has a great role in
achieving business performance in the emerging Asian
countries. However, MSMEs are experiencing more
challenges that prevent them from further increasing their
business. The earlier studies question to which extent
MSMEs have benefited from these businesses. Therefore,
the main purpose of this study is to demonstrate the
importance of ICT in developing MSMEs based on the
success stories of emerging Asian countries. This study
based on subjective/argumentative i.e., idea generation in
Information Systems (IS). The findings of the study reveal
that the MSMEs utilizing ICT can alleviate poverty and
unemployment. It also reveals that MSMEs with ICT and
e-Commerce can enhance employment and new job
creation that can contribute to the overall economic
development. This study is expected to extend for further
an empirical investigation broadly on the same issue to
validate the research results.
Challenges affecting informal business funding in zimbabweDr Lendy Spires
This document discusses challenges affecting funding for informal businesses in Zimbabwe. It finds that the main source of funds is personal equity, which is inadequate. Financial support from institutions is also insufficient and reaches few operators. Complex and corrupt loan administration systems, as well as a lack of collateral security, deter operators from obtaining loans. The study recommends that the Zimbabwe Open University provide workshops to improve business skills and evaluate loan distribution channels. The government should also create an enabling environment through supportive policy.
Socio-Economic Condition of Power Loom Weavers: A Case Study of Mau Cityinventionjournals
Indian power loom industry is an export oriented cottage industry. In 1930 there were about 3000 power loom in the country and by the end of 2008-2009 .The number was raised to about 22.05 lakh. The power loom is spread all over India. Mainly in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh. Apart earning, it also provides employment to a large number of people of an area of Mau city. The manufacturing of textile through power loom has a special place in the heart of the people of India, because these are beautiful and stylish. The power loom industry mainly depends upon weavers, but for a last few years weavers have been facing problems. Their socio-economic condition is going down, due to low manufacturing output. The main objectives of the paper are to explore the existing socio-economic conditions of the power loom weavers, and to reveal the reasons behind the low products in the Mau city. The study is based on primary data collected through field survey. The total number of interviewed weavers is 277.The results reveals that socio-economic condition of weavers is very pathetic, because manufacturing production is very low. The major reason of low manufacturing and low socio economic condition is economic necessity, poverty, large family size with low level of literacy, low electricity supply, and poor government support, and on over whelming recent labour force in weaving activity. So there is an urgent need of government intervention, improvement in educational level, and increase the duration of electricity supply to improve the condition of power loom weaver. Apart of this there is a need to break this culture, norms and tradition which compels women to enter in this work force in pathetic condition
Driven by long‐term shifts in the labor market and on‐going poverty and inequality, youth employment challenges have mounted steadily over the last decade and reached a crisis point in the wake of the Great Recession. Youth unemployment in 2010 reached its highest level since World War II. The short‐ and long‐term consequences of youth unemployment are severe. Individuals who fail to
transition to stable jobs by their early 20s are at risk of experiencing more frequent and prolonged spells of joblessness, permanently lower earnings, and greater difficulty building a secure financial future for themselves and their families. Ultimately, youth unemployment and associated challenges threaten to perpetuate cycles of intergenerational poverty for individuals and communities.
The Impact on of Entrepreneurial and small business on Economic Growth of Ni...adeyinka adekunle
This document is a project submitted by Odebunmi Adekunle Timothy to the National Open University of Nigeria in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in Entrepreneurial and Business Management. The project examines the impact of entrepreneurship and small businesses on Nigeria's economic growth.
It begins with an introduction and statement of the problem. It then reviews relevant literature on entrepreneurship, small businesses, and their role in economic development. The study uses primary data collected through questionnaires and interviews with small business owners in Ibadan. Statistical analysis is conducted to test various hypotheses about the relationship between entrepreneurship, small businesses, and economic growth in Nigeria. The findings suggest that small businesses play an
This newsletter features an article on worker migration from South Asia. Other articles are on the topics of domestic work in India and affordable transportation for the poor.
The growing role of the digital economy in daily life has heightened demand for new data and measurement tools. “Measuring the Digital Economy: A New Perspective” provides an internationally comparable and timely snap-shot of the state of the Digital Economy covering key parameters including the build-out of the infrastructure, uptake and usage across different segments of the population, the importance of information and communication technologies as drivers of innovation and as a transformational force on jobs and skills. It is clear from this stocktaking that a number or critical thresholds have been crossed and the Digital Economy is now the economy. The pace of change described by the report underscores that the ICT revolution is far from being over, and policy makers need to be attentive to its impact on the economy and society. Given the complexity of the changes, the report identifies a number of gaps in the measurement framework and proposes actions to advance the measurement agenda.
The document summarizes key challenges facing Asian countries in generating sufficient jobs for their growing workforces and ensuring those jobs are productive and well-paying. It notes that many workers are still employed in low-productivity agriculture and that large gaps exist between productivity in different sectors. Transitioning workers to higher productivity sectors and raising productivity within sectors are important for creating good jobs. However, this requires the right economic policies, skills training, and social protections to support greater labor market mobility and risk-taking. The document reviews these challenges and sets the stage for discussing strategies to address them.
Previous work has analysed the intersection between social constructions of skill and women’s exclusion from many elite scientific jobs. However, this work has largely failed to specify the processes by which the reworked gender composition of high-tech workforces affects intra-firm and interfirm learning and innovation processes in the region. Crucially, rather than
simply describing the gendered sociorelational properties of these regions, we need to specify how these social relations affect female workers’ abilities both to access and use new sources of information and expertise on behalf of their respective firms, relative to their male colleagues. These
socioeconomic phenomena form the focus of this chapter.
This document discusses how digital marketing can help small rural entrepreneurs in Malaysia amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. It notes that the pandemic and associated movement control orders have severely impacted small businesses' daily operations and income. However, making optimal use of digital applications and platforms can help small businesses continue operations and lessen the financial impact. The study examines rural entrepreneurs in Penang, Malaysia to understand how they have navigated the pandemic through digital business activities and use of information and communication technologies. It aims to provide insights on how to further support rural entrepreneurs' digital skills and boost digital business.
Toward a gender-inclusive innovation pattern in ICT: the case of VietnamiBoP Asia
This document discusses gender inclusion in innovation and ICT development in Vietnam. It explores opportunities for ICT entrepreneurs in Vietnam to develop products and services catered towards women users. Vietnam has made progress towards gender equality through laws and policies, and women now make up around half of the workforce and students in higher education. However, the ICT sector remains dominated by men. The document aims to investigate gender differences in ICT demands and identify obstacles to gender-specific technological development, to explore business models for women consumers.
1) The document discusses findings from an IFC study on job creation. It summarizes that private sector activity, particularly from small businesses and improved access to finance, infrastructure like reliable power, and skills training can significantly contribute to job creation.
2) In Nigeria specifically, the agricultural sector provides the most jobs but has low productivity. Infrastructure constraints, especially unreliable power, significantly affect competitiveness. Large skills gaps also exist.
3) Improving the investment climate, access to finance for SMEs, infrastructure like power networks, and training programs linked to the private sector can help address these issues and enable more inclusive job growth.
An exploratory evidence of youth’s ict empowerment in nigeriaAlexander Decker
This document summarizes an exploratory study on youth empowerment through information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Nigeria. It provides background on ICT development in Nigeria, defining ICTs and discussing their potential benefits. The study utilized a survey of 389 youths aged 18-35 across three zones of Bauchi state, Nigeria, analyzing responses using statistical methods to understand factors impacting ICT empowerment. Key findings could provide insight into how improving youth access to ICT training and skills development can promote economic opportunities and reduce poverty in Nigeria.
Enhancing women empowerment through information and communication technologyDr Lendy Spires
This report examines enhancing women's empowerment through information and communication technology (ICT). It aims to assess ICT infrastructure for women in rural versus urban areas and how women's social/economic backgrounds impact ICT workforce participation. It also evaluates ICT policies in education regarding scholarships, reservations, and self-employment programs for women. Finally, it assesses social and health implications of ICT for women workers. The report reviews literature, studies findings through research questions, and provides conclusions and suggestions. The overall goal is to understand how to strengthen ICT's role in empowering women across India.
Educational qualifications of entrepreneurs and performance in small and medi...ResearchWap
ABSTRACT
The study examined the effect of educational qualifications on entrepreneurs and performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. In this study, relevant and extensive literatures were reviewed under sub-headings. The descriptive research survey was used in the assessment of the opinions of the selected respondents with the adoption of the questionnaire and the sampling technique. A total of 100 (One Hundred) respondents were selected and used as samples for this study, the respondents were made up of (50 males and 50 females). A total of four null hypotheses were generated and used in this study using both the percentage frequency counts and the t-test statistical tools at 0.05 level of significance. At the end of the data analyses, the following results were generated: hypothesis one found that there is a significant effect of educational qualifications and performance of entrepreneurs in small and medium enterprises in Lagos State Nigeria, hypothesis two showed that there is a significant gender difference in the management of small and medium scale enterprises due to educational qualifications of the entrepreneurs in Lagos State while hypothesis three indicated that the effective management of small and medium scale enterprises significantly depend on the educational qualifications of the entrepreneurs in Lagos State, Nigeria and finally, hypothesis four revealed that there is a significant gender difference in the successful management of small and medium scale enterprises in Lagos State, Nigeria
Giving Them an Edge? The Effects of Work Experience on the Employment Prospec...The Rockefeller Foundation
This brief summarizes the results of NCLR’s quantitative analysis of the marginal effects of work experience on the employment prospects of millennials. It focuses on Latino young men, offering an overview of the structural barriers, an investigation of whether and to what extent additional work experience gives millennials a competitive edge in today’s hypercompetitive labor market, and recommendations to ensure that they fully leverage their work to maximize their potential in the labor market. In particular, this brief will examine the labor market outcomes of Latinos, the youngest and fastest-growing segment of the American labor force.
This document discusses factors that drive economic growth according to various economists. It provides GDP data for various countries from 1990-2010 that shows high growth rates in China, India, and other developing economies. Theories discussed include how physical and human capital accumulation, technology improvements, and institutions like private property rights systems can influence economic growth. It also examines China's high growth despite a relatively weak legal system, noting the role of informal institutions like guanxi social networks in enabling business transactions.
International Journal of Business and Management Invention (IJBMI)inventionjournals
International Journal of Business and Management Invention (IJBMI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Business and Management. IJBMI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Business and Management, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
The Journal will bring together leading researchers, engineers and scientists in the domain of interest from around the world. Topics of interest for submission include, but are not limited to
The document discusses the challenges of balancing regulatory burden on micro- and small enterprises (MSEs) with protecting workers in MSEs. It notes that MSEs employ a major share of workers globally but often operate informally without legal protections. Some key points:
1) Many countries exempt MSEs from certain labor laws or have parallel legal regimes with lower standards to reduce regulatory costs, but this leaves workers unprotected and can discourage business growth.
2) Low compliance with labor laws among MSEs is also due to lack of enforcement, legal exemptions, and widespread informality. Representation of MSE interests is also often insufficient.
3) Reforms to improve the business environment can boost job creation, but their
Can ICT Reduce Poverty and Unemployment and Elevate Development Integrating M...Dr. Amarjeet Singh
Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) can boost the performance of people and improve
overall human capital for the alleviation of poverty in a
society. Today, ICT is considered as one of the major
sources of driving force for the overall economic
development integrating with Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs). The e-Commerce has a great role in
achieving business performance in the emerging Asian
countries. However, MSMEs are experiencing more
challenges that prevent them from further increasing their
business. The earlier studies question to which extent
MSMEs have benefited from these businesses. Therefore,
the main purpose of this study is to demonstrate the
importance of ICT in developing MSMEs based on the
success stories of emerging Asian countries. This study
based on subjective/argumentative i.e., idea generation in
Information Systems (IS). The findings of the study reveal
that the MSMEs utilizing ICT can alleviate poverty and
unemployment. It also reveals that MSMEs with ICT and
e-Commerce can enhance employment and new job
creation that can contribute to the overall economic
development. This study is expected to extend for further
an empirical investigation broadly on the same issue to
validate the research results.
Challenges affecting informal business funding in zimbabweDr Lendy Spires
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Socio-Economic Condition of Power Loom Weavers: A Case Study of Mau Cityinventionjournals
Indian power loom industry is an export oriented cottage industry. In 1930 there were about 3000 power loom in the country and by the end of 2008-2009 .The number was raised to about 22.05 lakh. The power loom is spread all over India. Mainly in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh. Apart earning, it also provides employment to a large number of people of an area of Mau city. The manufacturing of textile through power loom has a special place in the heart of the people of India, because these are beautiful and stylish. The power loom industry mainly depends upon weavers, but for a last few years weavers have been facing problems. Their socio-economic condition is going down, due to low manufacturing output. The main objectives of the paper are to explore the existing socio-economic conditions of the power loom weavers, and to reveal the reasons behind the low products in the Mau city. The study is based on primary data collected through field survey. The total number of interviewed weavers is 277.The results reveals that socio-economic condition of weavers is very pathetic, because manufacturing production is very low. The major reason of low manufacturing and low socio economic condition is economic necessity, poverty, large family size with low level of literacy, low electricity supply, and poor government support, and on over whelming recent labour force in weaving activity. So there is an urgent need of government intervention, improvement in educational level, and increase the duration of electricity supply to improve the condition of power loom weaver. Apart of this there is a need to break this culture, norms and tradition which compels women to enter in this work force in pathetic condition
Driven by long‐term shifts in the labor market and on‐going poverty and inequality, youth employment challenges have mounted steadily over the last decade and reached a crisis point in the wake of the Great Recession. Youth unemployment in 2010 reached its highest level since World War II. The short‐ and long‐term consequences of youth unemployment are severe. Individuals who fail to
transition to stable jobs by their early 20s are at risk of experiencing more frequent and prolonged spells of joblessness, permanently lower earnings, and greater difficulty building a secure financial future for themselves and their families. Ultimately, youth unemployment and associated challenges threaten to perpetuate cycles of intergenerational poverty for individuals and communities.
The Impact on of Entrepreneurial and small business on Economic Growth of Ni...adeyinka adekunle
This document is a project submitted by Odebunmi Adekunle Timothy to the National Open University of Nigeria in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in Entrepreneurial and Business Management. The project examines the impact of entrepreneurship and small businesses on Nigeria's economic growth.
It begins with an introduction and statement of the problem. It then reviews relevant literature on entrepreneurship, small businesses, and their role in economic development. The study uses primary data collected through questionnaires and interviews with small business owners in Ibadan. Statistical analysis is conducted to test various hypotheses about the relationship between entrepreneurship, small businesses, and economic growth in Nigeria. The findings suggest that small businesses play an
This newsletter features an article on worker migration from South Asia. Other articles are on the topics of domestic work in India and affordable transportation for the poor.
The growing role of the digital economy in daily life has heightened demand for new data and measurement tools. “Measuring the Digital Economy: A New Perspective” provides an internationally comparable and timely snap-shot of the state of the Digital Economy covering key parameters including the build-out of the infrastructure, uptake and usage across different segments of the population, the importance of information and communication technologies as drivers of innovation and as a transformational force on jobs and skills. It is clear from this stocktaking that a number or critical thresholds have been crossed and the Digital Economy is now the economy. The pace of change described by the report underscores that the ICT revolution is far from being over, and policy makers need to be attentive to its impact on the economy and society. Given the complexity of the changes, the report identifies a number of gaps in the measurement framework and proposes actions to advance the measurement agenda.
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Previous work has analysed the intersection between social constructions of skill and women’s exclusion from many elite scientific jobs. However, this work has largely failed to specify the processes by which the reworked gender composition of high-tech workforces affects intra-firm and interfirm learning and innovation processes in the region. Crucially, rather than
simply describing the gendered sociorelational properties of these regions, we need to specify how these social relations affect female workers’ abilities both to access and use new sources of information and expertise on behalf of their respective firms, relative to their male colleagues. These
socioeconomic phenomena form the focus of this chapter.
This document discusses how digital marketing can help small rural entrepreneurs in Malaysia amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. It notes that the pandemic and associated movement control orders have severely impacted small businesses' daily operations and income. However, making optimal use of digital applications and platforms can help small businesses continue operations and lessen the financial impact. The study examines rural entrepreneurs in Penang, Malaysia to understand how they have navigated the pandemic through digital business activities and use of information and communication technologies. It aims to provide insights on how to further support rural entrepreneurs' digital skills and boost digital business.
Toward a gender-inclusive innovation pattern in ICT: the case of VietnamiBoP Asia
This document discusses gender inclusion in innovation and ICT development in Vietnam. It explores opportunities for ICT entrepreneurs in Vietnam to develop products and services catered towards women users. Vietnam has made progress towards gender equality through laws and policies, and women now make up around half of the workforce and students in higher education. However, the ICT sector remains dominated by men. The document aims to investigate gender differences in ICT demands and identify obstacles to gender-specific technological development, to explore business models for women consumers.
This document discusses using ICT as an enabler of socioeconomic development in developing countries. It outlines challenges faced by rural citizens, and provides examples of how mobile technology can play an enabling role. Specifically, it discusses two mHealth projects in South Africa's Eastern Cape province - one using mobile phones to monitor and manage home-based care workers, and another using an app to screen for malnutrition in schools. The document advocates for a holistic approach that considers local needs and contexts when using ICT for development.
Impact of Information and Communication Technology on Rural IndiaIOSR Journals
ICTs are playing an important role in rural development in India. By providing infrastructure and access to information services, ICTs can help eradicate poverty in rural areas. They also enable e-governance which promotes transparent, efficient government services. However, the digital divide means many rural Indians still lack access to and skills for using ICTs. For ICTs to truly benefit rural development, interventions must be tailored to local needs and allow bi-directional knowledge sharing between communities and programs. When integrated effectively, ICTs have the potential to boost rural economies and empower communities.
This document summarizes research on barriers to ICT (information and communication technology) adoption among micro-businesses in Cape Town, South Africa. The research found that high costs of hardware, software, and internet access were significant barriers. Lack of technical knowledge about purchasing and implementing ICT was also a major barrier. Additionally, barriers differed between areas with different socioeconomic profiles - respondents in poorer areas faced more barriers relating to basic computer access, while those in wealthier areas were more concerned with internet costs. Awareness of government support initiatives also varied significantly between locations. Overall the research suggests ICT barriers in developing countries may differ from developed countries and depend on local socioeconomic conditions.
This study examines ICT usage and digital inclusion among 500 entrepreneurs from small and medium enterprises in the Klang Valley region of Malaysia. The majority of respondents have been in business for 2-4 years and found that ICT usage improved their business performance. Most entrepreneurs have used ICT for less than 3 years, primarily for contacting friends. There is a positive and significant correlation between ICT usage level and digital inclusion (r = 0.599, p <0.05), indicating that greater ICT usage provides benefits to entrepreneurs in terms of digital inclusion for business management and preparing for the emerging digital economy.
This study examines ICT usage and digital inclusion among entrepreneurs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Klang Valley region of Malaysia. A survey was conducted of 500 SME entrepreneurs to understand their usage of various online applications and ICT tools. The findings show that most entrepreneurs have used ICT for less than 3 years, primarily for contacting friends. However, business performance has improved for many after adopting ICT. There is a positive and significant correlation between levels of ICT usage and digital inclusion, indicating that greater use of ICT provides benefits to entrepreneurs in digitalizing their business operations. This digital inclusion helps SMEs increase their competitiveness in the growing digital economy and prepare for the upcoming fourth industrial revolution.
This study examines ICT usage and digital inclusion among 500 entrepreneurs from small and medium enterprises in the Klang Valley region of Malaysia. The majority of respondents have been in business for 2-4 years and found that ICT usage improved their business performance. Most entrepreneurs have used ICT for less than 3 years, primarily for contacting friends. There is a positive and significant correlation between ICT usage level and digital inclusion, indicating that greater ICT use provides benefits to entrepreneurs in digital business management and prepares them for the emerging digital economy.
Information and communication adoption in smesfahmi221282
This document provides a literature review on information and communication technologies (ICTs) adoption by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It finds that ICT adoption is critical for SME competitiveness and accessing international markets. However, SMEs face numerous challenges to adopting ICTs including lack of skills, infrastructure, and financial resources. The review develops a conceptual framework outlining driving forces for ICT adoption, barriers, ICT tools, and benefits. It concludes that while ICTs offer opportunities for SMEs, many lack strategies to overcome adoption challenges.
This document discusses implementing big data analytics to support small and medium enterprise (SME) regional growth. It first defines SMEs and explains how big data is no longer just for large corporations due to cheaper cloud computing options. The document then reviews literature on defining SMEs and their importance for economic development. Finally, it discusses how harnessing big data through analytical frameworks could help SMEs make better decisions to grow their businesses and regions.
Implementing bigdata analytics for small and medium enterprise (SME) regional...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Computer Engineering (IOSR-JCE) is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal that provides rapid publication (within a month) of articles in all areas of computer engineering and its applications. The journal welcomes publications of high quality papers on theoretical developments and practical applications in computer technology. Original research papers, state-of-the-art reviews, and high quality technical notes are invited for publications.
Information and communication technologies in social workDr Lendy Spires
This document discusses the importance of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for the field of social work. It argues that ICTs have greatly influenced society and will continue to influence the work of social workers and the clients they serve. While ICTs have received some attention in social work literature and curriculum, the level of attention has not matched their growth and impact. The document calls for social work education to provide greater focus on developing ICT competencies, in order to ensure social workers can effectively use technologies and uphold ethical practices in an increasingly digital age.
ICT has had a significant impact on rural development in India. ICT initiatives have focused on infrastructure development and extending information and communication services from urban to rural areas. ICT can play an important role in many aspects of rural development such as poverty reduction by providing access to markets, education, and healthcare. ICT and e-governance in particular have helped strengthen governance in rural India by improving government processes and facilitating interaction between citizens, businesses, and government agencies. While ICT shows promise for rural development, initiatives must be tailored to local needs and involve stakeholders to ensure benefits are realized and sustained over the long term.
This document summarizes an article that discusses the untapped opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Zanzibar to utilize information and communication technologies (ICT). It finds that while ICT use has become important for businesses, SMEs in Zanzibar have yet to fully take advantage of ICT opportunities. The article reviews literature on the roles and importance of SMEs, current ICT practices in Zanzibar, and the opportunities at operational, tactical, and strategic levels that adopting ICT could provide SMEs, such as improved communication, decision making, marketing and competitiveness. It concludes that greater ICT adoption by SMEs could significantly contribute to Zanzibar's
This document summarizes a study that investigated the effect of technology adoption on the growth of youth-owned micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Kenya. The study found that the majority of youth-owned MSEs lacked the capacity to acquire new technology and were not able to improve their products or services through technological innovation. MSEs often maintained their original products and services without innovation. The study recommends that MSEs be provided financial support to acquire appropriate technologies to enhance business growth. Governments should also encourage MSEs to adopt new technologies in order to increase innovation and competitiveness.
The aim of this study is to figure out an overview on the literature and related studies on the
awareness of digital labor in the economic system and how production of the capitalist system affects labor
employment and shaped the increase in the socio-economic inequality, which has benefited the capital in the
last 20 years,
ROLE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN THE SURVIVAL OF SMA...ijmpict
This study is to examine the role of ICT in the survival of selected SMEsin Koforidua, Ghana The study employed descriptive technique to conduct the survey. Using a sample of 100 SMEs, an accidental sampling of a non-probability technique was used to gathered data and information. The study argues out that majority of the SMEs operators do use at least one ICT tool in supporting their operations within the New Juaben Municipality. The study revealed that ICT is good and helps business survival in difficult times and become competitive in support of literature reviewed. The study suggested that periodic training in the form of workshops and sensitization programs on the benefits and the use ICT resources in business growth strategies should be organized by National Board for Small-Scale Industries (NBSSI). SME operators, can also outsource their ICT delivery systems by engaging ICT consultants in order to avoid the problem of funding relating to the setting up of their own ICT system which usually requires huge initial capital outlay.The primary policy recommendation arising out of this is that applications for SMEs need to be developed using mobile phones.
ROLE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN THE SURVIVAL OF SMA...ijmpict
This study is to examine the role of ICT in the survival of selected SMEsin Koforidua, Ghana The study employed descriptive technique to conduct the survey. Using a sample of 100 SMEs, an accidental sampling of a non-probability technique was used to gathered data and information. The study argues out that majority of the SMEs operators do use at least one ICT tool in supporting their operations within the New Juaben Municipality. The study revealed that ICT is good and helps business survival in difficult times and become competitive in support of literature reviewed. The study suggested that periodic training in the form of workshops and sensitization programs on the benefits and the use ICT resources in business growth strategies should be organized by National Board for Small-Scale Industries (NBSSI). SME operators, can also outsource their ICT delivery systems by engaging ICT consultants in order to avoid the problem of funding relating to the setting up of their own ICT system which usually requires huge initial capital outlay.The primary policy recommendation arising out of this is that applications for SMEs need to be developed using mobile phones.
The document summarizes a proposed research study assessing spatial and inter-sectoral divergence in the use of ICT in poverty alleviation in Tanzania. The study will use longitudinal data from 2005-2010 to analyze ICT use, income levels, and poverty trends across regions and sectors in Tanzania. It will assess the magnitude of differences in ICT use, identify factors influencing those differences, and evaluate the effects on poverty reduction efforts. The expected outcomes include policy recommendations and a report on integrating ICT use across spatial and sectoral divides to promote more balanced development and poverty reduction.
Freelance Gig Economy and The Future of Work.pptxRedzuanAffandi1
This document discusses the future of work in the context of the growing freelance/gig economy and digital platforms. It begins with an overview of the digital economy and sharing economy models. It then discusses key trends in digital freelancing like the rise of crowdsourcing and various types of crowd platforms. Global reports project strong growth in the sharing economy and freelancing workforce. Challenges and ways forward are also examined. Standards organizations are working on frameworks and guidelines around sharing economy concepts. The document provides several examples of successful freelancers and analyzes different segments of the freelance workforce.
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CYBER SECURITY ENHANCEMENT IN NIGERIA. A CASE STUDY OF SIX STATES IN THE NORT...AJHSSR Journal
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disseminating are critical challenges in the present day. This study aimed at identifying innovative technologies
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A test of the technology acceptance model for understanding the
1. International Journal of Business and Management; Vol. 10, No. 2; 2015
ISSN 1833-3850 E-ISSN 1833-8119
Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education
158
A Test of the Technology Acceptance Model for Understanding the
ICT Adoption Behavior of Rural Young Entrepreneurs
Zeinab Zaremohzzabieh1
, Bahaman abu Samah1
, Mahazan Muhammad1
, Siti Zobidah Omar1
, Jusang Bolong1
,
Md Salleh Hassan1
& Hayrol Azril Mohamed Shaffril1
1
Institut Pengajian Sains Sosial, UPM, Malaysia
Correspondence: Zeinab Zaremohzzabieh, Institut Pengajian Sains Sosial, UPM, Malaysia. E-mail:
zeinabzaremohzzabieh@yahoo.com
Received: November 28, 2014 Accepted: December 19, 2014 Online Published: January 20, 2015
doi:10.5539/ijbm.v10n2p158 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/ijbm.v10n2p158
Abstract
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) open up new opportunities for rural young entrepreneurs to
enhance their businesses. However, the challenges of adopting and using ICTs obstruct these businesses from
growing into drivers for rural-economic development and job creation. The purpose of this paper is to seek to
validate the technology acceptance model (TAM), which measures the volitional aspect of the ICT adoption
behavior of young entrepreneurs in a rural community. In order to test the model, data are collected using
self-administered questionnaires from 400 rural youth entrepreneurs. The structural equation modeling technique
(SEM) was applied to assess the model. The results confirmed that TAM is robust enough to gauge the
dimensions of young entrepreneurs’ adoption of ICT by way of the model accounting for 55 percent of the
variance in intention to use ICT. They also indicated that attitude toward entrepreneurship partially mediated the
relationship between ICT’s usefulness and entrepreneurial intention. This paper will serve to illuminate this
model and reveal new knowledge perspectives. Policy makers could encourage rural youth entrepreneurs to use
ICT in their businesses, which will in turn inspire other entrepreneurs to look up to these adopters and follow
them, thus increasing the use of ICT in rural communities.
Keywords: Rural community, young entrepreneurs, ICT adoption behavior, technology acceptance model
1. Introduction
Young entrepreneurs are playing an increasingly important role in local economies and a high proportion of
microenterprises in most developing regions are established by rural youth (Ahmad et al., 2011; McMullen,
Bagby, & Palich, 2008; Norhaiyati, Nik, & Md, 2011). Over the last two decades, rural youth frequently have
had primary responsibility for making important contributions to rural economies and agricultural production,
although the number of rural youth has decreased as a result of some negative experiences of natural
demographic growth in rural communities, and of rural–urban drift. Previous studies and surveys have shown
that the choice of entrepreneurship as a future career is considered as an important source of livelihood for rural
youth (e.g., Lichtenstein, Lyons, & Kutzhanova, 2004; Markley, Macke, & Luther, 2005; Pages, Freedman, &
Von Bargen, 2003). According to Omolo (2011), entrepreneurship development is a key pillar of a
self-employment strategy for helping youth to be more productive members of their communities and achieve
economic independence.
Furthermore, with the incentives of a credit profile, foundations and government programs, and loans related to
entrepreneurship, the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) can increase the attractiveness
of entrepreneurship for rural youth and can sensitize them regarding their use of entrepreneurship (Sabri et al.,
2008). Arunachalam (2004) asserted that rapid ICT development also has led to a growth of interest in using
ICTs for rural community development. Undoubtedly, developments in ICT have removed some of the restraints
to such development, as it is a considerable generator of income, spreads tasks, increases productivity, speeds up
communication, creates jobs, and much more (Ghazy et al., 2008; Rahman et al., 2005).
On the other hand, even though the adoption of ICTs is only one way to control or access markets in unexpected
ways, a study by Ramsey et al. (2003) provides statistically important results on small and medium enterprises:
that only 33% of the self-employed had a website, but that most did not have an e-entrepreneurship business case.
Other review papers present the low rate of adoption of ICT across businesses in rural regions (Wolcott, Mehruz,
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159
& Sajda, 2008). Likewise, research on success in rural small businesses through ICT shows a low rate of ICT
adoption among remote rural businesses compared to urban businesses (Anderson, Tyler, & McCallion, 2005).
Thus, more research is needed to seek more reliable and accurate explanations for the ICT adoption behavior of
rural youth.
In order to assess ICT adoption behavior, the technology acceptance model (TAM; David, 1989) has been widely
used by several researchers in many technology adoption studies (e.g., Alshare & Alkhateeb, 2008; Anandarajan
et al., 2010; Liu, 2010; Yuen & Ma, 2008). The purpose of this paper is to use TAM to reflect other factors–i.e,
perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), and attitude (AT) to technology acceptance–to answer
the question of how and why young entrepreneurs adopt and use ICT in rural communities, and also to trace ICT
use and adoption to classify any connected changes in outdated business behavior and the intention of these
entrepreneurs regarding marketplaces and commercial innovations.
1.1 Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas
From a review of two decades of entrepreneurship literature, most definitions of rural entrepreneurship have
borrowed from concepts such as “risk taking,” “successfully undertaking a business venture,” “innovation,” and
“drive, capabilities, and organizational skills,” which are similar to definitions of urban entrepreneurship
(Wortman, 1990, p. 330). Only a few studies have started to distinguish entrepreneurship in rural studies from
entrepreneurship in urban studies. For example, Henderson, Low, and Weiler (2007) differentiated rural and
urban entrepreneurship by different place attributes and different local factors.
More rural communities are turning to entrepreneurship development as a sustainable source of occupations and
local income that can provide support for local businesses, and it is progressively being taken seriously as a way
to recover local economies (Barrios & Barrios, 2008; Dabson, 2007). Frequently, local economies in rural
regions are controlled by agriculture and by one industry, exposing them to greater levels of risk taking than their
counterparts in urban areas (Dabson et al., 2003). However, in terms of firms, self-employment across all rural
sectors grew and even outpaced levels of self-employment growth within urban sectors by the 1980s. The
generation of income in rural areas from entrepreneurship is about 31 percent lower on average than in urban
areas (Henderson, 2002).
According to Henderson (2002), rural entrepreneurs have a tendency to engage in three industries: services, retail
trade, and construction. These constitute about 69.4% of rural self-employment; in addition, 10% of rural
self-employment is engaged in natural resource industries and non-farm agriculture. The study was conducted in
Canada and presented the differences in rates of rural–urban self-employment activity. It showed that even
though the dissimilarities between rural and urban self-employment decline after the agriculture data are omitted
from the sample, rural workers were still characterized as a large percentage of all Canadian self-employed
workers (Plessis, 2004). By increasing the proportion of self-employed workers in rural areas, particularly in
non-farm activities, one thing that can be done to support rural entrepreneurship is to include youth in enterprise
activities, helping them to attain economic independence and diminishing their dependence on state welfare.
This indirectly fosters an environment for economic growth and development in national and regional aspects
(Mutezo, 2005).
1.2 Entrepreneurship and Rural Youth
With the economic importance of entrepreneurship, there are many good reasons why it is important to adhere to
entrepreneurship for rural youth. Many researchers consider that this could bring local and marginalized youth
back into the economic mainstream and give them a sense of belonging, an opportunity to address some of the
delinquency and socio-psychological difficulties that arise from unemployment, and helping them develop new
experiences and skills that can then be related to further challenges in life (Chigunta, 2002; Curtain, 2000).
ILO (2008) emphasized that though youth entrepreneurship could not solve the unemployment problems among
young people, it did play an important role. Entrepreneurship could bring stability in global market economic
demand and lead to finding opportunities in self-employment (Chigunta, 2001; Schoof, 2006). In addition, it can
be a source of economic dynamism and new occupations, and it can also recover the livelihoods of rural youth
and their economic independence in developing regions. According to Llisterri et al. (2006), entrepreneurship is
progressively taken as a significant path to innovation and a helpful alternative for income generation among
young people.
The benefits from entrepreneurship in rural areas include the fact that it can reflect the predominant trends in
these communities and that new economic prospects can be a significant avenue of opportunity for rural youth.
This is especially important given that it is increasingly accepted that youth entrepreneurs can present a new
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perspective to the market, especially in alternatives to the organization of work and the transfer of technology
(White & Kenyon, 2000). Within the agenda of possible efforts to boost employment for rural youth, ICT is a
new way of incorporating youth into the labour market.
1.3 Supporting Rural Youth Entrepreneurs through ICTs
The adoption of ICTs in a rural community is one of the strategies for development that offer possible
opportunities for entrepreneurial activity to overcome some of the obstacles that are a consequence of distance
(Hollifield & Donnermeyer, 2003). ICT is significantly more than physical software and hardware. It is defined
as a technology that allows communication and the transmission of information, electronic capture, and
processing (Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology, 2006). We also consider ICT as a means that
develops online resources for the effective performance of tasks and simplifies the sharing of electronic data. It is
measured as the ultimate function of rural economic development. Findings have revealed that improved output,
social and economic development, and more effective government services can all result from progressive ICT
use and adoption (Crandall, Lehr, & Litan, 2007; Gillet, Lehr, & Sirbu, 2006; LaRose et al., 2008).
In the development of entrepreneurship, ICTs have been utilized as a way of using creativity to reap benefits.
Galloway, Mochrie, and Deakins (2004) summarize five case studies of internet forums that employ the potential
of ICTs for business activities through the collectivism existing in rural communities in Scotland. The forums
were outlined as a gateway that offered local businesses an exclusive selling advantage or brand, constructed in
the local setting. The case studies also found that some of the methods by which the forums permitted business
expansion, like efficiently repackaging the business, offer ways to discern new markets and a new outlet for
accessing customers.
Some developing countries provide opportunities for rural youth entrepreneurs to use ICT for small and
micro-enterprise activities. This has been particularly the case in rural areas of Malaysia. According to Hassan et
al. (2012), the farming sector in Malaysia is appropriate to more knowledge-intensive businesses, and as this
trend intensifies, so too do the prospects for ICT in job creation. Moreover, Mangtsl (2008) identified the mobile
telephone as a positive ICT tool in rural development in Malaysia for gaining access to market prices and so on.
It is currently the form of ICT that is most accessible to an extensive range of marginalized people in Malaysian
rural communities. Moreover, a successful ICT tool in agricultural intervention extends the incentives and
competencies of Malaysian young farmers to engage in agri-business by providing information related to
updated agricultural issues at any place and time (Hussan et al., 2008). In conclusion, the use of ICT is
increasing rapidly with the availability of smartphones, messaging systems, and graphical user interfaces (Hall &
Khan, 2002). This paper demonstrates how the adoption of ICTs can capitalize on some of the special features or
behaviour within rural contexts and result in benefits for many rural youth entrepreneurs.
2. Theoretical Background and Hypothesis Testing
The technology acceptance model (TAM) has been commonly used by researchers in technology adoption
studies that target users’ acceptance of a technology (Alshare, Freeze, & Kwun, 2009; Baker-Eveleth et al., 2006;
Davis, Bagozzi, & Warshaw, 1989; Davis & Wong, 2007; Goeke & Faley, 2007; Ha & Stoel, 2009; Kim & Bonk,
2006; Lin, 2008; Lin & Chou, 2009). TAM can provide empirical support to clarify the determinants of
behavioral intention in users’ adoption of ICT (Agarwal & Prasad, 1999). The model was developed by Davis in
1981 and it was shown to explain more than 47% and 51% of the variance in behavioral intention to use a piece
of technology (Davis et al., 1989). A meta-analysis study on TAM from 88 published studies also showed that
the model is robust and valid (King & He, 2006).
Behavioral intention refers to the strength of an individual’s intention to employ a specific behavior. For instance,
in the context of entrepreneurship, behavioral intention refers to entrepreneurs’ intention to start their own
business (Engle et al., 2010). TAM comprises the causal relationship between perceived ease of use (PEOU),
perceived usefulness (PU), attitude (A), and behavioral intention (BI). According to TAM, PU and PEOU are the
main factors in BI, which is explained by AT. In addition, TAM proposes that PU and PEOU are affected by
various external variables like user traits and organizational elements. External variables are likely to affect BI
by influencing beliefs (PU and PEOU) and AT, and then to affect actual behavior. Acknowledging this and the
related literature, this study used the TAM variables; that is, the independent variables are perceived usefulness
(PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU); the dependent variable is enterpreneurial intention (EI); and attitudes
(AT) acts as a mediator to explain the impact of the adoption and usage of ICTs by rural youth entrepreneurs and
develop the hypotheses.
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2.1 Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Entrepreneurial Intention (EI)
Based on TAM, we assume that perceived usefulness (PU) is the degree to which rural youth entrepreneurs
believe that adopting ICTs would enhance their enterprise activities in rural communities. Gong, Xu, and Yu
(2004) specified support for people to enhance technology acceptance, asserting that it was necessary to increase
the perception of users’ usefulness and prepare logical arguments, such as an explanation of the advantage of the
new system to the specific user. Several studies have revealed that PU effectively justified the intention to use an
IT system (e.g., Davis & Venkatesh, 2004; Kim, Mannino, & Nieschwietz, 2009; Loo, Yeow, & Chong, 2009;
Sentosa & Mat, 2012; Teo & Noyes, 2011; Wang & Wang, 2010). For instance, King and He (2006) found that
there is a strong relationship between PU and behavioral intention (β = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.46–0.55). Based on
previous research findings, we tested the following hypothesis:
H1a: There is a positive relationship between perceived usefulness (PU) and entrepreneurial intention (EI).
2.2 Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Attitudes (AT)
With regard to TAM, PU influences rural youth entrepreneurs toward using ICT because these entrepreneurs
form positive attitudes to ICT, which they believe will positively influence their activities in a rural setting. The
findings of previous studies revealed that there is a positive correlation between PU and AT (e.g., Gong et al.,
2004; Sánchez-Franco & Roldan, 2005; Venkatesh & Bala, 2008). This finding is similar to the results of Hu et
al. (1999), who discovered that PU is a significant determinant that inspired physicians’ attitudes to using
technology in their job performance. Thus, most findings tend to support this association and the following
hypothesis was verified:
H1b: There is a positive relationship between perceived usefulness (PU) and attitude (AT).
2.3 Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) and Entrepreneurial Intention (EI)
Perceived ease of use (PEOU) is the second determinant of technology acceptance within TAM (Davis, 1989). In
this study, we assume that PU is the degree to which rural youth entrepreneurs believe that using ICT is easier
than another system, which is expected to be accepted by other entrepreneurs. A technology acceptance study for
TV network web-based news sites was conducted by Lepervanche (2006) and proposed linking use of the
website and PEOU. Gefen and Straub (2000) found that PEOU has a positive effect on intention to use
technology. Similar findings have been stated by several researchers (Bhattacheijee & Hikmet, 2008; Cater-Steel
& McBride, 2007; Loo et al., 2009; Sentosa & Mat, 2012; Teo & Noyes, 2011), who also concurred with the
finding that behavioral intention to use an IT system was influenced by PEOU. With regard to the acceptance of
most technologies, it was understood to be true that “if the platform isn’t easy to use and intuitive don’t bother
with it” (Morgan, 2012, p. 119) and the following hypothesis was verified:
H2a: There is a positive relationship between perceived ease of use (PEOU) and entrepreneurial intention (EI).
2.4 Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) and Attitudes (AT)
The model suggests systems by which PEOU influences AT (Davis et al., 1989). Some researchers, such as Gong,
Xu, and Yu (2004) and Sanchez-Francis and Roldan (2005), included the attitude construct in their TAM research
models. These scholars discovered significant associations between AT and PEOU. As TAM has been applied in
online business studies, PEOU has also been realized to be a significant factor in attitude regarding an online
store (Moon & Kim, 2001; O’Cass & Fenech, 2003). Therefore, based on the findings of these studies the
following hypothesis was verified:
H2b: There is a positive relationship between perceived ease of use (PEOU) and attitude (AT).
2.5 Attitudes (AT) and Entrepreneurial Intention (EI)
Several studies have shown AT to be one of the factors in ICT acceptance and behavioral intention to use ICT as
a result of unwillingness to use ICT (e.g., Shiro, 2008; Zhang & Aikman, 2007). However, an early study
conducted by Igbaria et al. (1997) proposed that AT should be omitted from the model. Some researchers (e.g.,
Gong et al., 2004; Sánchez-Franco & Roldan, 2005) have included attitude as a construct within TAM, because a
positive attitude is commonly a major part of technology acceptance, which will strengthen users’ belief that ICT
will help their job performance (Mahmood et al., 2000). In the context of entrepreneurship, many researchers
found positive correlations between AT and entrepreneurial intention (EI; Carsrud & Brännback, 2011; Vardhan,
2012). Based on previous research findings, it is expected that a higher intensity of entrepreneurial attitude will
lead to a greater intention to use ICT by rural youth entrepreneurs and the following hypothesis was verified:
H3: There is a positive relationship between attitudes (AT) and entrepreneurial intention (EI)
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2.6 Attitude (AT) as a Mediator
With regard to Davis et al. (1989), behavioral intention (BI) is in turn ascertained by attitude (AT) toward
technology use. This suggests that ICT adoption by rural youth entrepreneurs could be determined by intention
to use, which in turn is held by these entrepreneurs in relation to ICTs. The original terminology of TAM was in
keeping with the theory of reasoned action (TRA; Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975), where beliefs about PU and PEOU
were hypothesized to be completely mediated by AT toward using technology. However, based on the empirical
analysis of Davis and his colleagues in 1989, a final model of TAM was redefined to omit AT as a result of
partial mediation of the impact of beliefs on BI by AT, a fragile direct connection between PU and AT, and a
robust direct connection between PEOU and BI (Venkatesh, 2000). In developing our theoretical background, we
draw on both the concept of AT potency and earlier technology acceptance studies. Pragmatic analysis of our
research hypotheses signifies that:
H4a: Attitude (AT) fully mediates the effects of perceived usefulness (PU) on entrepreneurial intention (EI).
H4b: Attitude (AT) mediates the effects of perceived ease of use (PEOU) on entrepreneurial intention (EI).
3. Materials and Methods
A multistage cluster sampling was adopted. Samples of rural youth were selected from four states in peninsular
Malaysia; namely, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Perlis, and Terengganu. The final sample included 400 rural youth
entrepreneurs (256 males and 144 females), resulting in a response rate of about 100%. The sample had an
average age of 26.2 (SD=7.3), with the majority (n=162) aged between 20 and 30 years. In terms of educational
achievement, 63.5% of the sample had undergone education at secondary school. Their occupations included
students (22.8%), self-employed (33.1%), private sector (23.5%), and government service (11.5%). 57.4% of the
sample had an income between RM 751 and RM 1,500, with the average verified monthly income RM 1355.42
(1 USD is equivalent to 3.21 Malaysian Ringgit). Finally, 62.6% of the sample had households of between 4 and
7 members.
The instrument used in this study was self-administered questionnaires, which measured four constructs – PEOU
(7), PU (9), AT (7), and EI (8) – through five-point Likert scales, ranging from 1 representing “strongly disagree”
to 5 representing “strongly agree.” In this study, the items of PU assessed rural youth entrepreneurs’ view that
using ICT would improve their enterprise activities in the rural setting; the items of PEOU assessed rural youth
entrepreneurs’ belief that using ICT would be free of effort; the items of AT evaluated rural youth entrepreneurs’
evaluation of using ICT in their job; and the items of BI assessed rural youth entrepreneurs’ subjective
probability of using ICT.
In order to analyze the data, the study used descriptive and inferential statistics. For describing the four
constructs, means and standard deviations were employed. The structural equation modeling (SEM) technique,
which integrates individual constructs, the measurement model, and the structural model, was used to examine
the direct and indirect relationships among constructs within TAM. The sample of 400 for this study met the
requirement to use SEM, as a minimum of 200 is an appropriate sample for using the technique (Hoe, 2008).
4. Results
The descriptive statistics for the four latent constructs are presented in Table 1. The results show that for the
respondents, on average, it is perceived that the ease of using ICT is well above average (M = 4.128, SD = .854)
and the usefulness of ICT in enhancing their enterprise activities even appears to be slightly higher (M = 4.14,
SD = .751). It was also found that on average, respondents believed that attitude, their belief about using ICT for
accomplishing job tasks, is low on average (M = 3.75, SD = .88). The results of this study confirmed that rural
youth’s entrepreneurial intention to use ICT was low, having a mean score of 3.68 (SD = .985) on a scale of 1 to
5. A major requirement for SEM is to check for normality by using maximum likelihood estimation techniques
(Byrne, 2010). Then, before testing the seven research hypotheses, a normality estimation was analyzed to verify
whether normality is met for the data collected or not. With regard to criteria related to normality, data is
considered to be normal if skewness is between -2 and +2 (Tabachnick & Fidell, 2007) and kurtosis is between
-7 and +7 (Byrne, 2010). The results of the study showed that skewness ranged from -1.457 to -.397 and kurtosis
ranged from -.696 to 1.369, in which all items were considered to be normal.
In order to test a measurement model for each construct through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the
convergent and construct validity of each individual construct was examined. In addition, values of Cronbach’s
alpha (α in the construct reliabilities were attained for the latent constructs. As shown in Table 1, the Cronbach’s
alpha values for each scale range from 0.889 to 0.929, indicating excellent reliability for each individual
construct, more than other TAM studies (e.g., Venkatesh & Davis, 2000). The average variance extracted (AVE)
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values, which ranged from 0.572 to 0.686, imply that all four constructs have great convergent validities (Hair et
al., 2010). For discriminant validity purposes, the result found that the four constructs exhibit sufficient
discriminant validity and a potential distinction between the constructs, since AVE for all four constructs was
higher than the squared coefficients (r2
) for each pair (Table 1).
Table 1. Descriptive statistics, construct reliability, AVE estimates, and squared correlation coefficients
Variables Mean SD α IU EI AT PU PEOU
EI 3.68 .985 0.929 .109 (0.686)
AT 3.75 .88 0.909 .221 0.54 (0.59)
PU 4.14 .751 0.904 .0948 0.172 .179 (0.575)
PEOU 4.128 .854 0.889 .072 .0761 .097 0.358 (0.572)
Note. α= construct reliability values, AVE estimates are presented in parentheses, EI= Entrepreneurial intention, AT= Attitude, PU= Perceived
usefulness, PEOU= Perceived ease of use.
The SEM results of the measurement model indicate a good model fit (χ2 = 932.278, χ2/df = 3.182, AGFI = .813,
GFI = .844, CFI = .909, RMSEA = .074, TLI = .899, IFI = .910) with two indices (CFI and IFI) that go beyond
the cutoff value of 0.90. The RMSEA value decreases to between 0.03 and 0.08, which is the proposed range of
adequate values (Hair et al., 2010). Since the model has displayed a good fit for the data in this study, the
findings of hypothesis testing can now be considered with confidence. In comparison, the mediation model
competes with the indirect model, in which all path coefficients from exogenous factors (PU and PEOU) to EI
were constrained to zero; also the mediation model competes with the direct model, in which all path coefficients
from AT were constrained to zero. As displayed in Table 2, the mediation model takes a better fit to the data in
comparison to the indirect and direct models, since the values of TLI, CFI, and IFI all exceed 0.90 and the value
of RMSEA is less than 0.08.
Table 2. Model fit summary and structural model comparisons
Model /df AGFI GFI CFI RMSEA TLI IFI AIC
MM 932.278 3.182 .813 .844 .909 .074 .899 .910 1048.278
IM 940.149 3.187 .814 .843 .908 .075 .899 .909 1052.149
DM 1196.594 4.043 .788 .821 .872 .087 .860 .873 1306.594
Note. MM=mediation model, IM=indirect model, DM=direct model.
Table 3 presents the path and parameter estimates related to direct, indirect, and mediation models. The findings
show that the path coefficients in the direct model indicate that PU (β = 0.39, p<0.001) are significantly related
to EI, thus supporting Hypothesis 1a and satisfying the direct effect condition, while PEOU (β = 0.42, p<0.526)
are not significantly related to EI, thus not supporting Hypothesis 2a. In addition, the path coefficients show that
PU (β = 0.371, p<0.001) are significantly related to AT, while PEOU (β = .09, p<0.182) are not significantly
related to AT. These results provide support only for Hypothesis 1b. Hypothesis 3 is supported, as shown by the
significant association between AT and EI (β = 0.684, p<0.001). In order to address Hypotheses 4a and 4b, the
causal stage method to test mediation was used. According to Baron and Kenny (1986), mediation happens when
(1) the independent variable (IV) is significantly linked to the dependent variable (DV), (2) IV is significantly
linked to the mediator, (3) the mediator is significantly linked to DV, and (4) the association between IV and DV
decreases on adding the mediator to the model. The findings propose that a partial mediation is established, since
the direct effects of PU on EI (β = 0.136, p = 0.001) reduce, but remain significant on the addition of AT acting
as the mediator in the model. Hence, Hypothesis 4a was supported. Finally, there is a lack of support for
Hypothesis 4b, since more of the relationships related to PEOU are not significant, which leads to the conclusion
that mediation is not possible.
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165
values attained narrowly compare with those attained in previous studies, even though we added AT as a
mediator within the model (e.g., Davis et al., 1989; Teo & Noyes, 2011; Venkatesh, 2000; Wang & Wang, 2010).
For instance, in a previous TAM study, PU and PEOU accounted for more than 50% of the inconsistency in
intention to use the system (Teo et al., 2011). Similarly, in this study, PU, PEOU, and AT accounted for almost 54%
of the inconsistency in the entrepreneurial intention to use ICT. Overall, this finding would validate the notion
that TAM has the ability to elucidate a relatively large behavioral intent to adopt ICT by youth entrepreneurs in
rural communities.
6. Conclusion
This study develops and tests the technology acceptance model to capture the factors that may influence rural
youth entrepreneurs’ decision to use ICT. Nowadays, many governments, including the Malaysian government,
have policies that target convincing these entrepreneurs to adopt ICT products as a more efficient method of
performing their job. Using the context of ICT acceptance, this study identifies key factors (perceived usefulness)
related to youth entrepreneurs’ intention to use ICT, specifically in rural communities. The results of this study
will not just facilitate an advance in the understanding of the ICT adoption behavior of young entrepreneurs in a
rural community, it will also assist policy makers in using the findings to inspire entrepreneurial use of ICT. The
current study, however, did not consider any external variables within the original TAM developed by Davis et al.
(1989). In future studies, additional research is needed with certain external variables besides youth
entrepreneurs in the rural context to confirm the conclusions.
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