nep-ict New Economics Papers
on Information and Communication Technologies
Issue of 2018‒07‒30
seven papers chosen by
Walter Frisch
Universität Wien

  1. Impact of Internet Access on Student Learning in Peruvian Schools By Kho, Kevin; Lakdawala, Leah; Nakasone, Eduardo
  2. Information and communications technologies for the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Latin America and the Caribbean By Ullmann, Heidi; Jones, Francis; Williams, Robert Crane; Williams, Deirdre
  3. Strategic alliances between banks and fintechs for digital innovation: Motives to collaborate and types of interaction By Klus, Milan F.; Lohwasser, Todor S.; Holotiuk, Friedrich; Moormann, Jürgen
  4. The Digital World: II - Alternatives to the Bitcoin Blockchain? By Dominique Guégan
  5. End of Middle-Classes? Social Inequalities in Digital Age By Bögenhold, Dieter; Permana, Muhammad Yorga
  6. Managing Competition on a Two-Sided Platform By Paul Belleflamme; Martin Peitz
  7. Information Technology Project System Model By Sakauwrat Jongpattanakorn

  1. By: Kho, Kevin (Michigan State University, Department of Economics); Lakdawala, Leah (Michigan State University, Department of Economics); Nakasone, Eduardo (Michigan State University and International Food Policy Research Institute)
    Abstract: We investigate the impacts of school-based internet access on pupil achievement in Peru, using a large panel of 5,903 public primary schools that gained internet connections during 2007-2014. We employ an event study approach and a trend break analysis that exploit variation in the timing of internet roll-out up to 5 years after installation. We find that internet access has a moderate, positive short-run impact on school-average standardized math scores, but importantly that this effect grows over time. We provide evidence that schools require time to adapt to internet access by hiring teachers with computer training and that this process is not immediate. These dynamics highlight the need for complementary investments to fully exploit new technological inputs and underscores the importance of using an extended evaluation window to allow the effects of school-based internet on learning to materialize.
    Keywords: Education; Internet; ICT; Schooling
    JEL: I25 O12 O15 O30
    Date: 2018–04–01
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:msuecw:2018_003&r=ict
  2. By: Ullmann, Heidi; Jones, Francis; Williams, Robert Crane; Williams, Deirdre
    Abstract: This paper examines the ways in which Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) can promote greater inclusion of persons with disabilities. It characterizes the patterns of ICT use among persons with disabilities in Latin America and the Caribbean and proposes recommendations and strategies to expand access to and use of ICT among persons with disabilities in the region to harness the potential of these tools to promote greater inclusion. This investigation is based on mixed methods that include the analysis of census data, complemented by interviews, bibliographic review and online searches of legislation, policies and programmes to promote ICT use among persons with disabilities.
    Keywords: PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDAD, DESARROLLO SOCIAL, INTEGRACION SOCIAL, INTERNET, TECNOLOGIA DE LA INFORMACION, TECNOLOGIA DE LAS COMUNICACIONES, BRECHA DIGITAL, IGUALDAD DE OPORTUNIDADES, DERECHOS HUMANOS, LEYES Y REGLAMENTOS, PROGRAMAS DE ACCION, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL INTEGRATION, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, DIGITAL DIVIDE, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, HUMAN RIGHTS, LAWS AND REGULATIONS, PROGRAMMES OF ACTION, INTERNET
    Date: 2018–07–16
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecr:col022:43744&r=ict
  3. By: Klus, Milan F.; Lohwasser, Todor S.; Holotiuk, Friedrich; Moormann, Jürgen
    Abstract: In times of digitalization, firms increasingly need to form alliances due to the higher complexity and greater dynamics of markets. Digital innovation poses challenges for established institutions (e.g., banks) in adapting to changing rules that are set by new competitors and higher customer expectations. However, young firms providing technical solutions for the financial services industry (fintechs) also face difficulties, such as meeting regulatory requirements. Due to the shortcomings of both banks and fintechs, firms in the financial services industry are increasingly forming alliances. We conducted interviews to examine the motivations of both banks and fintechs to join forces. The resulting motives are categorized as matching, complementary, and neutral. The alliances in our sample can be differentiated into financial investments and customer-service provider relationships, with the second category being most common. However, our findings reveal that the occurrence of particular motives is not linked to certain types of alliances. Building on these findings, we develop a motivation framework and derive practical implications.
    JEL: G21 G23 G34 L14 L24 M13
    Date: 2018
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:umiodp:62018&r=ict
  4. By: Dominique Guégan (Université Paris1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Centre d'Economie de la Sorbonne, LabEx ReFi and Ca' Foscari University of Venezia, IPAG Business school)
    Abstract: In a previous paper (The Digital World: I - Bitcoin: from history to real live, Guégan, 2018), we explain some limits and interests of the Bitcoin system and why the central bankers and regulators need to take some decision on its existence. In this article, we develop some alternatives to the Bitcoin blockchain which are considered by the banking system and industries
    Keywords: Bitcoin; Blockchain
    JEL: C10
    Date: 2018–06
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mse:cesdoc:18016&r=ict
  5. By: Bögenhold, Dieter; Permana, Muhammad Yorga
    Abstract: The paper is about a socioeconomics and sociology of middle classes in a theoretical discussion and empirically focussing at “middle class” segments of different European societies for the time period between 2003 and 2014. The argumentation is strongly embedded to Schumpeterian thought of evolutionary economics but it is tried to link discussion about “creative destruction” to digitalization and the evolution of stratified societies in Europe on international comparison. The paper attempts to question assumptions of growing inequality theoretically and empirically by referring to Collins’ thesis of an increased de-middledization. We argue that the ability of ICT innovations (i.e. digitalization) to perform specialized, routine, and predicted tasks better than human allows them to supress middle skilled labor, affect to the polarization of jobs, and finally lead to de-middledization.
    Keywords: society, digital age, middle-class, European societies, creative destruction,
    JEL: J11 O1 O10 Z13
    Date: 2018–06–07
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:87202&r=ict
  6. By: Paul Belleflamme; Martin Peitz
    Abstract: On many two-sided platforms, users on one side not only care about user participation and usage levels on the other side, but they also care about participation and usage of fellow users on the same side. Most prominent is the degree of seller competition on a platform catering to buyers and sellers. In this paper, we address how seller competition affects platform pricing, product variety, and the number of platforms that carry trade.
    Keywords: Network effects, two-sided markets, platform competition, intermediation, pricing, imperfect competition
    JEL: D43 L13 L86
    Date: 2018–07
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bon:boncrc:crctr224_028_2018&r=ict
  7. By: Sakauwrat Jongpattanakorn (Faculty Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University)
    Abstract: This research aimed to study and design information technology project model for learning and teaching. It was a case study. The sample group was 10 students who studied the special problem course and 30 users were used to evaluate the systems. The methods of data collection were questionnaire and information technology systems. The key performance indicators in this study included 10 information technology systems, usability of system, the accuracy and completeness of system. The instruments used in this study were: time to develop information system and evaluate users? document. The data were analyzed by percentage and mean. The results of this research found that 10 information technology systems could be delivered in time and information technology project system model included 5 components: analysis module, logical design module, physical design module, implementation module and testing module. The students and users in this study expressed positive attitudes towards instruments of learning and information technology systems.
    Keywords: Information System, Information Technology, Information Technology Project, IT project Model, Learning and teaching
    JEL: A30 C80 I29
    Date: 2017–07
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:5407613&r=ict

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