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on Information and Communication Technologies |
| By: | Ruolan Wang (Laureate Online Education in partnership with the University of Liverpool); José Reis-Jorge (Laureate Online Education in partnership with the University of Liverpool); Lucilla Crosta (Laureate Online Education in partnership with the University of Liverpool); Anthony Edwards (Laureate Online Education in partnership with the University of Liverpool); Mageswary Mudaliar (Laureate Online Education in partnership with the University of Liverpool) |
| Abstract: | Our paper aims to explore how the doctoral students made use of digital technologies - Social Media (SM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools - in the thesis stage of their fully online doctoral studies and what impact those tools had on their studies. Data were collected from an online survey (n=28) and a series of semi-structured interviews (n=9). The analysis of the survey data informed the qualitative phase of data collection. Both survey and interview data show a similar pattern of digital technologies uses in which for our participants SM tools far outpaces the usages of AI tools. We argue that the unique characteristics of the online doctoral students might have determined the popularity of some digital tools. The study findings help us to better understand students digital experience as both individuals and learners. |
| Keywords: | Online doctoral studies, doctoral students, EdD programme, digital tools, social media, artificial intelligence |
| JEL: | I23 |
| Date: | 2018–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:itepro:8010380&r=ict |
| By: | Brian McManus (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill); Aviv Nevo (University of Pennsylvania); Zachary Nolan (Duke University); Jonathan W. Williams (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) |
| Abstract: | We model mixed-bundle pricing by internet service providers (ISPs) to study their incentive to steer consumers across different subscription options and influence usage decisions. Using unique panel data from an ISP, we test predictions from the model. We find that the ISP's introduction of internet usage allowances and overage charges steered internet-only consumers into bundled TV and internet subscriptions; this effect was greatest for heavy users of streaming services most similar to conventional TV. Internet usage growth –- especially in streaming video services –- was curtailed for consumers who added TV subscriptions, and it also fell for consumers who did not upgrade their internet usage allowances. We discuss the implications of these findings for antitrust and regulatory issues in the telecommunications industry. |
| Keywords: | Steering; Bundling; Nonlinear pricing; Telecommunications industry; cord-cutting; broadband |
| JEL: | L11 L13 L96 |
| Date: | 2018–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:net:wpaper:1812&r=ict |
| By: | Simplice Asongu (Yaoundé/Cameroon); Nicholas M. Odhiambo (University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa) |
| Abstract: | This study assesses the relevance of basic formal education in information technology for inclusive human development in 49 countries in sub-Saharan Africa for the period 2000-2012. The question it aims to answer is the following: what is the relevance of basic formal education in the effect of mobile phone penetration on inclusive human development in sub-Saharan Africa when initial levels of inclusive human development are taken into account? The empirical evidence is based on instrumental quantile regressions. Poor primary education dampens the positive effect of mobile phone penetration on inclusive human development. This main finding should be understood in the perspective that, the education quality indicator represents a policy syndrome because of the way it is computed, notably: the ratio of pupils to teachers. Hence, an increasing ratio indicates decreasing quality of education. It follows that decreasing quality of education dampens the positive effect of mobile phone on inclusive development. This tendency is consistent throughout the conditional distribution of inclusive human development. Policy implications for sustainable development are discussed. |
| Keywords: | Quality education; Mobile phones; Inclusive human development; Sustainable Development; Africa |
| JEL: | G20 I10 I32 O40 O55 |
| Date: | 2018–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:agd:wpaper:18/043&r=ict |
| By: | Simplice Asongu (Yaoundé/Cameroon); Christelle Meniago (Sol Plaatje University, South Africa) |
| Abstract: | This study examines the persistence of software piracy with internet penetration vis-à-vis of PC users, conditional on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) institutions. The empirical evidence is based on a panel of 99 countries for the period 1994-2010 and the Generalised Method of Moments. The main finding is that, compared to internet penetration, PC usage is more responsible for the persistence of global software piracy. Knowing how technology affects the persistence of piracy is important because it enables more targeted policy initiatives. We show that the sensitivity of software piracy to IPRs mechanisms is contingent on the specific technology channels through which the pirated software is consumed. |
| Keywords: | Piracy; Business Software; Software piracy; Intellectual Property Rights |
| JEL: | F42 K42 O34 O38 O57 |
| Date: | 2018–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:agd:wpaper:18/041&r=ict |