Search

Abstract Using a qualitative approach, this study examines the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental protection among smallholder farmers in tropical Africa. It emphasises how tools such as community radios, mobile phones, satellite systems, and artificial intelligence provide crucial market data, weather forecasts, and agricultural practices. The research highlights the need for equitable access to ICT solutions to narrow the digital divide and foster sustainable development. Among these technologies, community radio stations and mobile phones are identified as the most accessible and affordable options for many farmers, and they can effectively spread knowledge about sustainable practices. While advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, and artificial intelligence have the potential to enhance agricultural productivity and environmental conservation, their adoption in tropical Africa is often hindered by challenges related to infrastructure and literacy. This study demonstrates the role of ICTs in enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability among smallholder farmers in tropical Africa. It emphasises the need for equitable access to digital tools and strong policy frameworks to tackle infrastructure and literacy challenges, which are essential for closing the digital divide. The study underscores the need for policy formulation to include these strategies and for professionals to adopt them to enhance agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability among smallholder farmers in tropical Africa.

Abstract Escalating environmental challenges necessitate paramount decision-making to safeguard ecosystems and resources. However, the burgeoning volume and intricate nature of environmental data often present a formidable challenge in gleaning actionable insights. In this context, integrating data analytics tools within environmental monitoring and management frameworks offers a compelling avenue for progress. These tools facilitate efficient data processing, uncover hidden patterns, and enable predictive modelling, leading to more informed decisions. Despite growing research, a comprehensive understanding of specific data analytics applications, methodologies, and demonstrably effective implementations remains elusive. This systematic review aimed to address this gap. Following PRISMA guidelines, a meticulous search across five databases was conducted using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Rigorous data extraction captured salient study characteristics, methodologies, data analysis techniques, key findings, and acknowledged limitations. The review revealed that data analytics offers a powerful toolkit for environmental management, transforming decision-making across all stages. Big data and advanced techniques enable proactive strategies through earlier issue detection and improved predictive models. However, maximising this potential requires a multifaceted approach, including standardised data collection, data literacy, ethical frameworks, and stakeholder engagement.

This paper is based on the findings of a doctoral study that aimed to examine the role of continuing professional development (CPD) in enhancing digital transformation in selected university libraries in Uganda. One of the ways of effecting digital transformation is to continuously build the technological competencies of the librarians working in academic institutions through attending technology-related CPD. The study adopted a mixed methods approach with a convergent parallel design for collecting qualitative and quantitative data from six universities in Uganda. Quantitative data were collected from 76 librarians with a minimum degree-level qualification from the six selected universities. Qualitative data were obtained from six University Librarians working in these universities. The study findings indicated several challenges hindering librarians from participating in technology-related CPDs such as lack of management support, lack of personal interest, limited funding, and lack of opportunities, among others. The implementation of digital transformation within university libraries in Uganda was also reported to be beset by a lack of competent staff, limited management support, lack of funds, and technological gaps. Therefore, this paper presents a proposed model to address challenges hindering the digital transformation and the participation in technology-related continuing professional development activities within academic libraries. The proposed model is based on the study findings, and it draws from Watkin and Marsick's learning organisation model, andragogy theory, the technology-organisation-environment framework, and extant literature. The model will guide academic libraries in the implementation of a conducive environment to necessitate staff development and implementation of digital transformation.

This study assessed how an academic library implemented lean principles to enhance its electronic resource workflows and processes. Twelve librarians who managed access to electronic resources at the library participated in the study. Data were collected through interviews and observation. Reflexive thematic data analysis revealed that knowledge and skills were necessary for librarians to function effectively. The systems for facilitating access to electronic resources were ineffective, and there was a need for procedures to be documented and streamlined to reduce waste through adopting lean concepts. This case study contributes to the literature on improving access to e-resources and professional practice.

Education curricula need constant updates in response to job market requirements, which may be influenced by the changing technological environment. In the library and information science (LIS) job market there are dynamics brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). These dynamics call for LIS schools to reconsider their curricula in line with the job market. The job markets expect the education system to reflect their demands, as they are the primary clients. This study explored the education and training of LIS professionals on digital scholarship in line with the LIS curriculum in higher education institutions of South Africa. This was to enable the development of a framework for incorporating digital scholarship into the LIS curriculum. Wolf's (2007) curriculum development model and an aspect of the customer satisfaction model (Zeithaml et al., 1993) informed the study. The models assisted in producing a framework that can be used to incorporate digital scholarship content into the LIS curriculum in South Africa. The framework suggests that when developing digital scholarship, consultation with relevant stakeholders both internal and external should be considered. Relevant infrastructure and resources should also be in place when developing a digital scholarship curriculum. The relevant infrastructure should include the 4IR-driven infrastructure such as smart sensors, three-dimension (3D) modeling, and cybersecurity tools, among others. Relevant documentation such as resources in the form of policies, course outlines, and other curriculum-related documents should also be consulted. This model, if adopted, could assist LIS schools in developing a curriculum that is driven by digital scholarship, leading to the production of LIS graduates that meet the requirements of the current LIS job market.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has been at the center of several economic and political debates in recent years. This is because of its capacity to significantly disrupt every life, economic sector, and industry. The problem is that when compared to the West, there has been limited literature on 4IR in Africa, and the continent has yet to embrace the revolution in full. The purpose of this article is to explore the challenges, prospects, and strategic directives for African countries to harness the disruptive capabilities of the 4IR. This qualitative study used a narrative literature review approach. Journal articles constituted the sample for the study. A manual thematic analysis approach was used to analyze data. Findings reveal that despite the social, institutional, economic, and environmental challenges, the 4IR comes with a myriad of social, institutional, economic, and environmental benefits for Africa. However, for Africa to overcome existing challenges and harness the opportunities of the 4IR, employers, educational institutions, and governments in the continent need to play a strategic role. This study contributes to the limited academic literature on the 4IR in Africa. Findings from this article can inform policies around the 4IR in African countries. Results also provide practical strategic directives for African employers, educational institutions, and governments to harness the disruptive capabilities of the 4IR.

IntroductionChronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases, are a growing public health concern in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) among the older population. The current review aimed to identify the main barriers that impede researchers from sharing research data on the prevention of chronic diseases in older adults living in LMICs). The review included both older women and men from these countries.MethodsStudies were selected from 11 databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Taylor and Francis, Biomedical Central, BioOne, CINAHL, EBSCOHost, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online, and Google Scholar, were then transferred to CADIMA, an online tool for screening purposes, and a total of 1,305,316 studies were identified through a robust search strategy. CADIMA also ensured the quality of all studies in this review. The sampling techniques were performed by selecting and screening studies per this review’s eligibility criteria. Ultimately, 13 studies were found to meet these criteria. A PRISMA flow chart was used to map out the number of studies that were identified, included, and excluded.ResultsFive main barriers were consistently highlighted, including a lack of necessary resources (9, 69%), dealing with complex and sensitive research data (2,15%), lack of policies, procedures, guidelines (5,38%), medical big data processing and integration (2,15%), and inadequate ethical considerations, legal compliance, and privacy protection (6,46%). Discussion: By shedding light on these obstacles, researchers can develop strategies to overcome the identified barriers and address areas requiring further investigation. The registration details of this review can be found under PROSPERO 2023 CRD42023437385, underscoring the importance of this review in advancing our collective understanding of chronic disease prevention among older adults worldwide.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, identifier CRD42023437385, available at: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023437385.

The digital divide between urban and rural learners is a significant obstacle to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 4 (SDG 4) and the provision of information to rural dwellers. Achieving inclusive and equitable education for all partly hinges on bridging the digital gap. A case study of the Zimbabwe Rural Schools Library Trust (ZRSLT) was conducted to explore innovative strategies employed to bridge the digital divide. Data went through document and web content analysis, and interviews with three board members were conducted. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that ZRSLT established community initiatives and public-private partnerships to leverage the resources and expertise to develop and implement innovative solutions to bridge the digital divide. This was done through the provision of reading materials, donating technological equipment, building school libraries, assisting disadvantaged learners with school fees, and engaging policymakers to support rural schools in developing policies that support the integration of technology into the educational system. The authors recommend the need to identify policy and institutional changes needed to support the adoption and implementation of innovative solutions by the stakeholders in the education system. This study can inform national and regional educational standards where policymakers can use evidence-based strategies to design and implement programmes that specifically address the needs of rural learners. By addressing the digital divide, this study not only supports the achievement of SDG 4 but also contributes to the overall progress and development of rural communities in developing countries.

This systematic review investigated how Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) optimise data analytics in postgraduate programmes to enhance student achievement. Existing research explores the theoretical benefits of data analytics but lacks practical guidance on strategies to effectively implement and utilise data analytics for student success. As such, this review aimed to identify data analytics approaches used by HEIs and explore challenges and best practices in their application. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Five databases were searched. Studies that examined data analytics in HEIs postgraduate programmes and their impact on student learning were included. Studies that were solely theoretical or in non-postgraduate settings were excluded. Twenty-six studies were included. Quality assessment using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Checklist was employed. The review identified various data analytics approaches including descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, among others. These approaches can improve foundational skills, create supportive learning environments, and optimise teaching strategies. However, limitations (standardised tests, data integration) and privacy concerns were acknowledged. Recommendations include developing a comprehensive evaluation system, equipping educators with the skills to utilise diverse analytics to enhance student achievement, fostering open communication about data use, and cultivating a data-literate student body. While diverse approaches were explored, the review’s lack of specific contextual details may limit the generalisability of findings. To mitigate this, the review categorised techniques and provided references for further exploration.

This study assessed the use of data management plans among researchers at a selected higher learning institution (HLI) in Tanzania. A pretested structured questionnaire was administered to registered postgraduate students. Many of the respondents reported that a data management plan (DMP) was required before writing a research project and when a research project was submitted. The results also demonstrated that many respondents did not use any online DMP template tools to formulate their DMP although most of them were aware of available DMP template tools such as OpenDMP. Many respondents stated that the requirement of using a DMP were selection of a DMP format, updating the DMP regularly, having a short and to-the-point DMP and a well-structured DMP specifying the kinds and formats of the data to be acquired, generated, produced, and preserved. Meeting funders’ institutions, and publishers’ requirements, and ensuring that data are accurate, complete, and reliable were among the DMP benefits in HLIs identified by the respondents. Several challenges were revealed including a lack of awareness, competence, and guidelines to assist researchers using a DMP for their research projects. The conclusion is that researchers need to develop and use DMP template tools to plan, organize, and work on their research projects in addition to ensuring that they meet funders' requirements. It is recommended that HLIs should provide extensive training programs for raising awareness about DMPs among the researchers and to make DMPs a mandatory requirement for finalizing research projects among researchers, and not only for funding purposes.

Background: The use of social networking sites (SNS) has increased knowledge sharing among students leading to improved academic performance. Despite the benefits that SNSs provide in education, their use for knowledge sharing and exchange among postgraduate students in some Tanzanian tertiary institutions (TIs) faces challenges. Objectives: To examine the benefits of using SNSs for sharing knowledge and information among postgraduate students and propose possible solutions to the identified challenges. Method: This study was conducted using mixed-methods research, employing a convergent research design. Parallel mixed-methods sampling was used in the study to collect quantitative data from 171 postgraduates and 30 members of academic staff responsible for teaching and supervising postgraduates. Qualitative data were gathered from eight heads of academic departments who were purposively selected. Results: The findings established that the use of SNSs for knowledge and information sharing in the TIs selected for the study had expanded postgraduate students’ knowledge bases and enhanced academic performance. The study indicated that postgraduate students lack reliable Internet connectivity and a stand-alone policy. Conclusion: The study recommends that TIs in Tanzania ensure the availability of funds to make knowledge sharing practices sustainable. Contribution: The contribution is to the literature for a better understanding of the use of SNSs in particular and to help decision-makers appreciate how they can prepare provisions for the use of SNSs.

Orientation: South African state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are facing a perpetual struggle of institutional tacit knowledge loss, which poses a risk to these entities and threatens their sustainability. The research project endeavoured to tackle these challenges from knowledge management (KM) and human resource management (HRM) perspectives and proposes a plethora of integrated knowledge-driven HRM processes to mitigate risks associated with loss of tacit knowledge. Research purpose: The study provides an integrated understanding of the issues relating to the causes of enterprise tacit knowledge loss and extent to which there is recognition of company knowledge loss in selected SOEs in South Africa. Motivation for the study: There is limited research that provides an integrated approach to tacit knowledge loss from KM and HRM standpoints. Research approach/design and method: The exploratory sequential mixed-methods research design was used in this study. In the qualitative phase of this research, data were collected from the annual reports of the SOEs and unstructured interviews with 20 purposively selected human resource (HR) managers, which was subsequently analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti software. The quantitative data from 145 out of 585 respondents were analysed statistically using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). Main findings: The study revealed that organisational tacit knowledge loss is largely caused by voluntary and involuntary employee turnover and a lack of retention strategies. This adversely affects the knowledge base and the knowledge absorptive and protective capacities of the SOEs. Practical implications/managerial implications: The study concludes that the journey for ensuring effective knowledge transfer and retention of valuable enterprise knowledge starts with the appreciation of knowledge as a key firm-specific strategic issue. Contribution/value-add: This study offers an integrated understanding of the causes of tacit knowledge loss for effective management in SOEs researched interdependently from KM and HRM perspectives.

Data analysis is an important step in the research process as it influences the quality and standard of reporting research findings. Based on a review of the content of 255 doctorate theses, the use of computer applications for data analysis in educational research was assessed. It was feasible to assess how extensively used and accepted computer packages had become in educational research using an aspect of the diffusion of innovations theory as part of the conceptual framework. The results showed that the use of computer applications to analyse data was more prevalent among researchers using quantitative and mixed-methods research methodologies than among qualitative educational researchers. Educational researchers have not yet fully adopted innovative computer data analysis techniques in their research. It is evident that they use traditional technologies more than computer applications in their research. Name dropping of the computer applications used without employing the language or visualisations features provided by the applications was rife. This article bridges the gap between methodological scholarship and the use of computer applications in data analysis. It illuminates the potential of computer software to enhance the quality of the reporting of findings. The article aims to contribute to improvements in the standard of research reporting and the attributes of the graduates. The practical methodological advice in this article is aimed at guiding researchers who consider using computer packages in data analysis, irrespective of their methodological orientation. It stimulates debate on the use of computer applications in data analysis.

Background: Assistive technologies (ATs) enable persons with visual impairment (PwVI) to equitably benefit from public library resources and services as their sighted counterparts. However, the extent to which this facility is available and used at public libraries in less-developed countries remains largely unknown. Objectives: This study reports on the investigation done on the availability and use of ATs by PwVI at public libraries in the cities of Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg in South Africa. Method: The study used a multimethod and explanatory sequential design in which data were collected through questionnaires administered with 131 librarians and interviews held with 10 PwVI. Results: The findings of the study point towards inadequate availability of computers with internet services, audiotapes, screen magnifying and reading software, and these were used for, among others, leisure, research, job searching and communication. Conclusion: The study concludes that certain ATs were inadequately available and used by PwVI at some libraries in the cities of Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg. The study recommends training for PwVI on how to use ATs, marketing of available ATs, training of staff on how to render AT-based services as well as management availing adequate budget for the development of AT-based collection. Contribution: The study contributes to the understanding of the types of ATs available and used by PwVI in public libraries.

The Library and Information Science (LIS) profession is ever evolving partly as a result of the effects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. For instance, new job requirements on digital scholarship have been noted across the LIS profession, especially in the academic and special research council libraries. Based on these changes, employers of LIS graduates expect that LIS graduates from LIS schools possess digital scholarship knowledge and skills as part of their exit attributes. This paper explores the perceptions of employers of LIS graduates on digital scholarship education. A construct from the Gap Service Quality Model was used as the conceptual framework of the study. The paper followed the interpretive philosophical perspective, through employing a qualitative approach to achieve the aim of the study. A multiple case study design using semi-structured interviews was conducted with directors of both academic and special research council libraries. Five directors were selected purposively as their libraries seemed to be on the forefront of digital scholarship initiatives. It was revealed that employers expected LIS qualifications to have content on digital scholarship. The study discovered that employers of digital scholarship librarians expected them to possess knowledge, skills, and competencies on digital scholarship-related activities. The other expectation was that graduates were supposed to be able to navigate digital scholarship activities at a basic level. Employers of digital scholarship librarians also expected graduates to be familiar with research data management and the ecosystem of digital publications. The survey also highlighted certain difficulties LIS employers had when hiring a LIS graduate. The study recommended that LIS schools should recurriculate to include content on digital scholarship. It was also recommended that LIS schools should have short courses on digital scholarship to cater for practising librarians. Librarians must be involved in lifelong learning in order to understand digital scholarship.

Like elsewhere in the world, students' use of social networking sites (SNSs) in higher education institutions in Tanzania has dramatically increased in recent years – something which has called for policies and guidelines to guide its proper usage. This study examined the effects of policies on the use of SNSs on postgraduate knowledge sharing in the four northern Tanzanian higher education institutions that were chosen for the study. The purpose was to examine the effect of such policies on students' usage of SNSs, to assess students' awareness of such policies, and to determine whether they adhered to it. This study is important in addressing the role of policies on the use of SNSs in knowledge and information sharing among postgraduates at higher education institutions in Tanzania. In order to collect quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously, the study employed a convergent mixed-methods approach. Thirty members of the academic staff who oversaw the instruction and supervision of postgraduate students as well as a total of 171 postgraduate students participated in the study as survey respondents, and eight heads of academic departments participated in interviews. According to the research, the selected Tanzanian higher education institutions did not have any specific regulations on the usage of SNSs. The use of SNSs had been included into other institutional guidelines and procedures. The study found that students had a general awareness of the use of SNSs as stipulated in other national ICT and related policies but little knowledge of the contents of those policies. Despite lacking in-depth knowledge of these policies, however, students almost unknowingly adhered to them because they intuitively understood the repercussions of violating the cyber laws as stated by the national authorities. Policies and guidelines may provide proper guidelines on the use of SNSs on academic-related matters, which may in turn improve students’ academic performance. The recommendation is that the government of Tanzania should revise its policies and direct higher education institutions in the country to comply by formulating stand-alone policies to guide the use of SNSs for knowledge and information sharing among postgraduate students. This may safeguard users from any form of harm, protect the image of the institutions, and help to ensure institutional competitiveness. A further recommendation is to provide training for the purpose of raising awareness among postgraduates on the proper use of social networking sites for knowledge and information sharing.

This systematic review synthesised existing research papers that explore the available metadata standards to enable researchers to preserve, discover, and reuse research data in repositories. This review provides a broad overview of certain aspects that must be taken into consideration when creating and assessing metadata standards to enhance research data preservation discoverability and reusability strategies. Research papers on metadata standards, research data preservation, discovery and reuse, and repositories published between January 2003 and April 2023 were reviewed from a total of five databases. The review retrieved 1597 papers, and 13 papers were selected in this review. We revealed 13 research articles that explained the creation and application of metadata standards to enhance preservation, discovery, and reuse of research data in repositories. Among them, eight presented the three main types of metadata, descriptive, structural, and administrative, to enable the preservation of research data in data repositories. We noted limited evidence on how these metadata standards can be used to enhance the discovery and reuse of research data in repositories to enable the preservation, discovery, and reuse of research data in repositories. No reviews indicated specific higher education institutions employing metadata standards for the research data created by their researchers. Repository designs and a lack of expertise and technology know-how were among the challenges identified from the reviewed papers. The review has the potential to influence professional practice and decision-making by stakeholders, including researchers, students, librarians, information communication technologists, data managers, private and public organisations, intermediaries, research institutions, and non-profit organizations.

Orientation: In 2015, a study was conducted to explore the prevalence of mixed methods research (MMR) in the South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences (SAJEMS) between 2003 and 2011. This study builds upon that study to establish the extent to which the use of MMR has developed in SAJEMS. Research purpose: The purpose of this research is to explore and compare the levels of adoption of MMR in the present study to the one reported in the study of 2015. Motivation for the study: This study goes beyond the one of 2015 by exploring methodological transparency in the use of MMR by contributors to the Journal and answers the question: are we there yet? Research design, approach and method: The study analysed the methodology used by articles published in SAJEMS from 2012 to 2019. Content analysis was conducted on a total of 362 articles published in SAJEMS. Each of the nine articles identified as utilising MMR was analysed based on the indicators of use of MMR in the extant literature. Main findings: The findings show that studies neither stated the appropriateness of mixed methods nor specified the designs. Integration was done by a few articles in a limited way. The passing of 8 years has not brought about any difference in the results of the use of MMR in SAJEMS. The use of MMR remains underrepresented. It is evident that SAJEMS is not there yet. Practical/managerial implications: This article raises the need for methodological pluralism as an alternative to quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Contribution/value-add: Researchers are informed of the advantages of using MMR and incorporating the third methodological movement to obtain superior results.

Globally, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has wreaked havoc on human lives and socio-economic activities at an unimaginable scale. African countries have not been spared from this debacle – as evidenced by media reports of loss of lives, lockdown, isolation and desolation coupled with loss of livelihood. Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic rages, libraries find themselves at the epicentre of an unprecedented crisis in the form of an information deluge that requires a multi-thronged approach to ensure information hygienic practices in information management. In order to fight COVID-19, librarians and related information professionals with relevant tools should aim at helping prevent COVID-19 pandemic infodemic (coroinfodeluge). This article explores how libraries and librarians can contribute to the fight against COVID-19 through waging wars in the realm of access to information amidst an avalanche of disinformation. This article analysed how librarians can be proactive in contributing to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic through innovative strategies that ensure an informed citizenry. The study used qualitative content analysis as the study design. Documents were retrieved from trusted websites and they were coded before analysis. These documents included legal instruments, scholarly publications from accredited databases including Elsevier and Emerald. The study found out that librarians were not included in the national programmes to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, yet they possess potential to contribute to the fight against misinformation by educating citizens on information hygienic practices, for example, by directing users to credible or trustworthy sources on the pandemic. The study concluded that librarians can be useful stakeholders to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic because they possess knowledge and skills relating to critical literacies that are needed in the 21st century. It recommends a collaborative framework that includes community leaders and strategic partners – to help librarians ensure that the citizenry is not misinformed during emergencies.

Background: State-owned enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa face a serious challenge of knowledge loss caused largely by resignations, the ageing workforce and a lack of knowledge management (KM) practices. Objective: This article explores KM practices in the South African SOEs to mitigate the risks inherent in tacit knowledge loss. Methods: The study adopted a mixed methods research strategy using an exploratory sequential design to identify KM practices and their effectiveness in addressing the issue of tacit knowledge loss. The qualitative data was collected through the interviews and document analysis of 2018 annual reports in nine SOEs across five market sectors. A survey questionnaire was distributed to 585 respondents, with a 25% response rate (145) for quantitative data in three SOEs. Results: The results revealed that the majority of the SOEs lacked KM practices in their structures. The lack of KM practices implies that the SOEs are lagging behind in knowledge protective capacities to mitigate the risks inherent in the organisational tacit knowledge loss. With many South African SOEs, facing all these sorts of knowledge loss risks and a lack of KM practices to mitigate them, achieving the objectives of a developmental state remains a far-fetched idea. Conclusion: The absence of KM practices negatively affected knowledge transfer and retention in most of the SOEs. A lack of KM practices will negatively affect their performance and their sustainability to deliver on their developmental mandate. Investment in KM practices will assist SOEs to mitigate the risks associated with loss of organisational tacit knowledge.

Background: The strength of an organisation lies in its ability to manage its human capital. Ideally, organisations that wish to remain service-oriented in this Fourth Industrial Revolution need to comprehend the importance of tacit knowledge and ensure its retention and sharing at all levels. Many organisations fail to capitalise on the value within their tacit knowledge reserves until when employees leave their jobs. Quite often, the importance of the lost knowledge will be felt when a new employee takes over. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine how tacit knowledge is shared at the city of Johannesburg Library and Information Services. Method: This qualitative study employed the knowledge conversion theory to examine the management of tacit knowledge at the City of Johannesburg Library and Information Services. A case study design was used, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Results: The key findings revealed that the City of Johannesburg Library and Information Services does not have an effective strategy to manage tacit knowledge and does not utilise available knowledge management resources. Furthermore, knowledge sharing is very minimal. Conclusion: The study concludes that the City of Johannesburg Library and Information Services does not manage the tacit knowledge that is at their disposal, and knowledge sharing is also not encouraged. The study recommends that an effective community of practice for knowledge sharing and a policy for knowledge sharing should be established at the City of Johannesburg Library and Information Services.

Background: This study examines the digitisation of records and archives at two state universities in Zimbabwe that have embarked on digitisation of their records and archives resources in line with new technological trends of doing business online. Objectives: One of the objectives of this research study was to identify the gaps existing in the digitisation of records and archives at the two selected state universities and recommend ways of filling those gaps. The other objective was to find out if the state universities have adopted a framework or model for the smooth digitisation process of the records and archives. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative multiple-case research design to provide an in-depth understanding of the cases of the digitisation of records and archives at the selected state universities. Data were collected via purposive sampling using interviews. Results: The major findings of this study revealed that the two state universities are digitising records and archives without a framework or model for a smooth digitisation programme. Conclusion: The study recommends for a centralised model to cater for the digitisation of records and archives at the state universities in Zimbabwe. A model for managing digital records and archives which combines best practices and top management support with a centralised approach is proposed. This model is built on integrated systems that will enable the two selected state universities to enhance cost-effectiveness, sharing and exchanging digital records and archives amongst employees. This study is pertinent as it enriches the literature in the field of records and archives management and provides strategies on the management of digital records and archives in state universities in Zimbabwe.

Background: Academic institutions risk losing vital digital information if urgent measures are not taken to safeguard digital resources and to allow for long-term access. New systems and technologies are thus needed to deal with the digital preservation challenges. Objectives: The purpose of this article was to investigate the systems and technologies being used to support digital preservation within academic libraries in South Africa with a view to provide solutions for effective digital preservation. The study thus looked into theories, models, systems and technologies used in preserving the digital resources in order to enhance the success of the implementation of the digital preservation systems in academic libraries in South Africa. Method: This study adopted a quantitative research approach by using a survey research design. In South Africa, there are 27 academic institutions, and all these institutions constituted the target population and all were included in the sample of the study. An online questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument and it was emailed to all 27 academic institutions in South Africa. Results: The findings revealed that most academic libraries were adopting new technologies for preserving their digital resources. DSpace, E-print, ETD, digital commons, LOCKSS, DigiTool, Content dm and Archive-IT were noted as technologies that were commonly used by many academic institutions in preserving their digital resources. Conclusion: Although different technologies are being implemented to support digital preservation in academic libraries, these institutions should make sure these systems are compatible with archival standards and should also account for technological changes so that the entities may continue to be migrated to newer platforms as needed to avoid technological obsolescence.

Background: Knowledge management has become increasingly significant in libraries because of rapid technological changes and the subsequent practices that have become enshrined in the way business is conducted. Knowledge creation as part of knowledge management is key to the sustainable survival of an organisation. The extant literature demonstrates that academic libraries have been engaged in knowledge creation in higher education institutions over the years. A number of studies have been undertaken in the field of knowledge management in Uganda; however, they all focused on knowledge management practices, such as creation, acquisition, documentation, application and sharing without adequately linking them to the reward culture. Consequently, little research has been conducted on the influence of reward culture on knowledge creation in academic libraries in Uganda. This gap in literature reinforces the need to closely examine reward culture in academic libraries in Uganda, as this will improve the understanding of some motivational factors in knowledge creation. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the connection between knowledge creation and reward culture in an academic library environment in Uganda. Methods: A multi-method research strategy that involved the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods was adopted. Eighty staff members from three libraries participated in the survey, which employed a self-administered questionnaire to collect data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three heads of the libraries. Data pertaining to reward culture and knowledge creation were also collected from institutional documents. The data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: The major findings of the study are that the non-financial reward culture has more influence on knowledge creation as compared to the financial reward culture in academic libraries. Policies of the libraries are vague on whether there are financial or non-financial rewards attached to knowledge creation. However, both the non-financial and financial reward cultures influence knowledge creation in libraries to varying extents. Conclusion: The results of these multiple case studies may not be generalised to many contexts, but the study illuminates the influence of the reward system on knowledge creation. The key finding of the study was that academic libraries’ policies on knowledge creation did not come out clearly on whether there were financial or non-financial rewards attached to knowledge creation.

Background: The indigenous beads-making industry in the Krobo communities in Ghana plays a significant role in improving the livelihood of rural dwellers and the national economy. However, studies have demonstrated that a host of indigenous industries in Ghana have been on the decline over the past century. Application of knowledge management (KM) methods to beads-making tacit indigenous knowledge (IK) can enhance the management and preservation of the industry in the same systematic manner as external knowledge. Objective: Being part of a PhD project, this study investigated how KM methods can be used to manage beads-making IK knowledge in the Krobo communities in eastern Ghana. Method: Qualitative data were collected using participant observation, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analysed thematically, and extracted manually from the transcripts and summarised into various themes. Results: The findings of the study revealed that the socialisation process of the knowledge creation model was intensively practised in the beads-making communities to create and utilise knowledge, while the internalisation, combination and externalisation processes were practised at a low rate. On the contrary, organising ‘ba’ and dialoguing ‘ba’ were practised and found in the communities, while systematising ‘ba’ and exercising ‘ba’ were rarely practised. Conclusion: The study concludes that the knowledge creation model can be partially used to manage indigenous beads-making IK in the Krobo communities in Ghana. The study recommended, among other things, the need for officials of community radio stations, especially state-owned radio and the information centres in the local communities, to develop and broadcast programmes to disseminate information relevant to beads producers so that beads-making knowledge creation and development in the communities do not disappear, and that they should utilise storytelling, drama, traditional dance and singing competitions in the local languages to support the preservation of indigenous beads making.

Background: The preservation of digital resources in academic institutions in South Africa is an imperative because of the proliferation of digital resources and the realities of the digital revolution. The study focused on digital preservation practices within academic libraries in South Africa. A number of studies were undertaken in the field of preservation in South Africa and they focused on the preservation of cultural heritage, preservation of electronic government and preservation of public digital information. The major gap in the literature reinforces the need to closely examine digital preservation practices in academic libraries in South Africa. There is a need to understand the extent of preservation of digital resources in various contexts in order to guarantee access to them for future generations. This will improve our understanding of the preservation of digital resources in academic libraries in the wake of the digital revolution. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate digital preservation practices in academic libraries in South Africa in order to suggest solutions for effective digital preservation. Method: The survey research method was used for data collection. Twenty-seven academic institutions in South Africa were surveyed. Data were analysed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: The findings revealed that academic libraries experienced difficulties in preserving and sustaining their digital resources because of the absence of established standards, policies and procedures, inadequate resources, as well as a lack of skills and training. They also had difficulties with limited funding and collaboration efforts, and the threat of technological obsolescence because of the constantly changing software and hardware, poor technology infrastructure and legal issues. Conclusion: All these challenges have created the need for best practices and solutions to facilitate the long-term preservation of digital resources in the academic libraries. Recommendations were made on the basis of the results.

Mixed methods research (MMR), which is touted as a third methodological movement is increasingly becoming a popular approach in several fields as a result of the promise it holds to providing a better and balanced investigation of research problems in context. In spite of that, there is limited knowledge about its pervasiveness in economic and management sciences in South Africa. Based on a content analysis of 332 articles published in The South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences from 2003 to 2011, the main purpose of this quantitative study is to explore the prevalence of MMR in SAJEMS. Although methodological advances have been made in the field of economic and management sciences as reflected in the articles in SAJEMS, the findings reveal that scholars employ quantitative and qualitative methodologies than MMR. Given the paucity of MMR in the field, this study underscores the potential benefits of embracing methodological pluralism as it offers methodological and theoretical benefits. First, the use of MMR provides the possibility for researchers to obtain a comprehensive picture of a phenomenon under investigation and achieve their research purpose effectively. Secondly, its utilisation may also contribute to theory development and the maturity of the field as reflected in SAJEMS.

Background: In Tanzania, poultry farming plays an important role in improving rural livelihoods and contributes to the national economy. Promoting utilisation of poultry management information can support farmers in making good decisions and translate into efficiency in poultry production. Objective: Being part of a PhD project, this study assessed the utilisation of poultry management information among farmers in three rural districts of Tanzania. The objective was to establish the extent of information use, types of information used, the constraints faced by farmers in using information and the strategies used by information providers to ensure farmers use the information. Method: Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions and interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using the SPSS© software, and the meaning of qualitative data was established using content analysis. Results: The findings revealed that most of the farmers used poultry management information. Information on disease control, poultry protection and markets was the most used. Information on poultry production and hatching were the least used. Poultry farmers faced various challenges in the course of using poultry management information. Most of the challenges were linked to poverty, ignorance and limited literacy. Conclusion: The study concludes that farmers in the surveyed communities had limited skills on utilising information. The findings necessitate a need for information providers to ensure that farmers are well informed of the benefits of utilising information. It is recommended that imparting skills for information use be considered as part of information provision in rural communities, as it would facilitate use of information.