Papers by Sethunya R Joseph
Social media data possess the characteristics of Big Data such as volume, veracity, velocity, var... more Social media data possess the characteristics of Big Data such as volume, veracity, velocity, variability and value. These characteristics make its analysis a bit more challenging than conventional data. Manual analysis approaches are unable to cope with the fast pace at which data is being generated. Processing data manually is also time consuming and requires a lot of effort as compared to using computational methods. However, computational analysis methods usually cannot capture in-depth meanings (semantics) within data. On their individual capacity, each approach is insufficient. As a solution, we propose a Conceptual Framework, which integrates both the traditional approaches and computational approaches to the mining and analysis of social media data. This allows us to leverage the strengths of traditional content analysis, with its regular meticulousness and relative understanding, whilst exploiting the extensive capacity of Big Data analytics and accuracy of computational methods. The proposed Conceptual Framework was evaluated in two stages using an example case of the political landscape of Botswana data collected from Facebook and Twitter platforms. Firstly, a user study was carried through the Inductive Content Analysis (ICA) process using the collected data. Additionally, a questionnaire was conducted to evaluate the usability of ICA as perceived by the participants. Secondly, an experimental study was conducted to evaluate the performance of data mining algorithms on the data from the ICA process. The results, from the user study, showed that the ICA process is flexible and systematic in terms of allowing the users to analyse social media data, hence reducing the time and effort required to manually analyse data. The users’ perception in terms of ease of use and usefulness of the ICA on analysing social media data is positive. The results from the experimental study show that data mining algorithms produced higher accurate results in classifying data when supplied with data from the ICA process. That is, when data mining algorithms are integrated with the ICA process, they are able to overcome the difficulty they face to capture semantics within data. Overall, the results of this study, including the Proposed Conceptual Framework are useful to scholars and practitioners who wish to do some researches on social media data mining and analysis. The Framework serves as a guide to the mining and analysis of the social media data in a systematic manner.
The social media is seemingly becoming a big influence in the politics and a core strategy for po... more The social media is seemingly becoming a big influence in the politics and a core strategy for political campaigns. Social media has become a coordinating tool for almost all of the political movements globally. The prospective of social media is mainly in their support of civil society and the public sphere. Social networking sites have gradually become integral part of people's everyday life. Internet, through the use of the social media platforms, is now being used to convey messages to a diverse audience more directly. Also, the Internet provides a major technological stimulus to the modernisation and professionalisation of political campaigns. This paper, based on document analysis and insights of data published on the social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, gives a brief discussion on the advent of the social media networks and the politics. Examples of the events where the social media have influenced certain activities or actions in the political landscape across the globe are also briefly cited and discussed in this paper. Some of the events highlighted in this paper which have been influenced by the social media turned out to yield positive outcomes whilst some outcomes are not positive. This paper is concluded with a view that the social media continues to have an influence in the political landscape. Thus, reactions, feedback, conversations and debates are generated online as well as support and participation for offline events. Messages posted to personal networks are multiplied when shared, which allow new audiences to be reached through the social media. However, this obviously does not mean that every political movement that uses these tools will succeed, because some state(s) have not lost the powers to react through banning them or censoring them.
The research on data mining has successfully yielded numerous tools, algorithms, methods and appr... more The research on data mining has successfully yielded numerous tools, algorithms, methods and approaches for handling large amounts of data for various purposeful use and problem solving. Data mining has become an integral part of many application domains such as data ware housing, predictive analytics, business intelligence, bio-informatics and decision support systems. Prime objective of data mining is to effectively handle large scale data, extract actionable patterns, and gain insightful knowledge. Data mining is part and parcel of knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) process. Success and improved decision making normally depends on how quickly one can discover insights from data. These insights could be used to drive better actions which can be used in operational processes and even predict future behaviour. This paper presents an overview of various algorithms necessary for handling large data sets. These algorithms define various structures and methods implemented to handle big data. The review also discusses the general strengths and limitations of these algorithms. This paper can quickly guide or be an eye opener to the data mining researchers on which algorithm(s) to select and apply in solving the problems they will be investigating.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a way of analyzing texts by computerized means. NLP involves... more Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a way of analyzing texts by computerized means. NLP involves gathering of knowledge on how human beings understand and use language. This is done in order to develop appropriate tools and techniques which could make computer systems understand and manipulate natural languages to perform various desired tasks. This paper reviews the literature on NLP. It also covers or gives a hint about the history of NLP. It is based on document analysis. This research paper could be beneficial to those who wish to study and learn about NLP.
The study evaluated the impact of access and use of ICTs in the lives of users at Mmaphashalala K... more The study evaluated the impact of access and use of ICTs in the lives of users at Mmaphashalala Kitsong Centre. The study was a descriptive case study which employed the use of questionnaires, interviews and unobtrusive observations. The study was guided by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Sustainable Livelihood Framework. Findings revealed that some users acquired some ICT skills which they learnt from the Kitsong centre. Findings further showed the varied use of ICTs among different age and gender groups. The outcomes of using the ICTs offered through Kitsong Centre included: income and employment generation; information sharing and enhanced communication; advertising and marketing; educational research and entertainment. The individual motivational factors which influenced the users to use the centre are reduced travelling distance, cost savings and training. The study concludes and recommends that awareness and good marketing of ICT services should be done. This study could be helpful to the government of Botswana and the private sector on how they can improve on their telecenter/Kitsong centre initiatives. It could also be beneficial to the entrepreneurs who wish to start on the business of Kitsong centres.
E-Government has been established as a key enabler of efficient online service provision to citiz... more E-Government has been established as a key enabler of efficient online service provision to citizens and effective mechanism of increasing the productivity of many governments world over. It seems that governments world-wide are attempting to bring changes in the ways in which they offer their services. Governments are trying to use Information Communications and Technologies (ICTs) to achieve a better interaction between and among their local government and central agencies in providing new, efficient and convenient ways with their citizens and businesses in the acquisition of services. However, there are organisational, technological, political and social factors which surround the implementation of E-Government which needs to be taken into consideration and handled in a proper way in order to smoothly facilitate the implementation. Governments around the world have undertaken several initiatives in order to provide online services and information around the clock. They have designed and formulated E-Government implementation strategies, road maps and visions to do this, but the question is: are all this guided by any framework(s) or they are just writings on papers with ideas composed and put together guided by nothing? Hence, the purpose of this paper is to highlight and discuss some of the frameworks which could be useful, suitable and applicable in the implementation of E-Government. This paper which is based on document analysis will further highlight how the said frameworks are suitable and applicable to the E-Government implementation. This paper could be useful to those who are interested in learning about egovment implementation. It can also be a guide to policy makers and formulators of E-Government endeavour world-wide.
E-Government entails the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) in the public ... more E-Government entails the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) in the public service delivery value chains in order to facilitate effective and efficient delivery of government information, programs and services to citizen. Just like many countries, Botswana has jumped onto the bandwagon for implementing E-Government in governance value chains. In the loci of this cause, both the state and the non- state actors/stakeholders have joined in putting in place strategic interventions for E-Government development. Some of the notable interventions have been initiatives by Botswana government to put in place requisite institutional and regulatory frameworks, favorable policy environment, massive awareness campaigns to create global citizen buy-in, erection of appropriate ICT infrastructures, etc. This paper, therefore, aims to carry out inventory of different interventions that are being pursued in realm of E-Government development in Botswana. The paper further highlights the different approaches, process and initiatives in the realm of E-Government development. This is a conceptual paper which is based on document and literature analysis. The meta-analysis of different E-Government interventions in Botswana points to the fact that there is a higher likelihood of success of E-Government as a whole in Botswana. The significance for this paper-study might be in assisting the government of Botswana on its quest of E-Government implementation as well as inclusion of avenues which could help drive E-Government forward. Also, the paper-study would be helpful to the researchers and scholars in Botswana and globally who wish to know more about E-Government. It can also be used as a starting point for researchers who wish to do some investigations on, or an understanding of the E-Government phenomena in developing states such as Botswana.
Progress in online service delivery continues in most countries around the world. The United Nati... more Progress in online service delivery continues in most countries around the world. The United Nations eGovernment Surveys report that, many countries have put in place eGovernment initiatives and information and communication technologies applications for the people to further enhance public sector efficiencies and streamline governance systems to support sustainable development. Among the eGovernment leaders, innovative technology solutions have gained special recognition as the means to revitalize lagging economic and social sectors. eGovernment is a one-stop Internet gateway to major government services. However, provision of these services has not been a smooth road, while others are struggling and trying their best, others take the opportunity to exploit, mis-use and take advantage of the people and businesses in the name of eGovernment. Through document analysis, this paper discusses and highlights the advantages and disadvantages which come forth with the implementation of eGovernment. It further cites examples and scenarios where eGovernement has been exercised well and has been very beneficial to both the citizens and the governments. The significance of this research paper could be to help those who wish to learn about eGovernment and its outcome especially the government officials dealing with eGovernment policies and implementation.
Knowledge and skills development in the use of Information Communication and Technologies (ICTs) ... more Knowledge and skills development in the use of Information Communication and Technologies (ICTs) is progressively believed to be an important facet of preparation, for participation in an information society. ICTs have been gradually infused in educational training to improve the quality of learning and teaching. The use of ICTs to support learning, especially in higher education is becoming more and more relevant and crucial across the globe. However, several studies conducted on the use of ICTs in places of learning have continually shown irregular use of computers, lack of widespread change to teaching and learning approaches even when ICTs have been availed to learners-students. Therefore this study investigated learners-students‟s perspectives on how they accept, uptake and use ICTs in their learning at Botswana Limkokwing University. Data collection involved the use of face to face semi structured interviews, unobtrusive observations and questionnaires. The study was guided by the modified Technology Acceptance Model (TAM2). The participants involved two set of groups of students. Those who were enrolled in the Faculty of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) and non ICT faculties. The results show that students perceive ICTs very useful in their studies. They also perceive the ease of use of the ICTs because of the basic computing skills they learn at the beginning of their studies. The results also show that students have the motivation to uptake and continually use the ICTs. The study concludes that ICTs bring forth a positive change on learning and teaching environments. The study recommends that the ICTs provided to the students should be taken care of, resources should be availed and the ICTs need full monitoring, care and repairing from time to time. The study could be of help to those who have interest on educational matters and policies, government bodies regulating education systems and other private parastatals interested in educational issues and information regarding the use of ICTs in learning environments.
In the information and globalization era, ICTs make available an exceptional opportunity to the d... more In the information and globalization era, ICTs make available an exceptional opportunity to the developing nations to meet imperative developmental goals, such as, basic healthcare, education, poverty reduction and democratic improvement, among others. The potential advantages of Information Communication Technologies for Developments (ICT4D) are massive. ICT4D has been actively promoted by the United Nations, through the UN Development Programme, as a powerful tool for economic and social development around the world. ICT4D is an initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide and aiding socio-economic development by ensuring equitable access to up-to-date communications technologies. Infrastructure initiatives and development strategies incorporating ICTs are being increasingly promoted and launched across countries worldwide. This paper is gives an overview of the ICTD4 in developing countries. It briefly shows how ICTs have been diffused in to the socio-economic developments of people in developing countries, citing Botswana as a case study example of these developing countries. Botswana‟s ICT4D programmes and initiatives are mentioned in this paper, together with examples of the projects undertaken. The importance or significance of each project or initiative in the development of the socio-economy of Botswana has also been highlighted. The significance of this paper is to help those who wish to know about the ICT4D especially in the developing states. It could also be helpful to the researchers and scholars or anyone who is interested in knowing about the ICT4D in Botswana, the past and the current progress in ICT.
eGovernment is a progressively global marvel that depicts a highly beneficial endeavour and has c... more eGovernment is a progressively global marvel that depicts a highly beneficial endeavour and has consumed the attention of numerous governments and people around the world. eGovernment has been established as a promising vehicle for improving the services provided to the citizens by the governments. The motivational drive to implement eGovernment has resulted in the implementation of numerous eGovernment visions and strategic agendas by several governments worldwide. Based on document analysis and literature review, this paper discusses the success factors influencing the implementation of eGovernment. The significance of the paper is to give information regarding eGovernment which can be of use to various governments and stakeholders dealing with eGovernment issues, policies and strategies. It can also be helpful to scholars who wish to learn and understand the success factors influencing eGovernment implementation.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are believed to improve and better the lives of... more Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are believed to improve and better the lives of communities globally. People living in the rural communities are now beginning to access and make use of the ICTs to carry on with their daily activities such as education, business, leisure and even entertainment. Governments all over the world are implementing ICT strategies and policies, with the intension of bridging the digital divide gap between the rural and urban communities. Various ways of availing ICTs to the people have been put forth. Bringing ICTs to the rural communities through the telecentres is one example. This is common in developing and undeveloped countries. Botswana like other developing countries has come up with ways in which ICTs could be availed to its communities. One of these ways is through provision of ICT facilities such as telecentres mostly known as the Kitsong centres. This paper gives an overview of the Kitsong centres in Botswana. The paper is based on document and literature analysis. The paper highlights how the Kitsong centres are established. The paper also outlines the benefits the Kitsong centres offer to the communities and the challenges which come forth with the running of Kitsong centres. The significance of this paper might be in assisting the government of Botswana on her ICT policy implementation strategies. It can help the government reflect on its progress so far on the Kitsong centres initiative. The findings will also help to identify the pitfalls, problems and the challenges it has encountered in the Kitsong centres initiative. The paper would also be helpful to the researchers and scholars who wish to know more about ICTs for developments. It can also be used as a starting point for entrepreneurs who wish to have an understanding of how Kitsong centres are operated as well as the benefits and the challenges involved in running such businesses.
Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) is an initiative aimed at bridgi... more Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) is an initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide and aiding socio-economic development by ensuring equitable access to up-to-date communications technologies. The United Nations, through its UN Development Programme, actively promotes ICT4D as a powerful tool for economic and social development around the world. Infrastructure initiatives and development strategies incorporating ICT are being increasingly promoted and launched across countries worldwide. While the potential advantages of ICT for Development (ICT4D) are massive, national policies are yet to sufficiently reveal comprehensive and incorporated strategies for harnessing and exploiting this potential. Much mention has been made of a growing digital divide between countries. Therefore based on the literature review, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the need of aligning the ICT policies and strategies with ICT4D.The paper firstly outlines the role of ICTs as enablers of the developments. The paper further highlights examples of ICT4D projects which have been carried out worldwide. The paper concludes by discussing the importance of having clearly set ICT policies and strategies for ICTD4. The significance of this paper is to help those who wish to know about the ICT4D. It could also be helpful to the governments on matters regarding their ICT policies and strategies.
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Papers by Sethunya R Joseph