Your Team Will Conduct A Literature Review In Information Te ✓ Solved

Your Team Will Conduct A Literature Review In Information Technology

Your team will conduct a literature review in Information Technology in a Global Economy. You can also conduct a literature review on companies that have taken a company global. You are to review the literature on IT in a Global Economy and discuss problems and gaps that have been identified in the literature. You will expand on the issue and how researchers have attempted to examine that issue by collecting data – you are NOT collecting data, just reporting on how researchers did their collection. As you read the literature, it will become apparent that there are multiple issues, pick one issue that stands out in the literature and agree on that as a Team to address that.

The total paper should be about 10-11 pages double-spaced, not counting cover and reference pages. Cover: Include the names of those who participated in the project Table of contents: Use a Microsoft Enabled Table of Contents feature. Background: Describe the issue, discuss the problem, and elaborate on any previous attempts to examine that issue. Research Questions: In your identified problem area that you are discussing, what were the research questions that were asked? Methodology: What approach did the researcher use, qualitative, quantitative, survey, case study? Describe the population that was chosen. Data Analysis: What were some of the findings, for example, if there were any hypotheses asked, were they supported? Conclusions: What was the conclusion of any data collections, e.g., were research questions answered, were hypotheses supported? Discussion: Here you can expand on the research and what the big picture means, how do the results found in the literature review help organizations in the Information Technology strategy planning. What do you see as long-term impacts and what further research could be done in the field? References: Include at least ten scholarly references in APA format.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

The rapid evolution of information technology (IT) has significantly transformed the landscape of the global economy. Companies worldwide are leveraging IT to enhance their operational efficiency, reach new markets, and foster innovation. However, this advancement is accompanied by an array of challenges and gaps in the literature regarding the adoption and implementation of IT in global business contexts. This literature review focuses on identifying a prominent issue within this domain: the digital divide in global IT adoption.

Background

The digital divide refers to the disparity between individuals and communities that have access to modern information and communication technology (ICT) and those that do not. This issue is exacerbated in a global context, where factors such as economic status, geographic location, and educational background play crucial roles in determining access to IT resources. Previous attempts to study the digital divide have highlighted various barriers, including infrastructure limitations, lack of digital literacy, and socio-economic factors that impede IT adoption (DiMaggio & Hargittai, 2001; Van Dijk, 2006).

Researchers have employed diverse methodologies to investigate these challenges, providing valuable insights into the nature and extent of the digital divide. For instance, surveys conducted in developing countries have revealed that high costs of technology and limited internet connectivity hinder effective IT utilization (Warschauer, 2004). Moreover, a case study approach has been taken to analyze specific organizations’ attempts to bridge this gap, uncovering both successful strategies and persistent obstacles (Heeks, 2010).

Research Questions

Within the scope of the digital divide, several research questions emerge that guide the inquiry:

  • What are the primary barriers to IT access in developing countries?
  • How do socio-economic factors influence IT adoption and usage?
  • What strategies have been successful in bridging the digital divide?
  • How does the digital divide impact organizational performance in a global economy?

Methodology

Research on the digital divide has primarily employed a mix of qualitative and quantitative methodologies to yield comprehensive insights. Quantitative methods, such as surveys and statistical analyses, have been used to gather data on IT access and usage patterns among different demographic groups (Norris, 2001). On the other hand, qualitative methodologies, such as interviews and focus groups, have provided richer contextual data regarding individuals' experiences with technology (Morris & Ferguson, 2007). Notably, the population chosen for these studies often includes marginalized communities, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and educational institutions in various geographical regions.

Data Analysis

The findings from these studies reveal critical insights into the digital divide. For instance, surveys conducted by Pew Research Center (2019) indicate that lower-income populations are significantly less likely to have reliable internet access compared to their higher-income counterparts. Additionally, qualitative findings from case studies demonstrate that organizations that invest in employee training and community outreach initiatives experience better engagement with the technology (Hernandez, 2020). Many hypotheses regarding the relationship between socio-economic factors and IT adoption have been supported, establishing a clear link between poverty, education, and access to technology (van Dijk, 2005).

Conclusions

In summary, the literature indicates that the digital divide is a multifaceted issue that continues to challenge the global economy's progress toward equitable IT access. Many research questions have been answered through robust data collection efforts, yet significant gaps remain. While some hypotheses regarding socio-economic influences have been upheld, the need for further research is evident. Scholars must explore innovative solutions to bridge the divide and ensure that technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.

Discussion

The implications of addressing the digital divide are profound for organizations engaged in global business. Bridging this gap directly influences the ability to leverage IT for competitive advantage, fostering greater innovation, collaboration, and market reach. Organizations that recognize and act upon these disparities can develop more inclusive IT strategies that not only enhance their operational efficiencies but also promote socio-economic development within the communities they operate (Wresch, 2018). The long-term impacts of such initiatives may lead to a more equitable global economy, where technology reinforces opportunities for all rather than perpetuating inequalities.

In conclusion, further research is imperative to explore the evolving nature of the digital divide in different contexts. Future studies should focus on the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning on accessibility and how they can be utilized to overcome existing barriers.

References

  • DiMaggio, P., & Hargittai, E. (2001). From the digital divide to digital inequality: Studying Internet use as penetration increases. Working Paper Series, Princeton University.
  • Hernandez, L. (2020). Bridging the Digital Divide: A Case Study of Technology Adoption in Non-Profit Organizations. Journal of Technology and Social Change, 7(2), 55-71.
  • Heeks, R. (2010). Do Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Development Projects Work? A Systematic Review of the Evidence. Development Informatics Working Paper, University of Manchester.
  • Morris, M. R., & Ferguson, D. (2007). The emergence of social networks on the web. Communications of the ACM, 50(11), 24-26.
  • Norris, P. (2001). Digital Divide: Civic Engagement, Information Poverty, and the Internet Worldwide. Cambridge University Press.
  • Pew Research Center. (2019). The Global Digital Divide: Overview of Internet Usage Worldwide. Pew Research Center.
  • Van Dijk, J. (2005). The Deepening Divide: Inequality in the Information Society. Sage Publications.
  • Van Dijk, J. (2006). Digital divide research, achievements and shortcomings. Poetics, 34(4-5), 221-235.
  • Warschauer, M. (2004). Technology and social inclusion: Rethinking the digital divide. MIT Press.
  • Wresch, W. (2018). Managing the Digital Divide: Strategies for Bridging the Gap in the Workplace. Information Systems Management, 35(2), 180-187.

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