Internet Usage in Sierra Leone

By Dr. Kamara

The purpose of this book is to investigate Internet usage rate, pattern, and its relation to perceived business outcome before and after Wi-Fi technology deployment in Sierra Leone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483630441

Dr. Kamara

Professor Mohamed K. Kamara (Ph.D.) was born in Sierra Leone. His parents were local farmers from the north, who could not send their children to school. Dr. Kamara did not have the opportunity to attend a primary (elementary) school, but was able to educate himself through self-reading effort and help of friends who were attending schools. After a few years of devoted reading in English and practice in Mathematics, he went to take an admission entrance examination in Mathematics and English at the Ahmadiyya Secondary School – Freetown. Dr. Kamara’s performance in that examination gained him an admission to form three (ninth grade). After passing his O’level exams, Dr. Kamara could not afford to go to the university because he could not get a scholarship or pay to cover the cost. He took his fi rst job as a Road Overseer Learner with the Ministry of Works, Kenema, but returned back to Freetown after one year of service. Three months later, Dr. Kamara was hired and sent to training school by the Post and Telecommunications department. Because of his academic performance at the training school, he was awarded a scholarship to study telecommunications engineering at the Manu River Union Poly technique where he graduated with a higher technician’s diploma. Dr. Kamara earned his BSc degree in Telecommunications Engineering from Stavanger University – Norway, MSc degree in Computer and Information Sciences from Strayer University – U.S.A, and a Ph.D. degree in IT Security and assurance from Walden University - U.S.A Dr. Kamara is currently a Computer Science Professor at American College of Commerce and Technology. He came to ACCT with six years of teaching experience from Stratford University, Falls Church U.S.A where he worked as an adjunct professor in the graduate school of computer and information sciences. Professor Kamara has several years of hands on work experience in the IT industry. He worked in all aspects of IT including Security, Consulting, Project Management, and technical delivery. Professor Kamara has deep knowledge and hands on experience in Researching and analyzing new software modules and hardware devices. Professor Kamara directed the Risk Management practice and was responsible for all research in the areas of IT Security, Regulation and Compliance, and Disaster Preparedness and recovery. Formerly, Professor Kamara worked with IT Management Inc. as a helpdesk technician performing various technical functions, customer support, project management, and consulting activities and it was there that he gained his fi rst exposure to IT Security and Risk Management. Professor Kamara’s IT career began to fl ourish with Signal Corporation at the National Archive of Records and Administration where he worked as a Support Technician and Operations Planning group and progressed to the role of Senior Planning Analyst with responsibility for all technical storage and security infrastructures.

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Copyright © 2013 by Dr. Kamara.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2013907515

ISBN:       Softcover       978-1-4836-3043-4

                 Ebook             978-1-4836-3044-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Rev. date: 10/11/2013

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CONTENTS

List of Tables

List of Figures

Chapter 1   Introduction

Background of the Study

Sierra Leone Post War

The Nature of the Study

Problem Statement

Theoretical Framework

Research Questions

Research Hypothesis

Purpose of the Study

Chapter 2   Definitions of Terms

Assumptions

Limitations

Delimitations and Scope

Significance of the Study

Social Change

Summary

Chapter 3   Literature Review

Internet Use in Sierra Leone

Wireless Telecommunication Systems in Sierra Leone

Reported Problems with Telecommunications Wireless Networks

The Effects of Wi-Fi Deployment on Internet Usage

Barriers to Wi-Fi Adoption

Benefits and Advantages of Wi-Fi Usage

Wireless Internet Use and Business Outcomes

Internet and Wi-Fi Use in Africa

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Policy of Sierra Leone

Chapter 4   Overview of Information Technology Research Models

Explanation of the Principal Theoretical Models of UTAUT

Theories Contributing to the Development of the UTAUT

Theory of Reasoned Action

The core constructs of the TRA Model

Chapter 5   Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

TAM evolvement over the years

Research on TAM Models

Limitations of TAM Research

Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM2)

Chapter 6   The Social Cognitive Theory

Technology Acceptance Theory

Theory of Planned Behavior

Motivational Model

Intrinsic Motivation

Innovation Diffusion Theory

Chapter 7   Research on the PCI

Activity Theory

The role of individuals

Research on Activity Theory

The Application of UTAUT in the Current Investigation

Predictors of Behavioral Intention/Usage

Chapter 8   Performance Expectancy

Effort Expectancy

Social Influence

Facilitating Conditions

Previous Research with the UTAUT

The Research Model for the Current Study

Summary

Chapter 9   Methodology

Research Design and Approach

Research Questions

Research Hypotheses

Setting and Sample

Sample Selection and Size

Instrumentation

Chapter 10   Operational Definition of Variables

Data Collection

Data Analysis

Validity and Reliability

Internal Validity

External Validity

Reliability

Ethical Considerations

Measures Taken for Protection of Participants

Summary

Chapter 11   Findings

Data Collection Procedures and Survey Instrument

Description of Procedure

Description of the Survey Instruments

Problem Encountered with Data Collection

Participation

Reliability and Validity of the Survey

Chapter 12   Demographics Results

Rate of Responses

Elimination of Records

Analysis and Results

Descriptive Statistics for the Study Variables

Summary of Results

Chapter 13   Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations

Summary

Conclusions

Recommendations

Implications for Social Change

References

Appendix A   Study Questionnaire for Participant Response

Appendix B   Invitation Flyer

Appendix C   Invitation to Participate and Informed Consent

Appendix D   Permission for Using the Utaut Original Figures

ABSTRACT

The research problem addressed in this study was the gap where the literature failed to identify (a) the Internet usage rates before and after Wi-Fi adaption in Freetown; (b) differences in Internet usage patterns among Internet users in Sierra Leone; and (c) the relationship between Internet use and perceived business outcomes, as measured by the performance expectancy subscale of the UTAUT thus, ranked the country at the bottom in Internet usage among West African countries. To implement effective strategies for the promotion of Internet usage in Sierra Leone, it was necessary to conduct this study. Results showed positive statistical significant differences in (a) Internet usage rates before and after Wi-Fi adaption in Freetown, (b) Internet usage patterns among Internet users in Sierra Leone, and (c) the relationship between Internet use and perceived business outcomes, as measured by the performance expectancy subscale of the unified theory of acceptance and usage of technology (UTAUT), but did not revealed any significant gender, age, and position differences in Internet usage between users. A sample size of 150 Internet users responded to an online survey consisting of 12 questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson product moment correlation to analyze the data. The results from this investigation may provide insight on current Internet usage rates to impact future Internet usage in Sierra Leone. Knowledge gained may sociologically or psychologically encourage sustainable initiatives for more advanced wireless fidelity and other innovation and modernisms in technologies, which will mean new knowledge, skills and enhancement to reflect social change for the citizens of Sierra Leone.

DEDICATION

To my wife, Jariatu Kamara, whose love, support, and tolerance facilitate the success of this work.

To my children, Abdulai K. Kamara, Ameratu K. Kamara, Jamed K. Kamara, Dariah K.

Kamara, Jeneya K. Kamara, and Demany K. Kamara whose love, support, and appreciation made it possible to accomplish this.

To my parents, Yabum Sesay and late Pa-dikalie Kamara for their maternal encouragement and support before and during this project.

To everyone who has, in some fashion, participated or motivated me in the course of this process.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

With the consistent support and cooperation of my colleagues and faculty of Management at Walden University, this research study was successful. Their infinite support, encouragement, and belief in me kept my spirit and passion to the end of this long and toiling journey. I am hopeful that the knowledge acquired from this study will make a difference in the effort to promote social change for the people of Sierra Leone and the world at large. I am particular grateful to the several scholars and practitioners (Dr. Wells—URR) for their honest comments and critique that made this study possible. My special thanks and appreciation go to my able dissertation committee Dr. Korrapati, chair and method specialist for his consistent and valuable directives. I thank Dr. Swain, contents’ specialist for his eloquent and deep involvement in building the content framework of this study. I also thank Dr. Hamby and Dr. Schipper from the American College of Commerce and Technology for their statistical and editorial contributions to this study; without the expertise of the aforementioned people, this study would not have been possible.

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1   UTAUT Determinants

Table 2   Summary of Research Question

Table 3   Summary of Analysis

Table 4   Descriptive Statistics for No Effect—measured Questionnaire # 12

Table 5   Regression Correlation for NoEffect

Table 6   Descriptive Statistics for Job performance—Measured Questionnaire # 9

Table 7   Regression Correlations Job Performance

Table 8   Descriptive Statistics for Job Done—Measured Questionnaire # 10

Table 9   Regression Correlations for Done Job

Table 10   Regression Correlations for Done Job

Table 11   Regression ANOVA for Done Job

Table 12   Regression Coefficients for Done Job

Table 13   Descriptive Statistics for Accomplishment—Measured Questionnaire # 7

Table 14   Regression Correlation for Accomplishment

Table 15   Descriptive Statistics for productivity—Measured Questionnaire # 8

Table 16   Regression Correlations for Productivity

Table 17   Regression Model Summary for Productivity

Table 18   Regression ANOVA for Productivity

Table 19   Regression Coefficients for productivity

Table 20   Paired Samples Statistics for Dependent and Independent Variables

Table 21   Paired Samples Correlations for Dependent and Independent Variables

Table 22   Paired Samples Test for Dependent and Independent Variables15

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.   Diagram of the original UTAUT theory: (Venkatesh et al. 2003)

Figure 2.   Original Block diagram of the technology acceptance model. (Davis, 1989)

Figure 3.   Original Block diagram of the social cognitive theory: (Compeau & Higgins, 1995 Compeau, Higgins, & Huff, 1999)

Figure 4.   Original Block diagram of the theory of planned behavior. (Azjen, 1985, 1991)

Figure 5.   Original Block diagram of the combined technology acceptance model/theory of planned behavior (Taylor & Todd, 1995)

Figure 6.   Gender

Figure 7.   Age category

Figure 8.   Participants’ Perception

Figure 9.   Education level

CHAPTER 1

Introduction

One of the driving forces behind the growth of wireless technology was the creation of the IEEE 802.11 standard called wireless fidelity, also known as Wi-Fi (Udeh, 2008). Devices such as laptop computers, smart phones, and tablets, enabled with Wi-Fi options transmit information to and from the Internet within range of an access point. As wireless-enabled devices and public wireless networks became easily accessible to users; researchers searched for ways to understand users’ perceptions and usage of such devices (Udeh, 2008; Warf, 2010). Access to wireless Internet is new in developing countries like Sierra Leone. Before and during the 11-year civil war which ended in 2002, Sierra Leone was completely reliant on more expensive Internet connections involving satellite bandwidth (Akam, 2011). Until recently, the most frequently used wireless application in Sierra Leone was the cellular phone and a few Wi-Fi hotspots. Research regarding acceptance and adoption of Wi-Fi public hot spots in Sierra Leone was lacking or nonexistent. Consequently, there has been an increased interest in understanding the rates and patterns of usage of Wi-Fi. Additionally, business owners sought to understand the relationship between usage and perceived business outcomes and possible link to low Internet usage.

Birch & Irvine (2009) revealed that use of Wi-Fi technology increased both in the business sector and personal use. Proenza (2006) claimed that the invention of wireless Internet resulted in financial savings and rapid economic development. Fourati (2009) reported that basic communication and information increased effective participation in a knowledge-based society and should be accessible to everyone. According to Akoh, Egede-Nissen, MacLean, and Creech (2011) rapid growth of mobile communications bridged the gap between developed and developing countries by increasing accessibility to basic telecommunication services. Additionally, Akoh et al.(2011) noted that over the past two decade the most important innovation was the Internet and mobile communication. Furthermore, the authors posited that these technological advances transformed human lives in both developed and developing countries.

Sierra Leone, off the banks of West Africa would benefit from increased Wi-Fi technology because of Sierra Leone strategic borders with the North Atlantic Ocean and is located between Guinea and Liberia (CIA World Factbook, 2010). This West-African country was engaged in civil war for over a decade, from 1990 to 2002 (Bojanic, 2008). Consequently, the economic framework of the country was obliterated and the economic consequences still impact Sierra Leone’s citizens. Although increased use of Wi-Fi technology in Sierra Leone may augment financial opportunities for its residents, research on the relationship between Wi-Fi usage and economic growth opportunities in this region is lacking.

Research indicated that Sierra Leone’s internet usage is lowest among West African countries (Akoh, Egede-Nissen, MacLean, & Creech, 2011). However, strategies to augment usage in this area have recently been implemented. According to World Bank (2010), accessing the Internet continues to be difficult for most West African users because of poor connections, high latency, and low speed. The absence of existing fixed line infrastructure presented an enormous obstacle to expansion of Internet access, limiting access to Sierra Leone users. Low per capita incomes limited the purchasing power,