Title: Factors influencing information and communication technology diffusion in Nigeria's transport logistics industry: an exploratory study

Authors: Anthony Ezenwa; Anthony Whiteing; Daniel Johnson; Akunna Oledinma

Addresses: Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds, 34-40 University Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK; Department of Transport Management Technology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria ' Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds, 34-40 University Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK ' Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds, 34-40 University Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK ' Warwick Business School, United of Warwick, UK

Abstract: Modern transport and logistics management is replete with the applications of advancements of information and communication technology (ICT). However, the barriers to ICT innovation diffusion in the industry are widely acknowledged, particularly in the context of developing countries. Therefore, this study adopts a qualitative research approach (focus group discussion and in-depth expert interviews) to explore: 1) how institutional forces in Nigeria are influencing ICT diffusion in the transport and logistics industry, using evidence from the local small and medium third-party logistics operators in the region; 2) the perceptions of the relevant stakeholders concerning ICT diffusion challenges in the industry and their roles in modulating them. In exploring the views of the relevant stakeholder, one can observe that the lack of an effective institutional framework in the region is the chief problem militating against efficient ICT diffusion in the industry. An ICT diffusion framework is developed to help address the problem.

Keywords: information and communication technology; ICT; diffusion; 3PL SMEs; Nigeria; transport and logistics industry; innovation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISM.2020.107846

International Journal of Integrated Supply Management, 2020 Vol.13 No.2/3, pp.252 - 276

Received: 01 Mar 2019
Accepted: 08 Aug 2019
Published online: 25 Jun 2020 *

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