School-wide publications

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://dspace.njala.edu.sl/handle/20.500.144402/182

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Start date: 2025Has files: No

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 17
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    User-Centric Evaluation and Optimization of Resource Allocation in Edge Computing Environments
    (2025) Koroma, Mohamed
    The proliferation of mobile applications with intensive computational demands has necessitated the adoption of edge computing to reduce latency and energy consumption. However, edge servers face challenges such as limited resources, dynamic wireless conditions, and inefficient task offloading strategies, particularly in multiuser environments.
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    Turning Resources into Results: Accelerating Capacity Building in Digital Learning at Njala University
    (2025-02-18) Dumbuya, Emmanuel
    Njala University is actively integrating digital learning solutions to enhance educational outcomes. This paper examines strategies for transforming available resources into measurable results through capacity-building efforts. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach—including policy analysis, stakeholder interviews, and institutional data review—this paper identify key factors contributing to successful digital capacity building. The findings suggest that strategic resource allocation, collaborative partnerships, and targeted professional development initiatives are critical for sustainable digital transformation in higher education. It discusses implications for digital learning at Njala University and proposes a framework to guide similar institutions.
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    Incorporating Future Skills: Digital Literacy and Critical Thinking for 21st-Century
    (RELX Group (Netherlands), 2025) Dumbuya, Emmanuel
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    Evaluating the Adoption of Virtualization and Cloud Computing as Strategic IT Outsourcing Solutions for Enhancing Educational Efficiency at Njala University
    (2025) Koroma, Mohamed
    The rapid evolution of virtualization and cloud computing presents transformative potential for higher education institutions (HEIs), particularly in resourceconstrained settings like Sierra Leone. Despite their proven benefits in developed nations, significant gaps remain in understanding their adoption challenges and impacts in African HEIs. This study evaluates the implementation of these technologies at Njala University, addressing critical research gaps in IT outsourcing strategies for developing regions. Employing a mixedmethods approach, the research combines quantitative surveys (N = 1,000) and qualitative interviews (n = 15) to assess three key hypotheses: the impact on IT resource management (H₁), operational efficiency (H₂), and educational outcomes (H₃). Findings reveal strong correlations (r = 0.805–0.939, p < 0.001), confirming significant improvements in all areas, with 87.6% of respondents reporting enhanced IT management and 76.7% observing better educational efficiency. However, infrastructural deficits (e.g., unreliable internet) and skill gaps emerged as critical moderators. The study validates the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework while proposing "infrastructure viability" as a new construct for developing contexts. Practical implications include prioritizing bandwidth upgrades, capacity building, and localized cloud policies. Despite its contributions, the single-institution focus limits generalizability, suggesting the need for cross-national studies. Future research should explore longitudinal costbenefit analyses and policy frameworks to support scalable adoption. This work provides actionable insights for HEIs and policymakers, bridging the gap between theoretical models and real-world implementation in resourceconstrained environments.
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    Digital Trade Barriers: Assessing Infrastructure Deficiencies, Security Risks, and Regulatory Challenges in West Africa’s Emerging E-Commerce Markets (Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea)
    (2025-07-11) Koroma, Mohamed
    West Africa's e-commerce sector is expanding rapidly due to growing internet access, mobile adoption, and AfCFTA, yet remains constrained by infrastructure gaps, cybersecurity threats, and regulatory fragmentation. This pioneering mixed-methods study compares these barriers across six nations (Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea), integrating World Bank/ITU datasets with regulator interviews (n=12) and SME surveys (n=150). The analysis reveals severe urban-rural ICT disparities (>39 percentage points) limiting SME participation, Nigeria's disproportionate cybercrime burden (58% of regional losses, \$500M annually), and costly regulatory misalignment (15-30% of revenues). These findings empirically validate van Dijk's (2020) digital divide theory and Williamson's (1981) transaction cost economics in West Africa's digital markets. Urgent interventions include targeted ICT investments to achieve 52% penetration thresholds, an ECOWAS Cybercrime Task Force (projected 22-28% fraud reduction), and AfCFTA protocol harmonization adopting Ghana's hybrid governance model (\$140M annual compliance savings). These measures directly address implementation gaps in regional digital trade. The study calls for longitudinal tracking via a West African Digital Trade Index and AI-driven customs solutions to sustain progress. These evidence-based solutions balance immediate action with long-term innovation for inclusive digital growth.
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    Adapting E-Learning Platforms for Low-Infrastructure Schools in Africa
    (RELX Group (Netherlands), 2025) Dumbuya, Emmanuel
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    The Project Management Paradox: Reconciling Internal Monitoring Excellence with External Donor and Political Pressures in Sierra Leone
    (RSIS International, 2026) Mansaray, Kangoma Fodie
    In the international development sector, project success is often viewed through the lens of technical efficiency. However, in resource-constrained environments like Sierra Leone, project managers face a “paradox” where high internal managerial competence is often undermined by external systemic pressures. This study utilizes data from 200 stakeholders in Nongowa Chiefdom to evaluate the interplay between leadership, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems, and external influences. Findings indicate that while M&E is ranked as the \#1 determinant of success, its effectiveness is hampered by donor reporting burdens and elite capture. Surprisingly, the study finds that high political interference correlates with high project effectiveness, suggesting that political “buy-in” is a functional necessity in the local governance landscape.
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    Role of metakaolin and steel fiber on the relation of strength properties and abrasion resistance of concrete
    (Taylor & Francis, 2026-01-15) Ghosh, Goutam
    This study evaluates how metakaolin and different steel fiber geometries influence the strength and abrasion resistance of concrete. Metakaolin was incorporated at replacement levels ranging from 0% to 30%, and the results showed that a 20% substitution provided the most effective enhancement, raising 28-day compressive strength from 35.6 MPa to 44.3 MPa and lowering the surface abrasion loss from 6.65 to 6.35 cm3/50 cm2 . After identifying this optimum level, steel fibers – hooked, flat, and crimped – were added at volume fractions between 0.25% and 1.0%. Among the fiber types, hooked fibers demonstrated the greatest improvement, increasing flexural strength from 5.8 MPa to 6.8 MPa and further reducing abrasion depth. All mechanical and abrasion tests were performed on 28-day specimens in accordance with relevant IS standards. Regression analysis indicated that abrasion resistance correlated more strongly with flexural strength than with compressive strength, with the highest correlation (R2 ≈0.97) observed for mixes containing hooked fibers. Based on the overall performance, a combination of 20% metakaolin and 0.75% hooked steel fibers is recommended for concrete exposed to substantial abrasive wear, such as industrial flooring and pavement applications.