Purpose With the development of information technology (IT), governments around the globe are using state-of-the-art IT interfaces to implement the so-called 3E’s in public service delivery, that is, economy, efficiency and effectiveness. Two of these IT interfaces relate to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT). While AI focuses on providing a “human” garb for computing devices, thereby making them “intelligent” devices, IoT relies on interfaces between sensors and the environment to make “intelligent” decisions. Recently, the convergence of AI and IoT – also referred to as Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) – is seen as a real opportunity to refurbish the public service delivery formats. However, there is limited understanding as to how AIoT could contribute to the improvisation of public service delivery. This study aims to create a modular framework for AIoT in addition to highlighting the drivers and barriers for its integration in the public sector. Design/methodology/approach This descriptive-explanatory study takes a qualitative approach. It entails a thorough examination of the drivers and barriers of integrating AI and IoT in the public sector. A review of literature has led to the development of a conceptual framework outlining the various factors that contribute to creating public value. Findings Value creation occurs when AI and IoT coalesce in the public service delivery mechanisms. Originality/value AIoT is a cutting-edge technology revolutionizing health care, agriculture, infrastructure and all other industrial domains. This study adds to the growing body of knowledge on the public sector's use of AI and IoT. Understanding these disruptive technologies is critical to formulating policies and regulations that can maximize the potential benefits for the public-sector organizations.

Fake (Counterfeit) agro-inputs are causing myriad challenges to agricultural sectors in the developing countries by affecting the productivity rate. This paper analyzes the magnitude of the counterfeit agro-inputs and propose a system that integrates a mobile-based solution that helps the authentication of the agro-inputs products in Tanzania. A face to face interview with key informants in the agriculture sector and field data collection in one region were carried to understand the challenges in preventing the fake agro-inputs and awareness among stakeholders. The study has revealed that there is no trustworthy methods of verifying agro-inputs, the current methods such as expiration date and labels are weak and can be forged easily. The magnitude of counterfeit agro-inputs is rated by the respondents to be high. Crop seeds were found to be mostly counterfeited among other agro-inputs such as fertilizers, animal feeds and pesticides. The proposed system allows the stakeholders to authenticate the genuineness of the agricultural inputs through their mobile phones. This will tremendously boost confidence to farmers and greatly increase yields by buying hybrid seeds instead of replanting their own seeds. The evaluation study shows that the Agro-inputs Products Verification System (APVS) is feasible in Tanzanian settings and can significantly reduce the magnitude of counterfeit in agro-inputs products.

Purpose This paper aims to provide insights into the integration of blockchain technology in e-government services. Design/methodology/approach The article invokes an exploratory approach to emphasize the possibilities of integrating blockchain technology in e-government services. A cybernetic model is detailed in the paper for bridging the gulf between blockchain and e-government. Findings The integration of blockchain technology in e-government services is capable of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. Furthermore, this integration would facilitate in maintaining the privacy of the online transactions. Originality/value Hitherto, studies have focused on the blockchain technology in many sectors; however, the integration and utility of blockchain technology for the government sector have remained unexplored. The current study seeks to fill this gap.

Online Social Networks (OSNs) pervades all aspects of modern society, particularly with the tremendous developments of mobile technologies. This study surveys the exploitations of Online Social Networks for educational purposes by the students at the University of Dodoma (UDOM). A sample student from each college was taken and a questionnaire survey was administered to get the response from the students. The responses show that many social media applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Blogs and Wikis are frequently used by the responded students for communication, class activities, online learning and connecting with instructors. In general, the acceptance of OSNs by University students alerts that OSNs has the power to expand the walls of the classroom, expose students to the great thinkers of the world, and give them a voice in both local and global conversations. The findings of this study will help build a baseline for future investigations on exploiting social media for improving education delivery systems in Tanzania.

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