TECH - itbusinessdirect

New study reveals new consumer experiences during COVID-19

May 28, 2020June 2, 2023 Editor

The era of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has had consumers taking online classes, signing up for trials and subscriptions, and using telehealth. It’s a golden opportunity for service providers, according to a new survey. The April 2020 Amdocs study surveyed 1,000 people in the US, 18 and over, to examine consumer behavior and attitudes in day-to-day life, and how they have changed during the pandemic. The changes in those surveyed also reveal that there are new opportunities for service providers during this time–nearly a third of those surveyed (30%) are…

Counting the cost of COVID-19? Report Spells bad news for Women in STEM

May 27, 2020June 2, 2023 Dianne Jacobs

COVID-19 is threatening to reverse hard-fought gains for women in STEM, according to a new report commissioned by the federal government. The report, commissioned by Industry and Science Minister Karen Andrews and produced by the Rapid Research Information Forum — a group of 35 research sector-led organisations chaired by Australia’s chief scientist, Dr Alan Finkel — was collaboratively led by Science & Technology Australia (STA) and the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE). According to the peer-reviewed report, Australia’s scientific and technical services industry recorded job losses of 5.6%…

Using Big Data In The Fight Against Coronavirus

April 27, 2020 olivia Craig

One of the advantages we have today in the fight against coronavirus that wasn’t as sophisticated in the SARS outbreak of 2003 is big data and the high level of technology available. China tapped into big data, machine learning, and other digital tools as the virus spread through the nation in order to track and contain the outbreak. The lessons learned there have continued to spread across the world as other countries fight the spread of the virus and use digital technology to develop real-time forecasts and arm healthcare professionals…

Six key areas for getting your business ready for COVID-19

April 16, 2020 Editor

In January 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of a new coronavirus disease in Hubei Province, China to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. WHO stated there is a high risk of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spreading to other countries around the world.WHO and public health authorities around the world are taking action to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. However, long term success cannot be taken for granted. All sections of our society –including businesses and employers –must play a role if we are to…

New gadgets were designed to fight COVID-19 Pandemic

April 9, 2020 Editor

The Virustatic Shield has an antiviral coating.

COVID-19 may be having a devastating impact on our industries, social lives and personal grooming standards, but it is also prompting an outpouring of creativity in other arenas. From Spiderman-esque wrist-mounted disinfectant sprays, to a wristband that buzzes whenever you’re about to touch your face, a wealth of new prototypes are demonstrating what human ingenuity is capable of in the face of adversity. Here are just some of the newest coronavirus inventions. Hands-free door openers Several varieties of hygiene-friendly door-hook are in the pipeline – intended to help us navigate…

Embrace internet tech to keep key sectors in operation

March 19, 2020February 24, 2022 Editor

Covid-19 is reminding workers that the digital economy is one that best absorbs the shocks of any disease that discourages physical contact and social grouping. The novel coronavirus that first appeared in mainland China has now spread across the world, with more than 82,000 reported cases and nearly 3,000 deaths, as of Thursday. And right alongside the outbreak is the deployment of myriad types of AI-powered tech that is now being put on full display. Economies are at a standstill, with key sectors under serious existential threats of extinction. It…

Glovo Launches a New Technical Center

February 25, 2020February 25, 2020 Dianne Jacobs

Glovo, a technology company that links motorcycle riders to consumers wishing to buy and deliver products, has launched a new technical center in a bid to enhance its service levels to consumers and riders. The new facility dubbed “Glover Center” and a 2nd new Glovo operations facility in Westlands are set to create 75 operations jobs directly and help to improve the efficiency of service for Glovo customers and riders. Glovo can now provide faster and localized rider and customer support, and in turn faster deliveries. The move signals Glovo’s commitment…

Safaricom’s Zuri Migrates from Facebook to WhatsApp

February 25, 2020 Dianne Jacobs

Zuri, has migrated from Facebook messenger to Whatsapp. Facebook, still a top tier app in Kenya in terms of popularity, is not Kenya’s most popular conversation and chatting app. In that regard, Whatsapp is. Hence the reason why Safaricom have moved Zuri to Whatsapp. Allowing more Kenyans to access it, and use the chatbot to its full capabilities. Through the creation of Safaricom’s chatbot, the precedence of AI in Kenya has taken a new turn. With Safaricom being the trail blazer in a constantly changing Kenyan tech space, AI has…

STEM Education given a special place in Rwanda

February 20, 2020 Dianne Jacobs

In a country as rapidly developing as Rwanda, the country’s education goals are clear cut and centralised around ICT, science and girls’ education. Rwanda has given the teaching and learning of Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) a special place in the education system. The country has made significant strides in STEM education. In this second part of our series on education, we will turn our attention to what the government has been doing to promote the teaching and learning of science and technology. According to the ministry of education,…