⦁ Project Specification
Holy mosque in Makkah and the holy mosque in Madinah are two of the most famous mosques in Saudi Arabia. These two mosques have considerable value for every Muslim in the world and attract hundreds and thousands of pilgrims every year. The underlying importance value and importance of these two mosques have resulted in Saudi government placing a huge amount of care and development. Saudi government have created a specialized organization named as ‘GPH’ to successfully administrator, control and manage these two mosques. GPH organization has got a number of departments and each of the departments require the use of IT Services to undertake their activities and tasks.
In recent years, IT department has turned into one of the significant departments within GPH. This is primarily because of the increasing importance of technology in the speed and accuracy of service delivery. In fact at this moment in time, information technology is one of the most important trends in any big organizations and firms. In order to setup a network of hundred and thousands of computers and associated devices, IT department at GPH is responsible plays an important role in putting an appropriate infrastructure in place across the whole of organisation. IT department also makes sure that the whole lot of computing equipment successfully meets the operating standards of the GPH organization.
IT department in GPH consists of 4 sub-departments which are applications and electronic services, information security, networking and technical support, and quality. Each of these 4 sub-departments is responsible for undertaking specific IT activities and tasks within the IT department. The below mentioned figure 1 illustrates the four sub-departments of IT Department at GPH
Figure 1: IT Department at GPH
IT Department
Sub Department Roles and Responsibility
Applications and electronic services Management, development and maintenance of applications and electronic services
Information Security Planning and implementation of information security and applying security standards
Networking and technical support Operation and maintenance of the network
Quality applying of quality standards in order to achieve certification
Table 1: Roles and Responsibilities of Sub Departments at GPH
The underlying role of application and electronic services is to provide management, development and maintenance of application and electronic services. Information security is responsible for the planning and implementation of information security and also the implementation of security standards across the entire organisation. Networking and technical support is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the data centres and the network devices. The role of the quality department is the implementation of quality standards to achieve certification. IT department of GPH is also responsible for offering numerous services and these services are provided to other departments within the organisation.
Aim
The main underlying aim of this research is to;
To investigate into the implementation of a green ICT strategy and green ICT best practices within IT department in GPH organisation in Saudi Arabia
Research Objectives
In order to fulfil the aim of this research, a number of research objectives have been defined. These research objectives will an important role in making sure that the underlying aim of the research is successfully met and research is carried out in considerable detail to make sure practical and appropriate results are gathered. Research objectives short-listed for this research are as follows;
⦁ To undertake a critical literature survey on green ICT strategy and green ICT best practices
⦁ To examine and explore the Green ICT strategies within an organisation
⦁ To investigate staff awareness of Green ICT strategy and their roles and responsibility for successful implementation and the strategy
⦁ To gain insights in to the barriers and drivers for the implementation of green ICT strategy within the organisation
⦁ To make recommendations based on the research objectives
⦁ Rationale
In the modern-day business environment the underlying role and function of IT Centre is crucial and vital to the overall success of the organisation. Schulz (2009) in his research emphasises the importance of IT Department and states that IT Department is the backbone of any successful organisation. IT department act as a central functioning unit within an organisation just like the role heart plays within a human body. IT department within an organisation is assigned and charged with the responsibility of setting up, monitoring, controlling, managing and maintaining information technology services and systems (Rouse, 2013). However, in large-scale business organisations, the IT department is also assigned with the task of strategic planning to make sure that all of the IT activities, processes and initiatives support organisational goals (Rouse, 2013). As a consequence, the underlying necessity and significance of IT department is gaining attention and popularity with every passing day. Therefore, both the government and business organisations need to give serious consideration to their IT activities. The swift and extensive acceptance, adoption and implementation of modern-day innovative internet, information and communication technology devices, together with the increased usage of automation and computerisation of the business applications, and organisational processes are some of the major drivers behind the growing use of ICT systems within the contemporary organisations (Buchalcevova & Gala, 2012).
In last few years, the financial, political and organisational environment has been significantly transformed for the IT Departments as result of convergences of it appears that unsuited constraints and demands. The energy consumption and ecological impact of the IT Departments especially the data centres in recent times has become an issue of considerable concern for both the management and policy makers (Newcombe, 2013). The general public awareness of issues concerning climate change and ecological impact has also transformed significantly, resulting in real commercial and financial effect on the organisations social responsibility and environmental strategy. Sadly, data centres within the IT departments represent a rather straightforward target predominantly because of their extremely high density and consumption of power and simplicity in measurement of energy utilization compared to numerous others, perhaps more substantial regions of IT energy utilisation. A number of policy makers have also acknowledged IT devices and in particular energy utilisation by data centres as one of the swiftly increasing sectors. Newcombe (2013) in his research highlighted that there a number of organisational factors that are placing increased demand on the modern-day IT Department including rising power, consumption of IT Devices, rising demand for the IT services, business continuity and reduction of other environmental impacts. There are also a number of constraints too which are affecting the operators of modern-day IT departments which are energy availability, energy cost, carbon cost, corporate social responsibility and regulation.
Figure 1: Constraints and Demands on Modern-day IT Departments
Source: Newcombe (2013)
IT departments within an organisation are also the target of implementing Green ICT practices in recent years mainly because of their extremely high levels of energy consumption and utilization (Newcombe, 2013). Numerous researchers have pointed out that information and communication technology systems cause considerable and noteworthy environmental damage at each and every stage of their lifecycle i.e. production, usage and disposal stages (Buchalcevova & Gala, 2012; Murugesan, 2008). It is estimated that around 2% of the worldwide carbon emissions result from the production and utilisation of information and communication technology systems, and this underlying trend has shown no sign of holding up (Global Action Plan, 2009). Presently, the worldwide community is also encountering the significant risks of pollution and contamination of their neighbouring surroundings i.e. earth, air and water, since these modern-day electronic equipment are made of enormously poisonous and toxic materials. Overall, these facts without a doubt put emphasis on the fundamental importance of adopting and implementing green ICT practices and strategies in across the IT Departments of modern-day government and business organisations.
With regards to Saudi Arabia, GPH organisation has to put an emphasis on the widespread ICT carbon footprint as the energy utilisation has been rapidly growing at a distressing and shocking rate. Therefore, GPH organisation has to undertake necessary measures and implement major steps to make their IT department greener. The underlying process of making IT department greener through the use of ICT practices and its overall benefits have been thoroughly highlighted by a number of academic researchers including i.e. Bianchini & Rajamony (2004), Koomey (2007). Furthermore, the underlying process of energy efficiency in IT Departments can be progressively across all of the operations i.e. server operation, storage systems and networking maintenance (Schulz, 2009).
In the light of above mentioned discussion, it is extremely advantageous and enviable to undertake a study into the implementation of a green ICT strategy and green ICT best practices within IT department in GPH organisation in Saudi Arabia.
⦁ Methodology
⦁ Research Method
There are two different types of research method techniques available to the researcher i.e. Quantitative and Qualitative research methods. According to Bryman & Bell (2011) quantitative research method technique takes a deductive approach to gathering, assessing and quantifying data. Furthermore, the researcher usually also employs natural sciences perception and viewpoint in establishing an objective observation and view of the social realism such things as reason and effect thinking, testing of hypthesis and utilization of controlled measurement techniques (Ghauri & Gronhaug, 2010). Variables are secluded and causally related within the quantitative research.
On the other hand, qualitative research approach takes an inductive approach by making use of interpretation and language over objective figures and facts (Bryman & Bell, 2011). By taking on an inductive research approach to gathering and assessing data, the researcher is looking to build theory from the study (Bryman & Bell, 2011). Also, different to a quantitative research approach, qualitative research approach has a subjective ‘insider-view’ as the researcher is to a great extent much closer to the data and seeking to appreciate and recognise it from the viewpoint of subject (Ghauri & Gronhaug, 2010).
This research is going to use both of the qualitative research approach and quantitative research approach also commonly known as ‘Mixed Method Approach’. A mixed method research method is considered as the most appropriate and effective research methods for this study. Mixed method research approach has been explained as, the kind of research in which a researcher or team of researchers merge both elements of quantitative and qualitative research approaches (i.e. makes use of both the quantitative and qualitative data collection, viewpoints, inference, analysis techniques) for the main underlying purpose of achieving greater depth and breadth of corroboration and understanding (Creswell, 2003; Johnson et. al., 2007).
Table 2: Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed Method Research Approaches
Source: Creswell (2003)
RO1: Literature Review
RO2: Inventory Audit
RO3: Survey (Questionnaires) with the employees of GPH
RO4: Semi-structured interview with Head of Department
⦁ Data Collection Methods
Secondary Data Collection
Secondary data collection is the initial step to undertaking a research. Secondary data collection helps researcher in developing a sound understanding and knowledge of the research topic by making use of a variety of sources. Secondary data collection is generally used to develop and expand on the key research themes by undertaking a thorough review of the literature, which assists the researcher in developing the primary data collection. A wide range of secondary data collection sources will be used to develop the literature review and, to also support the primary data collection techniques.
Text books on the topics of Green IT Strategy, Green Computing, Sustainable IT Strategy, Sustainable Computing, Green Organisation, Sustainable IT Operations will be extensively used to develop the key themes for the literature review. The text books will also offer profound and deep understanding of green ICT strategies and green ICT best practices.
Data collected from text books will also be complemented by academic articles and journals which will also be broadly used to develop the foundation for this study. Renowned journals including Emerald, Pro-Quest, Wily, and Science Direct will be accessed to collect data and information on green computing strategies.
Primary Data Collection
⦁ Inventory Audit
In order to accomplish the RO (Research Objective) 2, an inventory audit will be undertaken to measure the energy consumption and carbon emissions of the IT equipment within the IT department of GPH. This inventory audit will be done by making use of the SusteIT Tool developed by JISC (JISC, 2016). SusteIT ICT foot printing tool is a straightforward user-friendly and practical Microsoft Excel based tool which assists in estimating the energy expenditure, costs and carbon footprint of the IT Equipment within an organisation. SusteIT Tool also consists of a detailed worksheet that will lend a hand in estimating the PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) within the server rooms of data centre. SusteIT Tool only requires users to input the number of different IT equipment and devices currently in use within the organisation. Furthermore, SusteIT Tool provides the results in the form of tables and pie chart.
⦁ Semi-Structured Interviews
For the purpose of this study, a semi-structured interview is chosen with the Head of IT Department at GPH. Hauge et. al., (2004, p. 61) in his research explains that in researches where flexibility and in-depth insight are required, the interview will be a lot more loosely structured with flexibility in the development of the questions themselves, the underlying order in which the questions are put to the participants and ample of scope for the participants to respond to the questions in their own words devoid of having answers and replies boxed into specific and predetermined classifications’. Use of the semi-structured interview will play an important role in this research for the collection of reliable and priceless data which will be explicit to achieve the RO (Research Objective) 4. Furthermore, data collected through semi-structured interview will also be constructive and valuable in refining the fundamental concepts, ideas and theory concerning the Green ICT practices within the IT Department at GPH.
A number of academic researchers including Silverman & Marvasti (2008) and Flick (2002) argue that exploratory type of research has to be less planned and less structured in comparison with confirmatory type of research. Therefore, for this research open-ended questionnaire will be used in the semi-structured interview. There are a number of advantages and benefits of using open-ended questionnaire. They allow the researcher in acquiring satisfactory and appropriate documented data for contextual deliberation and reflection. However, making use of open-ended questionnaire also places a burden and weight on the researcher. Researcher has to listen cautiously and pay concentration to the replies of respondents to the question. This will facilitate the researcher to watch out for any particular signals and purposely withheld thoughts and opinions from the respondents that will be decisive and elementary in building an overall understanding. Open-ended questionnaire also support the researcher in identifying the key remarks and comments from the respondents on the research problem and exploring them further with the respondents (Torrington, 1991). Semi-structured interview will carried out on Skype and will be recorded to present researcher with an opportunity to play again the key information.
⦁ Questionnaire
Questionnaires will also be used to collect the primary data. Taking into account limited amount of time and budget constraints, using questionnaire is considered as a suitable, well planned and efficient means of gathering useful data for the research. Moreover, use of standardised questions in the questionnaire is recognised as effective and handy (Saunders et. al., 2009). Questionnaire will be designed to investigate and explore staff awareness of Green ICT strategy and their roles and responsibility for successful implementing the Green ICT strategy.
⦁ Data Analysis
Quantitative data collected through inventory audit and questionnaire will be assessed and analysed using quantitative data methods. Microsoft Excel will be used to input the quantitative data collected and both the tables and charts will be used to demonstrate the outcome of quantitative data.
Qualitative data on the other hand gathered as part of semi-structured interviews will be assessed and analysed by adopting the data analysis technique of ‘Self-Conceptualization’. According to Denscombe (2003) there is no explicit and obvious method for successfully analyse and inspecting the qualitative data. Qualitative data gathered as part of semi-structured interviews will be spread out on a big sheet of paper and ‘data reduction’ technique will be employed to make the collected data more resolute and purposeful. It is very important for the researcher to make sure that he is fully neutral and unprejudiced in analysing and assessing the qualitative data.
⦁ Population and sample size
The sample size of the research was 35 of the total number (40) of the employees of the IT department in GPH and also the head of department. The total number of questionnaires was 40 and the response was 35. The questionnaires were issued on 3 April 2016 with a deadline of 7 April 2016. Also the inventory audit issued on the same time with the questionnaires. And the interview was issued with the head of department on 10 April 2016.
All data collection was done when I visited the GPH organisation through the period 7 April 2016 until 11 April 2016.
⦁ Ethical Issues
Ethical issues need to be carefully assessed and given serious consideration when undertaking a particular study. Since, this study entails collection of data through the use of semi-structured interview and questionnaires, a significant amount of carefulness and vigilance must have to be ensured right the way through this study to guarantee the safety and security of the collected data and information given by the participants. Ethical approval will be sought from Leeds Beckett University to undertake data collection through interviews and questionnaire by filling in an ‘Ethics Form Part One’. An ‘information leaflet’ will also be designed to inform participants of the main reason behind undertaking this study, why they are being invited to participate in the research, do they have to take part in this research, if they are willing to participate what will happen next, what will happen if they wish to withdraw from the research, how will their information will be kept confidential, what will happen to the results of the study, who have reviewed this information and contact details of the researcher. Participants who have agreed to take part will be asked to sign an ‘Informed Consent Form’ and will only be contacted to participate in the research. Researcher does not envisage this particular research to present any sort of potential dangers and risks to the participants.
This study involved external organisation, it is stage 2 type of ethic. Ethic form was submitted to Leeds Beckett University committee for approval on December 2014. Copy of ethic form submitted could be found in Appendix. The following ethical procedures were employed following the approval obtained;
• Permission to conduct this study into this organisation was obtained
• Rules and regulation during collection data conducted strictly followed
• Data obtained will only be used for this study
• Confidential data and information will not be revealed without permission.
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