Andrej Jerman Blažič, Tanja Pavleska

The digital divide remains a pressing issue, particularly for older adults, who face barriers to accessing and effectively using digital tec hnologies. This study explores gam e-based assessment (GBA) and learning (GBL) as blended learning approaches to bridge this divide by f ostering digital competencies in an engaging and supportive environment. DiGiUP is a game-based approach developed specifically for older adults to support and evaluate the development of their digital competencies. It uses a narrative-driven design by offering players to navigate real-world scenarios req uiring digital problem-solving skills. Testing, conducted within the Era smus+ project DIGIBLEND, invol ved 45 older adults in structured gameplay sessions, joined by pre/post-game evaluations. Results , both qualitative and quantitative, revealed significant improvements in digital skills, particular ly in problem-solving, along with increased confidence in navigating digital environments. Participants reported high enjoyment and engagement, with collaborative learning emerging a s a key factor in the games’ s uccess. These findings enrich lifelong learning research with practical insights for designing inclusive, effective digital competence programs.

Kimberly Bluhm, Steven Watson, Jurjen Jansen, Iris Van Sintemaartensdijk

In an era characterised by increasing cyber threats, there is a pressing need to gain a deeper understanding of how to enhance digital resilience at the individual level. In this study, we compared the role of actual knowledge with individuals’ perceived knowledge , and the influence on the intentions to engage in self-protective behaviour. Participants (N = 222) completed an online questionnaire , which included an actual knowledge test focusing on protection measures and items measuring constructs of Protection Motivation Theory. Our regression analyses showed that actual knowledge is a predictor to engage in self-protective behaviour, with a stronger influence than perceived knowledge. Both actual and perceived knowledge are vital for self-protective behaviour, however, they activate different types of efficacy. Actual knowledge is a stronger predictor of response efficacy, whereas perceived knowledge better predicts self-efficacy. We explored implications for intervention and future research in the discussion, by highlighting the need for prioritising knowledge dissemination , increasing user confidence, and the effectiveness of interventions. This paper is a substantial adaptation of a previous conference paper (Bluhm et al., 2025).

Dennis Schiese, Aleksandr Perevalov, Andreas Both

Modern software systems have become so complex that explaining their decisions poses significant challenges for both developers and users. This article addresses the explainability of component -based Knowledge Graph Question Answering (KGQA) systems, where components often rely on AI-driven processes. Such processes can be opaque, making it difficult even for KGQA experts to interpret the underlying behavior and outcomes. To tackle this issue, we propose an approach tha t leverages the input and output data flows of system components as a basis for representing their behavior and generating explanations. This enables users to better understand how decisions are made. In the KGQA framework considered here, component data flows are expressed as SPARQL queries (inputs) and RDF triples (outputs). Consequently, our work also provides insights into verbalizing these data types. Through experiments, we evaluate our approach, comparing template-based explanation generation (baseline) with automatic generation using Large Language Models (LLMs) configured in various ways. The results demonstrate that LLM-generated explanations are of high quality and generally outperform template-based methods based on user evaluations. This approac h thus facilitates the automated natural -language explanation of KGQA components’ behavior and decisions, contextualized within RDF and SPARQL representations.

Timor Schwartz Miler, Nili Steinfeld

This study investigates how bias, cooperation, and power asymmetries unfold between minority and majority groups in immersive social virtual reality (SVR). Seventy-two Jewish Israelis—including Ethiopian Israelis, ultra-Orthodox (Haredi), and secular participants—took part in structured collaborative and competi tive sessions within a shared virtual gallery, and their behaviors were analyzed through qualitative observation and post -session questionnaires. Five interrelated themes emerged: spatial dynamics of partner selection, whereby initial choices were driven by immediate virtual proximity rather than cultural identity; cultural identity signaling in VR, as verbal references and customized avatar elements (e.g., head coverings and color palettes) subtly reinforced group belonging; a digital divide in VR interactions, with technological proficiency functioning as social capital that enabled skilled users to assume leadership roles; gender roles in virtual interactions, where explicit gender cues embedded in avatars saw women more often mediating or supporting and men directing task flow; and trust building through virtual interaction, progressing from competence-based partner selection to cross-group coalitions and an emotional shift from discomfort to connection. Together, these findings show that while SVR mirrors real-world power structures and identity cues, its immersive, task-oriented design can also catalyze new cross -group bonds, highlighting the need to narrow technological gaps and encourage inclusive collaboration to realize SVR’s potential as a bridge across social divides.

Solett Smuts, Hanlie Smuts

Digital technologies have become deeply embedded within the present computing environments that shape users’ daily interactions, emerging as essential tools for educ ation, communication, and information exchange. While users generally engage with these technologies through digital interactions, individuals with visual impairments (VI) or visual disabilities (VD) encoun ter distinct challenges compared to their sighted counterparts. In the specific context of computer-aided drawing systems for the blind (CADB), existing scholarship has significantly advanced our understanding of assistive technologies and the unique ways in which blind and visually impaired (BVI) users interact with human–computer i nterfaces. It is crucial to enhance usability, support shape creation, and enable intuitive spatial navigation to fully leverage the potential of these interfaces and foster meaningful engagement. This study sought to identify key user experience (UX) principles releva nt to the design of screen rea ders—critical tools in improving digital accessibility for BVI users. The research analyzed a curated se lection of 18 scholarly works employing a systematic literature review methodology. A thematic analysis of these sources produced 86 sub-themes, organized into seven overarching themes: Navigation, Content Creation Tools , Interactive Technology, UX Design Principles, Evolving Technology, User Needs, and User Skills. These themes were synthesized into a conceptual model offering actionable insights for UX des igners and developers. The resulting framework not only informs the development of more accessible and user-centered screen readers but also contributes to the broader goal of inclusive digital design by ensuring that assistive technologies address the diverse needs of their users.

Hanlie Smuts

In today’s ubiquitous computing environment, organizations rely heavily on Information Technology (IT) to drive business value and economic success. However, true organizational sustainability extends beyond economics to include environmental and social dimensions, particularly in how IT equipment is disposed of, how software is developed, how data is generated and managed, how digital infrastructure is powered, and how end-user behaviour influences energy consumption. Energy-intensive data centers and grow ing data volumes contribute significantly to carbon emissions, necessitating greener IT practices. This study explores key knowledge management (KM) strategies and tactics that support green IT initiatives to promote organizational sustainability. Based on 539 survey responses, factor analysis revealed three core KM strategies: performance tracking and measurement, dark data management, and knowledge exchange. A multiple-factor analysis further examined the perspectives of KM practitioners, organizational learning practitioners, and data analysts, uncovering a notable divergence between the KM and learning communities versus data professionals. The results are synthesized into a KM strategies and tactics work system designed to guide organizations in aligning KM efforts with sustainability objectives by fostering interdisciplinary engagement and collaboration.

Dijana Vuković, Tanja Grmuša, Goran Luburić

This paper explores the impact of digital transformation on organizational culture, employee resilience, and business operations, analyzing the attitudes of managers and employees. Digital transformation represents a key challenge for organizations, as it not only changes the technological aspects of business operations but also shapes the way organizations work, communicate, and interact with each other. The focus of this research is on how organizational culture evolves in the context of digitalization and how employees develop resilience to changes caused by new technologies and business practices. Through an analysis of the attitudes of managers and employees, the paper explores how different groups perceive organizational changes, the challenges of ada pting to new technologies, and the impact of these changes on the work environment, productivity, and innovation. It also emphasizes how employee resilience can be key to successfully managing transformation, maintaining high performance, and preserving organizational culture in times of rapid technological change. The research results indicate the importance of actively involving all stakeholders in the digital transformation process, as well as the need to develop strategies that support employee resilience and preserve a positive organizational culture, which is crucial for long-term competitiveness and business success.

Yinglei Han, Dario Colazzo, François-Xavier Dudouet

In this paper, we outline a general methodology for analysing corporate career data using data extracted from professional CVs. Our process begins by collecting resumes in JSON format automatically and storing them in a centralized repository. These data are then systematically structured into both relational and graph databases, enabling rich, multidimensional analysis. Through the integration of database management techniques and machine learning tools, we can conduct further analysis, such as sequence analysis, to trace and interpret career paths, uncovering career patterns of business elites. This framework not only facilitates detailed empirical investigation but is also designed to be reproducible and adaptable, serving as a foundation for future research.

Mohammed Alyami, Natalia Beloff, Martin White

A new paradigm in information technology and enterprise computing, fog computing allows organisations to significantly boost efficiency and productivity. It is essential in developing countries where resource efficiency is key. However, research is scarce in Saudi Arabia regarding fog computing adoption, especially identifying key influencing factors, benefits, and challenges. To bridge this gap, this study examines the determinants of fog computing adoption in Saudi Arabian public organisations through a mixed-method research approach. Initially, semi -structured interviews were conducted with 15 IT managers to gain qualitative insights. From these discussions, complexity was identified as the only significant barrier to adoption. Subsequently, a large-scale quantitative analysis was carried out, involving 665 IT managers and employees. This phase validated the proposed framework and revealed that, out of 12 identified factors, privacy, complexity, awareness, and senior management support were not significantly associated with adoption intention . By integrating qualitative and quantitative findings, this research highlights the crucial role played by technical, organisational, environmental, and financial factors in influencing fog computing adoption. These insights provide IT managers in Saudi public sector organisations with a comprehensive and strategic understanding, enabling them to make well -informed decisions regarding its effective implementation. With a structured and holistic approach, organisations can maximise the benefits of fog computing while effectively addressing potential challenges, ensuring its successful adoption in the evolving technological landscape.

Pedro Isaías

Editorial preface for Volume 20, Issue 1 of the IADIS International Journal on Computer Science and Information Systems (IJCSIS). This issue brings together peer-reviewed original research contributions covering the wide spectrum of Information Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, and Digital Transformation.