Title: Virtual Environments: towards interactive gates of information in e-Government

Authors: Sherif Mohammed Ali El-Wageeh

Addresses: Department of Architectural Engineering, College of Architectural Engineering and Design, The Kingdom University, P.O. Box Manama 40434, Kingdom of Bahrain

Abstract: This paper suggests a conceptual model for applying the Virtual Reality (VR) technology on the information sector of the e-Government. A conceptual model for applying VEs in e-Government websites is suggested. The model is empirically applied on the electronic services offered to citizens through the website of the Ministry of Municipalities and Urban Planning affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is found that engaging VEs as interactive visual gates of information in such websites can help in developing the quality and interactivity of services offered to citizens. Moreover, it can strengthen the interoperability between governmental authorities and sub-directorates.

Keywords: e-government; VR; virtual reality; VEs; virtual environments; online services; interactivity; e-readiness index; interoperability; hyperlinks; electronic government; government websites; e-services; electronic services; web services; Bahrain.

DOI: 10.1504/EG.2012.044780

Electronic Government, an International Journal, 2012 Vol.9 No.1, pp.85 - 102

Published online: 22 Nov 2014 *

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