Information Technology for Development - Volume 8, issue 3

Article Type: Other

Citation: Information Technology for Development, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 137-137, 1999

Authors: Ehikhamenor, Fabian A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A total of 116 students newly admitted into information related post‐graduate programmes were tested for their familiarity with and understanding of concepts and terminologies in information and communication technology. The scores recorded were generally quite low, indicating a low level of awareness of developments in this area. By extension, this implies that the Nigerian society has not yet absorbed developments in information and communication technology to the level of having an impact on the cognitive foundation of the society. In other words, Nigeria is yet to start on the path of progress in the adoption of information and communication technology.

Citation: Information Technology for Development, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 139-144, 1999

Authors: Huang, Edgar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: With the advent of Internet technology, scholars have begun to examine the role this new communication technology can play as a mass medium in promoting democracy in Third World countries. This paper did a case study by examining the impact of diffusion of Internet technology on the democratic development in China at grassroots level. Using a combined method of web observation and qualitative content analysis, the author observed five selected bulletin board systems so as to find out how ordinary citizens have used the Internet to continue their age old fight for democracy, and how their self‐expression and discussions have …been politically framed both by netizens themselves and by the Internet services providers. The findings tell us that the Internet does not carry an inherently democratizing force that is irresistible, and it is not inevitably an agent of democracy. The Internet, however, concluded the author, has created a virtual classroom, that is otherwise unavailable, for Chinese people to start to learn what democracy means to them through their daily exchanges of ideas and information. Show more

Citation: Information Technology for Development, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 145-162, 1999

Authors: Dulle, F.W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The state of agricultural libraries and potentials of electronic communications in disseminating agricultural information in Tanzania are discussed. Poor communication between the Sokoine National Agricultural Library and its partner libraries within the country is cited to be one of the reasons for inferior information services to library users. Due to low level of information technology development and financial constraints facing the country, the establishment of an electronic network based on low cost communications technology and the information technology infrastructure in place is recommended to link agricultural libraries.

Citation: Information Technology for Development, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 163-168, 1999

Authors: Ramani, K.V. | Dholakia, Bakul H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The Indian cement industry has experienced phenomenal growth in the last decade, following the decontrol of cement in 1989. The degree of competitiveness within the industry has increased significantly. The industry scenario is changing rapidly from an era of shortages to that of surplus. The future scenario for cement industry is likely to be characterized by growing competition, significant corporate thrust on modernization, changing pattern of demand and uncertainties regarding prices as well as growth of demand in a liberalized economy dominated by market forces. Under such dynamic conditions and changing economic environment, the task of forecasting the level and …the pattern of demand for cement becomes very important for the industry planning at a macro‐level as well as the corporate planning at the micro‐level. A computer based Decision Support System (DSS) would provide the policy makers with the necessary flexibility to analyze and derive meaningful demand forecasts for cement. Central to our DSS is a model base which has a rich library of forecasting models based on Time Series and Econometric methodology. This DSS is being used by the officers in the planning department at the Cement Manufacturers Association. It is also serving as a permanent model with enough flexibility to incorporate annual variations in the relevant factors affecting cement demand to generate revised and updated estimates on a year to year basis. Show more

Citation: Information Technology for Development, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 169-182, 1999