issues, frames and concepts

remains a major preoccupation of governments, non-government organisations, international funding agencies and technologists. In the past developmental strategists and policy makers have conceptualised development as an instance of capacity building (Thursby et al. 2009) where technology transfer in particular has been considered primarily as a diffusion process (José et al. 2009). Technology in this case, is introduced because it is seen to be a benevolent lever for human development (Musa et al. 2005). In this paper we will develop an alternative argument to the benevolence thesis predicating its success or failure in a local context on the nature of the cocreation process and the facilitation of a parallel market where the outcomes of the co-creation process can be exchanged. The paper aims to conceptualise co-creation as an alternative to technology transfer and demonstrate how co-creation of ICT innovation can enable the emergence of future markets. We argue how our conception of the co-creation of future markets using ICT can be a novel way to think of technology transfer for sustained social economic development. The first part of the paper will be a framing exercise i.e. it will describe the boundaries within which co-creation operates, what we understand by co-creation and how it may help bring about a future market around a locus. This locus is enabled by generative ideas, provides the catalysts for new and novel solutions; has the ability to construct artefacts and the power to sustain the dissemination of the virtues’ of the created artefact(s). We then explain how generative ideas combine with construction motives supported by an instructive environment that will facilitate and sustain the co-creation process. Finally we will explain how technology can be identified, modified for uptake and diffusion for creating future markets

Design-Reality Gaps in Open Source Information Systems Development: An Action Research Study of Education and Healthcare Systems in Tanzania

The core concept of Free Open Source Software (FOSS) is that full access to software source code must be granted in order to give individuals the freedom to create, use and distribute software. It emphasises the logic of non-discrimination to create conditions for free action and thought. This makes FOSS to be reminiscent of the Ujamaa policy of Tanzania which argues for all members of the society to have equal rights and equal opportunities. This thesis presents a theoretical and empirical informed analysis of FOSS development in information systems (IS) using cases from the health and education sectors in Tanzania. It focuses on the interplay between the socio-technical conditions of IS in developing countries and the FOSS development approach. The research design was based on participatory action research. The objectives were to illuminate the design-reality gaps in FOSS development in the context of developing countries. Three archetypal situations that exacerbate the reality of FOSS implementation in developing countries were identified as developer – sponsor, global developer – local developer, and local developer – local user gaps. The thesis recommends that, implementing FOSS in IS requires substantial investment on localising the software, training users, and developing support networks. The advantage of FOSS development in developing countries centres on the formation of sustainable collaborative networks through sharing of software and knowledge. These networks are important in helping a developing country to support the day to day customisation and managing of FOSS products. Based on the findings of this study, an alternative conceptualisation of FOSS development which emphasises co-located project organisations as a coping strategy to meet the challenges of social-technical influences is advisable. This is a different approach from working on virtual teams as the literature presents the development and organisation approaches of FOSS

An examination of the relationships between the transfer of information and communications technologies and capacity building towards sustainable development of small and medium enterprises : a focus on Rwanda and Tanzania

In the modern era, it is widely acknowledged that information and communication technologies have become foundational to every aspect of human endeavor and well-being. The policies of private and public sector organizations, and more so of governments of sovereign states, emphasize the deployment and utilization of information and communication technologies in virtually all forms of business activities. Comparatively, there is consensus that economic and social development of countries can be highly dependent on small and medium enterprises. A broader question arises as to how information and communication technologies can be combined with small and medium enterprises to accelerate sustainable development, especially in nations classified as least developing countries. This research provides some empirical evidence on the extent of the triangular correlation between the transfer of information and communication technologies, capacity building of small and medium enterprises for sustainable development in the least developed country context. The study provides useful insights for policy making with regards to leveraging small and medium enterprises plus information and communication technologies towards stimulating and accelerating sustainable development of least developed countries.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2016.Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM)PhDUnrestricte

The functionality grid as paradigm for management of technology

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2011.Technology is a critical component in modern society. Management of Technology (MOT) should be a major focus of management studies. At present the status of MOT is much less than it should be. Part of the reason is that there is little consensus about the body of knowledge for MOT. This can be traced down to as far as an inadequate consensus about the very nature of technology itself. There is a need for a simple and elegant conceptual foundation. There is a need for an accepted paradigm to govern MOT. The paradigm discourse initiated by Thomas Kuhn allows for a comprehensive frame of reference about theory contestation and about the attributes required from a contesting theory to achieve the ultimate status of a paradigm. In order to help create a coherent and streamlined conceptual foundation for MOT, this research evaluates the functionality grid as a paradigm. To realise this goal, this study first assesses the functionality grid’s compliance with the theoretical requirements of a paradigm, and secondly its compliance with the empirical requirements of a paradigm. The theoretical test uses a newly created format, the paradigm template, to establish the necessary criteria. The functionality grid is then subjected to a critical review using the said criteria. It is found that it meets the requirements of a valid paradigm. For measurement of empirical requirements, Kuhn’s own criteria are used. This second part of the study involves three practical exercises to examine the practical descriptive power of the functionality grid, and its ability to help first with the formation of a technology attuned mindset of participants, second with the improvement in technological knowledge and third with an increase in the technological literacy of participants. The outcomes of these tests are positive as well. The dissertation concludes that the functionality grid would be a viable paradigm to serve as a guide for the further development of MOT. The functionality grid becomes confirmed as a paradigm for MOT, because it contains all the attributes to serve as a coherent and streamlined conceptual structure for this discipline. Given this outcome, it is recommended that more effort be invested to understand, promote and popularise the functionality grid; and the various analytical frameworks derived from it. It is recommended that it becomes an explicit part of the book of knowledge for MOT and that it constitutes the basis for an educational curriculum to be shared by every MOT professional and student

What are the barriers and benefits in developing and transferring new cottage industry papermaking technology using Westerlund’s Five Phases of Appropriate Technology Transfer Model.

What are the barriers and benefits in developing and transferring new cottage industry papermaking technology using Westerlund’s Five Phases of Appropriate Technology Transfer Model. The best available craft technology is developed, in this case by the author, and a new model applied whereby innovative, appropriate, sustainable technology can be transferred to help under- developed countries. This model applies a ‘technical action research’ methodology to implement the new Westerlund’s Five Phase strategy for the transfer of technology to craft villages in developing countries. This generic new technology transfer model was tested with a controlled pilot plant for highest quality cottage craft technology of papermaking in a remote island village of Wainimakutu, Fiji, where English is a second-third language, by first redesigning and making specialised equipment, teaching the use of the equipment to skilled village artisans, value adding raw recycled paper into photocopy grade paper, then pioneering the production of traditional science based story books. This lifted the combined skill set from craft to a new genre of intensive cottage industry craft. Another pilot plant was trialled in an Australia Lifestyle village. The 5-phase model is based on a foundation and the following steps. First is the Foundation Phase of getting to know the existing village, their culture, the level of technology, management and craft skills. Phases 1 and 2 introduces safe easy small then bigger steps in hardware and software technology. These involve making some specialised newly co-designed hardware/equipment with the author/scientist/inventor and local industry and university help while trying to source and/or make the standard manufacturing components locally. Phase 3 builds on Phases 1 and 2 and enables more radical ‘leapfrog’ steps to advanced (western papermaking) technology to gain a competitive quality and or marketing edge (smooth 150 gsm paper). Phase 4 is the ‘vertical technology transfer’, where value adding takes place, enabling a higher quality raw standard product and a wider range of value added products to be made in the village and or local city. This involved several village, industry and university workshops over a few years of technology transfer. In this case from rough handmade paper (300gsm) into a finer, smooth sided 150 gsm quality paper suitable for printing and photocopiers. Cultural story books were also made. Phase 5 is the ‘horizontal technology transfer’ where the technology is carried over to the next village using their new skills in papermaking and with the ownership of the new improved intellectual property. In this case local NGO workshops were organised using the upskilled training staff from the pilot village. This project provides an initial trial and a solid basis for further research into a future Phase 6 on marketing eco-friendly and sustainable products from developing countries in a new world paradigm; and Phase 7 on new management systems. The study included two case study projects, one Fijian village verses one Australian Lifestyle village, which were evaluated from four main perspectives. Firstly, the first hand designing, making and testing of new improvements in papermaking equipment to make the best quality smooth hand made paper. Secondly, the implementation of the ‘technical action research’ was measured by the quality of the new craft paper produced for the printing industry. Several types of quality books were printed, bound and published as real examples, this included cultural stories from the village made into books for the school. Thirdly, a new modified point system survey was theoretically developed and applied to complement the five phases by rating the making of the equipment and transfer of craft (papermaking) skills; and the vertical and horizontal transfers. Fourthly, the United Nations guidelines were also modified and used to trial the evaluation with a maximum coefficient and rating system to generate optimum values of eco-friendly sustainable transfer of appropriate technologies. In summary, the developing country setting enabled a successful trial of the new best available design and testing of equipment and the new generic technology transfer model. They appreciated the advances in hardware and software technology and have upgraded their existing papermaking project to use most of the new technology. The village depend on this project as an employment cornerstone of their remote highland village. The retired tradesmen in the Australian lifestyle village helped the author codesign and test new advances in cottage industry craft papermaking technology and push the quality parameters to new levels, however the life-stylers were more interested in enjoying retiring than taking on a new hobby of papermaking. Some used the paper to complement their other craft activities

Investigation of Factors Affecting the Adoption of Information and Communication Technologies for Communication of Research Output in Research Institutions in Kenya

Using Rogers' (2003) and Hofstede's (2001) technology diffusion theories as lenses, this exploratory and interpretive study was an endeavour to contribute to the understanding of ICT-enabled research communication by and for scholars and researchers working in Kenya. The main purpose of the study was to identify factors affecting ICT-enabled research communication by researchers in research institutions in specific fields within the natural and applied sciences in Kenya, which are viewed as key result areas in socio-economic development. Qualitative techniques were used to collect and analyze the data and present the findings. The researcher sought to identify, understand and explain key factors affecting ICT-mediated scientific research communication with a view to coming up with an ICT-adoption framework that would assist the Kenyan research community in more effectively adopting ICT-enabled research dissemination practices. This in turn should support Kenya's national development goals and contribute to the existing knowledge base and serve as a useful reference point in research communication debates and policy deliberations. The findings revealed researchers' priority research communication need was reinforcement of capacity for strategic research through recognising and prioritising research communication in budgetary planning. Thus, the findings call for investment in scientific and technological research and its communication, which includes improving tools and infrastructure, especially ICT-enabled ones like Internet connectivity and other e-resources. The findings affirmed the literature and extant theories guiding the study but also revealed information unique to the Kenyan context. Among emerging factors affecting adoption of ICT for scientific research communication were socio-cultural factors such as appreciation and perception of ICT; attitude of the scientific research community; demographic issues such as age/level of qualification, gender, poverty and literacy levels; communication networks and traditional cultural values such as orature, communalism and education culture. There were also institutional factors which included issues to do with ICT governance such as political and institutional leadership and culture; institutional framework; policy and strategy and legal and regulatory framework; and control over mass media communication channels. Moreover, inadequate institutional capacity for ICT-mediated research communication, lack of demand for MIS for research and teaching, lack of recognition and motivation for researchers were found to hinder ICT-mediated research communication. Though ICT had the perceived attributes of relative advantages, compatibility, complexity, observability and reliability, there were relative disadvantages that discouraged adoption. These included the need for hard- & software and virus upgrades; its susceptibility to environmental factors; dependence on other infrastructures that may be unavailable or unreliable; and possibilities for information overload and plagiarism. Other factors affecting ICT adoption that emerged outside the preliminary model included the nature of discipline/type of data; personal/individual institution's initiative; telephone wire thefts and lack of ICT research. All these contextual perspectives informed the framework for adoption of ICT for scientific research communication by researchers and scholars in research institutions in Kenya