As the world moves at a faster and voluminous pace, the need to acquire technology and the skill to use it is increasing at the rate beyond those societies that are unable to remedy their inadequacies. The essence of bridging the digital divide therefore rests on the systematic application of ICT capacity building through eparticipation. The challenges and opportunities in achieving this, provides the impetus for this work.
INTEGRATION OF ICT WITH KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT TO FOSTER DIGITAL INNOVATION: TH...ijmpict
This paper explores how knowledge management (KM) through information and communication technologies (ICTs) can foster Internet-based digital innovation in the public sector in Bangladesh. A total of twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with relevant persons in four government organizations. Findings reveal that there are huge unexplored areas where ICT can be utilized for the creation, storage and dissemination of knowledge. By reducing time, cost & movement ICT-utilized KM can
promote ICT-led innovation. The main barrier of ICT-led KM initiatives is the lack of awareness of the government officials. This study is an extension of the previous findings. It contributes significantly to a better understanding of ICT’s integration with KM and innovation. It suggests that one of the core functions of ICT in the public offices is to manage knowledge. The paper offers some insights into how in a digital environment, knowledge can be innovatively managed in the public sector organizations.
Digital Inclusion: Best practices from eLearningeLearning Papers
Author: David Casacuberta Sevilla.
E-learning 4 E-inclusion (EL4EI) is an EU-funded project seeking to build a community for those with valuable expertise regarding the use of eLearning for digital inclusion. The project seeks to gather and catalogue relevant best practice cases and, ultimately, to compose an eLearning charter which will be a reference tool for professionals working towards social inclusion.
How is Information Literacy related to Social Competences in the WorkplacePierre Fastrez
Collard, A., De Smedt, T., Fastrez, P., Ligurgo, V., Philippette, T. (2016) How is Information Literacy related to Social Competences in the Workplace. Presented at ECIL 2016: 4th European Conference on Information Literacy. Prague (CZ), 10-13 October 2016
INTEGRATION OF ICT WITH KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT TO FOSTER DIGITAL INNOVATION: TH...ijmpict
This paper explores how knowledge management (KM) through information and communication technologies (ICTs) can foster Internet-based digital innovation in the public sector in Bangladesh. A total of twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with relevant persons in four government organizations. Findings reveal that there are huge unexplored areas where ICT can be utilized for the creation, storage and dissemination of knowledge. By reducing time, cost & movement ICT-utilized KM can
promote ICT-led innovation. The main barrier of ICT-led KM initiatives is the lack of awareness of the government officials. This study is an extension of the previous findings. It contributes significantly to a better understanding of ICT’s integration with KM and innovation. It suggests that one of the core functions of ICT in the public offices is to manage knowledge. The paper offers some insights into how in a digital environment, knowledge can be innovatively managed in the public sector organizations.
Digital Inclusion: Best practices from eLearningeLearning Papers
Author: David Casacuberta Sevilla.
E-learning 4 E-inclusion (EL4EI) is an EU-funded project seeking to build a community for those with valuable expertise regarding the use of eLearning for digital inclusion. The project seeks to gather and catalogue relevant best practice cases and, ultimately, to compose an eLearning charter which will be a reference tool for professionals working towards social inclusion.
How is Information Literacy related to Social Competences in the WorkplacePierre Fastrez
Collard, A., De Smedt, T., Fastrez, P., Ligurgo, V., Philippette, T. (2016) How is Information Literacy related to Social Competences in the Workplace. Presented at ECIL 2016: 4th European Conference on Information Literacy. Prague (CZ), 10-13 October 2016
What are the EU and member states doing to address digital literacy?eLearning Papers
Authors: Kerstin Junge, Kari Hadjivassiliou.
In 2006, EU member states set themselves an ambitious objective: to half the digital literacy gaps between ‘at risk groups’ and the average population by 2010. Having committed themselves to turning Europe into the most competitive knowledge-based economy in the world by the end of the decade, it became important to ensure that people were not going to be left behind and that employers have access to the skills driving the anticipated economic growth.
How to strengthen digital literacy? Practical example of a European initiativ...eLearning Papers
Authors: Michelle Veugelers, Petra Newrly.
Digital Literacy has become one of the main competences in the 21st century. Without being able to use digital media effectively and responsibly the chances on the global market are very low.
Appropriate ICT as a Tool to increase Effectiveness in ICT4D: Theoretical Con...Victor van R
The need to bridge the digital divide is no longer a point of discussion and therefore focus has shifted to the design and implementation of programs that have the potential to close the information and knowledge gap between the developing and developed nations. Unfortunately, the majority of these programs are small and mimic what has been successful in the developed world. It has become increasingly clear that these successes do not necessarily translate well in the context of developing nations. This paper develops the hypothesis that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects in developing countries will become successful only when they are adapted to local conditions. The general concept of Appropriate Technology (AT) will be explored for the field of ICT. AT has already been embraced by fields like architecture, building technology and agriculture, but has not yet been rooted in ICT.
The paper proposes a preliminary theory of Appropriate ICT along the lines of existing theories in AT and System development. The theory identifies Appropriate Technology principles at three levels: hardware, software and ICT change management. By means of real life mini cases in the ICT for Development context in Africa, the guiding principles for Appropriate ICT are illustrated. The paper will conclude with an agenda for further research in
the three identified levels. The research agenda targets academia, governments, NGO's and industry.
Definition of Knowledge Management
Forces Driving Knowledge Management Data, Information and Knowledge
Importance of Knowledge
Managing Knowledge
Organizational Learning
Through Knowledge Management
Design challenges for sustainable mobile community communication services for...abhigyan1107
This paper is based on findings of an ethnographic field research conducted at Sudarshan
Layout, an urban slum in Bangalore, India. The research investigated mobile
based community communication and it is grounded in theoretical framework of Community
Informatics. The paper discusses communicative ecology of Ambedkar Community
Computing Center (AC3) Members, a local community of Sudarshan Layout
and hence attempts to build a broad socio-discursive-technological context of local
community communication practices.
This paper opens a discussion on social context of design for sustainability. The paper
presents an approach for design research for sustainability for Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) initiatives targeting low-income user groups and
those belonging to marginalized section of society. Following the discussion the paper
presents design challenges for sustainable mobile community communication services
for residents of Indian urban slums.
DEFINING ICT IN A BOUNDARYLESS WORLD: THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WORKING HIERARCHYIJMIT JOURNAL
Subsequent to rapid information and communication technology development, the scope of the definition of
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT or ICTs) has been utilized within diverse contexts
including economic development, education, IT, business and personal usage. A review of academic
literature, trade publications and general information was undertaken to establish a hierarchy of
applications for the term ICT or ICTs.
Harnessing Collective Intelligence: Shifting Power To The EdgeMike Gotta
Socially-oriented systems create inter-connections across groups and communities that enable workers to leverage the collective intelligence of an organization. Sense-making tools and decision-making systems are more critical than ever before but need to be re-invented for a net-centric environment.
Including the Excluded Can ICTs empower poor communities? Towards an alternat...Soren Gigler
nder which conditions can information and communications technologies (ICTs) empower poor communities? This paper investigates this question, focusing on the role of information and communications technologies in promoting indigenous people's development in Latin America. First, the paper analyzes key factors under which information and knowledge can be instrumental and substantive for the empowerment of marginalized groups. Hereby, we argue that improved access to information and ICT skills, similar to the enhancement of a person's writing and reading skills, can enhance poor peoples' capabilities to make strategic life choices and to achieve the lifestyle they value. Furthermore, the paper develops an alternative evaluation framework for ICT interventions based on Sen's capability approach. This framework places, in contrast to the current discourse around the "digital divide", the human development of the poor and not technology at the center of the analysis. The paper concludes that there does not exist a direct and causal relationship between ICTs and empowerment, but that in fact this relationship is being shaped by a dynamic, multi-dimensional interrelationship between technology and the social context.
What are the EU and member states doing to address digital literacy?eLearning Papers
Authors: Kerstin Junge, Kari Hadjivassiliou.
In 2006, EU member states set themselves an ambitious objective: to half the digital literacy gaps between ‘at risk groups’ and the average population by 2010. Having committed themselves to turning Europe into the most competitive knowledge-based economy in the world by the end of the decade, it became important to ensure that people were not going to be left behind and that employers have access to the skills driving the anticipated economic growth.
How to strengthen digital literacy? Practical example of a European initiativ...eLearning Papers
Authors: Michelle Veugelers, Petra Newrly.
Digital Literacy has become one of the main competences in the 21st century. Without being able to use digital media effectively and responsibly the chances on the global market are very low.
Appropriate ICT as a Tool to increase Effectiveness in ICT4D: Theoretical Con...Victor van R
The need to bridge the digital divide is no longer a point of discussion and therefore focus has shifted to the design and implementation of programs that have the potential to close the information and knowledge gap between the developing and developed nations. Unfortunately, the majority of these programs are small and mimic what has been successful in the developed world. It has become increasingly clear that these successes do not necessarily translate well in the context of developing nations. This paper develops the hypothesis that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects in developing countries will become successful only when they are adapted to local conditions. The general concept of Appropriate Technology (AT) will be explored for the field of ICT. AT has already been embraced by fields like architecture, building technology and agriculture, but has not yet been rooted in ICT.
The paper proposes a preliminary theory of Appropriate ICT along the lines of existing theories in AT and System development. The theory identifies Appropriate Technology principles at three levels: hardware, software and ICT change management. By means of real life mini cases in the ICT for Development context in Africa, the guiding principles for Appropriate ICT are illustrated. The paper will conclude with an agenda for further research in
the three identified levels. The research agenda targets academia, governments, NGO's and industry.
Definition of Knowledge Management
Forces Driving Knowledge Management Data, Information and Knowledge
Importance of Knowledge
Managing Knowledge
Organizational Learning
Through Knowledge Management
Design challenges for sustainable mobile community communication services for...abhigyan1107
This paper is based on findings of an ethnographic field research conducted at Sudarshan
Layout, an urban slum in Bangalore, India. The research investigated mobile
based community communication and it is grounded in theoretical framework of Community
Informatics. The paper discusses communicative ecology of Ambedkar Community
Computing Center (AC3) Members, a local community of Sudarshan Layout
and hence attempts to build a broad socio-discursive-technological context of local
community communication practices.
This paper opens a discussion on social context of design for sustainability. The paper
presents an approach for design research for sustainability for Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) initiatives targeting low-income user groups and
those belonging to marginalized section of society. Following the discussion the paper
presents design challenges for sustainable mobile community communication services
for residents of Indian urban slums.
DEFINING ICT IN A BOUNDARYLESS WORLD: THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WORKING HIERARCHYIJMIT JOURNAL
Subsequent to rapid information and communication technology development, the scope of the definition of
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT or ICTs) has been utilized within diverse contexts
including economic development, education, IT, business and personal usage. A review of academic
literature, trade publications and general information was undertaken to establish a hierarchy of
applications for the term ICT or ICTs.
Harnessing Collective Intelligence: Shifting Power To The EdgeMike Gotta
Socially-oriented systems create inter-connections across groups and communities that enable workers to leverage the collective intelligence of an organization. Sense-making tools and decision-making systems are more critical than ever before but need to be re-invented for a net-centric environment.
Including the Excluded Can ICTs empower poor communities? Towards an alternat...Soren Gigler
nder which conditions can information and communications technologies (ICTs) empower poor communities? This paper investigates this question, focusing on the role of information and communications technologies in promoting indigenous people's development in Latin America. First, the paper analyzes key factors under which information and knowledge can be instrumental and substantive for the empowerment of marginalized groups. Hereby, we argue that improved access to information and ICT skills, similar to the enhancement of a person's writing and reading skills, can enhance poor peoples' capabilities to make strategic life choices and to achieve the lifestyle they value. Furthermore, the paper develops an alternative evaluation framework for ICT interventions based on Sen's capability approach. This framework places, in contrast to the current discourse around the "digital divide", the human development of the poor and not technology at the center of the analysis. The paper concludes that there does not exist a direct and causal relationship between ICTs and empowerment, but that in fact this relationship is being shaped by a dynamic, multi-dimensional interrelationship between technology and the social context.
Simulation training in medicine and technology managementMCH-org-ua
Presentation by the Ukrainian-Swiss Mother and Child Health Programme at 2nd Regional Health Technology Management Worskhop (April 10-11, 2014, Chisinau, Moldova)
SIMUL8 Healthcare: Cross-boundary, Cross-sector – using simulationSIMUL8 Corporation
From a recent presentation to the Cumberland Initiative. SIMUL8 Healthcare's Executive Director of Health and Social Care Claire Cordeaux discusses how simulation can be used to model integrated care to support people outside hospital. Simulation allows us to understand the impact of changing service utilization on; flow, cost and capacity / resource.
Claire also presents case studies on how simulation was used in Hepatitis C screening to prevent liver disease, and to identify and manage patients with multiple conditions as part of the Year of Long Term Conditions Year of Care.
Towards a sustainable e-Participation implementation model ePractice.eu
Author: M. Sirajul Islam.
This paper proposes a framework for an effective e-Participation model that can be suitable under certain socio-economic settings and applicable to any country. Most of such previous initiatives were experimental in nature and lacked in both public awareness and clearly defined expected outcomes.
E-Governance in Africa From Theory to Action a Handbook on icts for Local Gov...Angelika B.
Electronic governance or e-governance is the application of information technology for delivering government services, exchange of information, communication transactions, integration of various stand-alone systems between government to citizen (G2C), government-to-business (G2B), government-to-government (G2G), government-to-employees (G2E) as well as back-office processes and interactions within the entire governance framework.[1] Through e-governance, government services are made available to citizens through IT. The three main target groups that can be distinguished in governance concepts are government, citizens, and businesses/interest groups. Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between e-governance and e-government. E-government refers to the use of the ICTs in public administration which, when combined with organizational change and new skills, are intended to improve public services and democratic processes and to strengthen support to the public. However, e-government has no provision for governance of ICTs. The governance of ICTs typically requires a substantial increase in regulation and policy-making capabilities, as well as additional expertise and opinion-shaping processes among various social stakeholders. The perspective of e-governance is "the use of the technologies that both help to govern and have to be governed".[2] The central goal of e-governance is to reach the beneficiary and to ensure that their service needs are met. Ideally, the government will automatically recognize the importance of achieving this goal in order to maximize its efficiency.
Final survey report on multistakeholder concept and its practice by shreedeep...Shreedeep Rayamajhi
It's a survey report about the current practice of Multistakeholder practice in developing nation in internet ecosystem. This reports highlights the challenges and problems of multistakeholder practice and highlights the various indicators that directly affects the process.
The Global Knowledge Center Network (GKCN) with The Global University System ...Ed Dodds
Acknowledgements: The author’s sincere gratitude goes to extraordinary cooperation and help for
our projects given by Dr. Hans Rudolf Herren of Millennium Institute, Profs. Victor Lawrence and Ali Mostashari of Stevens Institute of Technology, Dr. Greg Cole of the University of Tennessee, Mr. Francisco Bozzano-Barnes, Mr. Daniel P. Molina and many others.
Takeshi Utsumi, Ph.D., P.E.
Chairman, GLObal Systems Analysis and Simulation Association
in the U.S.A. (GLOSAS/USA)
43-23 Colden Street, #9L, Flushing, NY 11355-5913
Tel: 718-939-0928, Cel: 646-589-1730
takutsumi0@gmail.com, http://www.friends-partners.org/GLOSAS/
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Secretariat, Emerging GLOBAL UNIVERSITY SYSTEM (GUS) CONSORTIUM
Chairman: Takeshi Utsumi, Ph.D.; Vice Chairman: Louis Padulo, Ph.D.;
Board Members: David Johnson, Ph.D., Peter Knight, Ph.D., Joseph Pelton, Ph.D., Tapio Varis, Ph.D.; Treasurer: Hisae Utsumi
A ceLTIc project webinar. The ceLTIc project shows how to enable LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) connectors to build a flexible infrastructure.This session will discuss how the JISC-funded ceLTIc:sharing project is evaluating the use of LTI to provide a shared service for institutions interested in evaluating WebPA. It will include a demonstration of linking to the tool from Blackboard Learn 9 and Moodle, as well as how the outcomes service along with the unofficial memberships and setting extensions are being used to enhance this integration in a VLE-independent way.
Jisc conference 2012
Pre igf13 Collaborative Leadership Exchange Bali Workshop-Meeting Design+Mode...Ruud Janssen, DES, CMM
Background:
Capacity Building has become one of the essential requirements in order to foster meaningful participation in Internet Governance processes. The multistakeholder model for Internet development means that all relevant stakeholders - including governments, the private sector, civil society, and the academic and technical communities - have respective roles to play in shaping key Internet governance issues, such as access, privacy, security and many others.
Performing such a role requires, however, a deep understanding of the multidimensional facets of Internet-related issues, often spanning across policy, technical, social and economic underpinnings. Fostering cross-disciplinary knowledge and cross-sector cooperation through capacity building is therefore paramount to ensure that the next generation of Internet leaders is empowered with the necessary tools to address future challenges, whether at the national, regional or international levels.
In the past few years, a wealth of capacity building and fellowship programs have emerged to address these new requirements, engaging individuals from all regions in capacity development and exposing them to key Internet Governance fora, including the Internet Governance Forum.
Objective:
The objective of the Collaboration Leadership Exchange on Capacity Building is to bring together the staff and participants in the different sponsored programmes to the IGF to network, build relationships, exchange ideas, discuss key local / regional issues on Capacity Building and IG, and explore applicable solutions.
It is envisioned that this one-day session will contribute to building and fostering capacity building communities, and create a multiplier effect on the Capacity Building track throughout the IGF week, and beyond. All IGF participants interested in this topic will be welcome to attend.
The Collaborative Leadership Exchange will take the format of an unconference, with equal parts of peer-to-peer style learning and engagement, networking and relationship building, interactive discussions and promotion of increased collaboration between capacity building programmes in the Internet ecosystem (DiploFoundation, Freedom House, ISOC, IFLA, dotASIA, SSIG, APC, etc.).
Once the event has started, activities are determined and led by the persons in attendance. Instead of passive listening, all attendees are encouraged to become active participants, with the moderator providing structure for attendees.
Preliminary activities are designed to stimulate debate.
Attendees pick themes for the fishbowl sessions and within the group.
Meeting Design by Ruud Janssen wwwTNOC.ch for #Internet Governance Forum 2013 Bali - Indonesia
Working Out Loud: A step towards building your digital capabilityAnne Bartlett-Bragg
An article that uncovers some of the underpinning perspectives for creating Working Out Loud activities and how these can be a step towards building digital capabilities.
This article originally appeared in Training & Development magazine February 2016 Vol 43 No 1, published by the Australian Institute of Training and Development.
Intro into origins and concept of multistakeholder approach to Internet governance; @Middle East and Adjoining Countries School on Internet Governance
2014-5-26, Kuwait
Unity in diversity is a conceptual formula for showing unity without uniformity along with diversity without fragmentation.
It is used to explain the harmonious unison of a people coming from different religions, cultures or/and environment.
Nigeria was a product of British Colonial empire-building and the emergence of Nation-States.
Plateau State is a product of Nigeria’s nation-building, a sub-set of the former.
The success of Plateau State as a people will translate into the success of Nigeria as a nation.
Elements are abstract parts of any entity depicting its group dynamics. Group or Community elements are what we see in the nature of the people as they relate to their environment .
The Plateau Elements are the qualities that make ‘Plateau the Beautiful’.
Addiction is being abnormally tolerant or strongly dependent to something. A Psychological, Physical or/and Physiological Condition. It is Habit forming especially destructive
Drugs Addiction = Substance Use Disorder
NATIONALINTEREST AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGYTANKO AHMED fwc
National policies, strategies and programmes are grounded on national interests tied to social, political, economic, and humanitarian processes.
We seek to understand ‘national interest’ in general, in specific relationship with ‘national security’
Issues or elements and events in national interest and national security are reflected in a nation’s security strategy
CONCEPTS, THEORIES AND METHODS IN THE POLITICS OF FRANCOPHONE AFRICA IN THE P...TANKO AHMED fwc
Concepts, theories, and methods project subjects of study beyond mere technical definitions.
They widen views, heighten propositions, and broaden approaches befitting scholastic practices.
The ‘Politics of Francophone Africa’ comprises of three flowing variables of ‘politics’, ‘francophone’ and ‘Africa’
This lecture discusses how to create and use concepts, theories and methods for the course theme.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND TO POLITCS OF FRANCOPHONE AFRICATANKO AHMED fwc
Modern African political structures and processes were greatly influenced by the continent’s colonial past.
The two major colonial powers in Africa were Britain and France.
The French are known for stringent policies of controlling their colonies and subjects.
POLITICS OF FRANCOPHONE AFRICA: GENERAL INTRODUCTION TANKO AHMED fwc
The modern world is divided into spheres of influence with historical origins from the era of building empires to the age of creating nation-states.
This processed featured the socio-cultural expansion to outreached colonialism by super-powers across the world.
Among the European colonial ‘masters’ is France from which the syntagmatic ‘francophone’ originates.
Policing has completed its natural cycle, originating from a community function to a global network, and now back to base as community or universal policing.
The common phrase of ‘Dan’sanda Abokin Kowa’ (police the friend for all) has transformed into the new ‘Dan’sanda Na Kowa’ (policing for all by all).
The process of policing is intrinsically tied to the primary activities of the People.
The Police are the closest government agents to the community level.
Strategic plans involve the setting of vision, mission, goals and objectives, guided by core values of the organisations.
“… strategic planning should be more about collective wisdom building than top-down or bottom-up planning.”
Aimed at setting priorities, focusing energy and resources, strengthening operations, co-opting and galvanising both internal and external stakeholders in attainment of set goals.
Strategic planning is different from the ordinary ad-hoc planning in which few disconnected projects are identified from time to time for implementation (Imobighe, 2014:2) .
It is integral with a comprehensive vision, in which all the vital elements of its resources including human and material, are effectively engaged towards the promotion of the goals and aspirations of the organisation.
The lack of strategic planning is ruinous to the vision, mission, and values of whatever an organization stands for.
In the highly competitive environment, the Nigerian auto-industry, strategic planning is a ‘do or perish’ process without which survival is very difficult in the face of fierce competition and available ‘alternatives’.
POLICY AND STRATEGY FOR PATRIOTISM, INSTITUTIONS, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF...TANKO AHMED fwc
This work is a child of circumstances originating from the NIPSS stock where individual projects of participants are not only topical but also focused on problem-solving.
SECURITY AND STRATEGIC STUDIES COURSE RECAP ON SSS.pptxTANKO AHMED fwc
The field of security and strategic studies (SSS) is a critical component of political science and international relations in national policies and strategies. SSS serves as a tool for understanding and application of ideas and doctrines in political and social sciences. It is closely associated with national security in nation-building, national development, and the management of national affairs.
THINKING SKILLS FOR GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS.pptxTANKO AHMED fwc
*Social Thinking or Thinking Socially is Perspective Thinking or Consideration for Others.
*Economic Thinking or Thinking Economically is Opportunity Cost Thinking or Providing Choices
*Political Thinking or Thinking Politically is about Power-sharing in Decision-and-Action.
*A Unified or Systems Thinking involves Unity of purpose and consideration for others in making decisions and taking actions.
The challenge of entrepreneurship for individual actualization and group participation in wealth creation, nation-building, and national development is enormous. Members of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) are unique with knowledge, skill, experience, patriotism, and zeal for business and industry. The AANDEC Consult strives to actualize the AANDEC resolve for '… constructive engagement …' with the larger society.
The challenge of entrepreneurship for individual actualization and group participation in wealth creation, nation-building, and national development is enormous. Members of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) are unique with knowledge, skill, experience, patriotism, and zeal for business and industry. The AANDEC Consult strives to actualize the AANDEC resolve for '… constructive engagement …' with the larger society.
A PhD External/Oral Defence/Viva
Submitted to the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of PhD in Defence and Strategic Studies.
EFFECTS OF FLOODING ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: The Case of Jigawa State,...TANKO AHMED fwc
Seen optimistically, flooding could be more of a blessing than a curse especially when it occurs predictably in an area dearth of water resources. This paper describes flooding in its basics, discusses its causes and effects on the socio-economic development of Jigawa State and its people. The paper notes the devastating effects of flood in Jigawa State but also considers what it could have been if it was well-managed. It is assumed that the same flooding would also bring opportunities for socio-economic development against the destruction and miseries. It presupposed that if existing agencies, policies, strategies, and the commitment of the people and governments at all levels are reckoned with, the present equation would be different.
DEVELOPING A PEOPLE’S SECURITY ECOSYSTEM IN A CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENTTANKO AHMED fwc
The paper deploys an analogical approach to the complex topic of developing a people’s security ecosystem centrifugal to the existing national security architecture within a challenging environment. It conceptulises people’s security ecosystem as an adhocratic enhancement to the bureaucratic nature of national security architecture as aspects of national security management and describes the environmental impediments to its development. The paper deploys a system approach in the management process of getting things done by use of resources with the people as core. It views the existing national security architecture as a closed, self-constraint, over-regulated, isolated, restrained, and too bureaucratic against the people’s security ecosystem which is open, extended, flexible, participatory, and adhocratic as it interacts with the environment. The paper argues that the Nigerian security environment is self-afflicted with defective organisational capability, weak interagency synergy, absence of effective communication strategy, and prolonged breakdown in national value re-orientation. The paper attributes the deeply rooted divisive tendencies as precursory to a national psyche in which issues are seen in terms of tribal, ethnic, religious, sectional, and endless highly opinioned dysfunctional conflicts. It establishes the way forward to include the expansion of existing bureaucratic national security architecture to an adhocratic people’s security ecosystem for effective security service delivery. The paper strongly recommends the mass mobilisation of the citizenry, re-organisation of communities, and encouragement of security service entrepreneurship as key approaches to developing a people’s security ecosystem in a challenging environment. Some key suggested implementation strategies range from otherwise neglected civic duties to compulsory community and security service for all able Nigerians.
REMODELING THE POLICE AND POLICING IN NIGERIA: Challenges and Prospects for t...TANKO AHMED fwc
Recent developments including the current community policing programme, the new Police Act, the EndSARS protests, and a supportive Police Trust Fund provide the catalyst for remodeling the Police and policing in Nigeria. This presentation addresses the process of modeling the ideal police officer with particular attention to the challenges and prospects for the Nigeria Police Academy cadet-graduates. The paper discusses the meaning and philosophy of police and policing, and reflects on the work environment within which they operate. It argues that police officers are often on their own in thinking out strategies, planning operations, or calculating tactics. The paper employs the social learning theory to capture the mission, vision, and philosophy of the Academy in producing the ideal police officer for Nigeria. The trendy figurative phrase of ‘the thin blue line’ policing documentary movie is deployed to depict the complex challenges and prospects for the police in society. The paper projects the Police as the force holding back chaos to allow for order and civilisation to thrive; at the same time striving to practice good policing within its enclave. It describes command and leadership acquired by the POLAC cadet-graduates as a necessary tool for wading through the dysfunctional work environment hindering the police and policing in Nigeria. A simulation exercise is specially designed for the POLAC graduating Cadets on how to form a networking platform as preparation for facing the challenges and prospects of a technology-driven world. The presentation summaries key observations for a conclusion, with recommendations and implementation strategies on the way forward.
A Strategic Approach: GenAI in EducationPeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
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This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
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This will be used as part of your Personal Professional Portfolio once graded.
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Prepare a presentation or a paper using research, basic comparative analysis, data organization and application of economic information. You will make an informed assessment of an economic climate outside of the United States to accomplish an entertainment industry objective.
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativePeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
ePARTICIPATION CRISIS SIMULATION EXERCISE: BRIDGING THE DIGITAL GAP
1. ePARTICIPATION IN NIPSS CRISIS GAME
SIMULATION EXERCISE: BRIDGING THE DIGITAL
DIVIDE
BY
TANKO AHMED fwc
Snr Fellow (Security & Strategic Studies)
Research Directorate, NIPSS, Kuru
2. A Prologue
• The digital divide remains formidable in scaling ICT-enabled opportunities for effective
leadership and development in countries lagging behind.
• In a country like Nigeria, leadership and development challenges often hinge on the lack
of effective co-ordination beneficial of eParticipation.
• This paper discusses the application and practice of eParticipation in simulation
exercise for leadership training in Nigeria.
• The Crisis Game, a simulation exercise, of Nigeria’s National Institute for Policy and
Strategic Studies (NIPSS) provides a case study with the theme of political zoning set in
2011.
• Three major theories of structuration, institutional and actor-network are used to
ascertain the significance of eParticipation in bridging the digital divide.
• Its findings include low level and inadequate utilization of ICT devices and processes for
eparticipation at the highest level of leadership training in Nigeria.
• The paper recommends stronger institutionalization of ICT support; public
enlightenment; collaborative research on eparticipation; and legislation for enhancing
eparticipation capability in bridging global digital divide.
3. INTRODUCTION
‘… behind every technology is
somebody who is using it and
this somebody is a society …’
- Ernesto Che Guevara de La Serna
(1963)
4. Background
• The practice of eParticipation provides an avenue for
adaptation, application and utilization of ICT, as sub-set of
eGovernance, in the realm of eDemocracy.
• This arrangement depicts the need for bridging existing
digital gap within and across countries in global context.
• A revolutionary call for acquisition and application of
technology for societal building and development came
from Ernesto Che Guevara de La Serna (1963):
‘… every technology should be used to the benefit of the greatest
number of people so that we can build the society of the future, no
matter what name it may be called.’ - Guevara (1963)
5. Literature Flow
• Literature on eParticipation tends to flow in multi-access stream, allowing
for group contribution and utilization, mostly intensified by international
fora.
• A case in view is the Third International Federation for Information
Processing held in The Netherlands at Delft, August/September 2011, with
proceedings well circulated across the globe at all levels.
• Lee and Kim (2013) recognized that growing body of literature make
emphasis on eparticipation as means of facilitating greater citizen
participation.
• The eGovPoliNet, The Policy Community, aims at building a global
multidisciplinary digital government and policy research and practice
(eGovPoliNet, 2014).
• This work contributes to a project by the eGovPoliNet on ICT-based or digital
solution for governance and policy by bringing to light the need to bridge the
gap in local to global digital divide – as well as filling a literature gap.
6. Problem Statement
Nigeria is a developing country, diverse and divided, where
challenges in governance and overall democratic practices often
hinge on effective co-ordination.
Imobighe (1988, p. 4) opined that Nigerian leaders are not
adequately conversant with techniques of effective co-ordination.
This situation can be improved by application of ‘eParticipation’
principles and practice, particularly in leadership training for policy
makers.
This paper discusses the application of eParticipation principles and
practice in ‘simulation exercise’ for ‘leadership training’.
The Crisis game, a simulation exercise, of Nigeria’s National Institute
for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) is dealt as a case study on
eParticipation, with the theme of ‘political zoning’.
7. Aims & Objectives
The paper focuses on the use of innovative instruments and
technologies as solution to policy problems through
eparticipation as contribution to bridging the digital divide. Its
points of inquiry include:
What are the concepts and relationships of digital divide,
eparticipation, simulation exercise, crisis game, leadership
training and political zoning?
How eparticipation is applicable to simulation exercises?
To what extent eparticipation in leadership training can
contribute to bridging the digital divide?
What recommendations can be proffered in promoting
eparticipation for eGovernance in the realm of eDemocracy in
Nigeria?
8. Significance of the Paper
• The significance of this chapter is on the need to bridge the digital
divide, from personal to local, national and global eparticipation,
as a subset of egovernment in the realm of edemocracy.
• Its findings and recommendations would serve to improve much
needed leadership skills for national development in Nigeria.
• It will also open grounds for scholarly and professional dialogue,
understanding, and further research on the way forward in the
field of eparticipation.
• It is hoped that the digital divide will close ranks from its lowest
to the highest across the world, in a ‘glocal’ (and ‘locabal’)context.
10. Major Theories of eParticipation
• Major theories associated with application of eParticipation in
activities of capacity building include the structuration,
institutional and actor-network.
• These theories address how ways of doing things affect the way
such things are done.
• Islam (2008) suggests a framework for an effective eParticipation
model applicable to any country targeting some essential common
elements for universal applicability.
• This is based on some theories and lessons learned from e-
participation practices in both developing and developed
countries in the digital divide architecture.
• The triad of structuration, institutional and actor-network are
explained and constructed into a thrust in the following passages.
11. Structuration Theory
• Structural Theory suggests that human activity and
larger structure relate with each in such a way that
structures are produced or altered by new ways
and means (Gauntlett, 2002).
• The local to global structure of the digital divide is
a construct which can be produced or altered by
applied principles of eParticipation, especially
associated with institutional practices.
• This is expressed in the earlier United Nations’
World Summits on Information Society sited
above.
12. Institutional Theory
• Institutional theory asserts that institutional
environment influence the development of
formal structures by diffusion of innovative
structures http://faculty.babson.edu.
• Captured in the process of leadership training
module, the tenets of this theory combine to
impart eparticipation to beneficiaries as they
engage in an interactive actor-network activities
or exercise.
13. Actor-Network Theory
• Actor-network theory treats individual objects
as part of larger structure, mapping relations
between things and meanings, in a network of
relations (Latour, 1987, 1999 & 2005; Law and
Hassard, 2005).
• A situation of simulated exercise exposes
participants to a network of relations
consolidating bottom-up connectivity capable
of bridging gaps in the global digital divide
architecture.
14. Theoretical Framework
• The above framework yields to the propositions that
complex situations may appear simpler than expected
based on a construct view of the observer (Schidhunder,
1997; Charter, 1999; Chater & Vitany, 2003; and Dessalles,
2010).
• In this wise, the interlock of the structuration, institutional
and actor-network theories would generate principles and
practice as common denominators.
• This construct in turn serves as a theoretical framework as
presented in Figure 1.
16. ‘3 Theory’ Construct (cont’d)
This proposition is used to test and apply
the hypothesis that eparticipation can
bridge the digital divide.
The interplay of these major theories
attempts to validate this assumption in
the case of eparticipation application to
simulation exercise in leadership
training in Nigeria.
17. A Hypothesis
Seen from the above theoretical prospect,
the interlocking theories tend to generate
principles and practices for application of
eParticipation.
Thus, this paper hypothesizes that:
eparticipation application to simulation
exercise for leadership training enhances
the bridging of digital divide.
19. A Modal Mix
The paper operates in a
mixture of theoretical,
methodological, empirical and
analytic modes.
20. CONCEPTUAL DISCOURSE
Key Terms:
Digital Divide
eParticipation
Simulation Exercise
Crisis Game
Leadership Training
Political Zoning
21. Digital Divide
• Digital divide denotes the inequality of access to ICT or
difference in opportunities available to people who have
access and those who do not.
• The term applies more to inequalities between individuals,
households, businesses and geographical areas at different
socio-economic and other demographic scale categories
(Norris, 2001; Patricia, 2003; and US-NTIA, 2004).
• Global Digital Divide however, applies at the scale of nations
as units of analysis, referring to gap between developing
and developed countries (Chinn & Fairlie, 2004).
22. eParticipation
• The letter ‘e’ signifies ‘electronic’, relating to computer
application, use, access or practice. Participation refers
to the act of taking part in joint activities for the
purpose of reaching a common goal.
• eParticipation involves the adaptation, application and
utilization of modern ICT equipment, practices or
processes in activities.
• The term is generally defined as ‘ICT-supported
participation in processes involve in government and
governance (Avdic et al, 2007), including
administration, service delivery, decision making and
policy making.
23. Simulation Exercise
• Simulation exercise is a training exercise in which participants
perform same or all of the actions they would take in the event of
plan activation http://securemediastorage.co.uk/glossary .
• Trends in training and education are replacing formal and
extensive theoretical development with simulation exercises that
develop ideas based on practical real world situation (Biehler,
1985; Gordon and Gordon, 1992; Hogg, 1992; and Moore, 1992).
• In some instances, entire course modules are zeroed into
simulation exercises for more practical benefits (Lipson, 1997).
• This is demonstrated in the NIPSS SEC module in which the Crisis
Game simulation exercise is introduced to inculcate leadership
skills to its participants (Imobighe, 1988 p. 4).
24. Crisis Game
• Crisis games are aspects of crisis management training in which
participants deal or work through simulated crises to learn how
to solve or cope with problems as they arise.
• The purpose of Crisis Game at NIPSS is to simulate a crisis
situation in order to equip Participants of the Senior Executive
Course with skills to manage and resolve real life crises.
• It is a decision making tool designed for use by policy makers
whose decisions usually have far reaching effects on the polity.
• The convener of the NIPSS Programme, Imobighe (1988)
elucidated that ‘crisis game is to strategic studies what clinical
work is to the study of medicine’ (p. 5).
25. Crisis Game (cont’d)
• Crisis Games, as simulation exercises, are conducted for
purpose of governance and policy modelling with local-to-
global implications.
• An example is the Unified Quest simulations conducted by
the United State Army War College with participants
ranging from military officers to professors.
• Gardner (2008) reported a fictitious Nigerian scenario set
in 2013 depicting a near collapse of government as rival
factions vie for power.
• This was not irrelevant to the theme of ‘political zoning’
adopted for the NIPSS Crisis Game 2011.
26. Political Zoning
• The word political concerns balance in power relationship especially
in a group, organization or country; and zoning refers to the principle
of using sub-sections of particular area, like a country, for purposes
of rational or rotational benefits.
• Political Zoning embraces allotment, ration, rotation, or sharing of
offices or positions among contending interests within or among
groupings like political parties and institutions of governance.
• In Nigeria, zoning carries an extensive usage from the inception of the
country to the present six geo-political zones structure on which the
current debate on zoning is staged.
• The issue of zoning is critical in the general schemes and activities of
governance in Nigeria, and a delicate subject, not easy to contain –
thus fit for NIPSS Crisis Game.
27. Leadership Training
Leadership training or leadership development
refers to any activity that enhances the quality of
leadership within an individual or organization
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadership_training
.
Leadership development is defined as an
intentional effort to provide leaders and emerging
leaders with opportunities to learn, grow and
change, with skills to function effectively
www.hillconsultinggroup.org
28. Leadership Training at NIPSS
• Within the NIPSS Senior Executive Course is the Crisis Game
described as ‘crisis game simulation’ and considered as the
‘crowning event’ of the programme (Imobighe, 1988).
• In the same vein, Imobighe (1988) assessed Nigerian crops
of leaders and pronounced that:
‘… it has not been evident that the country’s leaders are
adequately conversant with the techniques of crisis
management. In most case, they have relied on chance;
and hardly were their responses based on any thorough
and systematic appreciation of the mechanics for
handling the relevant events’ (Pp. 3-4)
30. Digital Opportunity Index
• The Digital Opportunity Index (DOI) operates on an e-index based
on internationally accepted ICT indicators.
• The DOI is a standard tool for assessment of ICT performance
within and across countries. These indicators are clustered into
three main headings of opportunity, infrastructure and utilization
applicable to the principles and application of eparticipation.
• For example, simulation exercises are administered on selected
themes in scenarios activated by subjects, attributes, means,
intensity and purpose for which they are staged.
• The exercises are designed to simulate state-of-play environment
with briefs, timeframe, roles, locations, tempo and equipment
similar to those encountered in real life.
31. Features of eParticipation Application
• Individual or institutional participants, as subjects of
simulation exercise, include persons or agencies charged
with responsibilities for decision and policy making and
implementation.
• They bring forth the attributes of group dynamics in
governance; utilization of the means through available
equipment and skills; face the intensity of interactivity; and
purpose of justified actions.
• The application of eparticipation to simulation exercise
involves the use of modern ICT equipment, principles,
practices and processes as tools.
32. Tools of eParticipation in Simulation
Exercise
• Simulation exercises are supported with tools ranging from
ordinary electronic gadgets like television sets, radio
equipment, recorders, cameras and other audio visual aids
to higher and more sophisticated computer-based
applications.
• They include networking, Internet and systems like the Web
2.0., which allows users to interact and collaborate with
each other in a social media dialogue in real time
http://scholar.googleusercontent.com.
• DiNucci (1999, Pp. 221-222) described this methodology as
‘the ether (or space) through which interactivity happens’.
33. Examples of eParticipation
Applications
• These tools of eparticipation provide the architecture for
real-time simulation exercises.
• An example is the European Union’s ‘Seventh Framework
Programme (FP7) or ICT Challenge 7 in support of
governance and policy modelling http://cordis.europa.eu .
• Other examples include simulation exercises like the US
Army War College ‘Unified Quested’ earlier cited, which
employ the use of tools and processes similar to
requirements for the Crisis Simulation Games of leadership
training module at NIPSS.
34. LEADERSHIP TRAINING AT THE
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR
POLICY AND STRATEGIC
STUDIES (NIPSS), KURU -
NIGERIA
35. The NIPSS
• The NIPSS is the premier leadership training institution in
Nigeria with dual mandate of policy research and training of
senior executives.
• The emergence of NIPSS as a government ‘think tank’ was
associated with the need to coordinate the ever-increasing
complexity in government activities (Eleazu, 1978 p.5-7).
• Participants going to NIPSS include professionals at the
apex of their various careers spread across public and
private sector.
• The participants were subjected to rigours of leadership
training module on strategic studies, policy analysis, public
administration, fieldwork and crowned with a Crisis
Simulation Game.
36. NIPSS Crisis Game
• The NIPSS Crisis Simulation Game is conducted by an expert
as Convener and assisted by a Planning and Monitoring
Committee supported by a logistics secretariat.
• The game is not a drama, so no script is necessary, but
players are briefed on a theme, rules, roles and units’
allocation and scenario.
• Participants are encouraged to show commitment and
dedication in making the event as real as possible.
• To accomplish all these, both organizers and players are
encouraged to employ equipment, particularly electronic
gadgets for enhancement of performance.
37. NIPSS Crisis Game (cont’d…)
• At its initial stages, the NIPSS Crisis Game was supported
with primary electronics like microphones, cameras,
television sets, recorders, video players and public address
systems.
• The trend in electronic advancement and easier access to
services and processes brought in new equipment like
mobile or smart phones, computers platforms, social media
and the internet capable of enhancing eparticipation.
• An assessment of the NIPSS Crisis Game 2011 on application
of principles and practice of eparticipation would
determine its level on the global digital divide architecture
and the way to bridge it.
38. An Assessment
• The global digital divide architecture portrays
developed countries with higher and more advanced
computer literacy than developing countries.
• Equipment and applications used in the NIPSS Crisis
Game are inferior to the more advanced Web 2.0
employed in similar exercises in developed Europe and
America.
• The US Army War College ‘Unified Quest’ game, for
example, employs the best, highest and most efficient
means for achieving desired effect (Gardner, 2008).
39. Assessment (cont’d…)
A Focused Group interview with the NIPSS ICT Unit the following facts were
revealed:
Course Participants and staff were excited with the roles, tempo and
process of the game, but lack computer skills;
The game could have been better if adequate equipment and
practices are provided;
No deliberate effort was made to provide higher equipment and
special skills for upgrading of the Crisis Game programme;
Those in charge of budgeting do not take computerization of the
institute very critical; and
The use of individual initiatives for use of smart phones, data mining
software, and new methods were not logically pursued.
40. Assessment (cont’d…)
These predicaments were compounded by low
computer literacy of 50% amongst both
Participants and staff of NIPSS, likened to a
Catch-22 impasse.
This outcome, emanating from the lower skills
of both the players and organizers, add up to
amplify the gap in digital divide from the
bottom level of the Institute to the highest
world standard level, which is still bridgeable.
41. Findings
Major findings associated with the above assessment indicate the manifestation
of the structuration, institutional and actor-network theories used in the work,
as follows:
A gap has been established as proof of global digital divide architecture and
the existence of a threshold, from which efforts on bridging can be
implemented. This proofs that structures are produced or altered by new
ways and means, concordance to the structuration theory;
The NIPSS staff and Course participants are willing and eager to improve
eparticipation in the Crisis Game process by diffusion of innovative structures
subject to environmental influence in the assumptions of institutional theory;
and
However, lost opportunities for bridging the digital divide were at the same
time incurred due to lack of initiative and willingness to change, on the side of
the Conveners of the NIPSS Crisis Game, exhibiting weaknesses in network of
relationships associated with the actor-network theory.
43. Summary
• This paper sets out to discuss the application of
eparticipation principles and practice to simulation
exercise in leadership training in Nigeria.
• It analyzed the NIPSS Crisis Game for leadership training in
Nigeria and outlined some challenges and opportunities.
• The paper employs three major theories of structuration,
institutional and actor-network to ascertain the significance
of eParticipation for leadership capacity building.
• Its findings include low level and inadequate utilization of
ICT equipment and processes for eparticipation at highest
level of leadership training in Nigeria.
44. Conclusion
• What appeared to be like a local ‘sink hole’ in loss of
opportunity for eparticipation application in the NIPSS
Crisis Simulation Game may be the nucleus of a ‘black hole’
in global context.
• The work concludes that the opportunities in
eparticipation, egovernment and edemocracy can expand e-
applications from local to global spheres.
• In these ways and means, the bridging of the gap in digital
divide, is feasible and will make the entire world a better
place.
• That is, the bridging of digital divide requires deliberate,
but systemic eparticipation at the lowest point for -
‘behind every technology is somebody who is using it and this
somebody is a society’.
45. Recommendations
eParticipation should be made accessible by global Centres of
activities in more developed countries, to enhance vertical and
horizontal coverage across the world;
Local efforts in eGovernance should be intensified by less developed
countries through basic and systematic eparticipation at individual,
local, national, regional and global levels;
Individual citizens, particularly government officials, should be
encouraged and provided with eparticipation skills for improved
performance and general betterment of society;
Domestication and enactment of legislations and conventions on
eParticipation, eGovernance and eDemocracy would enhance efforts
at local, national, regional and global levels; and
The UN, the African Union, the ECOWAS, and other global efforts like
the eGovPoliNet should continue to be involved in the promotion of
eparticipation at the grassroots.
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