Exploring the Effect of Web Based Communications on Organizations Service Qua...IOSR Journals
The paper aims to study the effect of web based communications on the service quality of organizations. Web based communications is used for a variety of reasons.The quality of a Web-based customer support system involves the information it supplies, the service it provides, andcharacteristics of the system itself; its effectiveness is reflected by the satisfaction of its users. This paper presents the results of astudy of quality and effectiveness in Web-based customer support systems. Data from a survey of 726 Internet users were used to test theoretically expected relationships. The results of this study indicate that information and system quality determine effectiveness while service quality has no impact. Practical implications for managers and designers are offered.The Internet is the latest in a long succession of communication technologies. The goal of this work is to draw lessons from the evolution of all these services. Little attention is paid to technology as such, since that has changed radically many times. Instead, the stress is on the steady growth in volume of communication, the evolution in the type of traffic sent, the qualitative change this growth produces in how people treat communication, and the evolution of pricing. The focus is on the user, and in particular on how quality and price differentiation have been used by service providers to influenceconsumer behavior, and how consumers have reacted.
Development informatic understanding mobile phone impact on livelihoods in ...Dr Lendy Spires
This document discusses a new research framework for understanding the impact of mobile phones on livelihoods in developing countries. It begins by analyzing how mobile phones can impact livelihood assets through asset substitution, enhancement, disembodiment, exchange, and combination. It then examines how processes of passive diffusion and active innovation can intermediate these assets. Finally, it proposes adapting the livelihoods framework to better incorporate information processes, capital types, intermediation structures, and outcomes when researching the relationship between mobile phone use and livelihood strategies in developing contexts.
R@D 3 - Mobile Phones as a Tool for Civil Resistance - Case Studies from Serb...DigiActive
This document summarizes interviews with civil activists in Serbia and Belarus about their use of mobile phones for resistance activities. In Serbia in 2000, mobile phones were a critical tactical tool for coordinating large protests against Milosevic. However, in Belarus in 2008, activists were more limited in mobile phone use due to increased government surveillance of communications. While mobile phones remain important, activists must take precautions like using coded language to avoid arrest. New technologies like Twitter and social media now provide alternatives to mobile communication that are harder for authoritarian governments to censor and control.
This document discusses barriers to adoption of mobile internet, particularly among digitally disadvantaged users. It summarizes previous research identifying factors like cost, lack of awareness, lack of knowhow, and perceived risk as influencing adoption decisions. It then describes a study surveying nearly 100 mobile internet users and non-users in Cape Town, South Africa, finding that being digitally disadvantaged significantly impacts adoption due to these factors. The study aims to understand how to more widely adopt mobile internet among digitally disadvantaged populations.
The document discusses technology and media. It defines technology as tools that help accomplish tasks and extend human abilities. Information technology refers to hardware and software tools used to store and share information. Media is defined as intermediaries that transport information to communicate on a large scale, such as newspapers, radio, television and the Internet. While technology and media have benefits like education and news access, they also have disadvantages like social isolation, job loss, and unsuitability of some content for children. The document emphasizes that technology is best used as a servant rather than a master to humanity.
The document discusses the rapid global diffusion of information and communication technologies (ICT), focusing on mobile phones in Africa. It notes the economic and social implications of widespread ICT adoption, arguing that governments must carefully consider the costs and benefits of spending on technologies and regulate their use. While ICTs improve connectivity, they can also be distracting or addictive if overused. The document concludes that policies are needed to ensure technologies primarily benefit people, not the other way around, and that precious resources are not wasted on devices or software that harm consumers.
The document discusses generation gaps in social media usage. It notes that the world's population over 65 is rising significantly and will account for 25% of the EU population by 2020. While new technologies can help older adults stay active, there are digital divides between age groups. Younger "digital natives" are more comfortable with technologies while older "digital immigrants" face barriers like less technology skills and usefulness. Data shows older adults use social media like Facebook less frequently than younger users, have fewer friends, and are less motivated users. However, their social media usage is increasing and with the right support like help from family, easy to use interfaces, relevant content, and privacy controls, older adults can benefit from new technologies.
This article summarizes a longitudinal study that examined the role of technology in how journalists obtain information for their news articles in Israel over a 15-year period. The study analyzed four waves of interviews with journalists where they described how they obtained information for recent articles. It found that traditional channels like face-to-face interviews and telephone calls were declining in favor of emails and messaging. While textual communication through emails and messages may provide more accurate information and make it harder for sources to deny things, it gives journalists less ability to interrogate sources and confront them during interviews. The article introduces the concept of "epistemic bandwidth" to evaluate information technologies based on the scope of knowledge opportunities they provide and their ability to independently verify information through the same
Exploring the Effect of Web Based Communications on Organizations Service Qua...IOSR Journals
The paper aims to study the effect of web based communications on the service quality of organizations. Web based communications is used for a variety of reasons.The quality of a Web-based customer support system involves the information it supplies, the service it provides, andcharacteristics of the system itself; its effectiveness is reflected by the satisfaction of its users. This paper presents the results of astudy of quality and effectiveness in Web-based customer support systems. Data from a survey of 726 Internet users were used to test theoretically expected relationships. The results of this study indicate that information and system quality determine effectiveness while service quality has no impact. Practical implications for managers and designers are offered.The Internet is the latest in a long succession of communication technologies. The goal of this work is to draw lessons from the evolution of all these services. Little attention is paid to technology as such, since that has changed radically many times. Instead, the stress is on the steady growth in volume of communication, the evolution in the type of traffic sent, the qualitative change this growth produces in how people treat communication, and the evolution of pricing. The focus is on the user, and in particular on how quality and price differentiation have been used by service providers to influenceconsumer behavior, and how consumers have reacted.
Development informatic understanding mobile phone impact on livelihoods in ...Dr Lendy Spires
This document discusses a new research framework for understanding the impact of mobile phones on livelihoods in developing countries. It begins by analyzing how mobile phones can impact livelihood assets through asset substitution, enhancement, disembodiment, exchange, and combination. It then examines how processes of passive diffusion and active innovation can intermediate these assets. Finally, it proposes adapting the livelihoods framework to better incorporate information processes, capital types, intermediation structures, and outcomes when researching the relationship between mobile phone use and livelihood strategies in developing contexts.
R@D 3 - Mobile Phones as a Tool for Civil Resistance - Case Studies from Serb...DigiActive
This document summarizes interviews with civil activists in Serbia and Belarus about their use of mobile phones for resistance activities. In Serbia in 2000, mobile phones were a critical tactical tool for coordinating large protests against Milosevic. However, in Belarus in 2008, activists were more limited in mobile phone use due to increased government surveillance of communications. While mobile phones remain important, activists must take precautions like using coded language to avoid arrest. New technologies like Twitter and social media now provide alternatives to mobile communication that are harder for authoritarian governments to censor and control.
This document discusses barriers to adoption of mobile internet, particularly among digitally disadvantaged users. It summarizes previous research identifying factors like cost, lack of awareness, lack of knowhow, and perceived risk as influencing adoption decisions. It then describes a study surveying nearly 100 mobile internet users and non-users in Cape Town, South Africa, finding that being digitally disadvantaged significantly impacts adoption due to these factors. The study aims to understand how to more widely adopt mobile internet among digitally disadvantaged populations.
The document discusses technology and media. It defines technology as tools that help accomplish tasks and extend human abilities. Information technology refers to hardware and software tools used to store and share information. Media is defined as intermediaries that transport information to communicate on a large scale, such as newspapers, radio, television and the Internet. While technology and media have benefits like education and news access, they also have disadvantages like social isolation, job loss, and unsuitability of some content for children. The document emphasizes that technology is best used as a servant rather than a master to humanity.
The document discusses the rapid global diffusion of information and communication technologies (ICT), focusing on mobile phones in Africa. It notes the economic and social implications of widespread ICT adoption, arguing that governments must carefully consider the costs and benefits of spending on technologies and regulate their use. While ICTs improve connectivity, they can also be distracting or addictive if overused. The document concludes that policies are needed to ensure technologies primarily benefit people, not the other way around, and that precious resources are not wasted on devices or software that harm consumers.
The document discusses generation gaps in social media usage. It notes that the world's population over 65 is rising significantly and will account for 25% of the EU population by 2020. While new technologies can help older adults stay active, there are digital divides between age groups. Younger "digital natives" are more comfortable with technologies while older "digital immigrants" face barriers like less technology skills and usefulness. Data shows older adults use social media like Facebook less frequently than younger users, have fewer friends, and are less motivated users. However, their social media usage is increasing and with the right support like help from family, easy to use interfaces, relevant content, and privacy controls, older adults can benefit from new technologies.
This article summarizes a longitudinal study that examined the role of technology in how journalists obtain information for their news articles in Israel over a 15-year period. The study analyzed four waves of interviews with journalists where they described how they obtained information for recent articles. It found that traditional channels like face-to-face interviews and telephone calls were declining in favor of emails and messaging. While textual communication through emails and messages may provide more accurate information and make it harder for sources to deny things, it gives journalists less ability to interrogate sources and confront them during interviews. The article introduces the concept of "epistemic bandwidth" to evaluate information technologies based on the scope of knowledge opportunities they provide and their ability to independently verify information through the same
The objective of this study is to determine the impact of Information and Communication
Technology on the efficiency of Human Resource Management in the Cameroon mobile
Telecommunication Sector. It specifically seeks to investigate how the use of ICT affects
the following human resources management practices; Human resource planning,
training and development, selection and recruitment, human resource evaluation
and compensation. An exploratory research design was employed in the study. A
sample of 120 management, senior, junior and contract staffs of the 03 (three)
main mobile telephone operators responded to a structured questionnaire. The
data collected was coded and entered into SPSS version 17. Pearson correlation
coefficient was used to establish the relationship between the variables in the
study, regression analysis was used to establish the combined effect of study
variables on the dependent variable. The results show a significant positive
relationship between the use of ICT in selection and recruitment, training and
development, Human resource planning, evaluation and compensation and human
resource management efficiency. This highlights the use of ICT as an efficient tool
in Human resource management of enterprises. The use of ICT assures Human
resource management efficiency, we therefore suggest that regular Information
and Communication Technology training and development should be enhanced
so as to allow proper interactions between Human Resource Management and the
different departments which could lead to the organizational efficiency.
Keywords: ICT, HRM, HR functions, HRM efficiency, ANOVA test, Telecommunication sector
Study of the effects of ict on news processing in borno radio television (brt...Alexander Decker
This document discusses a study on the effects of information and communication technologies (ICT) on news processing at Borno Radio Television (BRTV) in Maiduguri, Nigeria. The study found that ICT has had a positive effect on computerizing news processing at BRTV. 75% of respondents felt ICT is very relevant to computerizing news processing and 22.7% felt it is relevant. However, the study also identified some constraints to using ICT in news processing, including network failures, inadequate power supply, complexity of tools, and limitations imposed by regulations. The document provides background on ICT and its role in media generally, as well as a brief history of Maiduguri, where BRTV
This document is a student assignment on how information technology is changing working lives. It begins with an introduction describing the rise of IT and mobile phone adoption in developing countries like Indonesia. It then defines information technology and discusses major innovations like the internet, personal computing, and cloud computing. The paper analyzes how IT has changed working lives in business through teleworking and in education through distance learning. It concludes that IT has become an important part of our working lives by transforming the ways people work.
Media and Society, Cyberculture and Cyberspace Higher Education Institutions ...ijtsrd
This article aims to clarify the concepts of cyberculture and cyberspace and the way cyberspace has become a communication field for organizations and companies. The online world has revolutionized society, because the use of technology leads people to change their behaviour, especially in the way they work, live and think in a network. In this sense, organizations also had to adapt to the digital environment, looking for new ways to communicate with their target audience. In this article, we try to understand how Higher Education institutions communicate with students, and for that, we will analyze the website of a prestigious English university, having as a starting point “How does the University of Lincoln communicate through its website with your target audience ” LuÃs Cardoso | Inês Costa "Media and Society, Cyberculture and Cyberspace: Higher Education Institutions and Communication with Students" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-6 , October 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd33575.pdf Paper Url: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/social-science/33575/media-and-society-cyberculture-and-cyberspace-higher-education-institutions-and-communication-with-students/luÃs-cardoso
Master Thesis Report: Business Models for Mobile Broadband Media Services – C...Laili Aidi
The increase mobile data traffic from the emerging Internet services, especially multimedia, has posed considerable challenges for the telecom industry. Their initial mobile data services business models are generally not compatible with these emerging Internet services. Thus, there is a substantial need to investigate the suitable options to make media as a profitable telecom business sector. However, there are different challenges and opportunity factors in developing sustainable mobile media business in each market, due to the unique circumstances applied as the result of customer characteristics, mobile market situation and regulatory/law enforcement.
The first purpose of this thesis is to explore the business model options to deliver media services on top of mobile broadband. Although, we limit our focus to Indonesia, we first analyzed the worldwide patterns toward the media services in order to get a broader view of the current trend. We mapped multitudes of actor involved in digital online / on the top (OTT) media service, which together they form different types of constellation in the value network, as well as service, delivery and revenue model. We also put our focus to get the lessons learned from Spotify’s business model, by framing it using Chesbrough and Rosenbloom’s model.
The second purpose is to understand the Indonesian mobile user's characteristic toward the mobile media services. We conducted survey to 119 Indonesians, analyzed and validated the result with the correlation tests (Cronbach Alpha and Pearson correlation), within the Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) framework. Our findings confirm the low willingness to pay, but an open attitude for the services. The mobile device and network quality are not the barriers for them to adopt the services, and there is a tight connection between the decisions to adopt the services with the perception that the service is popular.
Through those findings, we assessed the feasibility of the identified options and formulated the recommendations. We used our understanding about Indonesian market structure (telecom and media), regulation, and mobile user, as well as the lesson that we got from media services provisioning in Sweden and worldwide trend. We found that the pricing tiers, adjustable pricing, and differentiated features are some of the key success factors. Meanwhile, being part in the point-to-multipoint partnership with the well-known OTT player is the potential position that the Mobile network operators (MNOs) in Indonesia should take in provisioning OTT media services, rather than deliver the services by their own.
We make the Future - Communications CampMaija Viherä
The document describes Communication Camps, which are week-long camps that aim to inspire future orientation through hands-on media production and interaction. Key aspects include:
- Camps have been held since 1987 and involve participants producing a daily newspaper, video, radio program, and staffing an information desk through rotating roles.
- They aim to teach communication skills and meet basic human needs of organization, belonging, and having a meaningful role through the collaborative media production and community experience.
- Technology is used to enhance interaction and self-expression, with the goal of preparing participants for an envisioned future "Interaction Society" with widespread communication abilities.
This document summarizes a research study on the use of Twitter by the local government of Duisburg, Germany. The study analyzed all 792 tweets from the city's official Twitter account from May to October 2009. Key findings included:
1) Most tweets focused on local topics and events within Duisburg to promote a sense of locality. Common topics were local news and information about daily events.
2) The tweets helped create an online information network by cross-linking to other city media formats, increasing awareness of the city. However, interaction and participation through the tweets was limited.
3) While the number of followers grew steadily, Twitter remained a niche channel for the city. The tweets mirrored and reported local news
New communication technologies and microfinance banking in nigeria critical r...Alexander Decker
This document discusses the role of social media in achieving microfinance banking goals in Nigeria. It begins with definitions of key concepts - microfinance banking, social media, and new communication technologies. Microfinance banks provide financial services to the poor and small businesses in Nigeria. The establishment of these banks in Nigeria is aimed at poverty reduction and economic development. Effective communication is important for the success of microfinance initiatives. The social media, as interactive online platforms, can play important roles in raising awareness of microfinance opportunities and monitoring the activities of these banks. The document suggests a two-step approach, using both web-based social media and traditional community groups, to inform potential microfinance clients about how to access these services.
This document discusses the concept of the information society and its dual nature. It describes how information and communication technologies can enable knowledge-based development but also enable privacy violations. It outlines the positive potential of knowledge creation and sharing through semantic technologies and grid computing in a "g-work" model. However, it also discusses the negative risks of increased surveillance and data abuse compromising personal privacy. The document calls for a transdisciplinary approach balancing these opportunities and threats to achieve sustainable development.
This document provides an outline for a paper on the impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on education. The 9-point outline includes: an introduction to ICTs; the definition and history of developments in ICTs; the importance of information and communication in society; the economic, political, cultural, and social impacts of ICTs; how ICTs influence and will influence education in the future; a conclusion; bibliography; and websites consulted. The document aims to analyze how applying new technologies can improve student learning and the future of education.
This document discusses women's health information needs in developing countries. It reviews literature on how women in developing nations seek health information and the barriers they face. Key barriers include lack of education, cultural and social norms, financial constraints, distance to resources, and gender inequality. Rural and illiterate women especially struggle to access reliable health information to make informed choices about their care.
This document is a research paper that aims to determine if high users of social media like Facebook and cell phones are less likely to engage in face-to-face communication than low users. The author conducted a literature review on previous research about the impact of technology on communication and social interaction. A survey was administered to college students to gather data on social media usage, demographics, and preferred communication methods. Preliminary results from the survey are presented in a table showing social media usage broken down by age and gender. The author concludes by discussing how the data collected will be analyzed to answer the main research question.
Communication approach and firms performance appraisal of nigerian bottling c...Alexander Decker
This document discusses a study examining the relationship between communication approach and performance at the Nigerian Bottling Company plant in Ilorin, Nigeria. The researchers observed operations at the plant for two weeks and administered questionnaires. The results of the data analysis revealed a significant relationship between communication approach and company performance. Effective communication is important for an organization's strength, competitiveness, flexibility and profitability. The study aimed to measure how well this was achieved at the NBC Ilorin plant through the synergy between its communication approach and performance.
The document discusses Europe's digital agenda and focus on enhancing the digital economy. It highlights a case where a British businesswoman struggled with mobile reception in her home and holiday home in Turkey. This underscores the competitive pressures on Europe from countries like India and China. The EU aims to boost digital services, integrate markets, and ensure research is aligned with future internet and technology needs. Achieving this digital society raises questions about its impact on democracy, privacy, and the role of government. Rapid advances in mobile internet are key to resolving issues like lack of reception and remaining competitive.
Distance training of teachers in a rural area in KenyaeLearning Papers
This document discusses a distance learning project for teachers in rural Kenya. It provides background context on technology and education in Kenya. Access to technology is limited in rural areas, with few having access to computers or the internet. Education also faces challenges, including high dropout rates and lack of teacher training opportunities. The project aims to provide distance training to address these issues, while being culturally sensitive to the local context.
A Critical Appraisal of Listenership Preference of FM Radio Stations in the T...ijtsrd
Contemporarily, radio remains the most powerful mass communication medium. Regular radio broadcast reaches out to a vast number of audiences and caters for the aspirations of the masses by providing information, education and entertainment. Now wide-band FM radio has very high quality transmission medium for its coverage areas. The paper examined listenership preferences of FM radio stations, programme patterns and habits of audience in the Tamale Metropolis. The paper adopted a cross-sectional survey design and proportional size to sampling techniques for selection of communities. Out of the total of 400 questionnaires distributed, 392 were retrieved and analysed. The study established that an overwhelming majority preferred FM radio to state-owned-radio and Zaa radio rated highly preferred FM radio station in the Metropolis. The study also indicated that discussions and phone- in-programmes are most preferred programmes. The paper recommended that state-owned-radio be decentralised to enable it design community based programmes to cater for the audiences. It also recommended that radio be used for information disseminating tool to the communities instead of being a propaganda machinery to sail through government policies and programmes. Iddirisu Andani Mu-azu | G.P. Shivram"A Critical Appraisal of Listenership Preference of FM Radio Stations in the Tamale Metropolis of Northern Ghana" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-1 | Issue-4 , June 2017, URL: http://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd161.pdf http://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/journalism/161/a-critical-appraisal-of-listenership-preference-of-fm-radio-stations-in-the-tamale-metropolis-of-northern-ghana/iddirisu-andani-mu-azu
This document examines obstacles to internet development in developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. It finds that infrastructure like telecommunications, roads, and electricity is lacking. Geographic obstacles also pose challenges. While a few emerging countries have invested heavily in ICT infrastructure and seen internet growth, most of Sub-Saharan Africa has seen internet remain undeveloped or used only for entertainment. New web services and mobile technologies have been slow to reach the region. The document aims to analyze bottlenecks and examine strategies to improve African countries' participation in the digital world.
2010 - Dominican Republic - ICT - Digital DivideAlfonso Sintjago
The document discusses ICT and the digital divide in the Dominican Republic. It provides background on ICT developments globally and in the DR. It describes several ICT initiatives in the DR, including community technology centers and rural connectivity programs. However, it notes some problems with these initiatives, such as lack of community participation, dependency on foreign equipment, and lack of comprehensive approaches. It suggests that mobile technologies and open educational resources could help address these issues if implemented through participatory and nationally-led programs.
The document summarizes research on mobile communication for development (M4D) conducted by Dr. Jakob Svensson and Dr. Caroline Wamala at Karlstad University. It notes that mobile phone adoption has grown rapidly, especially in developing regions which now dominate global mobile phone use. The university has helped establish M4D as an academic field by organizing the first three international conferences on the topic. The document then outlines some areas of M4D research including mHealth, mMoney, mLivelyhood, and mLearning. It also discusses issues of mobile phone use and gender equality as well as strategies to address the gender digital divide.
Theorizing Citizenship in Late Modern ICT SocietiesJakob Svensson
This document discusses theorizing citizenship in late modern information and communication technology (ICT) societies. It proposes understanding citizenship as participation and action upon shared meanings regarding societal organization. Citizenship is enacted in political communities that address societal organization and construct values and norms. The paper aims to define citizenship in networked and individualized societies by avoiding deterministic views of technology or society, and recognizing their mutual reinforcement. It explores how digital technologies and late modern societal changes interact and challenge conceptions of political participation and citizenship.
The objective of this study is to determine the impact of Information and Communication
Technology on the efficiency of Human Resource Management in the Cameroon mobile
Telecommunication Sector. It specifically seeks to investigate how the use of ICT affects
the following human resources management practices; Human resource planning,
training and development, selection and recruitment, human resource evaluation
and compensation. An exploratory research design was employed in the study. A
sample of 120 management, senior, junior and contract staffs of the 03 (three)
main mobile telephone operators responded to a structured questionnaire. The
data collected was coded and entered into SPSS version 17. Pearson correlation
coefficient was used to establish the relationship between the variables in the
study, regression analysis was used to establish the combined effect of study
variables on the dependent variable. The results show a significant positive
relationship between the use of ICT in selection and recruitment, training and
development, Human resource planning, evaluation and compensation and human
resource management efficiency. This highlights the use of ICT as an efficient tool
in Human resource management of enterprises. The use of ICT assures Human
resource management efficiency, we therefore suggest that regular Information
and Communication Technology training and development should be enhanced
so as to allow proper interactions between Human Resource Management and the
different departments which could lead to the organizational efficiency.
Keywords: ICT, HRM, HR functions, HRM efficiency, ANOVA test, Telecommunication sector
Study of the effects of ict on news processing in borno radio television (brt...Alexander Decker
This document discusses a study on the effects of information and communication technologies (ICT) on news processing at Borno Radio Television (BRTV) in Maiduguri, Nigeria. The study found that ICT has had a positive effect on computerizing news processing at BRTV. 75% of respondents felt ICT is very relevant to computerizing news processing and 22.7% felt it is relevant. However, the study also identified some constraints to using ICT in news processing, including network failures, inadequate power supply, complexity of tools, and limitations imposed by regulations. The document provides background on ICT and its role in media generally, as well as a brief history of Maiduguri, where BRTV
This document is a student assignment on how information technology is changing working lives. It begins with an introduction describing the rise of IT and mobile phone adoption in developing countries like Indonesia. It then defines information technology and discusses major innovations like the internet, personal computing, and cloud computing. The paper analyzes how IT has changed working lives in business through teleworking and in education through distance learning. It concludes that IT has become an important part of our working lives by transforming the ways people work.
Media and Society, Cyberculture and Cyberspace Higher Education Institutions ...ijtsrd
This article aims to clarify the concepts of cyberculture and cyberspace and the way cyberspace has become a communication field for organizations and companies. The online world has revolutionized society, because the use of technology leads people to change their behaviour, especially in the way they work, live and think in a network. In this sense, organizations also had to adapt to the digital environment, looking for new ways to communicate with their target audience. In this article, we try to understand how Higher Education institutions communicate with students, and for that, we will analyze the website of a prestigious English university, having as a starting point “How does the University of Lincoln communicate through its website with your target audience ” LuÃs Cardoso | Inês Costa "Media and Society, Cyberculture and Cyberspace: Higher Education Institutions and Communication with Students" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-6 , October 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd33575.pdf Paper Url: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/social-science/33575/media-and-society-cyberculture-and-cyberspace-higher-education-institutions-and-communication-with-students/luÃs-cardoso
Master Thesis Report: Business Models for Mobile Broadband Media Services – C...Laili Aidi
The increase mobile data traffic from the emerging Internet services, especially multimedia, has posed considerable challenges for the telecom industry. Their initial mobile data services business models are generally not compatible with these emerging Internet services. Thus, there is a substantial need to investigate the suitable options to make media as a profitable telecom business sector. However, there are different challenges and opportunity factors in developing sustainable mobile media business in each market, due to the unique circumstances applied as the result of customer characteristics, mobile market situation and regulatory/law enforcement.
The first purpose of this thesis is to explore the business model options to deliver media services on top of mobile broadband. Although, we limit our focus to Indonesia, we first analyzed the worldwide patterns toward the media services in order to get a broader view of the current trend. We mapped multitudes of actor involved in digital online / on the top (OTT) media service, which together they form different types of constellation in the value network, as well as service, delivery and revenue model. We also put our focus to get the lessons learned from Spotify’s business model, by framing it using Chesbrough and Rosenbloom’s model.
The second purpose is to understand the Indonesian mobile user's characteristic toward the mobile media services. We conducted survey to 119 Indonesians, analyzed and validated the result with the correlation tests (Cronbach Alpha and Pearson correlation), within the Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) framework. Our findings confirm the low willingness to pay, but an open attitude for the services. The mobile device and network quality are not the barriers for them to adopt the services, and there is a tight connection between the decisions to adopt the services with the perception that the service is popular.
Through those findings, we assessed the feasibility of the identified options and formulated the recommendations. We used our understanding about Indonesian market structure (telecom and media), regulation, and mobile user, as well as the lesson that we got from media services provisioning in Sweden and worldwide trend. We found that the pricing tiers, adjustable pricing, and differentiated features are some of the key success factors. Meanwhile, being part in the point-to-multipoint partnership with the well-known OTT player is the potential position that the Mobile network operators (MNOs) in Indonesia should take in provisioning OTT media services, rather than deliver the services by their own.
We make the Future - Communications CampMaija Viherä
The document describes Communication Camps, which are week-long camps that aim to inspire future orientation through hands-on media production and interaction. Key aspects include:
- Camps have been held since 1987 and involve participants producing a daily newspaper, video, radio program, and staffing an information desk through rotating roles.
- They aim to teach communication skills and meet basic human needs of organization, belonging, and having a meaningful role through the collaborative media production and community experience.
- Technology is used to enhance interaction and self-expression, with the goal of preparing participants for an envisioned future "Interaction Society" with widespread communication abilities.
This document summarizes a research study on the use of Twitter by the local government of Duisburg, Germany. The study analyzed all 792 tweets from the city's official Twitter account from May to October 2009. Key findings included:
1) Most tweets focused on local topics and events within Duisburg to promote a sense of locality. Common topics were local news and information about daily events.
2) The tweets helped create an online information network by cross-linking to other city media formats, increasing awareness of the city. However, interaction and participation through the tweets was limited.
3) While the number of followers grew steadily, Twitter remained a niche channel for the city. The tweets mirrored and reported local news
New communication technologies and microfinance banking in nigeria critical r...Alexander Decker
This document discusses the role of social media in achieving microfinance banking goals in Nigeria. It begins with definitions of key concepts - microfinance banking, social media, and new communication technologies. Microfinance banks provide financial services to the poor and small businesses in Nigeria. The establishment of these banks in Nigeria is aimed at poverty reduction and economic development. Effective communication is important for the success of microfinance initiatives. The social media, as interactive online platforms, can play important roles in raising awareness of microfinance opportunities and monitoring the activities of these banks. The document suggests a two-step approach, using both web-based social media and traditional community groups, to inform potential microfinance clients about how to access these services.
This document discusses the concept of the information society and its dual nature. It describes how information and communication technologies can enable knowledge-based development but also enable privacy violations. It outlines the positive potential of knowledge creation and sharing through semantic technologies and grid computing in a "g-work" model. However, it also discusses the negative risks of increased surveillance and data abuse compromising personal privacy. The document calls for a transdisciplinary approach balancing these opportunities and threats to achieve sustainable development.
This document provides an outline for a paper on the impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on education. The 9-point outline includes: an introduction to ICTs; the definition and history of developments in ICTs; the importance of information and communication in society; the economic, political, cultural, and social impacts of ICTs; how ICTs influence and will influence education in the future; a conclusion; bibliography; and websites consulted. The document aims to analyze how applying new technologies can improve student learning and the future of education.
This document discusses women's health information needs in developing countries. It reviews literature on how women in developing nations seek health information and the barriers they face. Key barriers include lack of education, cultural and social norms, financial constraints, distance to resources, and gender inequality. Rural and illiterate women especially struggle to access reliable health information to make informed choices about their care.
This document is a research paper that aims to determine if high users of social media like Facebook and cell phones are less likely to engage in face-to-face communication than low users. The author conducted a literature review on previous research about the impact of technology on communication and social interaction. A survey was administered to college students to gather data on social media usage, demographics, and preferred communication methods. Preliminary results from the survey are presented in a table showing social media usage broken down by age and gender. The author concludes by discussing how the data collected will be analyzed to answer the main research question.
Communication approach and firms performance appraisal of nigerian bottling c...Alexander Decker
This document discusses a study examining the relationship between communication approach and performance at the Nigerian Bottling Company plant in Ilorin, Nigeria. The researchers observed operations at the plant for two weeks and administered questionnaires. The results of the data analysis revealed a significant relationship between communication approach and company performance. Effective communication is important for an organization's strength, competitiveness, flexibility and profitability. The study aimed to measure how well this was achieved at the NBC Ilorin plant through the synergy between its communication approach and performance.
The document discusses Europe's digital agenda and focus on enhancing the digital economy. It highlights a case where a British businesswoman struggled with mobile reception in her home and holiday home in Turkey. This underscores the competitive pressures on Europe from countries like India and China. The EU aims to boost digital services, integrate markets, and ensure research is aligned with future internet and technology needs. Achieving this digital society raises questions about its impact on democracy, privacy, and the role of government. Rapid advances in mobile internet are key to resolving issues like lack of reception and remaining competitive.
Distance training of teachers in a rural area in KenyaeLearning Papers
This document discusses a distance learning project for teachers in rural Kenya. It provides background context on technology and education in Kenya. Access to technology is limited in rural areas, with few having access to computers or the internet. Education also faces challenges, including high dropout rates and lack of teacher training opportunities. The project aims to provide distance training to address these issues, while being culturally sensitive to the local context.
A Critical Appraisal of Listenership Preference of FM Radio Stations in the T...ijtsrd
Contemporarily, radio remains the most powerful mass communication medium. Regular radio broadcast reaches out to a vast number of audiences and caters for the aspirations of the masses by providing information, education and entertainment. Now wide-band FM radio has very high quality transmission medium for its coverage areas. The paper examined listenership preferences of FM radio stations, programme patterns and habits of audience in the Tamale Metropolis. The paper adopted a cross-sectional survey design and proportional size to sampling techniques for selection of communities. Out of the total of 400 questionnaires distributed, 392 were retrieved and analysed. The study established that an overwhelming majority preferred FM radio to state-owned-radio and Zaa radio rated highly preferred FM radio station in the Metropolis. The study also indicated that discussions and phone- in-programmes are most preferred programmes. The paper recommended that state-owned-radio be decentralised to enable it design community based programmes to cater for the audiences. It also recommended that radio be used for information disseminating tool to the communities instead of being a propaganda machinery to sail through government policies and programmes. Iddirisu Andani Mu-azu | G.P. Shivram"A Critical Appraisal of Listenership Preference of FM Radio Stations in the Tamale Metropolis of Northern Ghana" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-1 | Issue-4 , June 2017, URL: http://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd161.pdf http://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/journalism/161/a-critical-appraisal-of-listenership-preference-of-fm-radio-stations-in-the-tamale-metropolis-of-northern-ghana/iddirisu-andani-mu-azu
This document examines obstacles to internet development in developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. It finds that infrastructure like telecommunications, roads, and electricity is lacking. Geographic obstacles also pose challenges. While a few emerging countries have invested heavily in ICT infrastructure and seen internet growth, most of Sub-Saharan Africa has seen internet remain undeveloped or used only for entertainment. New web services and mobile technologies have been slow to reach the region. The document aims to analyze bottlenecks and examine strategies to improve African countries' participation in the digital world.
2010 - Dominican Republic - ICT - Digital DivideAlfonso Sintjago
The document discusses ICT and the digital divide in the Dominican Republic. It provides background on ICT developments globally and in the DR. It describes several ICT initiatives in the DR, including community technology centers and rural connectivity programs. However, it notes some problems with these initiatives, such as lack of community participation, dependency on foreign equipment, and lack of comprehensive approaches. It suggests that mobile technologies and open educational resources could help address these issues if implemented through participatory and nationally-led programs.
The document summarizes research on mobile communication for development (M4D) conducted by Dr. Jakob Svensson and Dr. Caroline Wamala at Karlstad University. It notes that mobile phone adoption has grown rapidly, especially in developing regions which now dominate global mobile phone use. The university has helped establish M4D as an academic field by organizing the first three international conferences on the topic. The document then outlines some areas of M4D research including mHealth, mMoney, mLivelyhood, and mLearning. It also discusses issues of mobile phone use and gender equality as well as strategies to address the gender digital divide.
Theorizing Citizenship in Late Modern ICT SocietiesJakob Svensson
This document discusses theorizing citizenship in late modern information and communication technology (ICT) societies. It proposes understanding citizenship as participation and action upon shared meanings regarding societal organization. Citizenship is enacted in political communities that address societal organization and construct values and norms. The paper aims to define citizenship in networked and individualized societies by avoiding deterministic views of technology or society, and recognizing their mutual reinforcement. It explores how digital technologies and late modern societal changes interact and challenge conceptions of political participation and citizenship.
Power exists within networks rather than in hierarchies as new media was originally thought to flatten governance structures. Social networking sites encourage continuous self-presentation and connecting with peers as a form of discipline. They also act as looking glasses for individuals to see themselves through and import their life stories through their own actions, in line with concepts of late modern individualization and life politics.
Social Media and the Disciplining of VisibilityJakob Svensson
This document summarizes a research paper about how social media usage relates to power dynamics and participation among activists in Stockholm, Sweden. The researcher conducted ethnographic and online observations of activists fighting to save a local public bathhouse. While social media made it easier to spread information and mobilize support, it also disciplined activists by pushing them to constantly update their online presence and participate in both online and offline events. The constant connectivity inherent in social media led activists to feel obligated to respond immediately to posted information. Therefore, social media both enabled participation but also exerted a new form of social power by disciplining activists through demands of constant online visibility and responsiveness.
The meeting summarized the following key points:
1) Students and faculty agreed program meetings should be held twice yearly, with students able to influence the agenda.
2) Issues raised by students included a lack of communication, concerns about course content and structure, and a desire for an introduction week.
3) The program director agreed with students on several proposed changes, such as ensuring two teachers per course and offering more electives and research opportunities.
4) Actions were identified to address the issues, including circulating meeting minutes and reporting back on progress at the next meeting.
This document summarizes a study that examined perceptions and use patterns of mobile phones in Tehran, Iran. The researchers surveyed 600 people from 6 districts in Tehran to assess perceptions and mobile use rates among different social and demographic groups. They found significant differences between men and women, employed and unemployed individuals, and singles and married people in terms of mobile use rates. Perceptions of mobile phones showed some similarities across groups. Younger respondents saw mobile phones more for self-expression, while older people viewed them more as tools. The results provide insights into sociocultural behaviors related to mobile communication in large urban areas in developing countries.
The Role of the Mobile Apps In the Media OrganizationsMilad Shokrkhah
The mobile phone is a powerful and comprehensive media that features many other forms of communication tools, including radio, television, video and more.
IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE EARLY 21ST CENTURYMuhammad Danish
This paper will describe the significant impact of technology on human life in the early 21st century. The modern technology is growing substantially in the developed countries and people are facing different problems. This essay will consider the impact of technology in the workplace, education, culture awareness and communication.
Global youth networks and the digital divideHeidi Thon
This document discusses global youth networks and the digital divide between the global North and South. It examines theories on how digital technologies spread through populations and whether they contribute to increased communication between youth. The author conducted a survey of 629 students in Norway and East Africa to compare their technology access and motivation for staying connected with exchange partners. The findings suggest that both technological and motivational factors influence digital networks between students in different regions. Barriers to connection included lack of infrastructure, cost, and education in the global South.
Mobile phones have become ubiquitous in the past two decades, with over 1.3 billion users worldwide. While mobiles were initially only for voice calls, they are now central cultural technologies used for social networking, information, entertainment, and more. Recent studies show that merely having a mobile phone nearby, even when not in use, can negatively impact close interpersonal connections by reducing relationship quality, trust, and empathy. The presence of mobile phones may serve as a distraction from personal interactions and connections. Additionally, mobile phone use in public and social settings can cause "inattention blindness" where users are less aware of their surroundings, potentially disturbing or endangering others. Various health issues are also raised by long-term mobile phone use and
THE IMPACT OF TELECOMMUNICATION BUSINESS ON YOUTH EMPLOYMENT AND POVERTY REDU...paperpublications3
Abstract: The study examines the impact of telecommunication business on youth unemployment and poverty reduction in Zamfara State. The study intends to find out how telecommunication business activities have positively influenced the wellbeing of the young people. Data were collected using multistage sampling and purposive sampling techniques from 200 respondents in the study area. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple least-squares regression model and logit regression analysis model. The result of the multiple least- square regression analyses showed that telecommunication business has significant influenced on youth employment in the study area. Similarly the result of the logit regression analysis also revealed that telecommunication business has significant influence on youth poverty reduction in the study. The study recommended for government interventions at all levels to encourage these youth in term of easy access to venture capital, telecommunications service provider quality service delivery and provision of appropriate youth telecommunication employed database.
The document discusses the evolution of communication from early humans shouting to convey messages to the development of modern communication technologies like the telephone and mobile phones. It traces the progression from early communication methods like signal fires and optical telegraphs to breakthroughs in wireless communication. The summary also notes that modern communication standards and growing adoption of mobile phones in India and globally has increased access to wireless communication technologies.
Communication modes amongst teenagers andmegha bagri
1. The document discusses different modes of communication used by teenagers, including technological communication through mobile phones, texting, and social media, as well as in-person communication.
2. It notes that while technological communication is prevalent, it may negatively impact teenagers' social skills and increase social anxiety if used too frequently instead of face-to-face interaction.
3. The rise of mobile phones and social networking sites are described, noting their popularity among teenagers as a means of communication, but that in-person communication is still important for overall development.
Development informatic: understanding mobile phone impact on livelihoods in d...Dr Lendy Spires
This document discusses a new research framework for understanding the impact of mobile phones on livelihoods in developing countries. It analyzes how mobile phones can impact livelihood assets through asset substitution, enhancement, disembodiment, exchange and combination. It also examines how processes of passive diffusion and active innovation can intermediate these assets. The framework suggests mobile phones can help maintain, expand or diversify livelihood strategies. It proposes adapting the livelihood framework to better incorporate information processes, capital forms, intermediation structures, and outcomes. The framework could be applied to research how mobile phones support rural livelihoods in developing areas.
Sms texting among gsm users in nigeria a morpho-syntactic analysisAlexander Decker
This document analyzes the morpho-syntactic features of SMS text messages among GSM users in Nigeria. It finds that texters employ various language-shortening techniques like abbreviations, acronyms, deletions and word order changes to maximize the limited character space. Specifically, it discovers movements of constituents between syntactic slots, omissions of subjects/objects/determiners/infinitives, violations of word order, contractions and lack of punctuation. Morphologically, texters combine letters and numbers flexibly in abbreviations with no fixed rules. The study concludes that texters adapt the formal rules of English to suit the constraints of texting for convenience, while various researchers have also examined related linguistic aspects of SMS use in
Sms texting among gsm users in nigeria a morpho-syntactic analysisAlexander Decker
This document analyzes the morpho-syntactic features of SMS text messages sent by GSM users in Nigeria. It finds that texters employ various abbreviations, contractions, word order changes, and other innovative language forms to maximize the limited character space available in text messages. The study examines a collection of 75 text messages from students at the University of Nigeria and identifies patterns in morphology, syntax, and conventions used by texters, such as omitting subjects, objects, and determiners or combining letters and numbers. The document concludes that texters prioritize brevity and convenience over formal English rules in crafting SMS texts.
Smart Phones Will Eliminate FAX Machine”IDC. (2017). Fax Mark.docxwhitneyleman54422
“Smart Phones Will Eliminate FAX Machine”
IDC. (2017). Fax Market Pulse: Trends, Growth and Opportunities. Framingham, MA: IDC.
The report is based on survey by IDC to determine the current and future use of fax machines by organizations. Based on the report, 82% of the respondents indicated that fax usage within the organization was expected to remain the same or grow within the next year. Fax is seen as being deep-rooted in majority of the organizations meaning that it is deeply integrated with businesses workflow. The report concludes that the use of fax machines is still a vital communication tool and plays an important role within organizations. Its use is expected to continue even as organizations embrace digital transformation (IDC, 2017).
The article does not support the hypothesis that Smart Phones Will Eliminate FAX Machines. Based on the article, fax machines are seen as the preferred communication tool among organizations with the trend expected to continue in future.
Crotty, B., & Mostaghimi, A. (2014). Confidentiality in the digital age. BMJ, 348(may09 1), g2943-g2943. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g2943
The article discusses confidentiality and information security within the health care system in view of the emergence of new technologies of communication such as social media, email, cloud computing, and personal technologies. Confidentiality and privacy of data is very essential in health care. The article thus discusses how the new emerging technologies affect the security and confidentiality of data. As part of government regulations, health care organization are required to maintain the privacy of patient information. The article thus proposes ways in which the organizations can ensure that the privacy of the information is maintained. Of note is that personal technologies such as smartphones are considered high risk with poor confidentiality while fax machines are considered low risk with high confidentiality levels. Fax machines will thus continue being used in transmission of sensitive data (Crotty & Mostaghimi, 2014).
The article does not support the hypothesis that Smart Phones Will Eliminate FAX Machine. The authors believe that fax machines will still have continued use in future due to the need of confidentiality in communication that is not guaranteed by smartphones.
Sarwar, M., & Rahim, T. (2013). Impact of Smartphone’s on Society. European Journal Of Scientific Research, 98(2), 216-226.
The article is about smartphones, their capabilities, positive aspects, and negative aspects. The authors describe smartphones as hand held devices that have multiple capabilities such as; taking pictures, chatting, emailing, web access, fax capabilities, playing games and many other capabilities. Due to their many capabilities, smartphones have had an impact on almost all social activities both positively and negatively. They have had an impact on, health, education, business and general socialization. The underlying theme .
The Usage and Understanding of Information and Communication Technology on Ho...inventionjournals
The purpose of this research is to determine and analyze the usage and understanding of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on housewives who actively organize in Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) Manado City and relationship between the profile of the housewives with internet usage. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire, with 50 housewives who actively organize in Family Welfare Empowerment Manado City as a respondent and obtained by purposive sampling. The analysis used in this research is descriptive and verification with SPSS Version 23. The results showed that the use of internet on the housewives who actively organize in PKK of Manado City reached 68% which 60% using their smartphone; internet access is done every day by 67,65% housewives; internet usage is still limited to the use of social media, where 56% admitted spending their time to open social networking sites; 50% for information, while the use of email is limited to 22%, online shopping 10% and only 2% using their internet to enter world of banking; all survey respondents feel that ICT has an important function in anticipating globalization, where the positive and negative aspects of ICT also become a concern for respondents and they agreed on the importance of training in order to equip themselves; age significantly effect on the use of internet, while education and income are not significant.
A CROSS-CULTURAL STUDY ON THE VALUE STRUCTURE OF MOBILE INTERNET USAGE: COMPA...Ranti Yulia Wardani
Abstract: This study aims to examine the usage a pattern of mobile Internet from perspective of intercultural among developing countries. Data obtained from a survey of questionnaire which is distributed in both Thailand and Indonesia during 2013. The multiple regression analysis has been applied to identify between value structures (functional value, emotional value, social value and monetary value) and overall satisfaction in each country. Finding shows that functional value, emotional value, social value, and monetary value significantly affect satisfaction for Indonesia users which is similar to Thai users except the emotional value does not affect the satisfaction. A comparison test to examine the difference in value structure between Indonesia and Thailand has been analyzed. The results show that the functional value, emotional value, social value and monetary value between Indonesia and Thailand are different. The results of these differences are influenced by the perceptions of respondents in Indonesia and Thailand to the different mobile Internet usage pattern. In this case it turns out different cultures influence the way in perceiving the use of different technologies, especially in the mobile Internet usage pattern.
An Exploratory Comparative Analysis Of The Use Of Metaphors In Writing On The...Rick Vogel
This article analyzes the use of metaphors in writing about the Internet and mobile phones. It first summarizes previous work identifying common metaphors used in discussions of the Internet, such as conceptualizing it as a physical space. The article then conducts a preliminary survey of metaphors used in literature about mobile phones. By comparing metaphor use across these mediums, the article aims to provide insight into how each technology is understood and framed in debates about present and future use.
This document discusses the social benefits of mass communication. It explores how mass media has educated the public and provided experiences that were previously unavailable. Mass media allows people access to faraway places and intricate details about the natural world. It also fosters a sense of trust in credible news sources and leads to a more informed public compared to ancient times reliant on word of mouth. Surveys also show that young adults use the internet for mental stimulation and to obtain specific information, countering some negative perceptions of media. Overall, mass communication offers significant educational and social advantages for connecting people worldwide.
I n t e r n a ti o n al tel ec omm u nic a ti o n u ni o nCMR WORLD TECH
This document provides a summary and mid-term review of progress toward achieving the 10 targets set at the 2005 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). It was produced through collaboration between the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other international organizations like UNESCO, WHO, and UNDESA. The report finds that while connectivity has expanded rapidly through mobile networks, reaching almost 5 billion subscriptions globally, broadband access remains limited, with only a quarter of people online. It also reports that targets for connecting schools, health centers, and government offices have only been partially met. The document aims to help policymakers evaluate achievements so far and identify remaining gaps to work towards fully realizing the WSIS targets by 2015.
Similar to M4D - Mobile Communication for Development - by Jakob Svensson & Caroline Wamala (20)
What Kind of Cultural Citizenship? Dissent and Antagonism when Discussing Pol...Jakob Svensson
Framed in ideas of cultural citizenship and acknowledging the importance of popular cultural sites for political participation, this short paper attends to a study of political discussions in the Swedish LGTB community Qruiser. The research is netnographic through online interviews, participant observations and content analyses. Preliminary results suggest an atmosphere that is geared rather towards conflict and dissent between participants than towards deliberation, opinion formation and consensus. This paper will therefore shortly discuss the results in light of Mouffe's (2005) normative lens of agonism and radical democracy.
This document provides an overview of a study using an (n)ethnographic method to examine political participation on social media. It discusses three studies: 1) a case study of a politician, Nina Larsson, using social media for her campaign; 2) studying activists' use of social media; and 3) examining popular cultural participation on forums. The method involves both traditional ethnography (observation, interviews) and netnography of online spaces. Two problems are discussed: 1) issues analyzing Nina as a case study since she is an outlier in her social media use; and 2) ethical considerations around studying non-public online communities.
This book focuses on the attempt to introduce biometric identity cards in the UK from 2004 to 2008. It provides an in-depth study of the UK case and the challenges of implementing a new identity system. The book also attempts to map identity policy challenges globally by reviewing policies in other countries. While focused on the UK, the book aims to establish broader themes in identity policies worldwide and examines the complex relationship between policymaking and borderless technology. It highlights the difficulties of enforcing technology policies and the challenge of addressing multiple identity policy purposes with a single policy.
Power and Participation in Digital Late Modernity: Towards a Network LogicJakob Svensson
This document discusses how digital technologies and new media are shaping political participation through the emergence of a "network logic". It argues that users are increasingly disciplined by digital media to be constantly updated and responsive on social networks in order to maintain their online identities and connections. As a result, political participation is becoming more expressive and focused on negotiating individual identities through online networks and links to others, rather than substantive policy debates. The network logic emphasizes reflexivity, connectivity, and identity performance over traditional forms of participation.
Power and Participation in Digital Late Modernity - Towards a Network LogicJakob Svensson
Power exists within networks rather than in hierarchies as new media was originally thought to flatten governance structures. Social networking sites encourage continuous self-presentation and connecting with peers as a form of discipline. They also act as looking glasses for individuals to see themselves and import their life stories through sharing opinions and sympathies, reflecting late modern demands on individuals to supply their own biographies. This reflects a shift towards network logic and life politics in digital late modernity.
The document summarizes a lecture about new information and communication technologies (ICT) and their implications for learning. It discusses the rise of new media such as blogs and social networking sites. It describes how new media allows for digitization, interactivity, and personalized content. It also explains how new media is shifting culture from narratives to databases as a way to store and access information. Finally, it outlines opportunities for new types of active and independent learning through interactive simulations that combine different learning modes.
The document discusses how new media technologies may impact power dynamics and participation among activists. While technologies were thought to flatten hierarchies and distribute power more evenly, the study found a shift to less transparent power relations. Through norms of connectedness, activists felt disciplined to constantly update their social media status to remain engaged and informed. Rather than reducing power structures, new opportunities for participation imposed behavioral patterns that disciplined activists to become more "engagable" according to a network logic with its own mechanisms of power and status.
Becomming Engagable, Power and Participation among Activists in Southern Stoc...Jakob Svensson
This paper analyzes the practices of activists in southern Stockholm who use social media to participate in political issues. It finds that increased use of sites like Facebook, Twitter, and email lists helps facilitate participation but also disciplines users through practices of updating their networks about activities. Joining these online groups makes activists more "engagable" and likely to engage in offline actions if interested. While new media are touted as empowering, the paper argues they also impose a network logic that shapes users' political identities through constant self-disclosure and connection to like-minded groups.
This paper analyzes the political participation of activists in southern Stockholm who were engaged in efforts to save a local bathhouse. The activists formed a network and used social media like Facebook, Twitter, and blogs to coordinate their activities. The paper finds that these new media practices both made participation easier and seemed to encourage constant updates and self-disclosure, disciplining activists to stay connected and engaged in the network's actions. While some argue new media empower citizens, this paper takes a more critical view, arguing that network logic imposes behavioral patterns that can exert a new form of non-transparent power over participants.
The document summarizes a study on a Swedish politician's blogging practices before the 2010 elections. The study analyzed two blogs maintained by the politician, Nina Larsson, to understand how she used them and for what purposes. The study found that Larsson used the blogs both for instrumental purposes like campaigning as well as communicative purposes to engage with citizens. Additionally, the blogs served to amplify Larsson's image and monitor perceptions of her political self by building a supportive community. The conclusions discuss how politicians must negotiate their public image and political parties also play a role in this negotiation process.
The document summarizes a study on a Swedish politician's blogging practices before the 2010 elections. The study analyzed two blogs maintained by the politician, Nina Larsson, to understand how she used them and for what purposes. The study found that Larsson used the blogs both for instrumental purposes like campaigning as well as communicative purposes to engage with citizens. Additionally, the blogs served to amplify Larsson's image and monitor perceptions of her political self by building a supportive community. The study provides insights into how political actors negotiate their public image and role of political parties in that process.
The expressive turn of citizenship in digital late modernityJakob Svensson
This document discusses citizenship and political participation in digital late modernity. It argues that expressive rationality, where people engage in politics through cultural production, identity management, and information sharing, is increasingly important. With individualization and fragmented cultural frameworks in late modern society, traditional representative democracy is facing challenges, as seen in low voter turnout. However, new online spaces allow for new forms of political participation outside of formal politics, through activities like joining groups, signing petitions, and voicing opinions. These arenas reflect how political engagement has become part of individual identity projects in late modernity.
The document summarizes the discussions and conclusions from the M4D 2010 Conference in Kampala, Uganda. The conference participants called on stakeholders to seize development opportunities from the spread of mobile phones, particularly applications that can help the poor. While mobile phones show potential to positively impact livelihoods, more analysis is needed to understand real impacts. The Makerere Mobile Mission encourages stakeholders to consider how mobile phones can support areas like governance, health, education and more. All parties have responsibilities to realize this potential through research, services, monitoring and support.
HumanIT is a multidisciplinary research center at Karlstad University in Sweden that explores the impact of information technology on society. The center draws on several academic disciplines including computer science, information systems, media studies, and psychology. HumanIT's vision is to increase the value of new information technologies for everyday users. It focuses its research on ICT for development, integrity and surveillance in information societies, and using ICT for emergency management and crisis communication.
The document discusses rationales for political participation and citizenship in digital late modern society. It describes key characteristics of digital late modernity including dispersion of cultural frameworks, individualization, and a networked and digital environment. It then examines three types of rationality for participation: instrumental rationality which sees it as a means to an end; communicative rationality which aims for enlightenment through discussion; and expressive rationality where participation allows for expression and maintenance of identities. Expressive rationality may best explain both disinterest in traditional politics and new forms of civic engagement online.
This document introduces Indian exchange students from IIT Guwahati and provides information about their college and research interests. It discusses that IIT Guwahati was established in 1994 and has 13 departments for science, engineering, design and humanities. It then introduces 4 students - Ankit Bhatnagar, Durga Prasad, Vinay Kumar and Shamik Ray - and provides details about their research interests, hometowns and current projects.
Habermas, Mouffe and Political ParticipationJakob Svensson
This document discusses the theoretical approaches of Jürgen Habermas and Chantal Mouffe regarding political communication and democracy. While Habermas emphasizes rational consensus as the ideal for public communication, Mouffe criticizes this view and instead promotes an agonistic model that acknowledges inherent conflicts of interest and pluralism. The authors argue that Habermas' and Mouffe's approaches should not be seen as entirely incompatible, but rather offer different modes of critique that can both be useful perspectives for analyzing democratic public communication and revealing its shortcomings.
It is a far way from porto alegre to helisngborg 1Jakob Svensson
This document provides an abstract and introduction to a case study examining civic committees established in Helsingborg, Sweden to increase civic engagement through deliberative democracy. The committees aimed to facilitate conversations between citizens, politicians, and officials to address declining participation in traditional representative democracy. However, implementing deliberative democracy within municipal representative institutions presented challenges. Late modern cultural shifts like individualization and fragmentation have contributed to declining civic participation. Deliberative democracy theory posits citizens are motivated by communication rather than just self-interest, and could revitalize engagement if incorporated into existing political structures.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins in the brain which elevate mood and reduce stress levels.
The Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs to Follow in 2024.pdfthesiliconleaders
In a world where the potential of youth innovation remains vastly untouched, there emerges a guiding light in the form of Norm Goldstein, the Founder and CEO of EduNetwork Partners. His dedication to this cause has earned him recognition as a Congressional Leadership Award recipient.
[To download this presentation, visit:
https://www.oeconsulting.com.sg/training-presentations]
This presentation is a curated compilation of PowerPoint diagrams and templates designed to illustrate 20 different digital transformation frameworks and models. These frameworks are based on recent industry trends and best practices, ensuring that the content remains relevant and up-to-date.
Key highlights include Microsoft's Digital Transformation Framework, which focuses on driving innovation and efficiency, and McKinsey's Ten Guiding Principles, which provide strategic insights for successful digital transformation. Additionally, Forrester's framework emphasizes enhancing customer experiences and modernizing IT infrastructure, while IDC's MaturityScape helps assess and develop organizational digital maturity. MIT's framework explores cutting-edge strategies for achieving digital success.
These materials are perfect for enhancing your business or classroom presentations, offering visual aids to supplement your insights. Please note that while comprehensive, these slides are intended as supplementary resources and may not be complete for standalone instructional purposes.
Frameworks/Models included:
Microsoft’s Digital Transformation Framework
McKinsey’s Ten Guiding Principles of Digital Transformation
Forrester’s Digital Transformation Framework
IDC’s Digital Transformation MaturityScape
MIT’s Digital Transformation Framework
Gartner’s Digital Transformation Framework
Accenture’s Digital Strategy & Enterprise Frameworks
Deloitte’s Digital Industrial Transformation Framework
Capgemini’s Digital Transformation Framework
PwC’s Digital Transformation Framework
Cisco’s Digital Transformation Framework
Cognizant’s Digital Transformation Framework
DXC Technology’s Digital Transformation Framework
The BCG Strategy Palette
McKinsey’s Digital Transformation Framework
Digital Transformation Compass
Four Levels of Digital Maturity
Design Thinking Framework
Business Model Canvas
Customer Journey Map
Navigating the world of forex trading can be challenging, especially for beginners. To help you make an informed decision, we have comprehensively compared the best forex brokers in India for 2024. This article, reviewed by Top Forex Brokers Review, will cover featured award winners, the best forex brokers, featured offers, the best copy trading platforms, the best forex brokers for beginners, the best MetaTrader brokers, and recently updated reviews. We will focus on FP Markets, Black Bull, EightCap, IC Markets, and Octa.
Profiles of Iconic Fashion Personalities.pdfTTop Threads
The fashion industry is dynamic and ever-changing, continuously sculpted by trailblazing visionaries who challenge norms and redefine beauty. This document delves into the profiles of some of the most iconic fashion personalities whose impact has left a lasting impression on the industry. From timeless designers to modern-day influencers, each individual has uniquely woven their thread into the rich fabric of fashion history, contributing to its ongoing evolution.
Garments ERP Software in Bangladesh _ Pridesys IT Ltd.pdfPridesys IT Ltd.
Pridesys Garments ERP is one of the leading ERP solution provider, especially for Garments industries which is integrated with
different modules that cover all the aspects of your Garments Business. This solution supports multi-currency and multi-location
based operations. It aims at keeping track of all the activities including receiving an order from buyer, costing of order, resource
planning, procurement of raw materials, production management, inventory management, import-export process, order
reconciliation process etc. It’s also integrated with other modules of Pridesys ERP including finance, accounts, HR, supply-chain etc.
With this automated solution you can easily track your business activities and entire operations of your garments manufacturing
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Part 2 Deep Dive: Navigating the 2024 Slowdownjeffkluth1
Introduction
The global retail industry has weathered numerous storms, with the financial crisis of 2008 serving as a poignant reminder of the sector's resilience and adaptability. However, as we navigate the complex landscape of 2024, retailers face a unique set of challenges that demand innovative strategies and a fundamental shift in mindset. This white paper contrasts the impact of the 2008 recession on the retail sector with the current headwinds retailers are grappling with, while offering a comprehensive roadmap for success in this new paradigm.
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M4D - Mobile Communication for Development - by Jakob Svensson & Caroline Wamala
1. Paper to be presented at the SANORD Symposium 2012, June 6-7, Aarhus, Denmark
Panel: Tomorrow’s common research priorities for Nordic and Southern African universities
M4D - Mobile Communication for Development
Dr. Jakob Svensson (Media & Communication Studies, jakob.svensson@kau.se)
& Dr. Caroline Wamala (Gender & Technology Studies, caroline.wamala@kau.se)
Centre for HumanIT & Center for Gender studies, Karlstad University Sweden
Abstract
The rise of mobile communication has been remarkable. This is especially the case in
developing countries. This trend serves as the background to the emerging academic field of
Mobile Communication for Development (M4D) to which we devote this paper. While
access is still an important obstacle, there is no doubt that the proliferation of mobile
telephony in developing countries has opened up a range of possibilities and new avenues for
individuals, governments, aid agencies and NGOs. However being an emerging academic
field there is need for greater conceptual and methodological rigour in the conduct of research
as well as theoretical and methodological development. This paper will give a background of
the field, an overview of research being carried out and challenges ahead. The aim of
presenting this paper is to explore the possibility of establishing M4D as a research priority
for Southern African - Nordic cooperation.
Introduction
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT hereafter) holds a key to the
growth and development across the world. While the evolution of ICT is notable, the
rise and uptake of mobile communication has been accelerating at a remarkable pace
since the turn of the millennium, especially in developing regions (see Castells et al.,
2006). The Centre for HumanIT at Karlstad University, Sweden, has been a driving
force in establishing Mobile Communication for Development (M4D hereafter) as an
academic discipline by organizing the first three international conferences on M4D.
Gudrun Wicander was behind the initial development of these conference series
during her PhD work on mobile supported e-government systems in Tanzania (see
Wicander, 2011) under the supervision of John Sören Pettersson, professor in
Information Systems at Karlstad University. Together with the Centre for HumanIT,
to which they belonged, they organized the first conference on M4D in Karlstad
Karlstads Universitet | Svensson & Wamala, SANORD Symposium 2012 1
2. 2008. Since then the conference has been held biannually, 2010 in Kampala, Uganda,
in co-operation with Makerere University and 2012 in New Delhi, India, in co-
operation with SERD (Society for Education and Research Development). Drawing
from these conferences and early works in the field, this paper aims at giving an
overview of M4D.
We will begin this paper with an account of the rise of mobile communication in the
so-called developing world, which is the background to the emerging field of M4D,
before further discussing what is understood from the three characters in the acronym
M4D. What is mobile communication (M)? What is development (D)? And how can
mobile communication further such development (4)? We will end the paper by
briefly attending to some challenges in the field as well as future possibilities for
Southern African - Nordic cooperation.
The Rise of Mobile Communication in Developing Regions
At the end of 2010, the number of mobile cellular telephone subscription reached 80
per 100 inhabitants of the world population (ITU, 2011). While the developed world
has levelled out at a subscription rate of 114 per 100 inhabitants, the developing
world has increased from less than 5 subscriptions in 2000 to more than 70 per 100
inhabitants in 2010 (ibid.). And since the developing world in some accounts
measures up to 70 percent of the world population (see Wicander, 2009: 14) this
means that about 75 percent of the total number of mobile subscriptions worldwide
are concentrated to developing regions (as compared to less than 30 percent at the
beginning of the millennium, see ITU, 2011). In relation to landline telephony (which
is actually diminishing world wide) and internet usage, the mobile phone is the
communication device par excellence in developing regions.
This rise of communication on mobile phones is largely the background to the
emerging academic field of M4D. The proliferation of mobile phone subscriptions
has opened up a range of possibilities and new avenues for NGO's, aid and
government agencies, and has empowered people in their everyday lives. Examples
from M4D conferences range from using the mobile phone for banking, telemedicine,
Karlstads Universitet | Svensson & Wamala, SANORD Symposium 2012 2
3. to empowerment and equality drives in societies, to report and monitor epidemics, for
education, to reinforce literacy, as well as to monitor elections, fight corruption and
mobilize support for social and political change (see Pettersson, 2008; Svensson &
Wicander, 2010; Kumar & Svensson, 2012). But before giving an overview on how
mobile communication has been used to further development, i.e. the “4” in the M4D
acronym, we need to attend to the “M” and the “D”. What do we mean with mobile
communication and what do we mean with development?
What is Mobile Communication?
In Wicander's (2009) overview of M4D she focuses on the mobile phone, which is the
devise mostly referred to in the field (see Pettersson, 2008; Wicander, 2009; Svensson
& Wicander, 2010; Kumar & Svensson, 2012). The mobile phone is synonymous
with the cell phone, cordless line telephone handset, cellular phone, and wireless
telephone (Wicander, 2009: 15). Telephony is largely understood here as the
transporting of a voice from one place to be heard in another without the transporting
the body (Donner, 2008). And in contrast to a mass medium like the radio, where
voices and sounds are broadcasted from one node to many others, telephony has the
possibility of being interpersonal since connected nodes (connected through typing in
the unique number to the device you wish to connect with) can talk and transmit
voice and sound back and forth. The mobile phone in turn is a portable device which
makes this interpersonal sound and voice communication possible wherever there is
wireless network to connect the device to (Wicander, 2009: 16). Mobile telephony is
thus defined in opposition to landline and fixed telephony. In other words, we are
talking about voice- and sound-based communication with at least one of the
communicating nodes using a portable device, connected to a wireless network which
in turn makes it possible to connect to another device in the network (portable or
fixed).
Most people with a mobile phone today, in the developed as well as the developing
world, use the mobile phone for more things than just telephony (i.e. voice and
sound-based interpersonal communication). Mobile phones are used for text
messaging, taking pictures as well as storing and transmitting information, to mention
Karlstads Universitet | Svensson & Wamala, SANORD Symposium 2012 3
4. a few other non voice- and sound-based communicative possibilities with a simple
mobile phone. Hence the mobile phone is a device that lends itself to so much more
than just mobile telephony. Thus it makes more sense to speak of communication
through mobile phones. However, this term could also include online communication
from portable devices with internet access such as laptops, tablets and smart phones.
To include such communication complicates the field of M4D at the moment, since
mobile broadband subscriptions only reaches 5 out of 100 inhabitants in developing
regions (ITU, 2011, see also Banks, 2010)1. Hence, for the time being, we have to
leave laptops, tablets and smart phones with internet capabilities aside when
discussing M4D (even though smart phones are increasing at a fast rate in developing
countries like India, see Garai, 2012). In sum, the portable communication device
mostly used in developing regions is the mobile phone, and it is used for other
functions than just telephony, such as text-messaging, photographing, audio- and
video-playing (see Heeks & Jagun, 2007).
What does this rise in communication on mobile phones mean for its users, society
and culture at large? The social constructivists approach to gender and technology
studies argue that gender relations gain meaning and are realised through the use of
technology (see Faulkner, 2001; Lie, 2003; Mellström, 2009; Wajcman, 2010). In
other words gender and technology are shaped by the mutual relationship between
them. In some respects the mobile phone reinforces existing social and gender
systems but the same technology also enables a reinterpretation of expressions of
gender (see Wamala 2012). This could be understood from a communication ecology
perspective were communication processes are understood as contextual, i.e. situated
in time and place involving an interdependent network of human and non-human
actors (see Horst & Miller, 2006: 12ff). Within Media & Communication Studies
changes in communication patterns have therefore often been connected to societal
changes at large (see Horkheimer, 1947; Thompson, 2001/1995). It can be argued, for
instance, that the advent of the printing press was tied to the rise of mass society and
mass culture. Recently, many scholars made a similar argument, claiming that with
1Interestingly the number of mobile broadband subscriptions, while being low, is still higher than for fixed
broadband subscription. Hence when the developing world will be connected, it will most likely be through
mobile phones.
Karlstads Universitet | Svensson & Wamala, SANORD Symposium 2012 4
5. the rise of mobile (and digital) communication we are leaving mass society behind
(see Benkler, 2006; Bruns, 2008; Shirky, 2009). Changes towards mobile and
interpersonal communication are happening in tandem with us entering into what
some sociologist label as late modernity (Giddens, 1991) and network society (van
Dijk, 2006; Castells, 2010). The unifying cultural frameworks of modernity (such as
family, church, local communities, unions, political parties et cetera) are dispersed
and people become increasingly individualized, a process in which communities,
personal relationships, social forms and commitments are less bound by history, place
and tradition (Dahlgren, 2006). Here it needs to be clarified that accounts of late
modern and network societies are primarily based in studies of the West, and might
not apply to developing regions yet. However in Wicander’s (2009) overview on
M4D literature, adjectives such as portable, personal, simultaneous, autonomous,
pervasive and nomadic are used to conceptualize the mobile phone, adjectives
suggesting late modern perspectives of mobile telephony.
Media sociologist McLuhan (1968) famously argued that the medium is the message.
So what is the message of the mobile phone and what kind of society is its rise
intertwined with? The connected society is the label used to describe a society in
which mobile phones are the prime mode of communication, connecting friends,
family, colleagues and like-minded people (Castells et al., 2006; van Dijk, 2006).
Thus a message mobile phones are carrying with them is that we should stay
continuously connected (as echoed in the well-known Nokia slogan). Here the terms
perpetual contact (introduced by Katz & Aakhus, 2002) or connected presence
(introduced by Ling & Donner, 2009) captures well the larger implications of the rise
in communication on mobile phones.
What is Development?
The notion developing countries does not refer to a homogenous group of countries,
and there is no agreed-upon definition of what constitutes a developing region. There
are different assessments of development, following different classifications and
income categories (for an overview see Wicander, 2009: 14). Also the term
development in itself is contested since it arguably springs from a modernist and
Karlstads Universitet | Svensson & Wamala, SANORD Symposium 2012 5
6. polarized world view (Traxler, 2008). Taking a social, cultural and economic
dominance from the West for granted, the term implies that non-western regions need
to be developed. The West is the ‘developed standard’ and the economic, democratic
and social systems should be exported to the rest of the world. But as we shall see in
this paper, when it comes to innovative usage of the mobile phone, the West has a lot
to learn from developing regions (not the least when it comes to mobile banking).
Recent economic turmoil in Europe and the US, coupled with problems with an
ageing population, have also questioned the self-appointed economic world
leadership of the West. And in the cultural field it is claimed claim that Bollywood
cinema for example has long out-performed its Hollywood counterpart, both in terms
of size, turnover and cultural impact (Skynews, http://news.sky.com/home/showbiz-
news/article/15650686, retrieved 29 April 2012). We might then rethink what the
terms developed and developing refer to. On the one hand, we have regions that have
reached their peak when it comes to development and that are now starting to
stagnate, whereas on the other side we have regions that are still developing in
interesting and innovative ways. Our argument is that we can learn from each other
and should avoid categorisations.
We find relevance in using the term development with relation to mobile
communication especially if we bend towards Sen’s (1999) capability approach
theory. Development is discussed here as a kind of freedom which lends towards the
capacity of individuals to not only assess, but to have the ability to transform, their
situations (ibid.). M4D can benefit from this approach, as a critical theory to apply in
assessing development related mobile communication, not the least because the
capability approach takes context into account, such as the individual and social
landscape within which processes of change are associated. In this way the kind of
technological determinism often underlying M4D research could be prevented. To
what level can thus development be related to access to and use of a mobile phone?
From Sen's capability approach theory, it all depends on the way the technology
furthers possibilities for individuals and groups to transform the specific situations
they find themselves in. In the broad and complex field of development, this approach
allow us to assess technology from its uses and the contexts in which it is used.
Karlstads Universitet | Svensson & Wamala, SANORD Symposium 2012 6
7. How can Mobile Communication be used for Development Purposes?
When it comes to communication on mobile phones there are those who claim that
the impact that mobile phones have is as revolutionary as roads, railways and ports,
increasing social cohesion and releasing the entrepreneurial spirit that stimulates trade
and creates jobs (see Duncombe, 2010). This indicates a more technological
deterministic view on M4D. On the other hand there are those how claim that
technology in itself does not lead to social change; people decide how a particular
technology will be used (Hafkin & Huyer, 2006: 3) and, depending on the political
and socio-economic environment in which they live, adapt it accordingly (Banks,
2010). The truth is, as always, somewhere in the middle of these two poles, even
though research the field of M4D until now has had a tendency to lean towards a
more technological deterministic view. The key is to approach the mobile phone, or
any technology for that matter, as neither good nor bad in itself (Street, 1997; Wamala,
2012). The mobile phone can be used for development purposes, as we will attended
to next, but it can also be used for by less benevolent actors, most notably for
surveillance (Andrejevic, 2007). But this does not mean that the mobile phone is
neutral and solely determined by context. As discussed previously, the co-production
of gender and technology suggests that the mobile phone in its very design
encourages specific patterns of behaviour from the part of the user. As also pointed
towards previously, communication on mobile phones pushes for a connected society
which favours perpetual contact and a kind of connected presence. This being said, it
is important to remember that mobile phones are used in different ways in developing
countries compared to countries where electricity, computer hardware and internet
connectivity are stable, reliable, cheap and abundant (Traxler, 2006; Wamala, 2010).
Thus cultural conditions influence usage patterns of, and attitudes to, mobile phones
at the same time as we can attribute some universal properties to mobile phone use
(Donner, 2008; see also Horst & Miller 2010).
The proliferation of communication on mobile phones has opened up new avenues for
individuals and groups to transform the situations in which they find themselves,
improving social, human and economic conditions. Examples range from using the
mobile phone for telemedicine (reaching expert consultation in remote and rural
Karlstads Universitet | Svensson & Wamala, SANORD Symposium 2012 7
8. areas), to reporting and monitoring malaria outbreaks (through software adapted to
mobile phone interfaces), in agriculture (to receive information about input dealers,
market prices and fertilizers, for mobile money (to innovate new ways to meet
transactions needs of ordinary people) to learn English and reinforce literacy as well
as to monitor elections, fight corruption and mobilize support for social and political
change. We will attend to these uses next starting with mHealth.
mHealth
Communication on mobile phones play a significant role in health related areas. The
mobile phone could be the device of choice for communication where users receive
health care information (Istepanian et al., 2009) concerning all kinds of issues from
childcare and hygiene to HIV and Tuberculosis (see Wicander, 2009: 46). Mobile use
has been studied in a range of health-related projects including 1) improving
dissemination of public health information such as AIDS awareness, disease outbreak
and prevention messages (see Razzaq & Sayed, 2008; Hoefman & Bonny, 2010;
Garai, 2012; Khanna et al., 2012) 2) facilitating remote consultation, diagnosis, and
treatment (see Kuntiya & Mavunduse, 2008; Razzaq & Sayed, 2008; Kuntiya, 2010)
3) disseminating health information to doctors and nurses (Atnafu et al., 2010 4)
managing patients (Atnafu et al., 2010 5) monitoring public health (Atnafu et al.,
2010) and 6) increasing the efficiency of administrative systems (see Kinkade &
Verclas 2008; Atnafu et al., 2010) 7) information on drug use (Chaudhury et al.,
2012).
Studies have also shown that communication on mobile phones provides data to
health workers so they can treat patients better and also for patients so they can make
informed choices about their health, as well as using the mobile phone to collect data
in order to improve patient and public health management (see Wicander, 2009: 46).
A call on the mobile phone can be used to make a doctors appointment, call for help,
get a diagnosis and medical advice, send prescriptions for medication, check in
medicines are in stock, for intake reminders et cetera (ibid.). For a number of recent
case studies in mHealth, such as using mobile phones for breast cancer patients,
tuberculosis patients for male circumcision (for reverting female to male HIV
Karlstads Universitet | Svensson & Wamala, SANORD Symposium 2012 8
9. infections) and for reproductive health see papers from the 2012 M4D conference
(Kumar & Svensson 2012: 7-118).
mMoney
In the Philippines people have been able to conduct their basic banking tasks via
mobile networks since 2006 (Mendes et al., 2007). One notable early successful m-
banking initiative is Globe Telecom in the Philippines (Donner, 2007).
Communication via text messages (SMS) for banking purposes started with the
passing of top- off credits among subscribers in exchange for services (see Lallana,
2004) and with the development of mobile currencies, m-payments/m-currency/m-
money such as G-Cash from Globe Telecom and Smart Money from Smart
Communications (Mendes et al., 2007). Examples of services are Text a Payment
(users making loan payments using mobiles; once the m-money is in the mobile
account, the user can SMS the loan payment and the transaction is protected by a
PIN) and Text a Deposit (users making deposits into accounts with a rural bank using
mobiles phones, deposit instructions are encrypted and password protected, see
Mendes et al, 2007).
Africa, which lacks financial institutions in rural areas more than in the Philippines,
has an even greater need for financial services (Wicander, 2009: 54). Among the
several m-banking services (see Wicander, 2009: 54ff for an overview) the most well
known is in Kenya popular M-PESA (Donner, 2007). M-PESA was launched by
Commercial Bank of Africa, Safaricom and Vodafone in 2007 as the first m-banking
service in East Africa, with over 100,000 users during the first 3 months (Wicander,
2009: 55). M-PESA allows users to deposit, withdraw money and transfer money to
another M-PESA customer, to buy Safaricom pre-paid airtime and to manage their
M-PESA accounts such as checking the balance, call for support, change their PIN
code et cetera (ibid.). Registration is free for Safaricom subscribers, and agents are
Safaricom dealers or other retailers with a substantial distribution network such as
petrol stations (ibid.). Their key tasks are to register M-PESA customers, to assist
with deposit of cash into M-PESA accounts, to process cash withdrawals for
Karlstads Universitet | Svensson & Wamala, SANORD Symposium 2012 9
10. registered M-PESA customers and to process cash withdrawals for those who are not
registered customers (ibid.).
Mobile are not only used for banking purposes. In the M4D literature there are
examples of how mobile phones are used also to boost business in music (Impio et
al., 2008), education, health et cetera (see papers from the latest M4D conference,
Kumar & Svensson, 2012: 273-374).
mLivelihood
Communication on mobile phones are also used to improve the farming sector (see
Wamala, 2010). The mobile phone can be used for inventory management and market
search. Fishermen have used the mobile phone to access information about price
volumes, how much fish to catch and to which market to take it (Abraham, 2006;
UNCTAD, 2008). Commercial trading platforms have been established, allowing
users to request price data and trading information via SMS (ibid.). Such information
obtained in real time allows users to improve their negotiating position and increase
their earnings. Thanks to market efficiency fishermen‘s profit rose by eight percent
and customer prices fell by four percent (UNCTAD, 2008). Hence, enhanced flow of
information can help local markets to work more efficiently.
Mobile phones have been used for weather information for famers (UNCTAD, 2008;
Wamala, 2010). Timing of the annual onset of monsoon rains is crucial for farming
communities as it dictates when to sow crops and when to take products to the market
(Wamala 2010). Market inefficiencies due to lack of information results in a waste of
up to 12$ billion of fruit and vegetable production (UNCTAD, 2008). Local-language
information on weather and market prices can be provided through text-messages to
mobile phones. Farmers can regularly receive and send vital information, and
translate information into local languages using local databases of mobile phone
numbers (UNCTAD, 2008). Especially accessing information about market
conditions are used by farmers in developing regions, hence reducing travels (ibid.).
Some operators provide trading facilities on mobiles phones, allowing sales directly
from the farm (ibid.). By checking prices farmers can avoid paying excessive
Karlstads Universitet | Svensson & Wamala, SANORD Symposium 2012 10
11. commissions to intermediaries, and the improved position makes them able to
negotiate with full knowledge of market and price conditions.
A study from Bangladesh showed that more than half of the farmers used mobile
phones in receiving agricultural information (Kashem, 2010). A study from Tanzania
showed communication on mobile phones affected the entire cyclic of farming, from
preparation, farming, harvesting and marketing, resulting in increased opportunities
and reduced risks (Matotay & Furuholt, 2010) making farmers positive towards using
mobile phones (as Shankaraiah & Swamy, 2012 study in India shows). Mobile
phones have also been used to empower female farming cooperatives (Vincent &
Cull, 2010) because through the technology women negotiate market prices
collectively thereby removing unashamedly fraudulent middlemen (Wamala, 2010).
The same technology enables women to share information regarding their farming
practices, and having direct access to information that does not go through their
husbands continues to provide women with some level of autonomy (ibid.). The
mobile phone can also attract youth to agriculture serving as intermediaries between
farmers and farming research centres (Manolo & Van de Fliert, 2012).
mGovernance and mParticipation
The so-called Arab Spring has ushered in an era of enhanced citizen participation in
governance issues. Social media tools and text messaging features on the mobile
phone continue to assist towards physically amassing citizens in political
demonstrations. Besides crowing gathering, the mobile phone assists in making
governments accountable to citizens as the technology insists on a bi-directional
exchange. This could be labelled as sousveillance (see Bakir, 2010), i. e. using the
mobile as a tool for bottom-up monitoring of the state by the citizens, such as human
rights reporting (see Wagenaar & Rieback, 2010; Thinyane & Coulson, 2012),
election monitoring (Hellström & Karefeldt, 2012) and fighting corruption
(Hellström, 2010; Talukdar, 2012). Thus access to mobile phones have improved
people‘s situation in several areas providing political news, organizing political
resistance and even deposing a president (see Rheingold, 2002).
Karlstads Universitet | Svensson & Wamala, SANORD Symposium 2012 11
12. Concerning mGovernance, India has been leading in developing government services
through mobile phones such as sending and making information available to citizens
(see Karan & Khoo, 2008). SMS have been used for fair distribution of food, for
government officials to send reports from the field and to monitor health care delivery
(Garai, 2012). Especially the state of Kerala has been implementing text-messaging in
practically everything, from sending electricity bills to information on bus timetables.
By staying connected and being reachable, examples on how mobile phones empower
households and individuals can be found from other parts of the world as well (see
UNCTAD, 2008; Wicander, 2009: 44). In Senegal mobile phones are used as tools
for social mobilization (Debar et al., 2010) and in Tanzania to give voice to
marginalized populations (Fuglesang, 2010). There are also numerous studies of how
communication on mobile phones can also be used to empower women (see for
example Dravid & Klimes, 2012 and Pundir & Kanwar, 2012).
mLearning
The first cell phone novel was written and published in Japan by a young writer
known as Yoshi. Yoshi pushed out chapters of his novel through Multimedia
Messaging Services (MMS) targeting mostly high school students who formed
majority of his readers. The trend has since been popularised in other countries like
the U.S.A and it is thought that it has changed the literally landscape as well as the
shape and form of what writing and reading will look like in the future. With regards
to education this is seen as a way of encouraging and attracting students to read more,
and express themselves more through mobile writing (see www.textnovel.com/keitai,
retrieved 12 May 2012).
In certain townships in South Africa twice as many school kids have mobile phones
compared to computers making it a good tool for education applications (Gunzo &
Dalvit, 2012). Because of its portability, simplicity and affordability the mobile phone
is used in education (Donner 2008). Communication on mobile phones could provide
affordable access to education in remote areas, nomadic and displaced communities.
Mobile phones could enhance and supplement in-class learning by recording lectures
Karlstads Universitet | Svensson & Wamala, SANORD Symposium 2012 12
13. and podcast lectures, synching with a television or using the mobile as a calculator
(Wicander, 2009: 47). The mobile phone also has the potential to amplify and enable
local modes of content and knowledge transmission (ibid.), as well as it can support
educational administration (Traxler, 2006).
In regions where most of the teachers have mobiles phones, communication on them
could be used to contact and stay in touch with parents and students regarding test
schedules, exams, enrolment criteria, fees, admission dates, holidays, cancellation of
classes, to distribute information about seminar and meetings et cetera (see Wicander,
2009: 47). Other examples of mLearning are how to use the mobile phone for
edutainment such as quizzes to educate on HIV and Tuberculosis (see Khanna et al.,
2012).
Literacy remains a big problem in the world with one fifth, or one billion, not being
able to read or write. Even in this area the mobile phone could be used (see Debar et
al., 2010 for a study in Senegal). But it remains important to design mobile phones
and applications for non-literate communities (White, 2010). Studies have for
example showed that farmers in Kenya prefer voice over text not the least due to
issues of literacy (see Crandall, 2012). And here voice-based applications and re-
narration innovations are of importance (see Dinesh & Uskudarli, 2012).
Challenges and Future Possibilities
These examples show, the possibilities and usages of communication on mobile
phones for development purposes. However, from an academic perspective,
Duncombe (2010) has called for a greater conceptual and methodological rigour in
the conduct of research as well as theoretical and methodological development of the
field. The field is young and still suffers from techno-determinism. As Richard Heeks
outlined in his keynote address already in 2008, “we are too ready to the merry-go-
round of novelty”, implying that we are so fascinated by new technology, amazed
Karlstads Universitet | Svensson & Wamala, SANORD Symposium 2012 13
14. with what can be done with it, that we forget to scrutinize it critically and oversee
contextual factors for adoption and use.
There is a need for critical perspectives as well as contributions from more
sociological oriented researchers. Poveda & Svensson (2012), drawing on theories
from Media and Sociology contribute with a critical perspective on the increase of
mobile communication in developing countries. Their argument is that mobile
telephony not only brings with it new and increasing opportunities for development,
but also gives commercial companies a cheap and direct access to communities which
previously had been either left out or considered beyond reach. Also Lyytinen (2010)
has underlined that the role of the private sector in ICT for development as well as
M4D remains understudied.
Drawing on gender and technology studies, Wamala (2010) illustrates the social
inequalities pervading mobile phone access and use in Uganda. Using gender as a
point of analysis, access in all its variance continues to favour men/boys. Women’s
social economic control is still in the hands of men and use of a mobile phone
requires financial injections that many women do not have access to. In response to
this, communication practices are constantly being re-negotiated many of which are
packed with gender hierarchies that make visible the sociological orders in society
(see Wamala 2012). In rural areas where infrastructural challenges require innovative
access strategies such as climbing hills, at times even trees, to acquire the elusive
signal, these practices are contained within the male norm as acceptable behaviour for
this group, but unacceptable for women. As such women may own mobile phones but
their access is limited to mobile handset possession.
Even within these constraints the mobile phone continues to empower many women
across Africa. Take mGovernance as a case in point, through this technology, women
who have previously been barred from taking part in governance processes can now
contribute to various debates from the comfort of their homes. Where in the past
women have been unable to travel to public meetings, or take part in public rallies
they are now speaking through the mobile phone actively engaging in political
processes (Wamala 2011).
Karlstads Universitet | Svensson & Wamala, SANORD Symposium 2012 14
15. Communication on mobiles phones is transforming our societies in a much
profounder way than just opening up opportunities for development. It transform our
understandings of identity, discourse, community, technology, knowledge, space and
time just to mention a few (Traxler, 2008: 95). Therefore we return to the more
sociological questions on what the rise in communication on mobile phones mean for
its users, society and culture at large, questions that we need to address to fully
understand the impact of mobile phones and possible areas of use. A study in
Tanzania for example showed that mobile phones are not primarily used for economic
and business purposes but for maintaining relationships (Mpogole et al., 2008).
Hence, the mobile phone is not just a tool for development but a ubiquitous
technology in which our everyday life and relations are negotiated and made relevant.
The field of M4D has to keep up with perpetual technological developments. The last
few years have marshalled in smart phones, which have created numerous
opportunities. For example majority of Uganda’s 4.5 million Internet users access
their Internet services through mobile phones (CIPESA, 2012). This has increased
Internet penetration in Uganda and precipitated an increase in the use of social media
tools for most of the areas we have covered in this paper. Development efforts
(including techies, NGOs, government and academics) are turning to the mobile
phone as a powerful tool for development and local mobile applications that address
everyday services and information needs are fast becoming ubiquitous. Smart phones
are however limited to the urban elite, and the average rural Ugandan has access to a
basic mobile phone that does not support half the features the smart phone promises.
East Africans recognise this discrepancy and there is growing reference to an
mDivide (smart phones/basic phones) that should be addressed.
The Nordic region has harnessed ICT and mobile applications across many domains
and the same is true for Southern African countries. There have been plenty of mobile
applications ranging from agriculture and micro-finance to the health and governance,
to serve these communities. We have presented here an overview and examples of
how to use communication on mobile phones for development purposes from many
different countries. And we hope that we have made it clear that both developed and
Karlstads Universitet | Svensson & Wamala, SANORD Symposium 2012 15
16. developing regions can learn from each other. This is the reason for presenting M4 as
a future research priority for Nordic and Southern African universities.
In conclusion, with the proliferation on mobile phones in developing regions, we
know that research on M4D is important. But we also know that a rapid growth in
number of subscriptions does not imply development per se (see Mpogole et al.;
Mtenzi et al., 2008). Hence we are still struggling on how to do M4D research right,
in a field that is still biased towards techno-determinism, lacking critical perspectives
and not sufficiently taking contextual barriers into account. We hope to be able to
address such issues in a SANORD context.
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