IT in a global economy chapter 19 discussion

ITS 832 Chapter 19

eParticipation, Simulation Exercise and Leadership Training in Nigeria: Bridging the Digital Divide

Information Technology in a Global Economy

Overview

• Introduction

• Theoretical Framework

• Application of eParticipation

• Leadership Training in Nigeria

• Conclusions

Introduction • Digital divide

• Access to information and communications technology (ICT) • Divide takes place when developing countries go backwards on

technology, and developed countries advance exponentially.

• Increasingly difficult for lagging countries • Chapter addresses the need to bridge the digital gap within and across

countries.

• eParticipation • Increasing utilization, application and adaptation of ICT in eGovernance • Key to bridging the digital divide • Lagging countries need ICT capacity to support eParticipation

• Nigeria • Sample case • Leaders not well versed in technology • How can eParticipation and leadership training bridge the digital divide?

Theoretical Framework • Theories of eParticipation capacity application

• Structuration theory • Structures are produced and altered as a result of human activity (i.e. as a response

to needs)

• Institutional theory • Institutional environment influences existing structures by incorporating

innovative new ideas

• Actor-Network theory • Individuals are separate actors

• Relationships between actors are mapped, forming networks

• All influence • The framework presented yields to the proposition that complex situations

might appear simpler.

• The framework GENERATE: 1) Principles, 2) Practices AS COMMON DENOMINATORS.

• This proposition is use to test and apply the hypothesis that eParticipation can bridge the digital divide.

Application of eParticipation in Simulation Exercise

• Digital Opportunity Index (DOI) • Operates on a e-index - ICT performance indicators

• eParticipation when applied to simulation exercises • Involve use of ICT as tools

• ICT tools in eParticipation include • Connection devices

• Visualization and engagement software

• Social media interaction

Leadership Training in Nigeria • National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS)

• Nigerian leadership training institution • Government think tank: serves as center for research, lectures, workshops,

seminars, and other courses to achieve the national goals.

• Crisis Simulation Game • Players are briefed on theme, rules, roles, scenario • Participants are encourage to show and make the event as real as possible. • Players are encourage to use equipment, and electronic gadgets for

enhancement of performance.

• Study game theme was “political zoning”

• Nigerian application of eParticipation is basic • Less sophisticated than most other nations • Lagging behind generally • Personnel were eager to incorporate more advanced ICT

Conclusions

• Nigerian NIPSS Crisis SimulationGame • Case study for assessing digital divide

• Main conclusion: digital divide is a global problem • Not a local one • Must be addressed from the bottom up

• Recommendations • eParticipation must be more globally available • Less developed countries must prioritize move toward eGovernance • Citizens must be encouraged to engage in eParticipation • eParticipation, eGovernance, and eDemocracy legislation is beneficial at all

levels of government

• The UN should continue to improve programs that support eParticipation