week 15- infotech

ITS 832 Chapter 19

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

Information Technology in a Global Economy

Professor Michael Solomon

Overview

• Introduction • Theoretical Framework • Application of eParticipation • Leadership Training in Nigeria • Conclusions

Introduction

• Digital divide • Access to information and communications technology (ICT) • Increasingly difficult for lagging countries

• eParticipation • Increasing utilization 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 • Principles • Practices

Application of eParticipation in Simulation Exercise

• Digital Opportunity Index (DOI) • 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

• Crisis Simulation Game • Players are briefed on theme, rules, roles, scenario • 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 Simulation Game • 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