Transcript Telecommunications Policy Framework

The Development of a New
Telecommunications
Policy Framework for a
Knowledge Society
Zonia Samuel Adrabo
7/21/2015
Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
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Executive Summary
1.
2.
3.
4.
Background & Introduction
Literature Review
Theories, Models & Methods
Research Methodology
a.
Research Philosophy
i.
ii.
b.
Research Technique(s)
i.
ii.
5.
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Theory-building empirical research
Policy Research
Delphi Technique (3 Rounds)
SAIS-2001 Secondary Data Analysis
Initial Findings
Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
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Background & Introduction
 Developments in Telecommunications
Technology and Industry
– Growth in PSTN, GSM & CDMA, Satellite,
 Telecommunications Policy vs. Public
Policy Formulation Process
–
 Information Society, Knowledge
Society & Globalisation
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Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
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Theories on Policy Process ~ 1
 The Democratic Theory Boeringer
 The Pluralist Theory – Boeringer
 The Corporatist Theory – Bramans
- Masco
 The Political Economy Theory –
Marxist approaches
– A)
– B)
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Instrumentalists
Structuralists
Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
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Theories on Policy Process ~2
 Realism/Realpolitik (German origin)
– Viotti, Zacher and Sutton
 Integration (Pluralism and
interdependence)
– Masco
 World System theory
– Wallerstein
 Legal Framework for Policy Making
– 3 tier government of SA and judicial
system in SA and Uganda
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Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
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Models & Methods ~ 1
The Rational-Comprehensive
model
The incremental model
The Mixed-scanning model
The Elite/mass model
The Group model “ Toyi-Toyi”
The Institutional model
The social interaction model
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Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
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Models & Methods ~ 2
 The Systems model
 Policy network and community
model
 Chaos, Complexity and Quantum
models
 Functional policy stages/phases
 Other models
– Vibration Resonance Mathematical Model:
– Symbolic models use mathematical symbols
to describe the relationship among variables
associated with a specific issue
– Procedural models use elementary methods
to stimulate relationships between variables
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Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
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Research Methodology
Research Problem:
 Telecommunication Policy has mostly
been formulated with political ambitions
rather than focus on technology and
services the adopted technology can
provide.
 The main objective of the research is
therefore to develop a framework for the
development of telecommunications
policy with specific reference to
technology use for the purpose of
fulfilling the needs of a knowledge
society
7/21/2015
Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
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Research Questions




What level of usage of the information and
communications technologies determine
whether one is in information or knowledge
society?
What innovative activities in
telecommunications influence the adoption
of information and communication
technonologies?
How can we formulate appropriate policies
within the socio-political and economic
dimensions to satisfy all the parties involved
in the telecommunications industry?
What Telecommunication policy issues offer
the best services to an emerging Knowledge
Society?
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Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
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Research Objectives




To establish what level of ICT usage
determines Information Society or Knowledge
Society
To establish the technological, social,
economic and political factors affecting
innovation in telecommunications policy
processes.
To do a Policy Analysis of the existing
telecommunications policy processes and
propose ways of improving them.
To develop a new framework using concepts,
models, theories for the formulation of a
telecommunications policy for an emerging
knowledge society.
7/21/2015
Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
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Research Hypothesis & Propositions
 Proposition 1: Information Society and Knowledge
Society are based on the extend and use of
ICT's respectively which in turn is a
consequence of innovation
 Hypothesis 1: The availability and usage of ICTs
determine whether or not a society can be
classified as an Information Society or
Knowledge Society
 Proposition 2: Telecommunications Policy
Formulation is affected by technological,
economic, social and political factors
 Hypothesis 2: Political, Economic, Social and
Technological factors have a direct effect on
Telecommunications Policy formulation
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Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
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Research Hypothesis & Propositions
 Proposition 3: The two drivers of the
technological innovations in
Telecommunications are Universal Service and
Quality of Service
 Hypothesis 3: Universal Service Obligation and
Quality of Service drive the development of
Telecommunications Technology.
 Proposition 4: Existing Telecommunications
Policies need improvement to catch up with
innovations in Telecommunications
Technology.
 Hypothesis 4: In an emerging knowledge society,
telecommunications policy and regulatory
institutions require a more robust framework in
order to match innovations in
Telecommunications Technology.
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Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
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Research Philosophy
*Theory-building empirical research
Policy research:
a) is multidimensional in focus:
b) uses an empirico-inductive research
orientation
c)
incorporates the future as well as the
past
d) responds to study users or stake-holders
e) explicitly incorporates values
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Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
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The Delphi Technique
The Delphi Technique begins with an openended questionnaire that is given to a
panel of selected experts to solicit specific
information about a subject or content
area. In subsequent rounds of the
procedure, participants rate the relative
importance of individual items and also
make changes to the phrasing or
substance of the items. Through a series
of rounds (typically three), the process is
designed to yield consensus.
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Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
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Research Instrument
Delphi Survey Questionnaire
constructed in 4 sections:
a. Key Characteristics of Information and
Knowledge Society
b. Key Technologies for Information and
Knowledge Society
c. Key Issues in Telecommunications
Policy Formulation Process
d. Key Models and Methods for Policy
improvement
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Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
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Research Procedure
a. Selection of Participants
b. Sample Size (30 = 10 from
S Africa; 10 from Uganda &
10 from USA & Europe)
c. Data gathering
procedure
d. Data analysis
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Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
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Initial Findings
The conceptual model of the key attributes of the
desired telecommunications policy framework
shall consist of three major components: 1)
focused conceptualisation or context; 2) welldefined policy process; 3) built-in capacity for
improvement
–
–
–
Contextualisation: Specifically defined nature and role;
Concepts, theories and models; Historical development
and current status
Policy Process: Problem statement or agenda-setting;
Design & Development; Decision-making or choice of
alternatives; Implementation or operational
deployment; Project Management; Assessment or
Evaluation
Capacity building for policy improvement =Innovation:
Institutionalisation; Policy analysis and management;
Further research and Training.
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Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate
University of Pretoria
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Policy Improvement
Framework
Policy Process
Contextualisation
Capacity-building
THANK YOU!
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University of Pretoria
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