1. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Research Output and Utilization in Selected Southern African Universities
- Author
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David Mtetwa, Luckson Muganyizi Kaino, and Choshi D. Kasanda
- Subjects
Engineering management ,Knowledge management ,Information and Communications Technology ,business.industry ,Political science ,business - Abstract
This chapter analyzes the contribution of academic research outputs in ICTs towards the improvement of economic and social development of communities in Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. The findings reported emanate from a study that examined ICT projects undertaken at the universities of these countries and how the projects benefited the communities to realize the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The findings indicate that studies in ICTs were used as either an object or instrument of inquiry, and a number of challenges were associated with the dissemination and utilization of research outputs. In addition, the MDGs were not deliberately factored in the ICT research agenda, and their treatment was by accident rather than design. The authors recommend that in order for research outputs to address the MDGs, the universities should put in place explicit policies that emphasize production of knowledge relevant to community, and dissemination and utilization strategy policies for research outputs.
- Published
- 2013
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