COMNET-IT '95
The Commonwealth and the Information Society
International Workshop on
National Information Technology Policies and Strategies
in Commonwealth Countries

Floriana, Malta.
October 30 - November 1, 1995

ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS

Keynote Address:Living and Learning: The Management of Change. Dr.George R. Podrebarac, Canada.

People in the public service are facing rapid and complex change. Information technology is one tool which enables this change to take place, but the larger context must be considered. The paper describes the process of business re engineering as an organised approach to addressing organisational problems. This process includes drawing on skills within the organisation to develop creative solutions. To be effective re engineering must deal with the complexity of the change process. This complexity is captured in eight basic lessons arising from a new paradigm of dynamic change.

These are: to strike a balance between a structured approach to change while allowing self learning to unfold; to recognise the inherent uncertainty in dealing with change; seeing problems as sources of creative resolution; having a vision but not being blinded by it; valuing the individual and the group; incorporating centralising and decentralising forces; being internally cohesive but externally oriented; and valuing personal change as the route to system change. A pattern underlying the eight lessons of dynamic change is the ability of people to work with the polar opposites inherent in each of the lessons.

COMNET-IT:> An Overview by Mr. Rogers W'O Okot Uma, Training Specialist (Technical),MTSD, Commonwealth Secretariat, United Kingdom.

The original focus of COMNET-IT had been to facilitate the exchange of information on IT policies. This focus has since evolved and now includes the facilitation of the use and development of computer networks for the exchange of information and expertise.It will promote the networking of institutions with the purpose of accelerating social and economic development through the use of computer networks. To realise its objectives, COMNET-IT will share the lessons of experience, exploit cost effective opportunities and create opportunities for assessing and enhancing the benefits of recent IT developments. It is both a network of people and institutions and an electronic network.Its process/product mix will involve the exchange of information and knowledge, the transfer of computer based networking technology through the supply and training of skills and expertise and the provision of advice. Research and development on the use of computer networks and other IT will also be undertaken. Some of its activities would include regular workshops and expert meetings,the dissemination of printed and electronic material and the forging of strategic partnerships and alliances with relevant professional organisations.

The organisational elements of COMNET-IT include a Board of Directors; experts appointed in their personal and professional capacity and responsible for the strategic direction of COMNET-IT, and a Secretariat responsible for the business development and coordinating functions. At the tactical/operational level, two mechanisms will be created: COMNET-IT Project Groups responsible for network technology, research, publications and education; and Operational Centres including the Operational Centre for Network Technology at NSCT in India and MSU in Malta. Links to other ComSec projects,such as GOVERNET and ICGITD are envisaged.

The specific functions of the Secretariat will include:Network Start up help; commissioning of research projects; information access (such as selected abstracts on the WWW and the commissioning of value added databases); list servers and meta information; synergy with other development programmes for IT projects (e.g. IDRC, UNDP) and training workshop activities.

Information and Communication Policy:Issues and Initiatives in South Africa by Stephen S.Mncube,Development Bank of South Africa and Kate Wild, International Development Research Centre, Canada.

The paper provides an analysis of the needs being addressed in South Africa and compares these to the approaches being pursued in Canada. South Africa can be viewed as a prototype of a newly democratised nation in the process of formulating its approach to information policy. Three initiatives,the National Information Project, the Open Democracy Act and the Telecommunications Policy Programme form the underpinnings of this approach. They address a broad set of societal needs: access to information, education, economic development, financial, cultural and moral needs. They involve a variety of actors, including investors,financiers, manufacturers, operators, educators and artists. Regionaland global cooperation are fundamental elements in all IT related policies.

A Commonwealth Perspective in Informatics Policies and Strategies. Dr. Mohan Kaul and Rogers W'O Okot Uma,Commonwealth Secretariat, London.

The paper highlights the key role played by IT in Organisational and system change throughout the public service in the Commonwealth. It reviews the key strategies being followed by a selected group of Commonwealth member countries. These include Malta, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and the United Kingdom. Annual investment figures are given for New Zealand(over NZ $400 million), Singapore (over SING $ 150 million) and Malaysia (over MAL $250 million). While approaches have differed in each of the examples examined, all had established the importance of using IT through the declaration of a policy for effective planning and management of information systems in government. Other mechanisms,such as advisory bodies, inter ministerial committees and public consultation were important common elements. These policy frameworks were used as guidance for the ensuing deliberations of the Workshop.

Dr. Chee Sing Yap, a panellist representing Singapore National Computer Board,stressed the value of IT as a tool to boost the whole economy of a country. It is difficult to get it right, but the elements must include local involvement in implementation of IT policies, close attention to the human resources aspects and careful coordination of efforts. Dr. Abdus Sattar, a panellist and Director of Pakistan's Computer Bureau, outlined three essential prerequisites for successful implementation of IT policies.

These are:

(i) Strong political will and support from the highest political level;

(ii) A strongcoordinating body with "top down" direction;

(iii) A sound supporting infrastructure with developmental support.

He suggested that a Research and Development Board is an essential element of a national infrastructure. A sound infrastructure will include networks well integrated with terminal networks and equipment.Above all a sound fiscal environment is necessary for success.

National Informatics Policies/Strategies:Country Perspective Canada by Mr. Phil McLellan, AssistantDeputy Minister, Government Telecommunications and Informatics Services,Canada.

The paper describes how the Government of Canada's informatics policies and strategies are linked to the government's reform and renewal initiatives. The action plan is outlined. Its elements include cost reduction, service improvement and the harmonisation of procedures and regulations. The mandate of the Government's Chief Informatics Officer includes policy and standards functions, administrative re-engineering, maintaining liaison with the private sector and providing support for the government's IT community. A key element in Canada's IT strategy is "The Blueprint" which is described as "An integrated, enterprise wide approach to renewing government services through the application of information technology to make them more affordable, accessible and responsive". Among the issues described is the role of government in managing the "core" functions, leaving delivery of services to the private sector.

Information Technology Strategy Statement: Republic of Botswana by Mr. Lash Motlhatlhedi, Manager, Government Computing Bureau, Botswana.

The Information Technology Strategy Statement of Botswana aims to help the Government address critical issues facing the Nation during the National Development Plan 8 (NDP8) which runs from 1997 to 2003. A prime objective of the Statement is to ensure that IT is closely aligned to the strategic objectives and plans of Government. The document supporting the Statement was developed by the Government Computer Steering Committee (GCSC) and sets out the principles and directions to be adopted by the Government in exploiting IT. The key element in the document is a Vision which reflects the demands and needs of Ministries to get support systems in place quickly. The Vision contains a number of elements including the provision of systems and training. Key elements include support for the national infrastructure and a strong private sector role. Policies and standards are being developed, and the sustainability of all initiatives taken is a major consideration.

Harnessing Information Technology: The Mauritian Example by Mr. Robin Unuth, Assistant Director, Central Informatics Bureau, Republic of Mauritius.

The Government of Mauritius has recognised IT as a significant tool capable of increasing efficiency which will in turn help in achieving the national objective of moving to an information based economy. The uses of IT in the Civil Service and in other sectors of the economy are outlined and the areas of major IT investments are identified. The IT Master Plan aims to modernise services in the Telecommunication, Financial, Public and Tourism services. The Government is playing an active role in the development of IT in Mauritius. This includes influencing standards, providing a regulatory framework and amending the legal framework to support IT diffusion.There are more than 30 ongoing IT projects in the Civil Service. Underlying the development of IT policy in Mauritius is the realisation that IT implementation should be a carefully planned exercise requiring the commitment of top management and the involvement of all potential users

An Integrated Change Approach by Mr. Philip Micallef, Management Systems Unit Ltd, Malta.

The paper deals with the Integrated Change Approach being followed by Malta's Management Systems Unit (MSU). It covers the Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP)and shows its links to Malta's Public Service reform initiatives. Among others, the principal success factors of the ISSP have been political commitment, investment and information resource management. In addition, the ISSP has catalysed other sectors, created a synergy with industry and brought about quality improvements in the IT industry. MSU, as an agent of reform, has encouraged a holistic approach to planning, promoted the use of standardisation and capitalised on economies of scale. It plays a major role in bringing rationality to government use of IT, to the planning and implementation of IT strategies, the management of inter ministry communication and the procurement of IT products and services.

IT Issues in the Republic of Ireland by Mr. Seamus Clince, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Council for ITin Government Administration(ICA)

The paper deals with responses of the Central IT Services (CITS) to the challenges faced by the Irish Civil Service. The major challenge is how to achieve the benefits promised by IT. The Irish Civil Service has had some success at the operational level through improved productivity and enhanced quality of service. Success has been less marked in other areas such as financial management and policy making functions. For the future, work support and management systems will become more important, accessible through a single "desktop". The Republic of Ireland is addressing the challenges of the future through its Strategic Management Initiative, Civil Service Reform, development of Vision 2002 and the development of an Information Management Reference Model. New work process specific techniques are being piloted, and new thinking on justification and results reporting is being introduced.

Public Sector Private Sector Partnerships by Mr.Desmond Vincent, Head,Information Systems, Business Development Service, Northern Ireland.

The paper reviews the IT challenges facing the six government departments of Northern Ireland. In recent months there has been an increasing interest in the "Private Finance Initiatives" which transfers the risk for capital projects from the public to the private sector. Each of these initiatives requires a partnership of some description between the public and private sector. The paper draws on the OED for a definition of partnership as "a contractual relationship between two or more persons carrying on a joint business venture with a view to profit, each incurring liability for losses and the right to share in the profits". The paper then outlines criteria for selecting a partner and elaborates on the contractual basis for ensuring success. Successful partnerships will have worked out how to deal with change. Building up a relationship which is not reliant on the contract alone for its success is essential.

Moving Towards the Information Society by Mr. Charles Hughes, Industrial Executive, Department of Trade and Industry, United Kingdom.

The paper outlines the UK's Information Society Initiative and its relevance to small, medium and large enterprise. Appropriate business IT applications include electronic mail, information access, electronic data interchange, electronic marketing, video conferencing and teleworking. It is estimated that forty percent of small and medium sized enterprises(SMEs) in the UK do not use IT. Efforts are underway to show how IT can reinforce the rationale for businesses. Suppliers are being encouraged to develop salient business applications for enterprises. Strategies include the need to generate a critical mass of users and to ensure a high penetration amongst large users. Efforts are underway to target markets with a high level of IT literacy and to use intermediaries as a vehicle to encourage uptake. IT programmes will cover awareness, interest, decision making and support.

The Uganda Revenue Authority: Experience in Implementin a National Level Information System, and its Implications for Policy by Mr. Justin Zake, Commissioner for ManagementServices, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

The Government of Uganda wished to strengthen public financial management by providing sound financial information systems controls and planning systems. Certain key institutions were selected for the initial implementation of these systems. The Uganda Revenue Authority was one of these. It has carried out a policy analysis based on its experiences and, as a result, URA has drawn up a corporate strategy and an information systems and technology strategy. Issues ranging from which priority business plans should benefit from the use of IT, in the light of limited resources, hardware and software platforms through to the transfer of technology and training of staff have been and continue to be examined. Rather than look on IT as a means to mechanise or automate tasks, URA intends to tap the potential of IT as a decision support tool. This should yield better revenue results and encourage compliance from taxpayers.

IS/IT Strategy in the UK and Developing Countries. by Mr. David McLean, CCTA The Government Centre for Information Systems, United Kingdom.

The paper reviews the experience with IT in UK government departments since the 60s and the shift from a narrow IT focus to a wider "systems" focus in the late 80s. The CCTA's IS Strategy Planning Framework is then described. This Framework emphasises the need for an IS strategy to be business driven rather than IT led. It ensures that investments in IS/IT can be justified in business terms and wider benefits identified and managed. The importance of strategic thinking for developing countries is stressed and suggestions made for several areas which will need to be addressed. These include striking a balance between short and long term planning, senior management commitment, linking IS/IT to the reengineering of the organisation, human and managerial issues, the need for sound infrastructure and building in house capacity.

The Role of IT in Sustainable Development: A South African Perspective. by Ms.Tina James, Manager,Information for Development, Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research,(CSIR), South Africa

The CSIR cooperation model is introduced and discussed. The challenge for CSIR is to maintain a balance between social equity and economic growth. The business of the CSIR is to perform research and development to gain technology and ensure its implementation to meet both economic and social aims. The practical uses of this model at the local level are outlined through several examples. One of these, the Small Business Development Corporation, has already made extensive use of IT. Worldnet Africa (WNA) is used as an example of an African link to the Information Superhighway. Through this connection subscribers can access directories, catalogues, forums and conferences, electronic mail and news, reference databases and an increasing range of business oriented information.

Making the Transition to the Electronic Age:Managing electronic and paper records as a strategic resource for good government. by Mr. Piers Cain, International Records Management Trust, United Kingdom.

The extensive use of computer based information systems holds serious implications for the management of and maintenance of public records. Well structured information must be managed as a key strategic resource underpinning all aspects of public administration.Information contained in public sector records is essential to the effective conduct of public administration and the protection of human rights. The paper describes the problems of introducing electronic records systems. If these problems are to be overcome it is essential that governments and donor agencies place as much emphasis on paper records as they do on computer records and that they find means of building links between the two systems. The role of the International Records Management Trust is discussed. The Trust has worked closely with the heads of the civil service in several African states to develop well structured records management systems in the area of file management.

Zimbabwe's Experience in National IT Manpower Development and its Implications for National Informatics Policy. by Mr. Arthur Sithole, Courseware Development Centre and National Manpower Council, Zimbabwe.

The paper examines some of the informatics education policy issues relevant to the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Agenda confirmed at the National Manpower Advisory Council congress held in October, 1995. Implications for national informatics policy are discussed. There is a mismatch between IT curriculum and market demands which has to be addressed. The Zimbabwe IT Skills Requirements and Career Path models are outlined. The primary skills or professional function areas are defined, along with a breakdown of numbers of people who will be required with these skills. The Computer Society of Zimbabwe, a professional body, has been running the Continuous Professional Development Scheme aimed at facilitating the updating of informatics professionals and users. This scheme has become an important element in upgrading professionals in the IT field.

Government as the Driving Force Toward the Information Society: National Computer Policy in Singapore by Dr. Chee Sing Yap, Head Information Systems, Department of Information Systems and Computer Science, National University of Science and Technology, Singapore on behalf of the National Computer Board.

The paper draws from, and updates, a 1990 paper in "The Information Society",Volume 7, pp 155 185. It outlines the crucial role of the National Computer Board as the Chief Informatics Office for the Government of Singapore. The three phases of IT development in Singapore beginning with the creation of the NCB in 1981 and leading to the current phase, IT 2000 and the informatisation of society are outlined. Singapore's IT policies and the role of the Government in promulgating them are addressed. The benefits of Government encouraging the private sector, of exploiting and exporting IT and of setting strategic goals for IT have been among the reasons for Singapore's success. Under IT2000 a sectorial approach is being pursued, and eleven economic sectors have been identified which can benefit from the increased use of IT.

A discussion session followed these two papers in which Mr. Stewart Bishop, Lecturer, University of the West Indies,Barbados and Ms.Mildred Forson, Acting Director of Data Processing,Ghana participated as panellists. Discussion centred on the need for networking among the IT community as a means of upgrading. However,networks alone are not enough. There has to be appropriate courseware developed and courses and curriculum shared on a regional basis. Courses have to be delivered by people with the right mix of skills. This requires that teachers and trainers must be trained first.

G7 Government On Line: Improving Access to Government Service. Ms. Ruth Kerry, CCTA, United Kingdom and Mr. Mike Harrop, Treasury Board, Canada

The G7 Government Online Project is one of the initiatives emerging from the February, 1995 G7 meeting on the Information Society which was held in Brussels. The Project involves the governments of the world's leading industrial countries working together to develop on line systems. These systems will enable industry and the public to access government information more easily. The G7 On Line Project aims to reduce the burden of bureaucracy on business whilst improving access to markets. Results to date of this international endeavour have been the development of management and operational criteria, the Government Online infrastructure as a practical example, the establishment of a Web Home Page,demonstrations of three projects at the Halifax G7 Summit and the identification of specific project areas for work to begin.

The African Networking Initiative: An Evolving Process for Building Partnerships in Telematics and Networking in Africa. by Mr. Gilles Cliche, IDRC, Ottawa

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and the new Global Information Infrastructure (GII) are key generative and transformative technologies. The paper describes the African Networking Initiative(ANI) and the issues surrounding the need for information policies in this context. There is a lack of direct research in this area relating to the developing world. In the ANI,IDRC will work with ECA, UNESCO, ITU and Bellanet with the general objective of helping ECA fulfil its mandate with respect to the requests of the Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Economic and Social development and Planning held in May, 1995. Expected results are collective and/or individual strategies for the four partner institutions involved, the identification of gaps in current and planned assistance for donors,recommendations to African Ministers of Telecommunications and input to the follow up of the Conference of African Ministers responsible for Economic and Social Development and Planning.

National Information Infrastructure in the Caribbean: A Policy Dimension by Mr. Roderick Sanatan, Secretary General, Caribbean Telecommunications Union, Trinidad and Tobago.

As background to the National Information Infrastructures in the Caribbean, key telecommunications indicators for the Caribbean are outlined. Then the role of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) is described. Established in 1990, the CTU coordinates planning,programming and development of intra regional and international networks to meet the needs of its 13 member states in the Caribbean. The results of a recent regional survey of CTU Member States are presented. Areas where the information infrastructure is contributing to national development have been analysed around five indices: policy, legislation, regulation, network infrastructure and multimedia. Focal points for further policy analysis have been identified from the regional survey. These focal points are the telecommunications industry, the education and training sector,network capabilities and development, universal service and public investment.

Electronic Networking in Distance Education by Professor Patrick Hall, Open University,United Kingdom.

Electronic networks have great potential fortheir use in distance education, in taking education to communities for whom access may be difficult. The practical experience of the Open University in the United Kingdom is introduced and various courses that have piloted the use of telecommunications in the OU's distance education initiatives are described. Difficulties which are encountered when networks are overlaid on conventional education are outlined. The current use of electronic support in the programmes of the OU and the new OU initiative the World Learning Network are covered. The use of electronic networks broadens the range of educational possibilities, but the quality of provision is pre eminently important. The use of technology should not deny access.Distance education must be customised.The system depends on local traditions and facilities. Information technology can offer new opportunities to do this better.

Towards National Informatics Policy and Strategies for Barbados by Mr. Stewart Bishop, University of the West Indies, Barbados.

The IT situation in Barbados and the key 1991 policy statement, which exempted from taxes and duties any computer equipment imported into Barbados, are described. This has led to a greater adoption of IT and acculturation to its use.Since 1993, the National Informatics Advisory Committee and the Information Society of Barbados have played key roles in the integration of IT into national economic endeavours. Telecommunications, education and training are key elements in the IT Strategic Plan of Barbados. A number of innovative projects to introduce IT into the education system are described. The paper concludes that public officials should rely on pilot studies or gradual adoption instead of undertaking massive IT projects all at once. The success stories of others should be carefully examined.

SchoolNet: Plugging Kids into the World by Mr. Duncan Bailey, SchoolNet, Department of Industry, Canada.

Canada's SchoolNet project is, among other things, facilitating the connection of 16,500 schools and 3,400 libraries to the Internet. A wide range of services to be made available on SchoolNet are described. Schoolnet's partnership model is outlined. It is guided by the education community, designed for and by users with corporate sponsorship on final products. A national needs assessment is being carried out, and there is constant feedback at each stage of development. The potential of international cooperation for the Project is described. SchoolNet will fund an international coordinator, share experiences and resources, establish an interactive policy site and listserve and support the development of a database standard for cataloguing educational resources.

The Commonwealth of Learning.Mr.John Gilbert, Telecommunications Consultant, John A Gilbert and Associates, Canada, on behalf of The Commonwealth of Learning,Vancouver,Canada

The mandate of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL)is outlined. Its core functions include communications technologies, training for distance education, information services, materials, research and evaluation and advocacy. COL's technology objectives include access to educational technology, networking support, technology collaboration and technology training. Some of COL's projects are described and some areas for cooperation between COL and COMNET-IT are suggested. These include the area of computer networks where COL promotes information exchange among Commonwealth countries and demonstrates economic ways of networking. Areas of possible collaboration with COMNET-IT might include the development of networking solutions for Commonwealth countries and the provision of information on new networking innovations.