The Role of Information (Ict's) in National Development
Information is defined on the Business dictionary website as, “raw data that (1)Has been verified to be accurate and timely, (2)Is specific and organized for a purpose, (3) Is presented within a context that gives it meaning and relevance, (4) and which leads to increase in understanding and decrease in uncertainty. The value of information lies solely in its ability to affect a behavior, decision, or outcome.”(www.businessdictionary.com). Information can be transferred via different media such as, books, serials, journals and ICT’s. In our diverse world, information is now thought of as a resource. Faster, smarter and more innovative means of its collection, storage and dissemination are being created every day.
On the other hand, development is a multi-purpose and multi-disciplinary term. It can be defined as, “A multi dimensional process that involves the quantitative increase in wealth and qualitative changes in the economy through improved technology, better utilization of natural resources and better social division of labour.” (Lipalile page 10). Development today is used mostly to describe growth in an economic sense. However from the above definition it is apparent that development is not limited to the economy. Development can take place in different disciplines such as Politics, Science, Education, Culture, the list is endless.
However this essay will focus on the role that information plays in the Information and Technologies (ICT's) sector. And how this in turn leads to National Development.
ICT's are communication tools that aid in the collection, storage and most importantly the transfer of information. These tools include radio, television and most importantly the internet and telecommunications. This is as in recent times, ICT's have come to symbolize the internet and telecommunications exclusively. The reason behind this maybe that, "the global economy has entered a 'digital age' & information has become the primary resource for economic
On the other hand, development is a multi-purpose and multi-disciplinary term. It can be defined as, “A multi dimensional process that involves the quantitative increase in wealth and qualitative changes in the economy through improved technology, better utilization of natural resources and better social division of labour.” (Lipalile page 10). Development today is used mostly to describe growth in an economic sense. However from the above definition it is apparent that development is not limited to the economy. Development can take place in different disciplines such as Politics, Science, Education, Culture, the list is endless.
However this essay will focus on the role that information plays in the Information and Technologies (ICT's) sector. And how this in turn leads to National Development.
ICT's are communication tools that aid in the collection, storage and most importantly the transfer of information. These tools include radio, television and most importantly the internet and telecommunications. This is as in recent times, ICT's have come to symbolize the internet and telecommunications exclusively. The reason behind this maybe that, "the global economy has entered a 'digital age' & information has become the primary resource for economic
Bibliography: Business dictionary (2009) Information. Available at (accessed on 23 August, 2009) Grace, J., Kenny C., Qiang, C (2003) Information and Communication Technologies and Broad-Based Development: A partial review of evidence. Washington D.C: World Bank Lipalile, M. (1999) DS101:Introduction to Development Studies 1. Lusaka: UNZA PRESS. Talero, E. and Gandette, P. (1996) Harnessing Information for Development: A Proposal for World Bank Strategy. Washington D.C: World Bank. UNESCO (1976), Meaning and Scope of Education. Available at (accessed 21 August, 2005) World Bank (2005) Financing Information and Communication Needs in the Developing World: Public and Private Roles. Washington, D.C: World Bank.