Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders

MODULE 1 – The Linkage between ICT applications and Meaningful Development

The linkage between information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) appears at times clear and at other times fuzzy. But the linkage exist and it merits elaboration and explanation. This module invites readers to explore the various dimensions of the linkage through case studies of ICT applications in key sectors of development in Asia-Pacific countries. The module also highlights key issues and decision points, from policy to implementation, in the use of ICTs to meet development needs. The aim is to foster a better understanding of how ICTs can be used for social and economic development, and to equip policymakers and programmer managers with a development-oriented framework for ICT-based and ICT-supported interventions in a range of social sectors.

The module aims to:

1. Argue the case for ICTs in development;
2. Describe the macro relationship between human development and ICTs;
3. Foster a better understanding of how ICTs can be used to achieve social and economic development; and
4. Provide a development-oriented framework for ICT-based and ICT-supported projects and interventions in a range of social sectors.

MODULE 2 – ICT for Development Policy, Process and Governance

Governments worldwide are increasingly focusing on ICTD, which is not only about developing the ICT industry or sector of the economy but also about using ICT to engender economic as well as social and political growth. Specifically, governments are expected to develop ICTD policy that addresses a range of areas, including an enabling policy and regulatory environment , access to basic infrastructure, accelerated development of basic ICT skills, development of appropriate content and ICT applications for development, and advanced ICT research and development to provide innovative solutions. This module focuses on ICTD policymaking and governance, providing critical information about aspects of national policies, strategies and frameworks that promote ICTD. It discusses key ICTD policy and governance issues, and shows how governments can measure their progress and benchmark that progress against those of other countries.

The module aims to:

1. Provide critical information about different aspects of national policies, strategies and legal instruments that promote the use of ICTD;
2. Discuss issues around developing and implementing ICTD policy; and
3. Demonstrate how governments can measure their progress in ICTD policymaking and benchmark that progress against that of other countries.

MODULE 3 – e-Government Applications

The module provides an overview of e-government, including key elements and concepts, principles and types of applications. It discusses how a e-government system is built by providing detailed analyses of exemplar systems and identifying design considerations.

The module aims to:

1. Provide an overview of the key elements of e-government;
2. Describe and provide examples of types of e-government services; and
3. Discuss important success factors as well as barriers to achieving success in e-government services.

MODULE 4 – ICT Trend for Government Leaders

In just a short few decades, the use of information and communication technology (ICT) systems have completely transformed how we live, work and play. New markets and new business models have emerged to support the entry, storage, processing, analysis and presentation of information, and these are continuing to evolve and advance at a rapid pace.  Global stock markets are now driven by trade in technology-based companies as much as commodity and traditional industrie. and ICT is continually being looked at in new ways as a means to deliver improvements in in socio-economic conditions, and as a tool for achieving the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs). So where did all these technological development come from and where are they headed? This module will try to answer this question and provide some insights into current trends in ICT and its future directions. It will also look at some of the key technical and policy considerations when making decisions for ICT development in the local and regional contexts.

This module aims to:

1. Provide an overview of the evolution of ICT and the role it plays in today’s dynamic global environment;
2. Describe current and emerging technologies and their impact; and
3. Describe the key components of ICT infrastructure, and associated policy and technical considerations.

MODULE 5 – Internet Governance

The internet raises significant challenges for public policy and sustainable human development, both internationally and for individual nations. Hence, the ongoing development of international policies and procedures to govern the use and operation of the internet. However, although the Asia-Pacific region has the biggest share of global Internet users, it is under-represented in forums that develop Internet-related policies. There are a number of issues and specific challenges related to Internet Governance in the regional context. Governments of emerging economies need to understand these issues if they are to have a voice in the global information network.

This module aims to:

1. Describe the ongoing development of international policies and procedures that govern the use and operation of the Internet; and
2. Provide an overview of the issues and specific challenges related to Internet Governance in the regional context.

MODULE 6 – Information Security and Privacy

In the Information Age, information is an asset to be protected and policymakers need to know what information security is and how to take action against information leakage and infringement. This module provides an overview of the need for information security, information security issues and trends, and the process of formulating an information security strategy.

The module aims to:

1. Clarify the concept of information security, privacy and related concepts;
2. Describe threats to information security and how they can be addressed;
3. Discuss the requirements for the establishment and implementation of policy on information security policy; and
4. Provide an overview of standards of information security and privacy protection that are used by some countries and international information security organizations.

MODULE 7 – ICT Project Management in Theory and Practice

This module provides an introduction to basic project management concepts that are relevant in ICTD projects. It introduces methods, processes and project management disciplines commonly used by development and ICT service management practitioners. Some case studies, practice tools and templates are provided, and the unique challenges of planning and managing ICT projects are highlighted.

The module aims to:

1. Provide an overview of concepts, principles and processes in ICT project planning and management;
2. Discuss issues and challenges in ICT project planning and management in developing country contexts; and
3. Describe approaches to and tools for ICT project management.

MODULE 8 – Options for Funding ICT for Development

As the diffusion of ICTs increases, governments around the world are rolling out e-government plans and project to enhance service delivery to the public through the use of ICTs. In many jurisdictions, both the financial and technical means available to government are limited. This constrains the ability of governments to deliver the benefits of e-government to everyone. However, there are significant pools of funds and expertise that the public sector can tap to fulfil its obligations to deliver the highest level of a public service at a reasonable cost. This module discusses these alternative funding options for ICT for development (ICTD) and e-government projects. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are highlighted as a particularly useful funding option for ICT-based services and e-government initiatives in developing countries.

The module aims to:

1. Discuss the issues that influence investment in ICT deployment, with a special focus on investments in e-government;
2. Describe various financing mechanism for ICTD projects;
3. Describe PPPs as an option for funding ICTD and e-government projects; and
4. Outline the issues to consider when deciding on wich funding option to pursue for ICTD and e-government projects.

MODULE 9 – ICT for Disaster Risk Management

Disaster Risk Management (DRM) is a field that greatly benefits from ICTs. The module provides an overview of DRM, its information and communication needs, and the applications of ICTs in its activities.

The module aims to:

1. Provide an overview of DRM;
2. Present an approach of identifying information needs in DRM, and the matching the needs with ICTs;
3. Describe and provide examples of existing ICT applications for DRM; and
4. Raise policy considerations (benefits and barriers) for employing ICTs in DRM.