Write a 4-6 Page Literature Review and Assumption based on the research proposal below. The research must be APA style, Single line spacing and scholarly sites only. Include at least 5 additional reference with proper citations in literature review and assumption. No Plagarism is allowed. Anyone who delivers on this will do project.
Research Topic
Bridging the digital divide in Africa.
Research Problem
The breakthrough in technology and the growing digitalization of activities have left most countries of the world with no option than to be drawn into the digital global economy. Digital divide among the people of developing world such as most of the African countries are far behind the other countries which have better access to information communication and technology. There are various factors which are responsible for the digital divide among the people of the developing world such as socio-economical, commercialization, and liberalization, sociological and educational.
Purpose Statement
To examine a number of these issues as it relates to digital divide in African countries with particular references to Nigeria and Ghana, gathers facts and indications of the divide. The research paper will also and evaluate the instances and causes that are contributing to the digital divide among the people and communities. We will establish and develop strategies that can help bridge the divide.
Research Questions
1. What are the factors and causes behind the digital divide n Africa?
i) Socio-economic barriers
ii) Technology barriers
iii) Educational barriers
iv) Barriers in commercialization
2. How can we reduce the digital divide in Africa?
i) Liberalizing policies for the foreign companies providing digital services
ii) Mass mobilization towards use of ICT enabled services
iii) By educational programmes and training session
iv) Focus on infrastructure development regarding digital services.
3. What are the future prospects and Growth options in developing world?
i) Economy will move up
ii) Communication is key to success for the people of the country.
iii) Better communication means better connectivity from the world.
Preliminary Thesis
Africa is on a verge of bridging the digital divide.
Research Area Boundaries
The research area boundaries will include establishing the instances of digital divide in Africa with references to Nigeria and Ghana, analyzing the causes of barriers to digital divide like policies and corruption in the government, educational system, and information and communication technology infrastructure barriers (internet and Global System for Mobile Communications access, availability usage and cost). The sub topics will further expand and address the area mentioned above. Finally, strategies for bridging the digital divide will be recommended.
Research area subtopics
i) Digital divide in Africa.
1. Use of information and communication technology in Africa
2. Level of reach of ICT enabled services in government and amongst the people.
3. Knowledge of the use of information and communication technology infrastructure in communities.
ii) Barriers to digital Services
1. Information and communication technology infrastructure
2. Shortage of energy and power supply
3. Literacy, training and the digital divide
4. Liberalization of government policies
5. Socio-economic barriers
6. Corruption
iii) Strategies for bridging the digital divide
1. Reducing the cost of technologies and capacity building
2. Upgrade of the quality and quantity of telecommunications infrastructure
3. Improve energy and power supply
4. Eradicate poverty and illiteracy
Methodological Approach
I will be using a qualitative research methodology approach.
References
B. Sikhakhane, S. L. (2005). Preliminaries into problems to access information - the digital divide and rural communities. South African Journal of information Management, Vol 7(3).
Chrisanthi AVGEROU, S. M. (2005). Information society and the digital divide problem in developing countries. London School of Economics, 205-218.
Christian Fuchs, E. H. (2008). Africa and the digital divide. Telematics & Informatics, 99-116.
Compaine, B. M. (2001). The digital divide: Facing a crisis or creating a myth. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press
"Digital Divide Closing, but Still Significant, Says United Nations Telecoms Agency." UN News Center. UN, 11 Oct. 2012. Web. 22 Feb. 2014.
Hudron K. Kari, (2007) Availability and accessibility of ICT in the rural communities of Nigeria, Electronic Library, Vol. 25 Issue 3, 363 - 372
ITU (2005). Building Digital Bridges Geneva: International Telecommunication Union Bulletin
ITU (2007). World Information Society Report 2006 Geneva: International Telecommunication Union Bulletin
R. Cline, M. Powell (2004). ICTs, virtual colonization and political economy Review of African Political Economy, 5-9