Information System in E-government in Saudi Arabia - Coursework Example

The Role of Information System in E-Government in Saudi Arabia: An Exploratory Study of King Abdul-Aziz for Science and Technology Introduction : Information Systems (IS) is a specialized educational discipline concerned with the planned, administrative and outfitted activities involved in collecting, processing, storing, distributing and the use of information along with the associated technologies, in the society and organizations. Here, Information System bridges the variety of business field and the interdisciplinary field of computer science that is changing towards a new scientific discipline. An information systems discipline therefore is broadly supported by the theoretical foundations of information and computations such that undergraduate students have several opportunities to explore the academics of various business models as well as related algorithmic processes within a Computer Science discipline. Information Systems are planned within an organization for the purpose of developing the effectiveness and efficiency of that organization. Capabilities of the information system and individuality of the organization, its work systems, its people, and its development and accomplishment methodologies together determine the extent to which that purpose is achieved. In general, information systems are focused upon processing Information within organizations, especially within business enterprises and sharing the benefits with modern society. “For developing countries, Technology is considered to be a handle for development. The development of Information Technology (IT) has a wide potential in all aspects of the societal development. Especially, for any developing country, IT has brought an overall change and growth. The developing countries need to focus on various levels of IT i.e. Computer density, Communication, Connectivity, Cyber laws, Cost and Commonsense to emerge as an effective and well governed country in twenty first century.” (Al-Shalabi 2005). The Information System has a great role in developing the Government functions. Information can also be considered ad the foundation of all governing. E-government: E-government (online Government) is creating a good and clean interaction between the government, the citizens, government, business enterprises and inter-government functions. E-government function can help a person to know more about the city, interacting with the city through the website provided via the internet. We can submit our complaints & feedbacks to various government activities through this system. E-government helps to make various processes and makes access to government information more easily for the public sector agencies and citizens. Better citizen participation will be the primary goal of e-government. Through the internet people from all over the country can interact with politicians and interactive surveys will allow the politicians to see the views of the people. This technology can create a more transparent and efficient government. A government could theoretically move towards a true democracy with the proper use or application of E-government. E-governance is the frontier free network that consists of the government organizations, non-government organizations, private firms, service sectors etc. It involves the recent developments in the technology, decision making process, leadership. It refers to the economical, political and the administrative authority of the government; it also refers to the process of how the citizens contribute to the nation and vice versa. The fields of implementation of them are in the administrative and service departments. “E-Governance is the public sector’s use of information and communication technologies with the aim of improving information and service delivery.” (E-governance, 2009). Knowledge management is goal oriented with a keen focus is on performance measurement, competitive advantage, and technological innovation; nullifying the outdated technology, disseminating the idea, methodologies and feedback. E-governance takes a look at a different organization despite profit, people strength, and location preference etc free from all the obstacles to lead an efficient and effective administration. The concept of e-governance is knowledge, as a building block. They depend on the knowledge management systems that are implemented. The advantages of e-governance are quick decision making, avoiding perplex ion in administration, genuine working nature of the people and corruption identification in knowledge management. The e-government should be in such a way as to be communicated thoroughly to the citizens and they should be useful in retrieving the information at the time they are required. The concept of e-governance is based on the knowledge management of the system. It includes different knowledge management systems, the information management systems and communication for the well being of the organization. It also gives a vivid image of the environment where the system and the people have a unique opportunity as in democracy. It can result in an efficient and effective government. Role of E-government in Saudi Arabia: The vision for Saudi Arabias e-government initiative is very user-friendly and focuses on a number of aspects which will revolve around the central concepts already mentioned, i.e., providing better government services to the user. “The vision for Saudi Arabias e-government initiative was detailed by determining ten objectives to be achieved within the following five years.” (Strategy and action plan: Research aim and objectives : The main aim of this essay is to consider the role of information system in E-Government in KSA. This research study shall consider ways and means by which the role of IT in e-governance in KSA could be developed with special reference to the King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology. Strategic objectives of Saudi e-government initiative, 2010). 1> Provide the top priority services (150) at world class level of quality electronically 2>Deliver services in a seamless and user friendly way and at highest standards Of security 3>Make services available to everyone in the Kingdom and allow 24/7 access From cities as well as countryside and even outside the country 4>Realize 75% as option rate with respect to the number of users. 5>Ensure 80% user satisfaction rating for all services provided electronically 6> Deliver all possible official intra-governmental communication in a paperless Way 7>Ensure accessibility of all information needed across the government agencies and storage of information with as little redundancy as possible 8>Purchase all goods and services above a reasonable value threshold through procurement 9>Contribute establishment of information society in the Kingdom through Spreading information, knowledge and use of e-services 10>Help to improve the use of country’s assets and resources by increasing societys productivity in private, business and public sector Methodology : The method of research would be in terms of personal interviews and answers to questions posed to the top administrators and governors of King Abdul-Aziz City for Science and Technology. These interviews could be conducted after fully informing them about this study and seeking their permission to participate in a research study of this kind. It is necessary that prior permission of these respondents should be taken and also prior appointments and ethical considerations need to be considered. The methodology of online questionnaire was considered, by not accepted, since the scope of such online in this case was not appropriate and could not serve the purpose and objectives of this research. King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology: “King Abdul-Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) is an independent scientific organization administratively reporting to the Prime Minister. This institution was established in the year 1977. KACST is both the Saudi Arabian national science agency and its national laboratories. The science agency function involves science and technology policy making, data collection, funding of external research, and services such as the patent office. KACST has currently over 2500 employees.” This institution is an independent scientific organization. It is run by a higher committee chaired by the King. (Information about KACST, 2009). “Its objectives are: 1. The proposal of a national policy for the advancement of science and technology. It lays down the required strategy to achieve this end. 2. The execution of scientific research programs for development in the Kingdom. 3. The fostering of the private sector to develop agricultural and industrial research. 4. The enhancement of various research programs between the Kingdom and international scientific institutions for the purpose of keeping abreast of scientific advances, whether through scholarships or joint research. 5. The offering of scholarships and training courses in the field of scientific research. It also awards scholarships to individuals and establishments to conduct applied scientific research. 6. The coordination with governmental organs, scientific institutions and research centers in the Kingdom for the purpose of research and data exchange.” (KACST, n.d.). There are several research institutes and scientific centres affiliated to King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology. KACSTs main responsibilities can be summarized as follows: 1>propose a national policy for the development of science and technology 2>coordinate with government agencies, scientific institutions and research centres in the Kingdom to enhance research and exchange information and expertise 3>provide advise to the government on science and technology related things 4>support technology development and scientific research 5>Promote national innovation and technology transfer between industry and research institutes 6>Promote international cooperation in science and technology Time Schedule and description of work to be carried out Tasks 1st Week 2nd Week 3rd Week 4th Week 5th Week 6th Week Meetings Research designing Assimilating data Codifying data results Measuring results Analysing outcomes Final research documenting and approval Gantt diagram showing time plan of research Reference List Al-Shalabi, H., 2005. Role of information technology for good governance and society. [Online] B Net. Available at: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_7076/is_2_1/ai_n28318901/ [Accessed 16 June 2010]. E-Governance, 2009. [Online] Unesco.org. Available at: http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ID=3038&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html [Accessed 16 June 2010]. Information about KACST, 2009. [Online] KACST. Available at: http://www.kacst.edu.sa/en/about/Pages/default.aspx [Accessed 16 June 2010]. KACST, n.d. [Online] The Saudi Network. Available at: http://www.the-saudi.net/saudi-arabia/kacst.htm [Accessed 16 June 2010]. Strategy and action plan: Strategic objectives of Saudi e-government initiative, 2010. [Online] E-Government Program. Available at: http://www.yesser.gov.sa/english/executive_plan.asp?id=item3 [Accessed 16 June 2010]. Read More