The Activity of Geekcorps Ghana - Case Study Example

Report based on a Case Study Introduction The region of Ghana in the continent of Africa owing to its political and economic stability is consideredan appropriate area from the business point of view. However, the small and medium industries in the region of Ghana are found to suffer from the lack of technical expertise in the region. The scarcity of technical expertise in the region of Ghana owes to the pattern of computer education in the schools and universities. It is observed that computer education in the region of Ghana mainly centers on traditional and backdated computer languages like Fortran and Cobol. Moreover, the computer graduates need to cover a gestation period of around one year before being totally equipped to join the profession. The above reasons contribute to the lack of a proper skilled and technically proficient workforce in the region. To this end, it is found that a non-profit organization Geekcorps Ghana is endeavoring to rejuvenate the industrial base of the small and medium industries by arranging needed expertise. Geekcorps Ghana is a part of Geekcorps International and it operates based on the mission of transferring technological expertise from the developed countries to the region of Ghana. The non-profit organization operates in the pattern of hiring technical volunteers from developed countries like America who would help in making the small and medium sized industries technically strong and efficient. Technical Volunteers from the developed countries come on a three to four month stint to Ghana and operate to make the industries become technically sound. (ICT-Enabled Development Case Studies Series: Geekcorps of Ghana, 2004). Stakeholders In regards to the stakeholder approach to the case study on Geekcorps Ghana it is found that its activities has helped in generating certain definite and distinct interest groups. It is found that the technical support rendered through the transferring of technical expertise has helped developed the condition of technical students and enterprises operating in the private sector. Moreover, the activity of the non-profit organization has also generated impact on technical team of volunteers hired from developed countries. (ICT-Enabled Development Case Studies Series: Geekcorps of Ghana, 2004). A detailed analysis of the stakeholders is presented as under. The University Graduates It is observed that the computer science educational pattern of the Universities operating in the region of Ghana depended on a traditional framework. The students graduating in Information Technology from these Universities were found to depend more on the theoretical base of the study pursued. They were found to be lacking practical knowledge regarding the use of computers. Moreover, the programming structure taught in the University curriculum depended more on traditional and old-fashioned software like FORTRAN and Cobol. In total, the technical students lacked the technical expertise needed for them to sustain in the modern world of Information Technology. To this end, the role of Geekcorps Ghana needs to be analyzed. Geekcorps Ghana in the order of transferring technical expertise from developed countries is making the volunteers render quality support to the educational institutions. The selected volunteers were found to act in a threefold basis to help cultivate the right technical atmosphere in the Universities. Firstly, the volunteers acted on generating of technical workshops. The holding of workshops by the technical volunteers helped generating newer thoughts, ideologies and modified computer education patterns in the Universities. In the second position, the volunteers targeted the academic population of the Universities consisting of professors and other technical faculties. Herein, the volunteers focused on activities, which would augment the technical expertise of the academic staff. Finally, in the third case the volunteers also divulged in changing the courseware patterns to make it more employment centric. They targeted the modification of the Information Technology skills taught at the Ghana Universities to help the students gain better employment facilities. (ICT-Enabled Development Case Studies Series: Geekcorps of Ghana, 2004). The Business Enterprises In regards to the case of the small and medium scale industries operating in the Accra region of Ghana it is found that they are constantly facing obstacles to access proper developmental opportunities. It is because the industries lack the proper technical expertise, which would help them to gain the opportunities of the market. To help the small and medium scale industries to grow on a more profitable scale Geekcorps Ghana endeavors to render support from a talent pool of volunteers acquired from developed countries. The group of selected volunteers renders support on key technical areas in the business firms by closely working with at least two people within the company. The transferring of technical expertise is conducted within a span of four months. The business enterprises in order to gain the needed support from the non-voluntary organization had to comply with some formalities. The business enterprises were required by the organization to rightly highlight the areas in which they needed technical support from the volunteers. Further, they were also asked to cite their expectations from the assistance program. Geekcorps Ghana in addition to providing technical support to the business firms also promotes a development project, which centers on the Information Technology community. Herein, the business firms ken to gain the needed support were required to contribute amount ranging from $250 to $2000 in regards to the ‘Community Development Project’. The non-profit organization welcomes registration from a maximum of 14 enterprises on an annual basis. The organization in order to cater to a mass industry base conducts interactive sessions like “Geekcorps Seminar Series”. (ICT-Enabled Development Case Studies Series: Geekcorps of Ghana, 2004). The Volunteers The technical expertise used by Geekcorps Ghana consists of nationals coming from different developed countries like America, Europe, Australia and Argentina. Geekcorps Ghana is found to receive a wide base of applications from different Information Technology experts in the stated countries. However, selection is made based on the parameters of the applicant’s interest and representation of technical competence in the required field. Geekcorps Ghana is found to take special care of the volunteer base comprising of foreign nationals. The volunteers are provided with housing facilities by the organization to help their stay in Ghana. Moreover, the organization also renders needed guidance and logistics support to the volunteers. Financial support in the nature of weekly stipends of around $100 is extended to the volunteers by the organization. (ICT-Enabled Development Case Studies Series: Geekcorps of Ghana, 2004). Information and Communication Technology promoting Globalization and Development The role of Information and Communication Technology in promoting Globalization and Developmental opportunities needs to be analyzed based on political, economic and social factors. In regards to the case study, the same would be analyzed based on Grekcorp Ghana’s activity in rendering technical support to the Accra region of Ghana. Social Factors The incorporation of Information and Communication technology in Ghana can be traced to meet some social objectives. Firstly, it focused on creating a society, which would be more technically and scientifically strong. Secondly, the incorporation of Information and Communication technology in Ghana was carried out to make the public system more accountable in meeting social goals. Thirdly, the incorporation of Information and Communication technology helped to enhance the professional expertise of the country’s workforce. In the fourth position, it is found that the incorporation of Information and Communication technology helped in reduction of gender gap in the region of Ghana. The women were made socially empowered to express their views through the introduction of the new technology. In the fifth case, the incorporation of Information and Communication technology helped in the development of the education and health system of Ghana. (The Republic of Ghana, 2003, p. 20) The incorporation of Information and Communication technology has helped changed the face of Ghana. The people in the Republic of Ghana are becoming increasingly accustomed to the use of computers. Moreover, the incorporation of Information and Communication technology in Ghana has enabled the growing use of Internet for social networking purposes. (Viotech UK Holdings Limited: Communication & New Technology – The Next Generation, n.d., pp. 2-3) Geekcorps Ghana is found to conduct continuous evaluation of its Information Technology program based on parameters set by United Nation’s Human Development program. Through such initiatives, the organization evaluates the efficacy in taking the program to render enhanced social development. Moreover, continuous monitoring of its activities also helps the organization to take policy decisions needed to address changes. Geekcorps Ghana through the above operations earns high level of flexibility to meet the changing needs of the society. (ICT-Enabled Development Case Studies Series: Geekcorps of Ghana, 2004). The activities of Geekcorps Ghana in promoting social changes in the Accra region of Ghana is analysed on the basis of the Theory of Information Society. The Theory of Information Society states that the incorporation of Information Technology in a region helps to counter changes in space-time dynamics of the region. The theory renders special emphasis to the idea as to how the use of Information and Communication technology helps in curbing regional barriers. The theory further states that use of Information Technology creates modification in the cultural atmosphere of a region by making it media centric. (Mukasa, n.d.). Geekcorps Ghana’s initiative is also found to educate the society on technological changes in order to overcome regional barriers. The involvement of the volunteers with good amount of technical expertise in Universities and educational institutions helps enhancing the cultural atmosphere of the region in tune with the introduction of newer technology in the region. Thus, Geekcorps Ghana is found to satisfy the stated social parameters of the Theory of Information Society. Political Factors The incorporation of the Information and Communication Technology in Ghana is made possible through some policy and regulatory frameworks. It is found that the incorporation of Information and Communication Technology in Ghana is governed by two separate policy parameters viz. Information and Communication Technology for Accelerated Development and National Telecom Policy. To this end, it is found that the policy on Information and Communication Technology for Accelerated Development supports the social objective of Information and Communication Technology in modifying the social landscape of Ghana. In a similar manner, the National Telecom Policy helps in governing the telecommunication market of Ghana and thereby modifies the existing market structures of the Telecom industry. Moreover, it is found that the passing of certain legislations monitors the two previous said policy frameworks. Some of the noted legislations passed in regards to the above context are the National Communication Authority Act, 2008 and National Information Technology Agency Act, 2008. Moreover, the National Telecom Policy in Ghana governs the licensing activities as enlisted by the National Communication Act, 1980. The National Telecom Policy through monitoring the licensing activity renders transparency and makes it free from discriminatory practices. (Frempong, 2010. pp. 1-3) In addition to the policy and regulatory frameworks set by the Government of Ghana in regards to the incorporation of Information and Communication technology, the country also has a separate Communication Agency governing the frequency parameters. It is found that the National Communication Agency monitors the frequency parameters of the broadcasting services to avoid conflicts in such. (Ghana Broadcasting Study, 2005. p. 57) In regards to the above political factors governing the telecommunication technology environment of the country Geekcorps Ghana measures the external environment before setting any policy goals. Further, the organization also stresses in setting defined goals and takes measured steps to achieve such. By setting defined goals, it carries on close monitoring activities to comply with the regulatory framework of the country. (ICT-Enabled Development Case Studies Series: Geekcorps of Ghana, 2004). In regards to the Political Factors the activities of Geekcorps Ghana in introducing Information and Communication Technology in Ghana is further analysed on the basis of the Theory of Institutionalism. The Theory of Institutionalism observes that the activities of Information Technology for Promoting Development in any region are governed by several enactments and legislations, which are regulated by several administrative institutions. The theory states that as the level of involvement of Information and Communication Technology increases in meeting the growing demands of the modern society both professionally and domestically that the level of institutional governance also increases. (Mukasa, n.d.) Herein, it is found that the activities of Geekcorps Ghana firstly satisfy the clause of promoting the use of Information Technology for Developmental Purposes mentioned in the Theory of Institutionalism. Moreover, Geekcorps Ghana in gauging the external environment before setting any policy actions helps in reinstating the factors of legal and constitutional enactments that govern such innovative actions. Economical Factors The Economical factors in Ghana, which triggered the need for the Information and Communication Technology, are manifold in nature. It is found that the majority of the population of the country around 60 percent comprises of the youth people. This huge number of youth population renders economical stress on the country in terms of education and health. Moreover, the country is found lacking expertise in skills and technology. This lack of proper technological and skillful support renders growth in unemployment parameter of the country. Further, the economy of Ghana is found to be dependent more on agricultural operations. Thus the country suffers from a weak industrial base with no technical support. It is found that agriculture activities in Ghana absorb around 70 percent of the population. Further, the private sector of the economy of Ghana is found to occupy the maximum number of small and medium scale industries and because of the lack of proper technical expertise turns considerably weak. The economy of Ghana turns further weaker due to lack of professional and skilful employee and managerial base. An estimate shows that only 8.6 percent of the employed population has technical and professional skills. (Dzidonu, 2003. pp. 82-84) To this end, the incorporation of Information and Communication technology in Ghana focuses on creating a trained educational and infrastructural base in the country. It also helps to open markets for the medium and small scale industries in the private sector. (The Ghana ‘ICT For Accelerated Development’ Process, 2002. p. 3) In regards to the economic condition of the Republic of Ghana, Geekcorps Ghana has taken a sustainable approach to train the employees of the company to become independent in handling technical issues. (ICT-Enabled Development Case Studies Series: Geekcorps of Ghana, 2004). The activities of Geekcorps Ghana in promoting economic prosperity in the region of Ghana is analysed based on the Theory of Information Society. It is found that the Theory of Information Society states that the incorporation of Information and Communication Technology in any region helps enhance it s economic growth. The theory states that increased sharing of information in industries caters to augmenting the economic growth of the region. Moreover, the Theory of Information Society also states that incorporation of Information Technology also augments the scope of job opportunities and changes the employment scenario of the region. (Mukasa, n.d.) Geekcorps Ghana by transferring the knowledge base from developed countries to a developing region like Ghana contributes to the economic development of the region. The medium and small-scale industries would get further impetus to develop with proper technological support. Moreover, modifying the vocational education helps in generating further employment opportunities for the youth population of Ghana. Thus, it is found that Geekcorps Ghana satisfies both the clauses of economic and occupational factors of the Theory of Information Society. Conclusion The Republic of Ghana in Africa like any other African region is found to be potentially weak in having a strong industrial base. The maximum number of medium and small-scale industries is to be centered on the realm of private sector enterprises. Moreover, the country suffers from a skilful and trained labor force that could independently handle technical and skilful operations. The educational universities fail to train the students in regards to modern technical needs. This leads to enhancing the disparity in regards to the availability of a technical and skilful workforce. Further, the above reason also leads to high amount of unemployment in the country. The activity of Geekcorps Ghana gain ground in this regard to focus on the creation of a trained and skilful labor force in the country. The program highlights on transferring of knowledge base from industrially developed countries like America and Europe to the poor regions of Ghana. The skilled volunteers would be installed for a period of four months in educational and industrial sectors. They in turn would help the people especially academicians, students and industrial workers to become ready to face technological changes in the external world. The organization helps conduct supportive functions in a manner as to make the people self-independent in operating in an advanced technological atmosphere. References 1. “ICT-Enabled Development Case Studies Series: Geekcorps of Ghana”, (2004), bridges.org. Retrieved on November 29, 2010 from: http://www.bridges.org/case_studies/140 2. “The Republic of Ghana”, (2003), modernghana.com. Retrieved on November 29, 2010 from: http://img.modernghana.com/images/content/report_content/ICTAD.pdf 3. “Viotech UK Holdings Limited: Communication & New Technology – The Next Generation”, (n.d.), cbcglobal.org. Retrieved on November 29, 2010 from: http://www.cbcglobal.org/CBCG_Library/Christoph%20Fitih%20-%20Communication%20and%20New%20Technology.pdf 4. Frempong, G. (2010), Ghana ICT: Sector Performance Review 2009/2010. Retrieved on November 29, 2010 from: http://www.researchictafrica.net/new/images/uploads/SPR20092010/Ghana_ICT_SPR_2009-2010_v02.pdf 5. “Ghana Broadcasting Study”, (2005), worldbank.org. Retrieved on November 29, 2010 from: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTCEERD/Resources/WBIGhanaBroadcasting.pdf 6. Dzidonu, C. (2003), An integrated ICT-LED Socio-Economic Development Policy and Plan Development Framework for Ghana. Retrieved on November 29, 2010 from: http://www.ict.gov.gh/pdf/ICT4AD-Framework.pdf 7. “The Ghana ‘ICT For Accelerated Development’ Process,” (2002), uneca.org. Retrieved on November 29, 2010 from: http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:KJb2pIKL6B8J:www.uneca.org/aisi/docs/Statement%2520on%2520Ghana%2520ICT%2520Policy.doc+ghana+%2Beconomic+factors+information+and+communication+technology&hl=en&gl=in&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESg__g4dwEkcrWTUOvTVTtfG062WFLXIOVlwHMoHRagFMTy1KYuGhJii0ntEKXKgvWeh-5B67cTfKXFssAcgVXzviEwh4N6aSlV1I2Vy4KezPcYKtIFdtWjBNp-vMz6gkfY8toxb&sig=AHIEtbSUUHz-urrrp91S79oRm0_MznOssA 8. Mukasa, M. (n.d.). Theoretical perspectives on ICTs and Society. Appendix Case study ICT-Enabled Development Case Studies Series: Geekcorps of Ghana Submitted by Editor on 2 September, 2004 - 22:54. An initiative of IICD and bridges.org The bridges.org IICD Case Study Series on ICT-Enabled Development sets out to illustrate how information and communication technology (ICT) contributes to development in Africa. The aim of this series is to help ground level initiatives imagine the possibilities of what can happen if they use ICT successfully to overcome development obstacles, and to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the digital divide. I. Overview Initiative: Geekcorps Ghana matches highly skilled technology volunteers from the developed world with small and medium-sized businesses in Accra, Ghana. Volunteers spend between three to four months on-site where they help to boost private companies by transferring technology skills and helping them to grow. Implemented by: Geekcorps International. Funding or financial model: Not-for-profit technology volunteer corps funded by USAID until June 2003. Currently looking for other funding opportunities. Timeframe: The project started in February 2000, and has sent five groups of volunteers to Ghana. Local context: Ghana has a population of 19.9 million (2001). The literacy rate for people aged 15 years and over is 72.6%. However, 44.8% earns less than US$1 a day (2001)[1]. The GDP per capita is US$372 (2000). Power failures are common. Limited availability of, and costly ICT infrastructure is a problem for businesses in Ghana. There were 1.82 telephones per 100 people in 2001, with teledensity skewed in favour of large cities. Mobile phones are gaining in popularity. There were 102,000 mobile phone subscribers by 2000[2]. The cost of a mobile phone call was US$0.90 per minute (peak hours) and US$0.72 per minute (off peak) in 2001[3]. In 2001 there were 235 Internet hosts, and a computer density of 0.33[4]. Internet access is expensive overall: between US$6 and US$50 per month -- not including phone charges -- depending on the ISP and the type of service provided. Ghana is politically and economically stable with little corruption and danger and overall considered to be a good place to do business. Liberalisation and privatisation of the ICT and telecommunications sectors are underway. There is a small but active population of Ghanaian expatriates returning to Ghana with business knowledge from the US and Europe, which are an important part of the growing ICT business scene in Ghana. The development problem/obstacle addressed: Ghanas small-to-medium sized businesses have a shortage of people trained in appropriate ICT skills, which is holding back economic development in this sector. The skills shortage can be traced to the universities. Until recently, students who graduated with a computer science degree in Ghana had spent minimal time actually working on a computer as part of their studies. They might have learned old-fashioned computer languages like Fortran or Cobol that are no longer needed in the marketplace, or even learned coding on paper. Often those with computer science degrees need six to 12 months training after they leave university in order to be functional using their computer skills in a job. While both the ICT curriculum and the ratio of student to computer have improved in secondary and higher education settings, the lack of high-end ICT skilled people in the job market remains a major problem. How ICT is used to overcome the problem: Geekcorps Ghana pairs ICT-skilled volunteers from America, Europe, Australia and Argentina with small-to-medium sized businesses in or near Accra that need short-term, internal ICT training and assistance. Volunteers are selected from a large pool of applicants and must prove their interest and competence. They are provided with housing, logistical support and guidance from Geekcorps Ghana and receive a weekly stipend of US$100. To qualify for help, Ghanaian companies have to fill in a detailed business application form in which they have to specify the skills they need from the Geekcorps volunteer and describe what they hope to gain from the experience. In return for Geekcorps service, businesses have to undertake an ICT-related community development project (CDP), approved by Geekcorps. The CDP is designed to encourage firms to contribute to the community in which they do business. Participating businesses have to pay a goodwill deposit (ranging from US$250 to $2000, depending on size and history of business) to ensure that the firm complete the CDP. Only 14 companies are selected to receive assistance each year. However, once placed at a company, a volunteer offers a dedicated service for up to four months. Volunteers work on specific ICT projects that require high-end skills. They work closely with at least two company employees to ensure an adequate transfer of skills. Their most important objective is to transfer their skills to the company they are working with. Volunteers also help community organisations that need technical assistance. In addition, they run a "Geekcorps Seminar Series" of open training sessions, through which they reach other micro-businesses and the general public. In return for their work, volunteers get an opportunity to experience life in Ghana. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the client businesses have increased their profit as a result of Geekcorps help. In the last two years over 35 businesses in Ghana have been helped. Next steps: Geekcorps Ghana is now building collaboration with Ghanaian universities, where volunteers would teach workshops and work as adjunct professors to augment the areas of expertise of the faculty, and target ICT skills that are directly responsive to the needs of the local job market. Geographical area targeted: Ghana, greater Accra region.   Contact Information: Stephanie Brennan (Country Director) Tel: +233 21 769949 (w), +233 24 280925 (m) Eml: sbrennan@geekcorps.org URL: www.geekcorps.org II. Gauging Real Impact This section considers whether and how the Geekcorps has made a Real Impact at the ground level by looking through the lens of basic best practice guidelines for successful initiatives. The bridges.orgs 7 Habits of Highly Effective ICT-Enabled Development Initiatives are used here as a framework to highlight what the Geekcorps has done well. Read More