THE NORTHERN CAPE INFORMATION SOCIETY STRATEGY AND THE USE OF FORESIGHT METHODOLOGY

Date
2014-02-17
Authors
Patjane, Modikoe Thomas
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Abstract
The 21st century presents complex challenges, requiring innovative and dynamic problem solving techniques and methods. Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) have advanced considerably over the years, making information more accessible, people more knowledgeable, challenges more complex and the world more difficult to understand. This complexity has made the prediction of future events even trickier. An Arab proverb articulates the issue clearly by suggesting that “He who predicts the future lies even if he is telling the truth”, the interpretation being that no human being can be certain about future events. Yet, the reality is that leaders of public and private institutions have to develop plans and strategies to guide nations and organisations going into an uncertain future. The purpose of this research is to analyse how a foresight methodology can contribute to better planning of strategies and policies at the local level, in this case the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. This research study documents and analyses the views of ten key interviewees, the researcher’s own observations and an analysis of relevant documentation. A qualitative research approach was adopted for this study, using the Northern Cape Information Society Strategy Development process as a case study. The findings and conclusions reached in this study confirm that the foresight methodology is suitable for use in strategic planning processes at the provincial government level. Foresight has been effective in producing an information society strategy for the Northern Cape and all respondents interviewed for this study regarded foresight as a useful technique for providing inputs into strategy development. Other South African provinces, districts and local government can use the lessons learned from the Northern Cape study to inform their strategy development processes. The researcher recommends that the foresight process be driven by well trained and skilled facilitators. Learning from the Northern Cape experience also highlights the need for a broader base of participation, one in which the private sector is encouraged to contribute to the discussions.
Description
MM (P&DM) thesis
Keywords
Information and communication technology, Strategic planning
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