OC6162: Economics of Networks and ICT Implementation

1.Brief description of aims and content (not more than five lines)

 The module will provide the student with an understanding of the economic principles and tools specific to networks and network industries. Broadens the understanding of the implementation of ICT in rural and urban society, trade and industry, and the knowledge sector (education and research).

2. Learning Outcomes

        A. Knowledge and Understanding

 Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

 1. Demonstrate a systematic and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of economic principles that will help in the implementation of ICT projects (A4, A7, A9)

 2. Have a critical awareness of current problems and also have new insights at implementation of ICT projects in rural and urban levels. (A4, A7)

 B. Cognitive/Intellectual skills/Application of Knowledge

 Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

1. Use a significant range of the principle skills, techniques, practices materials, including some at the forefront of developments ICT projects to meet rural and urban needs (B2,B3,B6,B8)
2. Apply a range of economic standards and specialised techniques or equivalent techniques of in the design and implementation of ICT projects (B1,B3,B8)

C. Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

1.  Critically analyse ICT projects and also adapt projects to meet the needs of specific sector of the economy. (C1,C2, C5)
2. 2.       Communicate with peers, more senior colleagues, specialists and engineers in the ICT industries. (C2, C5).

D. General transferable   skills

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems in the use of advanced economic theories to deal with specific networks taking into consideration externalities; competition and compatibility; interconnection; universal service; market structure and regulation (D1,D2,D3)

1. Broadening the scope and understanding of the students in the implementation of ICT (D6,D7,D8)

1.  Formulating projects in the rural and urban society, as well as in the trade,industry, education and research sector.(D1,D2,D3)

1. Analyse, evaluate and synthesise issues which are at the forefront of knowledge of ICT application in all sector of the economy (D7,D8)

 Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving ICT problems in all sectors of the economy(D1,D2,D3)

 3. INDICATIVE CONTENT

 Different economic issues such as network externalities; competition and compatibility; interconnection; universal service; market structure and regulation.

  The theoretical and practical base in different kinds of ICT policies as well as various experiences from African countries particularly Rwanda are discussed.

  The module also offers reflections about and skill development about ICT implementation in Rwanda.

  The main questions characterizing the course are the following:

   What are the actual reasons for ICT implementation in Rwanda and for whom?

•  How is it possible to implement ICT in Rwanda on the society's own terms and in a sustainable way?

 4. LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY

 Instruction consists of lectures, literature seminars, and practical exercises individuallyor as teamwork (group project work). Discussions and presentations of the projects are carried out using the web and/or in physical seminars.

 5. ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

 Assessment of the students’ performance is based on the performance in the projects and the quality of the participation on the web and in the seminar discussions and/or written exam. Assessment of the students’ performance is also based on active participation at seminars, as well as on reports of compulsory assignments performed individually or as teamwork. 

6. Assessment Criteria:

• For the assignment, criteria will be drawn up appropriate to the topic, based on the UR-CST generic marking criteria.