Message-ID: <199711051817.NAA91322@dresden.american.edu> Date: Wed, 5 Nov 1997 13:18:29 -0500 From: Shawn Ballard <mailto:sballard@REDROSE.NET> Subject: Globalization and its Effect on Developoing Countries To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
Please find enclosed a cover letter and survey for a study I am conducting in fulfillment of the requirements of the master's of Science in Information Systems program at Pennsylvania State University.Please respond as soon as possible, as my research must be concluded by December 1, 1997. In addition, please respond directly to my e-mail address (mailto:sballard@redrose.net), instead of the listserv address.
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Survey Cover Letter ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 22, 1997
Dear Fellow Professional:
As an Information Science professional, you know that globalization is a trend that will effect every country in the world. As information technology innovations bring the world together, it is feared that Less Developed Countries who can not afford or have not invested in information technology may be left behind.
In partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Master's of Science in Information Systems program at Pennsylvania State University, I am conducting a research project on the topic of "The Effects of Globalization on Developing Countries: Will They be left Behind?". The purpose of his study is to identify key issues related to globalization and information technology in Developing Countries, as to how globalization will effect Developing Countries.
I am very interested in hearing from you about your perceptions on how globalization and information technologies are effecting and will effect developing countries. I would like you to complete the attached survey to gain your views about this exciting topic. Ianticipate the completion of the questionnaire will only take 15-20 minutes of your time. If you decide to help by participating in this study, all responses will be strictly confidential and nowhere in the study will your identity or your organization's be made known. Any information provided you will be compiled in a summary data report thus protecting your identity. Your participation is completely voluntary. You may withdraw from the study at any time or decline to answer any specific questions.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my letter. If perhaps you feel that a fellow colleague may have insight or interest in this topic, please feel free to pass my letter on to that person. Please feel free to contact me at my e-mail address or by telephone if you have any questions.
I thank you in advance for your time and participation in this study.
Sincerely,
Shawn E. Ballard
Graduate Student Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg 616 Cambridge Court Palmyra, PA 17078 717-832-0626 E-mail: mailto:sballard@redrose.net
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Survey Questionnaire ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Effects of Globalization on Developing Countries
The purpose of this survey is to identify and assess the perceptions that Information Science Professionals around the world have relating to how Developing Countries will be effected by the worldwide trend of Globalization.
Part 1: Demographic Information
Please select the response from the following statements that most closely reflects your experiences.
1. Gender (Choose one) (Male, Female)
2. Age (Choose one) (<25, 25-30, 31-40, 41-50, >50)
3. Are you originally from a Developing Country? (Choose one) (Yes, No)
4. Do you currently live in a Developing Country? (Choose one) (Yes, No)
5. What is your highest level of education? (Choose one) (High School, BA/BS, Master's Degree, Ph.D., Doctorate, Other)
6. What was concentration of study? (Choose one) (Science, Liberal Arts, Other)
7. Did you study in a Developing Country? (Check one) (Yes, No)
Part II: Perceptions of Information Technology in Developing Countries
Please indicate the importance of each of the following statements regarding your perception of information technology in Developing Countries.
Please use the following scale to answer the following questions (8-21):
1 = Strongly Agree 2 = Agree 3 = Neutral 4 = disagree 5 = Strongly disagree
8. Developing Countries should invest more resources in Information Technology.
9. Developing Countries need to Invest in Information Technologies to become Newly Industrialized Countries.
10. Governments in Developing Countries understand the importance of Information Technologies
11. Developing Countries lack adequate training programs in Information Science fields.
12. Developing Countries lack adequate resources for training Information Science professionals.
13. Developed Countries should give more aid to Developing Countries to help them build Information Infrastructures.
14. Developing Countries lack an adequate number of Information Science professionals.
15. Citizens in Developing Countries adapt well to change.
16. If Developing Countries do not invest in IT, the gap between them and Developed Countries will widen.
17. Developing Countries will be able to create more jobs by investing in Information Technologies.
18. The existing Information Science professionals in Developing Countries need to encourage IT investment.
19. Governments in Developing Countries are unaware of the benefits Information Technology can provide.
20. Developing Countries should invest in basic needs such as food and healthcare before investing in IT.
21. There are more important things to worry about in Developing Countries than investing in IT.
Part III: Assessment of Information Technology in Developing Countries
Please write your responses to the following questions.
22. What do you feel are the key factors to implementing successful Information Technologies in Developing Countries?
23. How do you feel globalization through the use of Information Technologies will effect Developing Countries?
24. What do you feel are some of the key factors that hinder investment in Information Technologies in Developing Countries?
25. Please provide any other comments or feeling you feel may be of benefit to my research.