Standardisation as a risk or resource?

Ali, what do you think?

Local practices always differ, but standardization holds opportunity for growth. Is there such a thing as flexible standards?

The Disruptive Nature of Technology

Do we view ICT Development as "disruptive?"

I suggest that every development project seeks to change or improve practice/outcomes. Whether the improved speed of medical care or enhanced communication. Change, by it's very nature, is disruptive. Disruption of course, need not always be negative.

Can technological projects ever be defined (whether theoretical or contextually) as, "starting from scratch?"

"Starting from scratch" suggests a development project that doesn't acknowledge the existing socio-cultural landscape involved but rather, imposes a new cultural and technological infrastructure. Jenny Ure presented us with a project defined as needs based, where user analysis and requirements were considered (in opposition to a top-down model). There was a deliberate intent to use the existing human infrastructure in the delivery of scientific medicine. The actors were identified and included in an "extension" of their existing role. In contrast, a colleague in class suggested that a project starting from scratch was much "easier" than changing an existing structure.

Regardless of where you begin a project there will always be existing actors, developers, existing socio-cultural beliefs/practices, funding sources (with agendas and belief systems)...there is no such thing as "scratch". There is a question of how much acknowledgement is given to the existing factors involved, which Miscione appears to do.

As Miscione (2007:403) acknowledges, the interplay between the public health care system (delivering telemedicine services) and the local health care practices, were a central feature of analysis. The acknowledgement of interplay suggests that this project did not aim or desire, "starting from scratch".

Jenny Ure raised the parallel of disruptive power held in literacy and technology. Paulo Freire sought a readjustment of the status quo in his quest to increase literacy levels in Brazil. He acknowledged the wider impact and disruption of literacy; increased democracy, critical understanding etc. Similarly, Miscione has sought to analyse the "disruptive nature" of the technological developments of telemedicine. In a similar vein to Ure, the power, responsibilities, roles and agency of those involved was impacted.

Up for discussion :-)

* You can never "start from scratch"...

* Disruption is the unavoidable outcome and implicit aim of all development...

Initial Posting

Welcome to Jen and Ali's blog. We will be posting our thoughts and questions regarding the role of ICT in development. We welcome constructive comments and feedback.