Theses and Papers

We are currently searching for students who are interested in writing a bachelor thesis on the following topics:

OPEN: PLEASE apply at research@ict4d.at

Master Thesis: Open Source ERP Systems for Social Enterprises
Social Enterprises are companies which combine two different aspects. On the one side they follow their social aim and try to realize a social impact and on the other side these companies follow an economic aim. According to these conditions, an ERP System needs to fulfill special requirements. The aim of this Master Thesis is to work out these requirements and to customize an open source ERP System in accordance with the findings.

FINISHED

Diploma Thesis: Information And Communication Technologies For Development (ICT4D) With Special Focus On Web 2.0 And Mashups Of Existing Services
Abstract:

Since the early 1990s, access to worldwide-created information and possibilities for world-wide communication have become easier and easier - at least in the Western world.

In this “age of information”, the gaps between developed and less-developed countries do not only consist of the large differences in infrastructure and society, but also of the difficulties for developing countries to access these means of information and communication, which in fact are freely available.

But why in the first place would people living in areas where there is not even enough food or water require internet access, let alone the possibility to make long-distance calls?

Some years ago the research area “Information and Communication Technologies for Development“ (ICT4D) emerged. This area of research is based on the claim that contemporary technologies enable economic and social change in such countries which are provided with access to these technologies. Hence, that could help less developed countries to catch up with the Western world. The idea has found many supporters and, after a general introduction in the first part of my thesis, the concept of ICT4D will be described in detail in the second part. Furthermore, its current significance, potential benefits, lessons learned to date, but also criticism will be mentioned.

Since not every technology has the quality to deliver benefits in less developed countries, the next two chapters will deal with two technologies which, as is claimed here, have certain advantages in the context of ICT4D.

The first technology is web 2.0, whose participatory services are substantial tools for fostering development in the information sector, and, therefore in the economy as a whole, since a key element in sustainable development of services is the involvement of local stakeholders in projects and content creation.

The second technology is mashups, which - in essence - are combined and connected services provided to users in the internet. These mashups do not require much knowledge about programming, which is a substantial benefit as there exist few people with programming skills in less developed countries.

In the fifth part of my thesis mashups concept and success factors in the context of ICT4D are presented.

Subsequently, various successful projects based on the concepts of participation (web 2.0) and combination of services (mashups) are introduced and analyzed.

In the following chapter I introduce two projects I created together with colleagues during the course of writing this thesis. The first one is the prototype of a tool for improved access to vital services, based on the concept of mashups - NoisR. The second one is the platform for the “Austrian Network for Information and Communication Technologies for Development - ICT4D.at” which provides information about ICT4D and should encourage people to participate and share their thoughts online.File

Finally, I draw my own conclusions about the topic and outline open questions and desired future research.

Download thesis from here