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Building design is a complex process that involves multi-disciplinary professionals working together throughout the multi-processes of a project. The success of this process is highly dependent on effective communication and adequate information flow; any incorrect or inadequate information flow will result in a failure in project management Information and communication technologies (ICT) have been implemented and integrated into many of the individual processes of building design, but little is known of the extent and intensity of ICT implementation. Not is there any clear indication about where future development might occur. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate an ICT implementation map, focusing on the usage level, the impact, barriers and other issues of ICT implementation during the building design process for current practice, and to predict future trends over the following five years (2005 to 2009). Five

The application of information and communication technology (ICT) has become a reality in selling in the South African pharmaceutical industry. Low awareness levels exist in the pharmaceutical industry about how the effective use of ICT can contribute to client services and productivity. The effectiveness of ICT in selling depends on the way it is managed and implemented by management and accepted by the salespeople and clients, on how effectively it is applied, and on the influence, it has on the salesperson. A descriptive research design was used to determine whether the introduction of ICT into the selling process has influenced the professional sales representatives' activities in a positive way. The results of this study clearly indicate that pharmaceutical sales representatives, both those appointed before the introduction of ICT and those appointed there after, are not positive about the introduction of ICT into the selling process.

The world economy is currently dominated by information- and communication technology, and has consequently become increasingly competitive and globalised. The changing economy also impacts on our living and working environment. A qualitative approach to research was followed in examining the implications of the changing economy on the field of human resource management, with the objective of developing a model for describing the role of human resource management in the new economy. The qualitative analysis focused on the most recent publications in this regard and it is apparent that the changing economy has a direct and definite influence on the role of human resource management in organisations. All human resource management practices will have to change dramatically to answer to the demands of the new economy. Important concepts relating to the new economy and included in the model are intellectual capital, human capital, knowledge management, the internet, e-commerce and globalisation. Whereas the competitive advantage for organisations in the old economy centred on financial capital and technology, the emerging economy necessitates an emphasis on investment in human capital, knowledge, and the commitment and enthusiasm of the employees. The focus in the business world has shifted from physical assets to knowledge and information, i.e. intellectual capital. The effective management of human and intellectual capital poses new challenges in the organisation for leadership and managerial capabilities. The model that has been developed to describe the role of human resource management in the new economy focuses on the integration of intellectual and human capital and information management in the human resource strategy of the organisation. The content validity of the model was determined according to Lawshe’s technique, using an evaluation panel. The panel consisted of eleven individuals, all with a sound knowledge of the new economy as well as the field of human resource management. Four panel members have Doctorate degrees and seven have Masters degrees in Human Resource Management. A total content-validity index of 0,89 was obtained, indicating that the model is acceptable and valid. The model emphasises the fact that the human resource management function in an organisation has to utilize the drivers of the new economy, i.e. internet, globalisation and e-commerce. The model also indicates how these aspects are to be utilised in the human resource practices of selection, placement, training and development of human potential. In the last instance the model focuses on the implementation of a people-oriented strategy that will address the effective management of intellectual capital, human capital and information management. Copyright / Dissertation (MCom (Human Resources Management))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted

Yes / Developments and advances in information and communications technology are boosting a convergence of computing, media, and telecommunications. This is dramatically affecting every aspect of society from technology designers and content creators to users. The design-to-product cycle time continues to decrease as new markets open up, and windows of opportunity exist for those who can move fast and make the right connections. Challenges and opportunities exist in each area of the convergence, but one thing is here to stay: being digital.

The impact of ICT in open and distance learning is now become a common phenomenon. The rapid use of internet and other communication facilities have brought the open and distance education closer to the student community. The paper highlights the application of ICT in open and distance learning system of Assam.

A range of factors, both internal and external, is creating changes in teaching and teachers’ professional lives. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is just one of the major changes impacting on the teaching profession. As teachers face intense pressure to adapt to this tsunami, this study aims to investigate ways in which teachers can be helped. In South Australia, where this study is set, all teachers in Government schools are expected to be "ICT Smart", i.e. able to use appropriate forms of ICT to enhance the teaching and learning environment of their classrooms. From the researcher’s involvement for over a decade in professional development for teachers, and from visits to many schools, it appears that numerous teachers have not reached this standard. The greatest need is in Reception to Year 7 schools where the average age of teachers is nearly 50. Because no state-wide data exists, this study is intended to establish if there is a problem and if there is, to identify specific needs and offer possible solutions. The study is comprised of four parts: Part A, the Introduction gives an overview of the inter-relationships between these parts and the overall Folio. It establishes the setting and provides a rationale for the study and its focus on Professional Development in Information and Communication Technology. Part B, the Elective Research Studies, follows the writer’s involvement in this field since the 1980s. It establishes the theme of "Moving best practice in ICT from the few to the many" which underlies the whole study. Part C, the Dissertation, traces the steps taken to investigate the need for professional development in ICT. This is achieved by analysing and commenting on data collected from a state-wide survey and a series of interviews with leading figures, and by providing a review of the relevant literature and past and existing models of professional development. Part D, Final Comments, provides an overview of the whole Folio and a reflection on the research that has been conducted. The findings are that there is widespread dissatisfaction with existing models and that there is an urgent need for professional development in this area, because nearly 20% of teachers either do not use computers or are considered to be novice users. Another 25% are considered to be below not yet "ICT Smart". Less than 10% of ICT co-ordinators have a formal qualification in the field but more than 85% of them are interested in a Masters program. The study offers solutions in Part B where there is a discussion of a range of strategies to provide on-going professional development for teachers. Chapter 9 provides an outline of a proposed Masters level program and offers suggestions on how it could be best delivered. This program would meet the identified needs of ICT co-ordinators. The study concludes with a series of recommendations and suggestions for further research. The Education Department must address these urgent professional development needs of teachers, particularly those in the more remote country regions. There needs to be a follow-up survey to establish to what extent teachers in South Australia are now "ICT Smart ".

This thesis discovered how notions of place and community circulate in the literature on various forms of teletechnologies and place-making. To do this, its aim was, first, to understand the interactions and interconnections between teletechnologies (or, information and communications technologies), place, and community, both within and outside of the literature on teletechnologies, and, second, to ascertain what relevance place and community might continue to have in the electronic age. (For complete abstract open document)