The goals of this thesis are to identify the objectives for creating a Sustainable Community
Network (SCN) within B.C., to acknowledge the various tools available to facilitate the network,
and to develop illustrative models to guide those contemplating the establishment of a network.
Three primary research methods were utilized in this project: literature reviews, group discussion
in a focus workshop, and individual interviews. The literature reviewed focused on the fields of
collaboration, networks in both technical and social capacities, and coalitions.
Four objectives are identified as motives to create a SCN: to provide exchange mechanisms, to
organise the "unformalized" field, to create a community of interest, and to be a vehicle for power,
influence and empowerment.
The emphasis at the beginning should be on building personal relationships over creating an
electronic network. Other specific products and services are identified as beneficial for the
stakeholders: newsletters, conferences, inventories, facilitation, and a clearinghouse for
information. Alternatives for administering the network include a network manager, an
administrative body, a governing body, and an intermediary broker. This research helps define networks within the field of planning. They may act as a support
system, streamline efforts through collaboration or by reducing duplication of effort, act as a
forum for monitoring and assessment activities, and be a source for on-going public participation.
Three conceptual models are developed representing a range of possibilities for creating the
network. The models are labeled the "Fundamental Network" at the basic level, the "Coalition
Network", and the "Collaborative Network" at the most complex level.
The need for a SCN is reconfirmed. The network should proceed from a "human scale" and
develop the capabilities of the electronic network as computer literacy and technological capacity
become generally available. Finally, it is recommended that the network should proceed slowly,
building on community objectives and incorporating the diverse activities possible through
collaboration as experience is gained.
Further research is needed to clarify the potential for networks in planning and management, to
better understand the evolving place for computer technology, and to monitor the effectiveness of
the networks as they are implemented.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:BVAU.2429/4691 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Fulton, Andrew |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Relation | UBC Retrospective Theses Digitization Project [http://www.library.ubc.ca/archives/retro_theses/] |
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