Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives To understand the economic and social transformations that converging information technologies are catalysing, the driving forces of change and the associated issues, implications and responses at individual, community and societal levels.
Synopsis Telecommunications and computing have emerged as joint information technologies that are central to economic development in all industrially advanced societies. They are not only high growth industries in their own right but are also key resources for efficient development of all industry sectors. For financial and other information services especially, telecommunications and computing play a growing role in the search for competitive advantage. The increasing dependence on information technologies has profound economic and social implications at national, commercial and community levels. This subject surveys the role of information technology in the current global and national restructuring of industry. It examines technology, globalisation and competition as the interrelated driving forces of change, the economic and social issues and outcomes, and the consequent changing commercial, institutional and regulatory frameworks that are evolving.
Assessment Written (7000-8000 words): 90% + Participation: 10%