Development of an Information Support System for Radio Services in Tanzania
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Date
1996-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study investigated the Information Support System
available for Radio Services in Tanzania, and presented
possible ways of strengthening the existing information system
and services. The main objective of the work is to develop and
enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Radio services in
the country by facilitating access to timely, reliable,
relevant, and adequate information to radio services
developers, that is, planners, decision makers, executives and
experts.
Among various aspects which the study investigated include: the
information flow pattern; information resource sharing;
application of information technology (IT); the kind of
services offered by information centres ; and how the radio
services developers have benefited by these information
centres .
The methodology used by the study takes the form of action
research under the information analysis and consolidation. The
tools used incl ude a questionnaire to identify the information
needs of potential users of the system, application of I T, and
also to collect data for designing integrated and specialized
databases. Secondary sources of information, on- site visits and
interviews were also used for the purpose .
The results of the survey conducted show that the performance
of information services supporting the radio servicesdevelopment in the country are weak. This poor performance
originates from ineffective information flow pattern; lack of
co-ordination of information centres related to the development
of radio services; inadequacy of data/information collection,
processing, and dissemination, especially at the Directorate of
Information and Broadcasting (DIB); low level of application of
Information Technology (IT) in handling and dissemination of
information; inadequacy of trained personnel; and absence of
computer-based information services.
In order to overcome the shortcomings mentioned above, the
establishment of computer-based information support system is
proposed, its features elaborated and a plan for its
implementation suggested.
The proposed Information Support System for Radio Services, the
core of this study, outlines the ISSRS establishment, its
management structure, functions, facilities to be used and
budget considerations. The main ISSRS function will be to
strengthen and enhance provision of information services with
emphasis on value-added information products. Appropriate
information infrastructure components are identified and their
development recommended to ensure efficient execution of ISSRS
activities.
The recommendations made following this study include: the
establishment of National Policy on Information Systems and
Services to direct information services in the country; user
studies to identify the sectoral needs; training of workers and
attracting/encouraging the available experts; reasonableattention to be given by the government to information as an
important resource for development; strengthening co-ordination
among the institutions related to radio services development;
improvement of IT application in the radio broadcasting sector;
and establishment of the National Information System to coordinate
the information services in Tanzania . These
suggestions are expected to improve the information systems
capacity and capabilities in supporting radio services
development in the country.
Description
Keywords
Development of an Information, Support System