City Research Online

Abstract

This thesis describes a study of the development of Saudi Arabia as an information society while developing a methodology which may be applicable to development of information societies generally. This is important because the modern world has changed dramatically from an industrial society. The promise of such a dynamic has radically changed all aspects of our lives, including knowledge dissemination, social interaction, economic and work practices, and political activity. The focus of this study is on measuring the development of Saudi Arabia as an information society by using ICT indicators in the educational and health sectors which compares the development of informational society between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom using a questionnaire survey approach. These indicators focus on: e-services, E-HRM, scientific research, e-communication and e-learning. The research uses the theoretical insights of Webster and Gardin as a framework for this study.

The overall aim of the research is to explore and measure the current state of Saudi Arabia as an information society. The objectives include: measurement of the ICT infrastructure in the health and educational sectors; measurement of the willingness of Saudi people to use new technology; comparison of Saudi society with other societies regarding technology adoption; identification of the obstacles preventing Saudi Arabia from becoming an information society; and providing an approach that can be used to measure the progress of any country towards becoming an information society.

The research concludes that Saudi Arabia’s informational society is inferior to the UAE and UK. Nonetheless, Saudi Arabia is willing to implement informational technology to achieve wider benefits as the other two countries. Lack of experience, time and trust in new systems are causing hindrance in Saudi Arabia’s progress to become an informational society.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science
Departments:	Doctoral Theses School of Science & Technology > School of Science & Technology Doctoral Theses School of Communication & Creativity > Media, Culture & Creative Industries > Library & Information Science School of Communication & Creativity > School of Communication & Creativity Doctoral Theses

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