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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2012 - 2013

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

This module will ensure that participants critically examine and thus understand the central role of high-speed or broadband internet access for social and economic development. The key outcome of this module will be the enhanced ability of participants to champion the best approaches to the development, deployment and application of core broadband infrastructures for economic development. The merits and demerits of private versus public ownership or a combination of both will be explored as well as the emerging trends in this area. The need for both on-going investment in upgraded infrastructure and the importance of competition for consequent downstream costs will be explored.

Learning Outcomes

1. demonstrate a proficient understanding of telecommunications infrastructure and internet connectivity concepts
2. critically analyse the economic value and need for developing broadband networks in their countries
3. describe and assess their countries’ telecommunications infrastructure with respect to peer countries with equivalent demographics and geographies and identify gaps and needs
4. identify and examine a range of government interventions to promote the development of broadband network infrastructure.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture15Tutorials / Seminar / Workshops
Online activity10Discussions
Group work40Assignment
Independent Study85Individual reading/reflection/research including online learning
Integrated training (INTRA)90Application in work place
Assignment Completion10One main individual assignment AND one leadership journal entry
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Communications & Telecommunications
• Communications concepts, technical terms and a strong understanding of the telecommunications industry

Economic value of enriched communications
• The economic value of enriched communications and how it is increasingly becoming a bedrock for development

Government strategies
• Understanding of how governments can help their countries to develop increasingly advanced communications infrastructure

Government roles
• The roles government can adopt and the balance that needs to be struck between intervention and enabling private markets.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • McCalla J, Pepper R, Rueda Sabater E. from Cisco: 2009, Broadband Across Africa: Accelerating Benefits,
Other Resources

8869, Report, Analysys Mason, 2012, African Telecomms Perspectives, http://www.analysysmason.com,
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