In this paper TRAC FM is featured as one of two case studies on so called T4TAIs (Technologies for Transparency and Accountability). If you are interested in ICT4D or citizen-government interaction, please read this paper.
As the concept of TRAC FM is based on research conducted in 2009, we are very happy that our work in the field is still relevant to academic debate. UK based IDS (Institute for Development Studies) is a leading global charity for international development research, teaching and communications. In 2012 IDS was asked by Hivos to conduct research into the effectiveness of T4TAIs. TRAC FM was picked as a case study and worked with IDS to share data and contacts.
Among other conclusions, the paper concludes that a user-centred approach should be the key to successful implementation. We support IDS in its conclusions and will see to it that our work remains informed by scientific principles and theory.
For the full paper, go to
http://hivos.org/sites/default/files/ids-userlearningstudyont4tais.pdf
Read a summary on the case studies in the paper here:
http://opendocs.ids.ac.uk/opendocs/bitstream/handle/123456789/3133/IDSPB40.pdf?sequence=4
Some quotes from the research paper
- With regard to listeners and one-off participants, the number of people who participated in at least one TRAC FM poll far outstripped expectations.
- TRAC FM developed starting assumptions about user numbers based on extensive research.
- Those who participate in TRAC FM polls see them as a useful platform for informing the wider society about problems and applying pressure for change.
- In short, TRAC FM knows a great deal about its actual users and in practice their dilemma is how to make the best use of the valuable information on their database in an ethical way
IDS research commisioned by Hivos featuring Trac FM case study
The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) recently published a paper on the use and implementation of technologies used to promote citizen participation, Transparency and accountability.
