February 18-20, 1998
Asian Institute of Technology
Bangkok, Thailand
Call for Participation
The International Federation of Information Processing (IFIP) invites you to the 4th International Conference on Social Implications of Computers in Developing Countries. The conference will be held at the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, on February 18-20, 1998.
The conference will bring together academics, practitioners, and policy advisors who are involved in the study, development and management of information systems in developing countries.
Conference Theme
The Conference will explore two professional activities which directly address the social and organisational context of information technologies: implementation of information systems and assessment of the value of information systems. While efforts to secure the required investment and to develop the necessary skills for IT and telecommunication applications should not be underestimated, there are critical research questions regarding the way organisations in developing countries make use of such technologies and the value they get from them.
This conference focuses specifically at the level of the local organisation - either business firm or government administration. The aim of the conference is to study issues facing professionals when they implement new technology-based information systems and when they try to assess the difference such systems make for the organisation and its people.
Activities
Presentation
of Work in Progress TutorialsProposals are Still Invited
Proposals for panel discussions are invited. Panel proposals should include a 1-2 page summary of the topic, including a description of how the panel will be structured, as well as the names and affiliations of panelists who have agreed to participate. We are also considering workshops. We do not propose to have a formal deadlines for these, but as soon as we have some good proposals we settle them as we do not have much time. All ideas are welcome and please rush with your thoughts to the Chair of the Organizing Committee.
Social Programme
The conference will be an opportunity for IFIP 9.4 members and friends to get together again, in one of the most beautiful and hospitable countries of the world.
Participants will be able to enjoy Thailand's numerous tourist attractions and shopping areas. Downtown Bangkok, the country's capital called the city of angels, is easily accessible from the conference venue by taxi or bus.
The Workshop Secretariat will organize several social events, including:
Opening Cocktails
Boat Dinner cruising the
Chao Phraya River, providing an excellent view of the city of angels
Other tours (to be arranged
by request).
Private tours and excursions can be arranged through different travels
agencies. Average full day tour/excursion prices range from US$ 20-100.
For further information about Thailand - festival & events, history
& culture, food, and tips for getting the most of your trip, click the
official web page of Tourism Authority of Thailand : 
Transportation
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is located 17Kms North of the Bangkok International Airport on Highway. All kinds of transport are available, but taxis are recommended for the arriving conference participants. Airport prepaid taxis are available at the airport counter at Baht 400-600. Metered taxis are also available at Baht 200-250 from airport. ($=approx 35 baht)
Visa Requirements
Nationals of most Western European, Australian, North American and ASEAN countries can get visa on arrival. However some countries of Asia, Africa and South America need visa prior to arrival. We advise you to consult the Thai embassies and other airlines. the organizing chair would be pleased to issue a letter of invitation if required.
Conference officers
Program Committee Chair
Chrisanthi Avgerou
London School of Economics
Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, UK
email: C.AVGEROU@lse.ac.uk
Organising Committee Chair
R. Sadananda
School of Advanced Technologies
AIT, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang
Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
email: sada@cs.ait.ac.th
Research Papers
Geoff Walsham
Judge Institute of Management Studies
University of Cambridge
email: gw10@eng.cam.ac.uk
Work in Progress
Richard Heeks
IDPM
University of Manchester
email: richard.heeks@man.ac.uk
Case Studies
Dewald Roode
University of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa 0002
email: jdroode@econ.up.ac.za
Panels
Renata Lebre La Rovere
Programme Committee
Subbhash Bhamagar (India) Jean-Claude Burgelman (Belgium) Eli Cohen(USA)
Gunther Cyranek (Brazil) Gurpeet Dhillon (UK)Hasmiah Kasimin (Malaysia) Krisana Kitiyadisai (Thailand) Meadows(USA)
Nora Mulira (Uganda) Jonathan Miller (South Africa)Mayuri Odedra-Straub (India) Grete Pasch (USA)
Angeliki Poulymenakou (Greece) Mikko Korpela (Finland)
Jonathan Liebenau(UK) Cesar Macfas-Chapula (Mexico)
Victor Prochnik(Brazil) Luis G. Rodriguez (Venezuela)
Judith Sutz (Uraguay) Shirin Madon (UK) Tim Waema (Kenya)
Chee Sing Yap (Singapore)