Working Groups - Get Together #1
Samiuela Loni Vea Taufa
'Aia mahino ai, ngali ke fai ha fakamalo ki he kau paipa na'a nau faka'ataa mai 'a e fale pea mo e food. Thanks.
Three presentations.
* Gotnet today and tomorrow from Saia Vaipuna
* Government Portal Proposal from Sitiveni Finau
* Where we are in the Working Groups, Governance and Management from SamT
Outcomes from the presentations.
* GOTNET - is for all of Government, not just Ministry of Finance and Planning
* Emphasising effective use of our limited resources
* Biggest complaints are about the Internet Speed, which is not a problem with GOTNET the infrastructure, but with minimal external bandwidth being shared with so many users.
* Better / More Services is dependent on the users / Ministries. The services on there now are what MOFP are tasked with providing to all of Government. Talk to us with what you want and lets see how it might be made available.
* Phase I connections are on 100MB bandwidth per fibre.
* Phase II connections are on 1GB bandwidth per fibre.
* Phase III was estimated at NZD$80K to complete
* All technical skills for completing Phase III and any additions are available locally.
(kole atu kia Saia ke toki email taki holo 'ene presentation)
Government Portal
* Now looking at a Magazine Framework
* Offshore hosting for external access speed
* Suggestion for sfinau to look at the design/user requirements, not implementation, and work with eGov to build a proposal.
* Suggestion to make a specific area for within Government news/information. May not need to be part of the "external" website
* Suggestion to implement transactions as a differentiator to the current Ministry portals.
Where we are now, Governance and Management
* We are stuck
* We are getting more energy from coming together
* Governance is about the WHAT
* Management is about the HOW
* Looked at 3 organisational structure concepts: Decentralised, Centralised, Federal (Hybrid)
(ki'i lahi fakataataa 'ata'ata pe 'a e presentation, teu fakahuu ha 'u notes ki he presentation ka e toki email atu Friday pe Monday)
Resolutions:
* Getting together really energises people.
* Steering Committee (Governance) needs to be in place. It is part of the design framework we are working with. SamT to work with Alfred.
* Funding for Plan Development (bringing someone from overseas to write it up) can it be redirected to having more workshop style activities to increase local input and participation, ownership. SamT to work with Alfred.
* Policy Refresh. Working Groups to review their Policies (and hopefully the Programmes) to rewrite them so they are more meaningful (less technical) and to include well written rationales. Working Group Chairs to work on this, suggest assigning different people to different policies/programmes/projects ke vave ange 'a e fakama'opo'opo 'o toki talanoa'i pe he forum mei ai.
--> Taniela to work with Education Group
--> Tonga to work with Industry
--> SamT to work with Homes and Communities
--> Saia to work with Technology and Infrastructure Group
--> SamT to work with eGovernment Group
--> Noa to work with Legislation Group
--> Deadline: Thursday next week Dec 13th
--> SamT to compile and work with Alfred to get someone senior to review and prioritise where appropriate. Someone above the food chain towards the steering committee and/or champion.
* Lorraine to be the Gathering's Secretary, fakama'opo'opo 'etau discussion or post ki he 'u kulupu.
* Frequency Interference
--> Request pe 'e lava ma'u 'a e licensed frequency users.
--> SamT to ask Fe'ao
* Letter to Ministries and Private Industry
--> Ke fakaafe'i 'a e kei kau mai 'enau kakai ki he 'etau discussion, working groups.
--> Apologies meia SamT, mahalo ka ne 'i heni 'a e kau me'a 'iloange ki he me'a ni na'e 'osi out pe mo e tohi ko ia.
* Next Meeting: 20th December.
Agenda items: updates on the above, moving forward.
Gotta go bath the kids.
Sam T
-- Samiuela LV Taufa sa...@nomoa.com -or- samt...@gmail.com www.nomoa.com; www.tongatapu.net.to Ph: +676()62-717 Fax: +676()24-099
Peni Naupoto
Samiuela LV Taufa
The "Tonga Strategic Planning Workshop Report" is inserted as text below. (1.5Mb so not attached.) Reviews what we did in the workshop, and where we got to and where they were expecting us to be going.
This is the more important summarisation of where we are, and where our current Policy Statements are. As discussed in our get together, this is what we need to 1st be looking at and refining.
The "Appendix C - Discussion Paper on ICT Governance" is very interesting reading, and partially covered in our get together, as well as my attached Draft Project Proposal for Government. (4Mb so not attached)
Appendix A and B are what we have on the CDs and discussed during the workshop.
---/Table of contents from Website---/
- Tonga Strategic Planning Workshop Report
- Appendix A - Workshop Presentations:
- Appendix B - Initial Drafts of Working Group Action Plans:
- Appendix C - Discussion Paper on ICT Governance
6th – 9th November 2007
The Basilica,
Nuku’ alofa, Tongapatu, Kingdom of Tonga
Table of Contents
Overview …1
1. ICT Development Methodology ... 3
1.1 National ICT Policy …3
1.2 e-Readiness Assessment and Benchmarking …4
1.3 National ICT Strategy …4
1.4 Implementation …6
1.5 Promotion and Awareness …6
1.6 Monitoring and Reporting …6
1.7 Continuous Enhancement …7
2. Developing Tonga’s National ICT Strategy …8
2.1 National ICT Vision …8
2.2 National ICT Policy Objectives …9
2.3 e-Readiness and Benchmarking Highlights …11
2.4 Draft Working Group Action Plans …14
2.5 Priority Initiatives …16
2.6 Completing the Action Plans …17
2.7 Branding the National ICT Programme …18
2.8 Risk Management …19
2.9 Draft Outline of the National ICT Strategic Plan …21
3. Completing the National ICT Strategic Plan …22
Appendices:
A Workshop Presentations
B Initial Drafts of Working Group Action Plans
C Discussion Paper on ICT Governance
Overview
The government of the Kingdom of Tonga in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat has begun the process of creating a National Information and Communications Technology (NICT) strategic plan for the development of the country. A week long workshop was convened to initiate the process and lay the foundation for the completion of the Plan.
The Department of Communications, within the Prime Minister’s Office is charged with the responsibility of spearheading Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development initiatives in Tonga. The Department coordinated the workshop and ensured that there was wide representation among the participants, with representatives from among government, industry, educational institutions, the telecommunications sector, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Faith Based Organisations (FBOs).
The workshop was conducted over a period of four days from the 6th to the 9th of November 2007. It took the format of a series of presentations along with interactive sessions using several different types of group exercises that encouraged brainstorming among the participants. The workshop commenced by examining the concept of “ICT for Development” and the benefits and opportunities that emerging technologies and global connectivity can offer in the areas of social, economic, government and cultural development for small island states.
The workshop began by highlighting the key steps involved in successful ICT development:
v Political commitment
v National ICT Policy
v E-Readiness Assessment and Benchmarking
v National ICT Strategy and Action Plan
v Integrated Programme Implementation
v Promotion and Awareness Campaign
v Monitoring and Reporting
v Continuous Benchmarking and Innovation
The methodology for ICT Development for developing countries was presented and each of the phases was described and explained in a format that was easily understood by all the participants. The methodology then formed the basis and sequence for the group exercises that followed.
ICT Development and
Implementation Methodology
Suggestions and ideas for the country’s national ICT vision were developed and six pillars or focus areas for development were identified by the participants:
v Technical Infrastructure
v ICT’s in Homes and Communities
v Education
v Legislation
v Industry
v E-Government
Objectives were outlined for each of the focus areas above (included on page 9), upon which the action plans to achieve the objectives are being developed (see Appendix B).
Other exercises reviewed and confirmed the findings of the e-Readiness assessment that was recently undertaken, discussed the prioritization of the initiatives that were identified by the working groups during the workshop, generated ideas for the branding of the national ICT Strategic Plan, and considered the requirements necessary to ensure the completion of the Plan and the subsequent implementation of the initiatives identified as part of the National ICT Programme.
Detailed output from the working group exercises can be found in chapter two of this report. The initial drafts of the working group action plans are also included as Appendix B. These action plans will be further refined and completed by the working group members under the coordination of the Department of Communications.
1. ICT Development Methodology
The diagram above depicts a best practice methodology which has proven to be immensely successful at assisting developing states to initiate and implement ICT development on a national scale. The process is divided into several manageable phases that flow logically into each other, forming a natural sequence.
1.1 National ICT Policy (Phase 1)
A country’s national ICT policy is a statement of government’s commitment and intent to utilize ICTs effectively to create new opportunities for development and deliver social and economic gains to its citizens. A policy may include a visionary statement which projects the future state of ICT development within a ten to fifteen year timeframe, but is still very realistic in ensuring that the vision is achievable.
The policy identifies key areas for development and outlines the objectives of the country’s National ICT Programme. Being a national document, it should meet the needs of all stakeholders – government, citizens, businesses, NGOs, civil society and academia. Developing the policy is a consultative exercise involving all stakeholders, so that ownership and support for change on a national scale can be realized.
There are several different formats which a policy may take, from being a few statements made within government’s national development plan, to being a separate ICT policy document on its own.
1.2 e-Readiness Assessment and Benchmarking (Phase 2)
This next phase determines the current state of ICT development by utilizing two tools - ICT Benchmarking and e-Readiness Assessment. The Benchmarking exercise uses secondary data to compare the level of ICT development within a country to other comparator countries. The data is based on a selection of recognized ICT indicators sourced from reputable and reliable institutions. The benchmarking exercise may also highlight a few best practice case studies from some of the comparator countries.
The e-readiness assessment looks at the country’s current state of preparedness using primary data collected through a survey questionnaire. It provides a current snapshot of the use of ICT and assesses a country’s areas of strength and weakness in terms of ICT development.
Once the current state has being clearly established, the strategic planning activities can commence. The findings of the e-Readiness and Benchmarking exercises should be used to identify opportunities for development that can be woven in to the Strategic Plan.
1.3 National ICT Strategy (Phase 3)
This phase of can be divided in to three activities:
- Planning
- Developing
- Approval and formal launch
Planning for the development of the National ICT Strategy requires that a body or secretariat be put in place to coordinate and oversee the development efforts. Ongoing governance, project management, communication and change management would be the key function of the secretariat. This body would be responsible for creating the working groups based on the focus areas identified in the Policy, appointing working group members and organizing the groups to produce a complete action plan for each focus area. The secretariat also has the responsibility of engaging the funding agencies in the development process from a very early stage so that agencies are well aware of the plans for development and are supportive from development through to implementation. Producing the Plan may also require the use of consultants at various stages of the process. This needs to be assessed carefully to determine which tasks or phases require consulting support and the value this could add to the entire process and quality of the outputs that inform the Plan.
Developing the plan involves several individual working group and plenary sessions with the participants. It is an iterative process where the actions plans are reviewed and revised with each brainstorming session until a complete action plan is produced. The ‘6Ps Process’ is used to assist the working groups in developing their individual action plans. The working groups assess each policy objective in their particular area of focus by answering the following six questions (6Ps):
• What is the Purpose of this objective?
• What are the key Programmes required to achieve this objective?
• What specific Projects reside within each of the programmes?
• What is the order of Priority for each of the programmes and projects?
• What are the Points of Integration and dependencies with initiatives – including initiatives within other Working Groups?
• Who are the key Participants that will need to be involved?
The output of this assessment forms the action plans which are continually refined until comprehensive plans are developed. These individual plans would then be compiled to produce one integration action plan which forms the core of the National ICT Strategic Plan.
A few Fast-Track initiatives for early implementation are identified from the list of programmes and projects incorporated in the integrated action plan. These are projects that deliver visible results and can be implemented within a relatively short time frame, one or two of which can be completed to coincide with the formal launch of the National ICT Strategy. With effective promotion and awareness, this will give credibility to the National ICT Strategic Plan and build enthusiasm and momentum for subsequent initiatives.
The Plan will also consider the preparations necessary for the implementation of the initiatives identified in the Plan. These include resource requirements, an appropriate governance structure, funding, promotion and awareness, monitoring and reporting and change management.
The approval and formal launch of the National ICT Strategy incorporates the following activities:
· Widespread stakeholder consultation
· A formal approval process for the Plan
· Final editing of the document
· A public launch
· Commencement of an ongoing Promotion and Awareness campaign
· The launch of Fast-Track initiatives
1.4 Implementation (Phase 4a)
Even before the Plan is completed, implementation planning should begin. A well thought out governance model to manage the implementation of the plan should be developed. There are several governance models and selecting or designing one that is best suited to the environment and needs within Tonga is essential. A generic governance model used during implementation by many developing countries is included as Appendix C.
Other tasks involved in the implementation phase are:
· Detailed project planning
· Project management/integration
· Project staffing
· Streamlined procurement and contracting
· Financial management
1.5 Promotion and Awareness (Phase 4b)
A comprehensive promotion and awareness campaign has to be undertaken from the development of the final policy document, the launch of the strategy as well as during the implementation of the various initiatives. This should be a broad education and sensitization programme which includes targeted campaigns to reach specific audiences.
1.6 Monitoring and Reporting (Phase 5a)
Individual project progress should be monitored and regularly reported. Project outputs and outcomes should be should be constantly monitored and project management should ensure integration and collaboration among projects.
Accomplishments should also be reported both domestically and internationally to bodies such as the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the World Economic Form (WEF), the United Nations (UN) and the World Bank as well as other bodies that collected development related information and statistics.
1.7 Continuous Enhancement (Phase 5b)
Ongoing monitoring and reporting should lead to continuous enhancement of ICT development efforts. New initiatives should be added as required and adjustments may also be made to particular goals and initiatives. Benchmarking and e-Readiness assessments should be conducted every two to three years. To support continuous development, the National ICT Strategic Plan should also be revised every three to four years.
2. Developing Tonga’s National ICT Strategy
The workshop was conducted in a very interactive manner, with the use of several exercises to encourage brainstorming among the working groups. This chapter documents the outputs from these exercises.
2.1 National ICT Vision
During the visioning exercise, a few ideas for a National ICT Vision for the Kingdom of Tonga were generated. These ideas are listed below:
Vision Statement # 1:
A networked Tonga that can retain its local values and use them to its own advantage whilst creating a highly skilled ICT workforce able to realize social and economic development that can enable the nation to fully participate in the global information society.
Vision Statement # 2:
A connected society that utilizes communication technologies to share information, learn from each other, preserve our culture and values, excelling on a global scale and improving the quality of life for all Tongans.
“FEHOKOTAKI (Connect), FETU’UTAKI (Communicate), FEAKO’AKI (Learn), FEOFA’AKI (Sharing), FIKA ‘LILUAKI (be the best)”
Vision Statement # 3:
TONGA:
Together, As One
Online as a Community
Networked to the World
Growing Our Economy
Advancing Our Nation
Vision Statement # 4:
We will make ICT accessible and affordable for all, using its power and versatility to share our ideas and information and to create knowledge and innovation. As a result, we will become a productive and competitive member of the digital economy - while remaining true to our values, culture and sense of community.
2.2 National ICT Policy Objectives
Six focus areas for ICT development were identified by the workshop participants who were then placed into working groups, one group for each of the focus areas below:
· Technical Infrastructure
· ICT’s in Homes and Communities
· Education
· Industry
· Legislation
· Government
The following policy objectives were generated for each of the focus areas.
Technical Infrastructure:
Ø To provide and establish a reliable, sustainable, portable, secure, compatible and evolving ICT infrastructure using proven technology
Ø To promote and maintain effective connectivity
Ø To provide easy to use, scalable ICT systems
Ø To provide an ICT system that minimizes paper
Ø Train and retain skilled personnel to sustain development and keep abreast with current innovations
ICT’s in Homes and Communities:
Ø Provide easy access to information at high speed and at low cost to all segments of Tongan society
Ø Develop local content, including the retention of local values
Ø Develop user-friendly community ICT access
Ø Bring access to ICTs to the community through regional networks and organisations
Ø Foster different communication channels for community use
Ø Provide ICT research and administration
Education:
Ø Develop the curriculum to include ICT education (from primary school level)
Ø Establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to measure outcomes, achievements and performance
Ø Increase ICT literacy and awareness, including professional teachers’ development as per international standards
Ø Foster networking between schools, parents and communities
Ø Promote and develop long-distance online learning courses
Ø Increase access to ICTs to disadvantaged groups, including early learners
Ø Promote the creation of local content and cultural artifacts
Industry:
Ø Promote use of ICT and e-commerce to foster the growth of SMEs and the economy as a whole
Ø Provide training to support new businesses and entrepreneurs in the use and benefits of ICT
Ø Utilize ICT to provide suitable market information to businesses across various sectors
Ø Establish a framework to ensure quality control and consumer protection
Ø Support and encourage the use of technology to introduce greater efficiencies in the operations of Tongan businesses
Ø Strengthen the traditional industries of tourism, agriculture and fisheries
Legislation:
Ø Realign Tonga’s existing legislation and regulatory framework in order to facilitate the new developments in ICT and the challenges it faces
Ø Develop a robust policy and regulatory framework that ensures competition, standardisation, and encourages growth across the ICT sector
Ø Promote confidence in the use of ICTs through ensuring that the interests of consumers are protected, including intellectual property rights, security, circulation of appropriate content, cyber crime
Ø Establishment of necessary frameworks to support e-commerce and e-government
Ø Provision of training to develop ICT-related legislative skills (e.g. legislative drafters, lawyers, etc.)
Ø Enforcement of legal structures that allow the sharing of appropriate information amongst government and various institutions (e.g. law enforcement agencies, etc.)
e-Government:
Ø Provide twenty four hour access to Government appropriate information and services
Ø Ensure security and privacy standards for ICT resources and data
Ø Advance the delivery of government services through effective use of technology, training (vocational skills) and practices (or processes)
Ø Establish a viable standardised infrastructure for sharing intellectual property, data and resources
Ø Ensure intellectual property rights are respected
Ø Develop our human capacity - “ta e lango kei’atio”
Ø Foster recognition and support of the importance of ICT by Cabinet
2.3 e-Readiness and Benchmarking Highlights
An e-Readiness assessment questionnaire was formulated and forwarded to the Prime Minister’s office for completion within the month prior to the workshop. The questions were grouped into five sections:
· ICT Infrastructure
· Legal and Regulatory Framework
· Human Resource Development
· Industry
· Government
The e-readiness assessment findings (below) were reviewed and revised during the workshop and provide a snapshot of the current state of ICT development in the Kingdom of Tonga.
ICT Infrastructure:
• An adequate telecommunications infrastructure exists:
– Two telecom providers
– Two ISPs
– 2 cable providers
– 4 radio stations
– 1 local television station
– Dial-up, ADSL and wireless services
• Fair but costly satellite service available, efforts are underway to connect to submarine cable (by December 2008)
• Current internet speeds are relatively low
• Approximately less than 1 % of the population are internet subscribers
• Internet access costs range between TOP$90 - $2000 per month
• 55% of the population are mobile subscribers
Legal and Regulatory Framework:
• The legislative framework for a competitive telecommunications industry is in place
• No independent regulator exists
• Restrictions exist on investment in telecommunications and related services (e.g. broadcasting)
• Tariffs are imposed on the import of computers and related equipment (consumption tax, customs duty, etc)
• ICT legislation exists in the following areas:
– Communications Act, Radio Communications Act
– Data protection
– Cyber Crime
– Intellectual Property Protection
– Inappropriate Content
• No legislation in place to address:
– Electronic signatures
– Consumer protection
– Domain name protection
Human Resource Development:
• A formal ICT in education strategy exists
• ICTs in secondary and tertiary schools are well established, but none in primary schools:
– Computer to Student ratios:
• Primary – nil
• Secondary – 1 to 25
• Tertiary – 1 to 3
– Internet access in schools:
• Primary – nil (of 122 schools)
• Secondary – 84% (of 50 schools)
• Tertiary – 100% (of 12 institutions)
• No school labs/facilities are currently utilized to provide after hours access to the local community
• Approx. 2% of secondary schools leavers go directly to University
• The number of students enrolled in IT related courses is increasing
• Not much focus on ICT research and development
Industry:
• Incentives exist to encourage the use of ICT and e-commerce by micro and small businesses
• Businesses in the tourism industry receive duty and tax free incentives for the first five years of operation, but this does not currently exist in the ICT sector
• A specific government department has been charged with the mandate to stimulate ICT uptake and e-commerce
• The status of ICT in industry is as follows:
– 60% of businesses use PCs
– 10% of businesses use the internet
– 22 IT/high tech companies exist in Tonga (software, hardware, networking, programming)
• There is currently low usage of the internet for buying/selling goods by businesses in Tonga - limited online payment facilities (credits cards), difficulties in obtaining internet merchant accounts, etc.
• High fees exist for processing credit card payments
• 95% of ICT related equipment is imported, only 2% is exported
• An adequate supply of technicians exists in country but technical specialists and project management skills are lacking
• A National ICT Association exists but has not been active since 2004
Government:
• Steady progress is being made by government
• A government wide intranet exists
• 90% of government ministries have a website but no government wide policy exists to govern ministry websites
• 90% of public servants have a computer
• Most gov’t services are however delivered in person:
– no full e-services available
– 10% of application forms can be downloaded online
• No e-Government strategy currently exists
• Training for public servants is needed in the areas of:
– ICT/e-Government
– Customer Service
– Change management
• Several government led ICT initiatives are underway (GotNet, Revenue Services, etc.)
• The key challenges for government are:
– Availability of skilled personnel in the public sector
– Training for public servants
– Limited finances
– Need for more ICT champions within government
– Effective governance model for advancing the ICT agenda
A recent benchmarking exercise compared the level of ICT development among twelve Pacific Islands. Very little data was available for many of the Pacific Islands but the assessment of the e-government readiness indicator included below should that Tonga is performing fairly well when compared to other pacific islands, but is ranked by the United Nations in 104th position out of 191 member states in overall e-Government readiness.
The e-government readiness index provides a holistic overview of a country’s level of e-readiness by measuring government’s use of technology, ICT usage within the community and the level of education within the country. These three measures are combined to give a composite index which is used to obtain an overall ranking of UN member states. Tonga’s world ranking of 104th position indicates that there is a significant amount of work to be done to move the country up to a respectable position, where Tonga can participate more fully in the global information society.
Source: Global e-Government Readiness Report 2005, United
Nations, * 191 member states ranked
2.4 Draft Working Group Action Plans
Once the current state was agreed upon, work commenced on the action plans for each of the focus areas. The development of the action plans is in progress and will continue to over the few months until a final draft of the integrated action plan is produced. Appendix B contains the full versions of the draft action plans.
Technical Infrastructure:
The first draft of the action plan by the technical infrastructure working group addressed issues concerning connectivity, access, front end and back end application development within various sectors, technology standards and documentation, skills development and research. Several programme and project ideas have been are suggested to achieve the policy objectives outlined during the national policy development exercise.
ICTs in Homes and Communities:
Community access, aid and research were key themes of this working group’s action plan. Awareness and training as well as a means of the addressing the cost and speed of internet access were also addressed.
It is critical that Tongan communities retain their strong value system which is what gives Tonga its unique flavour. This is reflected in the action plan through the ‘Values Programme’ which looks and the projects (policies and regulation, consultation, etc.) required to protect and promote these values, in consideration of the possible impact that participation in the global information society may have on Tongan culture and lifestyles.
Education:
A very comprehensive first draft was developed by the education working group, which looked at advancing ICT in education at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Other key programmes addressed ICT literacy and awareness, quality assurance, networking among educational institutions, community access, adult and e-learning programmes, ICT and health, and the promotion of culture and local content.
Industry:
The draft action plan for industry aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship at the community level and within the existing business community. Sharing information and networking in support of the growth of SMEs is a priority. Creating a secure and trusted environment is key for the growth for e-commerce and the uptake of ICT in the business community as a whole. The initiatives outlined also address the need for adequate infrastructure and the supply of ICT equipment. The creation of sector specific ICT development programmes to boost the agriculture, fisheries, tourism and arts and crafts industries is highlighted.
Another development need which was addressed by the industry working group was the support of businesses who have been affected by the 16/11 riots. Many businesses were destroyed by fire during the riots and a significant number have not been fully re-established. A programme has been proposed to look at the use ICT to assist in the rebuilding efforts.
Legislation:
A review of the existing legislation is proposed to ensure that they are up-to-date and enforceable. One initiative outlined in the action plan recommends the drafting of ICT related laws that are not currently in place such as consumer protection, security, domain name protection, e-signatures and legislation that addresses jurisdictional issues. The development of policy and regulatory frameworks to address competition, standards and growth of the telecommunications sector is included.
Training and the development of skills in ICT legislation within the legal field is suggested. The integration of government and justice systems such as the police, prisons, immigration, disaster management systems, customs, etc. is also another key initiative within this action plan.
e-Government:
The programmes and projects outlined by the government working group recommend the networking of government services and facilitating access to appropriate government information via a centralized government portal and data repository. This would need to be supported by policies and frameworks as well as legislation to govern the access and sharing of government information.
Buy-in and support of government leadership requires the sensitization and involvement of cabinet and other senior level government officials. A suggestion was made that key programmes can even be named after senior officials, encouraging them to be champions for a particular initiative.
A review of the current workflow and processes within government is recommended as well as the standardisation of the technologies used in government ministries and agencies. The training of public servants in the effective use of technology to promote productivity is critical.
2.5 Priority Initiatives
Each working group was given the task to select four initiatives for priority implementation. A list of priority initiatives was compiled and votes were cast to further prioritise the list to determine the top four or five initiatives. The results are as follows:
|
No. |
Initiative |
Description |
Number of Votes |
|
1 |
Leaders Promotional Awareness Project |
Sensitize leaders to the concept and benefits of ICT |
15 |
|
2 |
Education Survey Project |
Assess the current state of ICT in education & determine skills requirements based on the needs of industry |
12 |
|
3 |
Community Access Design/ Requirements Analysis Project |
Design and anyalyse the requirements for community access centres |
6 |
|
4 |
Industry Networking and Information Sharing Programme |
e-Marketplace initiative, SME/e-Commerce information resource, Market Information Initiative |
6 |
|
5 |
Tongatapu NET |
Promote connectivity within Tongapatu |
5 |
|
6 |
Promotion and Awareness Campaign |
Broad promotion campaign |
5 |
|
7 |
ICT Human Capacity Project |
ICT literacy, skills development |
4 |
|
8 |
Community ICT Research Project |
Research on the usage and availability of ICTs in communities |
3 |
|
9 |
Sector Specific ICT Policies |
Policies to develop various industries (agriculture, fisheries, tourism, arts and crafts) through the use of ICTs |
3 |
|
10 |
ICT Legislation Awareness/Training Programme |
Training and skills development within the legal profession |
3 |
|
11 |
Zero Duties Project |
Initiatives to remove the tariffs on ICT related imports |
3 |
|
12 |
Current State Computer Literacy Survey |
Survey to determine the level of ICT literacy in Tonga |
2 |
|
13 |
Government Portal Project |
Online access to government information |
2 |
|
14 |
Community Aid Project |
Funding for the establishment of community access centers |
1 |
|
15 |
GotNet Enhancement |
Enhance the networking of government ministries and agencies |
1 |
|
17 |
Internet Security and Good Manners Project |
Promote a secure online environment |
1 |
|
18 |
Promotion of Values Project |
Activities to ensure the retention and promotion of Tongan values and culture |
0 |
|
19 |
Standardisation Project |
Developing relevant technology and other ICT related standards within government |
0 |
|
20 |
Incentive Based Literacy Programme (public and private) |
Public and private sector based programme to encourage management to promote ICT training for their employees |
0 |
|
21 |
ICT Specialist Project |
Specialist skills for research, feasibility studies |
0 |
|
22 |
e-Commerce Access |
Access to the enabling factors to support e-commerce – online payment facilities, merchant accounts, etc. |
0 |
It is interesting to note that only a limited number of initiatives that demonstrate visible results were selected for priority implementation. Ensuring some level of visible success at an early stage is critical to the successful implementation of the National ICT Strategic Plan.
2.6 Completing the Action Plans
The completion of the working group action plans is a key priority at this phase of the process. Participants were asked to provide input and suggestions regarding the activities that will contribute to the successful and timely completion of the working group action plans. Some key suggestions are noted below:
- Ensuring sufficient resources - human resources and financial compensation for the working groups
- Selecting the right people to participate in the strategic planning working group sessions – each group should contain 5 – 10 persons and membership should be dynamic and flexible, as required by the needs of the group
- Meeting on a regular basis to review and revise the action plan
- Establishing a coordinating body to oversee the completion of the Plan
- Ensuring some form of financial compensation and/or social recognition for working group members
- Setting targets and milestones for the working groups
- Appointing a chairperson/coordinator for each group
- Scheduling plenary sessions among the working groups to reduce redundancies and ensure integration and coordination among the action plans
2.7 Branding the National ICT Strategy
Another exciting exercise was the branding of Tonga’s National ICT Programme. Broad ownership of the Plan is essential. The working groups were asked to suggest an appropriate title for the ICT programme, a name or phrase that Tongan citizens can easily identify with and that will peak interest in the Plan. The suggestions are included below:
|
No. |
Brand/Name |
Number of Votes |
|
1 |
Lali ‘o Onopooni – Modernisation of Communication |
11 |
|
2 |
Laka Poto (wise move or best move) |
10 |
|
3 |
Niu (coconut) ICT |
9 |
|
4 |
Kalofiama ‘o e Fetu’utaki – spark from fire |
9 |
|
5 |
niu tonga – sustainability |
5 |
|
6 |
‘Epoki ‘o Taimi – epoch of time |
5 |
|
7 |
ic Tonga |
5 |
|
8 |
Lali ‘o e Felenite(telling what we are doing) |
4 |
|
9 |
e- Tongans |
3 |
|
10 |
Do it now (fai he taimi ’ni) |
3 |
|
11 |
Kingdom ICT |
3 |
|
12 |
Kalia ‘o e Kaha’u ICT (future canoe) |
3 |
|
13 |
Talking technology |
3 |
|
14 |
Flying Fox ICT |
2 |
|
15 |
Coconut wireless |
2 |
|
16 |
‘A faka’amu mei ICT (do everything with ICT) |
1 |
|
17 |
Dateline ICT |
1 |
|
18 |
Lali ‘o e Fakalakalaka new medium |
1 |
|
19 |
Vasuva ICT |
0 |
|
20 |
Maama ‘o e Fakalakalaka – light of progress (ICT) |
0 |
|
21 |
ICT Literacy for all |
0 |
2.8 Risk Management
There will be obstacles that will hinder the completion and implementation of the strategy. A list of possible risks to the programme and strategies for ensuring that they do not become major set-backs are proposed below.
|
Risk |
Mitigation Strategy |
|
Lack of human resources |
|
|
Lack of decision making support |
|
|
Lack of funding |
|
|
Depletion of motivation and enthusiasm of project participants |
|
|
Public awareness of ICT significance |
|
|
Lack of knowledge |
|
|
Communication breakdown |
|
|
Commitment |
|
|
Lack of commitment from stakeholders |
|
|
Natural/Other disasters |
|
|
Human capacity |
|
|
Mismanagement |
|
|
Selecting the right ICT Champion |
|
|
Lack of empowerment at all levels |
|
|
An aversion to ICT based on culture and religion |
|
|
Lack of unified support for the Plan by all Tongans |
|
2.9 Draft Outline of the National ICT Strategic Plan
The National ICT Strategic Plan should be a document that can be easily read and understood by the average citizen. It is designed to inform reader of the government’s plans and intentions to move the country forward using ICT. A possible outline for the National ICT Strategic plan may look like this:
v Foreword by the Prime Minister or King if possible
v Executive Summary
v Chapter 1 – ICT Overview:
ü International context in relation to the Global Information Society
ü Introductory discussion regarding the current state of national development in Tonga and the potential benefits of ICT to the country and Diaspora
v Chapter 2 –Tonga’s National ICT Strategy:
ü ICT Policy statements/Key areas of focus
ü Approach employed in developing the Plan
ü Summary E-Readiness and Benchmarking Findings (full report included as appendix)
ü Summary of integrated action plans (full plans for each workgroup included as an appendix)
ü Fast Track Initiatives
ü Timelines
v Chapter 3 - Preparing for implementation:
ü Governance and staffing
ü Finance and funding
ü Promotion and Awareness
ü Monitoring and Reporting
ü Risk Analysis
Appendix A – National ICT Policy
Appendix B – e-Readiness and Benchmarking
Appendix C – Working Group Action Plans
Appendix D – Risk Assessment Report
Appendix E – List of participants/contributors
3. Completing the National ICT Strategic Plan
The governance structure for completing the National ICT Strategic Plan should resemble the model below.
We are here!!
The ICT Champion should be a senior authority
figure within
government. It is usually the Prime
Minister or President of the country who champions this effort. A steering committee also comprised of senior
officials and leaders in the public and private sector will oversee the
process
and provide approval and input where necessary.
The ICT Secretariat will work closely with the working groups to
produce
the integrated action plan and the final draft of the Strategic Plan. It is important that the funding agencies are
part of this model and are involved at every step of the process.
It is suggested that the following tasks be undertaken to complete the National ICT Strategic Plan.
- Complete and publish the National ICT Policy
- Continue to refine and polish the working group Action Plans
- Integrate the Working Group Plans
- Confirm the governance arrangements for completing the Plan based on the model identified on page 19
- Estimate costing for implementing the Plan and prioritise the initiatives
- Consult with stakeholders and make edits to the Plan if required
- Complete the Draft National ICT Plan
- Prepare for implementation
- Obtain formal approval of the National ICT Strategy
- Host the formal launch of Tonga’s National ICT Strategic Plan
The chart below shows that many of these tasks run concurrently in order to achieve the four key milestones:
v Completion of the Draft National ICT Policy – 31st December 2007
v Draft Integrated Working Group Action Plans – 31st January 2007
v Completion of the Draft National ICT Strategic Plan – 31st March 2007
v Formal launch of Tonga’s National ICT Strategic Plan – 30th June 2007
With the continued support of the Commonwealth Secretariat and the coordinating efforts of the Department of Communications, these milestones can be easily achieved, opening the way for a new wave of development for the Kingdom of Tonga.
----//-----------------------------------------------------------------/---
Attached:
Centralised ICT Management Group - Project Proposal (Draft X)
Peni Naupoto wrote the following on 12/7/2007 3:11 PM:
Thanks Sam ... That wraps up our little get together quite well. However, you still forgot to attach the Commonwealth Connect Report from our workshop. When you have time can you please do so. I'm sure everyone would like to get a little feedback and it might also be more of a motivation for us to keep moving forward with the PROJECT. Cheers Peni TANIELA KAILAHI wrote the following on 12/7/2007 8:59 AM:Sam, Thanks for the summary and keep up the good work! Fakaongoongo atu pe kia Saia moe kau tama he tech group ke tau laulau ki he etau kii samena ke maau ki he next meeting! Havea mo e kau tama, oua e loto sii ka tau lali'i ai leva e kii mea ni ke osi katau hoko atu!!! malo nela
On 12/5/07, Samiuela Loni Vea Taufa <samt...@gmail.com> wrote:
1st. A Thank you to everyone who attended, AND FROM everyone who attended to Alfred and Robin for getting us to meet at the Fa'onelua Convention Ctr. Thanks to Ofo for the tea-break which was appreciated, and kept half of the participants in place. 'Aia mahino ai, ngali ke fai ha fakamalo ki he kau paipa na'a nau faka'ataa mai 'a e fale pea mo e food. Thanks. *Three presentations. * * Gotnet today and tomorrow from Saia Vaipuna * Government Portal Proposal from Sitiveni Finau * Where we are in the Working Groups, Governance and Management from SamT *Outcomes from the presentations. * * GOTNET - is for all of Government, not just Ministry of Finance and Planning * Emphasising effective use of our limited resources * Biggest complaints are about the Internet Speed, which is not a problem with GOTNET the infrastructure, but with minimal external bandwidth being shared with so many users. * Better / More Services is dependent on the users / Ministries. The services on there now are what MOFP are tasked with providing to all of Government. Talk to us with what you want and lets see how it might be made available. * Phase I connections are on 100MB bandwidth per fibre. * Phase II connections are on 1GB bandwidth per fibre. * Phase III was estimated at NZD$80K to complete * All technical skills for completing Phase III and any additions are available locally. (kole atu kia Saia ke toki email taki holo 'ene presentation) *Government Portal * * Now looking at a Magazine Framework * Offshore hosting for external access speed * Suggestion for sfinau to look at the design/user requirements, not implementation, and work with eGov to build a proposal. * Suggestion to make a specific area for within Government news/information. May not need to be part of the "external" website * Suggestion to implement transactions as a differentiator to the current Ministry portals. *Where we are now, Governance and Management * * We are stuck * We are getting more energy from coming together * Governance is about the WHAT * Management is about the HOW * Looked at 3 organisational structure concepts: Decentralised, Centralised, Federal (Hybrid) (ki'i lahi fakataataa 'ata'ata pe 'a e presentation, teu fakahuu ha 'u notes ki he presentation ka e toki email atu Friday pe Monday) *Resolutions: * Getting together really energises people. * * Steering Committee (Governance) needs to be in place. It is part of the design framework we are working with. SamT to work with Alfred. * Funding for Plan Development (bringing someone from overseas to write it up) can it be redirected to having more workshop style activities to increase local input and participation, ownership. SamT to work with Alfred. * Policy Refresh. Working Groups to review their Policies (and hopefully the Programmes) to rewrite them so they are more meaningful (less technical) and to include well written rationales. Working Group Chairs to work on this, suggest assigning different people to different policies/programmes/projects ke vave ange 'a e fakama'opo'opo 'o toki talanoa'i pe he forum mei ai. --> Taniela to work with Education Group --> Tonga to work with Industry --> SamT to work with Homes and Communities --> Saia to work with Technology and Infrastructure Group --> SamT to work with eGovernment Group --> Noa to work with Legislation Group --> Deadline: Thursday next week Dec 13th --> SamT to compile and work with Alfred to get someone senior to review and prioritise where appropriate. Someone above the food chain towards the steering committee and/or champion. * Lorraine to be the Gathering's Secretary, fakama'opo'opo 'etau discussion or post ki he 'u kulupu. * Frequency Interference --> Request pe 'e lava ma'u 'a e licensed frequency users. --> SamT to ask Fe'ao * Letter to Ministries and Private Industry --> Ke fakaafe'i 'a e kei kau mai 'enau kakai ki he 'etau discussion, working groups. --> Apologies meia SamT, mahalo ka ne 'i heni 'a e kau me'a 'iloange ki he me'a ni na'e 'osi out pe mo e tohi ko ia. * Next Meeting: 20th December. Agenda items: updates on the above, moving forward. Gotta go bath the kids. Sam T -- Samiuela LV Tauf...@nomoa.com -or- samt...@gmail.comwww.nomoa.com; www.tongatapu.net.to Ph: +676()62-717 Fax: +676()24-099
Samiuela LV Taufa
Policy Refresh. Working Groups to review their Policies (and hopefully the Programmes) to rewrite them so they are more meaningful (less technical) and to include well written rationales. Working Group Chairs to work on this, suggest assigning different people to different policies/programmes/projects ke vave ange 'a e fakama'opo'opo 'o toki talanoa'i pe he forum mei ai.
- Clarify/Provide a descriptive paragraph for each Policy Purpose Statement.
- Put in the Programmes and Projects already outlined for the group, but not well captured in the report Appendixes (i.e. same as what we have on CDs)
- Priorities – record the priorities the group had set
- Points of Integration – a few groups had this, if you can record that please
- Participants – Likewise, if you have this, please record it.
6P’s Process - Ko e anga 'eni 'a e 'u fehu'i ne tuku mai ke fokotu'utu'u ki ai 'a e ngaue.
* What is the Purpose of this objective?
* What are the key Programmes required achieving this objective?
* What specific Projects reside within each of the programmes?
* What is the order of Priority for each of the programmes and projects?
* What are the Points of Integration and dependencies with initiatives – including initiatives within other Working Groups?
* Who are the key Participants that will need to be involved?
Policy Objectives
Technical Infrastructure:
* To provide and establish a reliable, sustainable, portable, secure, compatible and evolving ICT infrastructure using proven technology
* To promote and maintain effective connectivity
* To provide easy to use, scalable ICT systems
* To provide an ICT system that minimizes paper
* Train and retain skilled personnel to sustain development and keep abreast with current innovations
ICT’s in Homes and Communities:
* Develop local content, including the retention of local values
* Develop user-friendly community ICT access
* Bring access to ICTs to the community through regional networks and organisations
* Foster different communication channels for community use
* Provide ICT research and administration
Education:
* Develop the curriculum to include ICT education (from primary school level)
* Establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to measure outcomes, achievements and performance
* Increase ICT literacy and awareness, including professional teachers’ development as per international standards
* Foster networking between schools, parents and communities
* Promote and develop long-distance online learning courses
* Increase access to ICTs to disadvantaged groups, including early learners
* Promote the creation of local content and cultural artifacts
Industry:
* Promote use of ICT and e-commerce to foster the growth of SMEs and the economy as a whole
* Provide training to support new businesses and entrepreneurs in the use and benefits of ICT
* Utilize ICT to provide suitable market information to businesses across various sectors
* Establish a framework to ensure quality control and consumer protection
* Support and encourage the use of technology to introduce greater efficiencies in the operations of Tongan businesses
* Strengthen the traditional industries of tourism, agriculture and fisheries
Legislation:
* Realign Tonga’s existing legislation and regulatory framework in order to facilitate the new developments in ICT and the challenges it faces
* Develop a robust policy and regulatory framework that ensures competition, standardisation, and encourages growth across the ICT sector
* Promote confidence in the use of ICTs through ensuring that the interests of consumers are protected, including intellectual property rights, security, circulation of appropriate content, cyber crime
* Establishment of necessary frameworks to support e-commerce and e-government
* Provision of training to develop ICT-related legislative skills (e.g. legislative drafters, lawyers, etc.)
* Enforcement of legal structures that allow the sharing of appropriate information amongst government and various institutions (e.g. law enforcement agencies, etc.)
e-Government:
* Provide twenty four hour access to Government appropriate information and services
* Ensure security and privacy standards for ICT resources and data
* Advance the delivery of government services through effective use of technology, training (vocational skills) and practices (or processes)
* Establish a viable standardised infrastructure for sharing intellectual property, data and resources
* Ensure intellectual property rights are respected
* Develop our human capacity - “ta e lango kei’atio”
* Foster recognition and support of the importance of ICT by Cabinet
Priority Initiatives
Top 3
Initiative Description Number of Votes
Brand/Name
Lali ‘o Onopooni – Modernisation of Communication 11
Samiuela Loni Vea Taufa
Example from the eGovernment Group ? Hopefully, my attached/inlined "eGovernment Policy: Human Capacity Development" is in line with our discussions of what we want to come out from each group.
I hope the text comes out OK, and it is also included as a Word Document so if you are sad enough to use it as a template.
In the eGovernment Group, we originally had our FIVE Policy Proposals, but when they asked for prioritising our top X projects, we went ahead and said that some of our FIVE Policy Proposals could be melded together into THREE Policy Proposals.
We ended up with the following (as my feeble mind recovers):
Human Capacity Development - http://groups.google.com/group/tg-egov/browse_frm/thread/9f07b290f19c8e7f
Leadership Awareness and Commitment - http://groups.google.com/group/tg-egov/browse_frm/thread/b264afa93d4a0a59
Standardisation, Security, and Privacy - http://groups.google.com/group/tg-egov/browse_frm/thread/55411ee66ac1ac1c
I would like to take this opportunity to ask teams in eGovernment to work on the other two Proposals.
a) Leadership Awareness and Commitment -
Lorraine, Sitiveni, 'Amini
b) Standardisation, Security, and Privacy -
Salote, Keni, Tita (mou ki'i telefoni atu pe 'oku kei 'iai ko aa ha'atau IT he MP pe 'ikai)
I'll give you guys a call Thursday/Friday to see if you need any help.
Sam T
-----------------
|
6P’s Process
|
||
|
Policy Objective |
|
Human Capacity Development |
|
Translation |
|
To develop systems and programs to ensure our ICT Human Capacity needs are continually assessed and adequate programs are put into place to maximize our ability to meet those needs. |
|
|
|
|
|
Programs |
|
|
|
|
|
Advance Government Services through Technical and Vocational Skills Training |
|
|
|
Ensure respect of Intellectual Property |
|
|
|
Security and Privacy Standards |
|
|
|
|
|
Projects / Priorities |
|
ICT Skills Development Plan. Current practise is for ICT Training Programs that may be too much (information overload) for individuals, or mostly unrelated to staff needs. An ICT Skills Development Plan will itemise skills needed for different operations and provide a roadmap and resources (except time) for interested staff to achieve those skills. The plan and implementation will cater for both students learning in a teacher-led classroom environment and for students wishing to use distance education tools such as web tools. |
|
|
|
Increase frequency and appropriateness of ICT Training. There is currently a plethora of training that is attended but lack direct contribution to staff performance in their jobs. Courses should be more carefully developed, assessed to maximise their end-use value. It is important to provide more training for staff, and just as important to ensure that training is effective. |
|
|
|
Business Process, Workflow Analysis. To better understand current business and skills needs, we will need to have a better understanding of how business operations current occur, mapping the Business Process or Workflow. Whether this Process is Re-engineered or not, the analysis needs to provide a set of ICT Skills performance metrics, and how staff can develop and improve on these minimal skills. |
|
|
|
Hire external ICT Training expertise. Having determined our desired ICT Competencies (Skills Requirements) we need to prioritise the desired skills and address needs for bringing/buying external training expertise to ensure we can meet our goals. |
|
|
|
Develop and Promote a Code of Conduct for ICT Practitioners. ICT Practitioners have an increasingly disproportionate access to sensitive resources and data. A code of conduct for ICT Professionals and its promotion ensures a common understanding of respected and desirable behaviour. Penalties are beyond the scope of this Project. |
|
|
|
Standardisation of ICT Resources. The standardisation of ICT Resources serves two purposes, the functionality of developing skills that are transportable between different resources and maximising the probabilities for quality maintenance service . For example, standardising on Microsoft Word ensures that competence in Microsoft Word can be used in all offices of Government. Standardising on Brand X as the Server (and the subsequent training for Network Administration Staff) maximises the ability for staff to ensure high availability of servers and service quality.
Standardisation should involve vendors and Industry where joint effort will increase efficiencies for all. |
|
|
|
|
|
Points of Integration |
|
Ministry of Education Ministry of Training and Youth Services Working Group – Education Working Group – Industry |
|
|
|
|
|
Participants - Key |
|
|
|
Risk Management
|
||
|
Risks |
Mitigation Strategy |
|
|
Lack of funding |
|
|
|
Mismanagement |
|
|
|
Human Capacity |
|
|
|
Lack of Commitment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Samiuela Loni Vea Taufa
Leadership ICT Training Programme - Project Initiation Proposal.
Attached is a document that should be clarified through Lorraine / Sitiveni / & 'Amini's review of the "Leadership Awareness and Commitment" Policy.
Those who have too much free time, please look at the document.
ciao,
Sam T.
Samiuela Loni Vea Taufa
Program: National ICT Working Groups
Date: Thursday, Dec 20th, 2007
Location: Fa'onelua Convention Ctr
Time: 2:00 ~
Remember that this is the date you guys picked. If you have any Christmas presents to add to the table, ..., bring it along 8-)
Agenda.
> SPIN Status Update
> ITU Niuafo'ou Status Update
> SPC Niuatoputapu Status Update
> eGov Working Group Policy Statements
> ....
> ....
> Quick Win Programs - Update
--> Leadership Training
--> TVB Portal
--> Government Portal
Thanks to Fe'ao for getting us the space and food (the fewer of you who turn up, the more food that is left for the rest of us.)
Fe'ao will be trying to get the letter across your HOD's desks by this afternoon or tomorrow morning requesting your presence.
Malo,
Sam T.