CFC: Extended Deadline Submission CFC

Cases on Web 2.0 in Developing Countries: Studies on Implementation, Application and Use

Editor:
Dr. Nahed Azab
The American University in Cairo, Egypt

Call for Chapters:
Proposals Submission Deadline: July 10, 2011
Full Chapters Due: September 30, 2011
Submission Date: January 30, 2012

Introduction

The world is currently experiencing significant social, cultural, economic, and technological changes: the move to an Internet-based society. As a result, much has changed at home, school, work, government, and even in our leisure activities. The Internet population grew to almost 2 billion at the end of 2010, and combined with the emergence of Web 2.0 - where Internet users publish content and communicate using social networks (e.g., Facebook) and blogs - it undoubtedly paved the way to ambitious developments and opportunities in Electronic Business (e-business), many of which remain to be witnessed.

Most developed countries embraced Web 2.0 applications in different sectors and for a variety of goals, and are now turning to the third generation of the World Wide Web: “Web3.0” or the “Intelligent Web,” in which machines filter, interpret, and even make meaning of information on the Web. However, some developing countries are still striving to realize the success achieved by developed countries through the adoption of the first era of the web, especially by implementing different business models for Electronic Commerce (e-commerce). Web 2.0 applications present developing countries a promising opportunity for economic growth and citizens’ inclusion and participation, even as they struggle to bridge the digital divide.

It is important to investigate how developing countries perceive the value of Web 2.0, the extent to which they adopt and apply its technologies, and the different approaches and innovations necessary for successful implementation of Web applications in developing countries. The casebook will attempt therefore to answer different questions regarding Web 2.0 adoption in developing countries, presenting cases from countries that could sometimes share common or possess differing social, economic, opportunities, or challenges. The content of the casebook will emphasize merging both theoretical and practical perspectives on Web 2.0 applications.

Objective of the Book

The casebook aims to provide a broad coverage of Web 2.0 initiatives in developing countries, highlighting opportunities and challenges from a social, cultural, economic, and ethical perspective. The casebook will also encourage organizations, governments, and individuals in any field to explore Web 2.0 and inform them how to best exploit the development possibilities of a new information society based on collaboration and the promotion of social and professional communities.

Readers will be introduced to the latest theories developed for the second generation of the World Wide Web along with real-world cases from different developing countries. Most research on Web 2.0 applications focuses on approaches undertaken in developed countries. Since Internet diffusion is growing considerably in developing countries, this means that resistance to the World Wide Web adoption is diminishing. By shedding the light on current and future implementations of Web 2.0 practical solutions in developing nations, the casebook would definitely encourage more participation, and would provide a substantial intellectual contribution in this discipline.

Target Audience

The casebook targets policy and decision makers in governments and in the private sector in developing as well as developed countries. It constitutes a valuable resource to strategists in developing countries, helping them to learn from prior experience in Web 2.0 adoption in similar situations. Being aware of Web 2.0 initiatives in developing countries, professionals and decision makers in developed countries would consider possibilities for collaboration in mutual projects with different entities in developing countries. Furthermore, including real case studies along with relevant theories would provide a significant reliable resource to researchers and scholars in the area of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in general, and in e-business in particular.


Recommended topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Implications of Web 2.0 applications on developing nations
• Critical success factors for implementing Web 2.0 in developing nations
• Role of Web 2.0 in knowledge dissemination in the developing world
• Web 2.0 potential in bridging the digital divide
• Different uses of Web 2.0 applications by businesses in developing nations
• Effect of Web 2.0 on promoting political stances and on fostering democracy in the developing world
• Approaches for employing Web 2.0 for citizens’ inclusion and for building social communities in developing nations
• Impact of Web 2.0 implementation on changing the market structure of different sectors
• Difference of Web 2.0 adoption between developed and developing nations
• Web 2.0 for development – education
• Web 2.0 for development - government
• Web 2.0 for development – health


Submission Procedure

Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit on or before July 10, 2011, a 2-3 page chapter proposal clearly explaining the mission and concerns of his or her proposed chapter. Authors of accepted proposals will be notified by July 25, 2011 about the status of their proposals and sent chapter guidelines. Full chapters are expected to be submitted by September 30, 2011. All submitted chapters will be reviewed on a double-blind review basis. Contributors may also be requested to serve as reviewers for this project.


Publisher

This book is scheduled to be published in 2012 by IGI Global (formerly Idea Group Inc.), publisher of the “Information Science Reference” (formerly Idea Group Reference), “Medical Information Science Reference,” “Business Science Reference,” and “Engineering Science Reference” imprints. For additional information regarding the publisher, please visit www.igi-global.com. .

Important Dates

July 10, 2011: Proposal Submission Deadline
July 25, 2011: Notification of Acceptance
September 30, 2011: Full Chapter Submission
December 15, 2011: Review Results Returned
February 28, 2012: Final Chapter Submission

Inquiries and submissions can be forwarded electronically (Word document):

Nahed A. Azab, PhD
Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems
Department of Management
School of Business
The American University in Cairo
www.aucegypt.edu/business
2.02. 2615.3273
email: nazab@aucegypt.edu