[AISWorld] Bursary for MCom studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

[Judy Backhouse]

Information Systems for Smart Cities in Africa: Bursary for full-time
Master's study

The *Information Systems for Smart Cities in Africa* research project is
based in the Information Systems Division in the School of Economic and
Business Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. We
have a bursary for a student to complete a full-time Master of Commerce by
research in Information Systems during 2015 and 2016.

Academic research into information systems for Smart Cities focuses on (1)
defining what Smart Cities are, identifying dimensions of and measures for
the “smartness” of cities (2) case studies of projects and initiatives and
(3) describing processes and methods for moving towards smarter cities. It
is however unclear how the priorities and processes being identified for
cities in other parts of the world translate to the African context. This
project represents the first significant attempt to explore what
information systems, and approaches to developing information systems for
Smart Cities, might be desirable and effective in this context. This
project seeks to develop an African perspective on information systems for
Smart Cities to ensure that we can address local concerns as well as to
contribute to the theoretical models that are currently being developed and
ensure that they make sense for and are informed by the African context.

In 2014 the project has examined conceptions of Smart Cities by information
systems researchers, the approaches being taken by different African cities
to Smart Cities agendas and the demand for information-enabled services in
the City of Johannesburg. In 2015 we will explore the types of information,
potential sources, and the ways in which information might be packaged into
services to meet the needs of residents. We will examine service catalogues
created in previous studies and adapt them to the local context. We will
also examine how South African cities have connected demand to services to
understand approaches and how effective they have been, as well as how
information services have been implemented and are used. The project web
site is at http://witssmartcities.blogspot.com/.

The bursary is valued at (South African rand) R40000 per annum and can be
used towards fees and living expenses. The research project will also cover
expenses incurred in conducting the research. The successful student will
be provided with shared office space and the tools needed to complete the
research. They will be expected to take responsibility for aspects of
running of the research project and to participate in seminars and
departmental activities. More information about postgraduate studies at the
University of the Witwatersrand can be found at
http://www.wits.ac.za/prospective/postgraduate.

Interested applicants should have a good honours degree (4-year bachelor’s
degree) in information systems with solid research experience. Please apply
online (https://www.wits.ac.za/applications/portal/index) for entry into
the MCom degree and also send a complete CV and a letter motivating your
selection to the project to Professor Judy Backhouse (
judy.backhouse at wits.ac.za). Applications for the bursary close on the 10th
October 2014. You can contact Professor Backhouse by e-mail or on +27
11 717 8161 for more information.

This bursary forms part of a research project wholly supported by the
National Research Foundation of South Africa (Grant Number 90549).

______________________________________
Judy Backhouse
Associate Professor
Information Systems
School of Economic and Business Sciences
University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, South Africa
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