Abstract-SelectingAppropriateFrameworks-Calloway

=Selecting appropriate frameworks for understanding how sustainability concepts are applied to solving global problems such as those addressed by United Nations Millennium Development Goals =

Linda Jo Calloway, Pace University

Presentation : Selecting appropriate frameworks for studying global problems: example, United Nations Millennium Development Goals

Abstract
Pace University teaches an “Issues in Information Systems” course in the final year of its Master of Science in Information Systems program. Currently, the class is exploring the potentials for using Information Technology and Information Systems to achieve sustainable progress toward the eight United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).[1] In September 2000 these international development goals were formally accepted by all 192 UN member states and many other international organizations under the United Nations Millennium Declaration. These parties agreed to achieve the goals by 2015. In our course, sustainable development is broadly interpreted using Brundtland’s 1987 concept of development that meets present needs without compromising the abilities of future generations to meet their own needs. The students in the course have recently attempted to apply the sustainability frameworks Information Drives and Green IS IT Opportunities developed in ‘Green IS: Building Sustainable Business Practices’ (Watson, et al., 2007) to these goals. The results indicate that the students understand the sustainability concepts along with the appropriate Information Systems and Information Technologies that may apply to a particular goal, but many do not have an appreciation for complex global infrastructural issues. So far, the students show a tendency to consider problems outlined in the 8 MDGs as though each existed in a single context and could be addressed by a homogonous set of solutions. The proposed discussion would attempt to codify what basic information seems required to apply information technology and systems’ solutions trans-globally

[1] Wikipedia has a good précis of the goals and measures; follow any of these links [|Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger] [|Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education] [|Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women] [|Goal 4: Reduce child mortality rate] [|Goal 5: Improve maternal health] [|Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases] [|Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability] [|Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development]