[kictanet] Call for Proposals: Commissioned Case Studies on ICTs, Climate Change and Development

[Alice Munyua]

This is a call for proposals for the writing of commissioned case 
studies on the topic of ICTs, climate change and development. Proposals 
should be submitted by 11th February 2011.

BACKGROUND

Recognising both the growing impact of climate change in developing countries and the growing role of ICTs, Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is funding a two-year project on ICTs, climate change and development.  The project is coordinated by the University of Manchester's Centre for Development Informatics (project web site: www.niccd.org).

As part of the project, a series of short case studies will be commissioned and written during 2011 on various aspects of this topic.  Case studies should be original and evidence-based analyses of already-implemented (i.e. not proposed) initiatives related to ICTs and climate change in developing countries.  They could be related to use of ICTs in climate change mitigation, monitoring, adaptation or strategy in developing countries.

The case studies should be 1,500-2,000 words in length, and aimed at a "reflective practitioner" audience.  They should provide a brief description of the initiative, but focus mainly on analysis (of impacts, enablers/constraints, and lessons learned/recommendations including - where applicable - reflections on scaling up).

Selected authors will be commissioned to write the case study using the following template format:
-     Title&  Author(s)
-     Initiative Overview (including classification according to project ICCD Overview Model*)
-     Application Description (hardware / software / telecommunications)
-     Formal Drivers (e.g. climate change issue faced) and Objectives/Purpose for ICT usage
-     Stakeholders involved
-     Impact: Costs and Benefits
-     Evaluation: Failure or Success
-     Enablers / Critical Success Factors
-     Constraints / Challenges
-     Recommendations / Lessons Learned
-     Further Information

*Available from: http://niccd.wordpress.com/2009/12/14/overview-model-of-icts-climate-change-and-development/

PROCESS / TIMESCALE

We require proposals to be sent electronically by 11th February 2011, and aim to confirm accepted proposals by the end of February.  Proposals will be selected on the basis of quality and value-added of the proposal; expertise of the author(s); and with a view to ensuring overall geographical and topic coverage.

First drafts of the case studies will be due by the end of April 2011.  Final drafts will be due by the end of June 2011.

Finalised copies of the case studies will be made available online and disseminated via the project network.  It is also our intention to publish select case studies as part of a book to be produced at the end of the project in 2011.

PAYMENT

Authors will be contracted by the University of Manchester to produce a draft version of the case study, followed by a finalised version that acceptably meets quality requirements following draft review comments.

A payment of £600 (British pounds) will be made on acceptance of the final draft of the case study.

PROPOSAL

Proposals should be sent to: niccd.project at gmail.com by 11th February 2011.  They should consist of the following:

a) Title of proposed case study, and author(s).

b) 300-500 word executive summary of the case study's rationale, focus and content. The executive summary should highlight the importance and value-added of the proposed case study to the ICTs, climate change and development field.

d) Two-page CV for each proposed author focusing particularly on past publication and contract research experience in ICCD or related areas.  Reference to sample publications that demonstrate relevant writing experience would be an asset.


You are welcome to contact us in advance of the deadline if you have any queries at niccd.project at gmail.com.  This call can be found at: http://www.niccd.org/casecall.htm

Richard Heeks&  Angelica Ospina
Climate Change, Innovation and ICTs Research Project

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