Challenges in ascertaining ICT skills requirements in South Africa
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Date
Authors
Lotriet, H.H. (Hugo H.)
Matthee, Machdel C.
Alexander, Patricia Margaret
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Computer Society of South Africa
Abstract
World wide, a number of far-reaching decisions regarding ways to address the ICT skills shortage are made by both the public and private
sectors. These are based on information obtained from various sources and in various ways including quantitative research reports
commissioned by government authorities. This paper reports on findings of a systematic textual examination of existing ICT skills shortage
research reports with the South African reports receiving particular attention. This analysis shows that the collection of accurate data on
ICT skills availability is extremely difficult, if not impossible, as the skills categories used in a diverse, ever-changing ICT environment are
ill-defined, the data collection procedures are flawed and the results are difficult to interpret. In addition, successive reports frequently note
the weaknesses of the data, but then use it as the basis for their findings. A recommendation from this research is that a Research
Methodologies group be formed specifically to discuss this and with the brief to suggest some guidelines and to monitor and endorse future
data collection and analysis.
Description
Keywords
e-Skills, ICT skills shortage, Research methodologies
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Lotriet, HH, Matthee, MC & Alexander, PA 2010, 'Challenges in ascertaining ICT skills requirements in South Africa', South African Computer Journal, no. 46, pp. 38-48. [http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_comp.html]