Brief update on original thesis idea: Folklore in online information provision for Jamaican small business development

by Mark-Shane Scale on Tuesday, 7 February 2012 at 21:20 ·

It has been awhile that I haven't been blogging. That is because I have had little time to think. Well now, I have had a little time to converse with myself (intellectually that is).

A number of persons were wondering if I am dropping folklore from my thesis. This is a partial answer to those persons as well as an opportunity for me to share my thinking so far.

After pursuing a quest to find out about conversational agents, I am now in a better position to propose how folklore can be incorporated into designing an online library service to serve small business persons. I am not going into detail here, but just giving you a synopsis of my head space as my ideas evolve. Perhaps though I may not pursue the idea for my thesis but beyond it (or when I have completed) as I have to think about practical considerations regarding supervisors.


Currently I have seen that a conversational agent can be created with a unique personality. For me, I have the dream of taking Anansi/Anancy from Jamaican folklore and converting him into a conversational agent for small business persons. As an artificial intelligent agent, Anancy will be able to converse in the natural language of Jamaicans, incorporating proverb and proverbial sayings while answering questions on where to find business information sources. Anancy could also be programmed to converse with Jamaican youth entrepreneurs who want to get guidance on how to go about their establishing their businesses.

Hence, just to let you know, folklore can still be important to my thesis. You can give your comments, share your ideas and give feedback. I am open to thinking it through some more and will entertain whatever critique that can be levelled against this idea.

Borrowing e-books and online videos from London Public library using OverDrive

I have always heard or read about OverDrive and the public library lending e-books. Well I decided to actually test it. So I borrowed my first e-book. Actually, I did it by accident. I actually searched for a book on the catalogue and discovered another by accident that was an e-book. Hence I decided to try accessing it.

I accessed the ebook through the library's website. All I needed was my library card identification number to verify that I am an authorised user of the library.

It was like downloading a movie from one of those free movie sites, that you have to subscribe to. Just that with the library you need not give out any more personal information, just the library card  identification number. After entering it, I was directed to a place where I could view other books available or search for others. However, I used the one that I had found in the online catalogue. I was confused when it took me to a page with information about the book. I clicked on the image, but it just showed me the image. So I went back and looked carefully at the remaining options.

I saw the options for adding to my wish list or check out. Apparently, they have built library jargon and means of operating in the physical world into the online environment. So I clicked on check out, and came up on an error page that said that I did not have any item in my cart.

I persevered despite the confusion until eventually I clicked on my digital account and then eventually on the My 'Bookshelf' link. There I saw the book that I had 'checked' out. So I clicked on it. This lead me to a download page that indicated system requirements for download and a link to download the software to be able to view the book.

Another complicated process, but I just went ahead and downloaded the software for my computer system and then after running the software installation, came back to the page and downloaded the e-book as a file to be read by that software.

With that I was able to view my first public library borrowed e-book.

I also borrowed an online video: Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock
Similar process, however, this time the software was video software and the file was also a video file.

The video though was more like a slideshow of images of a printed book with someone reading the story. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story. I am therefore very delighted that being in London, Ontario has enabled me to get the opportunity to test out actual library services that I have only read about in the library literature.

Business Information not limited to a "thing"

In the capitalist world/ the neo-liberal world information tends to be commodified into a thing or a resource. This thing or resource is then handled by technology. However, I want to argue that information is not just a thing or a commodity packaged in a particular format or medium or media. Business information is much more.

First there is people information or people sources of information (most commonly referred to as knowledge).  For those seeking business information, much of the information that is relevant comes from social capital or people sources (otherwise known as oral or personal sources). As such a business information system for business users cannot only provide information embodied as thing, but must also facilitate the exchange of information or knowledge transfer through interaction with personal or people sources. This may be done through technology and spaces that facilitate online social networking and digital communication.


For further discussion on information as a "thing" see Buckland (1991).


Buckland, M. K (1991). Information as Thing. Journal of the American Society for Information Science  42, 5;  351-360. Retrieved from http://www.publicpraxis.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/informationasthing.pdf

Student entrepreneurs on the rise

This week in my findings, readings or browsing of the web in relation to my refined thesis idea:

Student entrepreneurship in colleges on the rise: http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/student-entrepreneurship-in-college-is-on-the-rise-in-poor-economy/2011/10/17/gIQAxEMuiM_singlePage.html

And the US pushing their postsecondary students, including those on student loan into entrepreneurship http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/story/2011-11-28/young-small-business-economy/51446300/1

Column: Entrepreneurs are public servants, too

www.usatoday.com

Laura Vanderkam: Give enterprising and business-minded students the same loan breaks as those who work for the government.

More Findings on libraries supporting entrepreneurship and more

I concluded a rough week and have now began a rough half week. Anyway, today I want to report on my latest findings related to my thesis topic.

Now for those wondering why all the interest in entrepreneurship by this information professional, here is a link that manifests part of my vision for libraries: libraries supporting entrepreneurship:

Libraries and Economic Development « Supporting Entrepreneurship
supportinglocalentrepreneurship.wordpress.com
http://supportinglocalentrepreneurship.wordpress.com/tag/libraries-and-economic-development/

It is a blog that actually details the case of actual libraries/ a library that seeks to directly impact economic development.


Also I looked at this week an article on Canada job losses at http://ca.news.yahoo.com/canada-loses-18-600-jobs-unemployment-rate-edges-120429284.html. This was important as in talking with someone about my business project, she was skeptical as to whether libraries need to support entrepreneurship in Canada as she argued that recessions always occur, and over time give way to times of prosperity. As such, it might not be worthwile for libraries to support something just because unemployment and job losses are going through a cyclical process.


Also picked up on my radar was something about the floating immigrant business incubator at http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/11/startup-hopes-to-hack-the-immigration-system-with-a-floating-incubator.ars

Here it is reported that a

Startup hopes to hack the immigration system with a floating incubator [as]... American immigration law makes it difficult for foreigners to found businesses in the United States. A new startup by the name of Blueseed hopes to solve the problem by parking a ship in international waters off the coast of Silicon Valley.

I also wanted to feature and introduce the first academic business library that I found to provide support for student entrepreneurs: http://www.scu.edu/business/cie/vin/new_library.cfm at Santa Clara University, Leavey School of Business.

Comparing Jamaica and Canada on online information available for student entrepreneurs

A few days ago I posted a comparison on Jamaica and Canada in terms of the provision of entrepreneurship information for youth and students. This topic might very well be a chapter in my dissertation. This is an update to my thoughts on the subject.

In some countries, the opportunities for youth entrepreneurship seem even more abundant. The opportunities available to the Canadian student entrepreneur is even greater. Organizations such as Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE) on their website http://www.acecanada.ca/_bin/aboutUs/what.cfm are dedicated toward collaborating with postsecondary institutions in igniting youth entrepreneurship. An excerpt from the ACE 'About ACE 'on What is ACE states www.acecanada.ca:

What is ACE? Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship or ACE is a national, charitable organization dedicated to teaching and igniting young Canadians to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Through a collaborative partnership between higher education and industry, ACE delivers pro...¹

Provincial governments also provide that service. In Ontario, Canada, the provincial government provides a one stop shop or information portal for youth interested in entrepreneurship to get help and assistance through its Youth Entrepreneurship Info-Guide: Canada Business Ontario on its website: www.cbo-eco.ca

"This website provides information on federal and provincial business-related programs, services and regulations and includes such topics as starting a business, financing, marketing, management and planning, taxation, exporting/importing, and e-business."

The youth entrepreneurship info-guide specifically provides: 'information on a variety of resources for young entrepreneurs; including tax information, hiring, financing, as well as on various associations and online publications'. The webpage serves like a directory to direct the youth entrepreneur where they can go for information, assistance and services that they need to get started and navigate the process of starting a business in Ontario, Canada.

Apart from Canada Business Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation also provides information and opportunities for youth entrepreneurs to get information, assistance and services to help them enter into entrepreneurship. The goal of the Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation as stated on its website is 'to build a strong economy for all Ontarians' by creating a number of programs to support individual economic and entrepreneurial efforts, through programmes including the Next Generation of Jobs Fund , and the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy among others. Specifically for youth entrepreneurs, there are several programmes including a Summer Company programme for youth between the ages of 15-29, that provides 'hands-on business training and mentoring, together with awards of up to $3,000' to help youth start and run a summer business and experience being an entrepreneur. There is also the Ontario Global Edge program that provides international entrepreneurship placement for the 'enterprising student between the ages of 19 and 29' which is currently delivered exclusively by nine post-secondary institutions. Finally, there is the Youth Entrepreneurship Partnerships program that provides 'grants to non-profit organizations to run programs promoting the development of entrepreneurial skills in young people between the ages of 12-29'. ²

Thus much e-government information exists about programmes and services available to Canadian youth and specifically postsecondary student entrepreneurs. The ones examined here are just some among the many sources that exist online for the youth of say Ontario, if not all Canada, to access information regarding entrepreneurship. With such provisions, it is therefore not surprising that recently, a Canadian PhD student wins global graduate student entrepreneur title.³

The comparison is a stark contrast to this researcher's home country of Jamaica, where online government or e-government information is not so targeted toward the youth entrepreneur. In fact, in Jamaica, even though government provides inexpensive information services, youth entrepreneurs still encounter monetary constraints to utilize available offerings. While government established agencies provide training and information for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the information may be scattered across various agencies, and inaccessible through any central portal aimed directly at the youth entrepreneur. Through agencies such as Human Employment and Resources Training Trust National Training Agency (HEART Trust NTA), government may provide entrepreneurship training and other education about an industry or the standards in an industry. Further standards information are available through the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ). Through agencies like Jamaica Promotions (JAMPRO), government may provide information on Jamaica’s investment opportunities as well as opportunities for exports and/or trade. The Government has even established agencies like Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) to provide training, advice, counseling or expertise for SME owners in business planning, marketing planning and other areas essential in growing a SME. And this list is not exhaustive.⁴

Yet even the list supplied by the Jamaican government do not explicitly mention services targeted toward the youth entrepreneur. This situation begs the question of where are those programmes and services for Jamaican youth, especially the postsecondary Jamaican student, provided by the government to help them to realise their dreams of becoming entrepreneurs?⁵ In comparison to Ontario, Canada as a province, it is amazing how little Jamaica has not invested as much in programmes and services targeted towards youth entrepreneurship.

1Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE). 'About ACE.' Acecanada.ca http://www.acecanada.ca/_bin/aboutUs/what.cfm

2Students & Young Entrepreneurs - Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
Ontariocanada.com http://www.ontariocanada.com/ontcan/1medt/smallbiz/en/sb_ye_en.jsp

3http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/881823/canadian-wins-global-graduate-student-entrepreneur-title.

ADVANCING CANADIAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP | Canadian Wins Global
Graduate Student Entrepreneur Title
www.newswire.ca

4The (Economic and Social Survey Jamaica 2008) highlights several Government business development services offered in Jamaica (13.2-13.3).

5This question is however beyond the scope of this proposal. To offer an opinion, in my view, Jamaica invests more time and money in developing talents in sports and music, that should really be invested in developing youth entrepreneurial skills.

Comparing the Information Online for the Jamaican versus Canadian postsecondary student entrepreneur

After browsing the web and seeing how much youth entrepreneurship is encouraged in Canada, I am not surprised that a Canadian PhD student wins global graduate student entrepreneur title: http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/881823/canadian-wins-global-graduate-student-entrepreneur-title.

ADVANCING CANADIAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP | Canadian Wins Global
Graduate Student Entrepreneur Title
www.newswire.ca

What can Jamaica do in this regard? In my view, we spend so much time and money in developing talents in sports and music, when we should really be developing our youths' business and entrepreneurial skills.


In comparison to Jamaica, it is amazing how much help postsecondary students in Canada can get to realise their dreams of becoming entrepreneurs. Here is another organisation, Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE) http://www.acecanada.ca/_bin/aboutUs/what.cfm

ACE » About ACE » What is ACE
www.acecanada.ca
What is ACE? Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship or ACE is a national, charitable organization dedicated to teaching and igniting young Canadians to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Through a collaborative partnership between higher education and industry, ACE delivers pro...

Provincial governments also provide that service. Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation also provides information and opportunities for youth entrepreneurs to get information, assistance and services to help them enter into entrepreneurship: http://www.ontariocanada.com/ontcan/1medt/smallbiz/en/sb_ye_en.jsp

Students & Young Entrepreneurs - Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
www.ontariocanada.com
The goal of the Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation is to build a strong economy for all Ontarians. Thats why weve created a number of programs to support your efforts, including the Next Generation of Jobs Fund , the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy and the Eastern Ontario D…

Additional provincial government provided information for Ontario Canadian youth to enter into entrepreneurship is also available on: http://www.cbo-eco.ca/en/index.cfm/guides/youth-entrepreneurship-info-guide/

The Ontario provincial government in Canada does provide a one stop shop or portal to help student and youth interested in entrepreneurship to get help and assistance.
Youth Entrepreneurship Info-Guide | Canada Business Ontario
www.cbo-eco.ca

This website provides information on federal and provincial business-related programs, services and regulations and includes such topics as starting a business, financing, marketing, management and planning, taxation, exporting/importing, and e-business. It is like a directory that directs the youth where they can go to for information, assistance and services that they need to get started.

My issue is that these are just some of the sources that exist online for the youth of say Ontario, if not all Canada, to access information regarding entrepreneurship. Where are those resources for Jamaican youth? Especially the postsecondary Jamaican student ?