The Center for World Information Education (CWITE)
-Nonprofit Computer Training Outreach-
Business Plan
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"But...there is a growing digital divide between those who have
access to the digital economy and the Internet and those who
don't, and that divide exists along the lines of education, income,
region and race.... The very information technology driving this
new economy gives us the tools to ensure that no one gets left behind...."
-Bill Clinton, 1999
Introduction ………………………………… p 4 - 6
Company Summary
• Background and current situation
• Objectives
• Vision
•
• Market Trends
Phase I ………………………………… p. 7 - 9
Create the organization
• Setup Corporate Infrastructure
• About US
• Setup Internet Site
Phase II ………………………………… p. 10 - 11
Build a reputation
• Develop and deploy External Redistribution Committee
• Continue with fundraising efforts, focus on stabilization of funding and securing annualized sources of funding.
• Our current projects
Phase III ………………………………… p. 12 - 15
Make our books balance
• Fundraising
– Public Donations
– Private Grants
– Business Activities
• Financials
• Internet Fundraising
– Targeted Donations
– Perfect transparency
– Robust Reporting and Follow-up
– Screen Shots of automated donation via Internet
Phase IV ………………………………… p. 16 - 20
Make our mark on the world
• Develop and deploy Education Centers Committee
•
Phase V ………………………………… p. 21 -29
• Market Analysis
• Market Segmentation
– Computer Usage
– Target Market Strategy
Market Growth & Industry
– Market Trends
Appendixes ………………………………… P. 30 - 45
Introduction
Company Summary:
The Center for World Information Technology Education's (CWITE) goal is to improve the quality of information technology (IT) education through out the world.
CWITE achieves this goal by operating IT [vocational] education centers (free for low income individuals) or by redistributing donations to partner organizations in areas which CWITE does not directly operate.
Background and Current Situation:
The business of computer training services have an excellent growth rate. We are living in an age where computer knowledge is a must and the market for computer training services is booming. We envisioned a company that would do more than just train computer theory but stress on the applying practical learned skills to the real world environment.
Objectives:
The digital divide is the gap between those with regular, effective access to digital technologies and those without. Training people in computer skills entails teaching them to read and write first and then how to search and use information effectively.
Computer training has to be tangible and have lasting impact. Training must provide and deliver real value. We must close the gap between skill needed between employer and employee skills development.
We want to bridge knowledge and digital divides between rich and poor. Our learning and volunteer projects reach out, to help the poor to better learning with the help of modern information technology.
Vision
Bridging the digital divide.
• To improve the quality of information technology (IT) education through out the world.
• To help bridge the digital divide by providing vocational training for low income individual’s world wide.
It is our responsibility, our service to the community to provide meaningful computer training and techniques to hundreds of users who otherwise would not have an opportunity to learn new skills that will impact their lives positively. We will provide both a rewarding and learning environment to students and trainers. Take pride to create a passion for learning, bridge the digital divide by providing vocational training to low income individuals worldwide. CWITE works toward this goal by:
• Fundraising
• Redistribution of donations to non-profit organizations involved in IT education.
• Creation and/or management of IT education centers that provide affordable education to the underprivileged.
Market Trends:
The business of computer training services have an excellent growth rate. We are living in an age where computer knowledge is a must and the market for computer training services is booming.
We envisioned an organization that would do more than just train computer theory but stress on the application of practical learned skills to the real world environment.
The U.S. Census Bureau Country Population report from 1998 states that the 14 most common purposes of the computer being used at home are word processing, calendar/scheduling, e-mail, bookkeeping, customer records, inventory control, invoicing, sales/marketing, desktop publishing, graphics and design, analysis, programming, spreadsheets and databases. The number one main purpose for computer use is word processing. The number one software used for these application is Microsoft Word.
Market Growth & Industry
From year 1997 onwards, the Thai IT market is expanding continuously with an average growth rate of 17% annually. The total market for 2004 is estimated to be 103,191 million baht, with the share of hardware, software and IT services at 66% (69,193 million baht), 17% (17,934 million baht) and 17% (18,064 million baht), respectively. Over the past seven years, hardware market hold the biggest share at the average of 62%, followed by IT services at 20% and software market at 18%. In terms of growth, hardware market grows the fastest at 21%, while software and IT services grow at 17% and 12%, respectively.
The right product markets, technology, and geography are critical components of long-term economic performance.
• Macroeconomic Trends
Today, Asia (excluding
• Social and Environmental Trends
Technological connectivity will transform the way people live and interact.
Ongoing shifts in labor and talent and migration of jobs to low-wage countries.
• Business and Industry Trends
Access to knowledge has become almost universal. The most obvious manifestation of this trends I the rise of search engines (such as Google), which make an almost infinite amount of information available instantaneously.
NOTE: Ian Davis and Elizabeth. Web exclusive, January 2006. McKinsey & Co.
• The U.S. Census Bureau Country Population report from 1998 states that the 14 most common purposes of the computer being used at home are word processing, calendar/scheduling, e-mail, bookkeeping, customer records, inventory control, invoicing, sales/marketing, desktop publishing, graphics and design, analysis, programming, spreadsheets and databases. The number one main purpose for computer use is word processing. The number one software used for these application is Microsoft Word.
• CWITE will be focusing on new computer users and employed computer users that need to gain skills or update current skills. Our most important group of potential customers are those employed with high-technology businesses. These are entry-level employees or managers. We realize businesses do not want to waste their time or risk their money with training organization that are fast paced with low skills retention outcomes.
• Market Growth & Industry in
From year 1997 onwards, the Thai IT market is expanding continuously with an average growth rate of 17% annually. The total market for 2004 is estimated to be 103,191 million baht, with the share of hardware, software and IT services at 66% (69,193 million baht), 17% (17,934 million baht) and 17% (18,064 million baht), respectively. Over the past seven years, hardware market hold the biggest share at the average of 62%, followed by IT services at 20% and software market at 18%. In terms of growth, hardware market grows the fastest at 21%, while software and IT services grow at 17% and 12%, respectively.
Phase I
Create the organization
Timeline: October 2005 to May 2006
Achieving 501(c)3 status.
To create an IRS recognized Non-Profit Corporation requires a great deal of planning, paperwork, and above all, coordination and cooperation with the IRS. Since this is a new organization, with no prior activities, we filed for and successfully received an advanced ruling of exemption. This process took approximately 3 months, completing in January 2006. Excerpt of letter of confirmation stating that we received our recognized Non-Profit Corporation:
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Setup Corporate Infrastructure
The CWITE team is organized in the following structure:
About US:
Current Board Members
• Jason Robert Swearingen
Currently is Lead Program Manager at Tao Corporation. He has over 11 years of experience in the IT field. Jason also spearheaded the legal and organizational structuring of CWITE during the Centers creation. Jason graduated from the
• Cyrus Amiri
Currently a Development Manager at Bocada Inc. He leads a critical resolution team in charge of internal application development, released product versions, and release engineering. Cyrus holds BA's in Business and Computer Software from the
• Porranee Tanapakpawin
Currently a PHD Candidate in Chemical Engineering at the
• Tuy Vu
Currently a System and Network Engineer at
NOTE:
Until a steady level of income can be established, primarily through the work outlined in Phase II and/or Phase III, CWITE will be primarily staffed by volunteers. Paid contractors may be needed to perform certain duties, however our current staffing needs are met by volunteers, and this seems to be sustainable for the foreseeable future.
Equipment:
To keep costs to a minimum while setting up operations, CWITE will primarily be an internet based organization. Because of this, the only equipment purchases needed were office supplies, one printer, and one overhead projector. All other equipment was provided by the staff volunteering use.
Internet:
We were able to secure free hosting for a number of our required services, such as Email (Google), and Communication (Skype and Google IM). However we were still required to pay website hosting fees and domain registration. Initially, we were paying approximately $150 per month for services at GoDaddy.com. However we switched to a self-hosted account, which now costs $60 per month.
The various services setup during this timeframe are as follows:
- Domain Registrar (http://www.cwite) (http://www.tao360.org) (http://www.cwite.com)
- Three domains: cwite.org and cwite.com for our external site, and tao360.org for our internal development and communication. These cost approximately $40 annually.
- Web host + content
- Content mostly focused on information needed to obtain 501c3 status with the IRS. The website will be changed to focus on a fundraising approach as we enter Phase III (below)
- Initial costs were aprox $100, but now are at $50 due to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) change (from godaddy.com to self-hosted)
- Email
- This is provided free via Google Business hosting services.
- Skype
- Free
- Wiki
- For internal communication and collaboration, we may use the technology for external collaboration at a future date.
- We choose MediaWiki due to It’s active development, ease of use, and robust feature set.
Financial Accounts:
We set up a corporate account at Bank Of America, and Long-term investment account at Fidelity.com. As BoA does not have the best internet integration, we may change to another institution at a later date.
Processes:
Internal and external processes needed to be developed, regarding issues ranging as how we can undertake charitable activities in the most efficient manner, to receipts given to donors. In general, most of these forms are found on the Wiki website, and others can be easily added accordingly.
A list of various processes we have documented:
- Redistribution request and requirements
- Project request and requirements
- Internal document for staff to request funding for projects.
- Needed so that staff are aware of the legal requirements that projects must fulfill
- Donation receipts
- Marketing resources
- Various internal and external resources for marketing, mostly focused towards nonprofit help sites, such as http://www.kresge.org
- Corporate vision
- To bridge the digital divide, a summary of what we want our nonprofit to symbolize, how we can help those in need, and our goal of a lasting organization.
- Infrastructure resources
- A working document containing the technical infrastructure of CWITE, hosting accounts, setup instructions, etc
- Financial resources
- Working document containing Information on the legal and financial restrictions of a nonprofit, our accounts, etc
Phase II
Build a reputation
Timeline: June 2006 to December 2006
Marketing Plan:
We rely heavily on advertising media (direct mail, space advertising, electronic advertising) to accomplish specific marketing mix. Direct mail to key fund contributors is the organization main marketing tool which redirect all detailed information our Web Site. Our web site aimed is to further clarify how we care and what we do to contribute to the better of society. After all,
Elements of our typical communications program include:
• An annual report designed for donors, volunteers, and friends
• A fact and/or photo book to provide a midyear update on the organization's operation
• A monthly newsletter to discuss subjects of important to the constituency
• Press releases to communicate fast-breaking news of significance
• Specialty brochures to promote various aspects of a not-for-profit organization's program
• Public meetings or gathering to give management and supportive constituents a chance to interact
• Mass marketing efforts, such as direct mail, advertising, space ads, telemarketing, television and radio specials
• Highly targeted events for purposes of conveying special information to pre-selected audiences
• Web Presence
Initial Charitable Activities:
A primary source of income for CWITE will be donations from the public, and grants from other organizations. (Phase III) To most effectively market CWITE to these groups, we first should build up goodwill, and prove ourselves as an effective charitable organization. To do this, we will undertake a number of short term (both in timeframe and financial requirements) projects. Advertisements of these projects will be the spearhead of our fundraising efforts, so making these projects effective in the eyes of the community is a primary requirement. Equally as important to grant-writing organizations is effective accountability of our income and expenditures.
Our current projects include:
- Donated 20 computers to their Guatemala Library project.
- Will provide more funding based on reports of usage
- International Rescue Committee,
- Project Restart:
- Provide computer access to refugee families, relocated to the
- We have allocated 20 computers to the program thus far, with up to 50 planned for this project in the short-term.
- These computers will be redistributed to families (along with educational assistance and software packages), or may also be used in a computer lab set up in their proximity.
- Provide computer access to refugee families, relocated to the
- Project Restart:
- InterConnection,
- InterConnection provides computers to nonprofits and hardware education to the community.
- We are working with InterConnection to set up a subsidiary organization in
*1 In 2005 70,000 refugees were authorized but on 54,000 admitted. Out of those, IRC resettled 6,430 refugees and the IRC chapter worked with 16 families. We see the trend growing and a need to support this endeavor as world conflict and tension is increasing all over the world; uprooted by war, civil conflict and oppression.
Phase III
Make our books balance
Timeline: October 2006 onward
Fundraising:
CWITE is currently (Aug 2006) funded in USD $46,000 of seed money. This money is sufficient to complete our projects as stated in Phase II, however our longer term, and broader reaching goals can not be met without additional, sustainable funding.
This funding will primarily come from the following sources:
- Public Donations
- We will undertake various marketing campaigns, including both internet and traditional campaigns. We plan on hiring 3rd party fundraising organizations for most of the ‘traditional’ campaigns, and will undertake the internet based ourselves.
- Private Grants
- If successful, a very lucrative revenue source are private grants from Foundations or other sources. Grant writing takes a large amount of paperwork and may impose significant administrative burdens on CWITE, but the overall benefits will most likely make this a very crucial source of funds.
- Business Activities
- The primary activities of CWITE are providing education for free to those in need. However, there are certain activities, such as hardware redistribution, that can generate supplemental income for CWITE. Our project with InterConnection (Phase II or IV) may provide such a supplemental source.
Financials:
Please see attachment under Appendix pages 30 – 45.
Internet fundraising:
The Internet is a fairly new medium for fundraising, and as such there are a number of avenues in this medium that can be explored. CWITE will fund the development of a fundraising portal, using some novel approaches to maximize donor empowerment, and increase loyalty.
Such approaches include:
- Targeted donations
- Choose the geographical area you wish your funds to be used
- Choose the type of project you wish to fund
- Perfect transparency
- See the allocation of your funds to various projects, and how every dollar was spent towards fulfilling your goal.
- Robust reporting and follow-up
- Quarterly and annual reports will inform the donor of how their donation helped impact actual people, how their lives have been improved, and how the community has benefited.
These systems will be developed to be almost entirely automated, and as such the system may be leased to other nonprofits wishing to leverage its functionality.
Snapshot of webpage for automated donation…
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Your financial support is needed. For each contribution we receive, we are able to provide assistance to another person in need. It costs less than $3 per day ($1000 per year) to support the IT educational needs of an individual through the programs that CWITE is involved in. Please consider a donation of $1000 per year, for 5 years. This will provide the financial support needed for immediate projects, plus give CWITE the ability to count on your contributions in our long-term educational roadmap. Most corporations offer gift matching. Please contact your employer to see if they participate in this program. If you can not donate at the $1000 level, any contribution would be greatly appreciated by us at CWITE and those that are helped by our projects. Please remember that when you donate, you will receive a customized report, outlining how your funds were used, and how it improved the lives of those in need. And as always, if you have any questions, or suggestions, please contact us. | |||||||
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Employer gift matching: Please contact your employer to see if they perform corporate donation-matching (most large employers do). You can also check this listing for known corporate match organizations. If they do, you will need to provide them with CWITE's EIN: 20-3650858. After you donate... Once CWITE recieves your donation, we will send you a reciept. This reciept will contain proof of tax-deductibility. Later, CWITE will also send you a report informing you of how your donation was used, and the benificial impact it had in the | |||||||
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Other donations, such as educational material, software, and hardware of various kinds are all needed by our organization. If you feel you may offer such non-monetary donations, please contact us to determine if they are needed. | |||||||
Thank You!
Phase IV
Make our mark on the world.
Timeline: January 2007 onward
One of CWITE’s Directors is moving to
Company Location and Facilities:
First location:
We have tentatively chosen
Personnel Plan:
In addition to the management position described above, CWITE is currently planning for the following addition to staff before begin of year 2007:
- Two additional full-time technical trainer personnel
- One additional part-time technical trainer personnel
- One to four additional part-time foreign technical trainer personnel from the
- One Key Account Managers
This will bring the total CWITE staff to ten from four.
Sales Promotion:
Spring of 2007 represents a new beginning for CWITE in
- Introduce computer training solutions to the reader
- Establish the “awareness” features and benefits
- Give a reason to visit CWITE
In Fall 2007, starting August CWITE will initiate a special advertising blitz using 3,000 flyers per month per school, community centers, entertainment venue – that’s 300,000 flyers for
Product & Services:
CWITE will offer the following training services. Each element of service will be implemented in overlapping phases. Instructional methods are two types: informational displays and practice exercises (workshop/labs) with feedback. CWITE will mainly use the practice exercise with feedback method.
CWITE instructional methods will be delivered through a mix of media that include: instructor, computer, online-workbook, overhead-computer-projectors, videos, PowerPoint, and self study through online web-instruction.
PHASE 1 - Microsoft Office based computer training including the following.
• Word Processing (5 Credits)
Focus on formatting, standard business layouts, presentation skills, proofreading, editing
• Spreadsheets (4 Credits)
Usage of spreadsheets, focusing on practical usage, formulas
• Access Database/Customer Records - Data entry with Databases (4 Credit)
Introduction to the usage of database applications, focusing on data entry skills.
• Electronic Communications (3 Credits)
Email, fax, instant messaging, scanners, photocopy machines, pdf (Adobe), presentations, PowerPoint.
• Internet Online Technology - Internet Research (3 Credits)
Focus on (free) information sources on the internet, citations, creditability, search engines, online stores
• Introduction to Security (2 Credits)
Cover tops such as passwords, worms, viruses, internet scams, personally identifiable information
PHASE 2 - Occupational Skills
• Typing Skills (4 Credits)
Focuses primarily on computer keyboard accuracy and speed
10key training will be included.
• Business Communications (5 Credits)
Ethics, conversation skills, accountability, situational awareness, etiquette, group collaboration.
• Career Planning (4 Credits)
Resume building, relationships, interviewing, goal setting, career growth and planning
• Personal Finance (1 Credits)
Budgeting and investing for your future
• Continuing Education (1 Credits)
Sources of free education on the internet, keeping skills relevant, libraries, government sources, etc.
PHASE 3 - In the future, CWITE plans to offer certificates in the following areas:
Computer Technician: This set of courses is provided to give people the skills to obtain an entry-level job as a computer technician. Key topics include:
• Computer hardware components,
• Building a computer from individual components,
• Troubleshooting hardware failures,
• Installing an operating system,
• Software troubleshooting
Business Software Specialist: (BSS) This set of courses is provided to give people the skills to obtain an entry-level job in an office job requiring computer skills. This is a set of skills that are necessary for any computer related career, and can either be used for vocational purposes, or as a stepping stone to more complex curriculum (such as Introductory Programming, described below). Key topics for BSS include:
• Typing skills
• Business Productivity app introduction (Word Processing, etc)
• Business Communications
• Electronic Communications
• Internet Research and Education
Introductory Programming: This set of courses is to provide a 'first step' into a career in software development. This will primarily be an introduction into computer programming. Initially we will not provide the robust curriculum needed to refine software development skills to professional levels, though this is a desirable avenue for growth. Key topics include:
• Computer programming
• Computer game development
• Database applications and design
• Debugging and troubleshooting
• Project Management
Training Schedule:
The typical computer training class will run 2 hours, twice a week (excluding hand-on workshop), for four weeks or a total of 24 hours of training. Our capacity for weekly classes for one month, would be a total of 60 students. Our practical workshop are two days, four-hour classes that runs after the theory 2 hours class. This class is geared toward exercising theory and putting it to practice.
The computer training classes will be scheduled as listed below.
Sessions | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
9 – 11 AM | Class | Labs | Class | Labs | Class | Workshop |
1 - 3 AM | Class | Labs | Class | Labs | Class | Workshop |
Future Expansion | ||||||
6 – 8 PM | Class | Labs | Class | Labs | Class | |
CIWTE do not differ from the traditional learning environment where classes are large in
Technology:
Our Teaching and Walk-In labs will maintain the latest Windows capabilities including
• Complete e-mail facilities on the Internet, for working with students directly through e-mail delivery of schedules and information.
• Complete presentation facilities for preparation and delivery of multimedia presentations on Windows machines, in formats that include on-disk, USB, live presentation or video presentation using computer projections.
• Complete desktop publishing facilities for delivery or regular advertising and promotional materials.
• Online learning with Learning Management System (LMS) and assessment tools with Learning Content Management System (LCMS).
Training Strategy:
There is no single way in which everyone thinks and learns. Instead, there are many forms of intelligence, may ways by which people learn, understand, think, solve problem, and relate to the world. (Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner and his team of researchers at the Graduate School of Education)
In brief, here eight multiple intelligences that CWITE will incorporate into our training programs:
Verbal-linguistic; Logical-mathematical; Visual-spatial; Bodily-kinesthetic; Musical-rhythmic; Interpersonal; Intrapersonal; Naturalistic.
• Verbal-linguistic - (speaking, reading, writing). This intelligence shows up in writers, storytellers, lawyers, politicians, and television talk-show hosts. CWITE training incorporate these into group discussions.
• Logical-mathematical - (scientific reasoning). Obvious possessors are scientists, statisticians, and computer programmers. CWITE training incorporate these into calculations and other math operations.
• Visual-spatial - (visualizing through lines, shape, volume, etc.). Think of architects, graphic designers, painters, decorators, film directors, chess players, engineers, and sculptors are examples of this type of brilliance. CWITE training incorporate these include: charts, graphs, and PowerPoint presentation
• Bodily-kinesthetic - (control and interpretation of muscular or physical sensation). Geniuses here may be actors, athletes, dancers, physical therapists, mechanics, carpenters, jewelers, and craft people. CWITE training incorporate will include: hands-on learning.
• Musical-rhythmic - (recognizes and use rhythmic and tonal patterns). Musicians, disc jockeys, and studio engineers and those who learn best when music is playing. CWITE training incorporate by using soft music in the background.
• Interpersonal - (ability to work cooperatively with others). This form of intelligence is highly developed in teachers, therapists, managers, salespeople, public relations, and religious leaders. CWITE training incorporate will include: interactive learning excercise, group and peer teaching.
• Intrapersonal - (self-smart). This intelligence shows up oin theologians, entrepreneurs, philosophers, and therapists. CWITE training incorporate will include: self-paced learning, and individualized instruction.
• Naturalistic - (mature-smart). This intelligence likes animals and organic systems better than people. CWITE traning incorporate will include: industry field trips, and visits to computer/learning and operation centers.
CWITE Pledge to Students:
• We will respect you and work with you to solve problems.
• We will promptly correct and offer feedback on your work.
• We will work with you to meet learning goals.
• We will offer help and alternative assessments should you require them.
Financials:
Project: | |||||
| | | | | |
Startup Costs | |||||
description | cost | ||||
Translation of materials: English to Thai | 10,000 | ||||
Facilities Prep | 4000 | ||||
Equipment (benches, chairs, lights) | 5000 | ||||
Computer Infrastructure (server, printer, UPS) | 3000 | ||||
TOTAL | 22,000 | ||||
| | | | | |
Monthly Costs | |||||
description | cost | quantity | total | ||
secretary salary | 300 | 1 | 300 | ||
Technician salary | 300 | 1 | 300 | ||
Teacher salary | 400 | 1 | 400 | ||
Marketing | 200 | 1 | 200 | ||
Operational Costs | 200 | 1 | 200 | ||
Rent (2000sf) | 500 | 1 | 500 | ||
TOTAL | 1900 | ||||
| | | | | |
Monthly Cash Flow | |||||
description | in | out | |||
Monthly Operations Costs | 1900 | note: these costs are summarized in the "Monthly Costs" section | |||
Purchase 50 PC's @ US$40 each | 2000 | ||||
Sell 10 PC's to NGO @ $50 each | 500 | ||||
Sell 37 PC's to wholesale @100 each | 3700 | note: only 37, because expect 5% fail rate | |||
TOTAL | 4200 | 3900 | |||
GAINS: | 300 | ||||
Phase V
Market Analysis –
Market Segmentation
· How many people live in
· how many of those are in the age that will use computer
· Overall about how many have computer in the house
· How many use computer at work
Computer Usage
In 2003, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) launched a major initiative to make widely available “low-cost” PCs to the general public as well as civil servants. The PCs distributed through this project was bundled with the open-source software, i.e., Office TLE, which has equivalent functions to the Microsoft Office packages. Shortly after the launch of the project, Microsoft had announced a drastic price reduction, to approximately US$ 35, for an individual user who purchased a PC under this project. Moreover, a “low-interest” fund was also made available for those in need. This fairly “well-designed” package has generated much interest from those who were considering buying a home-use PC for the first time. It was reported that more than 200,000 units were purchased under this program, causing a big jump in the PC penetration rate in
As a result, the PC penetration in
Target Market Strategy
CWITE will focus on the following segments. These segments are more interesting than other groups because they have the specific computer training needs that CWITE intend to meet (page 59). Target Market: The digital divide is a social/political issue referring to the socio-economic gap between communities that have access to computers and the Internet and those who do not. The term also refers to gaps that exist between groups regarding their ability to use ICTs (Information and Communications Technologies) effectively, due to differing levels of literacy and technical skills, as well as the gap between those groups that have access to quality, useful digital content and those that do not.
The size of firms, classified by the number of employees, is related to the extent to which firms absorb new technology. By and large, the larger the firm is, the more likely it will own and use computer in its business (Table 2.2). In this respect, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are fundamental to Thai economy, have not widely adopted the new technologies. The National ICT Master Plan (2002-2006), therefore, has devised a strategy which aims to increase the use of ICT among SMEs.
Regarding the use of computers for education, the ratio of students per computer is rather high. That means computer resources have to be shared by among large number of students (Table 2.3). According to the National ICT for Education Master Plan (2004-2006) from Ministry of Education, the number of students sharing one computer in primary schools, secondary schools, and vocational institutions targeted at 120, 54, and 23 respectively. However, the figures in Table 2.3 show that such targets have already been achieved, especially in primary and secondary schools.
In early 2004, the MICT initiated an “ICT for Children” project. The main objective was to increase ICT diffusion in schools, especially those that serve the deprived areas. Other objectives were to introduce social-engineering measures to increase ICT awareness and adoption in the community and to establish a scalable and sustainable framework for helping schools nationwide. Under this project, used computers were provided to rural schools. In addition, the ICT skills training were provided for both users in schools at all levels and for unskilled or unemployed people in the community.
Education plays a large part in building up the human capital. At present, the framework of education system in
There was an increase in the number of graduates from 154,381 in 1999 to 190,765 in 2001. However, the majority of graduates were from the field of social sciences, with the ratio of science and technology graduates to social sciences graduates at 31:69 (Figure 8.1). Currently, there are no data on the number of graduates in ICT field. The problem centered around the “obscure” boundary of what might be considered as “ICT courses/curriculum” due to the rapid evolution of the technology itself. In addition to traditional field of computer science, computer engineering and telecommunications engineering, there is a proliferation of applied courses such as business computing and e-Commerce which may have been classified by some school as “ICT-related” programs.
Market Growth & Industry
From year 1997 onwards, the Thai IT market is expanding continuously with an average growth rate of 17% annually. The total market for 2004 is estimated to be 103,191 million baht, with the share of hardware, software and IT services at 66% (69,193 million baht), 17% (17,934 million baht) and 17% (18,064 million baht), respectively. Over the past seven years, hardware market hold the biggest share at the average of 62%, followed by IT services at 20% and software market at 18%. In terms of growth, hardware market grows the fastest at 21%, while software and IT services grow at 17% and 12%, respectively.
From the demand side, during 1997-2004, the government, manufacturing, and telecommunications were among the major IT spenders. Their spending individually ranges from 14-16% of the market. From the household side, the home use accounted for 16% of the market, whereas health care and hotel appeared to be the least spenders, with the spendings together accounted only approximately 2% of total market.
The total value of software market in 2003 was reported at 14,129 million baht. The major source of spending came from a manufacturing sector and a government sector, each accounted for approximately 18% of the market, followed by an education sector (14%). Those sectors, with spending less than 5% were agriculture (3%), entertainment (2%), health care (1%) and
transportation (1%).
Market Trends
Industry Trend: Greater need for trainings.
