Related Course/s:

Aims & Objectives:

This subject deals with what is often relegated to a secondary place - the systematic consideration of the end users in this burgeoning new communications environment. The subject focuses on the need to understand user perspectives rather than technology perspectives, or on the complexities of the demand side of the equation rather than the supply side.

Teaching Methods:

Lectures and tutorials.

Assessment:

Class presentation 20%, Major Essay 60%, Participation 20%.

Content:

This subject explores the following themes: The changing value chain – demand before supply; The online economy; New services and applications; User methodological issues; Changing infrastructure – growth of data services, voice services, universal services; and Futures modelling.

Reading Materials:

Barr, T. newmedia.com.au: The changing face of Australia’s communications (Sydney: Allen and Unwin, 2000).
Slevin, J. The Internet and Society (Sydney: Polity Press, 2000).