Critical Analysis of Telecommunications Regulatory Governance in Malawi

Author(s):  
Frank Makoza

This paper presents a critical analysis of power dynamics for telecommunications governance in the context of a developing country. The study used regulatory governance and critical discourse analysis as theoretical underpinnings. The case of telecommunications sector of Malawi was analysed using secondary data comprise policy documents and media reports. The results showed that power relations affected the autonomy of the telecommunications regulator in performing its functions. The effects of power dynamics created practices and conduct of stakeholders that contributed towards the barriers in market entry of mobile network operators in the telecommunications sector. Consequently, there was limited market competition and the cost of ICT services remained high. Power relations were also productive in enabling stakeholders to raise sector problems to the regulator. The study provides an understanding of power relations in the regulation of telecommunications in the context of an African country.

Author(s):  
Abiodun G. Adeniyi ◽  
Pauline E. Onyeukwu

Migration has remained a constant element of 21st-century changes (Appadurai, 1999; Gillespie, 2000; Georgiou, 2001). The prospects of a continuation are certain with growing gains in technologies of communication, transportation, and the increasing ease with which the world can integrate and function. The place of Nigerian migrants as reflected in some patterns and particularities (Georgiou, 2001; Adeniyi, 2008) of its elites reveals key characteristics useful for the understanding of discourses around migrants’ return and reverse culture shock (Naficy, 1999). While the coming home is often imagined, a few have proceeded to actualizations, and subsequently opening up new pedestals for the understanding of travelling and dwelling (Morley, 2000). This paper attempts a critical analysis of identifiable features and concludes that the revelations will ceaselessly grow in substance. The paper uses critical discourse analysis to evaluate the experiences of some elites, as rendered in formal and informal interviews, while also spicing it up with secondary data, obtained from media reports, and related literature. It eventually ended with a recommendation on the need for concerted development efforts to enable a realization of the likely higher quality lifestyle, which the elite might have left behind in the West.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 103-119
Author(s):  
Alireza Khormaee ◽  
Rayeheh Sattarinezhad

Different representations of social actions create distinct types of discourses. Applying van Leeuwen’s 'Social Actions' framework (2008), the present study critically analyzes the power relations between the main characters of Radi’s dramas From behind the Windows and Hamlet with Season Salad. The objective of our study is to account for the differences between the discourse of the dominant and the discourse of the dominated. In order to elucidate such differences we count and analyze the characters’ social (re)actions and, in turn, identify four types of contrasts: cognitive vs. affective and perceptive reactions; material vs. semiotic actions; transactive vs. non-transactive actions; interactive vs. instrumental actions. Two opposing discourses emerge from these contrasts. On the one hand, the dominant characters mostly react cognitively and their actions are often semiotic, transactive, and interactive. On the other hand, the dominated characters’ reactions are often affective and perceptive, while most of their actions are material, non-transactive, and instrumental. As the results show, the author’s linguistic choices underscore the power relations between the dominant and the dominated characters. Building upon the fact that our analysis sheds light on the underlying ideologies and intentions of the author, we tentatively conclude that despite its being predominantly employed in the analysis of political discourses, van Leeuwen’s framework also proves effective in the critical analysis of literary works.


2022 ◽  
pp. 133-150
Author(s):  
Jahid Siraz Chowdhury ◽  
Haris Abd Wahab ◽  
Mohd Rashid Mohd Saad ◽  
Noralina Omar ◽  
Mokbul M Ahmed ◽  
...  

This chapter aims to explain the bioprospecting situation in Bangladesh from an analytical, philosophical, and indigenous standpoint. It has three parts: looking at the philosophical history of bioprospecting; looking at combining the concept of bioprospecting linked with forest and the indigenous people, which also shows the combination of the bioprospecting concept with the indigenous people in Bangladesh; and asking some question based on the critical analysis. Methodologically, this study aligns with the indigenous standpoint theory and critical discourse analysis, where mostly the authors adopted secondary data. The proposal—in effect—is like this: what needs to be done in the question appropriation and translation of indigenous knowledge particularly of the Rakhain people. Although the focus is Bangladesh, the authors believe that this situation exists in many countries. Therefore, this research may raise similar askings and can contribute to global efforts in this regard.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 118-135
Author(s):  
Mosisa Asegid Takele

The study undertook a critical analysis of the discourse of doctor-patient interaction under the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) clinic of Gondar Hospital, which is found in the Amhara regional state of Ethiopia. Specifically, the study investigated the recurrent interactional features in the doctor-patient interactions, the manifestations of power relations through language use, as well as the ideological assumptions which are held by doctors and patients. To achieve these objectives, qualitative methods were used during data collection and analysis. Purposeful sampling was used to select the clinic where the study took place. Data were gathered through audio-recording and field notes. Before analysis, the audio recordings were transcribed using Jeffersonian Transcription conventions and then translated into English. The translated data were analyzed thoroughly using Fairclough’s (1992) three-dimensional model of Critical Discourse Analysis. The study, thus, showed that interpersonal relationships between discourse interactants could be an indicative of their social and power relations. Therefore, institutional discourse, specially, that of doctor-patient, could be a place for power struggle.


Author(s):  
Zuber Mujeeb Shaikh

Patient and Family Rights (PFR) is a common chapter available in the Joint Commission International (JCI) Accreditation[i] (fifth edition) and Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI) Standards for hospitals (second edition)[ii]. JCI Accreditation is a USA based international healthcare accrediting organization, whereas CBAHI is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based national health care accrediting organization. However, both these standards are accredited by Ireland based International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua), which is the only accrediting organization who “accredit the accreditors' in the world. In Patient and Family Rights (PFR) chapter of JCI Accreditation for hospitals, there are nineteen (19) standards and seventy-seven (77) measurable elements (ME) whereas in CBAHI Accreditation there are thirty one (31) standards, ninety nine (99) sub-standards and fifty (50) evidence(s) of compliance (EC). The scoring mechanism is totally different in both these accrediting organizations. The researcher has identified thirty two (32) common parameters from JCI Accreditation and CBAHI standards, intent statement, measurable elements, sub-standard and evidence of compliance. On the basis of these identified common parameters, the researcher has compared the Patient and Family Rights chapter in JCI Accreditation and CBAHI Standards. Methods: This is a comparison study (normative comparison) in which the researcher has critically analyzed and compared the Patient and Family Rights (PFR) standards of JCI (Joint Commission International) Accreditation of USA (United States of America) and CBAHI (Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data Collection: Primary data are collected from the JCI Accreditation Standards for hospitals, fifth edition, 2013 and CBAHI Standards for hospitals of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, second edition, 2011. Secondary data are collected from relevant published journals, articles, research papers, academic literature and web portals. Objectives of the Study: The aim of this study is to analyze critically Patient and Family Rights (PFR) Standards in JCI Accreditation and CBAHI Standards to point out the best in among both these standards. Conclusion: This critical analysis of Patient and Family Rights (PFR) Standards in JCI Accreditation and CBAHI Standards for hospitals clearly show that the PFR Standards in CBAHI Standards are very comprehensive than the JCI Accreditation standards.


2021 ◽  
pp. 147821032199501
Author(s):  
Susan Shaw ◽  
Keith Tudor

This article offers a critical analysis of the role of public health regulation on tertiary education in Aotearoa New Zealand and, specifically, the requirements and processes of Responsible Authorities under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act for the accreditation and monitoring of educational institutions and their curricula (degrees, courses of studies, or programmes). It identifies and discusses a number of issues concerned with the requirements of such accreditation and monitoring, including, administrative requirements and costs, structural requirements, and the implications for educational design. Concerns with the processes of these procedures, namely the lack of educational expertise on the part of the Responsible Authorities, and certain manifested power dynamics are also highlighted. Finally, the article draws conclusions for changing policy and practice.


2011 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
BAOGANG HE

AbstractAustralia has experienced difficulties engaging with Asia-Pacific regional integration. Despite Australian attempts to punch above its weight in regional forums and to be a regional leader, it is still not regarded as a full member or as quite fitting into the region. It is an ‘awkward partner’ in the Asian context, and has experienced the ‘liminality’ of being neither here nor there. The former Rudd government's proposal for an ‘Asia Pacific Community’ (APC) by the year 2020 was a substantive initiative in Australia's ongoing engagement with Asia. It has, however, attracted a high level of criticism both at home and abroad. The main critical analysis of the proposal has focused on institutional building or architecture, or its relationship with existing regional institutions, but overlooks a host of often fraught questions about culture, norms, identities, and international power relations. The APC concept needs to be scrutinized in terms of these questions with a critical eye. This paper examines the cultural, cognitive, and normative dimensions of Rudd's proposal. It analyses four dilemmas or awkward problems that the APC faces.


Author(s):  
Ebuka Elias Igwebuike

Abstract Nigerian media reports on herdsmen’s violence present dehumanised images of a slaughterhouse in which farmers are represented as animals being slaughtered by herders. Using a critical discourse analysis and appraisal framework, with a focus on the systems of attitude and graduation, this paper critically examines media representation of herdsmen’s violence as “butchering” in the form of carnism. Analysis reveals that carnist representation is reinforced through death-dealing socio-cognitive labelling, attitudinal lexicalisation and strands of carnism. Also, using attitude and graduation resources, a one-directional and horrific image is painted. The study concludes that the creation as well as consumption of such scary news cultivates cognitive prejudices and stereotypes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10(6)) ◽  
pp. 1711-1727
Author(s):  
Peter Ezra ◽  
Benard Kitheka ◽  
Edwin Sabuhoro ◽  
Geoffrey K. Riungu ◽  
Agnes Sirima ◽  
...  

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all economies and life support systems world-wide. Owing to the pandemic's unpredictable nature, experts and policymakers struggle to find a headway to slow infections and further economic deterioration. The purpose of this study is to assess East African Community (EAC) states’ early responses and the pandemic’s impacts on the tourism industry. Data were collected through a review of secondary data, including academic and media reports. Special attention was paid to respective policy responses during the early stages of the pandemic outbreak. Findings show that Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda employed more robust measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, whereas Tanzania and Burundi resorted to censorship and protectionism. The EAC should quickly learn from the current crisis and devise strategies to handle future shocks to the tourism-system. The states should prioritize economic diversification, retraining of the workforce, global engagement, and collaborative management.


MEDIACIONES ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (23) ◽  
pp. 91-106
Author(s):  
Katia Maria Belisario ◽  
Kaitlynn Menders

In November 2017, feminist theorist Judith Butler travelled to Brazil to participate in an international conference. During the event, protesters gathered, carrying signs, chanting slogans, and burning an effigy of her while shouting, “Burn the witch!” According to media reports, these protesters wanted to preserve notions of the traditional nuclear family within Brazil and protect children against Butler’s “diabolical gender ideology”, which includes her theory that gender is a social construct and a cultural interpretation that overlaps with biological determinism. The protest attracted mainstream media attention. This article aims to identify the key discourses used by anti- and pro-Butler activists commenting in the most popular news portals in the country, UOL and G1. The questions guiding this study are: 1) How is feminism represented in Brazil? 2) How do protesters and counter-protesters understand and argue about “gender ideology”? The methodology used is the critical discourse analysis of online comments of readers of both portals.


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