Tester eForvaltningsmodeller for å skaffe handikappede arbeid

Ahmed Aboughonim disputerer for ph.d.-graden med avhandlingen «Simulation Models in eGovernment using System Dynamics» tirsdag 21. mars 2017.

eGovernment –eForvaltning eller elektronisk forvaltning på norsk – blir stadig mer brukt i offentlig forvaltning. Digitale løsninger på mange felt gjør forvaltningen mer effektiv – men reiser også problemstillinger om hvordan økt bruk av internettløsninger slår ut for brukerne.

Ahmed Aboughonim har brukt System Dynamics (SD) og matematisk modellering for å prøve ut forskjellige muligheter for å øke eForvaltningens muligheter for å få flere handikappede i arbeid. Det har ikke vært noen endring i andelen handikappede som er i arbeid i Norge siden år 2000.

Ahmed Aboughonim har fulgt doktorgradsutdanningen ved Fakultet for teknologi og realfag med spesialisering i IKT.

Slik beskriver kandidaten selv essensen i avhandlingen:

Simulation Models in eGovernment Using System Dynamics

Many projects in eGovernment, like in all other areas of public policy, fail due to several planning and management reasons.

Computer simulation models studying the behaviour of systems and testing different what-if scenarios prior to real-world application could help decision makers in finding the best policies and accordingly avoid failure.

System Dynamics (SD) is one of the well-known methods used to build simulation models using computers.

eParticipation and eAccessibility

In this thesis, we are introducing an SD approach in modelling the eGovernment based on two topics: eParticipation and eAccessibility as examples of eGovernment areas that SD models have not been used in before to show how SD can be used in modelling and supporting decisions in the field of eGovernment.

eParticipation aims at linking ordinary people with politics and politicians by making the policymaking process understandable and easy to follow via Information and Communication Technologies. To apply this concept, we have chosen employment policies for persons with disabilities including factors that prevent or promote them to move from being welfare recipients to join the labour force.

The employment rate for persons with disabilities in Norway has not changed since 2000, and is not as high as the neighbouring countries, despite the repeated governmental promises.

From welfare to work

An SD model focusing on enabling persons with disabilities to move from welfare to work was developed. This model is intended to be used by policymakers, disability organisations, and individual citizens, and to support more targeted discussions among them. Moreover, this model was encapsulated in a computer system with an easy to use graphical user interface, called Interactive Learning Environment (ILE).

To explore how the model could change the way its users think and make decisions, this ILE was assessed by an expert opinion poll, and has been found to be achieving its intended goals. The ILE was also tested with users in two different experiments, in which candidates have been found to redefine their knowledge about the issue as a result of using this ILE.

eAccessibility of a website refers to the ability of all people to use this website irrespective of their disabilities or the client devices they use to access the Internet. It is an important aspect of websites in general and of public websites in particular.

Equal opportunities

Access to public websites is crucial to assure equal opportunities for all citizens to participate in the society. The Norwegian government exerts efforts to enhance accessibility of public websites, yet there is still room for improvement.

Many ways could be proposed to enhance accessibility. However, the impact of selected actions is hard to predict due to diversification and contradiction, in addition to the continuous change of the system over time.

Factors affecting the accessibility of the Norwegian municipal websites were compiled into another SD model, which is intended to support policymakers’ and website managers’ decisions, and to enhance their mental models. This SD model was also encapsulated in an ILE, which was used in an experiment with users, in which candidates have been found to redefine their knowledge because of using this ILE as well.