Overview
AIC 601: Fundamentals of AICM
Theoretical foundations of agricultural information and communications management; overview of current development goals and trends in agriculture in Africa; drivers of investment in agriculture; innovation systems, agricultural data, information and knowledge; systems and systems approach to solving problems, current agricultural information and knowledge systems, products, services and processes; people, processes and technologies that constitute agricultural information and knowledge systems; management of agricultural information and knowledge; communication theory, role of agricultural communication, agricultural communication processes, and products; diffusion theory, communication strategies and networks; strategic frameworks for communication of agricultural information; management of agricultural communications; emerging ICT, tools, and techniques for the management of agricultural information and communications; target groups for agricultural information at international, national and organizational levels; trends in information and communication technology; impact of agricultural information on development; national, regional and international information resources, networks and policies; managing agricultural information systems; ethical and social considerations in agricultural information systems and projects.
AIC 603: Management of Agricultural Information and Communication
Basic principles, concepts, theories, and techniques of management as they apply in the information and communication management; agricultural information and communication resources and services; the concepts and processes of information resource management (IRM); Information resources planning; Information users and analysts of their requirements: Implementation of agricultural information and communication products, services, and systems; communication concepts and theory; managing agricultural communication processes; development and management of communication products and services; management issues in digital content management: Acquiring and managing new information technologies; Managing AICM projects; National and international issues relating to information access, such as standards relating to electronic storage and retrieval of electronic documents (digital archiving); Ethical, social, and economic issues in the management of information and communication resources and services
Structure
The MSc in AICM shall be offered under two modules; full-time, part-time and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) for students who cannot attend regular university programme. The MSc Programme consists of two options with a total of 20 course units. For the thesis option, there are 10 core, 2 electives and 8 course units equivalent of thesis. For the research dissertation, there are 10 core, 2 electives, 4 specialization and 4 course units equivalent of dissertation. Each course unit is equivalent to 45 hours and the semester is 15 weeks.
The MSc full-time and part-time programme
The programme will take a minimum duration of four semesters and a maximum duration of 12 semesters. A student is required to do a minimum of 2 course units and a maximum of 5 course units per semester. The programme includes two sets of remedial coursework because of the wide background of candidates: one for non-ICT and the other for non-agriculture candidates.
- There are five options of specialization for the non-thesis (research dissertation) option students, namely, Agricultural Knowledge Management, Agricultural Communication Management, Records and Archives Management, Web Resources Management, and Scholarly Publishing.
- Thesis or non-thesis (research dissertation) options will be offered. Students who lack agricultural or ICT background shall be required to take remedial courses. The minimum number of remedial courses to be taken by each student is 2 and the maximum is 4 courses.
- Students are expected to enroll for remedial courses before the main units in the MSc in AICM programme. They can also enroll for the remedial courses concurrently with the MSc course units depending on regulations and practices of the university.
-
The first year is devoted to course work. The second year is devoted to both coursework and thesis or research dissertation.
The MSc through ODL
The course structure and requirement for MSc through ODL remain the same as under full-time/part-time. However, the mode of delivery is as follows:
- Use of various media and largely home based
- Other modes of delivery:-
a) Written self instructional study modules issued at the registration time
- Study books
- Relevant literature
- Interactive devices and self tests
- Booklet and/ or pamphlets
b) Face to face introductory Tutorial
c) Mediated technical learning materials
- Audio cassettes
- E-learning materials
- Video clips
d) Limited face to face sessions to provide overview of the course at commencement of semester, mid semester and revision period before examinations.
e) Support study centres at the University of Nairobi
- Access to information through computers at School of Computing and Informatics, Agricultural Economics, Computer Laboratory, Biometry Laboratory at CAVS and other centres such as the Library
- Access to information through school of Journalism
- Use of libraries at the University of Nairobi and agricultural research institutions.
f) Orientation (immediately after registration):
- Orientation in ODL delivery
- Study, reading and computer skills
- Time management and techniques in handling assignments
- Mentorship, Wo-mentoring, guidance and counseling
- Emphasis is on satellite centres that serve as a link between the university and the student in the following manner:
- Registration
- Collecting reading materials
- Collecting results and programmes
- Examination information
- Posting timetable
- Holding meetings
Admission Requirements
The common regulations for the Masters degrees in all faculties of the University of Nairobi shall apply. The following shall be eligible for admission into the Master of Science in AICM programme:
-
Holders of at least upper second class honours degree or equivalent in any discipline from a university recognized by senate.
-
Holders of at least lower second class honours degree or equivalent in any discipline from a university recognized by senate with at least two years relevant experience.
-
Holders of pass degree and Postgraduate diploma or equivalent in any discipline from a university recognized by senate.
-
Holders of pass degree with five years relevant experience.
