Suchergebnisse

During the era of the mainframe computer, 1946-1976, sociologists wholeheartedly embraced computer technology as an adjunct to quantitative research methods. The nature of the technology and the resultant structure by which most sociologists gained access to computers lent itself to several undesirable side effects. However, the undeniable calculational power of the technology was enough to outweigh those disadvantages, at least for the mainstream of the discipline. The introduction of microcomputers has significantly changed the calculational power/cost ratio inherent in computer technology and permits new structures of access, not only for sociologists, but for individuals in all walks of life. Although this does not in and of itself offer a panacea for every criticism that has ever been raised concerning the usage of computers within sociology, several of the previous disadvantages of computer technology have now been technically eliminated, if not yet eliminated in practice.

There are in the Eastern und Southern African subregion about 200 high-level training institutions. With the exception of the Sudan, where five universities exist, there is an average of one university to each country. University teaching and research are concentrated on the disciplines of education, business and commerce, administration and management. More than 45 per cent of the other training institutions are concentrated on the business and commerce, administration and management disciplines. (DSE)

This two-day conference, sponsored by Stanford's Committee on African Studies, was possibly the first gathering of its kind outside Liberia since the American Colonisation Society ceased sending emigrants to the West African Republic at the turn of the century. It was organised by Dr Martin Lowenkopf, and was attended by over 40 social scientists, including six Liberians at present studying in the United States.