Analysing Technology and Regulatory Submissions

Technology and Regulatory Submissions Data management technologies are the different types of database systems and techniques that are utilized for managing the use of information and distribution both within and between organizations (Workman, 2013). Implications for utilizing data management technologies when working with employees in remote locations Cost The immediate, common concern of developing countries is poverty. The things that people in the West take for granted are usually unaffordable in developing countries.

The costs of importing hardware is however relatively consistent, with most of the imported hardware coming from China and other Asian leaders in the field (Workman, 2013). This means that it is expensive to ship in and maintain the computers and related hardware to communicate with the remote workforce. Network capability Many nations in the developing world lack speed, stable and secure network connectivity. This is especially true for remote regions in the developing world (Workman, 2013).

Speed and capacity While Kenya, South Africa and several other African nations have mobile network penetration rates of more than 80% of their respective populations, the majority of African countries have less than 10% coverage. High speed fiber and 3G internet is often only available in major urban centers (Workman, 2013). Network reliability Another factor that might affect the maintenance of communication with remote locations is network reliability. Outages are often the norm rather than the exception in long distance networks. Network outages results in large delays, lost internet packets and dropped calls.

The problem of network reliability is not restricted to remote areas; it is also a problem in major cities. Road networks Though not a technology component, road networks also have impacts on clinical studies. Roads leading to remote areas are often in a very poor state, meaning that researchers have to choose between transporting their clinical research forms over poor road networks and capturing data in remote locations using unreliable computer networks. Future Upgrades Service providers often upgrade their services in cases where there is a need.

Owing to this fact there are often no network upgrades in many parts of the developing world because the potential internet users are often poor and won't generate the adequate revenue for ISPs to consider network upgrades (Workman, 2013). Satellite communications Satellite networks are available almost everywhere around the world. However, internet speeds are often low and the cost is usually very high (Workman, 2013). Power supply Many countries in Africa including the biggest economy on the continent, Nigeria, do not have reliable power supplies.

Power blackouts occur frequently and this can interfere with data collection or the sending of CRFs. Literacy In many remote areas around the world literacy levels are often very low. Even in urban areas in the developing world young men and women might be learned but might have little to no experience using computers. Thus, a researcher should evaluate the literacy levels of his or her staff and the potential study participants before commencing a study.

He or she should then go ahead and assess how this will affect the study (Workman, 2013). Positive impacts There are numerous occasions where residents of remote locations have benefited from data management.