Date of Award

1-1-2000

Thesis Type

Masters

Document Type

Thesis

Divisions

Faculty of Science

Department

Department of Science & Technology Studies

Institution

Universiti Malaya

Abstract

This research is an epistemological and methodological study of technology foresight. The low realisation rate (28%) of technology foresight has put into question as to whether foresight research is a scientific research, and whether foresight method is a scientific method. ln this research, the notion of scientific method is critically analysed. A comparison between physical and social science research is also made in order to highlight their basic similarities and differences. The Delphi method, which is the fundamental method of technology foresight, is epistemologically evaluated, particularly with regards to its basic assumptions and premises. Apart from the above, the research also looks into practical issues and experiences of technology foresight in foreign countries. This will go a long way in helping Malaysia, a novice in the field of technology foresight, to avoid some of the pitfalls as experienced by those countries. It is the argument of this thesis that the concept of la prospective should be fully appreciated so that foresight research would prepare decision-makers for uncertainty instead of eliminating the uncertainty. In this respect, accuracy should not be the sole concern of foresight study; and spin-offs of foresight activities should be highly valued.

Initial

snms

Additional Information

Dissertation (M.A) -- Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 2000.

Download

Share

COinS