Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Computers and Information - Department of Operations Research and Decision Support

In its efforts to develop an Information and Knowledge Society as a basic feature of the 21st century, Egypt recognized the potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its crucial role in enhancing the productivity of economic sectors and improving the welfare level of its citizens. ICT in Egypt {u2013} as well as other less developed countries (LDCs) - has become a prerequisite and a critical success factor in achieving socioeconomic development objectives. The purpose of this dissertation is to propose and develop a simulation modeling approach to assess the economy-wide impact of ICT. The researcher adopts a three-level approach to the construction and use of the ICT economy-wide simulation models. The three levels of the proposed modeling approach are: 1) constructing a consistent and comprehensive accounting framework; 2) developing a logical model and 3) converting the logical model into a mathematical model. The accounting framework for an economy-wide simulation model is generally composed of a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) that provides a consistent basis for the construction of a plausible model capable of presenting an image of the economy in order to simulate the effects of policy interventions in the economy. The first step to develop a consistent accounting framework for ICT sector in Egypt {u2013} within the comprehensive economy wide SAM structure {u2013} is to find widely accepted definitions for the ICT sector (activities, goods and services) that comply with the revised United Nations System of National accounts (SNA). OECD (the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) definitions were used because they are endorsed by the United Nations Statistical Office (UNSO)

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