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Introduction

This module sets the scene for “The African FOSS Business Models for ICT-based SMEs” by providing a basic introduction to the phenomenon that has come to be known as FLOSS. The concept of Free/Libre/Open Source Software (FLOSS) is becoming more mainstream to the public and we are seeing increased business adoption which is generating higher levels of revenue. This module sets the scene for exploring various FLOSS concepts ranging from terms and definitions, the organizational structures of projects and communities, to the global business impact of FLOSS which could form the basis for understanding and constructing business models within the African context.

As an introductory module, the sub-modules herein cover FLOSS concepts and principles which may be seen as prerequisites for building a sustainable ICT business based on FLOSS. These concepts are important in engaging and understanding the current status on how certain companies are already profiting from the benefits inherent in FLOSS, as demonstrated in the “Case Studies” in Module 2. Understanding the impact, historical perspectives, FLOSS development model (s), and community dynamics as shown in this module, is the first step in instilling and nurturing the appropriate communication skills and techniques [discussed in Module 3] individuals will need to set up and run a successful FLOSS businesses. However, to run a successful business, one needs to know how to run a business [Module 4] and have certain context specific business skills [Module 5]. In this sense this module provides the FLOSS specific background needed and further provides the global view of FLOSS as well as FLOSS business in developing countries in module 1.2. For FLOSS trainers [Module 6], both basic concepts in the entire module and leading FLOSS resources in sub-module  1.4 are important elements in training individuals and businesses interested in either making business based on FLOSS or just those interested in the technical and research aspect of FLOSS.

Overall Objectives

A participant who completes the modules in this module should have basic understanding of FLOSS and be able to build or grow a business with the help of some of the FLOSS business concepts in Modules 4 and 5 and lessons to be learnt from the case studies in Module 2. The learning objectives for this Module are as follows:

1. Gain a basic understanding of FLOSS.

2. Understand how FLOSS projects and communities work

3. Gain knowledge of the leading online resources to keep current in the FLOSS eco-space.

4. Identify the FLOSS licensing models

Sessions and Timetable

The entire content in this Module is estimated to be delivered in 1 day, with some variations within the modules. For instructional purpose, the content of this Module can be delivered as proposed in the summarized table below.

Days/weeks	Session	Module name	Duration (hrs)
Day 1	Session 1	Module 1.1 General FLOSS Concepts	1:15hrs
	Session 2	Module 1.2 FLOSS Business Globally	1:15hrs
	Session 3	Module 1.3 Evolution of FLOSS Communities and Software Markets	1:00hrs
	Session 4	Module 1.4 FLOSS Licensing Models	1:00hrs
	Session 5	Module 1.5 Leading FLOSS resources for keeping current on the FLOSS eco-space	00:30hrs
	Session 6	Module 1.6 Multimedia listening comprehension	00:30hrs

Module 1 contains the following sub-modules:

Module 1.1 General FLOSS Concept. Read more...

Module 1.2 FLOSS Business Globally. Read more...

Module 1.3 Evolution of FLOSS Communities and Software Markets. Read more...

Module 1.4 FLOSS Licensing Models. Read more...

Module 1.5 Leading FOSS resources for keeping current on the FLOSS eco-space. Read more...

Module 1.6 Multimedia. Read more...

References. Read more...