Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Ph.D. in Information Science

SDG Alignment for Doctor of Philosophy Program in Information Science

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Information Science is fundamentally designed to produce researchers and leaders who can create, manage, and utilize information and knowledge for societal development. The curriculum's strong emphasis on managing digital data, information institutions, and knowledge systems makes it a powerful contributor to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). By training experts in data governance and digital information literacy, the program directly supports the development of effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. Furthermore, its focus on preserving cultural heritage through the management of digital archives and museums aligns directly with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). By addressing the digital divide through information literacy, the program also contributes to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). As a doctoral-level program, it is a flagship for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and inherently fosters the global partnerships essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As a doctoral program, this curriculum is the epitome of quality education. It is designed to cultivate expert researchers and academics by providing advanced training in research methodologies and fostering the lifelong learning and digital literacy skills necessary to navigate and contribute to the knowledge society.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
IN408703	Research in Information Science	Provides the core research methodologies that define high-quality doctoral education, equipping students for high-level employment and innovation in academia and information-intensive industries (Target 4.3 and 4.4).
IN408822	Digital Information Literacy	Directly supports Target 4.4 by equipping learners with the skills needed for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship in the digital age.
IN40899X	Dissertation	Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical and professional skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4).

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: This program is a catalyst for innovation by training experts to manage the digital data and information infrastructure that underpins modern industry. The curriculum's focus on big data management, digital repositories, and knowledge management enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of all sectors.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
IN408702	Information and Knowledge Management	Supports innovation (Target 9.5) by providing the principles and practices for managing knowledge as a key asset for industrial and organizational development.
IN408821	Digital Data and Information Management	Directly contributes to building resilient infrastructure (Target 9.1) by focusing on the effective management of the digital information that is critical to modern industry.
IN408824	Big Data Management	Enhances scientific research and innovation (Target 9.5) by training experts in the management of large-scale datasets, which are a key driver of modern technological advancement.
IN408831	Digital Repository and Information Institution Management	Supports the development of reliable and sustainable information infrastructure (Target 9.1), which is essential for research, innovation, and industry.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to reducing inequalities by empowering individuals and communities through digital information literacy. By addressing the digital divide and promoting equitable access to information, the curriculum helps to ensure that all people have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the knowledge society.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
IN408701	Information and Society	Directly addresses inequalities by examining the social context of information access and use, including the digital divide (Target 10.2).
IN408822	Digital Information Literacy	Aligns with Target 10.2 by promoting the social and economic inclusion of all through the development of essential digital skills.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Alignment Summary: The program is fundamentally focused on making communities more inclusive and sustainable by safeguarding cultural heritage. The curriculum equips researchers and professionals with the specialized skills to manage and preserve cultural information in digital archives and museums, ensuring that this heritage is accessible for future generations.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
IN408832	Digital Archives and Records Management	Directly supports efforts to safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage (Target 11.4) by providing the principles and practices for preserving digital records and archives.
IN408833	Museum and Cultural Heritage Information Management	Directly contributes to the metric on 'Support of arts and heritage' by focusing on the management of cultural information within museums and heritage institutions (Target 11.4).

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Alignment Summary: The program is instrumental in building strong institutions by training leaders in information and data governance. The curriculum equips graduates with the skills to develop and implement policies for managing information effectively, transparently, and ethically, which is essential for creating accountable and resilient institutions.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
IN408823	Data Governance	Directly supports the development of effective, accountable and transparent institutions (Target 16.6) by teaching the principles of sound data and information governance.
IN408831	Digital Repository and Information Institution Management	Contributes to building effective institutions by providing the skills to manage the information repositories that are critical to modern organizational memory and accountability (Target 16.6).
IN408832	Digital Archives and Records Management	Aligns with Target 16.10 by ensuring public access to information through the proper management of official records and archives.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The program's international scope and research-intensive nature foster partnerships for sustainable development. Through seminars and the dissertation process, students engage with the global academic community, promoting the knowledge-sharing and collaborations needed to achieve global goals in information and knowledge management.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
IN408711	Seminar in Information Science 1	Promotes the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) by requiring students to engage with and present on international research, fostering a culture of global knowledge-sharing.
IN40899X	Dissertation	Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.16) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to solve critical challenges in information science.