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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Information System Projects in Africa: Reflections on Learning and Systemic Devices
Author:Bell, SimonISNI
Year:1998
Periodical:African Development Review
Volume:10
Issue:1
Period:June
Pages:173-188
Language:English
Geographic term:Africa
Subjects:information technology
technology
Development and Technology
Education and Oral Traditions
External link:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-8268.1998.tb00103.x/pdf
Abstract:Drawing on his experience with information technology and development projects in Africa and elsewhere, the author provides several reasons for the erratic track records of information technology projects in Africa. Among these are the lack of understanding of the local context by information professionals, the 'I know best' syndrome and attitudes of experts, and problems relating to the ownership of the project and the appropriateness of the technology. Among the learning outcomes identified from the author's action research are the critical issues of learning from practice, identifying the uniqueness of each project and the need to capture this uniqueness and express the real needs of those involved in the project team and then to reflect constructively and holistically on the outcomes. Local people must be included in the planning and implementation stage of information technology projects; modest evolutionary systems have a better record than ambitious multisectoral projects; and effective monitoring and evaluation of projects requires a systemic assessment of qualitative and quantitative issues. Ref., sum. in English and French.
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