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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Information System Projects in Africa: Reflections on Learning and Systemic Devices |
Author: | Bell, Simon |
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. |