T.M Waema

Information systems strategy and implementation: a case study of a building society

The formation and implementation of strategy with respect to computer-based information systems (IS) are important issues in many contemporary organizations, including those in the financial services sector. This paper describes and analyzes an in-depth case study of the strategy formation and implementation process in one such organization, a medium-sized UK building society, and relates the process to its organizational and broader contexts; the organization is examined over a period of several years and under the contrasting leadership of two different chief executives. The case study is used to develop some general implications on IS strategy and implementation, which can be taken as themes for debate in any new situation. The paper provides an example of a more detailed perspective on processes in IS strategy and implementation than typically available in the literature. In addition, a new framework for further research in this area is developed, which directs the researcher toward exploring the dynamic interplay of strategic content, multilevel contexts, and cultural and political perspectives on the process of change.

Information systems strategy formulation

Abstract Information systems in organisations can be viewed as social systems and the formulation of IS strategy as a social process. Alternative formulation models have been based on formal-rational or power-behavioural approaches, but here we propose a holistic analysis involving the context, content and process of strategy formulation. Some aspects of the methodology are illustrated using a case study of a UK building society.

Information systems as social systems: Implications for developing countries

Abstract Computer‐based information systems should be conceptualised as social systems in which technology is only one of the dimensions. This broader perspective on information systems offers opportunities for a deeper understanding of their development and use. The social systems approach is illustrated in the paper by two research projects in the UK on the evaluation of information systems and information systems strategy formulation. The relevance of the UK research to a developing country context is discussed and it is argued that methodologies which aim to provide an understanding of the organisational, social and political context are highly suitable for organisations in developing countries. Some implications are drawn for research, education and practice related to information systems in developing countries.

A resource kit for participatory socio-technical design in rural kenya

We describe our approach and initial results in the participatory design of technology relevant to local rural livelihoods. Our approach to design and usability proceeds from research in theory and practice of cross-cultural implementations, but the novelty is in beginning not with particular technologies but from community needs, and structuring technology in terms of activities. We describe our project aims and initial data collected, which show that while villagers have no clear mental models for using computers or the Internet, they show a desire to have and use them. We then describe our approach to interaction design, our expectations and next steps as the technology and activities are first introduced to the villages.

Development outcomes of internet and mobile phones use in Kenya: the households' perspectives

Purpose – Usage of internet and mobile phones has promoted and sometimes hindered various aspects of development bringing radical changes to Kenyan households in the last couple of years. The rapid spread of mobile phones, mobile broadband and internet usage at the household level has increased the potential of these technologies leading to development outcomes. This paper aims to focus on these issues.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on primary data collected through two surveys and is part of ongoing PhD work. A rigorous methodology was designed and used to conduct the research. Starting with the research problem that outlined the key areas for the study, research objectives were developed following a background review of the study. The paper establishes the development outcomes associated with the rapid spread and usage of the internet and mobile phones and explores if the wide usage expands or shrinks the capabilities of the households.Findings – The analysis indicates that a high valu...

Information Systems Strategy Formation in a Developing Country Bank

Abstract This paper describes a case study of information systems strategy formation in a developing country bank over a five-year period. The methodological approach to the research combined a focus on the process of organizational decision making with analysis of the linkages between this process and the organizational and wider contexts. The case was characterized by major problems at all stages and corresponding stagnation in the computing systems, and the paper provides an understanding of this history. Some implications are drawn for strategic practice in developing country organizations and for research on the process of technology transfer.

E-governance and governance: a case study of the assessment of the effects of integrated financial management system on good governance in two municipal councils in Kenya

The potential for ICT to positively contribute to good governance has been known for a long time and has been the subject of many articles and reports, but very little concrete empirical evidence of the effects of ICT on governance, and how these effects should be evaluated, exist. The situation is even worse when we consider ICT and governance in local governments. The case study reported in this paper is based on an e-governance outcome evaluation framework that is being followed by Local Governance and ICTs Research Network for Africa (LOG-IN Africa). This framework draws on existing literature on e-government, good governance, and results-based management. Data for the case study was collected through surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and review of relevant documents in two municipal councils in Kenya. The focus was on the perspectives of consumers of the services provided by the councils. Data was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The preliminary results show that the integrated financial management system implementation had modest improvements in most indicators of the following good governance constructs: participation, responsiveness, transparency, accountability, and efficiency and effectiveness. Given the modest improvements in good governance associated with the implementation of the system in the two municipal councils and the governance challenges in implementing a similar system in central government, the paper recommends, among other things, that local governments could be used to pilot complex e-governance initiatives and lessons learned used to scale up at national level.

Factors influencing usage of new technologies in low-income households in Kenya: the case of Nairobi

Purpose – Use of e‐mail, the internet and mobile phones, collectively referred to as the “new technologies” in this paper, is influenced by various factors in low‐income households. These factors, which range between individual, social, economic, environmental, cultural and knowledge, have not been explored fully, particularly in low‐income households in Kenya. This paper aims to argue that access to the new technologies does not lead automatically to use thereof, since a combination of the factors determines if (and how) the technologies are used.Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses data collected through a survey conducted in 2010, which complemented the 2007 Research ICT Africa (RIA) data. The 2010 survey focused on three clusters based in Nairobi, a subset of RIA (2007). The three clusters are Ofafa 1 (A), Umoja II (B) and Riruta Satellite (C). Data from 40 households are used. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from the households.Findings – Age, income, gender, education level...

Shifting shores: investigating how the shift from electronic to mobile government interacts with the development practice in Kenya

In this paper we try to investigate potentials of mobile technology use between the Kenyan government and its citizens. On this account the paper will interact with supply and demand side practices of e-governance specifically in Kenya, although drawing from global circumference. From the supply side, we look at Kenyas current e-governance practice, whether it is indeed achieving development objectives. From the demand side the paper seeks to understand the extent in which citizens are interacting with governments web presence, and the issues that underlie this extent. On both these accounts, we consider the level of developmentalism brought about by computer based web presence and access to government services and information through mobile phones. We will also attempt to dismantle the bottlenecks that impede access to government services and information even in a connected environment. Then emerging from this line of interrogation we move on to reflect on alternatives, in particular the greater possibilities which lie in mobile phones relative to computer based Internet.

Digital Control in Value Chains: Challenges of Connectivity for East African Firms

Abstract In recent years, Internet connectivity has greatly improved across the African continent. This article examines the consequences that this shift has had for East African firms that are part of global value chains (GVCs). Prior work yielded contradictory expectations: firms might benefit from connectivity through increased efficiencies and improved access to markets, although they might also be further marginalized through increasing control of lead firms. Drawing on extensive qualitative research in Kenya and Rwanda, including 264 interviews, we examine 3 sectors (tea, tourism, and business process outsourcing) exploring overarching, cross-cutting themes. The findings support more pessimistic expectations: small African producers are only thinly digitally integrated in GVCs. Moreover, shifting modes of value chain governance, supported by lead firms and facilitated by digital information platforms and data standards are leading to new challenges for firms looking to digitally integrate. Nevertheless, we also find examples in these sectors of opportunities where small firms are able to cater to emerging niche customers, and local or regional markets. Overall, the study shows that improving connectivity does not inherently benefit African firms in GVCs without support for complementary capacity and competitive advantages.