The transfer of information technology to developing countries :
[Thesis]
Odedra, Mayuri Ramlal.
case studies from Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London)
1990
Ph.D.
London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London)
1990
This thesis examines information technology transfer to developingcountries by considering its application in Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Thetransfer process can take place through a number of channels which areinfluenced by national, technological and organisational issues. The relativeimportance of these issues is determined by considering six organisationswhich have attempted, with varying degrees of success, to transfer informationtechnology. From the analysis provided by these case studies, a number ofrecommendations are made to improve the likelihood of successful informationtechnology transfer.At a national level, factors such as the availability of foreign currency andskilled computer personnel will affect the success of any technology transfer.Similarly, technological issues, including supplier policies andtelecommunications facilities, also play a part. Organ isational issues, such asmanagement attitudes and planning, can also be seen to influence the successof technology transfer.To investigate these issues, six case studies were undertaken in thethree countries. Both government and private organisations were representedto provide various settings in which to examine the process of informationtechnology transfer. Only one organisation was successful and many differingfactors affected the unsuccessful ones. Thus no 'single remedy' exists for thisproblem.The thesis makes a number of recommendations on org anisational,technological and national issues. The main ones being: an improvedorganisational awareness of the potential for information technology coupledwith general educational policies to provide a computer literate work force. Atthe national level, greater assistance for the acquisition and use of computers,together with proper monitoring of this process is suggested.2
Information science & librarianship
Odedra, Mayuri Ramlal.
London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London)