In the search to reduce the various divides between the developed and the
developing world, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is seen as an
enabler in resource-constrained environments. However, the impact of ICT for
Development (ICT4D) implementations is contested, and the ability to facilitate
sustained change remains elusive.
Sustainability emerged as a key lesson from the failure of early ICT4D projects, and
has served as a focal point in facilitating ICT4D success. However, interpretation of
the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development seems to be multiple and
disconnected from practice, and is rarely translated into a useful construct for guiding
project-level actions.
The focus of international development is gradually shifting from donated aid towards
capability and choice, empowerment, and per-poor initiatives. However, the reality
remains that multiple organisations with varying levels of power, resources, and
influence determine the outcomes and the sustainability of benefits from a
development intervention.
This research investigates mechanisms to sustain benefit by exploring the interface
between various role players through the lens of decision-making. It builds on the
view that the value created by the virtual ‘organisation’ of stakeholders in an ICT4D
implementation results from the sum of its decisions, and develops a framework for
decision-making with a view on sustaining benefits.
The work follows a Design Science Research methodology, comprising an iterative
process for the development, testing, and improvement of the framework based on
three literature reviews, two case studies, and an expert review.
The research answers the primary research question, namely:
What are the elements of a framework that support strategic decision-making for the design
and implementation of ICT4D interventions in resource-constrained environments, in support
of sustained benefit?
The knowledge contribution is primarily at the concept and methodological level. In
addition to framework development, the decision problem in ICT4D is defined, andthe concept of sustained benefit is proposed as a means of operationalizing
sustainability.
This research illustrates the role of decision concepts in structuring the complexity of
ICT4D problems. It introduces an alternative perspective into the debate on
sustainability in ICT4D, and provides a basis for the future development of theory. / Information Systems / D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Systems)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/23834 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Meyer, Isabella Aletta |
| Contributors | Herselman, Martha Elizabeth, Van Biljon, J.A. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (xx, 406 leaves) ; color illustrations |
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