Ensuring successful IT utilisation in developing countries

Abstract

It is generally accepted that Information Technology (IT) has the potential to promote development and alleviate some of the common problems in the developing countries. However, it would appear that few developing countries have been able to exploit this technology fully. In fact, it would rather appear that there is extensive under-utilisation of equipment, and failure of computer-based information systems projects in developing countries. In this paper, the author argues that this under-utilisation or failure could be as the result of not being aware of, or of not carefully considering, the implications of having certain foundations laid before the acquisition of IT. The paper will also explore the need for further research in this area.