Implementation of information technology in Africa: Understanding and explaining the results of ten years of implementation effort in a Tanzanian organization

Abstract

This study traces attempts to introduce information technology into a management college in Africa, over a 10-year period from 1991 to 2001. The study uses an interpretative approach and is informed by information technology (IT) implementation literature. The case shows little progress over the 10-year period studied and the authors identify several explanations for this. The findings related to implementation, or the lack thereof, tie in well with the general IT implementation literature, suggesting that some of the key elements in the literature are of a fairly general and universal nature. The general nature of the literature does not provide the background for a deeper understanding of the issues and underlying levels of explanations. For this, more contextual factors need to be taken into account. The authors have been able to point to some of these sociocultural factors. However, this is an area where further research is needed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Keywords:

• information technology strategy
• information technology implementation
• cultural barriers
• Tanzania