What Kinds of Organisations do We Want to Build in Africa with Information Communication Technology?

In the first half of this contribution, the author focuses on what information communication technology (ICT) could be implemented in Africa in order to integrate the continent into the emerging global culture and associated economy. In the second half, he assesses the state of ICT implementation in Africa. The emergence of worldwide information and communications technology (ICT) networks in the last quarter of the 20th century has steadily effected vast and permanent changes with regard to how people in free market open societies communicate, work, do business, and spend their leisure time. In spite of the recent bursting of the dot com bubble and increasing strains experienced in the ICT manufacturing sector, advances in information technology and telecommunications (ICT) will continue to reshape the major institutions of society in the 21st century. This ought to lead to a more efficient way of life for at least some people. However, it is not clear whether this “progress” will actually be satisfactory for all. There are many more facets to the application of ICT than simple business efficiency. This chapter asks, “after 50 years of ICT, what kind of society do we want to create for ourselves, and what level of choices are available to individuals and corporate entities?” As was pointed out at the EU meeting in Lisbon in 2000, we need to be particularly aware of the potential for ICT to improve the lives of those who are disadvantaged.

Examining the Approach Used for Information Technology Investment Decisions by Practitioners Responsible for IT Planning in Namibia

Despite the technological progress made by organisations in Namibia, the impact of IT has not been studied. The existing definition of IT is not comprehensive enough to include all relevant IT expenditures. No return calculations are made, though managers are showing growing concern at the increasing IT costs. The purpose of this article is to determine what organisations in Namibia use as basis for investing in IT. In interviews with six organisations in Namibia, it was determined how they define and manage their investment in IT. Some conclusions can be drawn, the first being that organisations need to look at their definition of IT to include all aspects of IT like communication systems, maintenance, etc. the second implication is that somebody must be appointed to take responsibility for managing the IT investment.

Information Technology Investment Evaluation and Measurement Methodology

The chapter reviews the present methodology and comes to the conclusion that there is a solution for the predicament of the managers. The author is convinced that the ITIEM methodology is the solution.

The Creation of a Commercial Software Development Company in a Developing Country for Outsourcing Purposes

SDC has financial services knowledge with cross-industry technical skill capabilities. Their emphasis is on advanced development techniques and tools. The model they used is proving to be successful for all parties and the growth process had provided them with invaluable experience and expertise in the HR transformation. The lesson they have is that they need to ensure that they have a strong presence in the market.

Telecentres and Their Impact on Information Technology Investment for Small Business

This study is evaluating the effective use of telecentres by small business owners. The world has changed and new ways of accessing information and obtaining knowledge is around. Telecentres can therefore play an effective role in facilitating communication between customers and small business owners. Telecentres will enable customers to access information such as services, prices, statements, information regarding a product, missed payments, history of credit supplied, etc. The study used a questionnaire to collect data. The study comes up with some recommendations that can be used by small business owners to improve their use of ICTs and telecentres.

The Nearest Some of Us Will Ever Come to Information Heaven

This study addresses the needs for a community computer centre (telecentre) for the community of Emkhambathini. This study was part of the information systems research exercise that was conducted by students. The problem that the researcher experienced was that Emkhambathini has no access to information and a need exists to ensure that this community joins the 21st century. The telecentre will also serve as a community upliftment tool. The data was collected using a questionnaire, it was collated and analysed using SPSS. The conclusion was that gender or employment does not play a role when there is a real need to access information.

Information Security in Small Businesses

This chapter discusses the impact of security in small and medium enterprises. It views the development of a security policy in serious light and come up with some recommendations on how this can be handled.

Internet

This study examines the impact of the Internet on a student society by investigating the effective use of the Internet at tertiary education. The main objectives of the studies were to determine whether the Internet is being optimally utilized at tertiary education, and to evaluate the level of utilization of the Internet. The study also identified problems experienced by students. A convenience sample of 95 under-graduate students was used at the University of KwaZulu Natal (Westville campus) (only information systems and technology (IS&T) students were included in the study because they had access to computers). The researcher compiled a questionnaire to collect the data. The study revealed that the activity that students mostly used was e-mail systems. The majority of the students (81%) have indicated there are insufficient computers for proper Internet usage. Fifty-eight percent of the students still use the library to access information. Seventy-four percent of the students have indicated that the Internet is easy to use.

A Case Study on the Selection and Evaluation of Software for an Internet Organisation

The author conducted research to determine whether IT managers, IT auditors, users, management, etc. (all decision-makers) use a certain evaluation and selection process to acquire software to meet business objectives and the requirement of users. An argument was used that the more thorough the software evaluation and selection process, the more likely it would be that the organisation will chose software that meets these targets. The main objective of the research was therefore to determine whether Media24 uses evaluation methods and obtains the desired results. The results confirmed that Media24 uses suggested protocol as noted in the theory for software acquisition correctly during most stages.

Investing in Online Privacy Policy for Small Business as Part of B2C Web Site Management

“You have zero privacy anyway. Get over it.” These words by Scott McNeally, CEO of Sun Microsystems, represent one pole of opinion on the privacy protection spectrum in the global world of the World Wide Web and Internet. At the other end, some authors identify privacy as “… perhaps the most contentious and serious issue facing information and communication technology (ICT) managers …” Assessing these extreme opinions, how does a small business Web site operator determine a feasible and responsible course of action for handling personally identifiable information collected in the course of business? Theoretical and practical frameworks must reinforce privacy treatment. Mishandling of the privacy issue can disrupt both the reputation and success of an e-commerce or other Web site, threatening the return on investment for the business. This chapter explores the current developments in privacy legislation in South Africa and examines the practical issues faced by a business-to-consumer (B2C) small business Web site owner implementing an online privacy policy.