Information systems development in developing countries : risk management and sustainability analysis in Nigerian software companies

Abstract

The expectations of IT for socio-economic and human development in developing countries have been high, but the real benefits and the positive impacts have been somewhat disappointing. The harsh socio-economic and infrastructural context makes the sustainability of an IS a major issue. Technology transfer to Africa has been too dependent on external factors, like international aid donors, and emphasized on technology itself. There is a need for locally developed, appropriate information systems, which are based on local needs and structures. In addition, the development should be done by using appropriate methods in an African context. This thesis is part of the INDEHELA-Methods project, where we have studied ISD in Nigerian software companies.