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- Mozelius, Peter, et al.
(author)
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Important aspects in ICT4D projects : towards a model for quality assessment
- 2009
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In: Revista de investigaciones UNAD. - 0124-793X. ; 8:1, s. 29-42
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) is an approach adopted to improve the socio-economic situation in poor countries. It includes e-learning, open and free software, e-democracy, digital media, e-government, capacity building and infrastructure development. Billions of dollars are invested in such programs financed by international aid organizations, state funded aid agencies and multinational private companies. Well known problems are poor infrastructure, crime and poor adaptations to the socio-cultural context. It is a complex multidisciplinary, multi stakeholder and multimedia field with an emerging theoretical framework. This paper identifies and examines important quality aspects of ICT4D projects and provides empirical ICT4D examples illustrating each aspect. The overall research question in this study is: What makes some ICT4D projects more successful than others? Based on the authors own experience of projects in Sri Lanka, Uganda and Vietnam as well as analysis of other projects, the following quality aspects are considered as crucial for successful implementation of ICT in development projects: 1) Authentic local needs, 2) Local ownership, 3) Realistic limitations, 4) Competence network, 5) Communication strategy, 6) Planning horizon, 7) Documentation/measurable results, 8) Resources and sustainability and 9) Fun/Motivation. The relevance of these aspects are discussed and exemplified in the article. The thematic areas identified provide a basis for an emerging model, intended to be useful in the design and planning phase as well as in monitoring and evaluation of ICT4D projects.
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