Information technology investment approaches in Namibia: six case studies

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Lubbe, Sam

Affiliations: Vista University, PO Box 10499, Drusana 9311, South Africa E‐mail: Lubbe‐S@Blenny.vista.ac.za

Abstract: The impact of IT has not been studied intensively in Namibia despite technological progress made by organisations in Namibia since independence. The existing definition of information technology (IT) in Namibia is also not adequate to include all IT expenditure. No return‐on‐IT‐investment calculations are made although all managers participating in the case studies showed concern at the increasing IT expenses. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to determine what organisations use as a basis for decisions on IT investment. Case studies were conducted with six organisations in Namibia to determine how they define and manage their IT investments. Conclusions are that organisations need to re‐classify their definition of IT to include aspects like communication systems, maintenance, etc. Also a responsible person should be appointed to take charge of managing the IT investments of the organisation and these investments should be tracked and justified.

Journal: Information Technology for Development, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 3-12, 2000