Information Systems Survey

Mike Kabjian (mailto:kabjian@IX.NETCOM.COM)
Wed, 18 Dec 1996 12:13:48 -0500

Message-ID:  <32B8264C.63CC@ix.netcom.com>
Date:         Wed, 18 Dec 1996 12:13:48 -0500
From: Mike Kabjian <mailto:kabjian@IX.NETCOM.COM>
Subject:      Information Systems Survey
To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>

In the first quarter of 1997 I will be conducting a survey on the use of
information systems in international development. It will be conducted
via email, phone, and face-face (for people in Washington D.C.). The
results will be posted on my web-site at
http://members.aol.com/kabjian/itindev.htm

If would like to provide comments on the draft survey or participate in the survey, please email me at mailto:kabjian@ix.netcom.com. I have attached a copy of the draft survey below. It is also available at my web-site.

Thanks to all of you who have provided comments and assistance to me in the past. I truly appreciate it.

Happy Holidays,

Mike.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information Technology in International Development DRAFT - General Survey

1. How do you see information technology currently being used in International Development? How do you see it being used in the future?

- What applications is IT being used for (environmental analysis, medical training, communications, etc.)?

- What technologies are being used (internet-based, GIS, relational database, etc.)?

- What regions of the world are these projects focused on (Africa, Latin America, etc.)?

- What is the approximate size(# of implementors, # of end-users) and dollar value of these projects?

- Are these projects focused solely on information technology or are they part of a broader project?

2. How successful have these projects been?

- Are these IT projects accomplishing their intended goals? How beneficial are these projects perceived by donor agencies, aid recipients, contractors?

- What problems and barriers are frequently encountered (telecom infrastructure, training, cost, etc.)?

- How can these types of projects be improved?

3. How well is information technology understood within the field of International Development?

- Are more specialists in information technology applications required in the field? What types of skills are necessary? In what areas of International Development?

- What are the most significant human resource problems that exist in applying information technology in international development?

4. What are the current activities in the field?

- What are current or planned projects do you know of?

- What are the major organizations and individuals involved in applying information technology to international development? These could include government agencies, non-profit groups, universities and consultants.

- Are you aware of any currently scheduled conferences or workshops centered around information technology in development?

- Do you know of anyone else who should participate in this survey?