| Summary: | This thesis examines information technology transfer to developing countries by considering its application in Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The transfer process can take place through a number of channels which are influenced by national, technological and organisational issues. The relative importance of these issues is determined by considering six organisations which have attempted, with varying degrees of success, to transfer information technology. From the analysis provided by these case studies, a number of recommendations are made to improve the likelihood of successful information technology transfer. At a national level, factors such as the availability of foreign currency and skilled computer personnel will affect the success of any technology transfer. Similarly, technological issues, including supplier policies and telecommunications facilities, also play a part. Organ isational issues, such as management attitudes and planning, can also be seen to influence the success of technology transfer. To investigate these issues, six case studies were undertaken in the three countries. Both government and private organisations were represented to provide various settings in which to examine the process of information technology transfer. Only one organisation was successful and many differing factors affected the unsuccessful ones. Thus no 'single remedy' exists for this problem. The thesis makes a number of recommendations on org anisational, technological and national issues. The main ones being: an improved organisational awareness of the potential for information technology coupled with general educational policies to provide a computer literate work force. At the national level, greater assistance for the acquisition and use of computers, together with proper monitoring of this process is suggested. 2
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