Towards an Information Technology Management Framework for Developing Countries

Information technology management methods evolved and designed in western, first world countries are not appropriate for third world countries. Furthermore, they are now becoming inadequate because the current thinking on management theory - upon which Information Technology Management is defined - is changing significantly. The salient points of this shift in the paradigm of strategic management are outlined and an indication is given of how this will impact the management of information technology, with specific regard to the requirements of developing countries. An outline of an adapted model is attempted, using a simple fourcomponent framework. The area of information technology planning will need to change. The character of the day-to-day management, however, is most significantly affected, mainly by an increased use of external agents in what will probably be new and innovative forms of alliance. The concept of an information technology keiretsu is investigated as a useful model for how such alliances could be structured and how they could act as a catalyst for accelerated learning and thus lead to more effective transfer of skills and technology for Information Technology Management. Issues of designing and implementing such a keiretsu as well as the role of its members are discussed. Suggestions for government support are outlined. A direction for further research is set out, concluding that using action research in a pilot keiretsu in a developing country would be the most promising approach.