best ict practices when choosing ict for cooperatives
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TRANSCRIPT
Successful ICT means!AffordableScalableSelf SustainingParticipatory
AffordableCheap is expensive in ICTSolution should reduce overheadsSolution should increase service delivery to
membersGo for branded computers and not refurbished Weigh between branded computers and
refurbishedSolution should not be too costly for the societyShould be between 1% to 3% of the turnover
ScalableShould allow vertical scalingShould allow horizontal scalingScaling should be done at no or minimal costScaling allows more functionalities to loaded
to the systemSystem should be expandable with increase
in workload
Self sustainingSolution should reduce overheadsShould provide new business ideasWith the savings it should fund itself
ParticipatoryIdentify the stakeholders to be affectedStakeholders are farmers, management, and
staffSolution will involve every stakeholderSolution will be efficient for all stakeholdersGet the views and feelings of every one
towards ICTStaff- job retention Manager-reportsMembers-quick payment
Stakeholders in a computerization processElected leaders- where is the cooperative
goingManager- accurate and timely reportsStaff- keep their job/ avoid duplicationMembers-quick payment/accuracy/
statementsClients- accurate and timely invoicingSuppliers- paid on time
Ten Commandments of Computerization1. Have clear business goal – what business
problem will computerization solve?2. Learn from others. Costs, benefits, computer
maintenance, training, risks3. Have a business plan that lays out your
arguments – find a champion easily convince4. Establish an ICT Committee – 2 heads better5. Examine the system issues- modular
approach
6. Sufficient time to develop an implementation plan – business goals, objectives, outputs, tasks, responsibilities, timing and costs
7. Be careful with contracts- clearly spell your expectations of the vendor, set measurable goals, realistic goals, documentation important
8. Be sure each person is trained adequately- continuous
9. Run parallel systems before full migration10.Provisions for maintenance, support and
updates
Summary ICTs alone are insufficient for significant benefits to emerge ICTs will not transform bad development into good
development, but they can make good development better. ICTs will not transform bad processes into good processes,
but will make good processes more efficient and effectiveEffective applications of ICTs comprise both of technological technological
infrastructureinfrastructure and an information infrastructureinformation infrastructureThe application of ICTs in the absence of a ICT strategy will
result in sub-optimal outcomes.While ICTs provide opportunities for development, desirable
outcomes always arise from the actions of peoplepeople
