Problem. The performance of African institutions has been negatively affected
by the difficulty of
communicating with other institutions. Despite several attempts to use low-cost
computer networks to
alleviate this problem, little is known about the factors that influence the
success of implementation.
Purpose. This study aimed to examine the process of implementing a FidoNet Bulletin
Board System
(BBS) in Kenya with a focus on: (a) factors that should be considered; (b) barriers
to implementation; (c)
changes in the concerns of BBS users; and (d) change in BBS users' perceptions
regarding the utility of
the BBS. The Concerns-Based Adoption Model developed by G. E. Hall and colleagues
and E. M.
Rogers' diffusion of innovations model constituted the conceptual framework.
Method. A case study
approach was adopted with the case consisting of four Small Business Centers
(SBC) and a network
services provider. Observations and interviews were conducted during site visits
over a four-month
period. Concurrently, modems and communication software were installed and SBC
staff trained in their
use. Two questionnaires were pre- and post-administered to participants to measure
changes in user
concerns and in their perception of the BBS' utility. Results and Conclusions.
The categories of factors
that need to be considered were: (a) effective promotion of networking; (b)
the nature and reliability of
telephone services; (c) computer systems maintenance; (d) security of equipment;
(e) human resource
concerns; (f) communication and coordination with project participants; (g)
finance and budgetary
priorities; (h) cooperation among networking service providers; and (i) government
procedures and
regulations. The categories of barriers identified were: (a) interpersonal and
inter-organizational conflicts;
(b) technical difficulties; (c) financial constraints; (d) regulatory problems;
(e) skill and motivational
problems; and (f) inadequate decision support systems. At the end of the study,
users still displayed the
profiles of new or non-users of the innovation (BBS) and their perception of
utility of the BBS showed no
change; consequently, it was concluded that substantial change in user concerns
and perception of
utility may take much more than four months. A number of recommendations are
made and several areas
of further study suggested.
Social
Systems Simulation Group
P.O. Box 6904 San Diego, CA 92166-0904 Roland Werner, Principal Phone/FAX (619) 660-1603 |