Job Mashapa1, Darelle van Greunen2, Alida Veldsman3 and ...

106 Strengthening the Role of ICT in Development
Research Significance and Future Work
The South African government and various stakeholders are investing in rural
development through the use of ICTs. While these developments are the hype, there
is noticeably, a greater failure rate of the projects [Heeks, 2002; Beeharry & Schneider,
1996; Benjamin, 2001; Robey and Boudreau 1999].
The proposed model will unmistakably benefi t ICT projects’ implementation in
the developing countries rural context. The model aims to guide on managing the
change in user experience which results in a positive user experience and an overall
acceptance and adoption of the ICTs. Another contribution of the research will be in
strategies and techniques used to determine the user experience of the rural ICT users.
These strategies may be used by future researchers in implementing and managing user
experience of the ICT users.
The initial model has not been tested. To refi ne the model we will evaluate the
impact and outcome of the change initiative. We need to examine how the people are
utilizing the available resources. Thus future work includes implementing reinforcement
of change, consolidation of lessons learnt and an impact and outcome assessment. The
model still has to be applied in multiple rural communities implementing ICTs to not
only refi ne the model but to show its applicability. Expert based opinions will be used
to validate the credibility of the model.
The challenges faced include that we had limited time to interact with the ICT
users in the community and get feedback on their experiences with ICT usage. Another
challenge is that we piloted the components of the model in a centre that was already
established, thus we could not monitor change during the ICT implementation. There
was a language barrier which was overcome by asking the participants to do translations
when required.
Conclusion
The purpose of this paper was to explore the components of a model for managing
user experience change as a result of using ICTs in a typical rural context. The initial
model components are based on an understanding that change management has to
be context specifi c, people centred and based on individual’s willingness to change.
The current context of change has to be scanned before the ICTs are implemented.
User requirements should be considered from the onset of the project and their user
experience managed throughout and after the implementation of the ICTs. Such an
approach promotes acceptance and usage of the ICTs. We applied the initial model in
a pilot study and the provisional fi ndings indicated the model to be applicable in the
rural context.
References
ATTWOOD, H., & BRAATHEN, E. 2010. Telecentres and poor communities in South Africa: What
have we learnt? The Chronic Poverty Research Centre (CPRC) Conference. Manchester, UK.