A variable-based approach to the design, development, implementation and institutionalization of information systems in the forest sector

Abstract

Global concern for improving governance in the forest sector has encouraged funding agencies and governments to spend millions of dollars to harness the potential of computer-based information systems (IS) in improving the delivery of goods and services to stakeholders. Though design methodologies being used for developing IS are technically sound and well established, still these systems are not being accepted by all the user groups. This has necessitated research on improvement of design methodologies and related aspects. The present paper examines the success of an IS introduced in the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department in 2002 in relation to 13 factors such as training, resource allocation and support of top management. The most important factors responsible for the success of an IS were found to be perceived usefulness of the IS and resource allocation. A variable-based approach superimposed on existing design methodologies is expected to improve the design, development, implementation and institutionalization of IS in the forest sector. © Institute of Chartered Foresters, 2006. All rights reserved.