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A Systemic Exploration of the Risk Factors in Zimbabwean Information Technology Projects

Author

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  • Tendai Kanjanda

    (University of Cape Town)

  • Nien-Tsu Tuan

    (University of Cape Town)

Abstract

This paper explores the risk factors threatening Zimbabwean Information Technology (IT) projects and build a systemic model demonstrating how the identified risk factors are interconnected. Drawn on systemic thinking, a soft systems approach called Interactive Management (IM) was adopted to identify the risk factors. The Interactive Management session involved the relevant stakeholders to interactively produce the systemic model through four major phases: idea generation, idea clarification, idea structuring, and interpretation of the structured ideas. The output of the Interactive Management process is a digraph showing the causal relationships between the identified risks. Six risk drivers were identified through the Interactive Management process: limited computer literacy, poor communication, lack of executive support, complexity of design, bureaucracy, and employee turnover. The constructed model demonstrates how the identified risk factors are interconnected. It also shows that non-linear relationships exist between risk factors. The output from this exploration has the potential to be used as a starting point to mitigate the risks impacting on Zimbabwean IT projects. Different from the output of frequently used approaches, the risk drivers identified in the systemic model inform decision makers to exploit the effective strategies in preventing other risks from materializing.

Suggested Citation

  • Tendai Kanjanda & Nien-Tsu Tuan, 2020. "A Systemic Exploration of the Risk Factors in Zimbabwean Information Technology Projects," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 33(1), pages 77-93, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:syspar:v:33:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s11213-019-09515-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11213-019-09515-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Syed Arshad Raza & Atiq W. Siddiqui & Craig Standing, 2019. "Exploring Systemic Problems in IS Adoption Using Critical Systems Heuristics," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 32(2), pages 125-153, April.
    2. Masechaba Nthunya & Nien-Tsu Tuan & Corrinne Shaw & Ian Jay, 2017. "A Systemic Exploration of Lesotho’s Basic Education through Interactive Management," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 30(3), pages 257-276, June.
    3. Nien-Tsu Tuan & Corrinne Shaw, 2016. "Consideration of Ethics in Systemic Thinking," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 29(1), pages 51-60, February.
    4. Nien-Tsu Tuan, 2018. "A Systemic Inquiry into the AIDS Epidemic in the Western Cape of South Africa through Interactive Management," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 31(4), pages 421-435, August.
    5. Erik Brynjolfsson & Lorin M. Hitt, 2000. "Beyond Computation: Information Technology, Organizational Transformation and Business Performance," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 14(4), pages 23-48, Fall.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Cited by:

    1. Nien-Tsu Tuan, 2022. "The Other Side of Success Factors—A Systemic Methodology for Exploring Critical Success Factors," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 35(3), pages 441-452, June.

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