Abstract:
This research project attempted to identify gaps in IS/IT investment assessment
models/methods/frameworks used in coffee marketing co-operative organizations in Tanzania. The
purpose was to improve on existing IS/IT assessment models/methods or propose new
models/methods so as to come up with appropriately assessed/appraised IS/IT investments in the
organizations.
The study used questionnaires, interview schedules and observations to collect data from a random
sample of coffee marketing co-operative organizations in Tanzania. The collected data was analysed
with the help of a statistical computer package for social scientists (SPSS version 10).
The major findings from the study are that, in addition to not having documented plans for information
systems, no co-operative organization had pre-prepared and documented IS/IT investment assessment
models/frameworks. Also, a significant proportion of co-operators did not perceive the existing
information systems as effectively supporting their organizations in business communication in the
present liberalized trade environment.
From the research findings it is concluded that lack of planning for IS/IT investments and hence not
having appropriate IS/IT investments for business use was due to lack of entrepreneurship orientation
among co-operators. This situation culminated into co-operative organizations not being able to
compete in the introduced liberalized trade environment. This problem is educational and its solution
lies in, first, running tailor-made programmes (TMPs) as recommended in chapter five item 5.2. I page
107. This will give an entrepreneurship orientation to co-operators and introduce them to strategic
planning for business information systems. Second, co-operators be introduced to a general framework
for assessing IS/IT investment proposals in their organizations. This general framework has been
proposed in chapter five item 5.2.2 page 108 and illustrated in appendix G page 165. The aim of the
above recommendations is to have adequately assessed/appraised IS/IT investments which can
effectively support the co-operative organizations in coffee marketing and to let co-operators
appreciate the importance of having appropriate information systems in their business organizations.
Since the identified problem is educational, further researches on information systems in co-operative
organizations are recommended and these should use an action research approach so as to be able to
make continuous improvements on the acquisition and use of ISS with time.