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

Global concern for improving governance in the forest sectorhas encouraged funding agencies and governments to spend millionsof dollars to harness the potential of computer-based informationsystems (IS) in improving the delivery of goods and servicesto stakeholders. Though design methodologies being used fordeveloping IS are technically sound and well established, stillthese systems are not being accepted by all the user groups.This has necessitated research on improvement of design methodologiesand related aspects. The present paper examines the successof an IS introduced in the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department in2002 in relation to 13 factors such as training, resource allocationand support of top management. The most important factors responsiblefor the success of an IS were found to be perceived usefulnessof the IS and resource allocation. A variable-based approachsuperimposed on existing design methodologies is expected toimprove the design, development, implementation and institutionalizationof IS in the forest sector.