Exploring the success, failure and factors influencing M-government implementation in developing countries

Abstract

The proliferation of mobile technologies and mobile phones has presented an opportunity for Government in the developing countries to utilize Mobile Information and Communication Technologies (M-ICT) to help facilitate daily administration and to provide better services to citizens, businesses, and government agencies through using mobile technology. This research reviews the success, failures and factors influencing m-Government development and implementation in developing countries. The characteristic challenges that developing countries face, which make m-Government implementation in developing countries fail to succeed are identified and integrated. The paper also presents results of literature review of case studies from both developed and developing countries and preliminary studies grounded in the South Africa m-Government reality. The key factors are identified, integrated and characterised under common broad categories. These results were given in a rich picture of m-Government implementation experience that helps to identify possible solutions. A descriptive framework for categorising key factors in m-Government implementation in developing countries illustrated with suggestions from the literature is proposed. The input variables are characterised into factors for success (drivers and enablers), and factors for failure (barriers and inhibitors). The output variables are categorized into organisational and technological benefits. Finally, an action plan for success is proposed. This action contains suggestions for increasing the impact of factors for success while reducing the impact of factors for failure.