Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are often perceived as adequate support tools for development activities. However, their successful employment as development enablers requires strategic implementation. Hence, effectively assessing ICT4D initiatives is imperative. This paper elaborates on a Rural ICT4D Project Process Assessment Framework (RICTP-PAF) that seeks to address an often overlooked but relevant evaluation aspect of ICT4D projects. It proposes that the implementation phase of such projects demand rigorous assessments, as implementation is the link between project ambitions and impacts. It is argued that knowledge of critical themes of process assessment in rural ICT4D projects may present an appropriate way of conducting such assessments. Hence, the paper describes a systematic approach employed to identify generic critical themes of process assessment in rural ICT4D projects, and how they may be appropriately assessed. This approach culminates in the development of the RICTP-PAF.
Purpose
This study aims to identify group structural elements that should be assessed in e-Government strategy formulation processes at local government level for service delivery in South Africa. These elements influence the success or effectiveness of the strategy formulation process.
Design/methodology/approach
The theoretical framework of group structural elements by Asplund and nine other strategy formulation-related approaches are reflected upon. Weick’s approach of theory development is used to guide the theoretical analysis. A pragmatic approach is applied to conduct the empirical investigation using a case study of a digital citizen engagement project in South Africa.
Findings
The paper highlights the following group elements that influence the strategy formulation process: group member relations, degree of differentiation within the group and resources of the group. Not addressing these structural elements may result in a lack of creativity or a reluctance to participate in the context of public sector engagement.
Research limitations/implications
The paper does not provide an exhaustive list of all aspects that necessitate assessment before and during a strategy formulation process, for example, organisational and environment structural elements.
Practical implications
Assessing group structural elements provides valuable knowledge on how to engage stakeholders in a joint problem-solving activity. This is particularly pertinent where citizen engagement is fundamental to addressing basic service delivery concerns.
Originality/value
In the South African local municipal context, there is no existing literature that discusses the need to assess group structural elements influencing the outcome of an e-Government strategy formulation process.
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