Optimising management information systems for Local Economic Development practice in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

<jats:p> Local Economic Development is at the epicentre of South Africa’s growth, and government is emphasising its implementation in policies, strategies and developmental goals of the country. Therefore, different government institutions, private sector entities, civil society organisations and even communities have been tasked with the implementation of Local Economic Development in their local areas. However, in reviewing the implementation processes, there is evidence of a lack of information sharing amongst all respective stakeholders as well as information quality constraints relating to relevant, accurate and up-to-date information regarding Local Economic Development implementation. The research in this paper undertook an exploratory approach aimed at identifying and establishing how a management information system can be customised to be used by all relevant Local Economic Development stakeholders within the province of KwaZulu-Natal and a framework was produced. A qualitative design was utilised through conducting 16 in-depth interviews with Local Economic Development managers from three government departments and district municipalities and one metropolitan municipality in KwaZulu-Natal and two development agencies. The overall findings of the paper revealed that there is currently no integrated management information system in place for Local Economic Development stakeholders to create, store and share critical information required for effective and efficient economic development practice. Results imply that such information sharing could, in turn, enhance Local Economic Development implementation in various ways if designed according to the needs of the users. Recommendations include each stakeholder to address internal-oriented data-management techniques for information management strategy or culture. </jats:p>

Local Economic Development Status Mapping (LED) in Srigonco Village, Malang Regency

“…Since Indonesia began its independence, village development has been the focus of the government's attention [31]. However, village development strategies have often changed from time to time [32].…”

Examining stakeholder perceptions on local economic development and implementation: a case study of uMgungundlovu District Municipality.

“…Several scholars have proposed various strategies for advancing LED in a more effective and efficient manner. These strategies include promoting regional LED (van Niekerk & Bunding-Venter, 2017;Luthuli & Houghton, 2019); professionalising LED (Pooe, 2019); adopting an innovation-driven approach to LED (Rogerson, 2018); emphasising the importance of good governance (Munzhedzi & Makwembere, 2019); and optimising management information systems for LED practice (Majola, 2020). The effective stimulation of LED continues to rely heavily on stakeholder engagement, co-operation, and partnerships.…”

“…Cooper and Meyer (2019:181) recommend that the state should seek consensus and strengthen its partnerships to grow the economy. To successfully drive LED within local government, collaboration and partnerships between government, business and local communities is a necessity (Coetzee, 2014;Meyer, 2014;Meyer & Meyer, 2016;Kamara, 2017, Nel, 2017Cooper & Meyer, 2019;Majola, 2020;Mashiteng et al, 2021). While noting that LED requires multi-stakeholder participation for success, Coetzee (2014:26) argues that LED efforts and potential within the country and the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have not been realised due to failed spatial partnerships.…”