The role of information architecture in the automation of records in Botswana in an e-government setting

Abstract

Purpose Government entities often implement automated records management systems, often without a clear governing framework to facilitate such automation. This study aims to explore the role played by information architecture (IA) in records automation in Botswana and propose a guiding framework in the context of e-government. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study uses a focused literature review to study the importance of IA in records automation in e-government. Findings Without proper IA, information organization including retrieval/access to records becomes difficult. Practically, this would practically and negatively affect process automation in e-government solutions. Research limitations/implications The proposed framework can guide e-government record automation in Botswana. However, its limitation lies in the fact that it has not been tested, thereby limiting its practicality until tested empirically. Practical implications The proposed framework can be used to inform record automation management processes in the realm of Botswana’s e-government project. Originality/value The proposed framework contributes to the body of knowledge on the automation of records and e-government in Botswana specifically and Africa in general.

An assessment of senior management support for the records and information management function in Zimbabwe’s central government

“…As a result, there is normally little or no funds to procure necessary infrastructure that may enhance the success of records management programmes. Twelve years later, a similar situation was observed at Sunyani Technical University in Ghana where Mohammed et al (2018) noted that lack of resources such as material and financial was a big stumbling block towards proper and professional management of records.…”

“…Another study revealed that 13% of informants in the Midlands Province blamed senior management for the failure to successfully implement a digital records management programme (Mutsagondo, 2017). A similar situation subsisted in Botswana and South Africa where Mosweu and Bwalya (2022) as well as Ngoepe (2017) noted that post-custodial management of electronic records was almost difficult to implement in the two countries because of poor ICT infrastructure. Outside Africa, Aziz et al.…”

“…Another study revealed that 13% of informants in the Midlands Province blamed senior management for the failure to successfully implement a digital records management programme (Mutsagondo, 2017). A similar situation subsisted in Botswana and South Africa where Mosweu and Bwalya (2022) as well as Ngoepe ( 2017) noted that post-custodial management of electronic records was almost difficult to implement in the two countries because of poor ICT infrastructure. Outside Africa, Aziz et al (2019) in Malaysia as well as Butt et al (2021) in Pakistan also noted that delayed adoption of the electronic documents and records management system was partly because of poor investment in ICTs, a challenge that was traceable more to lack of human commitment than lack of financial resources.…”

Records management for open government at Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Botswana

“…Good records management cannot be overemphasised to aid in decision-making in the conduct of business. According to Mosweu and Bwalya (2022), archives and records management specialists need knowledge and skills to perform in a networked environment wherein records management functions are computerised. Literature, with specific mention of Botswana, demonstrates that electronic records management is still in its early stages and the skills and competences necessary for its management remain a problem.…”