The Challenges of Managing Development Programs in Public Sector: the Case of e-government Program in Ethiopia
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Date
2014-11
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been expected as a powerful tool for
development. However, there is a high rate of e-government project failures. The purpose of this
study was to assess the challenges of managing development programs in public sector: the case
of e-government program in Ethiopia. Descriptive survey method was used to attain the objective
of the study. The study was conducted by using 4 public institutions engaged in e-government
program and or program project implementation and beneficiaries. Respondents were from
management of the program/program project, experts, support staffs teachers, students and from
business community. Respondents were selected through purposive sampling. Questionnaires,
interviews, document review and observation techniques were employed. The statistical tools
used to analyze data were percentage, tables, graphs and charts. SPSS is employed to analyze
the data. The results have revealed that e-government program has faced and still facing various
challenges like lack of public awareness, limited participation of beneficiaries in design and
implementation, limited electronic service development culture in Ethiopia, lack of
organizational capability, weak program governance and poor strategic e-readiness many of
which arise from lack of strategic e-readiness given appreciation to the efforts done so far. As
far as the contributions of e-government in the area are concerned, it is insignificant. The
government of FDRE has enacted e-government strategy in 2010, which is a tool for e-
government program in Ethiopia. Its immediate impact will be discouraging against efforts
exerted and even the cumulative positive effect of its outcome is time taking. In the long term its
effect will be highly encouraging as the experience from literature, empirical review and
discussion part shows. Office for e-government councils should be opened. Government in a
short period shall designate e-government high level council members to overcome the
challenges. Finally it will support to assure the expected outcome of the program
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Keywords
E-government Program in ethiopia