A descriptive predictive model for the employment of computer-based management information systems for the government of a developing country: case, Iran

摘要

This study was undertaken to identify the most decisive variables in the successful employment of a Computer-Based Management Information System (CBMIS) in a developing country such as Iran. A descriptive model was designed. Using a series of predictive models, several dimensions of successful CBMIS employment were investigated. Data were collected via a questionnaire sent to 79 Iranian governmental computer installations. Questions posed by the study are: (1) Under what conditions should a developing country continue to operate manually? (2) If computerization is feasible, what should the acquisition criteria be? (3) What are the most important variables for optimum utilization of existing computers? (4) What are the most important variables for the timely and efficient implementation of a CBMIS? (5) Should a developing country employ standardization in data collection? In data transmission? In hardware selection? In software selection? (6) How should a developing country choose the manufacturer of computer technology? (7) How can experience-sharing among installations by improved? (8) How can the reliability of the provided information be improved? The usefulness? Responsiveness of the CBMIS? Utilization of the provided information? Adaptability of the existing CBMIS to the growing technology? To answer these questions, a series of multiple regression models were run, using four different methods: forced entry, backward elimination, forward entry, and stepwise selection. Analyses showed that of the 54 variables originally hypothesized to be significant, 24 were, in fact, significant at the 5% level. It also demonstrated seven circumstances under which a change to automation in a developing country would not be advisable.