Introduction
Part I: Case Studies
1.1 Introduction to Case Studies
1.2 Women’sNet
1.3 Kubatana
1.4 Satellife
1.5 Global Teenager Project
1.6 Malico VSAT Connectivity Project
1.7 HP i-Community
1.8 Arid Lands Information Network
1.9 CPSI - Dokoza Project
1.10 SchoolNet Namibia
1.11 Ekowisa
Part II: Toolkits
2.1 Introduction to Toolkits
2.2 Gender Evaluation Methodology
2.3 The Martus Human Rights Bulletin System
2.4 NGO-in-a-Box
2.5 Strategic Technology Planning
2.6 Building community wireless connectivity in developing countries
Glossary
Acknowledgements
Credits
Making strategic decisions about technology for NGOs (Page 1)
A Strategic Technology Planning toolkit by Ungana-Afrika
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7Introduction
Technology planning is the process of strategically deciding what technology should be implemented to best complement an organisation’s mission, strategy and activities. It involves a frank assessment of the current environment and an analysis of how technology tools can improve organisational effectiveness. It is also useful in identifying innovative programme delivery opportunities made available through technology. Many organisations employ technology in a reactive fashion, responding to current, short-term pressures – by contrast, strategic technology planning encourages a more long-term focus, making a realistic assessment of both the value and the cost of implementing technology.
Although technology planning is a process, it also results in a document – the Strategic Technology Plan, which serves as a snapshot of current technology adoption and a roadmap for integrating technology effectively.
Ungana-Afrika has worked with a number of Southern African non-governmental organisations (NGOs), striving to build their technology capacity. We found that implementing technology projects often resulted in some improvements, but missed the organisation’s real needs. They may not fully understand their technology needs, or may prioritise new technology tools but then now have the skills to use them. These differences between real and perceived priority areas highlighted the need to encourage a more strategic approach to technology implementation.
Ungana-Afrika makes strategic technology planning the first step in our relationship with any organisation. This gives us a true understanding of their needs, and encourages the organisation to view technology in a more holistic sense. It also expands their knowledge of possible technology options.
The process has evolved through experience. New components have been added along the way and others have been streamlined. This version of the toolkit is based on these reflections and incorporates some processes that have not been employed yet but are clearly necessary.