Building a framework for understanding and improving information technology transfer process in the Arab countries

Building a framework for understanding and improving information technology transfer process in the Arab countries

[Abstract]: Transfer of information technology (IT) is becoming an increasingly important challenge for developing countries. IT transfer is risky and time-consuming due to the complex processes that it involves. Existing literature shows that few efforts have been made to understand and improve IT transfer and its process in the Arab countries. This paper reports on research in progress that aims to address that gap through empirical research in the Arab countries. The research found that six interacting stages provided a model within which IT transfer process can be understood: assessment and selection; acquisition; adaptation; absorption and assimilation; diffusion; and development. Based on this model, the IT transfer process can be understood by applying the Delphi method to identify the issues that comprise each stage of the process. Thus, a two-round Delphi-type survey was designed and conducted in this study to identify major issues for the successful IT transfer process in developing countries from the perceptions of stakeholder groups in the Arab countries. Attempts to map issues to a descriptive model allow discrimination between substantive issues. Structured coding, model approach (IT transfer process model) and synthesis procedures resulted in a master set of 10 major issue categories, and 71 sub-issues. This paper serves to focus discussion and promote constructive interaction for the purpose of understanding and improving the nuances of the IT transfer process in developing countries in general and in the Arab countries in particular.

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