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Problems are experienced when introducing computerised systems by libraries in countries remote from the major centres of development and expertise in the field of library computerisation. Main problems identified are those of lack of expertise of librarians and of hardware and software suppliers, a limited market for such systems in these ‘remote’ countries and hence a limited range of appropriate hardware and particularly software available or marketed, a reliance on the products and support of major computer suppliers, and access to relatively limited resources leaving little scope for the adaptation of existing library software to suit local needs or for the development of new systems. Solutions to these problems lie in cooperation and coordination of library computerisation so that maximum benefit can be derived from available resources and expertise, a conscious effort being made to become as self‐reliant as available resources will allow, the use of library systems developed abroad with as little adaptation as possible being made to them, the careful evaluation of those systems available as well as of their suppliers, and possibly in future a greater use of dedicated mini‐ and microcomputer‐based systems as such systems become more readily available. The problems and solutions discussed are illustrated by referring to the experience of library computerisation in the Republic of South Africa.

The computerisation of a government department is a very challenging process as it involves multiple stakeholders and power centers. Stakeholder identification as well as designing a system specific to the needs of a particular department can be a complex process. The computerisation of a police department in ASWI was initiated in the mid 90s but had not been a success. The case illustrates the challenges of the computerisation process in a bureaucratic environment. With multiple touch points and interdependent processes, designing and successfully implementing a technology solution for such an environment could be a major challenge. The case provides an opportunity to understand the reasons for IT project failures. The managerial strategies that can make an IT project successful and the situations in which these strategies can also be discussed.

The benefits realised through increased computerisation of business logistics activities have been widely acclaimed and accepted. Evidence is presented to show through an extensive mail survey of logistics executives throughout the US that only modest progress has been made over the last decade in automating most logistics data. The sole company characteristic that correlated with greater computerisation was company size; all other company characteristics had limited effect.

The paper has three purposes: the first is to provide a deeper understanding of the ideology and work practices of free and open source software development, the second to characterize the free software movement as a new type of computerization movement and the third to present a conceptual diagram and framework with an analysis showing how the free software computerization movement has evolved into an occupational community.

Qualitative data were collected over a four year period using a virtual ethnography in a study of free and open source software development and, in particular, a study of a free software community, GNUenterprise, located at www.gnuenterprise.org, which has the goal of developing a free enterprise resource planning software system.

It is concluded that the ideology of the free software movement continues to be one of the factors which mobilize people to contribute to free and open source software development. This movement represents a new type of computerization movement which promotes the investment of time in learning a new software development process instead of investment of money in the acquisition and use of new technology.

The research findings are limited by a detailed study of only one free software development project.

This paper is of significance to software developers and managers of firms who wish to incorporate free and open source software into their companies.

This research presents an original conceptual diagram and framework for how computerization movements have emerged into an occupational community.

Examines the computing environment in Saudi Arabia. Studies trichotomy of Saudi organizations. After profiling these organizations, investigating reasons behind their computerization and determining their future computerization plans, the study offers pointers for action to facilitate the computerization process among organizations in this Arabian Gulf country.

The benefits realised through increased computerisation of business logistics activities have been widely acclaimed and accepted. Evidence is presented to show through an extensive mail survey of logistics executives throughout the US that only modest progress has been made over the last decade in automating most logistics data. The sole company characteristic that correlated with greater computerisation was company size; all other company characteristics had limited effect.

Although chiefly anecdotal, reports that performance is enhanced through technology has encouraged many marketers to adopt computer systems. To examine this issue, 183 industrial marketing executives familiar with computers were surveyed. The results suggest that, properly managed, computer usage enriches individual marketer productivity and, in turn, organizational performance. Because managers can direct this productivity through organizational activities and investments, these findings suggest a number of key implications for marketers and researchers interested in utilizing and/or expanding applications of computer technology.

The main objective of this study was to analyse the economics of introducing IT in the maintenance department. The economics in this case was determined by conducting a quantitative analysis on the reduction of operational costs, on increase in productivity and on quality improvement. A comparison was made to analyse company performance in the maintenance before and after the introduction of IT in the maintenance department. The analysis shows that there were reductions of operational and inventory holding costs. Likewise, it was shown that there was also improvement in product quality and productivity.

This paper charts the technological developments that have taken place within primary health care during the last 20 years, drawing upon previous research and presenting new survey findings on the current state of computerisation. The survey reveals that 96 per cent of UK practices use a clinical computer system, with repeat and acute prescribing, the collation of annual data and audits/searches being the most well used applications. The move towards the so‐called “paperless” practice is strongly related to GPs’ computing expertise, with larger practices more likely to have gone in this direction. Over half of GP practices now have access to the Internet. Improvement of computing skills appears a major determinant of successful integration of technology within a practice. There is a need to develop a social architecture and learning environment that allows GPs to provide good quality health care with clinical computer systems at its heart.

Reports on a survey conducted among manufacturing and service establishments in Saudi Arabia. Discusses the computerization motives of these establishments and the steps they have taken in computerization as well as their current satisfaction with computerization. Also highlights future computerization plans of manufacturing and service organizations.