Information systems for control of developmental activities: a conceptual framework

Abstract

The paper reviews the district environment and emphasizes the importance of information and control systems for better planning and implementation of developmental programmes. A conceptual framework for the design of information systems for the control of developmental activities at the district level of government is proposed. The framework developed recognizes the special attributes of developmental activities which demand a departure from the traditional planning and control frameworks employed in commercial situations. A three-dimensional matrix for identifying and organizing the universe of information required for control of developmental activities is proposed. This matrix recognizes the importance of developmental objectives and requires an identification of programmes intended to serve each objective or set of objectives. It further specifies the parameters in relation to each programme which are required for decision making and takes into account the implications of the functions and hierarchical levels of officials in terms of their information needs.