The African Journal of Information Systems

This issue presents two papers: one research paper and one opinion article – which  further our understanding on the interrelationships between non-information systems  (IS) resources and IS resources. In the research paper, Duncombe and Molla provide  an exploratory model that assesses the factors that influence IS formalization of  small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in sub-Saharan Africa. The authors use a  multi-method approach to collate and analyze data from Botswana and provide  tentative conclusions concerning a broad range of possible influencing factors. Key  findings from the study demonstrate that, though successful enterprise development  requires optimum use of both formal and informal IS, there is a strong reliance on  informal information practices amongst SMEs. The authors argue that information  needs and resource needs are inextricably intertwined. The use of information and  communication technology (ICT) and key external market linkages – a duality of  factors that constitute two key drivers for formalization – go a long way to  solving both information-based and resource-based market failures which  characterize the developing contexts of SSA countries. Hence, non-IS resources –  external market networks – mediate the use of ICTs in creating and sustaining  value.

In the opinion article, Watson and McCubbrey discuss the Global Text Project and  its objectives to create global free textbooks for students in the developing  countries. The authors examine how current technology and social-based resources –  the Internet and technology-enabled collaboration – can support the global efforts  to address the educational resource constraints in resource-poor environments in  the world. On one end, the Internet is a low cost channel for distributing  information products in digital form; and on the other end, global digital  communities have created the platform for collaborative creation of content. These  two key technological and social developments, in their perspective, offer an  opportunity to create a new model for textbook publishing.