Influence Of Information And Communication Technology Usage On Resource Optimization In Local Government Authorities In Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Resource management and control have become critical issues in developing countries toward achieving development status. Developing countries struggle to optimize the available resources to achieve desired results within a set timeframe and budget efficiently and effectively. The need to optimize resources is particularly evident when the citizens' demands tend to exceed available resources such that citizen’s wellbeing is compromised. When a state is governed using a systemic approach, resource optimization is strictly linked to its constraint and strategic objectives. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage in government business has proved to absolve many weaknesses facing governments in utilizing resources efficiently and effectively in achieving their strategic goals and enhance the economic development and welfare of their people. The eagerness for recognizing the potential of ICTs is often inhibited by the barriers to successful implementation and outcome. This study is an effort to assess whether ICT adoption can significantly contribute to resource optimization in Local Governments. It is essential to carry out the study in the Tanzania environment to understand the possible barriers in using ICT in resource optimization in the public sector and address the way forward to encounter the barriers and streamline the usage. In conducting this study, data were collected from the ministry PO-RALG, Regional Secretariats, and Local Government Authorities, where as respondents participated through filling questionnaires and interviews. A total of 144 members from PO RALG office participated by filling prepared questionairs. The sought information based on the extent ICT usage in government and the resulting improvements in the end result and output of their work by reducing costs and time to carry various tasks.The findings show ICT usage in local government has significant influence in managing resources in LGAs. Planning allocation and control of resources are revealed to be more effective when supported by ICT and they bring impact in cost saving and reduce task completion time. The study proposees for future research in other areas of the government such as government corporations to observe the effectiveness in utilization of ICT in public sector and to emphasis in taking advantage of ICT benefits in safeguarding public resources