The scalability of ICTD projects is an imperative topic that has been neglected in the field. Little has been written or investigated about the assessment of the scalability of ICTD projects due to factors, such as the lack of proven business models for success, the high failure rate of projects, undefined aspects of assessment, and the small number of projects that have scaled. Therefore, there are various factors that should be taken into consideration to alleviate the challenges experienced in the process of scaling up. This research study is guided by an investigation into how can the scalability of an ICTD project be assessed using a comprehensive evaluation approach that considers the impact and potential sustainability of the project. This research study proposes a Comprehensive Scalability Assessment Framework (CSAF), using systems theory and amplification theory to guide the theoretical analysis and empirical investigation. A theorizing approach is used to develop the framework, which is structured around three components: assessment guidelines and proceeding domains of evaluation; four scalability themes (stakeholder composition, models feasibility, resources sustainability and resilience) and judge scalability.
翻译:由于缺乏成功的经证明的商业模式、项目失败率高、评估的不确定方面以及规模缩小的项目数量少等因素,对信通技术促进发展项目的可扩展性的评估很少进行书面记录或调查,因此,为了减轻在扩大规模过程中遇到的挑战,应考虑各种因素;这项研究以一项调查为指导,调查如何利用综合评价办法评估信通技术促进发展项目的可扩展性,该评价办法考虑到项目的影响和潜在可持续性;这项研究提出一个综合的可扩展性评估框架,利用系统理论和放大理论来指导理论分析和经验调查;采用一种理论化方法来制定框架,该框架围绕三个组成部分:评估指导方针和评价领域;四个可扩展性主题(利益攸关方组成、模型可行性、资源可持续性和复原力)和判断可扩展性。