A New Model for eGovernment in Local Level Administrations in Libya

Abstract

The assessment of eGovernment capability has often focused on assessing website functions and their use, whereas relatively little attention has been given to other aspects of local authority operations, particularly back-office processes. The study provides a literature review, from which a model for the assessment of eGovernment at individual process level is derived. The study provides a maturity stage model for analysing eGovernment based on technology deployment, organisational capability and process efficiency dimensions. For each of these three dimensions, a number of key change factors are identified and assessed to allow a positioning of the organisation in the stage model; and this is applied at individual process level within the organisation, as well as for the organisation as a whole. This research reports on the use of the model in two case studies - Sabratha local authority and Rujban local authority in Libya. The study illustrates the potential of the model in assessing eGovernment readiness and identifying opportunities for investment and change. It highlights the need for process improvement to accompany technology deployment, and the key role of organisational factors in bringing about the necessary change for the move to e-Government. The potential of the three-dimensional maturity model for developing appropriate strategies and plans for a transition to eGovernment is evidenced in the case studies. At Sabratha and Rujban local authorities, processes are generally not well developed, although in terms of technology deployment and organisational capability, there are some processes which have a reasonable basis from which to move forward. It is clear, however, that process maturity is generally weak in the local authorities studied, and this area needs appropriate focus and investment to allow the authorities to transition to an eGovernment in a planned and effective manner.