Software acquisition guidelines: The case of Kenyan private organizations and government institutions

Abstract

Software acquisition IS an everyday reality for individuals and corporate organizations. Unlike most capital investments, software quickly becomes a liability, regardless of the initial presentation of facility. The challenges and risks such as lack of standards, lack of expertise for analysis, among others makes software acquisition a peculiarly interesting exercise. The thesis is based on the grounds that software acquisition need not be a hidden cost, neither should it be a random exercise each time. The immediate focus is the need to bring out the realities of how software is being acquired presently and subsequently to stimulate the need to further ground some guides to make the exercise both painless and structured. The thesis shows that software can be acquired in a predictable manner and avoid some of the costs that organizations incur in this aspect. The thesis also demonstrates that current practices of acquisition need not be wasteful. In stimulating and contributing to future and existing policy on K'T, the thesis shows that the most appropriate software can be selected with minimal delays in the acquisition process using a group effort and understanding to provide the best overall and long term solution.