Key Issues in Information Systems Engineering and Management in Ethiopia: A Preliminary Finding

Research and innovation in developing countries could benefit if proper direction provided. For proper direction, conducting periodically systematic key issues identification research provides insight about research priority areas. This research identified key issues in information systems and engineering for the first time in Ethiopia using rating-type Delphi approach. The initial phase analysis show Improving Information Systems Strategic Planning, Aligning IS within organizations/enterprises, system development and administration personnel, understanding IS role and contribution, and building responsive IT infrastructure have become top key issues. Experiences in other parts of the world show that these key issues could be experienced during transition from IT use for basic tasks to high-level tasks. This finding enlightens status of emerging nations in terms of computing challenges that require further inquiry. Further inquiry should continue to complete the analysis as per the-state-of-art key issues analysis techniques. The paper discusses implications of the preliminary findings.