Building eGovernment Websites

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Resources

Where Are Some eGovernment Website Case Studies With Lessons?

The use of the web for e-government is a relatively recent development in the history of governmental activities, especially in developing countries, but it has already been around long enough to inspire a number of case studies , analysing the way in which governmental web projects have been planned and implemented, their rate of success or failure and, more importantly, illustrating the lessons learned from each case, for use by current and future e-government practitioners.

There follow links to some of these case studies which you may find useful to consult when approaching your web project, or in order to gather extra elements of information for its evaluation.

Comprasnet (Brazil)

Describing and evaluating the implementation of an e-procurement website by the Brazilian government (Comprasnet). The project is deemed to have been largely successful, although technological factors and legislative delays proved to be a significant constraint. The recommendations of this study focus on the need to get the technology right, provide adequate training, and adopt a phased approach.

Compranet (Mexico)

Like the previous one, this case study evaluates the implementation of an e-procurement web application, this time by the Mexican government. In this case, also judged to have been largely successful, a phased approach and the constant involvement of various stakeholders appear to have been critical success factors. Shortages of personnel, training issues and legislative delays proved to be constraints, and the recommendations focus on the need to plan adequate training and obtaining political support.

Cape Gateway Portal (South Africa)

This case tracks the development of a web portal for the provincial government of Western Cape. Although a full version of the portal had yet to be launched, conclusions were drawn about the need for top-level support for web projects; the need for broad user consultation; and the need for a "hybrid" web development team. A requirement for an internal awareness and change programme was also recognised.

Colombian Government Web Portal

The Mexican e-procurement project described above appears to have acted as a model and inspiration in the planning and realisation of the Colombian government portal analysed in this study. The study highlights the nature of the political and legislative process by which the government requested all agencies to build a website (Directiva02), and concludes that the strong political support given by the President and his office was crucial to the realisation of such a significant project.

Other Case Studies

More case studies of e-government websites can be found at:

Page Author: Andrea Bardelli Danieli. Last updated on 19 October, 2008.
Please contact richard.heeks@manchester.ac.uk with comments and suggestions.