Implementation of Large Computer-Communication Projects in a Developing Country - A Case Study

The implementation of geographically dispersed computer-communication projects involving large financial outlays is a complex task, more so in a developing country context. This paper is focused around a case study which highlights some of the issues in the context of Indian Railways decision to implement a large computer-communication network for the management of it’s freight operations. The case study is followed by a case analysis which first analyses the causes of project delay; then issues specific to this being a computer communication project, as well as issues which are of general nature and which we believe will be applicable to high technology projects involving large investments in a developing country context are discussed.