Computerizing agricultural cooperatives:
A practical guide
|
Computerizing agricultural cooperatives: A practical guide |
|
|
|
The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. |
All rights reserved. Reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product for educational or other non-commercial purposes are authorized without any prior written permission from the copyright holders provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of material in this information product for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission of the copyright holders. Applications for such permission should be addressed to the Chief, Publishing Management Service, Information Division, FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy or by e-mail to [email protected]
© FAO 2004
2. Computerization and agricultural cooperatives
Definition of a computer system
What are the benefits of computerization?
What are the costs?
Managing the risks
3. Computerization projects in cooperatives
What do stakeholders want?
Prioritizing their information needs
Keeping stakeholders involved
Project proposal design
Key factors affecting project outcome
Preparing the project proposal
4. Preparing the project implementation plan
Defining project objectives and the business goal
Getting started
Identifying the main requirements of the system
Developing a training plan for staff and members
Preparing the project work plan and budget
Establishing a participatory monitoring and evaluation system
Software development issues
Progress reporting
Bench-testing
Training
Other issues to consider during the execution stage
6. Project monitoring and evaluation
7. Project evolution: and the future?
8. A test case: Cooperative XYZ
9. Conclusions and suggestions
Annex 1. Glossary
Annex 2. Checklist for each stage of the computerization process
Annex 3. Example of a project plan prepared by cooperative XYZ
Annex 4-1. Implementation plan
Annex 4-2. Simplified pert chart for installation of network
Annex 4-3. Expenditure plan
Annex 4-4. Draft implementation plan as a bar chart
Annex 5. References