dc.description.abstract | This study had two objectives: to determine the factors considered when selecting
Accounting information systems and to establish the accounting information systems in
use, that is, a survey on the products, the acquisition procedures, sources, costs, their
utilization, benefits, problems experienced, hardware and software sources employed. The
rationale for this study was that many organizations experience problems with accounting
systems already acquired due to poor selection procedures and lack of relevant factors to
consider in the selection process. The second objective of the survey is to assist software
developers, marketers or agents, who need to know how the software products fair with
Kenyan organizations and therefore identify the relevant needs of users and software
demand with the interest to develop or supply relevant solutions and advice to meet the
specific needs of the accountants. It also contributes knowledge to accountants and those
responsible in software acquisitions for companies since useful tips on quality acquisitions
can be derived.
To facilitate this study, a census survey of all the quoted companies in Nairobi stock
exchange was chosen. Data was collected using a questionnaire personally administered by
the researcher.
Results show the following factors considered important in the selection process: software
versatility, software flexibility, software compatibility, software mulch-capability, vendor
expertise, software integrateability, need to know basis information provision, user
organizational support and software system quality and control. Survey results show poor
acquisition procedures not based on policy framework and influence by top management.
Software products are obtained mainly from developed world hence bought at high prices,
expensive maintenance, under utilization of some modules, quality compromise and poor
or no training after implementation. Some companies also experience hardware and
software problems, platform problems, rigid internal procedures and others though most
respondents regard the problems minor than the benefit's achieved. | en |