Exploring Spreadsheet Use and Practices in a Technologically Constrained Setting

TL;DR

This study examines how spreadsheets are used in a water utility organization in Malawi, highlighting their benefits for automation and the risks due to lack of governance, with recommendations for improved policies.

Contribution

It provides insights into spreadsheet practices in a resource-constrained setting and suggests strategies for risk management and policy development.

Findings

Spreadsheets enable business automation in the organization.

High risks are associated with unmanaged spreadsheet use.

There is significant potential for policy improvements.

Abstract

This paper explores the impacts of spreadsheets on business operations in a water utility parastatal in Malawi, Sub-Saharan Africa. The organisation is a typical example of a semi-government body operating in a technologically underdeveloped country. The study focused on spreadsheet scope of use and life cycle as well as organisational policy and governance. The results will help define future spreadsheet usage by influencing new approaches for managing potential risks associated with spreadsheets in the organization. Generally, findings indicate that the proliferation of spreadsheets in the organization has provided an enabling environment for business automation. The paper also highlights management, technological and human factor issues contributing to high risks associated with the pervasive spreadsheet use. The conclusions drawn from the research confirms that there is ample room for improvement in many areas such as implementation of comprehensive policies and regulations governing spreadsheet development processes and adoption.