Title: Systems analysis of implementing an electronic city in Bojnord, Iran

Authors: Lia Shaddel; Omid Ali Kharazmi

Addresses: Faculty of Letters and Humanities, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Postal Code: 9177948974, Azadi Square, Mashhad, Iran ' Faculty of Letters and Humanities, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Postal Code: 9177948974, Azadi Square, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract: This article performs a systems analysis of implementing an electronic city in Bojnord, Iran. Based on a review of the literature, related indicators were extracted, classifying them into five sub-systems including individual, social, institutional, technological, and political. The interaction of these sub-systems formed a primary conceptual systems model. To identify the challenges using quantitative method, questionnaire was designed and inferential chi-square test was utilised. Furthermore, to explore the cause and effect relationships of these factors using qualitative method, interviews with urban managers were conducted to complement the relevant subsystems. This research used Vensim software for modelling. Results indicated that in the final systems model based on the conditions of Bojnord, there is a relationship between subsystems, forming an integrative system. Based on this system, most influential variables were identified and the current condition of electronic city in Bojnord was evaluated as not favourable.

Keywords: Bojnord City; challenges; electronic city; systems thinking; individual subsystem; social subsystem; institutional subsystem; technological subsystem; political subsystem; Vensim software; Iran.

DOI: 10.1504/EG.2019.100524

Electronic Government, an International Journal, 2019 Vol.15 No.3, pp.303 - 331

Received: 11 Feb 2018
Accepted: 28 Aug 2018
Published online: 29 Jun 2019 *

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