DHIS-2 - A Globally Distributed Development Process : Performing Action Research In Vietnam

Abstract

This thesis is based on my participation in a globally distributed development process of an Open Source Health Information System (DHIS-2). The DHIS-2 project is a collaboration between the countries of Norway, Vietnam, India and South Africa, all members of the larger Health Information Systems Program (HISP) network. The DHIS-2 project aims to develop a sustainable system that can be locally adapted the individual HISP countries as well as scale throughout the larger HISP network.

My task in this bigger setting was to participate on the development of one of the system's modules, a report designer. I would work together with Vietnamese students on this task, both remotely from Norway and through performing action research during a case study in Vietnam.

Based on my research findings I look into the extensive use of OSS in the DHIS-2 project, both as tools used to aid in the development process, and as software integrated into the DHIS-2 system. Further more, I discuss the current DHIS-2 approach against HISP's strategies and philosophies in relation to IS development and implementation. Finally, I investigate in what areas the DHIS-2 project affect developing countries in general, and Vietnam in particular.