  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.
