Assessment of education management information system in Kenya: a case study of Limuru sub-county, Kiambu county

Case Study Of Educational Management Information System (Emis) Dynamics And Decision Making In Pakistan

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the existing situation of EMIS in Pakistan to identify issues and problems to prepare a set of recommendations to policy makers for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of EMIS.The main objectives of this study were to assess the existing institutional infrastructure of EMISs in Pakistan, and to examine data management processes.The study also tried to assess EMIS data utilization by decision makers at various administrative levels in decision making to identify data gaps. The qualitative research method using case study approach was adopted.Multiple data collection sources such as review of related documents, interviews, and focus group discussions were used. Data was collected from 267 respondents across three levels of government i.e. federal, provincial and districts. Both structured and open-ended questions were used to get information from the respondents. The study found that most of EMISs in Pakistan were established in 1990 as a result of successful experience of a pilot EMIS project in the Province of NWFP. These EMISs were established as development projects and mostly sponsored by donors. Presently most of EMISs are funded by government. EMIS management structure varied significantly across the provinces.Annual data collection was only confined to public schools and carried out by provincial EMISs through district education management.The annual data collection was facilitated and coordinated by the district EMISs however, all major decisions relating to data management were taken by provincial EMISs.There was variation in the availability of resources in terms of human, financial and IT infrastructure among provinces and districts.Adequate professional staff and computer equipment were available in majority of the provinces however, most of the districts were deficient in these resources.Punjab and Sindh EMISs were well resourced This study aimed to investigate the existing situation of EMIS in Pakistan to identify issues and problems to prepare a set of recommendations to policy makers for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of EMIS. The main objectives of this study were to assess the existing institutional infrastructure of EMISs in Pakistan, and to examine data management processes. The study also tried to assess EMIS data utilization by decision makers at various administrative levels in decision making to identify data gaps.The qualitative research method using case study approach was adopted. Multiple data collection sources such as review of related documents, interviews, and focus group discussions were used.Data was collected from 267 respondents across three levels of government i.e. federal, provincial and districts. Both structured and open-ended questions were used to get information from the respondents. The study found that most of EMISs in Pakistan were established in 1990 as a result of successful experience of a pilot EMIS project in the Province of NWFP.These EMISs were established as development projects and mostly sponsored by donors. Presently most of EMISs are funded by government. EMIS management structure varied significantly across the provinces. Annual data collection was only confined to public schools and carried out by provincial EMISs through district education management.The annual data collection was facilitated and coordinated by the district EMISs however, all major decisions relating to data management were taken by provincial EMISs. There was variation in the availability of resources in terms of human, financial and IT infrastructure among provinces and districts.Adequate professional staff and computer equipment were available in majority of the provinces however, most of the districts were deficient in these resources.Punjab and Sindh EMISs were well resourced

Secondary school principals’ level of preparedness and adoption of national education management information system in keiyo north sub-county, kenya

Abstract: Purpose: The study investigated the level of preparedness of secondary school Principals to adopt the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) in Keiyo North Sub-County, Elgeiyo-Marakwet County in Kenya. Methodology: It was an explanatory research based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the public choice theory. A target population of 30 secondary schools Principals and 30 HODs in charge of ICT in Keiyo North Sub-County schools consisting of Boarding and Day secondary schools was used. This formed a population of 60. The schools were classified as National, Extra-County, County and Sub-County secondary schools. This ensured that all the sub-groups were proportionately represented. Quantitative data was collected using close-ended questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A model was developed through regression analysis. Findings: Results indicate that the sub-variable of Principal’s level of preparedness (acceptance, training and skills, and ICT infrastructure) had a statistically significant positive effect on adoption of NEMIS in secondary schools. The finding of this study is useful to the Ministry of Education (MOE) in planning purposes. The constructs of Principal’s level of preparedness (acceptance, training and skills and ICT infrastructure) positively and significantly correlated with adoption of NEMIS and as these constructs are enhanced, adoption of NEMIS receives a positive boost. Unique Contribution to Theory Practice and Policy: The study points out that use of technology is a function of acceptance by the user and is in line with the postulates of UTAUT theory that drove this study. It is therefore recommended that managers in the education circles should pay greater attention to the postulates of UTAUT theory for effective implantation of ICT driven programs like NEMIS. The study further points out that for any government policy to succeed, those in authority should allocate resources for public interest to support such policy rather than follow their own self-interest as pointed out by the public choice theory.

Establishment of EMIS Infrastructure in Public Secondary Schools in Rarieda Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract: Educational planning and development has been influenced by the social-economic and political needs of the society since time immemorial. One of the greatest educational challenges in developing countries is to maximize learning in educational systems based on available and reliable data since they have limited resources. Data in this study were collected through primary sources which included questionnaires to 28 and 112 Principals and HoDs respectively who were purposively sampled from 28 public secondary schools in Rarieda Sub-County, Kenya. In addition, the Sub-County Education Officer, 3 Sub-County Quality Assurance Officers and 4 Teachers Service Commission (TSC) officers at the sub-county were subjected to interview schedules. Reliability of the instruments was tested using test-retest method while expert judgments were used to determine their validity. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The data were summarized in tables and percentages to present analysed data. The study findings indicated that: the extent of computer literacy among secondary school teachers, presence of computers and other ICT gadgets, Master database in schools, remote access to database and information were below average. In addition, it was established that data storage for students and other resources were rated at 51-100%. However, the mode of storage was manual. This study recommends that schools should promote computer literacy among teachers through trainings and seminars and recognition of the resultant certificates to step up the practice of EMIS at all management levels such as data collection, processing and storage. Dissemination should be computerised to enhance linkage and accessibility to data remotely.

User Acceptance of Information Systems among Local Governments in Uganda : The Pilot of the Education Management Information System in Jinja District.

Abstract: User Acceptance of Information Systems among Local Governments in Uganda : The Pilot of the Education Management Information System in Jinja District.

General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications

Abstract: Ludwig von Bertalanffy's theory of laws is applicable to virtually every scientific field. This conceptual approach has had a profound impact on biology, economics, psychology, and demography, with new relevancies today. Gathered here are Ludwig von Bertalanffy's writings on general system theory, selected and edited to show the evolution of systems theory and to present its applications to problem-solving. The new foreword by University of Vienna system theory professor, Wolfgang Hofkirchner, and Centre for Systems Philosophy director, David Rousseau, discusses the theory s contemporary applications.

Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm

Abstract: From the Publisher: It's not business as usual anymore . . . Why? Because digital firms are emerging. Businesses can no longer survive today without becoming digital. That's why you need the Laudons' Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm, seventh edition, an indispensable text for anyone who wants to succeed in the e-business world. What is the Digital Firm? It's a firm where any piece of information required for business decisions is available at any time and anywhere in the organization. It's a firm where all the significant business relationships are digitally enabled. The Laudons will show you how to organize, manage, communicate, and lead as more firms go digital in the coming years. THE LAUDON ADVANTAGE The Laudons' Management Information Systems is the world's top-selling MIS text. Here you'll find opportunities to build the skills and acquire the knowledge you'll need to use information systems successfully in your business career. Leading-Edge If you want to know how to take maximum advantage of the latest technology and business trends, the Laudons are the place to start. Along with MIS foundation concepts, you'll find the most up-to-the-minute coverage of leading-edge topics, such as: digital firms, e-commerce, e-business, the wireless Web, enterprise systems, customer relationship management, supply chain management, application service providers, on-line storage services, optical networks, broadband access, peer-to-peer computing, business-to-business exchanges, scalability, and high-availability computing. The Laudon Management-Organisation-TechnologyFramework You'll need a framework to help you understand and analyze business problems and information systems as you move into the business world. The Laudons' Management-Organization-Technology framework is a well respected methodology in the field of Management Information Systems. You'll see it emphasized in cases, in-text explanations, and projects throughout the text. The Laudons' Management Information Systems, seventh edition, is a text that not only offers you the most current and well-respected insights into the MIS field but a companion you'll want to use over and over again in your current courses and future career.

Making Schools Work: New Evidence on Accountability Reforms

Abstract: This book is about the threats to education quality that cannot be explained by lack of resources. It reviews service delivery failures in education: cases where programs and policies increase inputs to education but do not produce effective services where it counts in the classroom. It documents what we know about the extent and costs of such failures. It argues that a root cause of low-quality and inequitable public services is the weak accountability of providers to both their supervisors and clients. The central focus of the book is that countries are increasingly adopting innovative strategies to attack these problems. Drawing on new evidence from 22 rigorous evaluations in 11 countries, this book examines how strategies to strengthen accountability relationships in school systems have affected schooling outcomes. The book provides a succinct review of the rationale and impact evidence for three key lines of reform: (1) policies that use the power of information to strengthen the ability of students and their parents to hold providers accountable for results; (2) policies that promote schools' autonomy to make key decisions and control resources; and (3) teacher incentives reforms that specifically aim at making teachers more accountable for results.

A Preparation for School Leadership: International Perspectives.

Abstract: The English National College for School Leadership organized a programme of study visits to several international leadership centres in 2001. This article reports the findings of these visits and relates them to recent research on school leadership preparation. This shows a widespread commitment to training and preparation for headship but considerable diversity in the nature of such provision. There are many courses for aspiring, beginning and experienced principals but few examples of a coherent programme for all three stages. Preparation for leadership teams and middle managers is very limited. Learning modes include on-line provison, mentoring, coaching and internship as well as courses. The article recommends the establishment of an international network of leadership centres.

Using Information and Communication Technology in Secondary Schools in Nigeria: Problems and Prospects.

Abstract: Though it has been rightly said that what is wrong with education cannot be fixed with technology; there is no doubt that modern life is dominated by technology. There is universal recognition of the need to use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education as we enter the era of globalization where the free flow of information via satellite and the internet hold sway in global information dissemination of knowledge. Already, Nigeria is on he wrong side of the international digital divide, as it has not made significant effort to integrate ICT into secondary school curriculum. A great deal of instructional and administrative work in secondary school in Nigeria is still carried out manually. This paper, therefore, examines the major obstacles militating against the use of ICT in secondary education in Nigeria. It identifies he high cost of computer hardware and software; weak infrastructure; lack of human skills and knowledge in ICT, and lack of relevant software appropriate and culturally suitable to Nigeria as the major stumbling block o the adoption of ICT in secondary education in Nigeria. Also, secondary schools in Nigeria are not given adequate funds to provide furniture, relevant textbooks and adequate classroom let alone being given adequate fund for high-tech equipment. At present the cost of subscribing to the Internet is too high for many of the impoverished secondary schools in Nigeria. In modern society, Nigeria needs ICT to aid teaching and learning and educational management. ICT is an instrument for the economic and technological development in the 21 st century; therefore, Nigeria cannot afford to be on the wrong side of the digital divide.