Abstract
Background: Management information systems (MIS) are pivotal in the efficient and effective running of Further Education and Training (FET) colleges. Therefore, the evaluation of MIS success is an essential spoke in the wheel of FET college success. Based on an extensive literature review it was concluded that no MIS success evaluation model for FET colleges in South Africa exists.Objectives: The main objective was to propose a MIS evaluation model and evaluation tool(questionnaire), and verify the model empirically by evaluating the MIS at a selected FET college. The supporting objectives were firstly, to identify the most appropriate MIS evaluation models from literature. Secondly, to propose a MIS evaluation model for FET colleges based on the literature. Thirdly, to develop the evaluation tool (questionnaire) based on these models. Fourthly, to capture and analyse data from one FET college, in order to evaluate the performance of the MIS at the college. The final supporting objective was to evaluate the proposed model by triangulating the findings from the survey with the findings from the interviews.Method: The proposed MIS evaluation model is based on the integration of three existing MIS evaluation models. The evaluation tool was developed by combining four empirically tested questionnaires that capture the constructs in the underlying models. A survey and semi-structured interviews were used as data collection methods. The statistical tests for consistency, scale reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) and unidimensionality (Principal Component Analysis) were applied to explore the constructs in the model.Results: Results from the empirical testing of the newly designed evaluation tool were used to refine the initial model. The qualitative data capturing and analysis added value in explaining and contextualising the quantitative findings.Conclusion: The main contribution is the SA-FETMIS success model and evaluation tool which managers can use to evaluate the MIS at an educational institution. The novelty of the research lies in using a mixed methods approach where previous MIS success evaluation studies mainly used quantitative methods.
Highlights
The South African National Department of Education has committed to the establishment of a standardised business management information system in all public Further Education and Training (FET) colleges that will enable colleges to monitor and account for all their administrative business processes which include student administration, academic administration, financial administration, human resource management and development and asset management (Department of Education 2008; Department of Higher Education and Training 2011)
The problem is that no documented evaluation model or tool to evaluate the success of Management information systems (MIS) at public FET colleges in SA could be found
There is a need to design and develop such an evaluation model and tool which can be used by managers of FET colleges as well as by Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to ensure that all the systems at all colleges adhere to the same principles of evaluation
Summary
The monitoring and evaluation of key success indicators is essential for the management of a specific FET college, but is of critical importance for the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to evaluate its own successes. The problem is that no documented evaluation model or tool to evaluate the success of MIS at public FET colleges in SA could be found. This study constructed a conceptual framework that informs the design of an IS evaluation tool by using the knowledge and trends in the field of information systems evaluation and taking into account the requirements of the South African policy with regard to the administration and functioning of public FET colleges. Based on an extensive literature review it was concluded that no MIS success evaluation model for FET colleges in South Africa exists
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