ICT Governance in Higher Education: A Case Study of a Vocational College in Libya

Abstract

This study focuses on ICT governance in higher education in a developing country. The research employs an interpretive single case study to describe and understand ICT governance at Alpha, a vocational computer college in Libya. Fourteen key informants, including deans, teachers, and students, participated in the interviews. Consistent with previous studies, our results reveal formal ICT governance arrangements at Alpha College. However, Alpha College leverages its general management structure and processes to make ICT decisions and fulfill the needs of the college stakeholders. In addition, the structure supporting ICT decision-making at Alpha College qualifies as “Centralized” while the ICT archetype of “Business Monarchy” best describes its ICT governance arrangements. Surprisingly, our study also reveals the hybridization of the role of the Dean through the integration of “entrepreneurial activities” amid his efforts to fulfill the ICT needs of the college in the context of severe budget constraints.