IT Governance in Open Distance Learning institutions: a case of Zimbabwe Open University

Abstract

Many organisations are now opting to using Information Technology(IT) in order to improve their businesses. The problem comes when the Board or top management does not associate itself with important issues pertaining to IT due to fear of accountability of IT failures. It seems most organisations, both parastatals and the private companies, are not implementing IT governance. This study therefore sought to evaluate the status of IT governance as well as to assess the level of IT governance implementation at an Open Distance Learning(ODL) institution. The study looked at strategic issues, risk issues, internal control issues, decision making issues and performance issues. The research findings showed that the status of IT governance at ZOU is better and the level of IT governance implementation is at middle level due to minimal implementation. The study finally recommended ZOU to continue implementing IT governance and that it should conduct workshops for helping its staff to fully understand IT governance.