CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
In
all aspect of human endeavor, the process of information communication is a
central element. Through the use of language, man has been able to record the
past history and transit his culture from generation to the other. Man’s
ability to get and receive information has helped him build societies and other
social groupings which contribute to his survival and to a more enjoyable
pattern of living. Human beings have the unique ability to pass information about
the past, present and future and also, use the result of this to alter their
thinking and behaviour. No other living creatures are capable of reasoning and
communicating abstractly.
Man’s
sophisticated level of communication plays and interacts with others to
accomplish mutual objectives or seemingly unlimited magnitude. However, man’s
success has not stood alone, wars, labour management struggles, societal
conflicts and broken marriages etc. emerge as constant reminders in our
information flow stream one after the other. Many people believe that ability
to pass information freely to each would be a major factor in the effectiveness
of an interaction. Information
dissemination is very important in an organization because it is one of the
major means by which its members work together. Information is a kind of event
that affects the state of a dynamic system. The information potential of data
is enhanced by refinement, which involves selection, processing, storing and
re-organizing the data into usable form and its transmission to the appropriate
end user. For any organization to function well, there must be a proper flow of
information within it on a regular basis. Good timely and adequate information
helps the directors, education managers and other personnel in an organization
to monitor the performance and control from any deviation from the organization
overall objectives.
This
view is buttressed by Murdick and Ross (1971) when they opined that:
Information is absolutely essential to the
survival of an organization. As organization grow, the pressure of scale,
complexity and increased rate of change make adequate information processing
capacity inevitable, if effective control, consequent upon co-ordination of
individual activities is to be achieved
(P. 69).
Information systems are costly to purchase, deploy, and
maintain. Therefore, in a world where education enterprise is operated for
value maximization according to the theory of rational choice, it is natural to
suppose that Management information system offers economic value and that this
value overcomes the costs. As such it has rightly been an objective of
Management information system (MIS) research for at least two decades to
determine the economic role of MIS. Today information system effectiveness
continues to occupy the highest priority of the MIS research agenda.
Yet much of the research on the effectiveness or success
of information systems has relied on psychometric measures of user satisfaction
also referred to as 'user information satisfaction' or UIS. These studies
define MIS success narrowly in only subjective terms. In a recent paper Melone
(2008) argued that the user information satisfaction construct is inadequate as
a surrogate of effectiveness and that UIS questionnaire construction and
methodology are lacking in scientific rigor. MIS researchers have failed to use
the accumulated knowledge and practices of their reference disciplines.
An alternative measure offered by some is system usage
which is based on the principle that if the system is being used it must be
effective and the more it is used the greater the effectiveness. Srinavasan
(2005) argues for usage and develops a correlation between usage and
satisfaction. A more ambitious proposal
is to define the effectiveness of the information system as the degree to which
the education goals, for which the Information System was deployed, are actually achieved. Although
these ideas are appealing from a viewpoint of rational objectivism, the
difficulty of defining and measuring such variables has forced researchers to
once again resort to questionnaires. The end result is that MIS effectiveness
is determined not in terms of observations made by the researcher but in terms
of an average of opinions of users, developers, and managers.
However the economic measure of Information System
effectiveness as the "conversion of IS investment into real output” is
itself in question in organizational paradigms where politics and conflict are
important motivating factors. Markus (2003) found "re-distribution of
power" to be an important impact of Information System implementation while other researchers have
described the roles played by leadership and managerial control issues in
Information System implementation
decisions.
The measurement of Information System effectiveness at the firm level as proposed
by Crowston and Treacy (2005) and Bakos
(2005) necessarily require that the
researcher have a theory of the firm that precludes conflict such as that
caused by agency issues. These theories allow for managerial behavior that is
not consistent with profit or value maximization. Since Information System
implementation decisions are made by managers, managerial behavior and
motivation are likely to be important variables in the study of Information
System effectiveness.
In this scenario, the management information system
supports rational decision makers who arrive at optimal decisions for the
organization and seek to increase valuation through objective and scientific
means. The effectiveness of management information system can therefore be
correctly assessed by performance measures of the institution or the so called
'bottom line' as suggested by Crowston and Treacy (2008).
Management
information system occupies an important position in an organization especially
in a tertiary institution like the Kwara State Colleges of Education. This is
because it makes for the smooth planning, directing, organizing, staffing and
controlling within the institutions. The ultimate aim of management information
system is therefore to develop a viable system to maximize the effective use of
modern data approach to college management practices. It also aimed at
assisting management and indeed operating personnel to produce timely and
accurate information. It answers to the increasing needs of tertiary
institution as it allows the academic staff to have access to all relevant
organization information which enables them to take quick decisions within a
reasonable length of time.
Also, it allows for the knowledge of all sources of
information within and outside the institution and provides the ability to
determine the links between such information. Harold et al (1980), defined
management information system as a formal system to gather, integrate, compare,
analyze and disperse information (internal and external) to the enterprise in a
timely, effective and efficient manner.
Academic staffs within tertiary institutions are expected
to perform some roles which affect their behaviour. Such roles are organizing
and administering class management, carrying out policies and professional
development. The set of expectation shape the behaviour of these lecturers. In
addition, academic staffs within tertiary institutions are expected to perform
the role of teaching, administration, supervision, research and professional
activities. Members of the academic staff require good managerial information
system be it manual or electronic based to interact within and outside the
school organization.
Therefore,
this study is designed to look into the influence of management information
system on academic staff effectiveness in the three Colleges of Education in Kwara State
namely: Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin;
College of Education, Oro; and College
of Education (Technical)
Lafiagi.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Management information system is the
combination of human and computer-based resources that result in the
collection, storage, retrieval, communication and use of data for the purpose
of efficient management of operations and educational administration and
planning. Much attention has been focused on the adequacy of existing
management information system in Nigerian universities as well as the
strategies for developing appropriate MIS in each university. However, the focus
of this study was to identify the relationship between management information
system and academic staff effectiveness in Kwara State Colleges of Education.
Hypotheses
Specifically,
the problem of this study was concerned with finding answers to the following
questions:
1. There is no
significant relationship between MIS Availability and academic staff teaching effectiveness?
2. There is no significant
relationship between MIS Utilization and academic staff effectiveness?
3. There is no significant
relationship between MIS and academic staff effectiveness in publication?
4. There is no significant
relationship between MIS and academic staff effectiveness in community service?
5. There is no
significant relationship between MIS and academic staff effectiveness in
teaching?
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The thrust of the study was to examine the extent to
which the Kwara State Colleges of Education are equipped in terms of MIS
equipment and to access the utilization of the equipment by the academic staff
in performing their roles. Basically the specific purposes are:
1. To access how
adequately equipped are the Kwara State Colleges of Education in terms of MIS
equipment.
2. To determine
the uses of information output from existing MIS in disseminating academic
staff roles.
3. To investigate
problems militating against effective generation and subsequent use of MIS.
4. To suggest ways
of ensuring optimal use of information resources towards the attainment of
goals of the colleges of education.
1.5 Significance
of the Study
The
Colleges of Education are complex organizations and need efficient management
information system to their beneficiaries. They require the use of accurate and
adequate information to develop good plans, policies and programmes to achieve the
desired result.
Most
studies on information in educational institutions often focus on information
flow and communication techniques and styles. However, this study is unique
unlike the previous foreign and local researches which dealt with MIS implementation,
this investigation focused on effectiveness of the existing management
information system to disseminate academic role towards goal attainment.
It
is hoped therefore, that findings derived from this study will draw the
attention of the policy-makers at the federal, state and local level on how to
provide institutions of higher learning with necessary communication material
in order to improve their system of information flow. This
study will also helps the top managers in education to obtain information from
middle managers (i.e. provosts, rectors, vice chancellors, administrators,
principals, proprietors / proprietress etc.) concerning problems, opportunities
and promising alternatives before decision making.
This
study will also help the lower level managers in education (i.e. HOD of
departments) in educational institution in the dissemination of information to
academic staff in their schools through the effective use of human and computer
resources available in the colleges of education to achieve the objective of an
institution. Furthermore, the will help academic staff to be aware of new information for effective usage
In addition, the study would serve as an eye opener for
the college administrators to understand that MIS comprises not only the
computerized part, but also the combination of human and machine i.e. (manual
and computerized- subsystem. Both formal and informal communication channel are
needed for disseminating information within the Colleges. Finally, the result
of the study would assist in providing basis for college administrators and
educational ministries, departments and agencies, especially National
Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) to design effective management
information system (MIS) to suit the transactions of each College.
1.6 Scope of the Study
This
study was concerned with the effectiveness of management information system by
the academic staff of Kwara State Colleges of Education. There are two main
variables in this study. First, MIS and Secondly, Academic Staff Effectiveness.
These two variables represented both the independent and dependent variables
respectively. Things that were used to measure academic staff effectiveness
were classroom activities, research dimension, publications and community services.
The indices of MIS considered were the adequacy of MIS equipment, the
effectiveness of existing MIS in terms of media, timing of dissemination
information to end- users and the problems facing MIS.
The
three existing Colleges of Education in Kwara State.
The subject sample in the chosen colleges was the academic staff that generated
and used the information from MIS. Non-academic staffs are not included.
1.7
Operational
Definition of Terms
All
the terms used in this study are operationally defined below based on the
meanings they convey within the context of this study. These terms are:
Academic Staff: These are lecturers in the College responsible to their
HOD for the performance of their duties. Their duties include lecturing,
research, publications and community services.
Academic Staff
Effectiveness: This is the ability by
which the teacher/lecturers bring about the result or goal intended within the
organization or the school system.
College: This is an institution of higher learning designed by a
law or decree establishing it. to award the Nigeria Certificate in Education
(NCE).
Data: The term ‘Data’ refers to quantitative attributes of a
variable or set of variables. These are raw, unprocessed fact or uninterrupted
observations. They may take the form of words, numbers or characters, often
unrelated to one another.
Influence: This can be described as the power to effect or change
one’s actions or behaviours.
Information: This refers to analyzed or processed data that
meaningfully informs the recipient about a situation and as such, empowers
efficient action.
Information System
(IS) or Application Landscape: it is a
combination of information technology and peoples’ activities using technology
to support operations management. In a broad sense, information system is
referred to the interaction between people, algorithmic processes, data and
technology.
Information Technology: it is the acquisition, processing, storage and
dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by a
microelectronics-based combination of computing and telecommunications.
Management: Management is the process of planning, organizing,
leading and controlling the effort of organizational members and using all
other resources to achieve stated organizational goals.
Management Information
System (MIS): This is a system that
provides information needed to manage organizations effectively. Academically,
the term is commonly used to refer to the group of information management
methods tied to the automation or support of human decision making. In a broad
sense, management information system is an organized method of providing past,
present and projected information relating to internal operation and external
intelligence.
System: it is a group of interdependent items that interact
regularly to perform a task. It refers to a collection of elements or component
that is organized for a common purpose.
CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Concept
of Management
2.3 Concept
of Information System
2.4 Concept
of Management Information System
2.5 Problems
of Management Information System
2.6 Academic
Staff Effectiveness
2.7 Empirical
Studies on MIS and Academic Staff Effectiveness
2.8 Studies
on academic effectiveness
2.9 Appraisal
of Literature Reviewed
2.1 Introduction
In
this chapter, a review of related literature which provided the theoretical
framework for this study was under taken for the purpose of investigating the
influence of management information system on academic staff effectiveness in
Kwara State Colleges of Education. The areas itemized were:
(a). Concept
of Management
(b). Concept
of Information System
(c). Concept
of Management Information System
(d). Problems
of Management Information System
(e). Academic
Staff Effectiveness
(f). Empirical
Studies on Management Information System
2.2 Concept
of Management
Like most terms in the
social science, no definition has been universally accepted in relation to
management. However, some scholars and
practicing managers have all attempted to provide definition based on their
understanding of the prevailing situation.
Lucey
(1991) stated that managers at whatever level will be affected to provide
leadership and support members of the organization. All resources must be related together as a
system in order to be able to manage these resources effectively and
efficiently. Lucey therefore viewed
management as the ability to forecast, plan, organize, co-ordinate and control. He opined further that management is the
direction of an enterprise through planning, organizing, co-ordinating and
controlling of its human and material resources towards the achievement of
pre-determined objectives.
Alabi
(2000) described management as a way of achieving organizational goals. This means that management of any
organization, be it a University, Polytechnic, Colleges of Education try to
attain specific ends. The stated goals
of Colleges of Education may be to train the would- be- teachers in an academic
environment. Whatever might be the goals
of a particular organization, management is the process by which the goals are
achieved. Kolawole (1987) is of the
opinion that many of the definitions of management given above which consisted
of primarily planning, organizing, directing and controlling are inadequate in
the inherent trait approach as it attempts to describe management in terms of
what manager does. He therefore gave a
comprehensive definition of management which incorporates the process of
achieving organizational objectives.
He stated that:
Management is
the process of allocating an organizational inputs (human and economic
resources) by planning, organizing, directing and controlling for the purpose
of producing outputs (goods and services) desired by its customers so that
organization objectives are accomplished.
The process, work is performed with are through organization personnel
in an ever changing business environment (pp. 7 – 8).
2.3 Concept
of Information System
Information
is knowledge communicated by others or obtained by study and investigation,
upon which intelligent action is based.
Information is conceived with the use of evaluated data for specific
problem and for a certain individual at a certain to achieve a definite goal
(Alabi, 2000). She further explained
that, information potential of data is enhanced by refinement, which involves
selection, processing, sorting and re-organizing the data into a usable and
transmission to the appropriate end-users.
According
to Stainer (1990), information flow is important to the life and health of a
business as the flow of blood is to the life and heath of an individual. Brightman
and Dimedale (1986) made a distinction between information and data which
according to them is necessary in order to avoid misuse. They stated that data are facts and figures
relating to day-to-day activities of an organization that are currently being
used in a decision process. Facts on the
other hand are fairly static and do not enter into the actual running of a
system as does data. Files, records and
reports that are present under consideration by management are examples of
data.
According to Nwankwo (1985),
information encompasses a wide range and variety of things ranging from oral
and printed words, figure, statement, files and document to such intangible
element as sound, signals, rays or colour and waves. Information recognized as the sixth major
corporate resource assuming a value just as any of the 5M’s – money, material,
machines and facilities, men (people) and management (Thierauf, 1987). Hence, information must be planned,
preserved, protected, controlled and utilized maximally as the other resources.
According
to Tricker (1987), information can be analyzed on three levels. At the first level, information is a
potential message in an entity or even a report about it; on the second level,
it is seen as the conveyance of message; and finally at the third level, the
knowledge gained and the reduction in uncertainty of the recipient of message. Hence, information must be relevant to
increase the knowledge, reduces uncertainty and usable for the intented
purpose. Sambo (1992) then summarized
the following characteristics of good information:
i. Relevant
for its purpose;
ii. Sufficiently
accurate for the purpose;
iii. Complete
enough for the problem;
iv. Arises
from sources in which the users has confidence;
v. Communicated
to the right person;
vi. Communicated
in time for it purpose;
vii. That
which contains the right level of detail;
viii. Communicated by an appropriate channel of communication; and
ix. That
which is understandable by the user.
System: is a set of two or more elements
such as people, things and concepts which are joined together to attain common
objectives. (Brightmen & Dimadale 1998). According to Salau (2000),
system is an array of components designed to accomplish a particular objective
according to plan. He further described
system as a means by which the personnel of an enterprise operates to
accomplish the enterprise objectives.
They provide the medium for transporting managerial policies into
action. According to Halt (1989), a
system must satisfy the following four criteria:
1. A
system must embody a discipline to assist in the identification, definition and
control of information as an asset which can be explained by the organization.
2. System
should embody control features to prevent users from abuse of the system
3. System
should support monitoring facilities and modeling features to enable the cost
of using it to be justifiable.
4. It
should generate output information on demand and on an exception basis that
reflects the operation of all system (pp. 43 – 44).
Bocching
(1992) states that the two basisc categories of information systems are
operational information system and management information system. The operational information according to
him, is primarily to use together, process and store data that serve as
information that become an output into the entire system. Management information system on the other hand can be seen as an
information system that makes use of available resources to provide managers at
all levels, in all functions with the information from relevant sources
necessary to enable them make timely and effective decision for planning, directing
and controlling the activities for when they are responsible.
2.4 Concept
of Management Information System (MIS)
The
survival of an organization depends on the effective flow of information which is very essential. Every organization must have information
stored in one form or another. The
necessary hardware for storage, processing and retrieval of information is also
necessary and important for a modern MIS.
Lucey (1991) reffered to MIS as a process used to convert raw facts from
within and outside the organization into useful information which are
communicated appropriately to managers of various level of decision-making.
Alabi (2000) defined
management information system as a system that optimizes the collection,
transfer and presentation of information in an organization through an
integrated structure of database and information flow. It is according to Sambo
(1992), a system that uses formalized procedures to provide management at all
levels and in all functions with appropriate information based on data from
internal and external sourses. Murdick
(1995), stated that management information system is a group of people or set
of manuals and data processing equipment which select, store, process and
retrieve data to deduce uncertainty decision making by yielding information for
managers at the time they can efficiently use it.
Harold
et al (1980), defined management information system as a formal system to
gather, integrate, compare, analyse and disperse information (internal and
external) to the enterprise in a time, effective and efficient manner. Salau (2000) opined that management
information system is an organised method of providing past, present and
projected information relating to internal operation and external intelligence.
It supports the planning, controlling and operational functions of an
organisation by furnishing uniform information to the proper time frame to
assist in decision making process.
Nwankwo
(1985), also asserted that management information system implies both the process
as well as the structure concerned with systematic accurate and speedy
organisation and cntrol of data from the different parts and environment of an
activity, towards effective managerial decision-making. He then identified some
of the characteristics of management information system as follows:
1. A
management information system uses an integrated database and supports a
variety of functional areas.
2. A
management information system provides operational, tactical and strategic
level managers with easy access to timely but for the most past, structured
information.
Murdick, Render and Russel (1990)
emphasised that the terms often used in MIS
are:
1. Data:
- raw, unanaylsed facts;
2. Information:
- data marshalled to satisfy a requirement and understand
a situation;
3. Intelligence: - organised information
on which provides a decision maker with a preferred course of action among
alternatives.
An organisation’s management
information system generally consists of a series of information system of
varying degrees of complexity, completeness and scope. Creating management
information system is a long-term task that requires skills and team effort of
a variety of specialist including managers at all levels and information
analysts. From the above analysis, management information system can then be
viewed as a combination of human and material resources that result in the
collection, storage, retrieval, communication and use of data fot the purpose
of efficient management operation and for business planning.
2.4 Problems
of Management Information System (MIS)
Many
of the studies carried out with positive contributions of management
information system to organizational management have equally identified some problems
in its design and implementation. For instance, Nwankwo (1985) opined that
there is abundant evidence that existing management information system often
use advanced technology computer equipment which have little success in
providing management with the information it needs. The reasons adduced for this can be
summarized thus:
1. Lack of management involvement with the design of MIS;
2. Narrow and inappropriate emphasis of the computer system;
3. Undue
concentration on low level data processing application particularly in the
accounting area;
4. Lack of management knowledge of computer;
5. Poor
application by information experts of management, information requirement, and
of organization’s problem and;
6. Lack of top management support.
Ekwere
(1990) identified some factors as rendering management information system
project ineffective. These factors
include
1. Inadequate planning or hasty development;
2. Inadequate
user involvement;
3. Political constraints;
4. Poor
coordination between technical and user personnel; and
5. Incapability
of the MIS to extend to functional area of the
organization (P. 8).
It was then suggested that
for management information system to succeed, it must be designed and operated
with due regards to organization and behavioural principles as well as technical
factors (Nwankwo, 1985). Management must
also be involved in order to make useful contributions to the system design,
and information specialists need to be aware of the managerial functions and
needs, so that jointly a more effective management information system is
developed. Mathleson (1996) identified
three principles to guide information technology (IT) management. These are consideration of (IT) when
formulating strategic plans; integration of IT management to enhance
recognition of economics of scale and opportunities for technical substitution;
and direct user-utilization, non-achievable system objectives or even complete
system abandonment. Managers in organization will have to maintain the
wholeness of the information system, device appropriate ways of coping with the
use of IT and hence, maintain the integrity of the enterprise.
2.6 Academic
Staff Effectiveness
Various
terms used for academic staff effectiveness are success, goal attainment,
achievement and learning outcome. Also, ability
of academic staff to combine relevant inputs for enhancement of learning and
for ensuring proper direction and utilization of such inputs are described as
effectiveness. Sergioranni (1991) stated
that high teacher motivations to work are essential ingredients for effective
schooling. When these characteristics
are absent, teachers are likely to consider their commitment as being a fair
day’s work, for a fair day’s pay….. Instead of exceeding minimum and giving
their best.
The
National Policy on Education (2004) described the roles of the academic staff
as; teaching, research, dissemination of existing and new information and the
pursuit of service to the community. The
NPE further buttressed that the Nigerian Educational activities will be centered
on the learner for maximum development and fulfillment. Education should
revolve round the students because without them, there will be no institution
and staff.
Fadahunsi
(1984), stated that lecturer are expected to transmit “reproductive cognition”
and “productive cognition” to students. Regrettably, only the reproductive
cognition is secured in most of the Nigerian Universities. The teaching-learning process is bedeviled by
severe impediment. Research is the major strand of activities with which all
higher institutions are necessarily concerned.
Research is aimed at broadening nation building and provision of
adequate support for all academic staff. Richman and Farmer (1974) stated that
those who can do research well can look forward to higher income, more
professional prestige and better students. Sound research can enhance the
quality of teaching and raise academic standards generally.
Asaju (1998) pointed out the
problem facing research institution in Nigeria as:
Lack of adequate funding,
inconsistency in government policies and low remuneration for staff,
proliferation of research institutions, poor conditions of service for the
academic staff, lack of up –to- date machinery and equipment, inadequate
training of researches and brain drain (p.25).
Academic staff organizes
workshops, seminars, conferences and enlightens the community. Publications
occur where there is high pay off for academic staff. Perceptive students try
to learn under the best men and the way to evaluate the best in academic is by
the quality and quantity of man’s writing. As an individual whose services is
very much demanded in school, academic staff have to be effective in every
aspect of their operations, measuring academic staff effectiveness is however,
a difficult exercise because it is viewed by the educationist from different
perspectives ( Awoyemi, 1985).
Gage (1983) wrote that
teacher effectiveness means the teachers effect on the realization of some
educational objectives which include desired pupils behaviour, abilities,
habits or characters. Gage identified four classifications as necessarily
concerns of any investigator seeking knowledge of teacher effectiveness. The
classifications were:
·
Prediction sources
·
Contingency sources
·
Classroom behavior, and
·
Intermediate educational goals.
Therefore, he referred to this as types i ii iii and iv variables.
Type I :- This refers to prediction sources which
is related to human characteristic on which teacher differ and which can be
hypothesised to account in part, for differences
in teacher effectiveness. The characteristics are teacher’s personality
(attitudes, interests and abilities) and teacher training factors.
Type II :- This refers to contingency
factors. These are environmental and pupils variables which modify and
influence the whole complex of behaviours that enter into the educational
process.
Type III:- This refers to classroom
behaviours of teachers and pupils. It is also referred to as process criteria
and defined as aspects of teacher and students behaviour which are believed to
be worthwhile in their own right.
Type IV:- This refers to criteria or standards
of effectiveness. It is the intermediate educational goals. It relates to the
measureable outcomes at the end of a period of instruction. Gage is of the
opinion that the teacher variable which is (type I) and pupils’ variable (type
II) are direct determinants of teacher behaviour and pupils behaviour
respectively. He stated further that the environmental variable (type II)
indirectly influence both teacher and pupils behaviour (type III). The
classroom i.e (Type III) is viewed as the primary source of pupils behaviour
(Type IV). He therefore recommends that the type IV variables in which
pupil-teacher interaction is stated as a condition for teacher or academic staff
effectiveness should be given consideration. The reasons he gave for this
recommendations are:
·
To avoid the inevitable confounding of such criteria with scientifically
insoluble question of values;
·
To obtain variable of less complexity;
·
To circumvent the difficulties of measuring socially desirable but elusive
outcomes of education; and
·
To research more clearly the variables that could be attributed to teachers
and teaching as against home, community and pupils heredity.
Examining the type lll
variable therefore, enable the Researcher to concentrate on the aspect of
educational system which involves teacher within the educational institutions.
Educational values and outcomes are many and complex and their effectiveness
cannot be tied to teachers alone. Teaching-learning process, on the other hand
involves the teacher and the effectiveness of this process largely determines
teacher effectiveness.
In a related study, Edem
(1982), examined what could be evaluated in teacher as an indirect appraisal of
traits that are likely to produce good results in pupils and in teaching
acts. These are:
·
Personal qualities;
·
Performance on the job;
·
Mastery of subjects; and
·
Attainment of aims.
What the teacher brings into
school in terms of attitude and knowledge, how he performs on the job and how
much of the education objectives he is able to achieve are likely to determine
his success. Teachers are therefore, adjudged effective, if these acts are
considered carried out in the teaching-learning processes satisfactorily.
According to Awomolo (1985),
teacher effectiveness is determined by the extent to which the teacher does or
encourages:
·
Classroom administration;
·
Organization and presentation of materials;
·
Personal relationship;
·
Interest in teaching job;
·
Teachers classroom presence;
·
Students participation; and
·
Evaluation of school performance. (p.7).
Dreeben (1970) states that
effective teaching involves classroom teaching behaviour/interaction between
the teacher, the students, the subject-matter and/or combination of these
dimension. It also indicates that what teachers do in classroom makes
difference in what student learn. They also show to some degree which teacher
behaviour or practice appear to student learning. Teacher activities such as
moods, teaching approaches, efficient use of time, the use of motivating
techniques and having a high expectation of their students. Academic staff may
be effective with one group of students and may be ineffective with another
hence, we have no objective criteria of what constitute teachers competence.
Effectiveness may be modified by the physical, social and cultural environment
in which the teachers are rated.
2.6.1 Studies on Academic
Effectiveness
In recent years, researchers
have made a concerted effort to identify teaching behaviour that facilitate
pupil learning in special curriculum areas. Much of this research has focused
on reading and mathematics at the primary school level. Bennet (1976)
observational studies on teaching suggest that the effective teacher is one who
is able to demonstrate the ability to bring about intended learning goals. The
two critical dimensions of effective teaching being, intent and achievement
without intent, the pupils’ achievement become random and accidental rather
than controlled and predictable. However, intent is not enough by itself
without achievement of intended learning goals. In another study carried out by
Garba (1986), teacher effectiveness is viewed from leadership dimension. How
leader performs in school administrative duties and how he relates to
subordinates are viewed as determinants of teacher effectiveness, what a school
head could do in order to create a conducive teaching-learning situation are
listed as:
*
Emphases on instruction whereby teaching and learning are well directed;
*
Use of supervision;
*
Support for teachers;
*
Initiating programmers;
*
Consideration; and
*
Allocation of resources. (p. 56).
He concluded that these factors are likely to create a good climate in
schools and thus enhance teacher effectiveness.
In order to effective in bringing about learning
outcome, Smith (1969) suggested that a teacher should be prepared in four areas
of knowledge.
*
Commands of theoretical knowledge about the learning and human behaviour.
*
Displays of attitude the foster learning and genuine human relationship.
*
Commands of knowledge in the subject matter to be taught, and
*
Control of technical skills of teaching that facilitate pupils learning.
(p.10)
Principles of teaching
effectiveness should be formed by each teacher with the following qualities at
his disposal. He must be a diagnostician, able to analyse condition. He must be
a prescription maker, able to discern exercises aimed at remedying weakness. He
must be a co-operator, orchestrate to resources. He must be a facilitator, able
to improve learning rate of his pupils. Must be an evaluator, able to judge.
Must be a schoolerable acquaint with new resources or keep abreast of time. He
must be a technicianable to use
gadgets. He must be a decision-maker, able to set goals and his human qualities
should includes inter-alia decisiveness, sincerity, self control without being
inert and active, without being nervous, loyalty, leadership, physical energy,
perseverance and humor
2.7 Empirical
Studies of the Influence of Management Information System on Academic Staff
Effectiveness
Available literature showed
that some empirical studies have been carried out separately in different parts
of the world on major variables of this study. Therefore, effort has been made
to review them as studied by researcher along other variables to which they
combined.
Bateman
(1972) carried out a study to determine the current status of MIS assisted by
electronic data processing in relation to planning and decision-making in
higher education in America. Using 200 Colleges and Universities, he found out
that institutions with larger student population tend to utilize more
administrative application on electronic data processing than those with
smaller students’ enrolment. Also, predomination areas of such applications
were student records and financial areas, less emphasis on personnel, planning
control area and physical plant.
Alabi (1998) carried out an
investigation on the utilization of management information system in federal
and state universities in Nigeria. She assessed the adequacy of available MIS
equipment and their utilization by students, lecturers and senior
administrative staff. The subject sampled were 400 questionnaire supported by
direct observations and unstructured interview were used to gather relevant
date. The result of the study showed inadequate usage of available MIS
equipment did not conform to the prescribed roles of lecturers.
Also,
Garrot (1990) concluded from a study on the use of MIS in modern language
administration, that information system is useful for decision-making
especially in fiscal planning and allocation of personnel and resources. White
(1984) investigated information system approach to admission and retention of
student in a multi-campus, open admission university. Relevant information was
collected on student’s grades to obtain student migration or flow analysis
within the university. The information system was found to be helpful for
predicting future enrolments, based on changing enrolment standards. The system
also allowed the university to monitor student flow between campuses to
determine the effect of implementing duplicate courses. Newevel (1996)
investigated the role of network in the diffusion of technological innovation.
The study revealed that network equipment is important in ensuring adequate
spread of new technologies to end-users. Ekwere (1990), Mathieson (1994), and
Shuaib (1995) focused mainly on strategies for designing, developing MIS, thus
stressing the provision of necessary equipment. In their studies they found out
that, there was inadequate MIS equipment in the university under study. The
studies have shown that adequate available of MIS equipment is inescapable for
effective MIS operation. Also, effective
use of this important in order to generate information for management use.
2.8
Appraisal of Reviewed Literature
An
attempt was been made in this chapter to review the works of various studies on
the relationship between management information system and academic staff
effectiveness in work organization. From the studies reviewed, the two
variables were found to play complementary roles in achieving an organization
objective.
The
literature reviewed identified the potential usefulness of information in the
survival of an organization and that the management information system assists
in providing the past, present and projected information relating to internal
operation and external intelligence. The reviewed studies showed that, the
ability of academic staff to combine relevant inputs for enhancement of
learning and for ensuring proper direction and utilization of such inputs are
described as effectiveness. Some problems inhibiting the goal attainment of
academic staff were identified including lack of adequate funding, low remuneration
for staff, inconsistency in government policies, poor condition of service for
academic staff, lack of up to date machinery and equipment, inadequate training
of researches and brain drain.
The
Empirical studies examined in both business and educational institutions showed
that, availability of MIS equipment is inescapable for effective MIS operations
and that effective use of this equipment is important in order to generate the
needed information. Management information system occupies an important
position in an organization especially in a Tertiary Institutions like Kwara
State Colleges of Education by giving answers to the increasing need of
Academic staff to have access to all relevant organization information which
enables them to take quick decision within a reasonable length of time.
CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
In
this chapter, the procedures used for gathering data on the influence of
management information system on academic staff effectiveness inn Kwara State
Colleges of Education were presented. It thus contained research design, the sample and sampling techniques employed,
instrumentation as well as the procedure for data collection and the techniques
for data analysis.
3.1 Research
Design
The research design used for
this study was descriptive survey which focused on already existing situation.
It involves the use of questionnaire to elicit responses on the influence of
management information system (MIS) on academic staff effectiveness in Kwara
State Colleges of Education. Descriptive survey aims at estimating as precisely
as possible the attribute of a population (Mustapha, 2000). In the same vein, Akuezilo (1992) asserted
that survey research involves the use of questionnaires and sampling method for
the purpose of collecting data concerning existing conditions so as to make
comparisons and improvement.
3.2 Population
of the Study
The population for this
study comprised all academic staff in the Kwara State Colleges of Education
viz; College of Education, Ilorin; College of Education, Oro; and College of
Education, Liafiaji.The population for this study comprised two hundred ad
sixth-seven which is the total population of the academic staff in the selected
three colleges of education namely Ilorin, Lafiagi and Oro.
3.3 Sample
and Sampling Technique
Simple random sampling
procedure was used for the selection of one hundred and twenty academic staff
across the three Colleges who served as subjects in the study. All the three
Colleges of Education in Kwara State were purposively selected.
3.4 Instrumentation
The focus of the study is to determine if
management information system has any influence on academic staff effectiveness
in Kwara State Colleges of Education. Data for the study were gathered through
the use of questionnaire. The Researcher developed five sections of
questionnaire titled ‘Management Information System and Academic Staff
Effectiveness Questionnaire (MISASEQ)’. The instrument had sections A-E.
Section A was on background and personal information of the respondents such as
sex, age, years of employment. Section B consisted of items to indicate
available Management Information System equipment with the desired responses of
“Very Adequate” (2 point); Fairly Adequate (1 Point); “Not Available” (0 point)
“Not Aware”. Section C was on general
use of Management Information System equipment within the College, between the
Colleges and the outside world.
Section
consisted of 30 items designed to measure the overall system of disseminating
information in the college system in-terms of media, timing, flow of
information and aspect of academic staff effectiveness. Section E was designed to identify and rate
the problems of computerized Management Information System Unit in the
College. The respondents were requested
to put a tick ( ) in the appropriate
option that reflected their candid opinions on a 4 point L kert scale of
“Always” (2 point); frequently (2 point); “occasionally” (1 point) “Never” (0
point). Finally spaces for suggestion for improving Management Information
System in each college were provided.
3.5 Validity of the Instruments
The instrument was personally designed by the
researcher. It was later given to the supervisor, the internal/external
examiner and some lecturers at the School of Education for contents, construct
and face validity. This was to determine
the proper structuring, adequacy and contents validity of each of the items in
each of the sub-section and to ensure that
the instrument measured what they were expected to measure. All the
items in all the instrument were retained after modifications based on the
experts’ suggestions.
3.6 Reliability of the Instrument
Furthermore,
reliability was carried out using 120 academic staff of the University of
Ilorin, Ilorin. These participants were found appropriate for this purpose
because they share similar characteristics with the academic staff in Colleges
of Education. They were not included in the real study. Cronbach’s coefficient
was computed based on their responses. The alpha values obtained were 0.86.
3.7 Procedure
for Data Collection
The
instrument for the study was administered by the Researcher himself. This enable the researcher to interact with
the respondents which also yield high rate or return and it reduces errors that
are likely to occur owing to some misconceptions about the research
questionnaire.
In
addition, interviews were conducted by the researcher with key personnel in
Management Information System (MIS) unit in each College, where available
observations were also made by the researcher about the Management Information
System. Input-process, output requirements such as equipment, record, storage
facilities and personnel.
3.8 Method
of Data Analysis
The
data gathered during the course of study were analyzed with descriptive and
inferential statistics. The descriptive
statistics used were frequency counts, means, standard deviation and
percentages to analyze the background information. The Pearson product moment-correlation
coefficient was used to analyze and calculate the data obtained which was
compare with critical r-value to take decision at 0.05 significance level. The data analysis were coded and analyzed by
the computer at the computer centre, Logictech Computer and Telecommunication.
CHAPTER 4
DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Hypotheses
Testing and Discussion of Results
4.1 Introduction
This
chapter presented the results and interpretation of the findings in the
study. The results provided information
on the descriptive and inferential statistics applied in analyzing the data
collected from the Institutions.
4.2 Hypotheses
testing a nd Discussion of Results
Hypothesis 1: There is no
significant relationship between management information system availability and
academic staff effectiveness in Kwara
State Colleges of Education.
Table 1 Correlation Co-efficient
Between Management Information System Availability
and Academic Staff Effectiveness
Variable
|
N
|
X
|
SD
|
DF
|
Calculated
Value
|
Critical value
|
Decision
|
MIS Availability
|
120
|
11.3917
|
1.77552
|
118
|
0.7794
|
0.195
|
Ho-Rejected
|
Academic/ Effectiveness
|
120
|
88.7583
|
8.1189
|
Table
1 above showed that the calculated value is 0.7794 greater than the critical
value of 0.195 at 0.05 level of significance and for 118 degree of
freedom. Thus, the null hypothesis is
rejected. Therefore, there is significant
relationship between Management Information System availability and Academic Staff
effectiveness in Kwara State College of Education. As noted earlier, the different functions
performed by the academic staff within the colleges agree with this order.
However,
the need for interacting and relating with outside institutions rest more with
the lecturers. This is because of the
important roles of higher education, namely, teaching, researching,
dissemination of existing and new information and the pursuit of service to the
community according to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the National Policy
on Education (2004) are carried out principally by the lecturers. These activities require that the lecturer
should interact with educational institutions and research institution both
within and outside the college, if they are to develop themselves
professionally and their students academically.
To
achieve these goals therefore, lecturers need to have viable
communication/information links with other educational and research
institutions within and outside the country for programmes such as public
enlightenment, consultancy services and professional seminars and
conferences. This finding becomes
important in the light of Thierauf’s (1987) assertion that the Management
Information System within an organization should support the specific roles of
the different people within the organization.
It then becomes imperative that the existing Management Information
System should be appropriately utilized to assist college personnel in
effectively carrying out their expected roles and functions.
Hypothesis 2: There is no significant
relationship between the use of Management Information System equipment and
academic staff effectiveness.
Table 2 Correlation Co-efficient
between the use of Management Information
System
Utilization and Academic Staff Effectiveness
Variable
|
N
|
X
|
SD
|
DF
|
Calculated
Value
|
Critical
|
Decision
|
MIS Utilization
|
120
|
14.8583
|
1.5079
|
118
|
0.4605
|
0.195
|
Ho-Rejected
|
Academic/ Effectiveness
|
120
|
88.7583
|
8.1189
|
As
shown in the Table 2 above the calculated value (r) 0.4605 is greater than the
critical value (r) of 0.195 at 0.05 significance level for 118 degree of
freedom. Hence the null hypothesis is
rejected. Therefore, there is
significant relationship between the use of Management Information System and
Academic Staff effectiveness in Kwara State Colleges of Education. This view has earlier been stressed by
Nwankwo (1985) when he elucidated that modern communications technology
requires precision, timeliness and accuracy of information. Hence, the ability and capacity of timely
capture, analysis, utilization, communication security and retrieval of
relevant and accurate information have become the most important attributes of
the modern managers. The prime objective
of management information system is to provide management with key information
to facilitate decisions in the activities of the colleges.
Hypothesis 3
There
is no significant relationship between management information system and staff
publication effectiveness in Kwara State Colleges of Education.
Table 3 Correlation Co-efficient
between Management Information System
and Staff Publication
Effectiveness
Variable
|
N
|
X
|
SD
|
DF
|
Calculated
Value
|
Critical
|
Decision
|
MIS
|
120
|
11.3917
|
1.77553
|
118
|
0.9676
|
0.195
|
Ho-Rejected
|
Academic/ Effectiveness
|
120
|
0.9468
|
1.6940
|
As
shown in the Table 3 above, the calculated value (r) 0.9676 is greater than the
critical value (r) of 0.195 at 0.05 significance level and for 118 degree of
freedom. Hence, the null hypothesis is
rejected. Therefore, there is
significant relationship between management information system and staff
publication effectiveness (SPE). This
finding is supported by Gage (1983) that there is a crave for publication in
our higher institutions. This crave
arises from the fact that promotion or upward mobility on the job is largely
determined by the amount of publications one was able to make. It is surprising therefore that in spite of
series of problem of getting adequate information that is expected from time to
time, the lecturers continue the race for research and publication in earnest.
Hypothesis 4
There
is no significant relationship between management information system and
community service effectiveness in Kwara Colleges of Education.
Table 4 Correlation Co-efficient Between Management
Information System and
Community Service
Effectiveness in Kwara State Colleges of Education
Variable
|
N
|
X
|
SD
|
DF
|
Calculated
Value
|
Critical
|
Decision
|
MIS
|
120
|
11.3917
|
0.75521
|
118
|
0.9582
|
0.195
|
Ho-Rejected
|
Academic/ Effectiveness
|
120
|
25.7667
|
0.6940
|
As
shown in the Table above, the calculated valued (r) 0.9582 is greater than the
critical value of 0.195 at 0.05 significance level and for 118 degree of
freedom. Hence, the null hypothesis is
rejected. Therefore, there is
significant relationship between management information system and community
service effectiveness. The academic
staffs are expected to integrate into their immediate locality which is
supposed to be their primary and external constituency. Among the means of integrating themselves
include, provision of extra-curricular activities to the community like quiz
competition, literacy and debating activities, sports etc maintaining cordial
links with outside intellectual and professional experts in all academic
programmes, attending seminars, conferences and workshops for public
enlightenment.
Hypothesis 5
There
is no significant relationship between management information system and
academic staff teaching effectiveness.
Table 5 Correlation Co-efficient
Between Management Information System and
Academic Staff Teaching Effectiveness in Kwara State Colleges
of Education
Variable
|
N
|
X
|
SD
|
DF
|
Calculated
Value
|
Critical
|
Decision
|
MIS
|
120
|
11.3917
|
0.77552
|
118
|
0.5962
|
0.195
|
Ho-Rejected
|
Academic/ Teaching Effectiveness
|
120
|
21.3250
|
2.5377
|
As
shown in above Table 5, calculated value (r) is 0.5969 is greater than the
critical value of 0.195 at 0.05 level of significance and for 118 degree of
freedom. Thus, the null hypothesis is
rejected. Therefore, there is
significant relationship between management information system and staff
teaching effectiveness in Kwara State Colleges of Education. It has already been noted that effective
teaching requires that the teacher works towards growth and development. Effective teaching however, also includes
making use of the materials available in the cultural setting, basing
children’s growth on foundations
provided by the natural experience in the environment. It involves bringing the home and the school
together by recognizing the need for enlisting the cooperation of the home in
the educational process (Dreeben,1970)
Hypothesis 6
There
is no significant relationship between management information system and
Research effectiveness in Kwara State Colleges of Education.
Table 6 Correlation Co-efficient
Between Management System and Staff
Research Effectiveness in Kwara State
Colleges of Education
Variable
|
N
|
X
|
SD
|
DF
|
Calculated
Value
|
Critical value
|
Decision
|
MIS
|
120
|
11.3917
|
1.77552
|
118
|
0.4605
|
0.195
|
Ho-Rejected
|
Staff/ Research Effectiveness
|
120
|
23.000
|
3.7573
|
As
shown in above Table 6, calculated value (r) is 0.6053 greater than the
critical value of 0.195 at 0.05 level of significance and for 118 degree of
freedom. Thus, the null hypothesis is
rejected. Therefore, there is
significant relationship between management information system and staff
research effectiveness.
As
earlier reviewed, research is the major strand of activities with which all
higher institutions are necessarily concerned.
Research is aimed at broadening nation building provision of adequate
support for all academic staff. Richman
and Farmer (1974) state that, those who can do research well can look forward
to higher income and better students.
Sound research can enhance the quality of teaching and raise academic
standard generally.
Table 7 Adequacy of Management
Information System Equipment in the Colleges
Item Variable
Very % Fairly %
Not %
Adequate
Adequate Adequate
1. Computer
- - 4 333 116 96.66
2. Telephone
30 25.6 80 66.67 10 8.33
3. Telex 42 35.0 60 50.0 18 150
4. Fax
12 10.0 28 23.3 80 66.67
5. E-mail
5 4.16 36 30.0 79 65.83
6. Intercom - - - - 120 100
7. Commu/Satellite
- - 40 33.33 80 66.67
8. Files
120 100 - - - -
9. Publications
- - 120 100 -
-
10. Postal Service
- - 112
93 8 6.67
As shown in Table 7 above, items 1 – 3 of the electronic equipment
computer, telephones and telex respectively were adjudged fairly adequate by
the majority of the respondents in the colleges where these were
available. Items 4 – 7 (intercom, fax,
E-mail and communications satellite respectively) were adjudged by most
respondents as inadequate or not available at all in the colleges. Postal services and publications were rated
by the major of the respondents as fairly adequate, while files were adjudge
very adequate. This general inadequate
of management information system equipment does not augur well for effective
management information system operation in the Colleges. A retrospection at the conceptual frame work
as well as the literature (Ekwere, 1990) on his study revealed the importance
of these equipment to the successful implementation of management information
system in any organization. He opined
further that poor input in form of management information system equipment
results into poor information output that cripples the process of development
within the organization. Therefore, when
these equipment are inadequate, one could image the host of problem that would
attend the management information system operations well as the nature of the
outcome of the use of such system.
Though
administrative files should serve as back-up for computer use, in the colleges
without corresponding computerization of their information signified predominant
use of manual management information system.
The complex nature of higher institutions make computerized management
information system a necessity as a technical assistance to support the
Colleges of Education for prompt, efficient and effective management practices.
Table 8
Rank Order of the Ten Most Prominent
Problems of Management Information
System in Kwara State Colleges of
Education
S/No. Problem Statement Mean Rank
1. Poor
support from the college 2.333 5
2. Poor
support from colleges staff 1.666 9
3. Inadequate
management information
System in the colleges 2.666 3
4. Inadequate
space for expansion of
management Information System 2.166 7
5. Inadequate
funding of management
Information
System 2.777 2
6. Inadequate
qualified personnel in the unit 2.500 5
7. Poor
communication network 2.444 6
8. Inadequate
security for stored information 0.333 10
9. Lack
of customized software
(i.e
computer programme specifically prepared
For
college use) 2.000 8
10. Inadequate
literacy of computer education
by the lecturers 4.000 1
As
shown in Table 8 above, the first most emphasized problem of management
information system unit was inadequate literacy to computer education by
lecturers in the colleges. It was
however observed during data gathering that some of these lecturers were not
conversant with the use of the available management information system
equipment such as computers. Worse
still, some lecturers were not even aware of existence of some of those of
these equipment in the colleges. This
finding becomes important in the light of Nwankwo (1985) assertion that
management must be involved in order to make useful contribution to the system
design, and information specialist need to be aware of the managerial functions
and needs, so that jointly, a more effective management information system is
developed. It then become imperative
that the existing management information system should be appropriately
utilized to assist college personnel in effectively carrying out their expected
roles and functions.
The
next problem of management information system unit was inadequate funding of
the units. A possible explanation for
this might be that Kwara State Government in many cases, lack budget to support
management information system project.
This may stem pointly from overall inadequate funding of the colleges,
and partly due to misplaced priority for the management information system
project. Other problems such as
inadequate management information system equipment, poor network facilities and
inadequate funding. Specifically, poor
network facilities can render the generated information valueless if it become
difficult to make the information available to other locations where it is
needed. The need for networking has been
stressed, if the innovation in information technology is to be effective
(Alabi, 2000). Hence, the need for
networking facilities such as telephone lines, intercoms, Local Area Network
(LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) and internet.
LAN can link computer within an area of one square kilometer while WAN
is capable of linking the entire colleges system in Nigeria in communicating,
transferring or sharing information and facilities. Internet can link the colleges to any part of
world for different activities such as tele-conferencing, publications or
international journal and the likes.
The
poor support from management is seen from the perspective of funding and
policies. There is thus, the need to
emphasize the benefits of management information system at the top management
level of each college, to ensure total commitment and support for the
system. Poor support from staff which
ranked nineteeth could be due to inadequate computer education (ranked first)
and or job security. Thus, finding
support the assertion of Alabi (2000) that staff attitude could be changed and
lack of cooperation may arise as a result of introduction of management
information system due to their jobs, objectionable procedural pattern of work
or loss of control, esteem and priviledges.
Inadequately qualified personnel at the management information system
inputs ranked fourth the reasons for this could be inadequate training
facilities and lack of retention of trained staff due to inadequate
incentives. This is more so because the
type of job makes them marketable especially in private organizations.
Lack
of customized software and inadequate security for stores information in
computers ranked eight and tenth respectively.
Software is the medium of communication with the computer using the
“machine-language”. Hence, software
development is the key operation for utilizing the full capacity of the
computers. To take care of specific
areas of operations each colleges of education, therefore, there is need for
the development of customized software. Apart from those developed by NCCE for
the colleges.
CHAPTER 5
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction: This chapter presented Summary of findings, conclusions,
recommendations, the implication of the study, and suggestions for further
studies.
5.1 Summary of Findings
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 Implication of the Study
5.5 Suggestion for Further Studies
5.1 Summary of Findings
The central focus of the
study was the investigation on how adequately equipped are the three Kwara
State Colleges of Education were in
terms of MIS equipment and overall impact it has on the academic staff expected
roles of research, teaching, publishing and community services. An extensive review of related literature
was undertaken and this facilitated the identification of the relevant
procedures for the construction of the instruction of the used by the researcher.
Five hypotheses were formulated and
statistically tested. Data were
collected with use of Management Information System and Academic Staff
Effectiveness Questionnaire (MISASEQ).
Also items were drawn to elicit responses from academic staff of the
colleges. One hundred and twenty academic
staff randomly selected which formed the sample of the study, out of two
hundred and sixty-seven staffs. In
analyzing the data, both descriptive and inferential statistics were used
precisely, frequent counts, percentages mean and standard deviation were used
for descriptive analysis, while Pearson production moment correlation statistic
were used for testing all the hypotheses formulated at 0.05 significance
level. It was found that five hypotheses
tested were rejected.
The findings of this study were
summarized as follows:
1. There
is significant relationship between MIS and community services effectiveness.
As shown in hypothesis 4, Table 4 above, the calculated valued (r) 0.9582 is
greater than the critical value of 0.195 at 0.05 significance level and for 118
degree of freedom. Hence, the null
hypothesis is rejected. The academic
staff are expected to integrate into their immediate environment through
extra-curricular activities like Quiz competition, literary and debating
activities, sports etc. , maintaining cordial links with outside intellectual
and professional experts in all academic programmes attending seminars,
conferences and workshops for public enlightenment.
2. There
is significant relationship between management information system and staff
teaching effectiveness in Kwara State Colleges of Education. As shown in the hypothesis 1, Table 1 above
showed the calculated value is 0.7794 greater than the critical value of 0.195
at 0.05 level of significance and for 118 degree of freedom. Thus, the null hypothesis is rejected.
Effective teaching requires that the students should be stimulated by the
teacher toward growth and development but effective teaching however, includes
making use of the available and relevant materials in the cultural setting.
3. There
is significant relationship between management information system and research
effectiveness in Kwara State colleges of education. As shown in hypothesis 6,
Table 6 above, calculated value (r) is 0.6053 greater than the critical value
of 0.195 at 0.05 level of significance and for 118 degree of freedom. Thus, the null hypothesis is rejected.
Research is the bedrock or major concern of any higher institution. Sound research enhances the quality of
teaching and raise academic standard generally.
4. There
is significant relationship between management information system and staff
publication effectiveness. As shown in hypothesis 3, Table 3 above, the
calculated value (r) 0.9676 is greater than the critical value (r) of 0.195 at
0.05 significance level and for 118 degree of freedom. Hence, the null hypothesis is rejected.
5. There
is significant relationship between the use of management information system
equipnment and academic staff effectiveness. As shown in the hypothesis 2, table
2 above the calculated value (r) 0.4605 is greater than the critical value (r)
of 0.195 at 0.05 significance level for 118 degree of freedom. Hence the null hypothesis is rejected. Management information system equipment –
electronic and printing were generally inadequate in all the Kwara State
Colleges of Education, while the only equipment adequately available were the
administrative files.
6. There
is significant relationship between management information system and staff
teaching effectiveness in Kwara State Colleges of Education. As shown in hypothesis
5, Table 5 above, calculated value (r) is 0.5969 is greater than the critical
value of 0.195 at 0.05 level of significance and for 118 degree of
freedom. Thus, the null hypothesis is
rejected.
7. Inadequate
funding, low level of literacy in computer education, lack of qualified
management information system personnel, poor communication network and lack of
adequate support from the management and staff are part of the problem s
militating against effective usage of management information system in Kwara
State Colleges of Education.
5.2 Conclusion
Based
on the research findings, the following conclusion was drawn: Management
Information System equipment was generally not adequate in the three Colleges
of Education in Kwara State. Only files
were available and even publications that are essential for academic
performance were fairly adequate. The
inadequacy of management information system equipment does not argue well for
effective management information system operation in the Kwara State Colleges
of Education.
Management
information system equipment were not effective utilized by the academic staff
of Kwara State Colleges of Education.
While lecturers were expected to be concerned with teaching, research
and community services as stipulated in the National Policy of Education (FRN
1989), the non-accessibility of management information system equipment by
academic staff hampers the effective performance of their duties.
Kwara
State Colleges of Education encounter many problems militating against
effective management information system operation and these problems includes
poor funding, inadequate support from the college management and staff,
low-level literacy in computer education, inadequate qualified personnel in
their unit and poor communication network.
5.3 Recommendations
On
the basis of the findings and conclusions of this study, the following
recommendations were made:
1. Kwara
State Government should provide special fund on year basis for the Colleges of
Education so that the necessary management information system equipment like
computer and their accessories, telephone system, telex, fax, and e-mail
services would be provided to ensure appropriate and adequate dissemination of necessary
information with and outside the college system.
2. All
categories of workers within the college system should be made aware of the
available management information shystem equipment and their importance. The academic staff should in particular be
provided with necessary equipment and proper trained to use these equipments
for their professional development and academic improvement of their students.
3. Research
funds should be granted to the lecturers so that their yearning for research
and publication can be met to enable them improve themselves and carry out
quality and publishable research work.
4. The
Kwara State Colleges of Education should urgently develop of comprehensive
information system preferable computer base that will provide all categories of
worker with information needed for the effective running of the colleges.
5. Qualified
management information system personnel should be recruited to man management
information system unit and the personnel should given incentives to motivate
them to stay on in the colleges, given the high demand for computer skilled
personnel by the private sector.
6. Access
to store information in the computer should be controlled so as to guard
against misuse and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
7. Management
should be more involved in the design and implementation of management
information system equipment in the Kwara State Colleges of Education.
5.4 Implications
of the study
With
the emergence and the need to use Management Information System for efficient,
effective and timely dissemination of information, the education managers now
adopt management information technology in their day-to-day activities.
Management Information System therefore, is essentially the most crucial
connecting link between the various management departments, functions in any
educational institution.
The implication of this
study to education supplies education decision makers with facts, which
supports and enhances the overall decision making process and also enhances job
performance throughout an institution.
Also at the top or strategic
management level in education, it provides information that helps board of
management in education (i.e. President/Governor, Chief Executive Officers,
Commissioners, Minister of Education etc.), to make strategic decisions and
formulate policies to meet up with prevailing educational situation in an
institution.
This
study will also helps the top managers in education to obtain information from
middle managers (i.e. provosts, rectors, vice chancellors, administrators,
principals, proprietors / proprietress etc.) concerning problems, opportunities
and promising alternatives before decision making.
This
study will help the lower level managers in education (i.e. HOD of departments)
in educational institution in the dissemination of information to academic
staff in their schools through the effective use of human and computer
resources available in the colleges of education to achieve the objective of an
institution. At the school/institutional level, this study is also crucial in such areas as student admissions, student
flow, personnel, staff development and facilities.
Lastly,
this study would tend to achieve the followings goals in any educational
institution namely: enhance communication among staff; deliver complex
materials throughout the institution; provide objective system for recording
and aggregating information; reduce expenses related to labour-intensive manual
activities; and to support the institutions strategies, goals and
direction.
5.5 Suggestion
for Further Studies
If the recommendations
enumerated above are implemented, the colleges of education and other higher
institutions of learning in the country would be self sufficient and self
reliant in the field of educational development. This is the only way they can bring about
changes in our educational institutions.
Since information is needed for sense of direction, coordination and
production.
In
the light of above, it will be necessary for further research to be based on
related areas of management information system such as determination of
training needs; human resources planning as well as designing a uniform
management information system operation for schools.
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