Information communications technology and academic records management at Kyambogo University

Abstract

The focus of this study was to examine the effect of information communications technology on academic records management at Kyambogo University. The study was guided by the following specific objectives to: assess the effect of the availability of ICT Hardware on academic records management; examine how the Quality of ICT Software affects academic records management and establish the relationship between ICT human resources competence and academic records management of Kyambogo University. The study reviewed related literature critically evaluating and analysing previous studies literature gaps to inform the current study. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design. A sample size of 384 respondents derived using Bartlett, J. et al. (2001) participated in the study. Purposive sampling technique, simple random sampling as well as stratified sampling techniques were used to select different categories of staff. The study tools used were; questionnaire survey for quantitative data, interviewing and documentary review for qualitative data. Data was analysed using means, correlations and regression techniques. The findings revealed that availability of ICT Hardware and the quality of ICT software account for only 30.5% of the variations (changes) in academic records management at Kyambogo University. The quality of software for better management of students’ academic information was secure and safe in terms of providing; Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA). The found out that a moderate significant positive relationship exists between ICT human resources competencies and academic records management of Kyambogo University (p=.464 <=0.000). In a nutshell, the study deduced that: KyU uses AIMS with efficient availability of ICT equipment such as desktop computers, laptops, internet access facilitates reduction of rampant missing results; protection of information remained a major challenge since the beginning utilization of AIMS in KyU. Results coordinators at KyU have inadequate capacity and skill gaps to efficiently and effectively manage students’ academic records. The study recommends that: accessing WIFI from open space computer laboratories by many students causes congestion and hence more hardwares should be purchased to easily access examination results upon logging in into the system. The study recommends that AIMS software should be designed to suit the user needs and to govern all loop holes within the ICT policy framework of the University. Results coordinators should be re-training through refresher courses to undertake full responsibilities of records management. The study suggested that further research should be conducted to explore; The relationship between ICT and e-learning in private universities in Uganda and to investigate the extent to which ICT influences student academic achievement; a comparative analysis of private and public universities in Uganda.