Abstract

Recognizing the importance of information management systems, Bahirdar University introduced its student information management system in 2009. However, studies had not been conducted on the functioning of this system. This study, therefore, examined the information management practices of the University. The academic leaders, core process owners, and the system administrators were the research participants selected purposely, for they are main actors in initiating and managing the information system of the university. The information collected using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion was analyzed using thematic analysis. Accordingly, it was revealed that apart from achievements made, lack of required resources, the centralized nature of the system, poor culture of the academic staff in meeting deadlines stipulated in the system, and lack of adequate computer skills on the part of the users were the major challenges encountered in the implementation of the existing student information management system, which has not yet been implemented in managing the information of distance, summer, extension, and graduate program students. Worst of all, this practice was not extended to the library and other administrative core processes. Hence, the University should revisit the functioning of its student information management system, and also take initiatives in automating the information management systems of the other administrative core processes.

Key words: Information, management, system, university.