Influence of Public University Expansion on Adoption of Web Based Student Management Information Systems A Case of Moi University, Kenya

Abstract

Universities worldwide have grown and expanded significantly since the year 1088 when the first university, believed to be Italy’s University of Bologna, was established. Most countries in the world are today host to tens or hundreds of universities, most of which are multi campus. University student population has grown exponentially as a driver and result of the rapid expansion. There has been remarkable increase in personnel, university facilities, diversified academic programs and modes of delivery and use of computer based information systems for improved quality, flexibility, efficiency and effectiveness. University expansion has faced challenges including overwhelming student population, compromised quality of education, inadequate personnel, quality and quantity of facilities and inadequate funding. Taking certain services online has been seen as a way to improve and standardize service delivery. Using a case study research design, this study purposed to determine the influence of public university expansion on adoption of web based Student Management Information Systems (SMIS). Using questionnaires and interview schedules, data was collected from 380 respondents from Moi University, Eldoret between May and June 2015, analyzed using Microsoft Excel and presented in APA tables. The study found that increased student population, availability of ICT facilities, diversification of academic programs and staffing levels had some influence on adoption of web based information systems. The study also found out that management support and leadership were key to realization of fully functional SMIS. This report will be useful to university managers to rationalize the expansion programs as they adopt better ways of doing business. The government of Kenya, and in particular the Commission for University Education, should find this report useful in regulating the well intended but seemingly haphazard expansions.