School Management Information Systems Adoption and Performance of Secondary Schools in Nairobi County

Abstract

A number of crucial variables compel businesses worldwide to develop new applications in order to succeed. These include ongoing advancements in information technologies, information exchange, rising social expectations and current management perspectives and applications. Recently, the topic that has received the most attention is the contribution of technology to education. Technologies such as management information systems enhance performance management and evaluation. The main aim of this research was to determine the correlation of SMIS and performance of secondary schools in Nairobi County. Specific objectives were to establish the extent of SMIS adoption among secondary schools in Nairobi county, to establish the drivers of SMIS adoption among secondary schools in Nairobi county, to establish the challenges in SMIS adoption among secondary schools in the county of Nairobi, and to determine the relationship between SMIS adoption and performance among secondary schools in Nairobi county. This study employed a descriptive research design methodology. The population of the study was 252 public and private secondary schools in Nairobi country. The sample size was 75 schools. Primary data was collected using questionnaire. Research questionnaire was sent to 75 secondary schools in Nairobi county of which 71 schools responded, leading to 94.6% response rate. One representative filled the questionnaire in every school. The representatives included directors, principals, deputy principals, senior teachers, teachers and bursars. The questionnaire was edited for precision, clarity and completeness after the data that is needed has been obtained. To allow statistical analysis, the responses were coded into numerical form. Demographic data was presented using frequency and percentage. The extent of adoption was presented using mean and standard deviation. Data on drivers of adoption plus challenges faced during adoption was analyzed using mean and standard deviation. To establish the relationship between SMIS and performance of secondary schools, a regression equation was established. The study found that to a great extent that SMIS has been adopted for database management. The study also found that SMIS was in use for a duration of 4 to 6 years. The study found to a great extent that efficient communication with parents motivated the school to adopt SMIS. The study found to a great extent that fear of system failure was the main challenge the school faced in adopting SMIS. The study further found to a great extent that real time data reconciliation has improved after SMIS adoption. The study also concluded that database management contributed most to performance of secondary schools in Nairobi County, followed by sub-system integration. At 5% level of significance and 95% level of confidence, database management, sub-system integration, processing of information, and information dissemination were all significant on performance of secondary schools in Nairobi County. In order to enable the use of SMIS in management of schools, the study recommended facilitation in schools to enable purchase of computers and accessories, structured networks and fast internet to enable adoption of SMIS. Another recommendation was the introduction of SMIS lessons to staff members as this would support the development of SMIS skills in the institution.