THE IMPACT OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM ON THE ADMINISTRATION EFFECTIVENESS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study focuses on the impact of management information system on administrative effectiveness in primary schools in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State. The researcher designed questionnaire tagged “Management Information System and Administrative Effectiveness (MISAE)” was used to gather relevant data from 200 respondents. The finding revealed that Management Information System influences administrative effectiveness in primary schools in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue state. Based on the findings, it was recommended that efforts should be made by administrators to upgrade their knowledge in computer utilization for their administrative functions and tasks. Finally, fundamental problems that militate against the adequate use of computer in schools should be examined by educational researchers and managers for Nigeria to meet with the millennium goal of vision 2020.

 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background of the study

Computers are seen to have the potential to make a significant contribution to the teaching, learning, and administration in schools. An extensive amount of investment that has gone into introducing information and communication technology (ICT) into schools including hardware, software, networking, and staff development will be considered worthwhile if there is evidence that it has made a commensurate impact on school performance and effectiveness (Condie et al., 2007). The use of information technology in educational management has rapidly increased due to its efficiency and effectiveness. School managers who used to spend large amount of time in solving complex allocation problems (e.g., staff allocation, resource allocation, timetabling) and monitoring the school operations have now better options due to enhanced technology. Information technologies facilitate the decentralization of work tasks and their coordination in an interactive network of communication in real time (Castells, 1996). They allow for greater flexibility and networking that emphasizes interdependence, interaction, and constant adaptation to an ever-changing environment (Castells, 2001). Management information systems (MIS) are being used by schools to support a range of administrative activities including attendance monitoring, assessment records, reporting, financial management, and resource and staff allocation. MIS provide managers with the information required to manage organizations efficiently and effectively. These systems are distinct from other information systems in that they are designed to be used to analyze and facilitate strategic and operational activities in the organization (O’Brien, 1999). Waston et al. (1987) describes management information system (MIS) as ‘an organizational method of providing past, present and projected information related to internal operations and external intelligence. It supports the planning, control and operation functions of an organization by furnishing uniform information in the proper time frame to assist the decision makers’. Telem (1999) defines MIS as ‘a management information system designed to match the structure, management task, instructional processes, and special needs of the school’. O’Brien (1999) referred MIS as ‘a term given to the discipline focused on the integration of computer systems with the aims and objectives of an organization’ Based on the foregoing definitions, MIS refers to a system that uses the information required by the organization’s management at every level in making operational, tactical, and strategic decisions. Its main objective is to design and implement procedures, processes, and routines that provide suitably detailed reports in an accurate, consistent, and timely manner. MIS plays a vital role in the area of decision making as it can monitor by itself disturbances in a system, determine a course of action and take action to get the system in control. It is also relevant in non-programmed decisions as it provides support by supplying information for the search, the analysis, the evaluation and the choice and implementation process of decision making (Obi, 2003). These systems have the ability to provide its users the processed information, analytical models, real-time updates and hypothetical scenarios to assist their decision making process. This paper will give an account of the studies that have examined the impact of MIS on school administration and management. Some of these studies have also highlighted the factors that hinder MIS usage in school administration

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

According to Barry (1988) information is a generic term, because it has been described as the livewire of any enterprise ( school, public, private, local firm, Multinational company, manufacturing, merchandise, and franchise business, retailing stores, multiple chain stores or service oriented organization). It provides the relevant concept and intelligence to enable the right thing to be done at the right time. The problems to be studied are as follows:  Is there any need for management information system in Nigeria school. Does the status of a school determine the type of information system in it? Do MIS aid decision making in school?  Could there be any room for development or improvement of MIS in school?

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The objective of the study is;

1. To identify the determine factors influencing MIS process in primary school in Nigeria
2. To determine if MIS policies or practices, processes, objectives and internal control are adequate
3. To ascertain the relationship between impact of MIS and academic performance
4. To evaluate whether MIS application provides users with timely, accurate, consistent, complete and relevant information in primary school in Nigeria

1.4 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;

H₀: there are no factors influencing MIS process in primary school in Nigeria

H₁: there are factors influencing MIS process in primary school in Nigeria

H₀²: there is no relationship between impact of MIS and academic performance

H₂: there is relationship between impact of MIS and academic performance

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study, which is primarily aimed at explaining the impact of management information system on the administration effectiveness of primary school in Nigeria, will provide an insight into the problems associated with management information system on the administration effectiveness of primary school. This report would be of great benefit for primary school in Nigeria, to expose them to the management information system in their administration. The findings will be useful for researchers to further generate knowledge in the field.

1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study covers the impact of management information system on the administration effectiveness of primary school in Nigeria. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

1. a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study
2. b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.
3. c) Organizational privacy: Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM: Management information system refers to the processing of information through computers and other intelligent devices to manage and support managerial decisions within an organization.

ADMINISTRATION: The process or activity of running a business, organization, etc.

EFFECTIVENESS: Effectiveness is the capability of producing a desired result or the ability to produce desired output. When something is deemed effective, it means it has an intended or expected outcome, or produces a deep, vivid impression.

PRIMARY SCHOOL: A primary school is a school in which children receive primary or elementary education from the age of about five to twelve, coming after preschool and before secondary school

1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows

Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study

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