The Impact of Management Information Systems on a South African University’s Organisational Processes

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the impact of management information systems on the organisational performance of a rural-based university in South Africa, while also exploring the perceived benefits and challenges with regards to the management system currently being utilised by the institution. The study adopted the mixed methods approach to research and employed a combination of probability and non-probability sampling techniques to establish the final sample frame. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data generated by the survey, which utilised questionnaires as its data generation instrument. As a result of this study it was established that there were benefits inherent to the application of management information systems within the institution and that the users of the system were overall satisfied with management information systems as they improved productivity, performance of duties and decision making. However, it also emerged that administrators of the management system were not content with the current system and its utility. The study ultimately recommends that there needs to be increased awareness and training on the utility of the current management information systems, to create a more conducive environment for the implementation of a more modern system that satisfies both academic staff and the system administrators.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p199