The knowledge and perspectives about educational management information system (EMIS/SMPP) of decision-makers in the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MMOE): an inquiry into the implementation of an EMIS

Abstract

This thesis reports on the implementation of an Educational Management Information System (EMIS/SMPP) in the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MMOE) since 1995. An EMIS enables data to be collected, processed, stored and retrieved, and allows data and information to be disseminated to support the main activities and 'business' cycles of educational organisations. The thesis investigates decision-makers' use of EMIS/SMPP and their perceptions as to its value and shortcomings. It highlights issues affecting the development of an integrated system/database in the MMOE from the point of view of decision-makers. It also offers suggestions for improving the implementation of EMIS/SMPP and developing an integrated system in the MMOE. The study involved a literature review, participant observation. Furthermore, interviews with a representative sample of decision-makers, the potential users of EMIS, were held. The relationships between issues raised by the decision-makers were examined and discussed with reference to two multiple cause diagrams. The study found that use of EMIS/SMPP was sparse. Several human-, organisational/management- and technological-related issues were identified as contributing to restricting the use and usefulness of EMIS. Two models of EMIS implementation are presented. The first is the model produced by the EMIS implementation team. This proved inadequate due to unclear specification of stages and identification of management and information integration, system review and management involvement. A second model addresses these weaknesses by specifying activities or interventions at specific levels and building in feedback loops in the system implementation process. A manager of change/ technology is seen as a key factor in the implementation of EMIS, the more so considering the constraints on change with the existing organisational culture and structure of the MMOE. The study provides a unique insight into change in a public organisation in Malaysia. It offers important insights into a range of human-, organisational/ management- and technological-related issues associated with change. Additionally, it offers specific recommendations for the development of integrated information systems. Areas for further research are identified