Higher education institutions, like nearly all organizations, need to implement information management systems that enable them to handle routine operations easily and, at the same time, generate many types of standardized and ad hoc reports. Higher professional education (HPE) institutions face unique challenges when implementing their computer-based information management systems. Electronic records management systems (ERMSs) help manage the extensive information needed to plan and make well-informed decisions. ERMS is a fairly new addition to organizations, and those organizations are still learning how to use them effectively. Unfortunately, some organizations are still slow to adopt these systems. With this in mind, this paper proposes a framework that identifies the key factors that influence HPEs in adopting their own ERMS. The framework developed in this paper is based on two other models: the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and technology-organization-environment (TOE). The questionnaires we distributed to 364 respondents in the HPE sector to collect the views of as many stakeholders as possible. These survey responses led the study to propose a framework that identifies the critical factors that influence the adoption of ERMSs in HPEs. This framework is expected to guide HPE institutions in understanding the most essential factors (individual, technological, and environmental) that must be addressed to adopt an ERMS.INDEX TERMS Information management systems, electronic records management, computer-based information systems, records, higher education institutions, information and educational field.

Organizations are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of knowledge sharing to survive and remain competitive. Current knowledge sharing models have been found to be lacking as they only focus on the relationships between factors that influence knowledge sharing. An integrated approach that is capable of a simultaneous investigation of the various factors that affect knowledge sharing initiatives, quality of knowledge management and its impact on organizational performance has not been widely attempted. This study aims to develop a holistic knowledge sharing model for the public sector in Malaysia that is based on an integrated approach, which combines factors that influence knowledge management (input), knowledge sharing quality (process) and workers’ performance as well as service delivery (output) that encompasses the individual, organization and technology. This study will firstly present a review of the literature of current models in knowledge sharing, which will then form the take-off point for the development of the proposed holistic model. Such a holistic model is deemed appropriate and necessary to steer knowledge sharing initiatives in tandem with forming the base for policy-making of such initiatives.

The adoption of knowledge management (KM) practices by local commercial banks in Malaysia is perceived as the beginning of their emergence as knowledge-based institutions. Reports the results of a study aiming to identify the causes and effects of adopting KM practices among 10 local commercial banks in Malaysia. Analysis of the results confirmed that there is a relation between the causes and effects of implementing KM practices. KM equips organizations to be more competitive and provides better integration and sharing of information. Increases in knowledge sharing, both horizontally and vertically, along with increases in workers’ efficiency, appear to be common effects resulting from adopting KM practices. It is hoped that this study will encourage local banks to maximize the benefits that KM can offer.

Individual factors have been known of their significant impact on knowledge sharing behaviour in organisation. It is the aim of this paper to investigate the relationship between individual factors such as awareness, trust and personality and the quality of knowledge sharing in Malaysian public agencies. Survey method employing questionnaires as technique for collecting data was used. The survey involved three selected government departments executed from October through December 2008 involving a sample of 428 respondents. The data collected was analysed using SPSS version 16.0. Factor analysis and reliability test were performed to ensure the validity and reliability of the instrument. Confirmatory factor analysis was carried out to verify the existence of three dimensions of individual factors. Analysis reveals that there is a positive and significant correlation between individual factors and the quality of knowledge sharing. The results of multiple regression analysis indicate that personality is the most significant predictor of knowledge sharing quality followed by trust and awareness.

Electronic records (e-records) are used to provide proof of organizational activities. E-records are crucial in complementing business functions, an essential tool to assess organizational performance and are the core of good governance. Erecords in Higher Professional Education (HPE) institutions contain valuable information in running the education business in an efficient and effective manner, supplying services consistently and in supporting effective performance evaluation and decisions. There are serious consequences and risk awaiting when the administrators of HPE are not based on information contained in erecords in making decisions. Well-informed decision makings would thus be impossible if electronic records are not efficiently and effectively managed the using system. Therefore, Electronic Records Management System (ERMS) is an effective and efficient tool to hinder such a problem. Voluminous electronic records are created every day in HPE. The record keepers inclusive of records managers, archivists, administrators and IT personnel, who are the people essentially involved in creating, maintaining and preserving the contents of the e-records. Thus, this personnel participating in the records keeping should identify the readiness of the HPE institutions to adopt ERMS. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to investigate the readiness of the Yemeni HPE institutions to adopt the ERMS. The study involves interviewing 20 specialists from Yemeni HPE institutions who are involved in ERMS. The findings showed that in order to promote effective ERMS readiness in the HPE institutions, there should be a framework to be used as guidance in such process.

An electronic records management system (ERMS) is tightly linked with most of the daily activities of educational organisations and leads to enhance their performance and decision-making. The aim of this article is to identify the significant factors that could influence the ERMS adoption in higher professional education (HPE). The methodology of this article started with identifying the factors through theory analysis and literature and also recommended by experts. Technology–organisation–environment (TOE) theory was used for factor classification. Qualitative approach was used through the interview with experts to validate and verify the proposed framework. This article presents the results of a study which identifies the issues involved in the utilisation and adoption of ERMS. More than 100 previous works and six well-known theories were critically reviewed to identify the main factors for successful ERMS adoption in different areas with the aim of proposing a taxonomic framework that can depict and identify the main factors that have an impact on the success of ERMS adoption. The proposed framework includes 11 factors categorised into three dimensions. The framework is validated and verified by experts. The adoption factors identified here provide a sound theoretical basis for research to understand, support and facilitate the adoption of ERMS to HPE benefit. The proposed framework could help to improve educational outcomes and the successful implementation of ERMS.

The concept of a life cycle is at the core of most records management programmes. The activities of records management programmes are developed upon this concept, which has several phases that explain the stages or status of records – from creation through use and maintenance to ultimate disposal. However, it has been argued that the life cycle concept only fits successfully into paper-based records management. The concept is said to be inadequate when applied to electronic records, where records are unlikely to reach a definite inactive point but are instead migrated into new formats following developments in technology. Electronic records always need to be transacted, migrated and converted by hardware and software in order to be readable by their creators and users. A comparison of the way in which the life cycle concept has been modified over the years to accommodate the different characteristics of electronic records will demonstrate that the concept is inappropriate for technology-generated records.

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