Factors that Affect Efficiency in the Utilisation of Performance Management Data Sets at Tshwane University of Technology

Abstract

The research explores the conflicts in the management information systems within the South African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Research done on the quality of data that has been assessed and evaluated is still very limited and scanty. This study aims to fill the gap by conducting an empirical study on the performance management data with a geographical demarcation by selecting a specific university of technology Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). An explanatory design was used to determine why there are so many data errors to discover and suggest solutions to the problem. The units of analysis are individuals. The reasons why individuals make mistakes and why from the on-set data is not captured accurately. This is a crosssectional study and data was collected from respondents over a period between two and seven months. Questionnaires were distributed over a period of seven months and interviews were conducted over a period of two months. The primary causes for inaccurate data are identified as data managers are not sufficiently trained; and staff members are not always aware of where he or she fits into the organization. Data capturers are not adequately trained to prevent data errors and a lack of communication also contribute to data errors. Research confirms that user resistance can cause the implementation of a new MIS system to fail. There is still a gap in understanding how users evaluate changes related to a new information system. It is further confirmed that there exists a relevance between colleques opinions, self-efficacy for change and user resistance (Kim & Kankanhalli, 2009). The following training modules are suggested to be included in the training programme: the importance of data accuracy and consequences of data errors; basic management skills, the value chain of the university as well as targeted training to address specific ITS data errors.