The Role of Decision Support Systems in the Re-Engineering of Administrative Processes in Saudi Higher Education Institutions - Taif University Case Study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify the role of decision support systems (DSS) in the Re-engineering of administrative processes at Taif University. To achieve the objectives of the study, a questionnaire was designed and developed covering (30) items for the purpose of collecting and distributing the data among the members of the sample of which comprises (75) employees. Therefore, data were collected, analyzed and tested using SPSS. Numerous statistical methods were used to achieve the study objectives including the analysis of multiple and simple regression. After conducting the analysis of the study data and hypotheses, the study concluded several results; the most noticeable are:1. The decision support systems (DSS) in the Re-engineering of administrative processes have an impact in supporting senior management to use high resolution support systems. 2. The level of available requirements (hardware, software, human and organizational) is high. 3. The level of the type of used decision support systems is high. 4. The level of senior management support for the use of decision support systems (DSS) and available requirements (hardware, software, human and organizational) and the type of used decision support systems is high. 5. There is a statistically significant relationship at the level of α ≤ 0.05 between (senior management support, hardware, software, human and organizational requirements and the type of decision support systems) for the use of decision support systems (DSS) and Re-engineering processes. 6. There are no statistically significant differences between the responses of the respondents at the level of α ≤ 0.05 on the role of decision support systems in the Re-engineering of administrative processes at Taif University due to the variables of age, qualification and functional experience.The study recommended the following:-1. Developing IT infrastructure in general and decision support systems in particular. 2. Increasing the attention to the hardware and software requirements available to use decision support systems through sustainable modern technologies. 3. Increasing the attention to the human requirements available to use decision support systems by providing specialized training programs for administrators and academics. 4. Increasing the attention to the organizational requirements available to use decision support systems through an independent unit of decision support systems that is directly affiliated with the university administration. 5. Connecting computers in the university with the other administrations through a communication network, as well as linking the university units and administrations with the internet and activating the web programs.