Abstract:
The study assessed the extent to which University of Cape Coast
administrators integrated ICT into student data management and obstacles
militating against this process. Using Dinesh Thakur’s Information
Management modal, this study focused specifically on ICT utilisation in the
collection, analysis, storage, retrieval and dissemination of student data.
The sample size for the study was 234, comprising 39 Senior Members
in Administration, 181 Senior Staff Administrators, 1 ICT coordinator and 21
Heads of Departments. The cross-sectional descriptive survey was used in the
study. Questionnaires and an observational checklist were designed for data
collection from respondents who were randomly selected from both academic
and administrative departments. Data analysis was done with the SPSS using
descriptive statistical tools such as frequencies and percentages.
Major findings and conclusions are that, though the administrators
appreciated the effectives of ICT in the capturing, storing, analysing, retrieval
and disseminating student data, some critical ICT resources were still
inadequate. Again, the high cost of ICT resources, unstable electricity supply,
interrupted internet services, and the frequent breakdown of resources were
reported to be hindering the ICT integration process.
Hence for effective student data management, University management
need to provide the needed quantities and quality of all ICT resources indicated
in its Strategic Plan (2012-2017) in addition to regular staff training to promote
usage. Furthermore, the study recommends that an alternative source of
electricity should be obtained by all units to guarantee constant supply of power
for an efficient ICT use.
