FACTORS AFFECTING THE UTILIZATION OF EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF HARARI REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Educational management information system (EMIS) is a crucial and resourceful system in preparing a plan and making a sound decision. To this end, the primary aim of this study was to assess the major factors that affect the utilization of educational management information system in secondary schools of Harari Regional State. The study adopted a mixed method approach along with an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. Data were collected through questionnaire and interview. The questionnaire was used to obtain data from 165 teachers, 43 department heads, and 13 vice principals whereas interview was conducted with 5 school principals. The researcher employed a stratified sampling technique for teachers and, on the other hand, a purposive sampling technique for the school principals. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, combined mean, standard deviations, and multiple linear regressions. At the same time, qualitative data were analyzed through narrative analysis. The finding shows that the utilization of data or EMIS for school activities was low. Furthermore, the study revealed that lack of training, lack of qualified personnel and coordinators, absence of strong EMIS unit, insufficient resources, and lack of clear regulations and procedures about data utilization were found to be factors impeding the effective utilization of EMIS in secondary schools. The result of multiple linear regression analysis reveals that human related factors (Beta=0.397, p<0.05), environmental related factors (Beta=-1.057, p<0.05), and organizational related factors (Beta=0.539, p<0.05) were significantly affecting the utilization of EMIS. Therefore, it was recommended that establishing a well-organized EMIS unit, creating awareness on the importance of EMIS, and providing training of teachers and staff on EMIS need to be seriously considered to effectively use educational management information systems in the education sector in general and secondary schools in particular