Publication: Application of educational management information system to task management for cost effectiveness in public secondary schools in Kandara Sub-County, Murang'a County, Kenya.
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2015-10
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Mount Kenya University
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Abstract
Cost effective practices in secondary schools is a leading objective among education economists.
The research project was intended to assess how cost effectiveness at the secondary school level
can be enhanced by application of EMIS to task management. The justification of the study was
emphasized through its practical and theoretical significance. The appropriate theoretical
framework was the Diffusion of An Innovation Theory which was postulated by Everret M.
Rogers (1995). The study adopted mixed methods approach whereby both quantitative and
qualitative methods were involved. The study applied explanatory sequential design.
Questionnaires were used to collect data from ICT teachers whereas interview schedules were
used to collect data from principals. Piloting of research instruments was conducted amongst 5
ICT teachers to establish validity. A Reliability coefficient of r = 0.65 was obtained using the
Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Method. The study targeted 50 public secondary schools
in Kandara Sub-county, Murang’a County with 50 principals and 77 ICT teachers all totaling to
127. Using The Central Limit Theorem, a sample of 15 public secondary schools, that is, 30% of
the targeted 50 public secondary schools, and 38 respondents, that is, 30% of 127, were selected.
The researcher applied stratified sampling to create 5 strata based on the number of zones in
Kandara Sub-county. From each stratum, 3 principals were selected using purposive sampling.
Purposive sampling was appropriate due to the fact that the sampled respondents hold positions
which make then responsible as implementers of policies. 5 ICT teachers were selected using
simple random sampling. This was appropriate since it eliminated bias and favourism. This
sampling procedure enabled the researcher to realize a sample of 15 principals and 23 ICT
teachers. Data analysis began by identifying common themes. The relevant information was
broken into phrases or sentences, which reflected a single, specific thought. Frequency counts of
the responses were then obtained to generate information about the respondents and to illustrate
the general trend of findings on the various variables that are under investigation. Qualitative
data was analysed thematically based on the research objectives whereas quantitative data was
analysed using descriptive statistics in Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS version 21).
The findings of the study were presented using percentages, frequencies, charts and tables. The
study established that use of EMIS facilities had a great impact in management of examinations,
in enhancing communication, in storing student’s data and in management of school accounts.
At the same time, it made school registration of candidates for National Examination convenient
as well as making communication cheap, fast and reliable. Application of EMIS in management
of students records enabled easier retrieval of information and reduced the bulkiness associated
with manual files. EMIS enhanced accountability and reduced workloads in management of
school accounts. In view of the above findings the study recommends that schools through
principals to sponsor more teachers for ICT training. The Teachers Service Commission to make
it mandatory for every trained teacher to be ICT compliant.ICT literacy should be a qualification
for one to be appointed as a H.O.D, deputy principal or principal. The Ministry of education
should set standards for management of schools, to incorporate EMIS.
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education in economics, school of education