The practice and challenges of education management information system inselected woreda education offices of jimma zone

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the practices that have been carried out by Woreda Education Offices of Jimma Zone in organizing and implementing EMIS and examine problems that has been hindering such efforts. Descriptive survey research design was employed to conduct the research. Questionnaires, interviews and document analysis were used as data gathering tools. Census sampling methods was used to include sample respondents. Data were collected from five Woreda Education Offices, including Zonal Education Office. A total of 6 Education Office heads, 30 process owners,60 experts and 5 school principals were involved as respondents to the study. The data were analyzed by using percentage, frequency, mean scores and t-test. The findings of the study revealed the woreda education offices has luck of skills in utilizing the existing resources based on EMIS generated information; besides, there is lack of trained experts in EMIS and lack of continuous training for statistical officers in woreda education offices of Jimma Zone. Moreover, the study revealed that the Woreda Education Offices haven't properly used EMIS for efficient resource utilization, monitoring and evaluation of office activities. In addition to this, lack of attention from top officials, lack of skill and lack of office and ICT facilities were the problems that challenged the organizations in implementing EMIS. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations were suggested. Firstly, in order to apply and benefit from EMIS, it is necessary to reorganize the system with skilled coordinators & up to date technology from top to bottom. Secondly, training and awareness creation workshop program should be designed & organized at all levels of the education management. Lastly, to overcome problems that hinder EMIS practice and implementation, zone and woreda education offices need to work hand -in-hand and get societal & NGO participation so as to secure fund. This is believed to be one of the ways that could enable them to possess a well organized EMIS at their level. The over all method and procedure of the research is based on discriptive survey and came up with findings that are discussed at the end of this thesis.