Information Communication Technology (ICT) Utilization in Private Universities in Uganda: Exploring Strategies to Improve. A Case of Uganda Christian University

Abstract

The study was an extension of a similar study by [1] conducted among local government staff in Uganda and was extended among staff at Uganda Christian University. A total of 108 respondents out of the accessible 130 representing 83.0% response rate was realized after administering the study instruments over a period of two (2) weeks. Of the 108 respondents, 70.4% constituted staff in administration, 8.0% heads of sections and 21.6% academic staff. Data was analyzed using different statistical techniques which included descriptive statistics, mainly mean and standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient to establish the relationships between variables and multiple regression analysis to establish causal influence of factors on ICT utilization. At bivariate level, organizational support systems, ICT infrastructure and users’ perceptions had a strong relationship on ICT utilization. Multiple regression analysis revealed that only user perceptions (perceived ease of use) and user knowledge and skills had a significant causal influence on ICT utilization. The researcher Recommended that UCU strategic management cater for personnel ICT capacity building to improve their skills and therefore enhance ICT usability. Further research may consider segmenting staff by faculties and study how utilization levels differ using ANOVA. A comparative study can also be undertaken to assess UCU and any other private university.

Share and Cite:

S. Kyakulumbye, M. Olobo and V. Kisenyi, "Information Communication Technology (ICT) Utilization in Private Universities in Uganda: Exploring Strategies to Improve. A Case of Uganda Christian University," Technology and Investment, Vol. 4 No. 1, 2013, pp. 22-29. doi: 10.4236/ti.2013.41004.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1] S. Kyakulumbye, M. B. Muhenda and A. M. Namanya, “ICT utilization in Uganda Local Governments: Why Low Uptake?” LAP Lambert Academy Publishing, Deutshland, 2012.
[2] Vision2040, “National Planning Authority Manual,” Citizens’ Guide to the National Development Plan 2011-2040, p. 32.
[3] M. Fullan, “The Moral Imperative of School Leadership,” Thousand Oaks, Corwin, 2003.
[4] S. G. Hadden, “Democracy on the Electronic Frontier,” In: G. Chapman, Ed., Beyond the Endless Frontier, MIT Press, New York, 1996.
[5] J. Forth and G. Mason, “ICT Adoption & Utilization, Skills Constraints & Firm Level Performance,” Evidence from UK Bench Marking Survey, 2004.
[6] A. Coleman, M. E. Herselman and S. J. Jacobs, “Factors Influencing the Utilization of the Public Internet Terminal System in Two Rural Communities,” 2008.
[7] C. R. Kedzie, “Democracy and Network Interconnectivity, Internet,” 1995.
[8] J. Huang and M. Kapur, “Diffusion of Pedagogical Innovations as a Complex Adaptive Process,” Agent Based Modeling as Research, 2007.
[9] M. Zhang, J. McCullough and Y. W. Ren, “Effects of Organizational Structure and IT Capability in Emerging Markets,” Journal of Information System, Vol. 56, No. S3, 2004.
[10] Hall, “Organizational Characteristics and Funding Environments,” A Study of Population of United Way, 1987.
[11] Quinn, “Beyond Rational Management; Mastering Paradoxes and Competing Demands of High Effectiveness,” Jossey-Bass, San Fancisco, 1988.
[12] K. Al-Garbi and S. M. Al-Turki, “Factors Influencing the Factors of Intranet in Knowledge Management in Developing Organizations,” International Association for Management of Technology (IAMOT), 2001.
[13] D. R. Compeau and C. A. Higgins, “Computer Self-Efficacy,” Development of a Measure Computer Self-Efficacy, Concordia University, John Molson School of Business, Montréal, 1995.
[14] J. K. Pinto and I. Millet, “Successful Information System Implementation: The Human Side,” 2th Edition, Project Management Institute, Inc., 1999.
[15] R. Phelps, “A Constructivist Approach to Professional Development in ICT Leadership. Creating a Learning Community,” Australian Computers in Education Conference, Hobart, 2000, p. 29.
[16] W. C. Hope, R. Kelly and J. Guyden, “Technology Standards for School Administration: Implication for Administrator Preparation Programs,” IT and Teacher Educational Conference, San Diego.
[17] V. Peansupap and D. H. Walker, “Factors Enabling ICT Diffusion and Actual Implementation in Construction Organizations,” 2005.
[18] D. M. Rogers, “The Challenge of Fifth Generation Research & Development,” Research Technology Management, 1996.
[19] S. Grahaman, “Bridging Urban Digital Divides,” 2002.
[20] P. Attewell, “Technology Diffusion and Organizational Learning,” The Case of Business Computing; Organizational Science, Vol. 3, No. 1, 1992, pp. 1-19.
[21] J. R. Carlopio, “Implementation: Making Workplace Innovation and Technology Change Happen,” McGraw-Hill Book Company Australia Pty, Ltd., 1998.
[22] P. Senge, “The Dance of Change: The Challenge of Sustaining Momentum in Learning Organization,” Nicolas Brealey Publishing, London, 1999.
[23] K. E. Perrlson and C. S. Sunders, “Managing and Using Information Systems,” A Strategic Approach Third Edition United States of America, 2006.
[24] L. Miller, M. Naidoo and A. Chigona, “An Empirical Survey on Domestication of ICT in Schools in Disadvantaged Communities of South Africa,” 2006.
[25] B. Mehra, C. Merkel and A. Bishop, “The Internet for Empowerment of Minority and Marginalized Users,” New Media and Society, Vol. 6, No. 6, 2004, pp. 781-802.
[26] R. Anderson, T. Bikson, and B.Mitchell, “Universal Access to E-Mail: Feasibility and Social Implications,” Santa Monica, 1995.
[27] J. Katz and R. Rice, “Social Consequences of Internet Use: Access, Involvement, and Interaction,” Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Press, Cambridge, 2002.
[28] J. Katz, R. Rice and P. Aspden, “The Internet, 1995-2000: Access, Civic Involvement and Social Interaction,” The American Behavioral Scientist, Vol. 45, No. 1, 2001, pp. 405-423.
[29] H. Selhofer and T. Husing, “The Digital Divide Index-A Measure of Social Inequalities in the Adoption of ICT. Bonn,” 2002.
[30] E. Donart, R. Brandtweiner and J. Kerschbaum, “Attitudes as Predictors for Internet Usage; A Tripartite Model of Attitude Measurement,” Proceedings of the Computer Science and IT Education Conference, 2007, p 192.
[31] S. Dewan and F. Riggins, “The Digital Divide: Current and Future Research Directions,” Journal of the Association for Information Systems, Vol. 6, No. 12, 2005, pp. 298-337.
[32] P. Di Maggio, E. Hargitta, W. R. Newman and J. Robinson, “Social implications of the Internet,” Annual Review of Sociology, Vol. 27, 2001, pp. 307-336.
[33] E. Harggitai, “Second Level Digital Divide: Differences in the People’s Online Skills,” First Monday, Vol. 7, No. 4, 2002.
[34] E. Hargittai, “Informed Web Surfing: The Social Context of User Sophiscation,” Society Online: The Internet in context, 2003, pp. 257-274.
[35] D. Hoffman, T. Novak and A. Schlosser, “The Evolution of Digital Divide: How Gaps in Internet Access May Impact Electronic Commerce,” 2004.
[36] S. Rishika, “The Causes and Trends of the Digital Divide,” Candidate for MSc, 2006.
[37] A. Malina and A. Macintosh, “Bridging the Digital Divide,” IGI Publishing Hersley, 2004.
[38] R. MacGregor, D. Bunker and L. Viazalic, “A Basic Model of Electronic Commerce Adoption Barriers: A Study of Regional Small Businesses in Sweden and Australia,” Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 12, No. 4, 2005, pp. 510-527.
[39] Spectrum, “Moving into Information Society,” HMSO, London, 1997.
[40] W. Paul and B. Pascal, “Factors Affecting the Adoption of Intranet and Extranets by SMEs,” A UK Study Research Memoranda 026, Maastricht: MERIT Maastricht Economic Research Institute on Innovation and Technology, 2003.
[41] S. A. Syed and M. K. N. Mohammad, “ICT Adoption in SMEs: An Empirical Evidence of Service Sectors in Malysia,” An International Journal of Business and Management, 2009.
[42] W. Reynolds, W. Savage and A. Williams, “Your Own Business: A Practical Guide to Success,” ITP, 1994.
[43] S. B. Riffat, “SME Survey: What Keeps You up at Night?” Computer Business Review, 2007.
[44] Allison, “ICTs Skills Challenges in SMEs,” 1999.
[45] P. B. Cragg and M. King, “Information System Sophiscation and Financial Performance of Small Engineering Firms,” European Journal on Information System, Vol. 5, No. 2, 1992, pp. 24-33,
[46] S. Taylor and P. A. Todd, “Understanding IT Usage: A Test of Competing Models,” IS Research, Vol. 6, 1995, pp. 144-176.
[47] F. D. Davis, R. P. Bagozzi and P. R. Warshaw, “User Acceptance of Computer Technology,” Department of Information Systems, London School of Economics, 1989.
[48] Organization of Economic Co-Operation and Development, “The Economic Impact of ICT-Measurement, Evidence and Implications,” OECD, Paris, 2004.
[49] K. Sakai, “Global Industrial Restructuring: Implications for Small Firms,” STI Working Papers 4, Organization of Economic Co-Operation and Development, Paris, 2002.
[50] M. Pahjola, “IT and Economic Development. An Introduction to Research Issues,” Research Paper 153, World Institute for Development Economics Research, 1998.
[51] G. Premkumar and M. Roberts, “Adoption of New IT in Rural Small Business,” Omega, Vol. 27, No. 4, 1999, pp. 467-484.
[52] A. Lymer, “The Internet and Small Businesses: A Study of Impacts,” Fifth European Conference on IS, Colorado, 1997, pp. 145-162.
[53] G. Lauder and A. Westhall, “Small Firms Online,” Commissions on Public Policy and British Business, 1997.
[54] A. Barua, C. H. Kriebel and T. Mukhopadhyay, “Its and Business Value: An Analytic and Empirical Investigation,” Information System Research, Vol. 6, No. 1, 1995. pp. 3-23.
[55] V. Peansupap and H. T. Walker, “Strategic Adoption of ICT,” Case Studies of Construction Contractors, 2005.
[56] E. M. Rogers, “Diffusion of Innovations,” 5th Edition, Free Press, New York, 2003.
[57] M. Igbaria, S. Parasuraman and J. J. Baroudi, “A Motivational Model of Micro Computer Usage,” Journal of MIS, Vol. 13, No. 1, 1996, pp. 127-143.

Copyright © 2024 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc.

Creative Commons License

This work and the related PDF file are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.