An investigation into data management as a strategic information tool and its importance at the Durban University of Technology

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate data management as a strategic information tool and its importance at the Durban University of Technology. The problem revolved around, inter alia, data management and data accuracy as structured interventions impacting on sound decision making. There were many challenges identified with regard to data management at the Durban University of Technology. The research design adopted a quantitative methodological approach that was used for collecting data through the use of a precoded self administered questionnaire. The empirical component involved a survey method considering that in was an in-house investigation and the target population equated to only 174 respondents. A significant response rate of 74% was obtained using the personal method for the data collection. Several hypotheses were formulated relating to data quality initiatives, data owners and their responsibility and frequency of data analysis in order to determine accuracy. These were tested using the Pearson chi-square test as well as data that was analyzed to determine frequencies and percentages of responses. The data was analyzed using the computerized Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS) program. There were some significant findings that emerged from the empirical analysis. A highly significant finding was that 95.31% of the respondents strongly agreed that data management and integrity is of utmost importance at the Durban University of Technology. One of the recommendation suggest that an imperative for the Durban University of Technology to manage its data as an asset, a policy on data integrity and integration policy should be developed and implemented. Another recommendation highlighted and staff should strive to attain proper classification on the database, considering that this directly impacts on the accuracy of the HEMIS submissions to the Ministry of Education for the state allocated subsidy. The study concludes with directions for further research as well.