AN EVALUATION OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN THE EASTERN

CAPE PROVINCE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

by

Siphokazi Ngqungqu
STUDENT NUMBER: 211259284





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ABSTRACT

Background: The efficiency and effectiveness of Management Information System
(MIS) in the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development and Special
Programmes is crucial to the performance of the Department in fulfilling its mandate.
Based on the extensive literature review, the study concluded that there is still
ground the Department has to cover in ensuring that the Social Development
Information Management System (SDIMS) fully meets the Departments information
needs.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyse the general current state of
MIS utilisation in the Department, to evaluate the utilisation of information provided
by the SDMIS for decision making, and to make recommendations on how to
improve MIS utilisation.

Method: Qualitative approach techniques were utilised to collect data for the study.
Research questionnaires were distributed to thirty respondents. Semi-structured
interviews were conducted with seven interviewees out of a target number of ten.
The response rate was 68% and this was considered as adequate for scientific
analysis and reporting.

Results: The study produced the following research findings:
SDMIS users have at least received training on how to use the system and
believe that they understand MIS and its capabilities.
The quality of information provided by SDMIS is mostly complete and largely
meets user requirements and expectations.
SDMIS information is for the most part accurate and comprehensive enough
to expedite decision-making.
Although SDMIS largely meets user requirements and expectations in terms
of completeness, accuracy and reliability, but it still falls short in integrating
information from other sources outside SDMIS, which include government
transversal systems such as the Basic Accounting System (BAS) and the
Personnel Salary System (PERSAL).

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MIS information is mostly available and easy to access, but occasionally not
timely. This is mostly caused by the unavailability of real-time information
synchronisation between MIS and other government systems.

Conclusion: In light of the above findings, the researcher recommends that:
There is still more to be done in order to continuously inform and train users
on the latest MIS capability developments in the form of awareness
workshops, contact and remote support, and through internal news bulletins.
The Department needs to work with other government entities that are
custodians of transversal systems in finding a solution to the creation of real-
time integration of MIS with other external sources of information.
Even though the level of MIS utilisation is not too much of a concern, the
Department needs to ensure that users of information are kept up to date
with new MIS reporting capabilities so as not to underutilise the system.
It is therefore recommended that the Department ensure that information is
more often reviewed and reports are customised to meet the ever-changing
needs of the Department.