Document Type
Open Access Capstone
Publication Date
2012
Abstract
Strengthening the Education Management Information System (EMIS) in Tanzania is an important task, as the government needs quality data and information to support the creation of sound policies, making plans and managing educational resources. Well-functioning EMIS can ensure achievement of national goals to provide quality education, which is the basis for facilitating economic growth and sustainable development. The government also needs quality data and information in order to enhance monitoring and evaluation of the education sectors’ performance and ensure the right direction for achieving the intended goals and objectives.
Creating a sustainable and efficient EMIS is a challenge that requires great attention from both the government and development partners. This study finds that government decision-makers’ perception of EMIS relevance is an important aspect of supporting its development initiatives and enhancing collaboration with external development partners. The study reveals that the government appreciates donors’ support for EMIS development programs. However, this external technical and financial support should not replace the government’s roles and responsibilities of enhancing EMIS capacity. Moreover, the study proposes that EMIS development initiatives that primarily focus on serving local demands are important motivations that can create the government’s commitment and accountability to allocate adequate resources which are necessary for effective EMIS performance.
Likewise, this study recommends that the effective and efficient EMIS should be user-friendly and accessible to all stakeholders. A well performing EMIS should be able to produce authentic data and information that meets stakeholders’ demands. It is the role of EMIS to influence stakeholders’ utilization of its outputs and promote an institutional culture which values information sharing and use of scientific evidence for educational planning, management and decision-making processes.
It is expected that policy makers and other stakeholders will use these findings and suggestions to improve EMIS development strategies and enhance stakeholders’ partnership in matters pertaining to strengthening EMIS functions, particularly in low-resource contexts.
Pages
1-57
Included in
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Educational Administration and Supervision Commons, Education Economics Commons, International and Comparative Education Commons, Law Commons