Assessment of the Information Systems Usage on the Performance of Public Institutions in Tanzania.

Abstract

In today‟s world, information systems usage is a central factor that determines performance (i.e. financial performance, employee and academic performance) of public institutions all over the world particularly Tanzania. High/good usage of information systems improves performance of public institutions. However, low/poor usage of information systems decreases performance of public institutions as it may cause public institutions fail to operate, get loss and even close or shut down. This has been so as the result of unawareness which exists about the impact of the information systems usage on the performance of public institutions in Tanzania. This study was grounded on information system design theory, organizational theory, institutional theory, potential performance theory and strategic human resource management theory. During the assessment of the information systems usage, an intensive data collection was conducted through field visit and documentary review. Then data analysis was performed quantitatively and qualitatively. COSIS was discovered to be used to a large extent with the mean score of 4.15. Information system usage was discovered to have a positive and significant influence on financial, employee and academic performance. Delayed service was discovered as a major challenge encountered while using information systems with the mean score of 3.92. On the other hand, performing different kinds of system testing was proposed as a major strategy to overcome challenges encountered with mean score 4.9. The study generally recommends on improvements in implementation of the strategies so as to fully overcome the challenges encountered and increase the information systems usage and meet the expected financial, employee and academic performance of public institutions in Tanzania.