Presentation
Information systems and institutional mergers in South African higher education
Andrew Paterson Human Resources Development Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council
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| Paper (13 pages) |
The period within which higher education mergers have taken place on a large scale internationally overlaps with a phase characterized by extremely rapid take-up of information technologies in higher education. This article analyses the implications of institutional mergers for information systems development in the South African higher education system.
The analysis is undertaken with particular reference to the new institutional shape as envisaged in the higher education merger plan, and with reference to the characteristics of current higher education information systems. This article will draw attention to the key decisions that can positively influence the outcome of information systems integration in higher education mergers. Particular emphasis is given to the importance of information systems as more than mere technological infrastructure that can contribute to long term sustainability in higher education institutions which are quintessentially knowledge based organisations.
This article asks how the shape of the South African higher education merger plan, and the current characteristics and capacities of information systems in institutions in that country will influence the effective integration of the information systems. The article alludes to the centrality of information systems for higher education, outlines the policy on mergers in South Africa, and discusses the key implications of mergers for information systems in South African higher education.