Challenges and Prospects of Using Software Products in Ethiopian Higher Educational Institutions

Abstract

Information Technology implementation process is the study of design, development and implementation of computer-based Information Systems, particularly in software applications, computer hardware and networking in the organization. Software application usage in higher educational institutions has become an integral part of Information and knowledge management process tools. To this end most universities now has ICT department, which are responsible to design, develop and implement software’s applications. The focus of this paper is to examine the challenges and prospects of using software products in Ethiopian higher education institutions. A survey was conducted at six universities to collect data about the extent, challenge and prospects of using software products by questionnaires, in-depth interview and observation. The overall analysis of the data shown that, In Ethiopian higher educational institutions, software products are not used sufficiently. Most of the departments are not supported by software’s to perform tasks and provide standardized service. The challenges for the universities face not to use software products adequately are many directional. The major challenge goes to managers and leaders of the university; they are ignorant or not aware about the importance of using software products. In addition to this, resistance to use new technology, Lack of documentation / user manual, poor standardized infrastructure, poor internet connection, electric power interruption, shortage of trained professionals and staff turnover are serious challenges.

Keywords: Challenges of software usage, Software in higher education, Software usage.

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