Factors contributing to decisions on management of computing in a two-year college

Robert S Sorensen, Purdue University

Abstract

Continuing changes in computing technology place stresses on organizations and staff members responsible for managing the technology. The higher education industry is an extensive user of computing technology for its administrative, instructional, and research functions. This research focuses on how one two-year college decides to manage this changing technology. Through the use of the qualitative methodology of phenomenology, the lived experiences of 39 staff members were recorded and analyzed. Data were obtained from staff at three regional sites as well as from senior general managers and technical staff from the system's central office. Supplemental written documentation was used to corroborate findings. The major technology change described is the movement from mainframe computer based support to a distributed local area network architecture. For the sample institution technology change was not leading managerial change. The institution could be classified as a reactor, not an early adopter, to change. The subject institution demonstrated lack of precision and structure in its decision making processes at both its central and site levels. However, this lack of precision had not prevented the institution from providing good computing support for its administrative functions and delivering quality instructional computing. Funding to support computing is an institutional concern, particularly at the site level. The institution has considered a technology fee, but has yet to initiate one. The sites and central office are sensing the need to obtain more support staff to maintain equipment and networks, train users, and to look at providing assistance to faculty in the application of the technology to the instruction function. Funding limitations may place some constraints on the institution' s ability to increase its staff base. The results are discussed in terms of alternative models of organization structure and decision making processes. The predominant factors contributing to decisions on management of computing are people related; specifically, how they are organized, how they communicate, and how they make decisions.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Okeafor, Purdue University.

Subject Area

School administration|Educational software|Community colleges

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