Managing an Information System Transformation in Higher Educational Institutions: A Case Study on CMC Portal in Ghana

Abstract

The provision of computer-mediated communication (CMC) portal services through information technologies (IT) in higher educational institutions (HEIs) in developing countries should not be an impossible task considering the growth in information systems (IS) and an upsurge of internet users. There have been numerous efforts aimed at implementing CMC portals by HEIs but just a few could be said to be successful. To guide the implementation efforts of HEIs in developing countries especially Ghana, qualitative research is carried out on Koforidua technical university in Ghana which has implemented a CMC portal and a proposed CMC portal implementation framework, as well as a structuration perspective discussion, is presented. Findings of the research include the initiation, promotion, and adoption of technology into institutional processes, the physical deployment of the system and the post-implementation activities which can improve the adoption, implementation, and institutionalization of a CMC portal initiative.