Information Technology Governance in a Higher Education Institution

Abstract

This study characterizes and analyzes information technology governance in a Brazilian institution of higher education. The methodological aspects included the quantitative approach, with application multivariate analysis, clusters and descriptive statistics from a sample of 62 individuals, and qualitative by means semi-structured interviews of ten professionals responsible for institution IT sectors. Analysis are presented a scenario in which IT governance can be characterized as a non-adopted practice and without planning for adoption. Aspects such as, lack of personnel, training, and planning of projects were observed as critical factors to IT governance implantation success. A bidirectional communication absence between IT and organizational management has led the institution to responsibilities dispersion and lacks horizontal integration with possible investments without adding value. The governance model identified was considered anarchic.

Using design science research to propose an IT governance model for higher education institutions

“…The aforementioned research was corroborated by some systematic literature reviews, according to which, despite recent efforts, further research on the use of ITG in educational institutions is still needed (Khouja et al, 2018 ; Meçe et al, 2020 ). Therefore, effective IT governance would allow the implementation of decision-making structures to help managers to achieve their strategic goals, as well as to minimize efforts and investments applied in IT, without real returns to the institution (Bianchi et al, 2021 ; Frogeri et al, 2020 ). On the other hand, ineffective ITG structures can affect the quality of teaching, research, and management activities performed by these institutions; consequently, they can hinder their organizational performance (Bianchi et al, 2021 ).…”