Records Management in Africa: Old Problems, Dynamic New Solutions

Thurston, Anne

doi:10.1108/eb027096

Cited by 9 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 1 publication

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“…• The nature of personnel records, managing personnel records in manual (physical) form, and managing personnel records in a mixed paper/electronic environment (Thurston 2007) • Investigation done to address the management HR records requirements for building integrity in the public sector information. The study aimed to provide real insight into the real managerial and structural changes within selected areas of public service.…”

Section: Management Of Records In Support Of the Ministry's Operationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, the studies above were general studies that did not address issues of managing HR records in a specific domain, such as the Ministry of Health in Kenya. The study of Thurston (2007) focused on and addressed specific issues such as the establishment of a human resource information system (GHRIS), Government of Kenya guidelines and legislation on managing HR records in ministries and departments, reforms and strategies for improvement of HR records management in Kenya, and effects of poor management of HR records leading to poor service delivery. These were different issues from those addressed by this study because this study investigated how HR records were managed in the MoH, staff non-compliance in observing best practices and regulations, and non-commitment by the management in providing adequate support for records management programmes.…”

Section: Management Of Records In Support Of the Ministry's Operationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Management of human resource records to support functions in the Ministry of Health, Kenya

Sudhe

2023

J. South Afr. Soc. Archiv.

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The study aimed to assess the management of human resource records in the Ministry of Health in Kenya. Despite the support provided by human resource records for service delivery in the Ministry, there are still challenges created by reports of missing files and accumulation of files with no space for accommodation. Problems faced by human resource records management include lack of skills and competencies, inadequate human and financial resources, and lack of policy and support by management in providing necessary requirements for the human resource records management unit’s (RMU) operation. The paper assesses the management of human resource records and proposes strategies and intervention measures for their effective and efficient management. The study adopted both the records life cycle model and qualitative research method. Stratified random sampling and purposive sampling were used to select respondents. Ten individuals from the sampled staff were selected for the pilot of the research instruments to test validity and reliability. The targeted population for the study was 307 staff from the Ministry of Health headquarters and its affiliate departments. A sample size of 94 members of staff, constituting 30% of the targeted population, was derived. They included top management, records management staff, clerical staff, human resource management staff, finance staff, information and communication technology (ICT) staff, and heads of departments. The findings revealed that despite efforts made to adopt the best practices, there were still challenges in implementing the elements of records management infrastructure, inadequate top management, and sustainable technical support in the implementation of ICT and human resource records management programmes in the ministry. The study recommended implementation of the elements of records management infrastructure, inadequate top management, and sustainable technical support in the implementation of ICT in resolving the challenges in the management of human resource records in the Ministry of Health.

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Section: Management Of Records In Support Of the Ministry's Operationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Management Of Records In Support Of the Ministry's Operationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Management of human resource records to support functions in the Ministry of Health, Kenya

Sudhe

2023

J. South Afr. Soc. Archiv.

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“…This finding agrees with those of Matangira (2010), Mnjama (2010) and Lihoma (2008) that the neglect of audio-visual preservation in most institutions is due to a combination of several factors such as a lack of appropriate equipment needed to inspect and view such materials, a lack of qualified personnel to care for and maintain both materials and equipment, limited resources for engaging in audio-visual preservation and reformatting activities, and the absence of sufficient description of these materials. Thurston (1996) also points out that failure to ensure sustainable preservation of archival materials in sub-Saharan Africa is not only caused by finance issues, but also by the poor format of archival documents, frequent careless handling, use and exposure to harsh environmental conditions.…”

Section: Challenges Encountered By the Institutions In The Preservation Of Audio-visual Recordsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preservation of audio-visual archives in Zambia

et al. 2021

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Audio-visual records and archives constitute a fundamental heritage that satisfies multiple needs, including education, training, research and entertainment. As such, there is a need to appropriately preserve and conserve them so they can be accessed for as long as they are needed. In spite of their significant role in safeguarding cultural heritage, audio-visual records and archives, are often neglected and accorded less attention than paper-based records, especially in developing countries. Hence, there is a risk of losing information held in audio-visual form. That is why this study looked at how the National Archives of Zambia (NAZ) and the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) preserve audio-visual materials to ensure long-term accessibility of the information. The study investigated the types of audio-visual collections held, the storage equipment used, measures put in place to ensure long-term accessibility of audio-visual materials, the disaster preparedness plans in place to safeguard audio-visual archives and the major challenges encountered in the preservation of audio-visual materials. The findings of the study revealed that films (microfilm and microfiche), photographs and manuscripts, and video (video tapes) and sound recordings (compact cassette) constitute the biggest audio-visual collection preserved. The equipment used to store audio-visual materials included open shelves, specialised cabinets, electronic database for digitised materials, aisle mobiles and cupboards. The measures taken to ensure the long-term accessibility of audio-visual collection included digitisation and migration of endangered records and archives; fumigation of storage areas; conservation of damaged materials and regulation of temperatures and humidity in the storage areas. The disaster preparedness plans in place mostly covered structure insurance; protection against fire and water by way of installing fire extinguishers; smoke sensors; fire detectors and construction of purpose-built structures. The major challenges faced were financial constraints; technological obsolescence; lack of playback equipment; limited training; lack of strong back-up systems and inadequate storage facilities.

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“…Indeed, a growing body of literature confirms Africa as a minor contributor to research output in ARM. For example, scholars such as Keakopa (2009), Khayundi (2011), Kemoni (2009), Mnjama (1996), Ngoepe (2011) Thurston (1996), andYusof andChell (1998) indicate that in many African countries, ARM research has been given little attention. The key findings of studies by these scholars have been consistent, with emphasis on the little input that researchers in Africa have into ARM.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Research Collaboration in the Archives and Records Management Field Across and Beyond Universities in Africa: An Informetric Analysis

2016

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Due to technological developments, innovation and globalisation, research is becoming more complex, requiring wide-ranging skills. A lack of resources and publishing platforms has led to low research output in archives and records management (ARM) in most developing countries in Africa. However, experienced researchers from different countries can collaborate by sharing and transferring knowledge and making optimal use of resources that will lead to the sustainability of research output. Utilising informetrics analysis, as well as co-authorship as the measure for collaboration, this article examines the nature, trend and type of ARM research collaboration in Africa by identifying individuals, institutions and countries that collaborate in order to recommend ways of improving such activities. Quantitative data was extracted from the database of African Journals Online (AJOL) and analysed. The key finding suggested a low level of collaboration among ARM researchers, with the work produced emanating mostly from one institution. The study argues that social and physical proximity contribute to research collaboration in ARM in Africa. The scarcity of literature on ARM in Africa led the article to recommend more collaborative projects whereby established researchers nurture and mentor novice researchers to become self-sustainable in producing scholarly literature. Hopefully, this would help to formulate research agendas to address grand societal challenges, such as a lack of accountability, poor audit results and poor service delivery, which all stem from a breakdown in the records system and a non-sustainable ARM profession in Africa, in order to become on par with the rest of the world.

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Records Management in Africa: Old Problems, Dynamic New Solutions

Cited by 9 publications

References 1 publication

Management of human resource records to support functions in the Ministry of Health, Kenya

Management of human resource records to support functions in the Ministry of Health, Kenya

Preservation of audio-visual archives in Zambia

Research Collaboration in the Archives and Records Management Field Across and Beyond Universities in Africa: An Informetric Analysis

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