Evaluation of performance of computer-based information systems: a survey of its practice in Kenya

Abstract

This study examines the practice of evaluation of computer-based information systems (CBIS) in Kenya. Computer-based information system is a relatively new technology. A great deal has, for some time now, been said about the importance of CBIS in the overall performance of the organization. But while the importance of the CBIS has. captured much attention culminating into the rush for its adoption by organizations, relatively little is known about what organizations do about the management of these systems, especially the control aspect of it when this is the core of the success of any system. A field study was conducted resulting in 32 respondents from a variety of organizations based in Nairobi. The respondents were systems analysts, data processing managers and any other person in the organization who may have had the . .; i desired information (as may have been advised). The following were the major issues examined: whether the organization had a system for continuous evaluation of information systems, the methods used for evaluation, the factors considered when evaluating, the existence of a written policy on evaluation, and for organizations that do not evaluate, reasons as to why it is not done. The findings reveal that most organizations do not have a written policy on performance evaluation and also that most organizations do not evaluate their IS after it has been installed and is in operation. Lack of company policy on evaluation, unavailability of clear-cut evaluation methods, and costs of carrying out the exercise were the main reasons given for lack of evaluation. Further it was found that the few organizations that evaluate mostly use auditing and financial control as methods of evaluation. The factors that are widely considered when evaluating are the hardware performance and software performance. The human factor was found to be the least considered factor in IS evaluation.