Qualitative study on ICT Adoption and Management practices in Public Sector Universities in Sindh Province, Pakistan

Abstract

This ICT tools and technologies have become essential elements for the successful functioning of organizations. Consequent to that push, Pakistan government has provided ICT infrastructure including labs, Internet services, computers for both staff and students, access to the digital library, and video conference rooms especially from the year 2002 in educational institutes. Yet, Pakistan has not improved it ranking among world standards for ICT readiness as well as higher education management. Therefore, we assessed and measured ICT usage with the goal to know the adoption of ICT in terms of implementation, acceptance, and management in universities. Specifically, we focused on universities in Sindh province of Pakistan. In this research, we used the qualitative approach and conducted face to face interviews. Our target population included experienced administrative staff at important administrative posts and teaching staff who were familiar with ICT infrastructure in higher education institutions. Through this research, it was also revealed that, there ICT infrastructure is available in higher education institutions, yet, it lacks proper upgradation and that the human resource needs trainings. Furthermore, the analysis of data resulted in seven main themes that include adoption of ICT, utilization of ICT, ICT Policy of universities, higher authorities, attitude towards ICT, motivating factors, and challenges towards ICT success. It depicts the complete picture of ICT adoption and management practices in public sector universities in Sindh, Pakistan.