E-records readiness at Karonga District Council in Malawi

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 482-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald Flywell Malanga ◽  
Benard CG Kamanga
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
District Council ◽  
Descriptive Survey ◽  
Regular Training

This study assessed e-records readiness at Karonga District Council (KDC) as one of the local government authorities in Malawi. The study employed a descriptive survey design where a survey questionnaire was used to collect data. Altogether, 56 staff were sampled randomly and purposively. The staff comprised principal officers, records clerks, ICT personnel and other action officers. The study revealed that e-records readiness at KDC was low and evolving as evident by the presence of e-record products and technologies, which were largely inadequate and obsolete. The study also established that there was inadequate and poor adherence to policies, standards and procedures for e-records management practices. Furthermore, responsibilities for e-records management were not clear. There was no established records management programme. Therefore, the study recommends the development of e-records management policy; recruitment of more staff; regular training in e-records products and other emerging technologies; mobilization of more resources required for management of records; and increasing awareness of the role of records management. This should be supported by the top management at the District Council and the Ministry of Local Government at large.

The Role of Archives on the Incorporation of the Former Kangwane Homeland to Mpumalanga Province

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nkholedzeni Sidney Netshakhuma
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Record Keeping ◽  
Mpumalanga Province ◽  
Specific Objective ◽  
National Archives ◽  
And Control

This study was conceptualised in order to assess the strategies used to incorporate the homeland of KaNgwane into Mpumalanga province after the cessation of apartheid in 1994. The specific objective of the study was to investigate the compliance of records and archives with the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act (Act No 43 of 1996), during the incorporation of the homeland of KaNgwane into Mpumalanga. The study adopted a qualitative methodology through document analysis, interviews and observations. The key findings revealed that the archives of the former homeland of Kangwane were not aligned with the requirements of the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act (Act No.43 of 1996.) Institutions seem to lack experience when it comes to the challenges of storing records and implementing arrangement and control systems. The frequent lack of a records management policy and few to no staff with record-keeping and archival backgrounds was also a concern. A shortage of space to store records safely was also one of the major issues that the study uncovered. There appears to be no concerted effort to retain important historical records. Many records are stored in several different locations in government buildings.  I conclude that archives play an essential role to the nation as the institutional memory.

scholarly journals The role of records management in ensuring good governance in Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 53 ◽  
pp. 103-123
Author(s):  
Olefhile Mosweu ◽  
Donald Rakemane
Keyword(s):  
Rule Of Law ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
African Countries ◽  
The Rule Of Law ◽  
Economic Practices ◽  
African Context

Proper records management is central to the promotion of good governance. Africa is a continent which has generally been riddled with poor governance. Principles of good governance such as accountability, transparency and the rule of law are ascertained with available records. Poor records management practices promote bad economic practices such as corruption and fraud. An assessment of the performance of government can thus be realised through proper records management and access to information. Good records management practices therefore lead to good governance and vice versa; thus, the role of records management in promoting good governance cannot be overemphasised. However, there are some likely impediments that may hinder the promotion of good governance through records management in the African context. This paper explored the role played by records management in ensuring good governance in Africa. It then suggests strategies to promote good governance through proper records management practices. The paper contends that outdated archival laws, backlog of unprocessed records and absence of access to information laws in some African countries are the major impediments to the promotion of good governance. The paper recommends an amendment of outdated laws and the promulgation of access to information legislation as major initiatives, among others, which put records management in the forefront of promoting good governance in the continent.

scholarly journals Perceptions and Unmet Expectations of Undergraduate Students on the Role of Counselling in Academic Achievement: Implication for Academic Development Program Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Okoh Iyeke ◽  
Lucky Chukwunalu Onyema ◽  
Ezekiel Uba Nwose
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Academic Development ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Unmet Expectation ◽  
Counselling Needs ◽  
The University ◽  
Descriptive Survey

This study aimed at evaluating the perceptions of students about the role of counselling and unmet expectation ofundergraduate students. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The participants (N=150) recruited from firstand second year students of Institute of Education in the University. Over 81% of students are aware of counsellingservices and affirm the relevance to academic achievement. However, 69% cannot affirm provision of roadshows toenhance awareness. The proportion of students disagreeing on provision of roadshows to enhance awareness mayimply non-utilization of available academic development program and unmet counselling needs that calls for areview.

The Management of Magistrate Courts Records in Namibia

2017 ◽  
pp. 168-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth M. Abankwah ◽  
Meameno N. Hamutumwa
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Storage Space ◽  
Air Conditioners ◽  
Classification Schemes ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Management Standards ◽  
National Archives

This chapter is based on a study prompted by concerns about delayed cases in Namibian magistrate courts. The purpose was to examine the prevailing records management practices. The study was conducted in seven regions which were purposively selected based on location or population. Data was collected by means of observations and face-to-face interviews. The study revealed that: some magistrate courts did not adhere to records management standards resulting in an absence of a records management policy, classification schemes, retention schedules, shortage of storage space, lack of physical security and untrained record staff. The study recommends employment of trained records personnel; staff awareness in the management of the Namibia Case Information System (NAMCIS); install CCTV and maintain air conditioners in records storage facilities; ensure that the National Archives of Namibia fast tracks the process of approving requests for transfer or destruction of magistrate courts' records; and uphold records management standards.

Managing Electronic Records in Higher Education Institutions

2020 ◽  
pp. 36-61
Author(s):  
Vusi W. Tsabedze
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Policies And Procedures ◽  
Practice Framework ◽  
Document Review ◽  
Regular Training

This chapter presents findings on the management of e-records in a higher education institution (HEI) with a view to developing a best-practice framework for the management of e-records. The study has utilised interviews, observation document review, and questionnaire to generate data. The study revealed that there are weak institution policies and procedures to guide the management of e-records and the lack of knowledge and skills in the management of e-records. The study recommends, among other things, improvement of the e-records management policy framework and creation of awareness about management of e-records and regular training for records officers. Lastly, the chapter proposed a framework for managing e-records in HEIs.

scholarly journals The Barry Urban District Council, disaster relief funds and civic society, 1913–1934

Urban History ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Ann-Marie Foster
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Scholarly Work ◽  
Urban District ◽  
Civic Society ◽  
Civic Activity ◽  
District Council ◽  
The Uk

Abstract The early twentieth century witnessed some of the worst mining disasters the UK has ever seen. Towns and cities leapt to the aid of bereaved families, raising tens of thousands of pounds in aid. Yet, while the effects of disaster funds on the locality in which they were administered have been the focus of scholarly work, little attention has been given to how these funds were created in constituencies outside of the disaster zone. The Barry Urban District Council (UDC) responded to the call for help after the Senghenydd (1913) and Gresford (1934) disasters, opening relief funds to aid the affected. The funds blurred the line between charity and local government, with the Barry UDC reliant on functions of civic society to aid its philanthropic turn. Their reaction offers insights into the charitable role of UDCs, reflecting on how they used these opportunities to further civic activity.

scholarly journals THE COMMITTEE SYSTEM FOR COMPETITIVE BIDS IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
P Bolton
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Competitive Bidding ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Adjudication Committee ◽  
Bidding Process

When a municipality contracts for goods or services, it must make use of competitive bidding / a public call for tenders for contracts over R200 000 as well as for long term contracts. A competitive bidding process generally consists of different stages, for example, compiling bid specifications, advertising the bid, the receipt and evaluation of bids, and the award and implementation of the contract. The Municipal Supply Chain Management Regulations require a municipality’s Supply Chain Management Policy to provide for a committee system to oversee the different stages. Such committee system must, moreover, consist of at least a bid specification committee, a bid evaluation committee and a bid adjudication committee. Until recently, little attention has been given by the courts to the roles and composition of the different committees in the committee system. It is only after government, and in particular, municipalities have begun to implement the committee system in their procurement processes that it is evident that problems are arising. In recent months, the courts have increasingly had to deal with issues pertaining to the implementation of the committee system.In this article, the relevant legislative provisions on the committee system for competitive bids in local government are discussed. The functions of each committee are explained and all the cases that have thus far involved the implementation of the committee system are critically analysed. Much attention is given to the cases since they serve as a warning to municipalities to uphold and comply with the rules relating to the roles and composition of the different committees. The cases illustrate how important it is for municipalities to ensure that the different committees are properly constituted and that decisions at meetings are properly taken. They also highlight the importance of the supervisory role of the municipal manager over the different committees. In light of the cases it is clear that failure to comply with all the legislative requirements results in very costly litigation. 

scholarly journals The Role of Participatory Learning and Action on Strengthening the Different Domains of Empowerment on Self-medication with Antimicrobials in Nyalenda Informal Settlement, Kisumu County, Kenya

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Isabel Akoth Owuor ◽  
Harrysone Atieli ◽  
Collins Ouma
Keyword(s):  
Survey Design ◽  
Informal Settlement ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Participatory Learning ◽  
Participatory Learning And Action ◽  
Descriptive Survey

Self-medication with antimicrobials (SMWA) is a common global practice. Studies in Nyalenda B Ward, an informal settlement in western Kenya, found that significant households (76.6%) perceived the practice of SMWA as convenient and appropriate. The rationale of the current study was in response to unsolved self-mediation practice through functional health literacy in such set-ups. This study used Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) as a tool and assessed its role on strengthening the different domains of empowerment on SMWA. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and data was collected from 1531 PLA trainees through focused group discussions and structured questionnaires. Results revealed that reasons for SMWA are ignorance and easier accessibility. Logistic regression analyses with a statistical significance tested at p≤0.05 established the association between PLA domains and all empowerment domains revealed that flexible learning and listening increase power within by 5 times (OR=5.361, 95% CI=3.101-9.268, P<0.0001), power with by 6 times (OR=6.160, 95% CI=3.437-11.39, P<0.00010) and power over by 2 times (OR=2.261, 95% CI=1.293-3.954, P<0.0001). Participatory evaluation may increase power within by almost 8 times (OR=7.711, 95% CI=5.184-11.459, P<0.0001), power with by 5 times (OR=5.012, 95% CI=3.375-7.443, P<0.0001), and power over by more than 3 times (OR=3.618, 95% CI=2,375-5,509, P<0.0001). Participatory interaction may increase power within by almost 8 times (OR=7.823, 95% CI=4.798-12.763, P<0.0001), power with by over 8 times (OR=8.610, 95% CI=4.987-14.866, P<0.0001.), power over by 4 times (OR=4.003, 95%CI=2.325-6.693, P<0.0001). PLA proved to be a useful tool for strengthening all domains of empowerment and integrated functions that prompted broader social connections.

scholarly journals Impacts of Boko Haram Insurgency on Agricultural Activities in Gujba Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria.

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 20268-20282 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Babagana ◽  
M. Ismail ◽  
B. G. Mohammed ◽  
M. A. Dilala ◽  
Hussaini I ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Local Government Area ◽  
Agricultural Activities ◽  
Boko Haram ◽  
The People ◽  
Displaced People ◽  
Descriptive Survey

The study was conducted between the months of November-December 2018 to assess the impacts of Boko Haram insurgency on agricultural activities in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe state, Nigeria. Six towns namely Buni Yadi, Gujba, Goniri, Katarko, Mutai and Wagir formed the study locations. These towns were the major agricultural strongholds of the Local Government. The study considered impacts of the insurgency on farming after the return of residents to these towns after almost two years of exile in other places as a result of displacement by the militants’ activities (2016-2018). Descriptive Survey design involving mixed methods was used in which a total of 394 respondents participated. Closed-ended questionnaire and Structured Interview methods were the instruments of data collection. Results on the respondents’ demographic characteristics indicated that the majority of the people were married young men within the age group of 26-35 years. Bulk of them was crop farmers (40.1%) and those engaged in handy works such as carpentry and trading (31.2%). More than 50% of the respondents did not possess any formal western education. Results also indicated that, at first (2012-2016) Boko Haram insurgency had really had a toll on all normal human activities in the area including farming to the extent that crop and animal production virtually came to a standstill and many farmers went into exile for a period of two years (2014-2016). But with the restoration of relative peace in 2016 as a result of which many of the displaced people returned to these towns, agricultural activities especially crop production gradually picked up which led to a good bumper harvest in 2018. However, many returnees still depend on food aids being distributed by a number of Non-Governmental Organisations. Besides, crop trading has been found to have improved greatly. Unfortunately, impacts of the insurgency on livestock production are still felt across the Local Government Area as many livestock farmers have completely relocated to other places considered safer to graze their animals which led to a significant decrease in the number of animals especially cattle in these areas. Thus, it was concluded that, with decisive developmental projects and concrete insurgency combatting efforts, all agricultural activities can be fully revived in these areas and the recent threat to food security can be addressed. It was further recommended that governments at all level should be more proactive in combatting insurgency in these areas and beyond and provide the basic infrastructural requirements required by the people in order to encourage them to go back to farm so that agricultural activities can get back to track as usual.

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