Systems change in UK HEIs: How do culture, management, users and systems align?

Skoumpopoulou, Dimitra and Robson, Andrew (2020) Systems change in UK HEIs: How do culture, management, users and systems align? Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 33 (6). pp. 1627-1645. ISSN 1741-0398

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Abstract

Purpose - Assessing the implementation of integrated Information Systems in UK Higher Education Institutions via multiple internal stakeholders.Design/methodology/approach – Analysing the implementation strategy of two HEIs and assessing the impact of new systems on working practices. This involves interviews with various stakeholder groups from the HEIs, capturing 35 interviews.Findings – Growth of alternative power bases emerge within both HEIs, new roles and responsibilities for administrative staff emerge, with different academic working practices. Varying levels of importance are given to people and culture, management support, user involvement and clarity of communication and systems’ requirements at project pre-implementation, implementation and post-implementation.Practical implications – This study provides lessons HEIs planning to undertake significant change by implementing integrated Information Systems. Challenges emerge around fit, complexity, training, communication and consultation. Benefits gained and emerging challenges show some commonality between the two case HEIs, pointing the way forward for other “large” (student number determined) HEIs embarking on similar change.Originality/value – The UK HEI sector is experiencing major change emphasising cost reduction and operational efficiency. Understanding challenges relating to significant systems change in complex settings with varying stakeholder demands has considerable sectoral value.

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