Challenges facing higher learning Institutions in using computer based information systems: a case study of the University of Dar es salaam

This study investigates the challenges facing higher learning institutions in the use of computer based systems, using the University of Dar es salaam as case study. The aim was establish the relationship between: organizational challenge and usage of ICT: Reliability of the systems and usage of ICT; Accessibility/linkages of systems and usage of ICT and; Utilization challenges of the systems and usage of ICT. The research adopted a survey method, Involving collection of cross-sectional data from 100 staff and students at the University of Dar es Salaam through a structured questionnaire, blended with open-ended questions. Data were processed and analyzed using the statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS).The findings show that, there are weaknesses in the usage of computer based system and reforms are needed to address the challenges and enable the effective usage of such systems. The Challenges include: Inadequate support when problem arise from the system, lack of enough facilities to support the system to work properly, Lack of sufficient knowledge in the use of the system, and the presence of disjointed systems. However, majority of the ICT users understand the importance of such systems in facilitating ease flow and access of information. Study finding also point to an existence of a relationship between reliability of the systems and accessibility/Linkages of the systems with usage of ICT. Based on the findings, there is need to conduct training and educational programs on the computer findings, and to design user friendly systems and provide equipment maintenance.