Managing public records: the case of current records of the ministry of education and culture
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Date
2001
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
The study investigated the management of current records at the Ministry of Education and Culture in Tanzania. The Ministry was selected for investigation because of the researcher's 15 years' working experience in the Ministry. A sample of 25 respondents was selected through purposive sampling technique, involving only information-rich cases of respondents for the study. Four methods of data collection were used include: questionnaires, observation, documentary, literature and interview schedules. Findings of the study revealed that the management systems for all types of records including current records are inadequate and still inefficient for the effective flow of information in the Ministry. Constraints accounting for this include resource and management policy-related problems that are lack of funding, untrained personnel, inadequate space for keeping the records, lack of comprehensive records management policy, negligence on the part of the Ministry officials, non-availability of essential working tools and equipment. Most of these problems seem to be known to Ministry officials. Recommendations in the form of strategies have been identified, which if they can be effectively and concurrently implemented can improve the management of records at the Ministry. However, it is emphasized that the formulation of a Ministry-wide records management policy is critical if all other problems have to be dealt with. Other recommendations include the need for effective planning based upon an elaborated records management policy, and the need for cooperation with external sources that may be having relevant expertise as related to records management practices.
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Available in print form
Keywords
Public records, management, Public administration, records, Ministry of Education and Culture, Tanzania
Citation
Kitalu, R. A. (2001) Managing public records: the case of current records of the ministry of education and culture, Masters’ dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Available at (http://41.86.178.3/internetserver3.1.2/detail.aspx)