The need for effective information technology governance in Malaysia higher education institutions: case study of International Islamic University, Malaysia

Abstract

Information systems (IS) services have become a global phenomenon, not restricted to business oriented organisations but also to educational institutions as well. However, while other organisations have adopted continuous efforts in seeing to effective deployment of IT in Malaysia and around the world can such situation be true of the Universities which stand at the apex echelon of Higher Education Institutions (HEI). The focus of the study become necessary given the nature of IT funding in the last two decades and the resultant fears of organisation’s Stakeholders to continue to invest hugely in that direction. In attempt to void this challenge, Information Technology Governance (ITG) evolved as a means by which Management exercise control on IT resources to align same with the business goals. This study explore the issues of ITG in the International Islamic University, Malaysia by conducting interviews sessions with the IT service provider (Information Technology Division) and extracting facts from available archives to carry out its finding. It was discovered that the Management control expected to be exercised on the IT resources of the university was somehow not there and this, has not given room for proper IT governance. The result has been that IT resources are not adequately monitored to enable the expectant IT performance.