Strategic Planning for the Integrated Use of Organizational ICT Processes and e-Learning in Higher Education

Abstract

Universities currently face urgent demands to facilitate both lifelong learning and widening participation in an era of increasing global competition combined with the need for cost reductions. To cope with rising numbers of students, educators are rethinking teaching strategies to consider the potential of e-learning for academic delivery to an ever more diverse student population. However, there is a relative dearth of research examining the role of strategic management and the impact of organizational factors when considering the implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for administrative/management purposes and learning technologies to support teaching activities. This chapter analyses organizational ICT processes and e-learning in higher education (HE) through the use of a theoretical ‘rich picture’. ‘Soft systems methodology’ (SSM) is applied to argue that since institutional settings, organizational vision, strategy and top-level support are critical to the success (or failure) of e-learning initiatives, these factors should equally be considered in planning for the implementation of integrated uses of ICT and e-learning. Academic programs are set in particular contexts within university environments and many have their own unique administrative procedures. In addition, numerous factors impinge on the implementation of technology enhanced learning solutions, including the roles of tutors, learners, courses, and the processes used to integrate teaching-related ICT. This chapter provides a theoretical ‘rich picture’ of these processes at both program and faculty level to confirm prior research on the implementation of Information System (IS) projects, demonstrating that institutional issues such as strategic thinking and top-level sponsorship are key factors in successful outcomes.