Adopting the Integrated Electronic Property Management System (IEPMS) in Zimbabwe’s public institutions in the Harare Province

Abstract

Over the years public institutions have faced problems relating to the unprofessional property asset management due the continued usage of the archaic paper-based property management systems which have compromised the pristine property management efforts of public institutions. It is against this backdrop that the study examines the key drivers as well as the prospects for adopting the IEPMS in public sector property management institutions in Zimbabwe’s Harare province. The study being qualitative, relied on the interpretivism research philosophy was hinged on the Information Systems Success model as its theoretical framework. The study established that the public sector in the Harare province relies on the paper based, traditionalized property management practice that is fragmented. The absence of an up-to-date property asset register for all state properties, the need to address corruption, state property theft and embezzlement of state funds as well as the need to adhere with international best practices were the key drivers for the need to adopt the IEPMS. This enhances dependability, saves time, money and improves on professional property management and service delivery. The study recommends the need to seriously embrace digitalization through the adoption and operationalization of an IEPMS which is efficient and enhances accountability and transparency.