Abstract:
Educational management information system (EMIS) is a crucial and resourceful system in
preparing a plan and making a sound decision. To this end, the primary aim of this study was
to assess the major factors that affect the utilization of educational management information
system in secondary schools of Harari Regional State. The study adopted a mixed method
approach along with an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. Data were collected
through questionnaire and interview. The questionnaire was used to obtain data from 165
teachers, 43 department heads, and 13 vice principals whereas interview was conducted with
5 school principals. The researcher employed a stratified sampling technique for teachers
and, on the other hand, a purposive sampling technique for the school principals. Quantitative
data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, combined mean, standard deviations,
and multiple linear regressions. At the same time, qualitative data were analyzed through
narrative analysis. The finding shows that the utilization of data or EMIS for school activities
was low. Furthermore, the study revealed that lack of training, lack of qualified personnel and
coordinators, absence of strong EMIS unit, insufficient resources, and lack of clear
regulations and procedures about data utilization were found to be factors impeding the
effective utilization of EMIS in secondary schools. The result of multiple linear regression
analysis reveals that human related factors (Beta=0.397, p<0.05), environmental related
factors (Beta=-1.057, p<0.05), and organizational related factors (Beta=0.539, p<0.05) were
significantly affecting the utilization of EMIS. Therefore, it was recommended that
establishing a well-organized EMIS unit, creating awareness on the importance of EMIS, and
providing training of teachers and staff on EMIS need to be seriously considered to effectively
use educational management information systems in the education sector in general and
secondary schools in particular
