The purpose of the study was to identify what
information administrators at the Universitas Terbuka
(UT) required for various management, planning and
other purposes, and to suggest the frequency, format,
and other conditions, under which the information might
be provided. The study was important, firstly,
because, although any institution requires the best
possible information upon which to base its activities,
a distance education institution may have information
needs different than a conventional one. Secondly, UT,
as a new institution is in particular need of a sound
information base.
The available literature on information uses and
requirements has mostly dealt with conventional
colleges and universities. Little research has been
undertaken in the area of distance education.
Moreover, the research has been conducted mainly in
developed countries that have problems, goal emphases,
management styles, and decision making processes
different than institutions in underdeveloped
countries.
To obtain the required data, two instruments were
used, a quesionnaire and a semi structured interview.
The questionnaire was designed to identify information
needs of the UT administrators on such matters as
student and staff demographies, student performances,
courses and so forth. The interview was intended to
clarify and expand on certain aspects of the data
provided by the questionnaire.
The results of the study indicated a demand for a
number of information categories by administrators.
The information would be used for a variety of
purposes: operation, control, planning, policy making,
and so forth. Administrators' information needs varied
in terms of frequency and format. The numerical nature
of the information required the presentation of graphs,
matrices, and tables.
In providing the information, care should be given
to the complexity of administrators' preferences,
needs, and the significance of the information. Cost
and resources available should also be considered. A
fact book format was recommended for easy access by
administrators, external agencies, and the public.