The contribution of records management towards an organisation's competitive performance
- Authors: Makhura, Mphalane Moses
- Date: 2009-01-12T07:27:53Z
- Subjects: Records management , Electronic records management , South African National Parks
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14787 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1864
- Description: D. Litt. et Phil. , The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which the information user’s behaviour and proper records management contribute to the performance of an organisation to ensure competitive survival. The purpose of records management in an organisation, the records life cycle in an organisation from the creator to the end-user and electronic records management were thoroughly explored. A survey was conducted to investigate the current position of the records management function at South African National Parks (SANParks) as well as the manner in which records as information sources are used by end-users (employees). Based on the survey results, it was discovered that SANParks as an organisation does not practice sound records management as preached by Section 13 of the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act (No. 43 of 1996 as amended). There is no consistency with regard to filing methods and the manner in which records are destroyed or deleted tells that there is no officially appointed records manager at SANParks. Even though information is considered the most vital resource for the future survival of SANParks, records as the main source of information are neglected and managed voluntarily by end-users themselves. There are no control measures for ensuring care and safe custody of records. An e-mail policy, filing procedure manual and disaster recovery plan do not exist. End-users are seen managing records on their own and there is no policy or guideline to ensure proper measurement and effective control of records. The lack of records management at SANParks indirectly affects the information user behaviour of employees to achieve competitive performance. The current means of communication dictates the manner in which records are managed. Since electronic means of communication are used most often, records management at SANParks is drastically shifting from manual to electronic. Recommendations for records management procedures within the context of empirical survey findings, the statutory framework and international standards are made. In conclusion, it is recommended that the records management function should form part of performance appraisal evaluation and that all members of staff should be evaluated in terms of their record-keeping skills.
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The role of electronic records management in a service organization
- Authors: Makhura, Mphalane Moses
- Date: 2009-01-12T07:28:05Z
- Subjects: Records management , Electronic records management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14788 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1865
- Description: M.Inf. , The introduction of technology has affected the service standards of most service organizations. Organizations were either negatively or positively affected. (Polokwane Municipality is no exception). Records management as a major function of service organizations needs to be developed to cope with the challenges brought about by technology. The study, therefore, investigated the possible role of electronic records management in a service organization. The aim of electronic records management is to improve service quality. By making use of an electronic records management system, organizations can render quality service. The introduction of technology in records management affects several aspects such as space, time, costs, customer satisfaction and the role of the records manager. Although technology may improve the standard of service in organizations, it is important for organizations to embark on staff development programmes. Employees should be trained to use the existing system, and encouraged to further their studies. Furthermore, organizations should encourage employees to affiliate with professional organizations, as the latter enables employees to embark on a process of lifelong learning. Once a well-trained workforce has been established, responsibilities must be allocated. Employees should be made aware of their limitations. Some should be tasked only with scanning in new information, while others could be made responsible either for maintaining or disposing of records. The most senior member of staff in the records management section should be responsible for any actions with regard to the disposal of records. Other departments such as Information Technology (IT) should assist with their expertise.
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An investigation of a South African strategic state office records management alignment with international standard operating (ISO) : a work in progress
- Authors: Khumalo, Sithembiso
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Records management , South African Strategic State Office , ISO 15489
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/274123 , uj:29229 , Citation: Khumalo, S. 2018. An investigation of a South African strategic state office records management alignment with international standard operating (ISO) : a work in progress.
- Description: Abstract: In today’s highly contested political arena, public institutions need to efficiently and effectively manage records in accordance with international standards (ISO 15489). This paper seeks to analyse and examine the current status of the South African Strategic State Office records management practice in order to determine the extent of alignment with international records management standards and best practices. The qualitative research approach was applied to collect data, descriptive content analysis analyse and interpret the findings. Primary data was collected through the means of face to face semi-structured interviews and the respondents of this study are the records managers in a South African Strategic State Office. The results suggest that the South African Strategic State Office current records management practices are inadequately aligned to the international records management standard and best practices because the practices are below the set requirement.
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