Towards implementing a records management policy at the National University of Science and Technology

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the implementation of a proposed records management policy at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST). Driven by the need for compliance with a records management policy in order to achieve efficient and effective records management for accountability, transparency and good governance in all business operations at NUST, the study sought to establish why NUST has not yet implemented a proposed records management policy 25 years after the university was established. Using both quantitative and qualitative approaches data were collected using interviews, document analysis and questionnaires. Purposive sampling was used to select 13 respondents for the questionnaire and seven participants for the interviews. The findings indicate that implementation of the proposed records management policy is dependent on the initiation of the University Registrar and recruitment of a university archivist and records manager who will spearhead the policy implementation. The study, therefore, recommends that the Registrar, through the NUST human resource section, should initiate the implementation process by recruiting and appointing the University Archivist, and the establishment of a University Records Centre. The study also recommends the publicizing of the proposed records management policy on the NUST website and providing each department with a copy so they comply and adhere to the policy for effective and efficient management of university records; establishment of a university records management committee that will facilitate and present records management plans and budgets to the top university management; promote awareness through extensive training of all staff handling records at NUST by holding records management workshops and short courses.