Records management practices: A case of Katikamu Seventh Day Adventist and Wampeewo Ntakke Secondary Schools.

Abstract

This study scrutinized the records management practices at Katikamu Seventh Day Adventist and Wampeewo Ntakke Secondary Schools, aiming to assess the effectiveness of these practices. The objectives encompassed identifying the prevailing records management practices, discerning the types of records held at both institutions, investigating the challenges faced in records management, and proposing strategies for enhancement. Employing a mixed methods approach, the research leveraged a combination of tools including questionnaires, interview guides, and observation guides. Data was collected from 39 respondents out of a conveniently selected sample of 40 school staff comprising teachers and administrators. Findings underscore that both schools conscientiously engage in various records management practices, maintaining a diverse array of records spanning from staff recruitment, student welfare, academic progress, school management, and infrastructure development. However, the institutions grapple with multifaceted challenges including constrained storage, suboptimal retrieval systems, obsolete records, mismanagement during creation and filing, insufficient top management support, untrained personnel, rodents, and fire hazards. The study posits that the efficacy of records management profoundly influences overall school performance. Sound records management culminates in heightened efficacy and transparency for administrators and teachers alike. Adherence to the records life cycle engenders streamlined access and retrieval, fostering accountability and proficiency in day-to-day operations. Consequently, the study advocates for the implementation of a comprehensive framework, encompassing the recruitment of adequately trained personnel, sustained capacity-building initiatives, designated storage provisions, rigorous filing protocols, advocating for management support, fortified management of health-related records, establishment of records disaster management plans, and improvement of the information and communication technology infrastructure.