The Strategy of IT implementation in the Higher Education Institution on the example of the University of Silesia.

Abstract

The University of Silesia is one of the biggest universities in Poland. It has campuses in five cities in the Upper Silesia Region, ten faculties, several inter-faculty units, about 1500 academic staff and 38000 students. Smooth functioning of such a complex structure and offering the high level education are not possible without IT and integrated information system. In order to prepare the strategy of IT implementation authorities of the University of Silesia have created the work group including scientists and administrative staff. The group s leader is the Rector s Officer for IT. For defining advantages and disadvantages of the current situation in the University in terms of IT and solving the problem the group has used the methodology of SWOT analysis. These methodologies can recognise that computer system must relate to the structure and functions of the university. In the university environment people (scientists, administrative staff) have different roles and scopes of activities. Information exchange and access to the appropriate information is the most important factor influencing the quality of their work. Understanding of their needs will help to build the integrated information system in the university.