Governance
Sustainable Financing
ICT Infrastructure
Legislation, Policies, and Regulations

Key functions that characterize effective governance:

  • The establishment of a governance committee
  • Standards for ethical governance
  • Review and updating of the EMIS implementation plan
  • Defined procedures for monitoring and evaluation (M&E)
  • Review and approval of policy
  • Assessment, approval, and recommendation of resources
  • Management of risks to EMIS implementation
  • Responsive decision-making

Governance structures and processes define the standards and requirements to ensure that the EMIS ecosystem contributes meaningfully to achieving the goals of the country’s education system and policies. A well-functioning EMIS governance structure will inform and align the components of the EMIS ecosystem to create an integrated, sector-wide ecosystem covering all education and administrative levels, while also providing a mechanism to hold role players to account for their contributions to successful EMIS implementation.

Explore these essential resources to strengthen Governance practices

  1. Good Governance Basics – This brief explains the essential principles of good governance, providing valuable guidelines, particularly worth reviewing during times of change or challenge.
  2. Education Management Information Systems: A Guide for Young Managers – This article defines organizational governance, explains its key functions, and outlines the benefits of managing organizations effectively.

Steps to setup and ensure effective governance in EMIS implementation

  • Establish a formal governance committee or similar structure and terms of reference for its operations:
    • This group, responsible for overseeing EMIS implementation, should represent all key stakeholders and users.
    • Members may include a high-level political figure, managers from the Ministry of Education and other government agencies, regional representatives, a legal advisor, representatives from principals’ associations and/or teacher unions, and possibly development partners.
  • Develop a set of governance standards to outline the ethical responsibilities of stakeholders from different ministries or departments regarding EMIS implementation.
  • Review and update the EMIS implementation plan:
    • The governance committee should oversee a multi-year plan for EMIS implementation that includes targets and budgets.
    • The plan should be reviewed and updated annually.
  • Define monitoring and evaluation procedures: A clear process for tracking EMIS implementation should be established, covering financing, ICT infrastructure, system changes, and special projects.
  • Review and approve policies: EMIS policies, processes, and standards should be evaluated and updated regularly to keep them relevant.
  • Assess, approve, and recommend resources:The governance committee should identify the resourcing needs for EMIS implementation, stipulate priorities for implementation, and recommend and approve the necessary resources and budgets.
  • Manage risks to EMIS implementation: The governance committee should assess and manage risks, conflicts, and problems related to EMIS implementation and adjust management plans as needed.
  • Enable responsive decision-making: The governance committee needs to exercise sound judgement and oversight to continuously improve the EMIS ecosystem, ensuring responsive decision making in evaluating all its elements.

Effective governance ensures that the EMIS ecosystem aligns with strategic education goals, meets different stakeholder needs, and complies with relevant legislation and policies.