Abstract:
This thesis seeks to offer an answer to the problem of how to design, implement and
support information systems that effectively and efficiently support e-learning within
universities. This problem is increasingly common and important to the operation of elearning
within universities. This thesis formulates an E-learning platform known as
Educational Management system (EMS) based on the specification of Information
Systems Design Theory (ISDT) for emergent university e-learning systems.
In particular the ISDT proposes that emergent e-learning information systems that will
encourage and enable greater levels of e-learning adoption in terms of quantity, quality
and diversity; as well as providing a level of differentiation and competitive advantage
for the institution. The design, support and evolution of EMS is an iterative action
research cycle based on the formulation of IDST.
As a result, EMS has followed the specifications of both process and product models of
IDST that aim to enable the e-learning information systems for emergent universities.
This thesis has also used Ps’ framework to analyze the current, dominant practice of
providing e-learning information systems within universities. The resulting analysis
reveals a significant mismatch between the requirements of e-learning within universities
and the characteristics of the product and process models used by the dominant approach
to supporting e-learning within universities. EMS is also compared and evaluated with
other systems being currently used by other institutions and found successful among
others on various criteria.
