Integrated financial management system at ministry of finance, planning and economic development: Challenges and strategies

Abstract

The study assessed factors affecting anticipated effectiveness of the integrated Financial Management System at Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. It was guided by four research objectives which were; the effectiveness of integrated Financial Management System, attitude of ministry staff towards Integrated Financial Management System, establish the challenges that affect effectiveness of Integrated Financial Management System and propose strategies to ensure effectiveness of Integrated Financial Management System at Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study population included ministry staff members and heads of directorates. Data was collected using questionnaire and an interview guide. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS to obtain frequencies, percentages and means. From findings, it was revealed that the system provides better means for collecting relevant demand data needed in decision making, the system helps to provide effective feedback to users and lead times are shortened by utilizing the system in place. It was further found out that staff members would like to know more about IFMS, others would like to be an expert in IFMS and IFMS training helps them do a good job. Also, it was found out that the key challenges include; limited training that affect the effectiveness of the system, the lack of capacity to use the system that affect the effectiveness of the system and the limited training lack of capacity to use the system affects system effectiveness. It was therefore concluded that IFMS at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development is largely effective in decision making and effective feedback. There is a generally positive attitude among Ministry staff towards IFMS as some staff members would like to be experts of IFMS. The key challenges faced in usage of IFMS include; limited training, lack of capacity to use the system, frequent system downtime and limited training. It was therefore recommended that invest in comprehensive training and skill development programs, hire a consultant with a dedicated IT support team with a swift response system and prioritize measures to simplify the user experience.