A school management system interoperability maturity (SMSIM) model for schools in South Africa

Abstract

This qualitative study applied the exploratory Delphi expert reviews as a strategy through the research onion of Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2016) to explore School Management Systems (SMS) and how they can be improved through interoperability. The study followed the research methodology as outlined in chapter 5 to conceptualize the School Management Systems Interoperability Maturity (SMSIM) model that provides guidelines for achieving the next level of interoperability in SMS. To conceptualize the model, literature findings, a combination of Organisational Interoperability Maturity Model (OIM) and Information Systems Interoperability Maturity Model (ISIMM), and experts with over 10 years of experience in various fields participated in the study. Hermeneutics and thematic analysis were used to analyze and interpret the data. After the Delphi expert review results (in two iterations), it was evident that nothing had to be changed or adjusted from the conceptual literature model therefore, the model that emanated from literature was the final model of the study.