BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IT began as heralding the launch of an upgraded information management system but quickly turned into statements pregnant with the principles of management, the prerequisites of efficiency, productivity, transparency and accountability.
The occasion was the launch of the Organisation of American States (OAS)-funded Online Education Management Information System (EMIS), and one of the presenters was the OAS representative to St. Kitts Nevis, Starret Greene.
Greene’s presentation highlighted some of the benefits to be gained from the recently-launched Online EMIS, chief of which is “efficiency in management”.
As his words resonated, it was clear that the principles contained therein were applicable not only to the online EMIS but the lives of individuals, businesses and other professional and social organisations.
Expressing his belief that “efficiency in management” is a motto by which we all should live, Greene indicated that in order for that to be done “we must work to optimise our resources by eliminating waste, preventing, duplicating and avoiding unnecessary delays in our decision-making and in the implementation of programmes, projects, initiatives and activities”.
Supporting his view that proper management of resources is key to overall effective management, Greene argued that the ingredients of transparency, accountability and fairness must be present in order for this to be achieved.
“I wish to argue that in the twenty-first century, good management of our resources requires that we be transparent in our operations. In this connection, it is worth reminding ourselves that good work ethics is built on openness and not on keeping things secret. Sharing and dissemination of information without favour will help to improve many of the daily processes that are integral to the smooth functioning of our education system. Making information accessible to all relevant parties and stakeholders is central to increasing and strengthening our knowledge base, boost our productivity, and cutting costs. These objectives can be accomplished by harnessing and optimisming the use of technology.
“Good management of our resources in the education system should emphasize accountability. We should always bear in mind that a high proportion of the resources placed in our care come from the tax payers. Hence, we are obligated to be accountable. Essential requirements of good management include making those who work in the system accountable for their actions, accountable in respect of the level of their performance and accountable for those they supervise…Good management is also about the application of fairness and justice at all times and in all situations.”
“All are accountable for the resources given them”, Greene added, noting that proper management of these resources encompasses “promoting efficiency, transparency and accountability. Good management ensures equitable allocation of resources and it embraces a mechanism that measures and evaluates progress and rewards those who meet agreed performance standards”.
