Digital Governance and Innovation: development of an information management system for teaching activities at the Polytechnic Institute of Kimpa Vita University

Abstract

Purpose: to develop an information management system for teaching activities at the Polytechnic Institute of Kimpa Vita University (IP), Angola, considering the limitations of the manual procedures previously used at the institution. Methodology: applied and technological research with a qualitative approach, which employed observation techniques, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis to collect empirical data. The MERISE method was adopted to guide the conceptual, logical, and physical modeling of the database and the structuring of information processing workflows. Results: the developed system, named Integrated Management System of Teaching Activities (SIGAD), structured into modules for registration, activities, and reports, enabled the centralization of records, automatic data validation, access control, and improved information flow between the Directorate of Scientific Affairs (DACI), Directorate of Academic Affairs (DAAC), Department of Teaching and Research (DEI) departments, and course coordinations. Tests conducted with coordinators, administrative staff, managers, and teachers indicated improvements in usability, speed of consultation, data consistency, and administrative transparency. Practical/Managerial Implications: the adoption of SIGAD can support the modernization of IP's academic management, promoting standardization of processes, organization of information flows, and support for decision-making, while requiring continuous user training and technological updates of the system. Social Implications: the study contributes to the informatization of teaching activity management and the strengthening of digital governance, promoting greater transparency in academic management and expanding qualified access to information, reliability of institutional records, and efficiency of administrative services in higher education.