The challenges of utilizing lawson version 9 at local government authorities: A case study of Ruangwa district council,

Abstract

The study critically determined the challenges of utilizing Lawson Version 9 in LGA‟s specifically in Ruangwa District Council. The specific objectives of the study were: to explore the extent to which the six modules of LAWSON VERSION 9 have been utilized by LGA; to identify the key HR and non-HR operational challenges associated with the utilization of LAWSON in the Local Government Authorities and to suggest the possible measures for encountering the challenges of utilizing LAWSON at Local Government Authorities. The study adopted case study design and purposive sampling was used to draw a sample size of six (6) respondents who were Lawson users for the aim of obtaining enough and reliable information for the study. The study used both primary data collection methods (structured interview) and secondary data (documentary review). Narrative analysis was employed in data analysis, in words and pictures. The study revealed that two Lawson modules were utilized fully and four Lawson modules were not utilized fully in the RDC. Respondents mentioned human resource module (HR) and personnel administration module (PA) as modules which were utilized fully whereby human resource module was used to show the structure of the Ruangwa District Council. The structure consist three (3) main levels: Company which means Tanzania and presented with the code which is 2000; Process Level (vote) which means District Council and presented with the code which is 76G5 and the last level is Department which shows all the Departments of Ruangwa District Council. For example Administration Department was presented with 5004. Also the personnel management module is utilized fully in transfer, promotion within vote, promotion between votes, status change, salary change, termination, personal information change and bank information change. On the other hand, the study revealed the modules which were not utilized fully namely: Payroll (PR) module, General ledger (GL) module, Benefits (BN) module and Absence management (LP) module. Moreover, the study revealed that the key HR and non – HR challenges of utilizing Lawson were low competence, network connectivity, insufficient computers, vii unreliable electric power supply, human error and dishonest where by some Lawson users did not understand other applications in Lawson version 9; for example one HRO failed to apply Lawson for personnel emolument (PE) budgeting. The possible measures suggested for encountering the challenges which drew back effective utilization of the Lawson were: refresher courses, improving network infrastructures, conducive working environment, hiring employees, improving incentive packages and enacting aggressive laws. From the finding of the study, the researcher recommended that the Government and Management of RDC should take efforts to provide refresher course to Lawson users, Government should improve server of Ministry of State in the President's Office, Public Service Management and Good Governance, Management of RDC should improve office environment and equipment, Government should recruit staff so as to strengthening human resource who are using Lawson, Government should introduce incentive package to Lawson users which will be included in the salary and lastly Government should enact a strict act which will help to control the systems like EPICOR and LAWSON.