Disaster and Risk Management in an Electronic Environment: A Study of the Planning and Management Information Services Directorate of the University of Ghana

Abstract

The study examines the management of disasters and risks in the Planning and Management Information Services Directorate (PMISD) of the University of Ghana. Questionnaire, interviews and observation were used to collect data from twenty-one (21) members of staff of the Directorate. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data that was collected. The study revealed a high level of unpreparedness of the PMISD to contain disasters and risks. In addition, the study found out that there was no disaster recovery plan, no systematic orientation and training schemes for staff in the area of risk management, inadequate security for network infrastructure and equipment and for that matter data security and an irregular risk assessment regime. The study made a number of recommendations with a view to strengthening the capacity of PMISD to manage disasters and risks and to be able to resume business promptly, given the electronic environment within which it operates.