Information Technology Governance Practices of Selected Higher Education Institutions in CALABARZON: Basis for IT Governance Procedures Manual

This study investigated the current state of Information Technology Governance (ITG) practices in higher educational institutions (HEIs) in the CALABARZON region, specifically those recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as Centers of Excellence (COE) or Centers of Development (COD) in Information Technology (IT). A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. A structured questionnaire was used to determine the corporate governance practices in IT as perceived and experienced by the respondents, while qualitative analysis supported the gathered data. The study revealed that HEIs in the CALABARZON region utilize various ITG standard frameworks, including BiSL, Campus++, ISO27001, ITS CMM-IT, and ISO38500, with ISO27001 and PMBOK being considered for future implementation. The respondents perceived a manageable degree of implementation of best practices in HEIs' IT Governance, and rated high degree of implementation across information systems and ITG mechanisms. The study also showed that HEIs mostly implemented and practiced standard ITG frameworks, with respondents assessing their institutions' IT Governance as being at a manageable level of maturity. The findings suggest that HEIs in the CALABARZON region have made significant strides in embracing Quality Assurance Frameworks, practicing IT goals alignment, and promoting an institution-wide view of IT. However, potential opportunities for improvement were identified, including Continuous Improvement for ITG, IT Resource Utilization, and Top-Level Management as ITG Champion. The primary barriers to effective ITG implementation were also identified, including lack of proper trainings, migrating to learning management system utilization, and stakeholders' resistance to change. The study's results served as the basis for producing an IT Procedures Manual applicable for HEIs, which can guide institutions in enhancing their IT governance practices and achieving excellence in education.