Investigation into the use of Microsoft SharePoint in UK higher education institutions

Abstract

This paper describes an investigation of the use of Microsoft SharePoint in UK higher education institutions (HEIs). The study was funded by Eduserv, and conducted by Northumbria University in 2009. It aimed to discover how SharePoint was used, the views of stakeholders and any lessons learnt. The study comprised: a literature review; a telephone survey of IT Directors/Managers in 40 HEIs; an online survey with responses from 47 HEIs; an online community consultation; three detailed case studies; a public event. The study found that most UK HEIs were using SharePoint to some extent. Aspects of the SharePoint implementations - procurement, implementation approaches, drivers, critical success factors, use in teaching and learning and research, and barriers - are described. The conclusions look to the future of SharePoint use in UK HEIs as the 2010 version of the product becomes available. The transferability of the findings to other sectors is discussed. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.