Assessing the Effectiveness of SunPlus Usage within the Two Union Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists in Ghana

Abstract

Accounting Information Systems, as we know them today have passed through one evolution to another. Organizations can’t compete effectively if their information technology systems don’t have the power or flexibility to perform essential functions. Information technology is being recommended to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ghana to link the church and its activity for the purpose of creating a synergy that will lead to a high performance in all its activities and financial contribution. Infor SunSystems is a powerful financial accounting software that streamlines an organization’s financial processes. Sunplus, a subset of SunSystems and the project of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, was introduced in Ghana in 2006 to boost the financial systems of Conferences, Schools, Hospitals, and other related institutions of the church. However, no one has examined the effectiveness and value of SunPlus through an empirical study. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine effectiveness of SunPlus usage in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ghana and possibly recommend how to further improve the system. The study was descriptive research that used a survey, interviews and questionnaires administered to respondents. The study found that the use of SunSystems has been effective with some few challenges. Respondents also suggested possible ways of improving the system for better use in the future. In view of the findings, the researcher recommended that constant training, seminars, workshops, Yammer, more IT personnel, and internet services should be provided for users to enhance their work.