Information flows in student assistance policies: an analysis at Federal University of Paraná

ABSTRACT

Introduction/Objective:

This research aimed to identify how the information flows that subsidize the actions of the managers of student assistance policy at Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) are characterized.

Methodology:

Data were collected through the application of a structured questionnaire and treated using descriptive statistics and content analysis.

Results:

The results showed that the managers of student assistance policy have complex, dynamic and heterogeneous informational demands, and that they recognize the relevance of information in supporting their decision-making processes. The informational environment is permeated by intervening factors such as: pressure from the academic community, ethical issues, and technological dependence, in addition to the complementarity between the use of formal and informal channels and sources of information. Poor communication, lack of integration between systems, and informational overload constitute barriers that both make it difficult to share information and make its recovery process slower.

Conclusion:

These results outline a descriptive-interpretative diagnosis that can contribute to the development of information flows that are more appropriate for the achievement of student assistance policies, positively impacting all related parties.

KEYWORDS:
Information flows; Public university; Higher education; Public policy; Information management