A records management strategy for the Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment

Abstract

Modem democracies are governed by a legislative framework dictating how the public administration functions and imposing requirements on government departments to fulfill their roles and meet public expectations. Since records give evidence of transactions, the above environment has strengthened the requirements of having access to authentic and reliable records. This is achievable through a proper records management programme based on internationally endorsed standards. Technological evolution has brought about new realities which government departments need to address and which provide further hurdles to reach their objectives. This dissertation will discuss records management and the theories in the field applicable to a hybrid records management environment in a public administration setting. The theoretical discussion will pursue with a description of the methodology required to implement a successful records management program. This methodology will then be set within a practical framework by taking the Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment (MFEI) of Malta as a case study. This report will highlight the operative environment, the record keeping objectives and the methodology required for the ministry to become compliant with the National Archives Act 2005. Ideally, this dissertation will serve as the catalyst to align the civil service in Malta with the said Act.