Higher education institutions (HEIs) are complex and dynamic organizations in terms of information management, forcing their information systems to respond to enormous challenges and threats. In order to evaluate the HEIs’ information systems, we propose the development of a maturity model capable of supporting the role of HEI’s managers, as well as accreditation agencies, in the assessment of the maturity of these systems, thus, promoting continuous improvement. In this paper, we present and discuss our proposal for an architecture of the maturity model being developed. This one is based on a two-dimensional architecture composed of vertical and horizontal dimensions. We selected a multi-case study approach, based on five Portuguese HEIs, and reviewed the literature to identify the dimensions. This case study was supported by interviews with experts from the selected HEI. The results of this research work were both encouraging and promising amongst the interviewed experts, revealing a high level of acceptance of the general model architecture, as well as positive expectations about its usefulness in the future. The development of our maturity model is carried out by following a formal methodology specially designed to support the construction of this type of model.

高等教育机构在信息管理方面是复杂且动态的组织，迫使其信息系统应对巨大的挑战和威胁。为了评估高等教育机构的信息系统，我们建议开发一个成熟度模型，该模型能够支持高等教育机构管理者以及认证机构在评估这些系统的成熟度方面的作用，从而促进持续改进。在本文中，我们提出并讨论了我们对正在开发的成熟度模型架构的建议。这是基于由垂直和水平维度组成的二维架构。我们选择了基于五所葡萄牙高等教育机构的多案例研究方法，并回顾了文献以确定维度。本案例研究得到了对所选高等教育机构专家的采访的支持。这项研究工作的结果在受访专家中既令人鼓舞又充满希望，表明了对通用模型架构的高度接受，以及对其未来有用性的积极期望。我们的成熟度模型的开发是按照专门为支持此类模型的构建而设计的正式方法进行的。