Impacts Of Electronic Systems In The Economic Development

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Universally, people have used development as another word for either or all of the following forms: Industrialization Modernization, Technological Advancement. Whenever we talk about development the first thing that comes to our minds are such structural edifices as skyscrapers, cars, electronic gadgets, and the like. Today social scientists would hesitate to endorse such a narrow view of development, not with the failure of science and technology to redeem man and his society. In the words of Schumacher (2003); development does not start with goods, it starts with people and their education, organization and discipline.
According to Brahma and Odiaran (1985) the age in which we now live is charactized by what has been called the “Information Explosion,” notably as a result of the advent of modern Sophisticated Communication hardware which has reduced the world into a form of global Village. Electronic system, can be labeled the catalyst which when applied to any form of life endeavour, particularly that dealing with social change would bring about improved communications technology and globalization. Both the electronic systems and the technological hardware are used as an extention of man in the dissemination of information. This will aid in the sharing of ideas with a vast majority of people in different location without the fidelity of the message being affected.
A computer is a machine that performs tasks, such as calculations or electronic communication, under the control of a set of instructions called a program. Programs usually reside within the computer and retrieved and processed by the computer’s electronics. Computers perform variety of activities, reliably, accurately and quickly. They also entertain, creating digitized sound on stereo systems or computer-animated features, from a digitally encoded leiser disc. The computer is usually employed in sophisticated communications to encode and unscramble messages, and to keep track of personnel and supplies. Therefore, the increase on the use of computers in diverse areas of human endeavors. The history of the development of computer show that, so far, no industrialized nation has been able to make it without the use of computers. It is hardly surprising therefore, that even in developing countries like Nigeria. The use of computers is generally and gradually becoming the rule rather than an exception. Most certainly, computers have come to stay.
However, communication and its technologies have always developed as a social product, the dialectic, material and result of extended human interaction. In their application, communication technologies have been used as political and cultural tools by competing social groups, and then involves as part of the social process of use, change, contestation and group interest. Satellites may be globally influential, even revolution any (albi not in the way that literacy changed cognition and tradition); still, satellite communication, like oil communication, depends on who controls, who employs, who has access, and how is it used. “No technology by itself, can act on a social order without human agents (Hobsbowm, 2004).
Radio is the commonest, cheapest and all purpose mass communication media/system. It is regarded, also, as the most widespread and accessible in information dissemination. The Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS), radio, Enugu, Radio Nigeria Enugu and AIT Enugu share in this responsibility of educating, informing, entertainment, persuading, advertising and the like. This of course, should prompt them to exhibit a right sense of responsibility and fairness in the performing of their roles in the society for both economic and national development in Nigeria

1.2 Statement of the Problem
The successful operation of any organization, establishment or workers in an organization depends, to a great extent, on how good the system or method of communication adopted is. Effective communication is indispensable in every worthwhile organization, and the Enugu State (ESBS) and other media houses are not an exception of this fact. The researchers, therefore, seek to investigate and findout how the use of electronic systems, (the satellite, computer, television and video cameras etc.), could affect directly or indirectly on the economic development in Nigeria.
The organization and management of electronic systems in most establishments, has negatively affected information and electronic systems on the economic development in Nigeria; and little or nothing is being done on the development of information technology equipment in the country today. This of course are the factors that motivated the selection of this research topic by the researchers.

1.3 Purpose of the Study
The main objectives of this study are:
i. To determine the importance of radio and television as the commonest and all purpose mass communication system in Enugu State.
ii. To find out areas where other electronic systems such as cameras, video cameras, computer and satellites are needed and their uses for forwards the economic development of the State.
iii. To determine the extent at which the services rendered by the ESBS and other radio houses to the society which contribute to the economic development of the State.

1.4 Scope/Delimitation of the Study
In this study, an attempt is made to find out the impacts of electronic systems on the economic development in Nigeria and the role of information technology equipment such as computers, video camera, satellites, camera, television and radio etc. The study will also discover possible challenges and factors that hinder the (ESBS), Enugu state Broad casting service, in the discharge of their duties for effective and quality service delivery in the state and the nation at large.
Furthermore, this study will find out the importance and roles of radio and television as the commonest and cheapest and as all purpose mass communication systems in the State.

1.5 Research Question
The following research questions will guide the study
i. What are the importance of radio and television as the commonest and cheapest of all purpose mass communication system on the economic development of the State?
ii. What are the positive and negative impacts of electronic systems in the promotion of information technology and economic development of the State?
iii. What are the services rendered by the ESBS to the masses for the economic development of the State?

1.6 Definition of Terms
i. Economic Development:
Economic development is defined as the increase in outputs and structural changes in technology.
ii. Electronic Systems
Electronic system is defined as groupings of electronic circuits and components which are designed to accomplish one or more complex functions. They included: Telecommunication system, computer system, radio systems, power distribution system etc.
iii. Information System
An information system is defined as a complete apparatus for hounding all aspect of information within an organization.
iv. Satellite
Satellite is defined as an artificial body in order to collect information or for communication.