Impact Of Computer On The Modern Business

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Of The Study

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) involves the use of Computer hardware, software and telecommunication devices to store, manipulate, convert, protect, send and receive data/information (Olifer & Olifer, 2006). ICT is fast developing and is now part of every aspect of our livelihood. Businesses cannot survive in this 21st century without Computer since all activities undertaken in the business setup is linked to ICT. Consequently, communication flow is very essential in the growth and development of every business entity. Computer makes it possible to communicate easily with staff and customers of the company. Businesses of this 21st century are advancing at a very fast pace. With the world becoming a global village, business transactions are becoming increasingly dynamic and consequently this has caused an increase in world trade. Thus the increase in the volume of trade in Ghana and other developed countries require fast transfers of monies, payment across continents and many other services that promote growth of business (Al-Mudimigh, 2007).

These transactions cannot be carried out effectively without the use of ICT. With the numerous positive impact of computer in businesses, it is hard to imagine a contemporary business functioning without adoption of ICT. Thus, computer permeates every aspect of twenty first century businesses (Ansah, Blankson, and Kontoh, 2012). According to Crede& Mansell (1998), ICT is crucially important for sustainable development in developing countries. Computer encompasses the use of Computers, Internet, E-mail, Mobile Phones and Fax machine ( Ansah, Blankson, and Kontoh, 2012) . According to Fapohunda (1999), Computers are now commonly used for writing letters, and reports, printing books, newspapers, and magazines, drawing pictures and diagrams, doing statistics, mathematics and handling financial records, controlling traffic lights, flying aeroplanes, making and playing music and video, sending messages anywhere in the world. Also, Eseyin (1997) describes the Internet as a mixture of many services with the two most commonly used being electronic mail (e-mail for short) and the World Wide Web (www). It plays a significant role in education, health, political processes, agriculture, economy, businesses and newsgroups. Woherem (2000) states that with Internet connectivity, one can do business all over the world without physical contact with the buyer or the need for a business intermediary.

computer enables electronic mail (e-mail) which is the exchange of text messages and Computer files transmitted via communications networks such as the Internet (Nwosu, 2004). Email system is basically the equivalent of post mailing services with the biggest difference however being the time and cost involved (Fapohunda, 1999). Email also involves not only written data, but all sorts of information in the form of video, audio, or photographs, can be sent via e-mail. Oketunji (2000) describes e-mail as an increasing popular method of communication, especially in the workplace.

computer also enables the use of mobile phones in businesses. Bittner (1989) defines mobile phones as a telephone system that can move or be moved easily and quickly from place to place. Mobile phones are now the computer that is reshaping and revolutionizing the communications globally. Its impact on the economic activities of nations, businesses, and small entrepreneurs is phenomenal. According to Tiemo (2006) the importance of information cannot be overemphasized. Oji-Okoro (2006) supported this view by stating that mobile telephony usage by individuals enables them to communicate with loved ones, clients and business associates. For large businesses, it is a means of providing a service that leads to an increase in profits.

Although computer comes with numerous benefits, there are however some constraints to their implementation. According to Gichoya (2005), researchers assert that infrastructure, finance, poor data system and lack of compatibility skilled personnel, leadership styles, culture, and bureaucracy and attitudes can be considered as barriers to computer investment. Also, Sherwood (1997), states that computer investment may be constrained by a broad range of laws and policies which may influence the overall package of incentives associated with the used ICT. Some of these laws or policies include;

1. Policies that are aimed at curtailing peoples’ capacity to utilize ICTs effectively.
2. Policies that directly affect negatively computer innovation and investment.

iii. Policies the affect entrepreneurship, research and development.

1. Policies that affect telecommunications infrastructure and access.

In view of the above discussions, this study investigates the impacts of computer on modern world business.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The contribution of computer to the growth and development of every business have been stated by many researchers. According to Crede& Mansell (1998), Computer is crucially important for sustainable development in developing countries. Thus investment in Computer in the long run leads to improvement in the economy. However the investment into Computer has associated factors that militate against it. Notable among these factors are inadequate power supply, breaking down and malfunctioning of Computer, poor awareness of Computer application and fund to invest more on Computer device, cost of training IT personnel and cost of repairs in terms internet service (Adewoye and Akanbi, 2012). However, studies done by various researchers show that computer improves the productive capacity of businesses (Ansah, et. al, 2012; Crede& Mansell, 1998). Investment in computer greatly reduces travel costs for sector workers of various businesses (ITU 1999). There are a lot of studies on the impact of computer on the performance of businesses in other countries but studies on the impact of computer on business in Ghana are scarce. Consequently this study focuses on identifying the impact of computer on the modern business in Nigeria to fill the knowledge gap in this field.

1.3 Objectives of the study

The broad objective of the study is to examine the impact of computer on the modern business. Other specific objectives of the study are:

1. Determine the extent computers usage are adopted among business organizations in Nigeria.
2. Determine the extent computer usage enhances the operational efficacy of business organizations.
3. Determine the extent computer usage improves quality service delivery in business organizations.
4. Determine the extent computer usage improves organizational performance and development.

1.4 Research Question

1. To what extent does computers usage are adopted among business organizations in Nigeria?
2. To what extent does computer usage enhances the operational efficacy of business organizations?
3. To what extent does computer usage improves quality service delivery in business organizations?
4. To what extent does computer usage improves organizational performance and development?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho: The use of Computer does not have a significant impact on the modern business.

Ha: The use of Computer have a significant impact on the modern business.

1.6 Significance Of The Study

The findings of the study will enumerate the enormous benefits that computer adds to the modern world business so as to encourage massive investment in ICT. The findings of the study will also help the management of the various businesses to know the effect computer on the growth and development of businesses and also help them to know the factors that inhibit the implementation of computer so as to provide remedies to those hindrances. The study will also add up to the stock of knowledge in the field of computer in the modern world business for researchers and student who will like to embark on further studies in this field.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of the study borders on the impact of computer on the modern business.

The study confines itself to businesses in the Kano. Also out of all the numerous business in greater Kano metropolis, the study confines itself to only Gwale local government area, Kano state.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researcher encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. More so, the researcher simultaneously engaged in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

Moreover, the case study method utilized in the study posed some challenges to the investigator including the possibility of biases and poor judgment of issues. However, the investigator relied on respect for the general principles of procedures, justice, fairness, objectivity in observation and recording, and weighing of evidence to overcome the challenges.

1.9 Definition Of Terms

Information and Communication Technology (ICT): This implies according to Adesola (2011) the use of computer system to send, receive, communication and processing data from one place to the other through electronic means as a result of advancement in technology through human effort.

Computer: Can be defined as an electronic machine that accepts data, processes the data and supplies the result of the processing as output

Business: Involves a particular endeavour or idea that involves exerting effort, money, time and opportunity in other to maximize profit and enhance better standard of living

1.10 Organization Of The Study

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows. Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.