THE ROLE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT GOVERNANCE, SUCCESS AND FAILURES

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Manipulating records and office activities in any organization even the government has been conducted in different spheres using different technologies that may suite at the time nevertheless different means of carrying out office operation have evolved to facilitate communication and data processing activities. Information technology so far stands as the most useful means of office management. ICT speeds up the flow of information and its use in decision-making (Ahmed et al, 2006). In a government organization there are data to be collected, processed and stored for reference purposes. Conducting these operations manually creates many protocols that delay office job delivery. As such, officials sought means to better their operations by using new technological means that will hasten office activities and speed up data processing. To achieve this, information technology (IT) is being employed. Information technology involves the use of computers and software to manage information in some firms or organizations, this is referred to as management information system or MIS or simply as information system (IS). The information technology department of any organization is responsible for storing , protecting, processing and transmitting the information as necessary, and later retrieve the information when needed. The aim of this research project is to develop a system that will enhance effective usage if IT in local governance.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The streaming trend in which clients quest for the execution of their different jobs in a local government councils is becoming alarming. record kept in different units in the council are being requested for  and is demanded to be delivered without error and on time. Due to different office protocols, retrieving these records may be delayed. Also, collecting these records and storing them follow a particular routine which employs manual strategies. With this, there are bound to be problems at different levels. However, managers and secretaries sought means of satisfying their clients without delay of their jobs. Using a suitable technological means is their pursuit. These are what makes up the statement of problem of this research.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to design a system that will enhance effective usage of information technology in local governance in ikot ekpene. It examines its success and failures. The study also intends to show the concept and impact of information technology in the world today. It show-cases the operations, components and devices of information technology that can be used in any organization for carrying out office operations effectively. The study also intends to model a new system for ikot ekpene local government that will help the management of records in the system.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

The following are the specific objectives of the research;

To build a new system for ikot ekpene local government. To speed up office operations in ikot ekpene local government. To educate the public on the role of IT. To improve data processing operations in the office.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following are the research questions formulated for this research work:

What is IT? What are the benefits of the use of IT? Is it better to use Information technology means or manual means? How does IT improve office operation? What areas of local governance can be handled.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is of significance because it would educate government officials on the use of IT in their operations. It will also help them to know what areas to apply IT in local governance. The study is also of significance to software developers because they will discover a better method of design for software applications. The study will tutor the public on the roles of IT in their different activities. This research study will trigger further research study on this topic by other academicians.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study limits itself to the usage of information technology in government offices especially in Ikot Ekpene local government area. The study does not cover the usage of information technology in other spheres like in the field of manufacturing and agricultural productions etc.

ORGANIZATION OF THE RESEARCH

This research work is arranged into five chapters for easy understanding. Chapter one introduces the topic and related background of the study, statement of the problem, purpose of the study, specific objectives, research questions, significance of the study, scope of the study, organization of research and definition of terms. Chapter two examines the review of related literature of the topic. Chapter three focuses on the system analysis and design which will include; the research methodology, system design, algorithm and program flow chart. Chapter four is concerned with the system implementation and documentation it shows the system flow diagram,analysis of modules, choice of programming language and programming environment. Chapter five focuses on the summary, recommendation and conclusion.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Information: This refers to processed data ready for decision making.

Technology: This is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.

Governance: This is the action or manner of governing a particular group of people.

Role: This is the function of a particular person or thing.

Information Technology: This is the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictoral, textual  and numerical information by a micro-electronics based combination of computing and telecommunications.

Software: This is a set of instructions designed for a computer to execute.

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