The Effects of Computer Literacy on Modern Secretary in Ghana
Chapter One
Purpose of the study
The objectives of this study are to examine the effects of computer literacy on modern secretaries using Ashaiman Municipal Secretariat as the case study.
Specifically, the study would:
- Identify the effects of computer literacy on the job performance of modern secretaries.
- Find out whether modern secretaries who are not computer literate can be employed in a modern office.
- Identify whether the knowledge of computer facilitates the work of modern secretaries.
- Find out the importance of computer to modern secretaries and
- Find out whether the computer has come to replace the work of secretaries.
CHAPTER TWO
Literature Review
This chapter contains a review of related information from different literatures on the topic. This would be done under the following headings:-
- The development of computers.
- Importance of computers and computer literacy.
- The effects of computer literacy on modern secretaries.
- The problems secretaries encountered in the use of computers.
- Summary of the literature reviewed.
The Development of Computer:
Banker and Yeates (1985) defined a computer as a device for performing automated information (or data processing). They contended that it may be thought of as a machine that takes raw data or information as its input and produces as output, as new, transferred data or information. In support of this, Bochin (1972) defined a computer as a device capable of accepting information, applying the result of the processes. It usually consists of input and output devices, storage, arithmetic/logic unit and a control unit. It didn’t end there, Eleoba (1991) in his own words contended that a computer is an electronic device capable of performing complex calculations at an electronic speed. It adds, subtracts, divide, multiply and can be used in word processing. To Igobah and Igobah (1993) computer is an electronic fast rule following machine. It accepts inputs, processes it and gives output. The most important things to note in these definitions are; the capability of the computer to accept data, process, store and reproduce as output or transformed data.
The first generation (1950 – 1955) which was only electronic computer called electronic numerical integrator and calculation (ENIC) and their early models which use vacuum tubes. Input consists primarily of punch cards and program stored within the computer were pretty much limited to magnetic drums and cores, Davis William (1978) Nwana T. A (1989).
The second generation (1955 – 1964) developed computer marked by the use of transistors and diodes which are much smaller and more compact and require less air conditioning of their vacuum tubes. Technological advancement of the second generation also has magnetic tape units with massive amounts of data stored on reels of magnetic tape for processing on the computer at high speed. This generation was marked by the processing of data at random rather than in serial or sequential order. Most utilized the early computer in converting from their existing state to mechanical accounting and clerical systems in order to obtain saving in the office of person required to do the work, to secure procedure and to provide for computer capacity that would absorb anticipated increased workloads. Warson Ronald et al. (1978).
The third generation (1964 – 1971), during these period, transistors began to give way to micro miniaturized circuits in still small compact units that increase the reliability of operations and decreased the maintenance cost. This generation was also marked by massive computer disc storage, multiprogramming, time – sharing, refined on line real-time capabilities, Barbara L. (1986). The fourth generation (1971), in early 70’s computer manufacturers and users anticipated further simplification of system and programming analysis with increased reliability, flexibility and confidentiality of computer system, this device computer increasingly handle specialized functions by means of micro programming. Standwell Sheila (1976).
In summary it can be said that the advent of technology into business offices dated back to the seventeenth century and had since improved during the past years as a result of scientific and technological changes and innovations. This conclusion was arrived at by because of words of Foster (1990). According to him, machine for adding has been in use since the seventeenth century the first to handle money column was the Burroughs produced in 1988.
Importance of Computer and Computer Literacy:
Technological advancement could be traced to the industrialization and development without the business circles. The computer manufactured as a result of this advancement in the technology used in organization to increase productivity and facilitate effective management. It is the most useful and fastest of all other equipment.
Davies (1978) adduced that we are in the midst of revolution. During the industrial revolution, machines were developed to augment muscle power. Today, the computer is being used to augment the power of the mind. Already most of our major business concern simply could not function without their computer; they would literally drown into the sea of paper work.
CHAPTER THREE
Research Methodology
Design is a term used to described a number of decisions, which needs to be taken regarding the collection of data, even before the data was collected (Nwana U. 1991).
This chapter deals with the procedures/methodology utilized in this study. It is as follows:-
- Research design
- Area of the study
- Population of the study
- Sample and sampling procedures
- Instrument for data collection
- Method of data collection
- Method of data analysis.
Research Design
The design of this study is survey. This is because it gives a picture of a situation or a population. Osuala (1991) stated that any consideration of phenomena generally begins with a full understanding of the phenomena. This is because the research is meant to evaluate an existing phenomenon, that is, an identification of the effects of computer literacy on modern secretaries in Ashaiman Municipal Secretariat, Accra.
Area of the Study
This study concentrates mainly in the Secretariat of Ashaiman Municipal, Accra. The depths Covered by this study include the follows:-
The Head of Service, Administrative department, Computer department, Account department, Procurement Department, Personnel department, Policy Planning Department and Technical Service Department.
Population of the Study
In carrying out this research work, the population of the study constituted all the secretaries in Ashaiman Municipal Secretariat and other administrative staff numbering about (75) seventy-five as indicated below;
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Results
This chapter deals with the presentation and analysis of data collected. The data were presented in tables and the raw score converted into percentage to make the analysis and deductions quite easy. While chi-square was used to test the formulated hypothesis.
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION, IMPLICATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter presents the discussion of the results of the study, conclusions, implications of the research findings, recommendations, suggestion for further research and limitation of the study
Conclusion
From the relevant findings of the study, the following conclusions have been drawn
- The effects of computer literacy affected the efficiency of secretaries.
- The advent of computer enhances the performance of the secretaries
- The advent of computer has not made secretaries redundant rather the computer has come to stay with the secretary as both of them work hand in hand.
- The introduction of computer does not replace the work of secretaries rather it increases the demand for them.
Finally, it is anticipated that having taken care of the recommendations in this work, there will be improvement of success in future
Implication of the research findings
The findings of this study have some importance in educational implications, they includes:
Secretaries that are not computer literate may find it difficult to perform in a modern office or they may not even be employed in those modern offices and those working under already computerized office will be trained to acquire the skill of computer literacy.
As the technology is improving or advancing, if the secretaries are not working alongside with the advancement, it might lead to increase in secretary’s unemployment.
As the advent of computer enhances the performance of the secretary, secretary should be computer literate to enable them cope with this computer age or else it will lead to their unemployment.
Since, computer is becoming the talk of the day, more effort must be put in it to make efficiency and effective secretaries in the society.
Recommendations
The following recommendations have been made in the light of the findings and discussions with relevant major conclusions which have been highlighted.
Having been convinced that as technology is advancing secretary without computer literate can not make his/her way into modern office, it is good to embrace computer training to avoid those problems.
Secretaries should try as much as possible to acquire the knowledge of computer for its great impart in their performance.
The government should provide adequate computer system in schools so that students would be able to have the knowledge of it before graduation, especially the secretarial students.
More time should be created for in-service training for them to upgrade their knowledge.
Computer experts should be well acquainted with maintenance of computer to avoid certain obstructions that may occur due to bad state of the computers.
Finally, computer word processing should be made a core course for secretarial studies in their curriculum since computer is meant for them to perform their jobs effectively.
Suggestions for further research
Following the results of the study, suggestion for further research was suggested as follows:
Out-put evaluation of the non-computer literate secretary
The role of secretary in computerize institutions
The relevance of computer in the technological development of the nation
Limitation of the study
In carrying out this study. Some difficulties were encountered.
UNCOPERATIVE ATTITUDE OF THE RESPONSENTS AND LSCK OF REST OF MIND.
During the time of distribution of the questionnaire to the staff of Ashaiman Municipal Secretariat, the attitude of some staff was incorporating to the researcher as a result of the panic and restlessness caused by Boko Haram. Others lamented on the destruction of the part of the Secretariat by the insurgents. In spite of these challenges, the researcher was able to convince the staffs for their corporation.
FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS
Financial constraints also hampered the researcher from visiting other business organization for reference purposes, most especially as the researcher took risk to go to Ashaiman Municipal in Accra, a twelve hours journey.
TIME CONSTRAINTS
This is another constraint that was one of the major difficulties which the researcher encountered during this research, enough time was not given for the gathering of data and the researcher equally has other demanding academic obligations to meet.
However, despite all the difficulties and problems, the purpose of the study has been a derived
REFERENCES
- Barker P. and Yeastes H (1985) Introduction to computer assisted learning England. Whenton company limited
- Barbara L. (1986) Computer literacy through application USA Haughton. Mufflin Co. Boston.
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- Buffungton C. (1976) Your first personal computer London McGraw Hill Inc.
- Clippinger (1987) Document format Are the computer compatible to secretary
- Davis William (1978) Computer and Business Information Processing. USA Addison Wesley Publishing Company Massachusetts Boston.
- Eleoba H. (1991) Unpubished lecture note on BAM 411 data processing
- Evans J.W (1989) Secretarial procedure in the electronic office United Kingdom Pitman Publishing Limited.
- Foster T. (1990) Secretarial procedure. London Stanley Thomes (Publishing) limited.
- Frielint A.A (1969) Economics of automatic data processing Amsterdam North Holland Publishing Co.
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- Harpet et al (1980) Data processing managers New Jersey Lyon |Grant and green publishing ltd.
- Igoba and igba (1993) Unpublished lecture note. On sec. 412 word processing.
- Kurshan B.L. November A.C and Stone J.O (1986) Computer literacy through application, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston Toronto.
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