THE ROLE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT, GOVERNANCE, SUCCESS AND FAILURE

 Abstract

This study is on the role of information technology in local government, success and failure. The total population for the study is 200 staff of Ikot Ekpene local government area of Akwa ibom state. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made up directors, counselors, senior staff and junior staff was used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies

 CHAPTER ONE

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 retrieves 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 is 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 make up the statement of problem of this research.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the study are;

1. To build a new system for ikot ekpene local government.
2. To speed up office operations in ikot ekpene local government.
3. To educate the public on the role of IT.
4. To improve data processing operations in the office.
   • RESEARCH HYPPOTHESES

For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;

H₀:   there are no benefits of the use of IT

H₁: there are benefits of the use of IT

H₀₂: there is no improve data processing operations in the office

H₂: there is improve data processing operations in the office

• 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 AND LIMITATION 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. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

1. a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study
2. b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.
3. c) Organizational privacy: Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities

1.7 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.

InformationTechnology: 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