It is an indisputable fact that the
advent of computer as transformed the face of business transactions in the
globe. The object of this work is to
evaluate, the role of computer in management information system and its
implications on the Nigeria economy. It would examine the areas this electronic
device has contributed towards the activities and development of the Nigeria
economy.
Because computer or applied could be used in several areas of human endeavor,
it has been described by some people as an inheritable belonging by right to
any one who hers seven born into the present created a new world and this is
for the computer users to explore to their benefit.
Today computer could be applied in
diver’s areas. These include the following: Education inherited, companies,
hospitals, government, court of law, homes economics, and the military and in
finance. Others are accountancy, science, planning, forecasting or government
audit or auditing generally. Computer could be used during wars to locate
enemies etc. in-fact computer could be used or applied in almost all aspect of
human endeavor. To this effect one could say that computer application has
contributed positively and of course negatively towards human and economic
development throughout the whole world.
THE MEANING OF COMPUTER
The
device computer has been seen from different perspectives by different people,
and therefore has been defined in different ways. Some of the different
definitions given to computer include: computer or defined as an electronic
machine that can be used to carry out various functions with the aid of
programme or software. It could be viewed as an electronic device that is made
up of physical parts called the hardware and the non-physical part called the
software. It accepts data, instructions or commands, processes data and
produces results. Other definitions are that computer is a programmable
automatic electronic machine capable of processing particular data sent to it
and comes out with the result or output which can be stored for future or
immediate use as the case may be.
USES OF COMPUTER IN ORGANIZATION
Various
areas of business organization now need and use computer in their daily
operations and some of there areas are as stated below:
1.
COMPLEX CALCULATIONS: In large organizations where transactions generate
huge figures daily, the calculations are done easily with the use of computer
than manually so that calculations that would have taken homes or even days are
done in a second. This has in cursed the speed and convenience of business
transactions and made it more fascinating to the participants
2.
STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL: Computers have brought marsive storage
benefits. A single CD-ROM for instance can store pages of text, and a database
can draw together information from across the business. However, the absence of
a single, physical location for information can cause problems with duplication
of work, the inability to find the right file or the use of data documents.
Investing in documents management software or an internet can remedy these
problems. They allow staff to store documents in one location where several
people can work on them at the same time. Alternatively, a simple cost
effective way of improving access to electronic information or by creating a
filing and archiving procedure, setting out where staff must store files and
how they should title them.
3.
SHARING INFORMATION: Sharing
manufacturing information can speed up the production process without harming
quality control. For example, using a virtual private Network (VPN) to share
your production places with supplies lets them adjust their stock levels and
processes accordingly. This can result in shorter lead times and make just
–in-time deliveries possible.
4.
OPERATIONS: If you are working forward to creating a more
flexible workforce, use information more intelligently or manage your process
better, technology can help you create a learner, more focused operation.
5.
RELATIONAL
DATABASE: if your business has many different sets of
data or regularly changes price or product information, you could take one step
further and invest in a relational database . this ensures that if you make a
change in the pricing section of the database, that change is also made
automatically in the accounts, invoicing stock and other price –related access
too. It makes it quicker and easier to update information and your business can
make better use of more accurate data. The more smoothly a company operates,
the more profitable it can be.
6.
INTERNAL
COMMUNICATION: An internet is a
network whose use is restricted to staff of the same company. Its main purpose
is to share information and computing resources among employees.
An
internet can be used simply to store contact details, corporate news and company
forms, or as a complicated workflow management programme, it all depends on
company’s needs and budget.
7.
WORKFLOW: Companies with complex internal procedures or
important quality control processes could invest in workflow management
software to link and control the different stages of activities and documents.
This could ensure that correct processes are fellowed and allows for management
control and review.
8.
FLEXIBLE WORKING: Computer and internet access
means your staff can now work much more flexibly. With the right security
arrangements, they can work on –site, on the move or from home. The increasing
availability and popularity of mobile communications, such as personal Digital
Assistant (PDAs) and WAP phones, also means it is much easier to work away from
the office without losing touch. Not only can this flexibility improve
productivity, it can be an excellent way of attracting and retaining skilled
staff, many of which see the opportunity to work from home as a valuable
benefit.
9.
PURCHASING ALTERNATIVES: Increasingly,
on line market places that aggregate supply or demand are springing up. This
incomes small purchases can cut costs with group discounts while small produces
can band together to pitch for larger contacts. Some larger companies as also
investing in online atones to simplify their procusement process. This allows
them to management whole bolding process electronically and negotiate discounts
from suppliers.
10.
STREAMLINING TRANSACTIONS: Working electrically with your key suppliers can help cut time form he
way you work and increase your efficiency. For example by exchanging orders and
invoices for automatic processing. Transmitting data, including payment data
electronically ensures tight, efficient control of the purchasing process and
faster payment. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) can streamline transactions,
allowing faster and simpler processing with less paper work and fewer mistakes.
11.
NEW MARKETING C HANNDS: computer and Sms (short messaging service, otherwise
known as text messaging) offer exciting new ways to reach customers. The
increasing sophistications of mobile communications means that you could also
consider MMS (multimedia messaging), which allow you to send images or video or
music, alongside a text message. Unlike advertising or direct mail, these are
very personal media. You can time when people receive the messages and, in the
case of computer, monitor with whom they share this information. Most interestingly
for business, bulk use of e-mail can reduce the cost of message to only a few
naira. This flipside of computer and Sms or the danger of over use, relevant or
constant marketing can provoke a strong negative reaction. If you intend to run
a computer campaign, you also need to have the facilities in place to handle
the response. While you can encourage people to phone you or visit your
website. Many may want to reply by e-mail. If you experience a surge in
responses, using an automated e-mail reply will help you manage them without disappointing
your customers.
12.
MAKING SALES: Those are few more important an bases a does
for a business than its sales team. As the public face of your company, it is
essential you provide them with the resources to prevent your business in the
best light. Using mobile communications, you can keep them in constant touch
with the company. With a PDA or laptop, with internet connection sales staff
can access information on the more. At a simple level, this can mean keeping up-to-date
with any important developments in the business by e-mail. At a more advanced
level, giving staff access to the company’s systems could give them the tools
to clinch more deals on the spot. They could check stock availability, prices
and delivering times, send orders back to head office and generate invoices.
13.
REDUCING THE COSTS: Using EDI (Electronic Date
Interchange) with your suppliers and customers can streamline transport,
dispatch and money transfer and minimize the documentation, charges, risks and
delays of culency exchange.
B. SUNDRY COMPUTER APPLICATION:
1.
Easier computation of results:
Usually
examination results such as JAMB and WAEC are too numerous because of the
number of candidates involved. Thus, much time is consumed in the process of
making the papers and releasing results . but with the use of computers
examination paper that run into hundreds of thousands are marked, completed and
released within some few hours to the delight of everyone.
2.
Calculations: The Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) of the
computer is responsible for performing computer calculations. This unit
calculates within seconds figures and complex numbers of large proportions that
would have been difficult or even impossible if manual approach were used.
Computer
has reduced the difficulties experienced by different persons engaged in the
business of mathematics. It or quite facauating to observe low fast a computer
can perform complex mathematical operations using he appropriate programme
software. This makes for faster, more accurate and reliable management
decisions in an organization, immixtures and government units.
3. Used in Hospitals: Computers are used
in hospital to detect hidden sicknesses and perform very complex operations. So
that results of tests that would have tested for weeks take just some dap or
hours to be released with exactable.
4. Auditing
Work: One of the most important use of computer application is its
operation in performance of audit work. The computer is used save to store
data, calculate figures, send information and retrieve them when the need
arise. This enables management make informed decision with high degree of
accuracy and reliability.
5. Accountancy:
In the present business world, transactions cannot be handled effectively
without the use of computer and an accountant cannot do without a good
knowledge of computer because of the reason, already adduced.
6. Tracing
stolen items: Micro-chip could be inserted in any thing that needs to be
trailed or guided and without the knowledge of the of computer because of the
reasons already adduced.
7. Tracing
stolen items: Micro-chip could be inserted in nay thing that needs to be
trailed or guided and without the knowledge of the user could be traced with
the report of the micro-chip to any destination where the object or placed.
This would be to the charging of the unsuspecting user.
8. Used
in Hotels: Satellite computers could be used to view any activities of all
the occupants a large hotel establishment, so that anytime the visitors plan
any mischief it would be unraveled by the satellite mounted unnoticed to guide
the hotel.
9. In ministries: Computers is in wide
use in government ministries to perform audit and accounting duties so that
error and fraud could easily be detected. Although it has not been able to
eliminate their anomally, it has reduced it to the minimum level.
10. At
home: Computer or equally used to perform certain task at home. Personal computers and laptops are used at
home by families to store data and keep vital information in-fact families are
computer receptacle for important records. This is because these records could
be retrieved anytime they are needed for referencing or for other uses.
THE USE OF COMPUTER IN INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
The increasing use of computer
for data processing will assist the practice of management in the following
ways.
1.
Computer ensures
accuracy of processing once data have been fed into the system.
2.
They provide
rapid retrieval of information for instance, the status of supplies account
could be viewed on the computer screen.
3.
They enable
individual managers to obtain access to information needed
4.
They can carry
out calculations that would be time consuming or practically impossible by
other means.
Specific
access of application with regards to planning and budgetary control includes:
·
Linear programming
to establish optimum production level.
·
Trend analysis
for sales forecasting
·
Marginal cost and
revenue calculations for profit maximization
·
Profitability
calculations relating to investment education or budgetary.
·
Complete demonical
modeling to predict the financial effects of plans or proposals
·
Updating of
standards under a standard under a standard costing system, or budget under a
system of rolling plans.
ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER APPLICATION
1.
It makes
operations faster and also management decision making
2.
Computer applications
reduces stress or the rigour involved in manual operations or financial
transaction
3.
It is more
reliable because once the correct data is fed into the computer it is save to
give out accurate result or information
4.
It increase or
maximizes profit in business organizations
5.
It enables
government to meet its operating cost and improve management performance
6.
It helps in
coordinating the national security network
7.
Commuter through
its activities has made the entire universe a global village
8.
Computer helps in
storing and retrieving information’s
9.
Computer is an
aid to crime reduction.
DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER APPLICATION
1.
One of the
greatest disadvantages of the use of computer is the business of lackers –
experts in criminal computer operations, who use their exceptional computer
expertise to invaek accounts in the web and therefore can transfer huge amount
of money in the accounts of persons or companies encourage stealing.
2.
Computer
technology like other technologies is expensive to operate
3.
the advent of
computer has brought high degree of laziness among the people because every one
is new dependent on the computer for memory and computation
4.
computer could
only be used where there is electricity and adequate development because it
cannot be used in the villages where there is no light
5.
computer contains
to produce wrong information. If there is error in the data or input fed to the
computer
6.
it cannot
recognize errorous and accounted data
CONCLUSION
The disadvantages of computer use mentioned above notwithstanding
computer remains an indispensable tool in the in the economic development of
the Nigeria economy. This is because the benefits of computer use or
application in various fields of human endevour for outweighs the cavitations,
hence the imperativness for in areas in computer used in the economy of
Nigeria.
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