Tag Archives: Resources

AVAILABILITY AND USE OF REFERENCE INFORMATION RESOURCES BY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN AMBROSE ALLI UNIVERSITY AND JOHN HARRIS LIBRARY, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

ABSTRACT

The study was designed to investigate the availability and use of reference information sources by undergraduate students. Also, attempt was made to ascertain the extent of use and benefit of reference information source to the students. Data was collected through the use of questionnaire administered on 102 samples randomly drawn from the Ambrose Alli University and University of Benin. The data were analysed using simple percentage. Findings revealed that prominent reference information sources like encyclopaedia, abstracts, dictionaries, bibliographies, index and almanac are more in these institutions’ libraries. Result showed that a relationship exist between the users of reference information and reference librarians in the library. It was found that the extent of use of reference materials is still relatively low especially among student users. Materials such as government documents, year book, abstract, atlas, maps, and almanac are rarely utilised. Meanwhile, the reference information sources available in the institutions served useful purpose. The respondents highly acknowledge their benefits especially reference materials like bibliographies, index, encyclopaedia, dictionaries, yearbooks and handbooks. Lastly, result showed that there are many problems associated with the use of reference information sources by undergraduate students amongst which are: ignorance or lack of knowledge about library reference service, ill attitude of reference librarians, lack of indigenous materials, lack of funds, and poor power supply. In the light of the above, conclusion was drawn and it was recommended that efforts should be made to acquire specific information sources that the users need but not available in the library.

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USE OF PUBLIC LIBRARY RESOURCES BY SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ESAN WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

Fundamental areas responsible for the dwindling educational standards and fortunes in our educational system today especially at the secondary school level is the area of library education and library service utilization among our pupils, as the. The mission of libraries are to provide timely, accurate, current, and reliable information to their users. Olowu (2004) posited that “librarians are devoted to improving access to information and satisfying the user’s information needs”. “There is a growing recognition in library services, particularly in public libraries, as an integral part of the national socio-economic development and improvement of the general quality of life” (Kibat, 1990). Libraries have an important role in the advancement of knowledge. “This role can be effectively carried out with well-structured and well-planned library services, which include the packaging and repackaging of information” (Iwhiwhu, 2008).

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AN EVALUATIVE STUDY OF AUDIO-VISUAL RESOURCES IN FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NASARRAWA LIBRARY

ABSTRACT

This study examined “An Evaluative Study of Audio-Visual Resources in Federal Polytechnic Nasarrawa Library.” Purposefully, the study assessed concept of audiovisual resources, users of audiovisual resources in academic libraries, types/kinds of audiovisual materials in academic libraries, functions of audiovisual materials in academic libraries, challenges in the use of audiovisual materials in academic libraries, and strategies for solving the challenges associated with the use of audio-visual resources. The researcher used research design survey to carry out the study. The sample size of the population was 136 representing 54.4% of the total population (250). So 136 questionnaires were administered to 136 respondents. The data obtained was analysed using simple percentage. From the research, the findings revealed that the types of audiovisual resources available in Federal Polytechnic, Nasarrawa are video/TV set, film and internet, slide, maps and posters, the function and usefulness of audiovisual resources in Federal Polytechnic, Nasarrawa is that they make learning more interesting for the students, the challenge in the use of audiovisual in Federal Polytechnic, Nasarrawa is improper management and maintenance, the strategy that can be adopted to overcome the challenge is the library should be funded adequately for appropriate acquisition of A/V resources. Based on the findings, conclusion was drawn and recommendations given, such as: library users should avail themselves of the available audiovisual resources in their library as they add clarity to topics and makes abstract topics less vague; the library should also encourage individuals, NGO’s or government who are interested in supporting the library to donate audiovisual resources … .

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

Academic libraries are located in tertiary institutions like universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. These libraries are an integral part of these institutions of higher learning and are indispensable instrument for intellectual development.  Budd (2008) defined academic library as a library which serves an institution of higher learning, such as a college or a academic. Akporhonor (2005) defined academic libraries as libraries attached to tertiary institutions such as universities, polytec hnic institutions, colleges of education, colleges of agriculture, colleges of technology and also research institutes. According to Ekere (2006) academic libraries in Nigerian context, include all libraries attached to universities, polytechnics, colleges of agriculture, colleges of education, military institutions like the Nigerian defence academy, the war college, Nigerian institute for strategic studies and other post-secondary institutions.  According to him academic libraries can be grouped into academic libraries and college libraries. Academic libraries are attached to a academic while college library are attached to other tertiary institutions. The main purpose of an academic library as stated by Aina (2004) is to support the objectives of an academic environment in the areas of learning, teaching, research, and service. This cannot be achieved without the provision of adequate facilities in academic libraries. Ajibero (2007) sees the academic library as the heart of the academic, polytechnic or college of education  and no other non-human factor is closely related to the quality of education. Academic libraries collect a variety of materials for preservation and use by the library patrons. These resources include not only traditional print-on-paper media like books, journals, and newspapers, but also audiovisual resources like records, audiocassettes, video cassettes, maps, microfiches, CD-ROMs, photographs, computers, globes, art works, computer software, PowerPoint presentations etc.

Audio-Visual

The concept of audiovisual aids is not new and can be traced back to seventeenth century when John Amos Comenius (1592–1670), a Bohemian educator, introduced pictures as teaching aids in his book Orbis Sensualium Pictus (“picture of the Sensual World”) that was illustrated with 150 drawings of everyday life (Aggarwal, JC, 2009). Similarly, Jean Rousseau (1712–1778) and JH Pestalozzi (1746–1827) advocated the use of visual and play materials in teaching (Akram, S.; Sufiana; Malik, K. 2012). More recently, audiovisual aids were also widely used during and after World War II by the armed service. The successful use of picture and other visual aids in U.S armed forces during World War II proved the effectiveness of instructional tools (DeBernardes, A; Olsen, EG 1948).

The term audiovisual is made up of two words, audio and visual. Audio materials are materials that appeal to the sense of hearing while the visual materials appeal to the sense of sight. Audiovisual materials are designed to assist teachers in teaching so as to enhance students’ understanding of the subject content. They possess some inherent advantages that make them unique in teaching. They provide the teacher with interesting and compelling platforms for conveying information since they motivate learners to want to learn more and more. Also, by providing opportunities for private study and reference, the learner’s interest and curiosity are increasingly stimulated. Moreover, the teacher is assisted in overcoming physical difficulties that could have hindered effective presentation of a given topic. Audiovisual materials generally make teaching and learning easier and less stressful.

Audiovisual resources, according to Dike (2008), are those materials that do not basically depend upon reading to convey meaning and may present information through the sense of hearing as in audio resources, or through the sense of sight as in visual resources or through a combination of both senses. Prensky (2006) defines audiovisual as non-book materials such as records, tapes, slides, filmstrips and video tapes, while Norton (2006) defines audiovisual in education as the use of supplementary teaching aids such as recordings, transcripts, tapes, motion pictures and video tapes- radio and television and computers to improve learning. Keena (2007) sees audiovisual materials as items that are not completely dependent on printed word to transmit meaning as they use audio and visual formats. Most, but not all, audiovisual materials require some sort of display equipment to be used. Nwoji (2007) defines audiovisual resources as that field of human expression that employs visual and auditory aids such as filmstrips, slides, projectors, television, pictures, radio  and a variety of graphic arts to teaching and learning. Audiovisual resources as seen by different authors simply mean that they are non-book materials that depend solely on sensory experience. These materials make use of sense of hearing, sense of sight or a combination of both senses in transmitting knowledge.

There are three types of audiovisual resources and they include: Audio resource; these include the most common types like tape player which plays tapes and cassette, and radio which is a stand-alone device. These are less expensive and more available, portable and make use of either electricity or battery. Most times they are combined in one machine as in the three-in-one (radio-cassette recorder- record player) and two-in-one combination. They are also available in record and cassette form and can be used independently or in combination with visual materials. Audio resources can be used in any subject but mostly in subjects that rely heavily on aural component. For example: proper pronunciation and intonation of a given language can be recorded from a native speaker who may not be available in person to participate in an interview. These materials also play an important role in diagnostic and remedial work. Visual resources; these come in variety of forms which could be projected or non-projected. The projected materials require a piece of equipment containing a lens system and light source by which the image is projected onto the wall or screen; these include slides and transparencies. Examples of those requiring no equipment are real objects, chalkboard, graphs, maps, cartoons, posters, pictures, models, photographs, drawing and art works. Audiovisual combination; these make use of both sound and visual senses. They include the following: sound recordings, films, video, television, and dramatization, filmstrips and multimedia computer programme.

Uzokwe (2006) grouped audiovisual resources into non-projected materials like charts and flat pictures, projected materials like slides, transparencies and filmstrips and audio materials such as radio, records and record players while Obi (2006) grouped audiovisual resources into printed media, three dimensional objects, graphic arts, photographs, electronic media and projectors.

The use of audiovisual resources is based on the principle that teaching can be greatly improved by these resources because they can make learning memorable. These materials enhance teaching and learning, especially subjects that are abstract to the student. Blotiner (2008) states that best results are achieved when a variety of audiovisual resources and printed materials are used together in teaching and learning.

This study however will throw more light on the evaluation of audio-visual resources and services in Federal Polytechnic Library Nasarrawa.

Historical Background of Federal Polytechnic Nasarrawa

The Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa was established on 1st July, 1983 by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The establishment of the Polytechnic was predicated on the Government’s desire to transform the society technologically.  This objective is contained in the Federal Polytechnic Decree No.33 of 1979 (as amended to Federal Polytechnic Amendment Decree No. 28 of 1987), which goes thus:

  1. To train people to acquire technical and vocational skills which are needed for the economic and social development of Nigeria especially in the fields of agriculture, industry and commerce;
  2. To train and provide people who could improve the quality  of the environment by applying their acquired knowledge in finding solution to our environmental problems for the convenience of members of the society;
  3. To provide opportunity for our students to be able to appreciate the standard of technology in all its complexities; and 
  4. To provide opportunities for professional training in engineering and other relevant technologies. 

An important landmark in the development of the Polytechnic was the initial accreditation of all programmes in 1985 and commencement of Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in Business Administration and Management. Accountancy, Secretarial Studies as well as Town and Regional Planning also commenced HND programmes in the Year 1986. Subsequently, new programmes and departments were introduced and accredited for the National Diploma and Higher National Diploma respectively. In addition to the regular programmes, the Polytechnic has successfully introduced Part-time Diploma and Higher National Diploma as well as Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programmes.

At present, there are six (6) Schools and 28 departments.  In addition, processes for the commencement of new Diploma programmes in Mechatronics Technology, Foundry and Rail-tract Technology, as well as Higher National Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology (Instrumentation option), and Degree programmes are now in progress.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

            The primary purpose of academic libraries is to support teaching, learning and research in ways consistent with, and supportive of, the institution’s mission and goals. In addition, library resources and services should be sufficient in quality, depth, diversity, and currency to support the institution’s curriculum. Audiovisual resources contribute to research, teaching and learning at all levels. The use of audiovisual resources is important in teaching and learning process. It helps in stimulating interest and making learning permanent when used as instructional materials. It offers researchers a variety of materials in their search for information. It also helps libraries in the preservation and dissemination of information. 

Despite the contributions of audiovisual resources in teaching and learning, research conducted in this area indicates that there is inadequate use of these resources for teaching and learning process. This might be as a result of lack of availability of these resources in academic libraries in Federal Polytechnic Library, Nasarrawa. More so, many lecturers and students seem ignorant of the potentials of audiovisual resources and how to use them to achieve their purpose. Students as well may not identify the value of audiovisual resources in their studies. Education in Nigeria is facing a critical challenge in meeting new demands of 21st century, with its ever increasing inadequate library facilities, resources, epileptic power supply and insufficient funding. Inability of academic library to meet with the increasing demands of information needs of students, researchers and lecturers leads to a drastic fall in the education as the school finds it difficult to fulfill its curriculum requirements. This failure gives rise to poor quality of graduates inversely undermining the productivity of the nation as unskilled manpower and poor material resources are in the nation. Consequently, the nation suffers the problems of this abnormality, there is therefore an urgent need to bring this problem to an end.

            In view of this, the researcher sought to find the problem that hampers effective use of these resources in academic libraries like Federal Polytechnic Library Nasarrawa, since according to Ifidon (2007) the primary role of a academic library is to properly and effectively meet the information needs of its users, which include staff, students, researchers and the parent organization.

1.3       Research Questions

             This study will attempt to answer the following research questions.

  1. What are the types of audio-visual resources available in Federal Polytechnic Library Nasarrawa?
  2. What are the functions and usefulness of the audio-visual materials in Federal Polytechnic Library Nasarrawa?
  • What are the challenges in the use of audio-visual materials in Federal Polytechnic Library Nasarrawa?
  1. What are strategies that can be adopted by the library staff to address the challenges associated with the use of audio-visual resources in Federal Polytechnic Library Nasarrawa?

1.4       Objectives of the Study

The objectives or purpose of the study is to evaluate audio-visual resources and services in Federal Polytechnic Library Nasarrawa by achieving the following:

  1. To find out the types of audio-visual resources available in Federal Polytechnic Library Nasarrawa.
  2. To examine the functions and usefulness of the audio-visual materials in Federal Polytechnic Library Nasarrawa.
  3. To find out the challenges in the use of audio-visual materials in Federal Polytechnic Library Nasarrawa.
  4. To provide strategies that can be adopted by the library staff to address the challenges associated with the use of audio-visual resources in the Federal Polytechnic Library Nasarrawa.

1.5       Significance of the Study

            The results of this study will be beneficial to the government, tertiary institutions, lecturers, librarians, the users and other researchers.

This result will help in creating awareness to the uses of audiovisual resources in academic libraries and on the level of provision of audiovisual resources in academic libraries, thereby exposing the users to different types of audiovisual resources available for use in academic libraries.

The government will be exposed to the need of audiovisual resources in academic libraries, thus, they will empower the products of our educational system to fit well into the modern industrial system through acquisition of digital literacy by the use of audiovisual resources, they will therefore provide enough funds to parent organization of the libraries in order to meet the financial demand of A/V resources for effective teaching and learning process. It will also help the institute on in planning their budget and allocating funds to the library for their collection development which includes A/V resources.

The tertiary institutions and the libraries are expected to benefit as it will expose them to the advantage of A/V resources over print forms and the areas of their lack in the libraries. They will therefore support the libraries in creating awareness of their use to users in the libraries and provision of needed resources.

The librarians will also benefit from this study as it will motivate them to improve on their duties and intellectual development; thereby acquiring the necessary skills to guide their use. The operation of some of these resources gives the librarian an opportunity for personal training and development.

Finally, this work will expose users to potentials of audiovisual resources thereby making them not to solely rely on print materials but also to use A/V resources which enhances their learning, and exposes them to the world around them. The lecturers will benefit as they are exposed to the benefits of using audiovisual in their lecture; they will therefore, improve on their classroom activities by using A/V resources as this will help them with little effort to express their ideas to students understanding of the lectures. It will also increase literature in this field.

1.6       Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This research work is restricted to Federal Polytechnic Library Nasarrawa. It is an attempt to critically evaluate audio-visual resources and services in academic libraries. The study is limited by time frame, financial constraints and information resources.             

1.7       Operational Definition of Terms

Audio Materials: Audio materials can be seen as instructional materials that appeals to sense of hearing.

Audio-Visual Materials: Audio-Visual Materials are those materials which do not depend solely on reading to get their meaning. They convey meaning mainly through three (3) senses namely: sight, hearing, and feeling such as motion, picture, sound tracks, tapes, records, televisions, video sets depend on the combination of the use of the senses.

Evaluation: Evaluation is a systematic collection and analysis of data in order to assess the strengths and weakness of programs, policies, and organizations to improve their effectiveness.

Service: Service can be seen as something made or done by a person or organization for the public benefit and with or without regard to direct profit.

Study: This is only concerned on the evaluation on the study of the audio-visual collection and services, and research problem made the study very difficult to cover area.

Visual Resources: Visual resources are visual materials that appeal to the sense of sight.

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MANPOWER TRAINING AND EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY

MANPOWER TRAINING AND ITS EFFECT ON EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR (A Case Study of Board of Internal Revenue Kaduna State)

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the Study

Initially in developing countries, the achievement of maximum output was given greatest emphasis with belief that; a rapid increase in output level can lead to achievement of development policy objectives. But, due to the experiences of most countries in Africa and Nigeria not an exception, the shortages of skilled and knowledgeable manpower constitute a binding constraint in executing development plans. This is leading to the failure in achieving higher productivity objectives in Nigerian economy most especially in the public sector organizations.

However, the researcher further observes that, development policies in any economy may likely not be successful without ensuring sufficient and adequately trained manpower is put in place. Not only that, but also to ensure that the trained manpower is fully employment appropriately. This may lead to higher productivity in an economy. The public sector is one of the largest sectors of Nigerian economy that provide jobs to citizens. In Nigeria, government is generating a lot of revenue from the public annually with the aim of providing essential services to the general public. Furthermore, in relation to the case study (Board of Internal Revenue), it is basic for the government to have resources required in running activities for enhancement of the quality of lives of its citizens. Thus, taxes have to be levied on all taxable people, individuals and corporate organizations.

In line with this, in order to attain aims of the public sector organizations, and also meet-up with the current technology developments, manpower training has to be embarked on. This is because; manpower training can lead to higher productivity in the organizations since it is the bedrock of every organization success.

According to Nyanwu (1997), Nigeria set up PEs (Public Enterprises) in all sectors of the national economy, because they were seen as the only way of attaining economic growth in the face of; inadequate entrepreneurial skills, shortage of investible capital, fear of foreign control of the national economy, and underdeveloped capital market. He further state that, during the oil boom era of 1970s, PEs total about 600 at federal level and 900 at state level. In the 1990s PEs accounted for 30 – 35 percent of GDP and large proportion of employment in the modern economic sector (Bureau of Public Enterprises, 1996). But it was later discovered that there are many hunches leading to poor performance of the PE sector among which is lack of manpower training.

Due to the economic problems and in particular, PE sector, it dawned on the federal government for solution to rescue the PEs. Consequently, the privatization and commercialization programme was conceived introduced by SAP (Structural Adjustment Programme). Another organization similar to SAP handling issue like this, is NEEDS (Nigerian Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy) introduced by Obasanjo Regime.

Various agencies are involved in tax policy administration in the country. At the federal level we have Federal Board of Inland Revenue (FBIR), Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Federal Tariff Review Board (FTRB), Federal Ministry of Finance, etc. while at the state level we have State Board of Internal Revenue (SBIR), State Internal Revenue Services (SIRS) and the Planning and Budget Department. Thus, there are at the federal, state and local government levels, Federal Inland Revenue Services, State Internal Revenue Service and Local Government Revenue Committee (LGRC) respectively. Each service has a board which is its governing body with responsibilities. Some of their objectives might include: Collect tax base on law by cheap means to actively encouraging compliance; Prosecute the tax laws very vigorously; Maximize tax collection by effective and extensive coverage of the country; and Maintain public confidence in integrating tax system through fairness and uniformity.

Therefore, in line with the above background, Kaduna State Board of Internal Revenue came into being by an Edict of 1997. The Edict derives its enabling power from section 9 of the Personal Income Tax Decree 104 of 1993 of the Military Regime. It states as follows:

“there is hereby established for the state a body called the board of internal revenue (hereinafter in this edict referred to as “the board”) whose operational arm shall be known and called internal revenue services (hereinafter in this edict referred to as “the state service”) which shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal, and with a power to sue and be sued in its corporate name and acquire, hold and dispose of movable and immovable property”

Given the above background, the research work seeks to investigate manpower training and its impact on employee productivity in the public sector. This means that manpower and training of organization employees will be studied with emphasis on how the training administered to the employees may influence their productivity and the entire performance of the organization as a whole. The case study considered for this research work is Kaduna State Board of Internal Revenue. This is because the Board is being patronized by customers and offer services to both domestic and international investment.

However, the Board does not operate in isolation. This is because of the prevalence of numerous challenges offered by the contemporary government, business and financial world. Some of these challenges include: information technology (IT) and computer operation, project financing, government policies are among others in the PE sector like privatization and commercialization. The board is required to find ways forward for performance in line with the organization requirement for high productivity.

But the board productivity in practice may depend on the employees’ performance because it greatest worth and saddled with a lot of responsibilities, which may be impacted through manpower training and development or education to influence job performance. And the question of interest is; does manpower training have effect on employee productivity in the Board?

In addition, this research work is intended to establish some form of relationships between the effects of manpower training on employee productivity in form of 3 angles influential variables on the organization employees which include: knowledge, skills and attitude.

These influential variables are carefully selected for consideration because manpower training is aimed at changing the behavior of the organizations’ employees towards better job performance, improved productivity and the overall success of the organization objectives.

1.2     Statement of the Problem

In every organization, emphasis should be placed on manpower training and retraining in order to improve level of productivity, which will lead to achievement of goals or target. Any organization that neglects employees training and retraining may be said to encouraging failure. This is because; lack of training will lead to dropping of employees’ moral, competent as well as productivity. Not only that but also employee skills and innovation may decline and this will cause the entire organization to suffer a devastating blow in terms of manpower strength, which may lead to un-attainment of target or goals. Therefore, in this research, the researcher intends to examine the important of organizational performance in relation to manpower training, retraining and development. The research work will also come up with recommendations, which may provide solutions to public sector organizations personnel department problems. This could be in terms of relevance and need for manpower training particularly in to the Kaduna State Board of Internal Revenue .

1.3     Objective of the Study

The following are the objectives of the study:

  1. To examine the processes, methods and attainment of manpower training of employees in the public sector.
  2. To examine the process, methods and attainment of employee productivity in the Public sector.
  3. To discover the effect of knowledge on employee productivity in the public sector.
  4. To discover the effect of skill on employee productivity in the public sector.
  5. To discover the effect of attitude on employee productivity.
  6. To establish relationship between the effect of knowledge and skill on employee productivity in the Public Enterprises.
  7. To establish relationship between the effect of knowledge and attitude on employee productivity.
  8. To establish relationship between the effect of skill and attitude on employee productivity.

1.4     Significance of the Study

The significance of the study includes the following:

  1. The Board used as a case study and other interested parties might make and improve rules and regulations responsible for;
  2. Encouraging manpower training of the Board employees to increase performance and employee productivity.
  3. Holding the Board employees accountable for their inactions and performance of tasks.
  4. Ensuring strict compliance with spelt out positive measures against deviations from the organization precepts and standards of job performance.
  5. Clear delegation of responsibilities to subordinate employees in the Board.
  6. Encouraging team work, collective participation and adequate rewarding of the organization employees based on outstanding job performance or merit.
  7. The Board and other interested parties may find reasons to appreciate the practical relevance manpower training in the public sector to facilitate employee productivity and realization of objectives as well as comparison of industry performance and benchmarking.
  8. The Board and other interested parties may encourage the selection of most suitably qualified personnel’s to perform tasks, given the personnel’s background, study and history in promoting professionalism.
  9. Government or managers, researchers and other interested readers of this research work may find the study interesting too. This is because the research topic is treated in the perspective of contemporary public sector and organization challenge(s), geared by the globalization of information technology.

1.5     Scope of the Study

This research work is meant to cover manpower training and its effect on employee productivity in the public sector. The study is relevant and made very comprehensive too. To achieve this, the researcher considered the board of Internal Revenue. Beside, the influential variables of the organization employees productivity to be covered are; knowledge, skill and attitude. For this study, the Kaduna State Board of Internal Revenue , Kaduna is used as a case study.

1.6      Research Questions

The following research questions are considered in the study:

  1. Do knowledge has any impact on employee productivity in the organization?
  2. Do skills have any impact on employee productivity in the organization?
  3. Do attitudes have any impact on employee productivity in the organization?
  4. Does training and development have any impact on employee productivity in the organization?

1.7     Research Hypotheses

The following null hypothesis (Ho) and alternative hypothesis (Hi) are considered in relation to the research questions for the purpose of this study:

Hypothesis One

Ho: There is impact of knowledge on employee productivity in the organization.

Hi: There is no impact of knowledge on employee productivity in the organization.

Hypothesis Two

Ho: Skills have impact on employee productivity in the organization.

Hi: Skills have no impact on employee productivity in the organization.

Hypothesis Three

Ho: There is impact of attitude on employee productivity in the organization.

Hi: There is no impact of attitude on employee productivity in the organization.

Hypothesis Four

Ho: There is impact of training and development on employee productivity in the organization.

Hi: There is no impact of training and development on employee productivity in the organization.

1.8     Delimitation of the Study

In the public sector, Board of Internal Revenue deals with a lot of financial activities which are very tasking and requiring adequate knowledge and skills. It is recording a lot of successes though with so many bottlenecks. All of these are symbols needing better performance and high productivity, which may not be without the organization employees’ participation.

Perhaps, this is because the Board of Revenue may be regarded as one of the life wire for financial activities that may be needed for projects execution of the country. However, the complexity in human living and the real increases in industry competition globally make the government to pay greater attention on the organization employees’ performance and the way forward. This explains the reason why the organization on recruitment and selection has to seek for more competent personnel’s, who may be able to build and maintain the image of the public sector and confidence in the minds of the general public. And because the competence employees may be affected by the quality of education lagging adequate knowledge, skill, financial process and insufficient training to achieve objectives, manpower training of employees become imperative for higher job performance in the public sector organization in general or the board in particular. Therefore, this research work has as its basis the important of manpower training for employee productivity in the public sector organizations which is the way forward the country.

The delimitation of this research work comprises the financial constraint which greatly affects the researcher during the period of the research. Time constraint is also another serious problem encountered, which makes the researcher to work sleeplessly because of combining it with other necessary school activities. Another serious problem faced during the research was lack of corporation of the respondents in terms of supplying needed data to facilitate the research work.

1.9     Definition of Terms

The following terms are defined based on their usage in this research work. The terms may take different meanings and interpretations but defined below within the confine of this research work. The terms include:

Variables – attributes and characteristics of something that can influence job performance.

Globalization – wide and international spread of ideas, finance business activities enabled learning by information technology and the computer.

Information Technology – computer machines and electronics systems facilitating data processing, storage, retrieval and use in a more economic, effective and efficient manner.

Effectiveness – the use of resources to achieve results on time.

Efficiency – the use of resources to achieve results without waste.

Resources – these are men, money and materials used in producing goods and services.

Performance – the ability to do what is expected to be done as required without delays or errors.

Benchmarking – copying and modernizing the activities of another enterprise especially a leading enterprise within an economy for success.

Manpower – This is the workers required for job to be done.

 

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AN ASSESSMENT OF ACCESS AND UTILIZATION OF ONLINE INFORMATION RESOURCES BY STUDENTS OF KADUNA BUSINESS SCHOOL

AN ASSESSMENT OF ACCESS AND UTILIZATION OF ONLINE INFORMATION RESOURCES BY STUDENTS OF KADUNA BUSINESS SCHOOL

ABSTRACT

Recently certified librarians are revolutionalizing the library profession by collaborating with peers and colleagues from all ages to make things happen. This research work examines “an assessment of access and utilization of online information resources by students of Kaduna State Business School. The design of the study is survey method. The population consists of 815 students and the sample size is 98. The instrument used to generate data is the questionnaire and the data generated was analysed using frequency and simple percentage method with table presentation. The outcome of the study reveals that computers were the major online resources  made available to students in Kaduna Business School (KBS). National Diploma students of KBS makes use of the computers and electronic books provided to access information, and the major challenge faced by students is inconsistent power supply. In chapter five, conclusion was made so also summary of the findings based on the study. Some recommendations were given such as: inverter and battery system should be installed in the electronic library to ensure regular power supply.

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

 

1.1     Background of the Study

An assessment on access and utilization of online information resources among students is a new phenomenon in developing countries today According to Encyclopedia, online information resources in general, are web pages and documents on the internet that provide useful information. While an online resource is typically data and educational in nature, any support software available online can also be considered a resource. online information resources meet the need of researchers and information seekers. The online information resources provide access to information far beyond the limits of the print collections in libraries.

To effectively use the online resources, users must know of their existence. It is the responsibility of libraries that have acquired these resources to offer the access and utilization. Ibrahim (2004) observed that library users are no longer obliged to visit the library at regular opening hours to meet all their information needs. They may search the libraries on-line catalogues, use a subject guide or database to access a citation from the internet or online books to utilize the library. According to Mutala and Ojedokun (2008) opined that online information resources are increasingly being utilized by several agencies-government, private sector, and tertiary institutions, e.t.c. because they make research easier for scholars and may ease budgetary constraints associated with the acquisition of print resources. They help to reduce preservation problems or help libraries extend collections into new media. Above all, they help to make information readily available. It is in the same vein that woldman (2003) observed that students looks for the fastest way that will lead to satisfactory results when doing research. Online information resources are sought by every students at all levels of tertiary institutions.

Accessibility of online information resources stands for those online information resources that users access Online via a computing network form inside the library or remote to the library (Shim et al 2001). According to A.L.A (2005) update, as cited in Weitzh (2006) , an Online resource is a material (data and or programme ) encoded for manipulation by a computerized device. This material may be required the use of a peripheral directly connected to a computerized device (E.g CD-ROM) or a connection to a computer network (e.g. internet) the concept of online information resources consists of texts, audio, visuals, graphic and animations in nature that are accessible through the aid of digital technologies, ideally these should provide users access to online information resources via Online means. However, this definitions also includes online resources such as databases on standalone personal computers, information on CD-ROMs that may not be accessible through the internet or other networks. Tammaro (2006) observed that online information resources include websites, online databases, e-journals, e-books, CD-ROMS, audio visuals, multimedia, e.t.c.

Brief History of Kaduna Business School

Kaduna Business School (KBS) was established in the year 2000 with a mandate to develop people and strengthen institutions by offering high quality management programs. Consulting services, organizational restructuring and short-term academic programs to both public and private sector organizations. Over the years K.B.S has run several entrepreneurship programs for small medium enterprise (SME) owners as well as a number of training, restructuring and re-alignment programs for several government institutions.

KBS is committed to partnering with individuals and organizations in the realization of professionals and personal goals and the attainment of full potentials. It is located in the heart of Kaduna city, in a serene environment quite conductive for learning and imbibing into its delegates/students the concept of going green. The institutes to upgrade and add new ultra-modern structures to its campus. It also has a standard annex situated within the city, equipped with world class learning facilities and fully air-conditioned to compete in the context of creating value proposition.

Literature have showed that access and utilization of online resources in libraries have been a serious setback based on students experiences to achieve their academic objectives. Therefore, the present study is to assess the access and utilization of online information resources by students of Kaduna Business School.

1.2     Statement of the Problem

An assessment on access and utilization of online information resources is determined to improve the migration form purely print materials to online information resources in Kaduna Business School. In line of adopting technology not only to supplement the already stretched print resources but also to offer more up to date alternative. However, despite the massive investment on the online information resources, it has been realized that the resources utilization levels are low.

According to personal information on investigation the access and utilization of online information resources are closed to some categories of postgraduate students in Kaduna Business School. It is with the above scenario that this research work is determined to assess the access and utilization of online information resources by the students of Kaduna Business School.

1.3       Research Questions

The research questions for this study are as follows:

  1. What type of online resources are available to students of Kaduna Business School?
  2. What category of students are allowed access to online information resources in Kaduna business school?
  3. What is the extent of satisfaction on the utilization of online resources in Kaduna Business School?
  4. How are users able to overcome the challenges faced in using online information resources in Kaduna Business School?

1.4       Objectives of the Study

The following are the objectives of the study

  1. To identify the type of online information resources available to students of Kaduna Business school
  2. To determine the category of students that are allowed access to the online resources.
  3. To ascertain the extent of the online information research on the research worak of Kaduna Business school.
  4. To identify the challenges users are able to overcome in access and utilization of online resources in Kaduna business school.

1.5       Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will benefit the following: students of Kaduna Business School, staff, researchers and library profession.

Access and utilization of online resources by students of Kaduna Business School is significant because it will bridge the gap in time of access to information in print materials and those in online information resources. The findings of the study will benefit the staff and professionals because it will create awareness to join the current technological trends of development by providing online information resources to students. The findings of the study will benefit the library profession by bringing to light the use or non-use of these online information resources. The findings to the researchers will also reveal the problems encountered in the access and use of the resources to which solutions will be profited. 

1.6     Scope and Delimitations of Study

The study is carried out in Kaduna. The study is centered on the assessing the use of online information resources by the students of Kaduna Business School, Kaduna. The targeted subjects for the study are the students of Kaduna Business School. The study will cover the type of online information resources available, category of students allowed access to online information resources, utilization and challenges users are able to overcome in access and utilization of online information resources in Kaduna Business School.

1.7     Operational Definition of Terms

The following terms are defined in the context in which they are used in this study:

Assessment: In education, the term assessment refers to the wide variety of methods of tools that educators use to evaluate, measure, and document the academic readiness, learning progress, skill acquisition, or educational needs of students.

Accessibility: Physical or virtual contact with information resources or services.

Availability: This is ready access to information in the Online format with little or no stress to the library user.

Awareness: This is the knowledge that something exists because an individual or the intended user notices it or realizes that it is available or happening.

CD-ROM: Compact disc (CD) according to Risopoulous (1988:78) is a laser – read (also termed optically read) data storage device on which audio, video or textual material can be stored.

Online Library (E-Library): This is seen as a digital library, repository or collection. It is an online database of digital objects that can include text, store images, audio, video or other digital media formats.

Online Information Resources: These are online information resources that users access Onlineally via a computing network. Examples include online databases, e- journals, e-books, CD-ROMs, audio visual multimedia, etc.

Information: This is simply any fact being told or learned about something or someone that brings about knowledge.

OPAC: an Online Public Access Catalog (often abbreviated as OPAC or simply Library Catalog) is an online database of materials held by a library or group of libraries. It is a computerized library catalog available to the public. Most OPACs are accessible over the Internet to users all over the world.

Resources: This is a source or supply from which a benefit is produced that serves or guides teaching aid.

Services: Those activities employed, performed that help to retrieve or gain access to information.

Students: A students is primarily a person enrolled in a school or other educational institution who attends classes in a course to attain the appropriate level or mastery of a subject under the guidance of an instructor and who devotes time outside class to do whatever activities the instructor assigns that are necessary either for class preparation or to submit evidence of progress towards that mastery.

Utilization: The action of making practical and effective use of something.

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