COMPUTER SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE SECRETARIES MUST POSSESS

1.1 Introduction

Computer literacy is the ability to use computers to perform a variety of tasks and is becoming fundamental to the learning process (Osuji, 2010). Computer literacy is being able to handle a wide range of varying computer applications for various purposes. Albirini (2004) considers computer literacy as educators’ belief about their computer knowledge and skills.

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.

1.2 Background of Study

In recent years, there has been a great advanced in science and technology. This advancement is growing rapidly and its impact is felt in all part of the world and in all walks of life. Everyday brings about the birth of new organization. This incessant growth of business organization has created massive development in office technology, this development in office technology. This development also in office technology brought about the introduction of various types of machines and systems to enhance office efficiency. One of such machine is the computer which has so many resource skills and knowledge like the keyboarding skills and knowledge opening and saving of information skill knowledge e.t.c. This impact of computer on organizations and societies has been phenomenal according to barker and Yeats, a computer is essentially a device for performing automated information (or data) processing tasks.

Eleoba (1995) also defined computer as an electronic device capable of solving complex problems at a fantastic or electronic speed. Computer helps to simplify complex tasks speed up routine work, information storage and retrieval and also the efficiency of an office work in general.

This is where the skilled, knowledge in office works procedures and practices are affected by computers in the tasks of old machines into one system. Computer in form of word processor, personal computer, to mention but a few does not displace the secretary's efficiency but has come to enhance her performance on a job by simplifying complex jobs and those jobs can only be performed more effectively only when the secretary has the required skill and knowledge involved in the operation of a computer.

Computerized technology is more powerful, more versatile and more flexible than the mechanical technology that the world has now outgrown. In the rapidly charging world where information technology and the electronic office is fast coming to a reality, secretaries cannot be pleased and reply on their office skills or secretarial training. Although skills and discipline will be necessary, the ability to be conversant with word processors, computer, desktop publishing equipment and computer application and future innovations will be an essential requirement. Introduction of computer Technology approves the secretarial skills and knowledge.

Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Computer Skills and Knowledge Secretaries Must Possess.

1.3 Statement of Problems

Since the introduction of computer into the business world, secretaries now find it difficult to cope with the latest development in micro age. Because there are many problem associated with the use of computer. According to Terry (1970) stated that the problems associated with the use is heavily with the cost of maintenance. The cost of aspiring and maintaining computer are so high that most of them are dumped in the office making secretaries who are acquainted with them handicapped to tackle their job.

Recurrent expenses in the form of cost stationary, ink, training of staff and special pay for such staff are problem encounters in procuring computer Onasanja (1990:248). He further said that computer reduces inefficiency on the part of the secretary, problems such as delay in production due to break down of the machines arises.

Also modern secretaries without computer literate find it difficult to cope or perform their duties well in a modern office. Many modern office now no longer employ an secretary without computer.

Again, the old system of filing or storage has been phased out since the introduction of computers into the business world. Some modern secretaries cling to the use of manual machine due to their ignorant of the usefulness of computer because of their lack of knowledge of it. Hence her interest for this study to identify the computer skills and knowledge secretaries must possess.

1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to identify the computer skills and knowledge secretaries must possess using A.B.C. Transport Company as call point. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To identify the computer skills and knowledge secretarial student must possess.
2. To ascertain the various components of a computer.
3. To find out computer skills and knowledge on keyboard skill knowledge.
4. To ascertain filling document and working with files, opening of document.
5. To identify programme and programming skills and knowledge secretaries posses.
6. To find out challenges of training secretaries on computer skills and knowledge.

1.5 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• What are the computer skills and knowledge secretaries must possess?
• What are those computer components a secretary must know?
• Does a secretary posses computer skills and knowledge on keyboarding?
• Does the knowledge of filling document, working with files and opening of document facilitate the work of secretaries?
• What are the challenges of training secretaries on computer skills and knowledge?

1.6 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

• H₀1: The knowledge of filling document, working with files and opening of document does not enhance the work performance of secretaries
• H₀2: There are no significant challenges of training secretaries on computer skills and knowledge

1.7 Significance of Study

This study is going to identify the computer skills and knowledge secretaries must possess in modern office, recommend solutions for the upliftment of everybody in business and for the growth of Nigeria economy in particular.

Secretaries: This study is significant that it will help modern secretaries to know whether computer skills and knowledge is important in performing their jobs. This is to minimize and where possible to eliminate computer ignorance on the side of secretaries, broker and nature itself.

It will also help to clear the argument on whether the introduction of computer will make modern secretaries jobless or not.

Employers: On the side of employers, the notable significance is to inform the employers on the category of secretary to organizations will equally enjoy this research since it will help them to know, choose or employ qualified secretaries in their organization.

Finally, this study will be beneficial to those who need the information for literature enrichment of the subject such as director, managers, secretaries and those interested in secretarial information.

1.8 Scope of Study

This research is focused on the computer skills and knowledge secretaries must possess in ABC transport company Owerri, Imo State.

1.9 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
3. Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
4. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

1.10 Definition of Terms

Level: A position on a scale of amount, quantity, extent, or quality.

Computer Literacy: Is the ability to use computers and related technology efficiently, with a range of skills covering levels from elementary use to programming and advanced problem solving.