1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
According to Neuner et al (1972), modern office equipment is the intermediary between the secretary and her Job. It enables her to accomplish more work in few hours with greater efficiency and better Quality. Also Doswell (1978) mentioned that a secretary is capable of working faster and more efficiently with modern office equipment with a minimum of fatigue.
The use of this modern office equipment by a secretary can result in greater output than that of a secretary using manual or under-developed equipment. Highly skilled personnel is sought for in business organization nowadays and to this effect, Russo et al (1980) advocated that the more productive a secretary is, the more the organization can afford to pay with in reasonable limits and hence create employment opportunities for secretaries.
The invention of office equipment necessitated the growth in large enterprise and also a technological break —through. The office, therefore, receives much on sophisticated office equipment in order to cope with the ever- increasing roles in the organization.
It seems, however, that although the higher levels of management might not make much direct use of technology, the secretary. Will. The future for office automation for this job is in providing the secretary with system that meets the real need identified as being important, rather than the ones of typing and stenography that are thought to be important.
As against the traditional office, the modern office has a lot of activities to perform with the aid of modern equipment. These day's uncountable organizations have installed these equipment and the sectaries are present to manipulate some of them in discharging their duties officially. However, modern office equipments which act as improvement tools in the secretary's job arose from the numerous mathematical calculations done in offices, and the use of the equipment by a secretary can result to a greater output than that of a secretary using manual equipment.
1.2 Statement of Problem
Automation in office emerged to replace work and enhance office efficiency and productivity.
Today, Secretaries profession has witnessed a marked change in terms of technological advancement. Modern office equipment has taken the toll of events with the growing rate of scientific and technological innovations.
There are office equipment which are used in organization to improve office work and reduce labour costs. They include electric typewriters, computers, telephone, dictating machines, facsimile transceiver, internet and others are tremendously used in offices today.
The problem of this study is that now, it has not been known the extent these modern office equipment help the secretary in performing her job, to effectiveness and efficiency.
From the use of these modern office equipment it has also not been know whether these equipment act as important tools in the much —desired secretary's job Satisfaction.
This research work therefore attempts to find out the contributions of modern office equipments in the advancement of secretarial profession.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the study:
- To find out the type of office equipment used in Anammco and Enaenite.
- To find out if any of the equipment is modern
- To determine the extent the use of these equipments has assisted the secretary in performing their job.
- To find out the problems they encounter in using office equipment.
- To determine if Anammco management and Emenite management derive any economic advantage from using these machines.
1.4 Significance of the Study
This research would serve as an indicator to employers so as to know the type of modern office equipment needed by the secretary that will be best for maximum efficiency and productivity of secretarial work and the entire organization. It would also serve as a means to ease workload of secretaries in office and bring about job efficiency to secretaries.
Finally, business organization would appreciate the importance of these equipment and thus procure them.
1.6 Assumption of the Study
The researcher assumes that if modern office equipment were provided in various offices they would contribute to secretarial effectiveness and efficiency.
It is also assumed that the reverse may be the case where secretaries have the skill and there is lack of modern office equipment.
The researcher also assumes that if these equipment are provided and the secretaries do not have the competence to manipulate them, their productivity would also be affected.
1.7 Research Questions
- What type of office equipment does Emenite and Anammco use in their offices?
- How many of these equipment are modern?
- To what extent has the use of these equipment helped the secretaries in their jobs?
- What problems do the secretaries encounter in the use of these office equipment?
- What economic advantage does the Emenite and Anammco derive from using these office equipment?
1.8 Definition of Terms
Effectiveness:
The oxford advanced learners dictionary defines effectiveness as having the desired effect, of producing the intended result.
Efficiency:
The oxford advanced learners dictionary also defines efficiency as the ability of the people to the work well and without waste of time or resources example, competent and efficient secretary.
Equipment:
The some oxford advanced learners dictionary described equipment as those things needed for particular purpose, example, equipments, are needed in offices for work.
Enhancement:
Oxford advanced learners dictionary also explains enhancement as the way to increase or to improve further quality, value or status of something.
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