1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
It is no longer news that we are in an information age that is characterized by an ever changing of a new information technology revolution and an information superhighway of which every corporate entity or organization and profession must move. If it is to make any headway in the 21 century. However, many experts, professionals in the third world countries like Nigeria do not seem to be ready to embrace this new technological revolution. It is however very unfortunate that among those laggards is found many public relations partners, who are supposed to be the champions of a new information technology revolution.
Furthermore, the world of business and governance in the information age is complicated by such concepts, like democratization, competition, deregulation, privatization, communalization, globalization, computerization etc. that makes it impossible for an organization or country to survive and develop without adopting and applying varied information technology (NIT) strategies and gadget.
It is very pertinent to state here that public relations managers, as information and corporate communication expert must lead the way in this aspect. They have refused to take mantle of this leadership and our country and public relations profession are the worst of it.
A new information technology has been defined as a technology which supports activities involving the creation storage manipulation and communication of information, together with their related methods management and application (Dommick, Joseph (2002). Another definition has been proffered as that which is a seemless integration of telecommunication data processing and personal computing with manual business process which supports key business function and which improves effectively efficiency and quality of working life.
It will however, not be out of place to state here that while adopting this definition as the working definition of a new information technology the public relations executive must have an understanding of NIT as not only a communication system that emerged as a result of various integration of many other technologies but essentially the computer telecommunication satellite technologies. This is why it has in its earlier days been described as or associated with communication information, telemetric, computopia and new communication technology (Nwosu: 2006).
Here, public relations (PR) can be defined as a management function that help the management team in any organization to effectively identify analyze and understand the changes in their internal and external environment as well as using the new information generated to design and implement appropriate management function that ensure regular systematic and effective collection, collation packaging and presentation.
It could be adduced from the foregoing that the locus classics of these public relations definitions are new technological communication some of the new technological means of information ordering storage manipulation and communication include: data processing (DP) data base, databank, data base management system (DBMS) the internet etc. The relevance of these a new information technology to the practice or public relations can be found from “new information technology application wheel (LAW) Nwosu 2000:30.
1.2 Statement of Research Problem
This study became paramount when the researcher noticed a downward spiral on various new information technology facilities available for the practice of public relations in federal polytechnic Nekede Owerri.
This study is armed at finding a solution to the problems posed by new information technology (NIT) facilities which resulted to poor level of awareness, exposure and satisfaction of the institution audience or publics (internal and external).
1.3 Objective of the Study
The objectives include:
- To find out the various new information technologies available for the public relations practice in federal polytechnic Nekede.
- To find out the level of awareness and satisfaction of federal polytechnic public of these facilities.
- To find out the application and influence of such NIT facilitated information on the administration of federal polytechnic Nekede Owerri.
- To find out the relationship between federal polytechnic performances as an organization and contribution of these NIT facilities to public relations practice.
1.4 Research Questions
- What is the various new information technologies available for the practice of public relations in federal polytechnic Nekede.
- What is the level of awareness and satisfaction of federal polytechnic public of these facilities
- What is the application and influence of such NIT facilitated information on the administration of federal polytechnic Nekede Owerri.
- What is the relationship between federal polytechnic performances as an organization and contribution of these NIT facilities to public relations practice.
1.5 Significance of Study
This study will be of great significance and of immense benefit to students, scholar's researchers, public relations practioners and the general public. It will offer tremendous insight on the utilization of technology the age long up service approach and it's advancement on the government and corporate organization in the country.
This research work will make the beneficiary go a long way in the technological advancement of federal polytechnic Nekede and will also make the institutions take her price of place as premier polytechnic in academic excellence.
1.6 Scope of Study
The area covered in this research work is the effectiveness of new information technology on public relations practices (a case study of federal polytechnic Nekede, Owerri) and it includes external communication and media relations, internal organization employee communication, issue tracking and crisis managements, public relations research and evaluation. Environment /public relations and community relations, information public enlightenment campaign and public relation publications.
1.7 Limitations of Study
The novelty of he research topic as it concerns new information technology is a litigation in itself, e.g. some respondents regard NIT as industrial training etc. The validity of this research work therefore is subject to the honesty and sincerity of this respondents. Time constraint is another obstacle.
There is not enough time to research thoroughly as one has to combine this work with preparation for final semester examination. Finance is also part of this work limitation as there are no enough fund to move around for data collection.
1.8 Definition of Terms
New Information Technology:
Can be defined as a technology which supports activities involving the creation storage manipulation and communication of information, together with the related methods management and application. It can also be defined as that which is seemless integration of telecommunication data processing and personal computing with manual business process which supports key business function and which improves effectively, efficiency and quality of working life.
Public Relations:
Can be defined as a management team in any organization that effectively identify analyze and understand the changes in their internal and external environment as well as using the new information generated to design and implement appropriate management responses to these changes. Public relations can also be defined as the management function that ensure regular systematic and effective collection, collation packaging and presentation of data that help to ensure the existence of mutual understanding between an organization and it's publics.
Federal Polytechnic Nekede:
Federal polytechnic Nekede Owerri Nigeria is a polytechnic located in Nekede Owerri west, Imo state Nigeria. It is a center of academic knowledge where so many students including FUTO, IMSU, undergraduates and graduates come for their practical and to acquire knowledge. The school is strict in terms of malpractices they do their things according to laid down rules and regulations. They also operate like some strong universities in Nigeria. So it is a school of higher learning and a place when the superiors and Elites (Lecturers) inculcate and impact knowledge to the upcoming future leaders of tomorrow the (students). It is a higher school of thoughts and academia.
Effectiveness:
Conceptually has to do with the process of producing intended result while operationally, effectiveness is change in some body or something (result).
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