Accounting Information System In A Transport Organization
(A Case Study Of Nigeria Railway Corporation)
In a transport organization, an Accounting Information System (AIS) plays a crucial role in managing financial transactions and ensuring the efficient and accurate recording of financial data. The AIS integrates various accounting processes, such as accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and general ledger, to provide a comprehensive overview of the organization’s financial health. For a transport organization specifically, the AIS would track expenses related to fuel, maintenance, personnel, and other operational costs. Additionally, it can facilitate the monitoring of revenue generated from transportation services. The system helps in making informed financial decisions, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Real-time data entry and reporting capabilities enable timely analysis, contributing to effective financial management and strategic planning within the dynamic and competitive transport industry.
This research work aim at minimizing the problem of poor accounting system which leads to efficiency in the transport organization. This research will cover general instruction and overview of the subject including the statement of problem which is the fact that accounting information system is made, for improvement of efficiency in the transport organization. The data for this research will be collected from both primary and secondary sources.
A questionnaire will be prepared and distributed to a few staff member of the corporation. This research work just like every other research work consists of five chapters with the following components.
Accounting information system in a transport organization has been a great problem to the third world countries in general, which Nigeria as a country has its own share.
This research work, “Accounting information system in a transport organization [ a case study of Nigerian Railway corporation]”, suggests ways of minimizing the effects of the problems of inefficient accounting information. It is believed that an improvement in this regards will enhance the performance of the corporation.
To enable the researcher find solution to the problem of this study, some questions were raised in form of hypothesis, which were developed comprising the null and alternative hypothesis.
Ho :- Accounting information is dispensable in the management of Nigerian Railway corporation.
Hi :- Accounting information is dispensable in the management of Nigerian Railway corporation.
Ho :- The activities of unqualified accounting officers are responsible for the poor performance of the accounts department in NRC.
HI :- The absence of computer system application dose not affect the timeliness, accuracy and availability of accounting information in N. RC.
AS A result of detailed analysis, study has reveal so many important phenomena in respect to accounting information system in Nigeria Railway corporation.
The method of data collection were primary and secondary methods. The data collected was analyzed by means of chi – square testing of hypothesis.
With respect to the research findings, the following recommendations are made to the possible ways of improving the efficiency of the accounting information in NRC
1.There should be a periodic training to enhance the performance of staff of accounts department of NRC
2. The corporation should employ the services of qualified and competent accounting personnel.
3. There should be the introduction of computer system application in account department of NRC.
4.There should be payment of salaries to the employees as at when due.
Title page
Certification
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of content
List of figures
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
Background of study
Statement of the problem / research question
The purpose / Aim of the study
Statement of study
Significance of study
Scope limitation and constrains of the study.
Definition of terms
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
The concept of Accounting information system
The importance of Accounting information
The user of Accounting information
Criticisms of Accounting information system in Nigerian Railway corporation
The output of an information system and the users
The outline of the information Generation process and source Documents.
Application of computer systems
Account Department in the Nigerian Rail-way corporation Officers of the Accounts Department
disagreement between Accounts officers and managing/heads of Departments.
Accounting system in the Nigerian Rail-way corporation.
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Population sampled
Data sources
Data Analysis Technique
CHAPTER FOUR
DATE PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION
TESTING Hypothesis
CHAPTER FIVE
Summary of Findings, Recommendation and conclusion
5.1 Summary
5.2 recommendations
5.3 conclusions
References
Questionnaire
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE CORPORATION
The Nigeria Railway corporation (NRC) has been in existence for decides. It is regarded as the largest transport corporation in Nigeria and has a high network operations. It is alms are spread to the six geo political zones in Nigeria. The Nigeria railway corporation that looks like an old man today was as old as a day old body far decades ago. It had her birth in 1898, that is, one hundred and seven years ago. This happened in Lagos due to the approval by the Lagos Government.
Today, the existence and services of Nigeria railway corporation Eastern Division is one of the division In Nigeria. This Division covers the entire Eastern part of Nigeria. The corporation camer initial existence in the Eastern part of Nigeria in the year 1913. Thee initial place was harbour that is now called port-Harcourt in 1915 and ran a new railway to the near by coal mines. The discovery of coal ion Enugu and a potential deep water harbour found 64km from the sea, up the harbour bonny river led to the extension of Nigerian railway corporation into Enugu.
The eastern line was extended north wards in 1924. The line from Kaduna joined that from Enugu near Kafarchan in 1926. The 910.4 km line (the line that run from the East to the Northern part of Nigeria was opened to traffic in 1927. The Marudai bridge was completed in 1923. A rail of 100.8km was built to js, on the Bauchi, plateau. North west Gusau was connected with Zaria and an extension to kauna Namoda in 190. By 1954 the railway density of 9.0-44.8km per thousand. The system was a single track of 3 feet 6 in changuag, except for the Bauchi light railway, which was 2 feet, 6 inches Guage.
During the above stated periods, the Nigerian railway corporation held a premier position in the transportation industry in Nigeria, carrying almost all traffic for exports from the hinter lands to the coasts and imported manufactured goods coming into Nigeria. The Railway was commanding sixty six percent of the transportation in the transport industry in 19388- 19398, sixty three percent in 1948- 49 and sixty one percent in 1952 – 1953.
Ever since 1898, the Nigeria railway corporation has contributed immenably towards the improvement of social life and the development of the national economy. This is through to be extended to every part of the country that is the advantages which would lead to permanent prosperity confident was such an ultimat5e triumph of the railways.
However, regardless of the huge success made by the corporation, it is facing a hard time.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Nigerian railway corporation which dominated the transport sector of the economy in the sixties is presently being delegated by other means of transport such as road; sea; etc. transport. The corporation has lost her passengers and freight mainly to road transport. This is as a result of the inability of the corporation to compete effectively in order to meet the age-longed challenges.
Ordinarily, there should have been an even growth in both road and railway transport; but the rail transport seems neglected. The truth of the matter is not neglect par se, but a problem of cash flow difficulty and management. These affect the purchase of spare par; repairs, payment of salaries, inadequate infrastructure support and enhance services rendering.
Given the above condition of the Nigerian Railway Corporation in the nations transport industry, the problem which look for detailed analysis and solution includes the following questions;
1.is the accounting information used in the corporation adequate for management’s short and long term plans?
2. Have the accounting officers in the corporation the needed professional skill to cope with demands of their job?
3.is there any serious effort made by the corporation to boost operation?
4.Do the accounting officers perform their duties without the interference of the management?
5.What is the mode of appointing the chief accounting f the corporation?
Answers to these problems or questions above constitutes the basic problem of the researchers work.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Bearing in mind the aforementioned problems study is aimed at finding out among other things such as:-
1.The organization of accounts department in Nigeria Railway corporation with particular interest in the Eastern division of the corporation and how the accounts department contributes to the achievement of overall goals f the corporation.
2. Whether the accounting information is actually one of the effective management tools in the Railway Corporation.
3. Whether the accountants in the corporation adequately perform their duties in conformity with the statement of accounting standard [SAS].
4.what are the tools of the accounts department to the performance of the individual workers in terms of their output.
1.4. STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESIS.
1. Ho:- Accounting information is indispensable in the management of Nigeria Railway corporation.
2. Ho:- The activities of unqualified and incompetent accounting officers are not responsible for the poor performance of the accounts department in NRC.
3. Ho:- The absence of computer system application affects the timeless, accuracy and availability of accounting information in NRC.
Hi: The absence of computer system application dose not effect the timeliness, accuracy and availability of accounting information in NRC
1.5. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The role of accounting information in the management f large business organization such as can not be over – emphasized. It is based on the fact that the research it to study and appraise. Accounting information system as a tool management using the URC and possible ways of minimizing the problems for better and enhanced performance in the corporation.
The knowledge about these problems and their way out will help remedy other transport corporation in similar state. this study is also envisaged to make recommendation that would boost the operational performance f accounts department in the Nigeria Railway corporation if being implemented.
Beside, the above significance areas of this study, this work is to certify the condition for the award of HND certificate and as well serve as a term of reference for those who may be interested.
1.6. SCOPE, LIMITATION AND CONSTRAINTS.
This study is on the Nigerian Railway corporation Eastern Division.
The limitation of this study is Nigerian Railway corporation Eastern Division. This is due to some constraints. Those constraints were financial difficulties which prevented the running down from one relevant Railway corporation Division to another for sources of information necessary for this study.
Another constraints are the time limit within my disposal. The demand from the academic activity and limit within which this study is to be presented constituted the constraint.
1.7. DEFINITION OF TERMS
FREGHTS: This is the volume f revenue acquired by all haulage of goods by the good train.
PASSENGERS’ FARE: This comprised of the returns made from ticket sales and penalties by defaulting passengers.
ROLLING STOCK: This include the entire carrying system which is made up of the locomotive engine, coaches, wagons, [both covered and uncovered] and tanks. They are used in the haulage of goods and in carrying passengers.
LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE : This is the engine mechanism at the head of the rolling stock that pulls them along the track in the movement of goods and passenger’s trains.
COACHING: These are revenue from country’s produce, luggage, parcel and livestock.
Accounting Information System In A Transport Organization:
An Accounting Information System (AIS) plays a crucial role in managing financial transactions and reporting in any organization, including a transport organization. In the context of a transport organization, which could include businesses like airlines, shipping companies, logistics firms, or even public transportation agencies, here’s how an AIS can be structured and its functions:
- Data Collection and Input:
- Ticketing and Booking: For passenger transport companies like airlines or buses, Accounting Information System would record ticket sales and reservations.
- Freight and Cargo Handling: For freight transport organizations, it would record shipments, orders, and cargo details.
- Fuel and Maintenance Costs: For all types of transport organizations, it would capture expenses related to fuel, vehicle maintenance, and repairs.
- General Ledger:
- Revenue Tracking: Accounting Information System would categorize revenue from passenger fares, cargo shipments, and any other sources.
- Expense Tracking: It would record expenses such as salaries, fuel costs, maintenance costs, and overheads.
- Asset Management: Accounting Information System would track assets like vehicles, vessels, aircraft, and their depreciation.
- Accounts Payable:
- Manage and track payments to suppliers, fuel providers, maintenance service providers, etc.
- Ensure that all invoices are processed and paid on time to avoid disruptions in operations.
- Accounts Receivable:
- Track and manage accounts receivable from customers, ensuring timely collection of payments.
- Handle billing and invoicing for services provided.
- Inventory Management:
- For organizations that deal with physical goods (e.g., shipping companies), Accounting Information System would help manage inventory levels.
- This involves tracking inventory levels of spare parts, fuel, or other consumables.
- Cost Allocation:
- Allocate costs to specific routes, services, or projects to determine the profitability of different operations.
- This can help optimize resource allocation and pricing strategies.
- Financial Reporting:
- Generate financial statements like income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
- Produce management reports for decision-makers, including route performance, cost analyses, and budget comparisons.
- Compliance and Regulatory Reporting:
- Ensure compliance with industry-specific regulations and reporting requirements.
- This is especially important in the transport industry, which often faces strict safety and environmental regulations.
- Security and Data Integrity:
- Implement controls to safeguard financial data and prevent fraud.
- Ensure data accuracy through reconciliations and audit trails.
- Integration with Other Systems:
- Integrate with other systems like ticketing systems, reservation systems, and fleet management systems for real-time data flow.
- Budgeting and Forecasting:
- Support the budgeting process by providing historical financial data and allowing for the creation of future financial projections.
- Decision Support:
- Provide data and insights to help management make informed decisions about expanding routes, acquiring new vehicles, or optimizing operations.
- Payroll Processing:
- Calculate and manage payroll for employees, including drivers, maintenance staff, and administrative personnel.
In summary, an Accounting Information System in a transport organization is essential for efficiently managing financial transactions, ensuring compliance, and making informed business decisions. It streamlines the financial operations of the organization, enhances control over resources, and contributes to the overall success and sustainability of the business. Integration with other operational systems and adherence to industry-specific regulations are critical components of an effective Accounting Information System in this context.