Effect Of Computerization On The Growth Of Economy

INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study:
It is on record that greatest advancement has been made in the field of computer has reached the door stop of every home and office even in Enugu Metropolis.
Historically, the multi – user system (main frame computer) was the only type in the market, notwithstanding the expensive nature and size, still people clamour for if. This main frame can be called super computers presently; the computer has been reduced from mainframe to mini – computer and down to micro computer. Micro computer has become cheap and less easy to carry about. (Okolo 2007)
Ordinarily, computer can therefore be seen as a machine” that receives data, from an input) stores data and processes data and gives back information depending on the programme stored. Computer can also be seen as a device for accepting information, applying, prescribed process to the information, and supply the result of the processes. It usually consists of input and output devices, storage arithmetic and logical unit and a control unit. (Amanze 1991)
The input in computer may come from many sources. This can be from the keyboard, mouse, scanner, camera etc.
The output can be from VDU (visual display unit) when it is still in soft copy, the printer as hard copy etc.
The numerous contribution and importance of computer can never be over emphasized. It immensely affected the direction of our economy for quite some time now, to an extent that Nigeria has joined as member of the global village. There is no sector of the economy that is not positively influenced by the presence of computer in this country.
Most sectors of the economy that have computer known that it is a good companion, ranging from information and communication technology sector, banking sector etc. Banking sector has really simplified their activities through the assistance of computer and made the so – called banking activities down with much ease. In other words, the effective processing of business and other sector of the economy can be equally attributed to the introduction of computer system and computer based processing. ( Ekemezie, 2004)
However, in the economic view point, computer are generally used in providing public services in the government, although a great number of the department uses computer for conventional business application such as pay roll, personnel records and economic planning.
In other words the study focuses on the effect of computerization on the economic development in Nigeria

Statement of the Problem:-
In the economy of this country tremendous development have been noticed, even before the introduction of computer in some sectors. Impressive development appears to be seen in even in the remote sectors of the economy. This trend of development is seen by many as a step forward while others sees it as something not commensurate with the standard of Nigeria continental placement.
This inadequacy stems fast despite the various and orchestrated importance of computer to many sectors in the country are yet to experience computer. Many citizens are still not aware of what contributions computer can provide for them. Ministries, parastatals and business organisation still remain incompatible, while most chief executive do not even have the time to fully appreciate computer, this however necessitated the need to evaluate the effect of computerization to the growth of the economy and hence lie the problem of this study which necessitated the following questions.
I. Are the effects of computer on the economy positive or negative?
II. Are there possible ways to deal with the negative effect of computerization in the economy if there is negative effect?
III. Do various sectors of the economy actually aware of the importance of computerization?

Purpose of the Study:-
The following are the objective of the study:
I. To examine the positive and negative effect of computerization on social life of the people of Enugu North Metropolis.
II. To ascertain the organisational effect of computerization with particular reference to organizations within Enugu North metropolis.
III. To urge and enable the people and organization in Enugu North to learn how to use, operate and appreciate computer.
IV. To propagate the need to adopt computers and making every part of this metropolis a computerized area.
V. To provide solutions and suggestions to the limitations and problems inhibiting, the effective introduction of computer in the society.

Significance of the Study:
The study is vital because of the following benefits to be derived from it by the Enugu North Local Government and the Society at large and this includes:
I. This study will encourage a good number of people in Enugu North and the society at large to undergo computer training. It will also encourage great number of people to study computer as a course in higher institutions.
II. This study is highly set to encourage and inculcate the computerization culture into the individuals in Enugu North and the organisation there in.
III. This study to a great extent will urge individuals of Enugu North metropolis to engage in computer sales, maintenance, services and assembling.
IV. This study in a high note will create employment opportunities for computer operators, system analysis, programmers and computers sales firm.
V. This study is very important because it will form an inspiration to new researchers on this topic “the effect of computerization in the growth of Nigeria economy (a case study of selected manufacturing companies in Enugu North Local Government Area.)

Research Questions:
i. What are the negative and positive effects of computerization on the social life of people?
ii. What are the organisational effects of computerization?
iii. What are the problems inhibiting effective computerization in our society?
iv. Are there any possible ways to deal with the negative effect of computerization in the economy?
v. Are the various sector f the economy actually aware of the economy as well as the importance of computerization on it

Delimitations:–
The project work had been limited to a smaller area. Infact the scope covers Enugu North L.G.A. In this case, all information contained in this work is obtained from two manufacturing companies in Enugu North L.G.A.

Limitations:-
This project has some constraints. These include acquisition of information. Again the unwillingness of some respondents to give useful information created yet another problem. Moreover, the availability of the right persons to fill the questionnaires posed another drawback to this project

Definition of Terms
VDU: visual display unit, it is one of the output devices in a computer, popularly known as screen.
Micro – computer: this is the most common type of computer. It is smaller, cheaper and more powerful than mainframe and minicomputers
Computerization: This is the putting of information into suitable form for use by means of computer machines.
Effect: the result or consequences