CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Technology could be defined as the systematic study of techniques for making and doing things. By the early 20th century, the term embraced a growing range of means, processes and ideas in addition to tools and machines. By the second half of the century, technology was defined by such phrases as the means or activity by which man seeks to change or manipulate his environment.

Technology has been around as long as the human race. When we think of modern technology, we often think of computers, complex machines, and space shuttles. However, people had to find ways of solving problems and meeting needs—in other words, develop technology—way back in history. Back in the Stone Age (beginning around two million years ago) people were using technology when they made tools out of natural materials like stone, wood, and bone.

Technology is all around us. It is a part of our daily lives. Technology is the way people use resources to meet their wants and needs. For example, people have invented beds to meet their need for comfortable sleep. They have invented refrigerators and stoves to meet their needs for storing and cooking food. They have invented cars, buses, trains, and planes to meet their need to move from one place to another.

Technology is enhanced by the variety of machines found in today’s office. The telephone system involves more than traditional person-to-person communication. It now includes teledata transmission from computer to computer and sending of facsimile copy from station to station. The telephone companies also provide their customers with many optional services.

For decades now, fast changes have been taking place in all facets of human life including the office environment. This is as a result of technological advancement. Every office in today’s business world, be it government, industry or other human endeavours, require facts and accurate information for quick decision-making. The office worker, including the secretary, expects certain support from the organization into which he/she is employed. This support can be technological (machines and equipment) and human. In offices of past, manager’s dictated memos and letters and office managers typed them. Most recently, business have developed word processing centers and relied on personal computers and even electronic mail in an effort to lessen the need for secretarial support and make the employee-secretary very productive (Ezoem, 2005; Osuala, 2004).

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The problem so associated with this research project is projected as seen in the rapid and advance introduction of modern information technological devices in connection with the modern office manager in the modern business office and the society. Modern devices vary in degree; they are used by organizations in the world of information which are very useful and also produce precise information, speed, reliability and accuracy of desired results.

There are several problems facing technologies in the modern business office, the problems include; power supply, high cost of connectivity, lack of basic education, high cost of equipment, etc.

If this is so, the ultimate question is “are modern office managers actually up to the task. The problem of how he can effectively make use of these technologies to produce what is required in terms of its operation, the problem of how he could apply these technologies to identify the organization’s problems and what needs are required by the organization at the actual time, place and condition. So much is really expected of the Secretary.

1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the study is to research into the impact of modern office technology on the performance of the office manager. Other specific objectives are;

1. To ascertain the types of gadgets involved in modern day technology.
2. To find out the prospects of office technology to the office manager in modern business offices.
3. To examine the technological challenges faced by office managers in the modern business offices.
4. To x-ray the solutions to the challenges faced by office managers in modern business organizations.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of this study is that it would alert office managers to the technological challenges of the 21st century. By doing so, office managers will be prepared on how to face theses problems. Organizations will also benefit in that they will know how to protect their workers in the face of these challenges.

1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

This research study will attempt to find answer to the following questions;

1. What are the gadgets involved in modern day technology?
2. What are the prospects of office technology to the office manager in modern business organization?
3. What are the technological challenges faced by office managers in the modern business organization?
4. What are the possible solutions to the challenges faced by office managers in the modern business organizations?

1.6 DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This project is limited to selected organizations in Port Harcourt which include Total SLF Nigeria Plc, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Access Bank Plc.

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms are defined for the purpose of the study:

Modern business office: This is the bringing together of resources, manpower, knowledge, skill and technology for the courses of producing goods and services for human consumption with the aim of profit making.

Challenges: Problems encountered in course of doing something.

Innovation: Problems encountered in course of doing something.

The art of making changes or introducing new things.

Machines: Appliance or mechanical devices with parts working together to apply power.

Automation Has to do with the use of machines. The machine appears of itself to make its own decision without guidance from the brain of a man.

Economic Recession: Temporary decline in economic activity or prosperity.

Technology:    This is any mechanism capable of processing data or solving problems.

Technological age: The era or time of using mechanism to solve problems.

PROSPECTS: The potential things that may come to pass as a resolute of something often favourable.