UTILIZATION OF SHORTHAND SKILLS BY SECRETARIES IN MODERN OFFICE

UTILIZATION OF SHORTHAND SKILLS BY SECRETARIES IN MODERN OFFICE 

(A CASE STUDY OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC IDAH)

ABSTRACT

This project is designed to identify and recommend the utilization of shorthand skills by secretaries modern officers and its importance in an organization. Most of the organization today feels that shorthand is not necessary in the modern offices. This research intended to highlight the importance of shorthand in modern offices and its vises. Shorthand is very important in itself and can be learnt for personal uses when one feels like taking down notes faster and for keeping of records in diaries, the use of shorthand skills in office is more economical compared to the cost of procuring modern office equipments, shorthand writers are more readily available at any point in time without hindrance for covering proceedings at conferences seminars, and taking of minutes at meeting.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1  Background of the study

Over the years, it has been proven that the only constant thing is change. Hence, what is important and relevant today may be unimportant and irrelevant tomorrow.

Before now, shorthand was regarded as the most important subject for secretarial in training hence, eight (8) credit load was allocated to it which while course like word processing had only one credit load but the latest policy issued by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in 2006/2007 seems to have turned the tables allocation six (6) load to Information Communication Technology (ICT) while shorthand become four (4) credit load.

In view of the above the questions raised by people today is whether shorthand is still relevant in view of the office automation? This question indeed calls for a research, so the interest of this research has been drawn to this area. the researcher intends to find out the extent to which shorthand is still being utilized in modern offices today.

1.2  Statement of the problem

For decades now, fast changes have been taking place in all facets of human life including the teaching and learning environment.

What use to be secretarial studies is now known as office technology and management (OTM).

In view of evolving technology, how much of shorthand skills are still being utilized in the offices today?

1.3  Purpose of the study

The purpose of this study is to find out the utilization of shorthand skills by secretaries in modern offices.

1. Is shorthand skill relevant in view of the office technologies
2. Has the utilization of shorthand is been influenced by the new office automation
3. Has a new technology take over the place of shorthand
4. Any other means of note taking than shorthand

1.4  Significance of the study

This study will be of benefit for both the secretaries training institutions and students as a basis for future research work. It will also be of benefit for the secretaries professional.

1.5  Research questions

1. To what extent are shorthand skills relevant in the view of the office technologies?
2. To what extent has utilization of shorthand is been influenced by the new office automation
3. To what extent have new technologies take over taking than shorthand?
4. What are the other better means of note taking than shorthand?

1.6  Scope of the study

The research work is only limited to the practicing secretaries with Higher National Diploma (HND) Federal Polytechnic, Idah and limited to the topic as well.

1.7  Limitations of the study

Taking the economic situation into consideration, the issue of finance posses a lot of problem to the researcher.

The cost of transportation from one place to another in order to get materials. And the research work was done alongside other academic works. Time factor is also problem of the research work.

1.8  Definition of key terms

Antiquity:     Ancient times, object dating from ancient  times.

Buttress:      Support built against reinforce.

Computer:    Electronic apparatus for analysis or storing data, making calculation, it is a machine powered by electronic and mechanic device and for other type of calculation.

Modern technology:  A new systematic techniques or approaches for doing or making thing, it can also see a technological advancement in new form.

Posed:          Put into a particular attitude, pretend to be or put forward.

Possession:   Occupation requiring  advanced learning

Prove:           Give or be proof of be found to be

Queries:        Express doubt about

Shorthand Skill: The capability to apply stenographic principles in recording spoken work