ENEMS PROJECT

Friday, 4 February 2022

COMPUTERIZED BURSARY MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of Study

Payment of fees in schools especially in tertiary institutions is an indispensable responsibility on students, parents, guardians and on government or organizations offering scholarship grants. The fee charged is used in providing a conducive learning environment for the students. It enables the management to pay staff salaries, provide equipments and maintain infrastructures in the school. For a graduating student to carry out his or her clearance from all these departments, it normally takes a lot of time and a lot of processes and delays in clearing the student for youth service as well as collection of statement of result.

Rocana Institute of Technology, Enugu is an Innovative Enterprise and Vocational Enterprise Institution (IEI/VEI) with the aim of providing high quality training in innovation, vocation and technological education at various points of social strata. Rocana Institute of Technology, Enugu was founded in May, 2010 as a result of creativity and love for Technical education with entrepreneur skills of the proprietor, Chief Robert Orji. The institute was established in November, 2011 with approval from National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Kaduna and the Minister of Education (FME), Abuja. The mode of payment in Rocana Institute of Technology is quite stressful to students as they are required to go to various banks to make payment; after which the student will come back to the bursar office to exchange the teller into receipt without it been stored into the payment database. Some time the receipt got lost if not kept properly in a save place.

Hence it became imperative for a computerized bursary management information system to eliminate the shortcomings of the manual system in place.

This computer based management system has promising prospect for educational institutions in order to enhance the fee management system. The demand for a computer based fee management processing system in a large number of universities worldwide, is a growing necessity. The proposed system would store, display and issue receipt. This system not only enhances the institute document management, it also allows decisions to be made faster and more efficiently.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The process of clearing students after their graduation requires that the students be cleared in various departments and information units.

Among these are:

Library fines and overdue or lost library materials from the Institution
Departmental Dues
Residence hall damage charges
Return of athletic equipment
Bursary and all other charges

In Rocana Institute of Technology, the need for an efficient and automated student’s fee management system cannot be overemphasised. This is because it is a private Institution whose major source of funding is by fee payment from the students. As in every other legal transaction, receipts are then issued to the students which they must present before; taking exams, getting accommodation in the campus, submission of course forms, lab test and treatment, getting ID cards etc.

1.3 AIMS & OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this project include:

To effectively and efficiently process students clearance
To provide a reliable and transparent system devoid of personal inclinations and interest
To provide borderless access
To ensure prompt clearance
To alleviate the problems and stress of travelling and queuing up of students during clearance.

1.4 THE SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of this study is basically on designing software or database that holds students school fees Status, Student’s Ledger book, generate receipt and other records. The record or data in the database can thus be use in decision making especially during examination clearance.

1.5 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is aimed at replacing the inefficient and time-wasting manual fees management system in Rocana Institute of Technology and clearance during examinations. A Computerized bursary management information system allows the users to check their clearance status as whether they are in any way indebted to the school, fill and submit their clearance form, and obtain their clearance letter. There are many other advantages of a computerized bursary management information system and some of them are listed below.

It saves a lot of time.
Information processing is very fast and delays can be avoided.
It is inexpensive to students and school management.
It helps the school in reducing costs such as labour and stationary.

Lectures are sometimes missed by the students who normally go for this clearance without which they will not sit for their exams. Thus this study is significant to eliminate these inefficiencies.

1.6 THE LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The major constraint on this project work is time and finance.

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Fee: a charge made by an institution e.g. for membership, entrance, or the administration of an examination.

Receipt: this is a written statement that money or good has been received.

Clearance: permission to do something or for something to take place.

Automation: a system in which a workplace or process has been converted to one that replaces or minimises human labour with mechanical or electronic equipment.

Computerised: Convert based system to install or start using a computer system to organise, control, automates something

Database: Any collection of data organised for storage in a computer memory and designed for easy access by authorised for easy access by authorised users.

Password: this is a secret code that a user must type into a computer to enable him access its contents.

Manual: This is the use of hands to operate or control something.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

ABSTRACT

Records management is the gist of an organization because it is through records that an institution can provide a documentation of activities and plans. Records provide valuable information for critical decision making within organizations. However, organizational managers fail to recognize the contribution of effective records management practices in public administration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of records management practices in the administration of public institutions. The specific objectives are: to find out the records management practices, to establish the role of departmental heads in the management of records in an organization, to examine the role of records management in facilitating accountability and transparency in organizational administration, and to establish an effective records management model in an organization . The research employed the records continuum theoretical model and a mixed approach of both qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data. The research was conducted on a total population of 150 employees. The study sample included 50 members of staff. The sampling technique used was the stratified sampling technique with a non-probability sampling design, which enabled the identification of a sample that only included employees that directly dealt with records in the various departments at the institution. A questionnaire with carefully identified questions was used in gathering data from the sampled participants. The study findings show that classification and indexing are the most important records management practices undertaken to enable easy accessibility to information at the organization, heads of departments assist in managing operations at various departments regarding to records, and that effective management of records can enable easy access to information, fulfillment of financial requirement and accountability as well as effective organizational administration. The findings are of significance to managers, employees, and policy makers in matters regarding management of organizations.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1.1 Background of the Study

Chapter one provides an introduction to the current study by placing it within its context. Therefore, the chapter explores the modern business records management context which delves into the contemporary issues affecting records management. Later, the chapter provides the study context, problem statement, aim and objectives of the study, and research questions. The significance of the study are also detailed to illustrate the essence of the study findings. Lastly, the chapter provides the significance, assumption, scope of the study, and the limitations.

It is unmistakable that the pace of business activities within organizations in the contemporary society is increasing daily due to the evolving technology. The productivity involves volumes of both electronic and physical documents that contain critical information. In many cases, organizations do not understand the complexity of tasks involved in records management until they fail to access a vital record (Abdulrahman, 2015). Therefore, records play a significant role in the effective and efficient management of an organization because they store plans and implementation processes of an organization’s services.

In both conventional and digital organizations, records stored in either electronic or physical form continue to be viewed as essential documents for administrative documentation. Records provide support for all activities carried out within organizations. Without proper records management, organizations cannot provide the necessary information and support, which in turn may lead to the loss of critical information in institutions. Proper records management practices are essential for an organization’s administration and the smooth running of the operations. Records management involves the incorporation of various practices aimed at proper information management. It also entails the systematic control of all records an organization maintains during the course of their life cycle for the attainment of operational business needs, fiscal and statutory requirements, as well as, the expectation of stakeholders (The National Archives of Scotland, 2013). Effectual maintenance of corporate information enables fast, reliable and accurate access or retrieval of records. It also ensures that redundant information is timely damaged and that important historic records are efficiently protected. Systematic records management enables organizations to; identify the records that they have, increase effectiveness and efficiency, support decision making, achieve business targets and objectives, meet regulatory and legislative requirements, protect the clients’, employees’, and stakeholders’ interests, and be accountable. Consequently, records are critical legal and historical tools that are necessary for the effective running of an organization.

Records are valuable administration instruments without which an institution’s operational functional and processes cannot be efficiently carried out. For instance, a successor to a certain organizational rank may need the institution’s records to find his or her bearing when he or she takes over the new position. The new employee or successor can use such records to decide whether he or she will continue with the previous organizational leader’s practices and techniques or modify them (Abdulrahman, 2015). Records play various roles in organizational administration because administrators and managers use them on routine basis to carry out various administrative roles such as decision making. Recorded information helps in enlightening and educating organizational managers and administrators on matters relevant to the organization. Records can also help in strategic plans and successful implementation of organizational processes. They can also serve as sources of research for information that can be used as evidence. Timely access of recorded information is essential for decision-making, planning, and organizational control. Public institutions in Kenya create, keep, and use records in their every day basis for administrative, legal, and audit functions among other purposes.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Records are essential instruments in every organization particularly in reference to critical decision making including administrative decision making. Information contained in organizational records is the pillar of the institution’s business activities. Without information, an institution’s administration becomes incapacitated especially in its decision making. Globally, organizations’ systems are expanding at unprecedented rates due to technological advancements and population increases (Abdulrahman, 2015). Similarly, organizational problems in relation to planning, administration, organization, control, and monitoring are also increasing resulting to the need for improved records management practices among institutional administrators, educationist, policy makers, and planners.

Records in public institutions suffer from likelihoods of loss due to improper storage, unprotected disaster, and random destruction. These organizations also lack control guidelines that cover the management of records from their creation to their disposal (Abdulrahman, 2015). The absence of guiding principles gives doubt as to how organizational professionals and administrators have been handling managerial decisions. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate record management practices in public institutions to identify their role in the administrative functions of organizations.

Employees are facing various administrative challenges resulting from ineffective records management. For instance, at times, there are cases of missing or loss of records within the organization, which lead to wastage of so much time trying to locate them. The organization also lacks sufficient space to store some records given that new records are generated on a daily basis. Equally, the problem can be observed in literature as Bakare, Abioye, & Issa, (2016) also observe that there is a startling rate of loss and misplacement of records that contain useful information, which can guide in decision making, especially in public institutions. In another study, Abdulrahman (2015) also states that lack of effective records management can lead to problems such as difficulties in information retrieval for administrative decision making, delays in staffs’ salaries and fringe benefits, inaccurate demographic data and improper registration of employees, which may lead to missing out of employees on important communication. Therefore, there is a need for the acknowledgement of the essence of effective records management in organizational administration from the top management.

1.3 Aim of the Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of records management practices in the administration of public institutions.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The specific objectives of this study include:

Examine the role of records management in facilitating accountability and transparency in organizational administration
Assess the role of records management in expediting risk management
Evaluate the contribution of records management in tracing organizational activities and progress
Develop an effective records management model

1.5 Research Questions

The research questions for this study are;

What is the role of records management in facilitating accountability and transparency in organizational administration?
What is the role of records management in expediting risk management?
What is the contribution of records management in tracing organizational activities and progress?
What is the effective records management model?

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study are of significance practically, theoretically, and in policy development. Practically, the outcomes inform various stakeholders such as the management and employees of public institutions concerning the essence of a records management practices in critical organizational operations, including management. Theoretically, the study findings augment the body of knowledge by contributing to the literature on the significance of records management practices in organizational administration. Additionally, the study also boosts easy access to records through emphasizing on the significance of effective records management practices in organizational management. In policy making, the findings inform policy makers concerning organizational policies, including the incorporation and support of record management in an organization as a regulatory policy in an effort to enhance effective organizational administration.

1.7 Assumptions of the Study

Organizations do not recognize the significance of records management in organizational running.
Records management practices are important in the management of organizations.

1.8 Scope of the Study

The study is also limited to the study objectives that include investigating the role of records in risk management, finance and auditing, and tracing organizational activities and progress. The factors are essential administrative functions. Hence, an investigation of the role of records on these aspects will create insight on the study topic.

1.9 Limitations of the Study

An effective completion of this study was constrained by limitations of time, finances, and access to sufficient and effective secondary resources to augment the accessible information. Time limits resulted from tight schedules between work and family activities. However, this challenge was resolved through creation of time each day after work. Additional time was also acquired during the weekends. Another challenge was financial resources to conduct the research. The challenge was resolved through setting aside some income each month for research purposes. The challenge of secondary resource accessibility was resolved through gaining access to some academic sites such as Google Scholar, Google Books, and ProQuest which sufficiently supplemented the Library sources.

1.10 Operational Terms and Concepts

Record

A record refers to information that an organization of person creates, receives, and maintains as evidence in the process of business transaction or pursuance of legal obligations.

Record creation

Record creation entails the development of consistent regulations to ensure accessibility and integrity through deciding techniques to track and log records by following specified processes for the registration, classification, and indexing of information.

Record Preservation

Record preservation refers to all the operations and processes involved in the protection and stabilization of documents against deterioration or damage and in the treatment of deteriorated or damaged documents.

Record keeping

Record keeping refers to the making and maintenance of accurate and reliable proof of business operations through recorded information.

Records management

Records management refers to the incorporation of various practices aimed at the proper management of an organization’s information. It also entails the systematic control of all the records of an organization during the course of their life cycle for the attainment of operational business needs, fiscal and statutory requirements, as well as, the expectation of the community at large.

Reinsurer

Reinsurer refers to an organization that provides reinsurance services to other insurance companies.

EVALUATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF A PROFESSIONAL SECRETARY AND A COMPUTER OPERATOR IN AN ORGANIZATION

ABSTRACT

There is no doubt that private individual, corporate bodies and even organizations mistake computer operators for professional secretaries. It is in the light of this, that this research was carried out to clear the misconception. It was a study carried out on some selected organization within Kaduna State. Related books on the topics were referred to and 120 questionnaires were used for the study out of which responses from 100 respondents were received and used and that form the basis for analysis. The study revealed that professional secretaries undergo training and professional courses as regard to their duties and responsibilities also computer operators also play significant roles in the organization, they type and safeguard document in their possessions. This was achieved by evaluating the performance of a professional secretary and a computer operator. Conclusions were drawn that professional secretaries assume duties on behalf of their boss unlike computer operators. It was recommended that computer operators who wish to be called professional secretaries should take up courses in office profession and management studies department and other professional courses relating to that.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

There is no doubt that in many organizations be it private or public sectors, secretaries and computer operators are mistakenly ignored or misunderstood to mean the same thing. However, earlier the role of a secretary was limited to notes from their heads, typing and storing information. Perhaps with the advent of technology in companies and offices, secretarial duties have extended to things that were meant for the professional and managerial staffs. The secretary that organizations are seeking in today’s time should not only have clerical skills and administrative skill alone but also cooperate governance, security laws, and capital market.

As it is today technology has affected every aspect of secretarial work from the organization of document, sorting and storing of document.

Aku (2004) informs that the basic secretarial functions of collecting, transferring, processing and transmission of information allows themselves to computerization. Consequently, the most works carried out by the professional secretary in the office are now being handled more speedily and in a better way with the use of computer.

Hill (2004), A secretary is someone who receives executive and company officials, clerical duties and keep personal records, read and sort, organize incoming mails, make and answer phone calls.

Assessing the performance of professional secretaries and computer operators requires proper check and change to ascertain he caliber of each.

Performance as define by Wynel (2010) as a systematic description of job relevant strength and weaknesses within and between employees. Which also means that performance evaluation is a review of the employee’s performance based on the agreed objectives. As performance determines output in an organization, the output of a secretary can be observed from the duty performed and how specialized one is in his or her functions.

The computer operators who obtains diploma or certificate course in computer training is mistaken for secretaries as there are minor similarities in their duties which are typing of documents, receiving and sending of mails, which are temporary duties performed by the computer operators.

According to Suleiman (2000), a computer operator is someone who requires the knowledge and practice of computer appreciation and operations, he is only knowledgeable in operation of the computer and how to manipulate it. Most people lack the typing skills as well as the techniques for standard production of documents.

Suleiman (2000) also define the duties of a computer operators as the duplication of duties by computer operator. He adds that because the computer operators can manipulate the computer does not mean that they are secretaries. This is difficult to identify professional secretaries and computer operators, because the computer operator tends to perform better than some professional secretaries in organizations Ball (2001) to them as long as you are under a typewriter, you are a typist; they ignore the facts that there are distinctive features of the two profession in terms of skill, qualifications, duties, responsibilities and remuneration. This wrong perception or impression has permitted the general public and a great percentage of the public sees the secretarial position as nothing but mere typist who are trained from business centers after undergoing some few months of training in typing from street business schools, and factors that hinders their promotion both as secretaries and computer operators.

This explains why many students are reluctant to take the course of secretarial studies as a profession in spite of the fact that secretarial position is crucial and important to organization just like any other position. It is against this background that the researchers sees this trend as an empirical problem worthy of investigation.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS

The work of a professional secretary is quite different from that of a computer operator in an organization. This is so because the work of a professional secretary encompasses that of a computer operator. Secretaries responsibilities include various administrative and clerical duties needed to run a company efficiently and smoothly.

Some duties include serving as an office information manager, arranging and scheduling meetings or appointments and preserving paper and computer files, managing projects, handling travel arrangements and distributing information through the use of telephones, mails, e-mails while the work of a computer operator is just limited to operating the computer, but in spite of this differences, a lot of organization tends to place a computer operator in the same level with a professional secretary which undermine the profession. As such doubt is expressed about the importance of a professional secretary’s contribution to goal attainment of an organization sequel to wrong perception of organizational members, as such people treat the profession with contempt and disregard. Hence the subject matter of this research: Evaluation of the performance of a professionals secretary and computer operators in an organization becomes worthy of investigation.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The general objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of professional secretaries and computer operators in an organization.

However the specific objectives of the study are:

To examine the roles played by professional secretaries and computer operators in the smooth running and planning in an organization.
To identify the factors that are responsible for lack of promotional opportunities of professional secretaries and computer operators in an organization.
To examine the duties of professional secretaries as compared to computer operators in an organization.
To know the demands for professional secretaries services and computer operators in an organization.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

i) How does the modern office technology aid the planning and smooth running of the organization?

ii) What are the factors that hinder promotional opportunities of professional secretaries and computer operators in an organization?

iii) What are the various roles and duties played by professional secretaries and computer operators in an organization?

Why are there demands for professional secretary services and computer operators in an organization?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study, when completed would be of great importance to the secretaries in practice and secretaries in training as well as the management of various organizations in the following ways:

To the secretaries in practice and training: The study will help them to understand the qualification needed for one to assume a secretarial position in an organization.
It will help those willing to take secretarial profession to appreciate the fact that being a secretary is not to be attached to a typewriter as a typist but rather a call to greater responsibilities in an office.
It will help the secretaries in practice and in training to know the responsibilities or duties of a professional secretary in an organization as compared to computer operators.
The study will be of help to Managers in job placement in an organization.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study covers the empirical evaluation of the performance of professional secretaries and computer operator in an organization. It also examines the role of professional secretaries and computer operators in the smooth running and planning in an organization as well as the identification of the factors responsible for lack of promotional opportunities of professional secretaries and computer operators in an organization.

The study equally examines the duties of professional secretaries as compared to computer operators in an organization as well as the examination of the reasons why the services of professionals secretaries and computer operators are required in an organization,

1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Some of the major constraints the researchers encountered in putting up this research include lack of time, lack of willingness to give information by respondent and also limited resources.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Secretary: An individual employed to deal with correspondence and routine office work.

Computer Operator: An individual who enters data into computer, process it and produce result/information of the process.

Performance: This is the rate of carrying or completing a task.

Organization: A group of people who put up resources and services for a particular purpose.

Evaluation: This is a medium of assessing performance among individuals.

Professional: An individual who belong to a profession skillful and conscientious.

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL WORKS PLANNING AND ESTATES

Abstract

The study sought to assess the extent to which records management practices were aiding the effectiveness and efficiency of the NUST Department of Works. The aims and objectives were to establish strategies used to manage records in the NUST Department of Physical Planning Works and Estates and to explore methods used to preserve and conserve the department’s vital records just to mention a few. It was the assumption of the study that there is a near total collapse of records management systems at the NUST Department of Physical Planning and Works and that study was significant because the findings were going to be used by records students undertaking records management studies. The literature review maintains that an effective records management program anchor on a written records management policies, standards and procedures. The researcher used a case study research design where a single department of NUST was chosen for this study. The population of the research comprised of all NUST Department of Physical Planning staff members of which a sample of ten (10) people were elected through a stratified random sampling procedure. To gather information the following research tools were used: observation, interviews and questionnaire. The results indicated that; the department have never appraised or disposed its records ever since its establishment, records had already filled up the strong room which is no longer accessible and some of the records are staffed in boxes and some piled on the floors. It was recommended that the department adopts a records management policy, train its staff on simple records management standards, adopts a records preservation plan, revive the records office and to appraise and dispose records systematically.

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

1.1 Introduction

This chapter introduces first the background of the research study,statement of the problem,research objectives, research questions, scope of study and the limitations of the study.

1.2 Background to the study

An effective records management system allows tracking of the life-cycle of records in an organization, enables the organization to know when a record is created, its functions, duration of its usefulness by the agency that created it, the parameters and duration of maintaining it and the legal authority that enables it to be destroyed. The management and preservation of records in an organization helps in achieving greater efficiency, effectiveness and economy

It is very clear that there is a relationship between the organization’s effectiveness and efficiency and the proper care of organizational records and information.

Information management lies with a well-documented records management policy. A records management policy is defined as “a formal policy that delineates the general administrative management concerned with achieving economy and efficiency in the creation, use and maintenance, and disposition of records” (http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/engr/curation/CMAC Glossary.html). It is this policy which underpins how the organization will manage its records in a way to promote its efficiency and effectiveness in its operations.

The records management policy clearly details how records can be received or created by an organization. It goes on to explain how each form of records, electronic, paper or microform, can be handled by an organization, that is, the records storage, preservation and retrieval methods.

Records need to be appraised periodically or systematically in order for the organization to continually dispose obsolete and to select records of archival value. Records appraisal ensure that semi-current records are separated from current records in order to improve organization efficiency and effectiveness by limiting the retrieval period of the current records needed for the day-to-day running of an organization. In addition to the above records appraisal improves organizational cost-effectiveness as Arn and Titlow(1980:6) asserts as follows, “Records created and stored on paper or in a computer are expensive…One function of records management is the economical control of information. There is little doubt that automation will be a necessary part of most office environment in the next few years. Records management personnel have responsibility to see that cost-effective procedures are implemented and maintained to ensure low office overhead costs.” Records appraisal is one way of maintaining economical control over the organizational operations. Appraisal ensures that obsolete and useless records are removed from offices thereby creating office space and a reduction in records storage equipment costs.

Mawarire(2012:3) says,” Hazards such as water, fire, earthquakes which may lead to collapsing of records storage facilities and water pipes…all have a potential to greatly damage semi-current records…if disaster prevention, warning systems, response and recovery are not regularly reviewed, maintained and practiced”.Mawarire quotesNgulube (2005:16) who supports his point when he says “it will not be prudent for archivists to put much effort in the acquisition, arrangement, description and preservation of archival materials if the archives may be lost as a result of a disaster that has not been planned for.” The disaster preparedness plan spoken by the above author must be part of the records management policy in order to prevent or minimize loss of information through possible disasters.

If an organization fails to write down a disaster preparedness plan, it exposes itself not only to a possible loss to its human capital but to its vital records and information needed for its daily operations. If the organization fails to access its vital records after a disaster, it will take time for the organization to return to business and that will result in a considerable loss of revenue. Records management therefore, is one of the cornerstones of the organizational effectiveness and efficiency.

An organization which is conscious to the benefits of proper records care will put much effort to records preservation and conservation. Failure to preserve and conserve records and information will result in the loss of information through the deterioration of the records media. A written records preservation and conservation policy, which can be a section of a records management policy, will help an organization to have a planned and organized records preservation and conservation program. Miller and Roper (1999:1) postulate that preservation is a crucial element in the whole operation of a records program. The above authors say, “The aim of archival preservation is to prolong the usable life of useful research information in two ways. First, preventive preservation seeks to reduce risks of damage and to slow down the rate of deterioration …Secondly; prescriptive preservation is a means of identifying and treating or copying damaged materials to restore useful access to the information” Though, the above authors wrote with archival records in mind, their observations applies even to records found in registries, and therefore it is necessary for organizations to have in place properly planned strategies of preserving and conserving records and information.

Mutongi(2011:121)summarizes the importance of information management in projects as follows; information management aids decision making, creates value or usefulness, allows to gain completive advantage, helps solve problems, helps to monitor and control, improves communication, improves service, increases flexibility, creates knowledge, increases productivity, increases revenue, reduces costs, provides metrics and measurements, integrates and coordinates resources, makes things explicit, reduces uncertainty and supplements memory. In short proper records care aids the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness.

1.3 Statement of the problem

The NUST Department of Planning Works and Estates is not disposing records leading to an accumulation of records in offices and storerooms.

1.4 Purpose of the study

The study seeks to assess the extent to which records at NUST Department of Physical Planning, Works and Estates are professionally managed to improve the department’s efficiency and effectiveness in its operations.

1.5 Research objectives

To establish strategies used to manage records in the NUST Department of Physical Planning Works and Estates.
To explore methods used to preserve and conserve the department’s vital records.
To ascertain if the department has any records appraisal system.
To establish how the department’s records management program has assisted the department to achieve its effectiveness and efficiency.
To make recommendations

1.6 Research questions

1.6.1What strategies are being used to manage records in the NUST department of Physical Planning Works and Estates?

1.6.2 Is there any planned program within the department to conserve and preserve the department’s vital records and information?

1.6.3 Does the department have any records appraisal system?

1.6.4 Is the department’s records management program contributing to the department’s efficiency and effectiveness?

1.6.5Does the department have a records management policy?

1.7 Significance of the study

The research findings will be used by records and archives consultants, researchers and students undertaking studies in records and archives management. This study if well adopted and implemented can contribute towards the improvement of records management practices and policy formulation at NUST Department of Physical Planning Works and Estates.

1.8 Assumptions of the study

The researcher assumed that there is a near total breakdown of the records management systems at the NUST Department of Physical Planning Works and Estates and that records are not being appraised and disposed at all. It is the researcher’s assumption that the department does not have a written records management policy which guides official on how records must be handled and managed.

1.9 Definition of terms

Records management according to Millar, Roper, Stewart( 1999:19)is;

The area of general administrative management concerned with achieving economy and efficiency in the creation, maintenance, use and disposal of the records of an organization throughout their entire life cycle and in making the information they contain available in support of the business of that organization.

Effectiveness(ibid, 10) is a measure of the ability of a process to produce specified outputs.

Efficiency(ibid, 10) is a measure of the ability of a process to produce more outputs from the same inputs.

Records appraisal(ibid,4) is the process of determining the value of records for further use, for whatever purpose, and the length of time for which that value will continue. Also known as evaluation, review or selection.

Records continuum concept is, according to the Australian Standard 4390 (www.archives.sa.gov.au/files/management-standard.ARM.pdf) “…a consistent and coherent regime of management processes from the time of the creation of records [and before creation, in the design of records keeping systems] through the preservation and use of records and archives.”

Records life-cycle theory is according to the www.businessdictionery.com/definition/life-cycle-of-a-record.htmlthe records life-cycle theory is a document and records management concept that all records pass through three distinct stages of (1) creation, (2) use and maintenance, and(3) disposition or disposal

Records management policy is a formal policy the general administrative management concerned with achieving economy and efficiency in the creation, use and maintenance, and disposition of records.http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/eng./curation/CMAC Glossary.html

1.10 Scope of the study

The study seeks to assess the extent to which records management practices are contributing to the effectiveness and efficiency of the NUST Department of Physical Planning Works and Estates.

1.11 Limitations of the study

The major limitations to the study are time, money and the availability of respondents to answer survey questions.

1.12Summary

The background section explained the mandate of the NUST Department of Works and how records are generated. The section went on to explain that the researcher wanted to find a solution to the problems faced by the department as one of the reasons which motivated him to embark on this study. Before embarking on the research study the researcher assumed that records were not appraised or disposed at the Works Department which may lead to clogging of offices and storerooms. The scope of the study was explained as to assess the extent to which records management practices were aiding the effectiveness and efficiency of the NUST Department of Works while the aims and objectives were to establish strategies used to manage records in the NUST Department of Physical Planning Works and Estates and to explore methods used to preserve and conserve the department’s vital records among just to mention a few.

EFFECT OF RECORD MANAGEMENT ON EFFICIENCY OF OFFICE MANAGERS

(A Survey Study of some selected Organizations in Kaduna Metropolis)

ABSTRACT

This study intends to look at “The effect of record management on office mangers efficiency”. Specifically, the study investigated the concepts, process, types, theories, and factors affecting office manager’s productivity. A population of 120 employees comprising of executives and office professionals drawn from the organizations under study formed the respondents of the study. Questionnaires being a more reliable instrument for data collection were used to collect data from the respondents. Some recommendations were made from the findings from the research revealed that organizations should train their staffs on the nitty-gritty of record management the findings also recommended that organizations should try and equip and update their record management department. Summary and conclusion were made based on the findings.

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

The ability of any office managers to keep and preserve its organizational records properly determines the success of that organization. According to Harding (1990) record keeping entails the processing, arranging and storing of records so that they can be located when required.

Records are very important to the organization; there-by the adherence to the strict rules governing the keeping of it by the officer or staff in charge in an organization is important. According to Reinhold and Carl (1963) the secret behind a successful organization is record keeping.

Record keeping refers to the keeping in safe custody all document in the office. Azuka (1990) defines Record keeping as a systematic arrangement and keeping of business correspondence and Record so that they may be found and delivered when needed for future reference. Any organization where records of transactions are not kept stand a great chance of collapsing.

Organization be it traditional or modern do have a role to play before their goals could be achieved. The realization of these goals depend heavily on the ability of the office manager to discharge his roles decisively and extensively. It is not out of place to conclude that record management constitute a fundamental part of the activities of all office managers; which must be pursued rigorously to provide promising solution to storage and retrieval problems.

Record Keeping originates from early men who wrote on stones and waves in causes for the future. These records were in form of drawing and writing of languages on the walls.

Civilization brought about the inventions of writing on paper as a better means of living and keeping of information. The urge to keep these records safe from destruction brought about the need to create storage equipment, which will safeguard these documents from being destroyed. So different form of record management were developed from the simple method of storage to the sophisticated method, from simple auxiliary filing of record to the more advanced micro filing of record.

Record management is very essential, most organizational managers depend on records, whether in Private or Government offices where invoice, teller, memorandum, report, cheques, vouchers, and so many other things are found for decision making and other managerial responsibilities. These records are stored under different heading and kept for further usage. The act of record keeping is mainly used to educate and pass on this information to those who need it.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the overwhelming benefit from record keeping in the organization, managers are still finding it difficult to record properly. Many managers are yet to keep pace with the challenges posed by improper record management in the organization. This consequently has resulted to loss in terms of money, time and energy. The time taken when searching for a file or document can result into loss of hours and cause set back to the organization. Therefore the need to keep proper record by managers will not only save time but also save cost to the organization. It is based on this premise that the researchers seek to carry out this study.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The general objective of the study is to find out the possible impact of poor records to an organizational manager’s overall efficiency. Specifically the study intends to find out the following:

To determine how record management affect the organizational productivity.
To find out how records management affect office managers efficiency.
To find out whether the records management contributes to saving of labour, cost and time of the office manager.
To ascertain the strategies for proper record management that brings about efficiency.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions were formulated to guide the study:

1. How does record management affect organizational productivity?

2. How does record management affect office manager efficiency?

3. How dose records management contributes to saving of labour, cost and time of the office manager?

4. Where are the strategies of record management that brings about efficiency in the system?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study would be of immense benefit to office managers, student and future research alike.

Office managers – the office managers will benefit much from this study as the findings in this study would provide them with information on how to put records into files and store properly for easy retrieval.
Clerical staffs – the findings in the study would provide information to clerical staffs on how to store information into files, folders and then cabinets for easy retrieval and movement of correspondence and easy identification.
Students – students would benefit from the findings of this research work as they would be used for reference proposes.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This research work covers the various records keeping method and filing equipment used for proper record management other areas includes; record management as it affects organizational productivity, record management and managers’ efficiency and strategies for proper record management.

1.7 Limitation of the Study

First, time was not in favour of the study as the entire work was undertaken alongside other academic activities.

Secondly, the researchers suffered during the collection of data as many call-backs where made before a sizeable number of questionnaires were collected back for analysis.

Furthermore, finance was another obstacle during the course of this research work because there was insufficient money available for typing of questionnaires; photocopying, sourcing for materials through the internet and transporting to enable the researchers move around during the course of this study.

Lastly, the researchers could not get hold of sufficient research materials in relation to the topic in order to cover a wider area of the study.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Effects – A change of something that causes a result

Efficiency – Quality of doing something, well with no waste of time or money

Office – Building used as a place of business especially for cereal administrative work.

Organization – A group of people who form a business, club etc. together in order to achieve a particular aim.

Management – The act of running and controlling a business or smaller organization

Manager – The person who leads a department

Preservation – To keep or maintain in an in changed or perfect condition

Retrieval – find again or extracts stored information

Storage – Kept ready for future use.

EFFECT OF PROPER RECORDS MANAGEMENT ON WORKERS’ PRODUCTIVITY

ABSTRACT

This study intends to look at “The effect of record management on workers’ productivity in an organization”. Specifically, the study investigated the concepts of record management, process, types, theories on record management, and factors affecting workers productivity. A population of 120 employees comprising of executives and office professionals drawn from the organizations under study formed the respondents of the study. Questionnaires being a more reliable instrument for data collection were used to collect data from the respondents. Some recommendations were made from the findings from the research revealed that proper record management have significant effect on workers productivity, thus the organizations should train their staffs on the nitty-gritty of record management and organizations should try and equip and update their record management. Summary and conclusion were made based on the findings.

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

1.1 BackgroundofStudy

Record Keeping originates from early men who wrote on stones and waves in causes for the future. These records were in form of drawing and writing of languages on the walls.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

1.3 Objective of the Study

The general objective of the study is to find out the possible effects of proper records management on workers’ productivity in an organization. Specifically the study intends to find out the following:

To determine how record management affect the organizational productivity.
To find out how records management affect workers efficiency.
To find out whether the records management contributes to saving of labour, cost and time of the office manager.
To ascertain the strategies for proper record management that brings about efficiency.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions were formulated to guide the study:

1. How does record management affect organizational productivity?

2. How does record management affect workers efficiency?

3. How dose records management contributes to saving of labour, cost and time of the office manager?

4. Where are the strategies of record management that brings about efficiency in the system?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study would be of immense benefit to office managers, student and future research alike.

Office managers – the office managers will benefit much from this study as the findings in this study would provide them with information on how to put records into files and store properly for easy retrieval.
Clerical staffs – the findings in the study would provide information to clerical staffs on how to store information into files, folders and then cabinets for easy retrieval and movement of correspondence and easy identification.
Students – students would benefit from the findings of this research work as they would be used for reference proposes.

1.6 Scope of the Study

1.7 Limitation of the Study

First, time was not in favour of the study as the entire work was undertaken alongside other academic activities.

Secondly, the researchers suffered during the collection of data as many call-backs where made before a sizeable number of questionnaires were collected back for analysis.

Lastly, the researchers could not get hold of sufficient research materials in relation to the topic in order to cover a wider area of the study.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Effects – A change of something that causes a result

Efficiency – Quality of doing something, well with no waste of time or money

Office – Building used as a place of business especially for cereal administrative work.

Organization – A group of people who form a business, club etc. together in order to achieve a particular aim.

Management – The act of running and controlling a business or smaller organization

Manager – The person who leads a department

Preservation – To keep or maintain in an in changed or perfect condition

Retrieval – find again or extracts stored information

Storage – Kept ready for future use.

THE IMPACT OF THE COST OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ON REAL ESTATE VALUES

ABSTRACT

This study examines the impact of the cost of construction materials on real estate value with particular reference to commercial properties in Makurdi. In attempt to achieve this aim, the researcher identify the impact of the cost of construction materials on real estate value, evaluate factors affecting cost of construction materials in the study area, identify the causes and effects of high cost of construction on real estate values and proffer solutions on how to minimize cost of construction materials in the study area. The research adopted the survey design which offers the opportunity to gather information through the use of questionnaires, personal interview and observation. A structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents which comprise the tenants/landlords of Tonimas and Eje Plaza. Data were presented and analysed using simple statistical tools. The study revealed that the there is a steady increase in the cost of construction materials and that this increasing cost have a significant effects on real estate value. The research also shows that majority of the construction carried out used a combination of locally and foreign sourced building materials while others construction work sole depends on foreign sourced or imported building materials which mostly result in higher construction cost. The study recommends that the government policy on production of building material should be enhance to ensure that building material are readily available for use. Research and development into local building materials should be encouraged by the government, fund should be provided for such research in the fiscal budget.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The first stage of the construction project cycle is the understanding of what the scope and requirement is and how it can be satisfied. This includes deciding on the size, materials, quality of facility required, and project management technique with high profile and certified professionals (contractors) experience skilled and unskilled labour. The cost benefit analysis is the prerequisite for all development projects.

Globally, the construction sector is inundated with high cost in the delivery of building projects. This experience has brought about loss of clients’ confidence in consultants, added investment risks, lack of ability to deliver value to clients, and disinvestment in the construction industry (Mbachu and Nkado, 2004). It is of essence that the objectives of a building contract are met to the contentment of the parties involved. Cost, time and quality are significant, interrelated and interdependent targets for achieving the objectives/goals expected of project construction (Ashworth, 1999, Gould, 2002). Thus, it is crucial to keep up a proper balance between the three so that project outputs are realised on time, within the financial plan and with the requisite quality (Akinsola and Potts, 1998). However, it is an admitted fact that in Nigeria, the majority of construction suffer undue time extensions and /or additional cost to the client and /or inadequate quality of work (Oluwole, 2008b).

High cost of construction can be either avoidable or unavoidable. High construction cost due to design plan or project management problems are avoidable because they could have reasonably been foreseen and prevented (Shanmugam et al., 2006). However, there are some unavoidable costs such as those due to unanticipated events which cannot reasonably be prevented. Construction cost may add value to projects when extra work is done with the intention of producing a better output. High cost may also add value when they involve work that was omitted from design plans but clearly needed to be done. However, some high cost may not add value and represent wasted money if they do not result in a better product.

Construction cost of a project refers to the actual ‘actual cost incurred’ to the client during construction of a building project (Janaka, 1992). Higher construction is the difference between the value originally envisaged for the project and the value reflected in the final certificate. Higher cost occurs from overspending the allowances, making changes and encountering unforeseen problems. Proper planning can greatly reduce cost overruns.

The growing need for construction of all types coupled with a tight monetary supply has provided the construction industry with a big challenge to cut cost.

According to Mendelson and Greenfield (1996) the remaining part of the twentieth century would involve corporations, institutions and government in a race to survive. The attendant dwindling economic fortune of nations economies around the World have geared up the participant in these sectors (the client in particular) to take up the challenge of ensuring efficient use of their resources to obtain value for money in terms of performance.

The total cost of construction in normal circumstances is expected to be the sum of the following cost: Materials, Labour, Site Overheads, Equipment/Plant, Head office Cost and Profit but in many parts of the world particularly in Nigeria, there are other costs to be allowed for.

The construction cost of a building project is always a primary concern for the vast majority of construction clients/owners. Cost is said to have a direct relationship with quality which can also be expressed by a popular saying ‘you get what you pay for.’ There’s also a popular quote by John Ruskin that says ‘it is unwise to pay too much, but it is worse to pay too little’. Regardless of Ruskin’s advice, cost is a critical factor in most building projects as some owners will always seek a low price. Low price and maximum price competition, however, often have negative impacts on quality standards and achieving best value for money overall.

Managing building costs is a challenging task for a design team, as well as for construction managers, contractors and consultants. Owners would often demand that their design and construction teams respect their financial and economic objectives and that they control costs during project delivery. This expectation is found in both the public and the private sectors in all client industries, locations, and financial situations. Owners expect that a budget prepared early in a project would be accurate and that the project will be completed to the required scope, quality and performance within that budget. The research will appraise the impact of construction cost on quality value of commercial properties in Makurdi.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The demand for more construction of all types, coupled with a tight monetary supply has provided the construction industry with a big challenge to cut costs. The problem of high contract costs of all aspects of construction is becoming obvious. Consequently, substantial increases are being observed in projects. This substantial increase has brought about loss of client confidence in consultants, added investment risks, inability to deliver value to clients, and disinvestment in the construction industry, the aforementioned scenario necessitate this research to examine the impact of the cost of construction materials on real estate value.

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study is to find out the impact of the cost of construction materials on real estate value.

The objectives of the study are as follows:

To identify the impact of the cost of construction materials on real estate value
To evaluate factors affecting cost of construction materials in the study area.
To identify the causes and effects of high cost of construction on real estate values
To proffer solutions on how to minimize cost of construction materials in the study area.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following research questions shall guide the researcher towards achieving the aim and objective of the study:

What are the impact of the cost of construction materials on real estate value?
What are the factors affecting cost of construction materials in the study area?
What are the causes and effects of high cost of construction on real estate values?
What are the solutions on how to minimize cost of construction materials in the study area.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The result of the this research “impact of the cost of construction material on real estate value” would enable Clients, Contractors, Consultants and Estate Valuers give an economic approach to construction work such that they would be able to identify the dominating factors leading to high construction cost in Nigeria.

The application of the solutions proffered to minimizing construction cost would restore client’s confidence in consultants, reduce investment risks, and generally boost the viability and sustainability of commercial property in real estate market in Makurdi and Nigeria at large.

The research contributes to the wealth of knowledge thus, will serve as a research material for researcher / students who are interested in study the impact of rising cost of construction on quality and value of commercial property.

1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The scope of this research is limited to identification of the impact of cost of construction materials on quality and rental value of commercial properties in Nigeria with a particular interest in Makurdi town. The study is limited to commercial properties in the Makurdi town because there is easy access of information in Makurdi by the researcher.

LIMITATIONS

A study of this nature cannot be done without some problems and as such it was considered by many factors namely time, finance and data.

Time factor was the major constrain couple with multiplicity of other classroom work and lecture requirement were a set back to the research.
Un-cooperating attitude of some respondents as they were busy to attend to the researcher.
In accessibility of adequate information from research respondent due to illiteracy among them, some find it difficult to understand some question they were asked.
Finance was also a limiting factor in the course of the research.

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Cost: Oxford Advance Learner’s Dictionary (6th edition) define it as the amount of money that you need in order to buy, make or do something.

Building: Business dictionary define building as the permanent or temporary structure enclosed within the exterior walls and roof.

Materials: English oxford dictionaries define materials as the substance of which a thing is composed or made.

Building Materials: this is any material which is used for construction purposes.

Property: a thing or things belonging to someone; possessions collectively.

Development: this is a process of developing or being developed.

Property Development (The Collins English Dictionary,2014): the business of buying land and buildings and then making improvements to them so that their selling price exceeds the price paid for them.

Commercial Property: The term commercial property (also called commercial real estate, investment or income property) refers to buildings or land intended to generate a profit, either from capital gain or rental income.

1.8 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY AREA

Makurdi is the capital of the state Benue in Nigeria. The city is located in central Nigeria along the Benue River and holds the base for the Nigerian Air Force’s MiG 21 and SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft squadrons. As of 2007, Makurdi had an estimated population of 500,797. The major ethnic groups are the Tiv, Idoma and Igede. Makurdi is home to Benue State University and the Federal University of Agriculture.

Makurdi is located on the banks of Benue River, a major tributary of the Niger River. It is also located on the main narrow gauge railway line running north from Port Harcourt, although this is not currently working. There are regular bus services linking Makurdi to neighbouring towns.

Makurdi is the Capital of Benue State, it was established in the 20^th century, and its total population was recorded to be 300,377 in 2006. Starting from 1927, Makurdi started gaining popularity however, in 1976; the town became the capital of Benue State even until now. Makurdi is essentially an administrative centre with very limited industrialization occurring in it. River Benue divides the town into north bank and south bank. Two bridges further connect both the north and south banks to each other: the railway bridge which was constructed in 1932, and the new dual carriage bridge was constructed in 1978. Makurdi is a colonial town Just like Jos City, it was developed during the colonial period; initially, the capital of Benue province was not Makurdi, it was somewhere toward Gboko. According to Daniel Otega, (A rural geography coordinator on the History of Makurdi )“ A rich migrant once settled very close to the river Benue Bank, he was surrounded by local villagers who did not have knowledge about monetary value. This man was the only person who had access to money at that time and he was very rich, for the reason, the villagers usually come to him to collect money and then exchange it with other goods. Since then, they started calling him “mme- kurdi” which later became the name of the town “Ma-kurdi”, pronounced as Makurdi until today.

Location

Markurdi is located on the south bank of River Benue, where the railway line running from Port Harcourt stretches to the present government house, which was formally a residence for majority of engineers working there. The geographical coordinates of Markurdi town are 7⁰ 44¹0”N, 8⁰ 32¹0”E.

Transportation

Roads, railway, water and air are the common means of transportation routes that connect to Makurdi town with other towns and states; the major north route is the straight road that links Makurdi, Lafia and Jos Plateau road. The south routes are linked by Makurdi, Otukpo, Enugu, Yandev, Adikpo and Calabar roads. This Makurdi Rail Bridge provides the only rail link between the northern and eastern parts of Nigeria; though the railway is not currently working, it used to serve as a port from which goods, including locally grown sesame seeds and cotton were transported to Lagos State and to the Niger River delta ports.

Makurdi Airport has the Nigerian Airways and other private airlines provide air links between Makurdi and the rest of the country. The beautiful beaches of River Benue can be exploited to provide good sites for relaxation. The river itself provides tourist opportunities for fishing, boating swimming and scientific research. The Makurdi Moratorium that houses a variety of animals including some rare species also serves as another feature of tourist attraction.

Urban growth

In 1984, an industrial estate was built to provide urbanization with facilities and road networks; there was an establishment of coca cola deport and Benue State breweries along Gboko road. In 982 Agro mining food processing unit owned by a private individual for mining of rice was also created in Markurdi hence, there are printing press, small-scale industries, beautiful science, high commercial activities, hotels, banks, hospitals and recreational centres all over Makurdi town. Some institutions also exist such as Benue State University, Fidei polytechnic, Federal University of Agriculture, University of Mkar, and Benue State Polytechnic etc.

Makurdi is the biggest urban centre in Benue State, the present Makurdi has grown up to 348,990 in number, and other towns found in Benue were formed in the late 20^th Century, which means that there is no town that is more than 100 years. There is an expansion of urbanisation, which has attracted administrative staff and population increase hence, native authority has gain popularity due to the growth of Makurdi town. There is a major development of new towns which were not there before on the way that leads to Gboko toward PKO, the southern parts is fast developing , while the northern parts is not as developed as the southern parts. The Jukun are the predominant settlers in the north bank, on the hills that used to be the colonial residence towards where the government house is presently located. When viewing the landscape, you can see that Makurdi is just like Garden city, the trees are lavishly planted to modify the micro climate of this area, but the low lying area of this town are covered with flood.

Economic activities

Generally, Benue State is known as an agricultural catchment area, it cultivates more of cash crops, fruit crops and food crops hence, it is commonly called “The food Basket of the Nation”. This rich attributes can easily be noticed while traveling from Jos to Benue State. In addition, the State logo and other physical features give important insight on the type of occupations that the state is dealing with.

Climate and Vegetation

Based on Koppen’s Scheme of Classification, Benue State lies within the AW Climate and experiences two distinct seasons, the wet/rainy season and the dry/summer season. The rainy season lasts from April to October with annual rainfall in the range of 100-200mm. The dry season begins in November and ends in March. Temperatures fluctuate between 23 – 37 degrees Celsius in the year. The south-eastern part of the state adjoining the Obudu-Cameroun mountain range, however, has a cooler climate similar to that of the Jos Plateau.

The vegetation of the State consists of rain forests which have tall trees, tall grasses and oil palm trees that occupy the state’s western and southern fringes while the Guinea savannah is found in the eastern and northern parts with mixed grasses and trees that are generally of average height.

Benue’s topography is mainly undulating plains with occasional elevations of between 1,500m and 3,000m above sea level. The state’s main geologic formations are sandy-loam shelf basement complex and alluvial plains. These together with its location in the transition belt between the north and south ecologies and a favourable rainfall pattern account for its support for a wide variety of crops.

Wednesday, 2 February 2022

AN EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF PRIVATE PROPERTY DEVELOPER IN THE PROVISION RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION

(A CASE STUDY OF LOKOJA KOGI STATE)

ABSTRACT

This project is an attempt to evaluate the role of private estate developers in the provision of residential accommodation (A case study of Lokoja, Kogi State). The specific objectives of this study is to evaluate how private property developers have achieve a sustainable approach of providing residential accommodation to the residence of Lokoja and identify the means of facilitating provision of residential accommodation by private estate developer in the study area. The literature reviews makes concerted effort to review past literatures on the research topic which covers concept of residential property, the current housing delivery approach in Nigeria, the rationale for private sector involvement in housing delivery in Nigeria, major private actors in urban housing provision in Nigeria and impact of private estate developer in the provision of residential accommodation. Survey design was adopted for data collections, this enable the research to make use personal observation, interviews and questionnaire to gather relevant data for the purpose of the study. Data were presented and analyse using tables, percentages and descriptive statistics. The findings of the study reveals that private property developers play significant roles in the provision of residential accommodation which mostly achieved through mortgage financing and public private partnership. Based on the research findings the research recommends that the government should create enabling policy, provision of land and financing which will enhance the effectiveness of private estate developers in the provision of residential accommodation in Lokoja – Kogi State and Nigeria at large.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Housing represents one of the most basic human needs and has a profound impact on the health, welfare, social attitudes and economic productivity of the individual. It is also one of the best indications of a person’s standard of living and of his or her place in society. Despite this essential role played by housing as a basic need, an adequate supply of this commodity has been lacking in virtually all societies throughout history. The situation is particularly serious in the developing countries where population growth and urbanization are increasing very rapidly and where the gap between housing need and supply is greatest. This condition remains because housing has typically been regarded as an unwanted stepchild, a frustrating nuisance in the family of projects that constitutes development or economic programmes. Paradoxically, past theories of economic development regarded housing as a non-productive, durable consumption good or service with an extremely high capital output ratio. Nigeria belongs to the category of countries where the above conditions prevail. (UN-HABITAT, 2006).

Availability of decent and affordable housing has been inadequate in virtually all places and almost throughout history. This is more pronounced in developing countries where rapid rate of population growth and urbanization is unmatched by corresponding and commensurate change in social, economic and technological development. (Mabogunje, 1978). Thus, this phenomenal rise in population, spontaneous increase in the number and size of most Nigerian cities have in the past few decades led to acute shortage of decent and affordable dwelling units. The outcomes of this developmental process are diverse urban problems ranging from overcrowding, deplorable environment, poor living conditions, inadequate and poor infrastructural services, homelessness and other related problems (Federal Government of Nigeria, 2004; Olotuah and Ajenifujah, 2009; Jiboye, 2009).

In many countries the private sector plays an important role in housing development. It constructs housing either for sale or rent for different income groups. The private sector should participate in the construction of housing for all categories of the population either for sale or rent, manufacturing and supply of building materials in the housing construction sector, infrastructure development for human settlements and encourage members of communities to improve their living environment through community participation in projects.

In Nigeria a number of efforts have been mustered to solve the housing problem; from the most discernable and debut of the Lagos Executive Development Board (LEDB) in 1928 till now, a satisfactory level have not been achieved. The achievement from the changing finance mechanisms, material and construction technology development, delivery mechanism etc over the years is minimal and therefore calls for deeper and wider thought towards means that is all-embracing, meets other societal needs yet accelerating the enormous task of housing the nation’s teeming population (Bayode, 2008).

The housing sector plays a more crucial role in the country’s welfare as it directly affects not only the well-being of the citizenry, but also the performance of other sectors of the economy. In recognition of this, the Nigerian government has over the years initiated policies and programmes to address the housing challenges, but with little/no success. Experts have put the housing shortage in Nigeria as at 2005 at between 12million to 14 million (Adejumo, 2008: Oluwaluyi, 2008). According to Babade (2007), to adequately house the urban population in Nigeria, a conservative figure of 409,227 housing units should have been constructed in 1990. Due to neglect, the figure rose to 783,042 units in 1995; 1,333,176 units in the year 2000; 1,543,318 units in 2003 and 2,171,603 units in 2010. This is serious considering the poor showing of the housing sector.

Sustainable housing provision is the gradual, continual and replicable process of meeting the housing needs of the populace, the vast majority of who are poor and are incapable of providing adequately for themselves. It ensures housing strategies that are stable and are not subject to changes in the political circumstances of the country.

Sustainable housing provision requires proper definition of housing needs, and the participation of the private sector. The private sector faces a number of difficulties in housing provision, which hampers it in large-scale construction. Housing provision is enormously costly and the private sector, which is essentially profit-driven, cannot be expected to produce a socially optimum output with adequacy in quantity and standards, neither can it allocate housing resources equitably. This is due to distinct peculiarities of housing such as its heterogeneous nature, high production costs relative to income, high transaction costs and low elasticity of supply.

This study in the light of the various discourses made about housing matter, has attempted to critically evaluate the role of private estate development in the provision of affordable housing without government direct participation.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The pooled effect of high population upsurge and urbanization in a declining economy has thrown Nigeria into serious housing problems. Ironically, the low-income groups who constitute the majority in the Nigerian society are the most affected by the finance menace. The problems of housing shortage grow worse by the day in many developing nations including Nigeria. Conceivably, a major trait of housing crisis notable in urban centers in most developing nations is that of inadequate supply relative to demand (Olotuah, 2000). Despite the housing situation in Abuja and other states of the federation, residents make out ways to survive like in most cities of the world where residents are plagued by inadequate housing. Furthermore, private developers as a compassionate housing providers performance need to be compare whether they are performing to the much expectation of residents in their need of housing supply. It is on this premise that the research seeks to evaluate the role of private property developers in the provision of affordable residential accommodation in Lokoja, Kogi State.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this project is to evaluate the role of private property developer in the provision of residential accommodation with a particular interest in Lokoja the Kogi State capital.

To achieve this aim, the following specific objectives shall be pursued:

To evaluate how private property developer have achieve a sustainable approach of providing residential accommodation to the residence of Lokoja
To identify the means of facilitating affordable residential accommodation by private estate developer in the study area
To evaluate the role of private property developers in the provision of affordable residential accommodation.
To assess the likely constraints limiting performance of private property developer in the study area.

1.4 Research questions

The researcher shall find answers to the following research questions as it will serve as a guide towards achieving the aim and objectives of this research.

How have private property developers achieve sustainable approach towards providing residential accommodation to the residents of Lokoja?
What are the means to facilitate affordable residential accommodation by private estate development in Lokoja?
What are the role of private property developers in the provision of residential accommodation?
What are the possible constraints limiting the performance of private property developer in the study area?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The study will reflect Housing provisions and its adequacy as the key issues in the survival of man. This will be a awaken call to improved performance of private developers to strength further in the provision housing stocks within the Nigeria, as such It also provides the rationale for developing an effective housing policy framework towards achieving sustainable urban development in Nigeria. In concluding, the research posits that existing policy framework guiding sustainable housing and urban development must be made relevant and effective in addressing both the present and future housing needs.

Empirically, this study is an evaluation of the role of private estate developer in the provision of residential accommodation in Lokoja. The results of this study will help the policy-makers and executors to know the relevance of private estate developers in the provision of affordable housing so as to avoid the pitfalls or gray areas inherent in partnering and providing enabling environment for their effective operation.

Theoretically, the study will serve as a contribution to knowledge regarding the contribution of the role of private estate developer in the provision of residential accommodation as a viable option for housing delivery in Nigeria and Lokoja in particular. More so, it serves as a reference material for administrators and policy-makers at all levels of government.

1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study

In terms of scope, the study will evaluate the role of private property developers in the provision of residential accommodation. Due to limited time and resources the study will cover the contribution of other private estate developers in the study area. The study will examine in details the dominant issues of private estate development as an option for housing delivery in Abuja.

Limitations

The study of this magnitude cannot be completed successfully without the researcher encountering some constraints or limitations. Therefore, this work will not pretend to be containing all holistic information on the role of private estate development in the provision of affordable housing in Abuja, rather it will endeavour to highlight the dominants issues on the justifications and challenges of private estate developers as an option for affordable housing delivery in Lokoja.

The major limitations includes: paucity of data or near absence of reliable data on the theme of the study, especially in hard copies, being a novel public management strategy in Nigeria.

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

Private: According to business dictionary private is any tangible and intangible things owned by individuals or firms over which their owners have exclusive and absolute legal rights, such as land, buildings, money, copyrights, patents, etc.

Estate: According to Merriam Webster an estate is the degree, quality, nature, and extent of one’s interest in land or other property.

Housing: According to Business.com online dictionary, housing is a building or structures that individuals and their family may live in that meet certain federal regulations. Different housing situations vary for individuals and may depend on age, family, and geographic location.

Property: According to Dictionary.com property is anything that a person or business has legal title over. Property can be either tangible or intangible, and having legal title to it grants the owner certain enforceable rights. Typical examples of a tangible property include real estate, also known as real property, vehicles, furniture, and equipment.

Tuesday, 1 February 2022

INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF GLUTAMINE AND GLUTATHIONE ON THE SELF LIFE OF KUNU ACHA

ABSTRACT

Acha (Digiteriaexilis and DigiteriaIburua) is a cereal crop which is grown across West Africa countries, is specified in Nigeria as an oldest crop. The grains are rich in methionine, an essential amino acid that is lacking in many major cereals. Acha is processed into Kunu (KunuAcha),which is a traditional non-alcoholic beverage widely consumed in the Northern parts of Nigeria especially during the dry season. There are many other types of kunuAcha which includes:Kununzaki, Kunungyada, Kununakamu, Kununtsamiya, Kununbaule, Kununjiko, Amshau and Kunungayamba. Generally, the shelf life of the above listed kunu including kunuAcha is two or three days. The effect of the biochemical preservatives used (glutamine and glutathione) is to increase the shelf life of kunuAcha. These preservatives limit the growth of microbes which contribute to the spoilage of nonalcoholic beverageskunuAcha. From the result showed, 0.5g of glutamine and 4.5 of glutathione in 340g of kunuAcha has the lowest microbial loads.The preservatives even though show effectiveness in limiting the growth of all the microbes analysed in the kunuAcha, the effect is much seen in the control of Sacrina by eliminating it completely and limit other species.The least effect of glutamine and glutathione in controlling the growth of microbes is seen in Bacilli specie growth.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Digitariaexilis and DigitariaIburua which is also knownwith other names such as Fonio, Findi, Fundi, Pom, and Kabug, in different West Africancountries and Acha in Nigeria has been reported as the oldest West African cereal (NRC, 1996). Annualproduction in West Africa, grown on about 380,000ha, is estimated to be about250, 000tons (Cruz, 2004). In Nigeria, annual yields of 3,098 metric tons, 112,000mtand 126,000mt have been reported (Abdullahi and Luka, 2003). The two Achaspecies,Digitariaexilisand DigitariaIburua grains are rich in methionine, an essential amino acid that is lacking in manymajor cereals (Temple and Bassa, 1991). The diets have relatively low free sugar and lowglycemic content and this makes it adequate as a suggested diet of diabetic patients.

1.1 Background of the Study

Acha is processed into Kunu (KunuAcha),which is a traditional non-alcoholic fermented beverage widely consumed in the Northern parts of Nigeria especially during the dry season (Temple and Bassa, 1991).Other types of Kunun processed and consumed in Nigeria includes; Kununzaki, Kunungyada, Kununakamu, Kununtsamiya, Kununbaule, Kununjiko, Amshau and Kunungayamba. Much research had been done on other types of KunuZaki and none has been done on KununAcha (Fonio) which is what agitated this research or investigation on the shelf life of the Kunu (Acha) using preservatives glutamine (GA) and glutathione (GT)

Statement of the Problem
Deterioration of KunuAcha starts fromtwo to three days after production,thusthe necessity to extend the shelf life for commercial production and economic enhancement cannot be over emphasized.
KununAcha also serves as an alternative food beverages for diabetes patient because of its low sugar contents.
The spent, Glutamine and Glutathione used as preservatives in the kunuAcha can lead to neural improvement and reduction of toxicity in human body. (www.benefitsofGlutamine.mobi )
1. Scope of the Work/Study

This project work focuses onproduction of KunuAcha and investigation of the effect of glutathione/glutamine on the shelf life of KunuAcha.

Aims and Objectives of the study

The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of glutathione/glutamine on the shelf life of KunuAcha through the following objectives:

Production of KunuAcha.
Variation of independent variables (concentration of glutamine/ glutathione) on fixed quantity of kunuAcha.
Measurement of the microbes in the controls and the treated samples.
Comparing and contrasting the effect of the preservatives in the treated samples and that of the controls.

Significance of the Study

The outcome of this project can lead to the commercial production of KunuAcha beverages which can also lead to commercial production of the crop. This can enhance economic wellbeing of Acha farmers, and also a very stable and available and affordable beverage.

Research Question
Can KunuAcha be produced and preserved using GA/GT?
At what ratio can GA/GT be added into Kunu to preserve without deterioration?
To what extend can the shelf life be maintained using Glutamine and Glutathione as preservatives?
1. Definition of Terms

For better understanding of the project work some terms need to be defined. The following gives the definition of some terms as used in the project.

Acha (Fonio): is term for two cultivated grains in the DigetariaGenuswhich are notable crops in Africa.
Kunu: is a traditional non-alcoholic fermented beveragewidely consumed in the Northern parts of Nigeria especiallyduring the dry season.
Preservatives: these are substance or chemicals used or added to products such as food, beverages and pharmaceuticals drugs etc.
Glutamine: is the most prevalentamino acid in the bloodstream and becausehuman cells readily synthesize it. It is found in high concentration in skeletal muscle, lung, liver, brain, and stomach tissue. When taken orally, has no side effect.
Glutathione: (the mother of all antioxidant) this is an antioxidant for detoxification, immune health in human body with no significant promise of dietary supplements.

Health benefits of Glutamine/Glutathione
Glutamine helps maintain cell volumes and hydration, speeding up wound and burn healing and recovery
Glutathione serve as immune booster, for body builders,
Glutamine is a primary energy source for immune system.
Glutamine can also cure ulcer! Studies have found that 1.6 grams of glutamine a day had a 92% cure rate of cancer.
Glutathione helps to clear neural problems and also reduce the toxicity of food and beverages drink or beer.
Glutamine is one of the important nutrient for intestine, it has the ability to repair a leaky gut by maintaining the structural integrity of the bowels.

Pages

Friday, 4 February 2022

COMPUTERIZED BURSARY MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

RECORDS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

EVALUATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF A PROFESSIONAL SECRETARY AND A COMPUTER OPERATOR IN AN ORGANIZATION

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL WORKS PLANNING AND ESTATES

EFFECT OF RECORD MANAGEMENT ON EFFICIENCY OF OFFICE MANAGERS

(A Survey Study of some selected Organizations in Kaduna Metropolis)

EFFECT OF PROPER RECORDS MANAGEMENT ON WORKERS’ PRODUCTIVITY

THE IMPACT OF THE COST OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ON REAL ESTATE VALUES

Transportation

Urban growth

Economic activities

Wednesday, 2 February 2022

AN EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF PRIVATE PROPERTY DEVELOPER IN THE PROVISION RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION

Tuesday, 1 February 2022

INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF GLUTAMINE AND GLUTATHIONE ON THE SELF LIFE OF KUNU ACHA