IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON BANK OPERATIONS IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC)
ABSTRACT
In any organization, there is no doubt that information technologies are the bedrock behind every operation success in terms of productivity and efficiency. In this project, the study is divided into five chapters. In chapter one, we present the introduction of the study, background of the study, statement of the problem, research questions, purpose of the study and significance of the study. Also, in the chapter, certain limitations encountered on the field of study were explained. Chapter two documents the literature reviewed in the course of the study. This chapter contains such items like historical background and theoretical framework of information technology on banks operations towards achieving effectiveness and efficiency. In chapter three, we documented the methodology adopted in this study, the research design, study population, sample and sampling techniques and data collection instrument. The validity and reliability of the research instrument used were also explained. The chapter four contains the data analysis and presentation while the chapter five concluded the study.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Information is unique and vital to the health of banks in Nigeria, if properly receive and manage effectively and efficiently through information management system in an organization. With the end of colonialism, the newly independent states had expected to compete in the new world order. Eliminating colonial dependence was held as the key to banishing backwardness and speeding up economic growth and development through banks. These dreams have remained largely unfulfilled. The economic gap between the industrially developed and the developing countries of the world continues to widen due to lack of information technology system in the country. The resulting frustrations have emerged as unprecedented unrest and acute technological problems.
In today’s world all aspects of economic development have witnessed and experienced the touch of information technology rapid changes are taking place in technological advancement, perhaps more than in any other field of human activity. Up till now, developing countries have only paid up services to information technology as a factor of economic development through the banking industry. Hence, the running of the main productive sector of the economy is carried out on the basis of lack of advanced technological equipments. All these have shown that information technology have not directly benefited the industrially advanced nations almost exclusively.
The characteristic of non-development of information technology in poor nations has been the major factor for lack of social and economic progress in the banking sector of the economy. No matter by what channels modern technology reaches developing nation like Nigeria, it is important that it meets the need of economic growth and development. The process by which the information technology of industrially developed countries is made to match the requirements of developing countries has been called adaptive of technology. The adaptation of technology forms and integral part of its transfer to developing countries in this wise government as well as stakeholders in the banking sector have role to play in bringing Nigeria to the fore of information technological development that will enhance economic growth in Nigeria.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS
Modern technology is to a great extent introduced into Nigeria as an integral part of foreign investment, it has not met the desired success. The limits of information technological progress are set by the quality of human resources, the stage of industrial development and the prevailing economic policy frame are problem affecting information technology in Nigeria. Recently in Nigeria, the banking sector witness unexpected turn around by the regulatory body (CBN) which almost led to the closure of some banks in the system due to mismanagement of shareholders and customers money by some of the directors. Hence, poor management of investors and customers funds, inability to keep customers’ information for future use, poor network services, conversion of investors money to personal money by some bank executives and poor customers relationship and orientation were now the order of the day due to lack of information technology in its operations. It is on this note the researchers want to examine the impact of information technology on banks operations in Nigeria using Guaranty Trust Bank Plc as a case study.
1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The following are the purpose of the study:
– To know the impact of information technology on banks operations in Nigeria.
– To know the impact of banks on economic development in Nigeria.
– To know the policies put in place to develop information technology in Nigeria.
– To know the need for information technology on the banking industry.
– To know why the industry is lacking in the area of information technology.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The stated below are the relevant research questions formulated for the study.
1. Do you think information technology system will increase banks efficiency in Nigeria?
2. Do you think the banking industry is lacking in the area of information technology?
3. Do you think bank management in Nigeria is doing enough to improve information technology in the industry?
4. Do you think we need foreign investors to develop information technology in Nigeria?
5. Do you think information technology have any impact on banks operations in Nigeria?
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The research is significant for the following reasons:
a. It would give the researchers the knowledge of banks operations in Nigeria.
b. It would also give the researchers the knowledge of the formulated policies to improve information technology in Nigeria.
c. It would be useful to lectures of higher institutions of learning i.e. university and polytechnics.
d. Students of Business Administration, Banking and Finance and others studying related courses can also benefit from a work of this nature.
e. Information technology would give the researchers the knowledge of how information is been managed in the banking industry.
f. It would generate information useful to financial institutions and investors in the field.
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This research project is limited to the impact of information technology on bank operator in Nigeria using Guaranty Trust Bank as a case study since information must be received and processed into meaningful use for economic growth and development especially in the banking industry.
1.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
Embarking on the work of this nature is a daunting task. The following are the factors which impeded the carrying out of the research as schedule:
a. Finance: Insufficient capital to carry out the research work slow the efficiency of the project writing.
b. Time: The researchers did not really have enough time to gather facts about the research topic.
c. Materials: The non-availability of the needed materials for the work also affects the project writing negatively.
d. Facts: Poor responses to facts disclose by the banks operators and stakeholders in the field also affect the project completion.
1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Information Technology: The study or use of systems (especially computers and telecommunication) for storing, retrieving, and sending information.
Bank: A financial intermediary that creates credit by lending money to a borrower. It’s also a place where money is being deposited for future references.
Mismanagement: The process of not handling something competently.
Shareholder: This is one who legally owns a share of stock in a public or private corporation.
Investment: This is the time, energy or matte spent in the hope of future benefits actualized within a specified date or time frame.
Operation: This is a method or practice by which actions are taken.
Economic Development: This is the quantitative and qualitative changes in the economy.
