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THE ROLE OF ICT IN A DEPRESSED ECONOMY

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1  Background To The Study

Depression is defined as a severe and prolonged recession. A recession is a situation of declining economic activity. Declining economic activity is characterized by falling output and employment levels. Generally, when an economy continues to suffer recession for two or more quarters, it is called depression. The level of productivity in an economy falls significantly during a depression. Both the GDP (gross domestic product) and GNP (gross national product) show a negative growth along with greater business failures and unemployment. Many Developing countries have seen the need for the adoption of ICT and the planned implementation of national ICT strategy as a significant component in the success of ICT efforts to foster rapid national development through greater productivity. The term ICT refers to Information and communication technology which consist of   electronic technologies which facilitate access to information such as the Internet, wireless networks, and cellular phones (WEF, 2012).The effective adoptions of ICT enable the governments to propel rapid productivity gains through different economic sectors in the nation. The governments now view Information and communication technologies as a strategy to enhance rapid national development through ICT-driven productivity gains (Masanet & Matthews, 2010).Consequently the coordinated effort of government is required in this direction to adopt and implement a robust and integrated ICT platform for an effective system of service delivery. (IDB, 2009).  It is important to note that Nigeria requires an integrated ICT agenda to sustain its national developmental expectations (WEF, 2012). The benefits of ICT adoption permeats public sector workplace productivity (Masanet & Matthews, 2010).  Public sector workplace productivity therefore impacts on business efficiencies resulting in resource efficiency, enhanced customer interface, cost control mechanisms, energy savings, and reducing negative environmental effects through using ICT applications (Masanet & Matthews, 2010).Borisov and Barbulescu (2012) postulated the adoption of  the term electronic government which he stated consist of   ICT tools and systems which is       used to access and efficiently deliver public services to all stakeholders .  (Bannister & Wilson, 2011).The adoption of ICT has facilitated easy access and interaction between government and its citizens .Also the development of mobile technologies, new web browsers, social media applications and sites, has provided the government with new tools to enhance the needs of e-government, which facilitate the development of an efficient system to manage public services geared at improving public’s confidence in government services (Borisov & Barbulescu, 2012).The research seek to investigate the role of  ICT in a depressed Economy.
1.2  Statement of the Problem
The advent of   ICT has played significant role in the development of the economy of great nations. This is because of the importance and implementation of ICT strategy in different sector of the economy. However many developing countries are yet to fully adopt and implement ICT   as a significant strategy to national development. The current factor of depression in Nigeria and other developing economy provide an opportunity for the implementation of ICT strategy for the development of the nation. During depression the level of productivity in an economy falls significantly. Both the GDP (gross domestic product) and GNP (gross national product) show a negative growth along with greater business failures and unemployment. Consequently it is believed that the adoption of ICT and the planned implementation of national ICT strategy as a significant component in the success of ICT efforts to foster rapid national development through greater productivity. The term ICT refers to Information and communication technology which consist of   electronic technologies which facilitate access to information such as the Internet, wireless networks, and cellular phones (WEF, 2012).The effective adoptions of ICT enable the governments to propel rapid productivity gains through different economic sectors in the nation. The need for the adoption of ICT and the planned implementation of national ICT strategy as a significant component in the success of ICT efforts to foster rapid national development through greater productivity cannot be over emphasized. The problem confronting the research is to proffer and appraisal of the role of ICT in a depressed Economy.
1.3  Objectives of the Study
To determine the role of ICT in a depressed Economy.    
1.4  Research Questions
What is the nature of a depressed economy? 
What is the role of ICT in a depressed Economy? 
1.5  Significance of the Study
The study shall proffer an appraisal of the role of ICT in a depressed Economy.  
1.6  Research Hypothesis
Ho The role of ICT in a depressed economy is not significant 
Hi The role of ICT in a depressed economy is significant
1.7  Scope of the Study
The study focuses on the appraisal of the role of ICT in a depressed economy. 
1.8  Limitations of the Study
The study was confronted by some constraints including logistics and geographical factor. 
1.9 Definition of Terms
Depression: Depression is defined as a severe and prolonged recession. A recession is a situation of declining economic activity. Declining economic activity is characterized by falling output and employment levels. Generally, when an economy continues to suffer recession for two or more quarters, it is called depression.
ICT: According to WEF (2012) Information and communication technology (ICT) consist of Electronic technologies which facilitate easy access to information such as the Internet, wireless networks, and cellular phones (WEF, 2012).
PRODUCTIVITY: The term Productivity measures and calculates inputs to outputs and determines its effect on a country’s economy and its competitiveness (Freeman, 2008).

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