Computing
is simply the activity of using a computer and writing programs for it. It can
further be described as any goal-oriented activity that requires as well as
benefits from a mathematical sequence known as algorithm, through the use of
systems (computers), among other devices alike. The major fields that involve
computing include: Computer science, System engineering, Software engineering,
and Information technology.
Information
Technology (IT), or computing generally, has become a veritable and integral
part of every business plan coupled with day-to-day office works. From
multi-national firms who maintain mainframe systems and databases, to small
establishments that own a single computer, IT obviously plays a key role.
The impact of computing on everyday activity
in the office is so vast. Adequate use of computing can enable any firm,
regardless of size or status, to handle its human
resources effectively. A sound computing would enable the firm to boast of viable
and reliable database of the overall staff alongside their designations. It would
also help the company to update the database in terms of death rate, employment,
transfer, maternity leave, or what have you. By so doing, the establishment
would invariably realize the worth of its workforce towards boosting efficiency
and job control. The Nigeria’s human resources, for example, can only be aptly
handled via computing.
Similarly,
with a proper use of computing, employment
process would be carried out expressly by the human resources department. With
IT, also known as information systems, job seekers can apply without getting to
the firm/office involved, thereby avoiding foreseen congestion that could
compound office stress or workload. And, having applied, the various applicants
can be easily and properly assessed via the use of computing. We must
acknowledge that manual system of interview is no longer in vogue if we intend
to get it right, especially in the area of Aptitude Test.
Management
coupled with communication among the
staff or between the existing branches of an establishment cannot be overlooked
while discussing the essence of computing. Part of management is gathering and
disseminating information, and IT can make this routine more accurate by
allowing managers to communicate rapidly. Emailing is quick and effective, but
the managers can use information systems even more efficiently by storing
documents in folders that they share with the employees who need the
information. Such activity can be aided with adequate use of networking system.
Furthermore,
how you manage your firm’s operations depends
on the information you have. Information systems can offer more complete and
recent info, allowing you to operate your firm/office more efficiently. You can
use IT to gain a cost advantage over competitors, or to differentiate your
firm’s content by offering better customer service. For instance, sales’ data
give you insights about what customers are purchasing and let you stock or
produce items that are selling well. Hence, with guidance from the IT, you can
streamline your operations. Additionally, apt use of IT would enable the firm
to easily reach out to the public via advertisement,
thereby boosting sales or services, as the case may be.
Computing
can equally help you make excellent decisions by delivering all the required
information. Decision-making involves
choosing a course of action from several alternatives and carrying out the
corresponding tasks. If you can boast of accurate and up-to-date info, you can
make the choice with confidence. If more than one choice seems appealing, you
can use the available information system to x-ray different scenarios. For each
possibility, the system can calculate key indicators such as costs, sales/services,
and profits, toward helping you determine which channel gives the most
beneficial result.
Record
purposes are not left out. Your establishment needs records of its daily activities for financial and regulatory
purposes, and for ascertaining the causes of problems towards taking corrective
measure. Computing enables the firm to store the needed documents as well as
revisit histories, communication records, and operational data. The trick to
exploiting this recording capability is organizing the data and using the
system to process and present it as useful historical information. You can use such
information to prepare cost estimates and forecasts, and to analyze how your
actions affected the key indicators of the firm.
In
spite of the overwhelming positive impact of computing on routine office works,
mainly in the areas stipulated above, it’s quite appalling that several
establishments or parastatals across the country are yet to embrace the routine.
To this end, governments at all levels and other relevant stakeholders are
expected to make investors and public servants see the routine as priority with
a view to embracing a society where every activity would be done at ease, and
in an orderly manner.
Though the roles of computing in office works
can’t be overemphasized, it’s worth noting that a wrong use or application of
it can cost the user an untold loss. Thus, every establishment enjoying the
services must endeavour to regularly consult professionals as well as train its
staff on various computer skills. The impact of computing in the present
society remains inevitable, but its wrong use ought to be avoided at all cost.
Think about it!
Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor
(TheMediaAmbassador)-ICT/Engineering Consultant, Researcher, Blogger, Analyst & Activist-
Founder/CEO, Docfred (Nig.) Ent. - Owerri
____________________________________
http://frednwaozor.blogspot.com
Twitter: @mediambassador
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