Abstract:
The major purpose of this study was to determine the extent of utilization of Information and Communication Technology by the mangers of Small and Medium Enterprises in Ogun State. Specifically, the study determined: the extent of utilization of word Processing Technology, Electronic Data Processing Technology, Electronic Office Communication Network, E-Commerce Technology, and Small Office Machines by Managers of Small and Medium Enterprises . Five research questions and four null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Related literature and some empirical [research] studies were reviewed. The study employed a survey research design, and it was conducted in the three Senatorial Zones of Ogun State. The population for the study was 396 respondents, comprising 132 managers and 264 workers of registered Small and Medium Enterprises operating in Ogun State and listed in the Nigerian Business Directory. Out of this population, a sample of 198 respondents, consisting 66managers and 132 workers, was randomly drawn from the three Senatorial Zones. 178 copies of the questionnaire [89.9] were filled and returned. A four-point scale, made up of 44 structured questionnaire items was used for collecting data for the study, while the instrument was face validated by three experts. The reliability co-efficient of the instrument for the study was 0.75, using Cronbach Alpha reliability test. The data were analysed in tables, using Mean Scores to answer the research questions while Analysis of Variance [ANOVA] statistic was employed to test the null hypotheses. It was found among others that Small and Medium Enterprises Managers utilize some of the Information and Communication Technologies but not frequently used. The study had implications for the present and potential Small and Medium Enterprises Managers, the Government/Policy makers, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprise [NASME] and Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists [NASSI] and the general public. One of the recommendations based on the findings was that Small and Medium Enterprise Managers should engage in Information and Communication Technology utilization in business operations in order to remain in business and compete favourably with their counterpart in the world. Suggestions for further research were also made.
