A Critical Analysis Of The Role Of Information Technology As A Tool For Effective Estate Agency In Nigeria. A Case Study Of Owerri City Property Market

ABSTRACT

This study is on the Critical Analysis Of The Role Of Information Technology As A Tool For Effective Estate Agency In Nigeria. It also considered critical issues and trends in information and communication technology which impacts profoundly in real estate practice, and how the resources of ICT can be effectively harnessed to improve the profession. The study adopted survey method for collecting data. Random sampling technique was used, and a sample size of 160 respondents was drawn from the study population. The questionnaires were administered to practitioners both private and government agencies. Interviews, primary and secondary data were also used. A total of 140 respondents completed and returned the questionnaires representing 87.5% of the distribution. Tables were used for data presentation, and chi-square (x2) used to test the hypotheses. The result of the study reveals that ICT application has helped in expanding and facilitating the development of contemporary practice of real estate in Nigeria. The result of chi-square test (x2 = 24) indicated a significant relationship (P<0.05) between the application of ICT and real estate practice in the study area. The study also showed that the trends in ICT application has enhanced the growth and development of real estate practice. The result of chi-square test (x2 = 28) indicated a significant relationship (P<0.05) between the trend of lCT application and real estate practice in the study area. More so, the study reveals low adherence in the application of ICT within real estate sector in Nigeria. The result of chi-square test (X2 = 52.4) indicated a significant relationship (P<0.05) between low adherence of ICT within real estate sector in Nigeria. The result further shows that ICT resources can be effectively harnessed to improve real estate practice by mainstreaming a robust ICT programme in estate management curriculum in higher institution/in real estate practice. The study recommends the creation of more awareness of ICT packages by mainstreaming a robust ICT programmes in such a manner that students and practitioners can grasp and apply it. Continuous professional development (C.P.G) effort should be channeled towards ICT as a matter of urgency, including deadlines for compliance.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

   1.1       BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 

Our society is a complex structure of people and institution that interact in a multitude of ways. The social and technological revolutions that alter this structure are no less complex. Long ago, we had the Ice Age, and Neolithic time or period. We later moved into the Agriculture age and the Renaissance period. In the recent time, the society has moved into yet another age that has brought a far reaching change in human history. It is called Information and Communication Technology age.

The simple truth today, is that no profession can effectively succeed in solving her 21st century development challenges, unless the professional visions, aspiration, mission and strategies are fundamentally anchored in the realm of knowledge creation, and strategically driven by information and communication technology (ICT).

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has enhanced real estate practice in Nigeria. A simple example is the use of mobile phones for communication via text messages which has helped to improve communication in the course of everyday assignments. Field staff can make immediate contact with their office of the principal partner when issues arise while out in the field in the past, such staff would have had to return to base to deal with such issues. The use of computers and the internet has also made it possible for firms to operate several branches apart from their Head offices with more ease than previously was the case. Professional reports may be vetted online and the exchange of documented information has been greatly enhanced. ICT are perfect tools for working with information and can handle and process large amounts of information for various purposes which would otherwise be difficult to manage manually. It can organise information very efficiently with all content properly identified and indexed making it possible to find whatever is required easily. In terms of speed, computers can perform in minutes, tasks that would take the average human being years to complete. Computers are quite accurate because they are designed to receive information and process such information using a pre- determined sequence stored in a programme thus maintaining a high level of accuracy using the’ same data repeatedly. Land Information System (LIS) is a tool for legal, administrative and economic decision making. It is designed specifically to create, visualize, analyse report and publish land-based data such as parcel information, zoning, land use, ownership and general property Information. LIS, on the other hand, may contain additional and useful information. The input of physical information such as soils, hydrogeology and rainfall and human or socio-economic information such as ratable value, communications and utilities results in a system that offers surveyors and decision makers the ability to inventory, monitor and plan more efficiently and cost-effectively. Such an holistic approach supports the management of both human and physical resources at all real estate levels.

The realization of this ICT innovation would offer a wide range of functionality from simple map production and information retrieval, such as terrier data to spatial analysis like site finding, valuation etc.

However, it is observed that some real estate practitioners or firms in  Nigeria is still in the dark as to the contemporary ‘innovations and relevance of Information and Communication Technology (lCT) in global property market scheme, conflict of professional interests is an evidence of lack of strategic vision within the real estate sector. Parallel lack of emphasis on training and education to meet the demands of this new commercial environment is prevalent. There is a negligent attendance to the benefit of the function of Information and Communication Technology (lCT) through the emergence of cyberspace.

The level of information and communication technology (lCT) awareness amongst real estate professionals in Nigeria is quite low (Kakulu, 2003) and a recent review of teaching curriculum amongst higher institutions offering estate management in Nigeria including Universities Commission (NUC) minimum standards for environmental sciences, reveals that although ICT course are provided for, it is in the form of general introduction on an awareness level.

With the wide spread use and dependence on ICT globally, mere knowledge on an awareness level only is not sustainable as professionals are unable to apply the skill in practice in a meaningful way. Awareness level training in form of courses offered by service departments is not able to fully address the specific needs of real estate professionals in a meaningful way.

In Nigeria today, we are all witnesses to the on-going ICT revolution in the Nigerian banking industry and the change from the use of manual filling and record keeping methods less than a decade ago to automated practice methods. Recently, A TM machines have been introduced into the Nigerian banking industry as well. The question to ask regarding real estate profession in Nigeria is how we have fared, and what our current ICT literacy level and utilization as a profession is? Are we taking the lead in the construction industry or are we lagging behind in technology?

1.2       STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The principle of globalization and the emergence of new technologies have created new challenges. These challenges have permeated all aspect of living; real estate practice is not left out. Real estate practitioners are today faced with the challenges of new techniques and more efficient means of managing and storing information for quicker and more effective management decision, this makes the use of information and communication technology e.g. computer and computer network imperative in real estate practice.

However, evidence has shown that several sectors in the corporate world depend heavily on information and communication technology in their daily operations, real estate practitioners in Owerri do not seem to be operating at par with their professional counterparts in the industry. Some practitioners have traditionally lagged behind others, when it comes to applying the latest ICT application in real estate practice.

1.3       AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study is to examine critical Issues and trends in information and communication technology, which impact profoundly on real estate practice, so that an objective assessment can be drawn on how the practice has fared, and how the resources of information and communication technology can be effectively harnessed to improve real estate practice in Owerri, Imo State

1.4     OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the study are as follows:

• To assess the penetration of information and technology in the contemporary practice of real estate in Owerri, Imo State.
• To investigate critical issues and trends in information and communication technology which impacts in contemporary practice of real
• To examine how the resources of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can be effectively. harnessed to Improve the contemporary practice real estate.
• To ascertain the level of information and communication technology adherence in contemporary practice real of estate

    1.5   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. Does the application of information and communication technology (ICT) have effect on contemporary practice of real estate?
2. Do the trends in information and communication technology (ICT) application in real estate practice have effect on contemporary practice of real estate?
3. What is the level of information and communication technology adherence on contemporary practice of real estate?
4. How can the resources of information and communication technology be effectively harnessed to improve the contemporary practice of real estate.

1.6        SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of the study lies to a great extent in setting a stage for rapid and a more comprehensive appraisal of information and communication technology in real estate practice. This has become necessary to keep the practitioners abreast with the use and advantages inherent in ICT and its application to human problems.

This study is also significant because it will help in reducing waste, save time and encourage simple, moral, accountable, responsive and transparent conduct in the delivery of real estate services

This study is significant in the sense that it will help in facilitating cross collaboration and co-ordination amongst practitioners in different continents.

Finally, this study will help demonstrate a proactive strategies that can be used to achieve utmost efficiency in real estate practice in Nigeria, through the effective and efficient use of technology (computers, technology providers, telephone systems, e-mail, serves, software and networking).

   1.7     SCOPE OF STUDY

This study is designed to assess the penetration of Information and Communication Technology in Estate agency practice in Owerri, Imo state.

    1.8     DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Artificial Intelligent (AI): A concept of computer programmed to assume forms of human intelligent including learning, adoption and correction; these are computers working as experts in field real estate.
2. Computer Aided Design (CAD): A highly specialized kind of drawing program used in architectural and engineering work.
3. Geographic Information System (GIS): Is a computerized tool for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, manipulating analyzing and displaying of data which are spatially referenced towards an effective decision making in real estate practice.
4. Land Information System (LIS): Denotes those information systems used in support of land management activities in real estate practice.
5. Multiple Listing Servicing (MLS): Is a computer Information system used by agents to collect buyers to sellers, control and disseminate information as regard land and properties.

6. Soft Ware Application (SWA): This refers to soft ware developed to enable computer users perform specific tasks or results specific problems using computer in of real estate practice.
7. Management Information System (MIS): Is a software that provides information to real estate managers at all levels on proper decision taking in line with the policies and objectives of the organization
8. Local Area Network (LAN): LAN is a communications network covering a limited geographical distance such as office buildings within close proximity
9. Management information system (MIS): Is software that provides information for managers at all levels on proper decisions taking in line with the policies and objectives of the organization.
10. Disk Operating System (DOS): Disk operating system IS a master control program that runs the computer example operating system software for the PC includes windows 95, 98, and me and NT/2000.

1.9     The Study Area (Owerri)

Owerri is the capital of Imo State in Nigeria, set in the heart of Igboland. It is also one state’s largest city followed by Orlu and Okigwe as second and third respectively. Owerri consists of three local government area including Owerri Municipal, Owerri North and Owerri West, it has an estimated population of  about 1,401,873 as of 2016 and is approximately 100 square kilometers (40 sq mi) in area. Owerri is borded by the Otamri River to the East and Nworie River to the south.

Pages:  94

Category: Project

Format:  Word & PDF

Chapters: 1-5

Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References