INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND SERVICE UTILISATION OF RAW MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM (RM1S): A SURVEY OF SELECTED RESEAERCH INSTITUTES IN NIGERIA
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND SERVICE UTILISATION OF RAW MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM (RM1S): A SURVEY OF SELECTED RESEAERCH INSTITUTES IN NIGERIA
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2004-07
Authors
YUSUFU, ABU
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The Raw Materials Information System (RMIS) was initiated to tie together
raw materials and industrial data for the purpose of information dissemination to
nation's industrial sector. This effort undertaken by the Raw Materials Research
and Development Council (RMRDC), Abuja consisted of a computerized
information system and an automated library system.
This study investigates the information management and service utilisation
of the Raw Materials Information System (RMIS), Abuja in selected research
institutes. To achieve this objective, six research questions were raised. The
research method adopted for the study was the survey method. The questionnaire
including the unstructured interview and observations of the real-time operations
of the information system were used as instruments to collect data.
The finding confirms that the Raw Material Information System has the
potential to promote research and development activities. It was well structured on
an administrative and technical platform to achieve the goals and objectives put
before it. The information dissemination activities are delivered at two levels. On
the one level is the overwhelming involvement of information communication
technology (ICT) structure; and on the second level is the information
dissemination profile of the RMRDC Library, which is fully automated.
Information generation activities of the RMIS is provided by special 'multidisciplinary
task force committees'. These committees provide data from the field
and liaison activities. These data are then tied together into information and fed
into databank.
vii
A Local Area Network (LAN) provides the essential backbone for the
transmission and exchange of information within the Raw Material Research and
Development Council (RMRDC), Abuja, as a whole. Ninety-eight computers were
online at the LAN level. Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) communication
technology was mounted to provide linkage with other research institutes across
the country. The library sub-system provides further boost for the efficacy of the
RM1S.
It could also be proven that an extensive computer linkage within an
environment improves information flow. It also provides instantaneous feedback
for the purpose of correcting and improving information dissemination activity.
Therefore, a networked information system augments the capabilities of the
organization to disseminate information qualitatively and quantitatively.
It has also been realized in the course of this study that though the
investment in information technology by the RMIS is enormous, however, the
dividends in the area of research and development activities far outstripped its
costs. It is therefore recommended that ICT standards in all research institutes
under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology be raised to promote
information dissemination activities.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT
FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTERS OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION
SCIENCE (MLIS)
Keywords
INFORMATION, MANAGEMENT, SERVICE UTILISATION, RAW MATERIALS, RAW MATERIALS, (RM1S): A, SURVEY OF SELECTED, RESEARCH INSTITUTES, NIGERIA