Influence Of Information Communication Technology On Management Of Trading Businesses In Ainamoi Sub-County, Kericho County, Kenya

Abstract

This research project aimed at investigating the Influence of Information Communication Technology (ICT) on management of trading businesses in Ainamoi sub-county. Researches done in various countries by different researchers show that there is positive correlation between the use of Information Communication Technology and Business Management. The study was guided by the objectives: to determine the influence of Internet use, use of computer Application Software , use of mobile phones and CCTV use on management of trading businesses in Ainamoi Sub-County. The Literature of how various business owners and managers in the world have adopted the use of ICT and the influence that ICT has had on the management of these businesses was captured. This study adopted a descriptive survey design. Khan, (1993) recommends descriptive survey design for its ability to produce statistical information about aspects of education that interest policy makers and researchers. The target population in Ainamoi Sub-county was 1936 entrepreneurs. A sample of 332 entrepreneurs was selected using a stratified sampling whereby the Ainamoi Sub-County was subdivided geographically into 4 different centers (strata) and specific number of entrepreneurs selected randomly from each stratum (center). 200 entrepreneurs were selected from Kericho town, 82 from Nyagacho, 25 from Brooke and 25 from Ainamoi Market. The data was collected from the sample by way of questionnaires. The researcher framed the questions in the questionnaire in such a way as to capture the required information which clearly reflected the influence of ICT on Business management. The findings were therefore compiled and computations done where applicable. These were used to draw conclusion on the research and recommendations made so that if possible, the business managers may act accordingly. The results brought out a true picture of how Information Communication Technology has been employed and its influence on business management. The findings revealed that many Entrepreneurs have not adopted ICT devices except mobile phone whose adoption is 100%. Many of the respondents use traditional methods like books in keeping records, newspapers and posters in advertising, calculators and manual system in calculations, and cash system of payment for transactions. Business owners have been advised to adopt the use of ICT in their businesses to improve performance in management and to increase profitability.