THE EFFECTS OF ICT ACCOUNTING APPLICATIONS ON ACCOUNTING PROCESSES

THE CASE STUDY- BRITANIA ALLIED INDUSTRIES

CHAPTER ONE

1. Introduction.

This study is about the effect of ICT applications on accounting processes at Britannia allied industries. This chapter gives a background of the study, the statement of the problem, purpose of the study, objectives of the study, research questions, the scope of the study, significance of the study and the definitions of the key terms.

1.1 Background of the study.

Accounting is a process involving activities of recording, classifying, summarizing, interpreting and presenting accurate and timely financial information through financial statements for management and stake holder’s decision making accounting process involves many activities ranging from book keeping to interpreting and analyzing financial information through financial statements. The main objective of accounting is to provide accurate, reliable financial information for management and other stakeholders (Slagmulder, 2007).

ICT (Information and communication technology) is defined as the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of information through the application of computers and modern communication technologies in the task of information handling and information flow like ERP, e-pos, tally, aren payroll among others. ICT adoption enables preparation of accounting information by accountants in a very short time, which is accurate, efficient, and reliable (Govindarajan 2009). There has been transparency as transactions can easily be tracked from the beginning to the end.

In many organizations today, ICT has been applied in different accounting processes regarding data entry, data analysis, inventory management, customer marketing, tax evaluation and remittance, payroll management, reporting, recording of accounts receivables and accounts payables.

In recent years, results indicate that there is a likely relationship between accounting process and ICT usage. The usage of computers and other advanced technologies have increasingly been adopted in accounting. Prior to this, accountants were involved in manual traditional accounting methods where all records were kept by humans and preparation of all financial statements were done manually (Linus 2012). This had a significant impact on the flow of organization activities because accountants took a lot of time to process data with endless tendencies of bureaucracy and erroneous statements of accounts (Rojas 2000).

According to Francis (2013), the effect of technology has caused obvious changes in organizations relating to their accounting processes. Accounting decisions and plans have to be made with consideration of ICT in order for companies to stay relevant and competitive. ICT has increased the timeliness and accuracy of accounting information which enable accountants prepare reports and operations analysis, records are kept and tracked more effectively which minimizes errors to ensure customer satisfaction.

Globally, ICT has been embraced in different organization and Britannia is of no exception. Britannia allied industries LTD that was set up in 1991 by the house of Dawda group of companies – a group which had been in existence since 1962. The company is located in Ntinda, plot M247B, Kampala Uganda. Britannia allied industries Ltd was created through the merger of 2 operating subsidiaries currently manufacturing biscuits, Confectionery, fruit juices and sauces.

Late 2002, Britannia company acquired the present Manji Food Industries Ltd a biscuit factory at Nairobi. In 2002-2006, there was a tremendous growth for Britannia, It had five separate plants for production of biscuits, confectionery, fruit juice and drinking water. The powder section was added in 2005, Mineral water in 2006 and additional capacities were installed in biscuits, and confectionery.

The various products range from biscuits like; Glucose, Gluco-Max, Milk and Cream Biscuits, Confectionery like; Menta and Just fruits sweets and chewing gum, Fruit juice like; Splash, Sun-sip, Top-up, Powders like; Britannia Mandanzi and Pure Glucose Powder and it dominates the fruit juice segment because of its quality and taste. They distribute their products to Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, DRC. Britannia’s state of the art ERP processes integrating manufacturing, distribution, Finance, inventory and human resource departments in all its depots are linked online which ensures that information is available online all time.

Britannia has an effective computerized accounting system that has enabled it become successful. It has employed accounting computer applications like tally ERP, Aren payroll among others even though it has encountered some challenges while adopting ICT.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Accounting as a profession has embraced the era of ICT in all its entire process thereby enabling accurate fast speed data processing and analysis for effective economic and financial decision making.

Globally, many companies including Britannia allied industries Ltd have experienced a gradual shift from manual accounting to computerized accounting process after embracing the era of ICT. This has been aided by the evolution of computer aided technologies in accounting like Tally ERP, e-pos (electronic point of sale), quick books, Aren payroll among others.

However due to the dynamic external technological environment, ICT application must be up to date for an organization to compete (Jeffrey 2012). Britannia face challenges of increased costs involved when carrying out frequent updating. Additionally, computerized accounting systems are prone to hacking and expensive to maintain as they require frequent updating and depend solely on a power supply.

It is against this phenomenon that the researcher will carry out a research study to examine whether the introduction of ICT has an effect on accounting processes at Britannia allied industries, Ntinda, Kampala.

1.3 Purpose of the study.

The purpose of the study is to examine the effect of ICT application on accounting processes at Britannia Allied Industry, Ntinda Kampala.

1.4 Objectives of the study.

1. To identify the various ICT applications used in the accounting at Britannia.
2. To examine the reasons for applying ICT in accounting process at Britannia.

• To examine the effect of ICT application on accounting processes at Britannia Allied Industries.

1.5 Research questions

1. Which ICT applications are used in the accounting processes at Britannia?
2. What are the reasons for applying ICT in accounting process at Britannia?

• What is the effect of ICT application on accounting processes?

1.6 Scope of the study.

1.6.1 Content scope,

The study basically focuses on examining the effect of ICT application on accounting processes, the reasons for applying ICT in accounting at Britannia and the effect of ICT application on accounting processes.

1.6.2 Geographical scope

The study is carried out from Britannia allied industries which is located on plot M247B, Ntinda, Kampala, Uganda.

1.6.3 Time scope

The study will be carried out in a time frame of three years that is to say an operational period ranging from 2015 to date, this is because of gradual changes that exist in organizations as accounting systems, standards change with time. However actual data collection period will encompass a period of 3 months from April 2018 to June 2018.

1.7 Significance of the study.

The study shall be useful to many stakeholders as follows;

To accountants, the study will help them to understand the various ICT software applications they can adopt so as to improve their efficiency and organization effectiveness.

To auditors, the study will enable auditors to assess the risks associated with misstatement of financial statements. They will be able to trail transactions from the beginning to the end.

To future research scholars, The study will help future scholars as reference because it will provide important information about the effect of ICT like accuracy, cost control, organization effectiveness.

CHAPTER TWO

LITRATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

This chapter gives a review of the literature from different scholars that have given explanation to the concept of ICT applications in accounting processes. The literature was in line with the objectives of this study as stated in chapter one.

2.1 Various accounting ICT applications in various accounting processes

Electronic Point Of Sale (E-POS);  A POS, or point of sale, system can help reduce your paperwork, track inventory and market to your customers through one easy-to-use process, making more time for you to manage your business rather than staying bogged down in details. Many POS systems are geared toward small businesses, and some are industry-specific; for example, a POS system may help a florist track whether a flower arrangement is still in the shop, out on the truck for delivery or already delivered — without having to track down your delivery driver. The beauty of a POS system is that all the information is contained in one database, making it easy to search for any nugget of information and connect it to others through reports to keep your business running smoothly (Hidalgo & Albors, 2010).

Tally accounting software; Tally accounting software helps organizations prepare accurate financial reports. Accounting applications help organizations implement adequate record-keeping and data-reporting procedures. Indian software maker Tally markets its suite of accounting products to small and mid-sized companies, allowing clients to accurately record operating data and prepare financial statements in accordance with industry practices, corporate policies and government regulations (Pokharel, 2015).

Tally accounting software is a business application that provides clients with tools necessary to record, archive, review and analyze data. The software enables all organizations—including government institutions, nonprofits and businesses—to prepare accounting statements and budget reports at the end of each month and quarter.

Tally accounting software incorporates modules and interfaces such as financial management and controls, inventory administration, purchases and payables, sales and receivables, point-of-sale manufacturing costing and job costing. Other features include payroll management, branch management, statutory compliance, data synchronization, security and access control and data audit. The accounting software’s Special Needs feature helps users specify report criteria, such as multi-company, multi-period and multi-cost/profit centers.

Electronic Data Interchange, this is when the organizations can exchange information between computers to help in solving some of the accounting challenges. According to Balocco et al. (2010) EDI helps to enable an organization be able to have an effective accounting technique which is completely electronic, using this technique the organization keeps its accounting data online.

Bar codes and scanners, according to Chaffey, (2012) this system is were an organization has a scanner which has codes of goods in the store for example a super market were the accountant just inserts the code of the good on the scanner and its able to indicate the price of the good , this helps the accountant to have an accurate systems which he can calculate the price of goods without forgetting and also to ensure that all the goods in the store their total are known to the accountant without physical counting its therefore easy to balance books of account at the end of the day.

Microsoft power point

This is the systems that can be used for data presentation; through this system the organization is able to clearly explain to the audience their accounting tasks for a specific period of time. For example an organization uses power point to explain to the potential investors on the future of the organization (Lysons, 2013).

Quick books

This is an accounting soft ware that is used by organization to keep track of the sales in order to enable the accounting department to be to keep records and enable efficient accounting systems. According to lysons, (2016) quick books is essential in enabling most organization to be able to track their expenditures there by enabling organizations ton have an efficient accounting systems.

Image processing; This uses fax and optical scanning technology to transmit accounting information to the accountant, using this technology the organization is able to obtain the price of the good which is in a different location and then keep its records without the good physically being present in a company’s store (Somuyiwa, 2013).

Microsoft excel

This is the technique which helps the accountant in all types of calculations like additions, subtractions, multiplication and ratio analysis this saves the accountant time and enable better organizational performance because using this technology the accountant is able to determine the sales records for the day and also can balance very fats unlike other systems (Boyle, 2014).

2.1 Reasons for applying ICT in accounting process at Britannia

The use of ICT in accounting has been one of the greatest achievements of the current generation and this has led to the greatest improvement in accounting standards in the current century. Some of the ICT facilities used to improve accounting practices include; mobile and wireless technology, telecommunications, software development, security (Kwok Hung Lau & Haibo Huang 2012).

According to (Sarkis, et al, 2014) organization use ICT to enable in Networking of organization’s key departments like procurement with accounting departments. Net working of organization has been possible because of the use of ICT this has promoted efficiency in accounting operations of the organizations globally. Because of the use of ICT accounting departments is able to coordinate with other departmenst6 like sales in order to get information faster and easily.

The use of ICT systems in an organization has been adopted because of the complexity of managing organization’s inventory. according to ford et alp, 2012 some multinational corporations like Toyota have complex inventory management models that is had to calculate manually therefore adoption of ICT facilities importance to reduce costs And  maximize profits for the organization. The use of ICT in accounting enables an organization in calculating inventory management by accounting department. Accounting systems can be used to calculate the stock management systems of the organization (Dobler & Burt 2011). With the use of ICT there is improved tracking and tracing organizational inventory to enhance organizational. This has therefore, improved Accounting efficiency in organizations and this has all been because of the introduction of information and communication technology.

Organizations can easily communicate with in departments

In the modern era organization with poor communication channels are bound to fail , its therefore imperative for organization to adopt ICT to help in the management of organizational accounting process. According to World Bank, (2015) United States companies spent on average more than 30,000 us dollars on ICT to help in the proper management of accounting records. Organizations are able to communicate between one another. Better communication and connection links between organizations; According to Nair N.K (2006), the introduction of information communication technology, communication between the buyers and the suppliers has been eased. Accounting is an old age industry that has been one of the greatest holdouts against the waves of computerization that has swept the world. Until recently, most organizations were still using traditional systems like fax and letter writing among others as a means of communication. However with the introduction of information and communication technologies such as telephones, internets and satellites among others, communication accounting can be improved.

According to Govindarajan (2009) Information technology (IT) has created significant benefits for accounting departments. IT networks and computer systems have shortened the lead time needed by accountants to prepare and present financial information to management and stakeholders. Not only has IT shortened the lead time required to present financial information, but it also has improved the overall efficiency and accuracy of the information.

During the 1990s cost control initiatives received paramount attention from corporate America. Often taking the form of corporate restructuring, divestment of peripheral activities, mass layoffs, or outsourcing, cost control strategies were seen as necessary to preserve or boost corporate profits and to maintain or gain a competitive advantage. The objective was often to be the low-cost producer in a given industry, which would typically allow the company to take a greater profit per unit of sales than its competitors at a given price level Govindarajan(2009).

According to Rotch,et al (2006) The adoption of ICT in the organization has been necessitated by the need to ensure efficiency in data entry to enable the accountants have proper data that is without errors. Lysons, (2016) states that motorolla in 2015 spend millions of dollars in streamlining its ICT to enable the data entered to be accurate , this was to reduce unnecessary costs enable better competitive strength for motorolla against its competitors. Initially, it’s a big time commitment, as you must enter each customer — old and new to track names, contact information and purchase history. Most ICT systems allow you to pull up customers by name, phone number or customer number once they’ve been entered, saving you considerable time in the long run. Industry-specific software has time-saving inventory management features, such as an existing but customizable list of available parts in a mechanic shop or a searchable database of books for a small bookstore. This allows you to enter new inventory with a single click instead of tracking the items by hand.

Through the use of ICT data analysis of organizational information is very fast. this helps accounting records to be easily analyzed and therefore management is able to make quality decision very fast. According to cooper (2004) ICT applications  are very useful in the process of sorting financial data , The programme allows book keepers and accountants to analyze financial transactions in the most effective manner with less errors .The accounting software allows automatic sorting of data which guides professionals when reporting financial data,

ICT systems like Quick books and tally help accountants in inventory management this reduces costs and increases faster response to organizational needs. The inventory management systems can be as general or specific as you need to keep your business running smoothly. If you must know exactly which automobile parts you have on hand and where they are stored, you first must enter them into the system when they arrive in your shop. Then, every time you use a part, you subtract it from inventory. Most ICT systems make this process simple; for example, if you list a part on a customer’s invoice, it is subtracted automatically from your inventory. Some systems provide alerts when certain inventory items get low (Slagmulder, 2007).

Customer Marketing

By tracking the purchases of your customers along with their contact information, you can design simple marketing strategies to help you gain more business. A florist may want to send a postcard in late January to every customer who ordered Valentine’s Day flowers the previous year, or a bookstore owner may want to inform everyone who purchased a murder mystery last month about a new mystery book’s arrival. Most systems allow for email marketing as well as direct mail reports, allowing you to compose and send email directly from your ICT system. It’s also helpful in face-to-face communication with your customers. When a customer comes in, you can see his past transactions immediately and ask if he was satisfied with his most recent transaction, using his specific information. Most systems allow you to enter notes as well, such as a spouse’s name or the customer’s birthday. Customers enjoy feeling recognized and remembered when they do business, so these little touches help keep them coming back (Somuyiwa, 2010).

The use of ICT in accounting helps in ensuring better financial reporting in an organization, According to Sohn .K. (2011)..A major feature of ICT systems is the ability to run reports. Financial reports typically can be transferred automatically to your accountant or your separate financial tracking software, which means you no longer have to enter every paper transaction at the end of the day or add up employees’ hours; most ICT systems have a feature that allows staff to clock in and out each day. ICT systems typically come with standard reports such as cost of goods sold, gross sales, low inventory, existing inventory, customer purchase history and item-specific sales reports, which can be handy if you run specials during the month.

When an organization uses ICT in accounting it’s easy for management to evaluate taxes to be p-aid and also determine other costs of operations in the organization. The ICT applications are essential in withholding taxes. Taxes like VAT, PAYE and income taxes .the system allows the accounts to calculate accurate tax amounts basing on computerized data which can be verified as required Kaplan (2004)..

Govindarajan, (2009) notes that the use of ICT in an organization enable better Payroll management to the accounting department. ICT applications have endless uses. Well-established accounting software’s can manage the records of employees and administer payment for employees. The monthly payments and allowances as well as any income that is taxable. The ICT applications can the above functions in the most effective and efficient manner.

2.3 The benefits of ICT accounting applications on accounting processes

Increased Functionality

According to Frankwick (2010).Computerized accounting systems have also improved the functionality of accounting departments by increasing the timeliness of accounting information. By improving the timeliness of financial information, accountants can prepare reports and operations analyses that give management an accurate picture of current operations. The number of financial reports has also been improved by computerized systems; cash flow statements, departmental profit and loss, and market share reports are now more accessible with computerized systems.

Improved Accuracy

According to Cooper, (2004) Most computerized accounting systems have internal check and balance measures to ensure that all transactions and accounts are properly balanced before financial statements are prepared. Computerized systems will also not allow journal entries to be out of balance when posting, ensuring that individual transactions are properly recorded.

Accuracy is also improved by limiting the number of accountants that have access to financial information. Less access by accountants ensures that financial information is adjusted only by qualified supervisors.

Faster Processing

According to Rotch,et al (2006).To process large amounts of financial information and process it quickly through the accounting system. Quicker processing times for individual transactions has also lessened the amount of time needed to close out each accounting period. Month- or year-end closing periods can be especially taxing on accounting departments, resulting in longer hours and higher labor expense. Shortening this time period aids companies in cost control, which increases overall company efficiency.

Standardized accounting process, including faster tracking of errors, improved quality control, efficiency in record keeping, greater efficiency through the use of information and communication components like internets, satellites among others that enables tracking and tracing of the goods in the organization, this helps the accounting departments to be able to be efficient and effective because accounting department is able to get information from other departments (Kotler et al,  2010).

Process Automation. With the use of technologically components such as Bar coding, Satellite, internets and Image processing among others in the process of managing accounting efficiency, there has been reduction on paper work thereby leading to a substantial reduction of errors, as well as increased capability to obtaining and exchanging real time information. This is possible through the use of information technology systems such as Bar code and scanners which represents a series of alphanumerical characters, bar code readers to interpret bar code symbology, and bar code printers to reliably and accurately print bar codes on labels, cartons, and/or picking /shipping documents.

Better External Reporting

Reports issued to outside investors and stakeholders have been improved by computerized accounting systems. Improved reporting allows investors to determine if a company is a good investment for growth opportunities and has the potential to be a high-value company. Companies can utilize these investors for equity financing, which they use for expanding business operationRotch,et al (2006).

Flexibility

According toRotch,et al (2006). An accounting department also needs flexible technology that can adapt as business practices change. To be effective, information technology associated with accounting must be flexible to accommodate the changes. Software, for instance, must be able to be updated to offer new processes, such as credit card processing, and the ability to send invoices online. Otherwise, the software will become obsolete. Accountants also use software for taxes and other accounting needs that change often. Technology must be nimble enough to catch up with the changes.

Quick accessibility

The latest trend with accounting applications is Web hosting off-site. Instead of installing a program onto your computer and saving data there, the program resides on a server in a different location; the saved information is accessed via the Internet. That’s also called “working in the cloud.” Businesses can save money in software and hardware purchases by signing up with a cloud provider and using its programs and space for saving data, meaning there is no need to get a bigger hard-drive or worry about program versions. The other advantage of the cloud is that you have access to your information anywhere you may beFrankwick (2010).

Consideration

Information technology is not perfect. Many times, problems with connections, compatibility and other technical issues affect how accounting processes are performed or if they are performed at all. In order to make technology effective in accounting with minimum down-time, businesses should have a plan to deal with electrical problems, Internet connection malfunctions and computer viruses. Critical accounting functions, such as payroll, should have at least two options for processing. Thus, if data is generally transmitted via Internet, arrange for the information to be called or faxed in as well, just in case something happens to the computer or Internet connection (Frankwick, 2010).

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter presents the methodology which consists of the research design, area of study, study population, sample population and selection, sampling technique, data collection method, data quality control, data collection procedures and limitations of the study.

3.2 Research design

This study will adopt a survey research design. The study also shall use qualitative and quantitative methodologies for data analysis. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies shall be used in examining the benefits of ICT accounting applications on accounting processes. Quantitative research consists of those studies in which the data concerned can be analyzed in terms of numbers while qualitative describes events, persons and so forth scientifically without the use of numerical data. Quantitative research is based more directly on its original plans and its results are more readily analyzed and interpreted. Qualitative research is more open and responsive to its subject. (Christina Hughes, 2006).

3.3 Data type and sources

Source of data will be from both primary and secondary sources.

Primary data

Primary data will be obtained from the questionnaires administered to the target respondents to gain opinions and practices on the benefits of ICT accounting applications on accounting processes. The questionnaires will be designed using likert scale and will be distributed to staff and clients in order to get staff views regarding the topic under study.

Secondary sources

Secondary data is data which has been collected by individuals or agencies for purposes other than those of a particular research study. It is data developed for some purpose other than for helping to solve the research problem at hand (Bell, 1997). This will comprise of literature related to the benefits of ICT accounting applications on accounting processes in an organization in relation to the case study. Secondary data will be sourced because it yields more accurate information than obtained through primary data, and it is also cheaper.

Secondary data will be got from text books, new papers, magazines, articles , internet and earlier researches on the problem.

3.4 Study area and population

The study will be carried out at Britania allied industries. The study will target a total population of 35 employees. The study will choose a total of 30 employees who will include; accountants, procurement officers and administrators who are believed to have the knowledge and skills relevant to the study.

3.5 Sample Size and Selection Techniques

The study will use purposive sampling technique. According to Black, K (2010) Purposive sampling (also known as judgment, selective or subjective sampling) is a sampling technique in which researcher relies on his or her own judgment when choosing members of population to participate in the study.

This technique will be used because the sample size is small and the respondents are known. The reason for the use of this method is used because it involves less bias in choosing the sample size and allows for uniform principle to be applied and different entities.

3.6 Data Collection tools/Methods

The major instruments for data collection will be questionnaires and interview guide. Surveys will be just one part of a complete data collection and evaluation strategy. The major method of data collection for the study will be the survey, which will be done using selected instruments like questionnaires. The questionnaire will provide respondents with ample time to comprehend the questions raised and hence, they will be able to answer factually.

3.6.1 Questionnaires

The questionnaire will be used to collect quantitative data. The researcher will administer the questionnaires to respondents in different departments including, procurement, administration, on the benefits of ICT accounting applications on accounting processes which will be designed basing on study objectives and questions. Respondents will read and write the questionnaires themselves. The questionnaires will be close ended and will be considered convenient because they will be administered to the literate and its anonymous nature will fetch unhindered responses.

3.6.2 Interview Guides

Qualitative data will be collected from the informants using interviews. The interview guide will be structured. The interviews will be held with administration, and will take approximately thirty to sixty minutes. This will be used since it’s the best tool for getting first-hand information /views, perceptions, feelings and attitudes of respondents. Both formal and informal interviews will be used to get maximum information from the different respondents to participate in the research.

3.7 Data collection procedures

A letter of introduction will be obtained from the Dean, School of management and entrepreneurship, Kyambogo University seeking permission to conduct the study. It will be presented to the officials of Britania allied industries seeking permission to carry out the study in the division. After being granted the permission, the researcher will proceed to make appointments with the selected respondents. Thereafter, the researcher will administer questionnaires and the required data will be collected. The researcher will personally administered questionnaires to the respondents in order to avoid delay, to avoid collecting wrong data, ensure completeness and accuracy and confidentiality of the data collected is strictly adhered to.

The questionnaire will pilot tested on ten (10) workers of the Britannia. The pilot testing of the questionnaire enabled the determination of any ambiguities in the questionnaires and the questions improved. The respondents will indicate that the questions were understandable. After questions will be updated, the questionnaires will be distributed among the staff of Britania allied industries.

3.8 Quality control of research instruments

3.8.1 Validity

Data analysis in this study will focus on data validity and reliability. To establish the validity of the questions, pre-testing will be done amongst the selected categories of respondents. Their comments will be incorporated in the final instruments to suit the data requirement of the study. The final amended research instruments will be reviewed jointly by the researcher and the supervisor.

3.8.2 Reliability

Reliability will be checked using the test –retest practice advocated for by Amin (2005). In other words, the questions will be put to course mates and their comments noted, they will then be presented to the respondents and their views will be compared with those of the course mates. On receipt of the questionnaires, manual editing will be done, followed by coding. Frequency count of different variables will be done and this will give the number of occurrences and percentages out of total occurrences.

3.9 Data presentation and analysis

Raw data will be processed into meaningful information. The process will involve editing, tabulation and analysis with a view of checking the completeness and accuracy of the information.

3.9.1 Editing

This is intended to detect and eliminate errors that could occur. Only relevant, correct and crucial information will be identified and used to draw conclusion.

3.9.2 Tabulation

Some data will be presented in table to enable analysis and identification of relationship between variables.

3.9.3 Analysis

The findings of the research will be written down and worked out, edited and analyzed using comparison and percentage approaches with the help of computer program known as data statistical package for social scientist and Excel program to draw conclusions and recommendations. This will help the researcher to determine the benefits of ICT accounting applications on accounting processes in Uganda in light of research objectives and literature review.

3.10 Limitations of the study

The research may be hampered by the following challenges.

Non responses; The researcher will also experience a problem of non-response from respondents who will be given the questionnaires to fill. However, the researcher will assure the respondents that any information given will be treated with maximum confidentiality.

Cost; The researcher will experience a problem of limited finances with respect to this study. Costs regarding this limitation included transport, printing and photocopying of relevant materials. However, the researcher has to borrow some money from relatives, friends and use it sparingly so as to overcome the cost constraint.

Time ; The researcher will experience time constraint in data collection, analyzing of data and in final presentation of the report. However, the researcher will overcome this problem by ensuring that the time element was put into consideration and that all appointments agreed upon with respondents shall be fully met.

APPENDIX 1: QUESTIONNAIRE

TOPIC: THE BENEFITS OF ICT ACCOUNTING APPLICATIONS ON ACCOUNTING PROCESSES

A CASE STUDY OF BRITANIA ALLIED INDUSTRIES

Dear respondent

I am NDELEMA BRIDGET a student of Kyambogo University, am carrying out a study on the above stated topic. You are one of the respondents randomly selected to participate in the study. The information given shall be treated with utmost confidentiality and shall only be used strictly for academic purpose.

GENERAL DATA

SECTION A:            

1)  Gender:      Male                                      female

2) Age a) 18 -29                 b) 30 – 39                 c)  40 and above

3) Educational level

Master’s degree           Bachelor’s degree                   diploma                       others

4) For how long have you been working with Britania Allied Industries?

1. a) 3-5 years

1. b) 6-10 years c)10 above
2. What is your occupation in this organization?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

SECTION B: Various accounting ICT applications in various accounting processes

Key: SA=strongly agree, A=agree, N=neutral, D=disagree, SD=strongly disagree

Tick in the box where appropriate.

Please mention other various accounting ICT applications

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

SECTION C: Reasons for applying ICT in accounting process at Britannia

Key: SA=strongly agree, A=agree, N=neutral, D=disagree, SD=strongly disagree

Please mention other reasons for the use of ICT in accounting process

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

SECTION D: The Effects of ICT accounting applications on accounting processes

Key: SA= strongly agree, A=agree, N=neutral, D=disagree, SD=strongly disagree

Please mention other benefits of ICT accounting applications on accounting processes

……………………………………………………………………………………………………… Thanks for your cooperation

INTERVIEW GUIDE

Does all the employees of Britannia allied industries know how to use ICT.

What are the various accounting ICT applications used here at Britannia allied industries?

What is the applicability of ICT accounting applications in accounting operations Britania allied industries.

Which department specifically uses ICT in Britannia allied industries?

What are the effects of ICT application on accounting process at Britania allied industries?

REFERENCES

Black, K. (2010) “Business Statistics: Contemporary Decision Making” 6^th edition, John Wiley & Sons