Question 1 Read the underneath case study and analyze it to answer the sub-questions a, b and c. A lot of benefits are derived from digitization of records to make an office paperless, what is referred to as electronic office with the use of appliances, machines and equipments or simply office automation. Appraisal performance depends on information communication technology which has an impact on organizational performance management of employees work with reference to input and output data in controlling, monitoring and evaluating their assigned work scheduled. Information technology is basically used for gathering, processing and circulation of information by a combination of computing and telecommunication systems, this is the stand of the Department of Trade and Industry in Britain. Computer is the centerpiece of ICT with a programmable computer device that can store, retrieve and process data into usable information from soft copy to hard copy or print out. Similarly, Management Information Systems operate in collaboration with ICT concentrating on database management with computerized library organized and programmed to produce regular reports to management for decision making. The scope cuts across information in computer files and folders grouped as follows: Decision Support System (DIS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Project Management (PM), and Executive Information System (EIS). The impact or effect of both ICT and MIS could be positive (good or beneficial effect) or negative (bad or adverse effect) having interpersonal and organizational bearings or influence on work done. Interpersonally, ICT/MIS overcome the fear of adoption of systems introduced/installed to improve work input/output and also resentment is prevented to overcome problems/challenges as staff supports each other with open discussion. Organizationally, ICT/MIS impact on sending information with speed coupled with improving organizational communication as a substitute for face-to-face communication and increase in organizational processes, structures to influence interaction in an organization. Another benefit is statistics in quantitative data for information by calculating mean, mode and median to 3 plot graphs and pie charts from tables enhance easy interpretation and understanding for feedback. In inferential (qualitative) terms, data/information gathered from descriptive (quantitative) sources is used for decision making by management for strategic planning. That notwithstanding, the negative impacts are information overload, threat to individual workers privacy, expensive technology equipment/installation, dependency on electricity which could result in black out affecting delay/accuracy of data and technology cannot think, plan and communicate but all this is done by human beings. All said and done, appraisal performance evolves on formal/informal communication networks. Formal communication networks give feedback on both the closed and open systems of assessments by the appraiser (rater/supervisor) to the appraisee (jobholder/employee). Formal communication network uses organogram/organizational chart as a diagram for flow of information vertically (downward/upward), horizontally (lateral/same position). Formal communication networks could be centralized or decentralized. Centralized network system disperses information in a status hierarchy using organogram to report on employees performance. Decentralized network system is used to communicate information involving the hierarchy scale at any point in time by managers in the various departments/branches of the organization with authoritative power to disperse rumors, challenges, and problems which occur in performance of duties by employees. That of informal communication networks take the form of grapevine centered on sociogram as a diagram of informal lines of communication involving friendship, membership of unions/associations to discuss some happenings unofficially influencing their behavior and sometimes resulting in demonstrations, sit down strikes where their work/contributions are not appreciated by top management for appraisal to merit monetary rewards and non-monetary awards.

a) Expatiating with two examples each of the interpersonal and organizational impacts of Information Communication Technology and Management Information Systems, discuss the help employees get to know about the ultimate uses of the two innovations in keeping data on staff organizational performance management for appraisal.

b) Tabulating in two columns, distinguish between formal and informal communication networks in giving feedback on employee appraisal performance.

c) Constructing a simple bar graph gives statistical analysis to interpret quantitatively and qualitatively of staff performance with data compiled by three panelists as interviewers. Prepare a graph based on the x and y-axis pertaining to data in marks gained by 5 employees (A, B, C, D & E) with the order of marks obtained (60, 70, 50, 40 & 80).