MICROSOFT VISIO APPLICATION COMPETENCIES NEEDED BY OFFICE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT STUDENTS FOR EFFECTIVE SECRETARIAL PRODUCTIVITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

This study investigated the Microsoft Visio application competencies that Office Technology and Management (OTM) students need for effective secretarial productivity in the 21st century. The study has one research question and hypothesis. The study employed an explanatory mixed-method design, involving a cross-sectional survey and focus group discussions. The population comprised 1,944 OTM students from 10 federal and state polytechnics in Southwest Nigeria, with a sample of 365 students selected using proportional stratified sampling. Quantitative data were collected using the Microsoft Visio Application Competencies Questionnaire (MVACQ).  The MVACQ was duly validated by three experts with a Cronbach reliability coefficient of 0.87. The qualitative aspect utilized focus group discussion (FGD). The quantitative data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation while the hypothesis was tested with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 0.05 significance level. The qualitative data were analyzed using the analytical coding method. The findings revealed that Microsoft Visio competencies are very highly needed for effective secretarial productivity in the 21st century by Office Technology and Management students (mean = 3.53); there was no significant difference in the mean ratings of respondents on the Microsoft Visio competencies needed for effective secretarial productivity in the 21st century based on years of experience (F (3, 355) = .75; p > .05). The study concludes that as administrative roles evolve in response to technological advancements, the ability to utilize the Microsoft Visio for secretarial functions becomes essential for success in the modern workplace. The study recommends that federal and state polytechnics should incorporate comprehensive Microsoft Visio training into their curricula. This training should cover essential competencies such as navigating the software, creating organizational charts, and developing network diagrams.