IMPLEMENTATION OF ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYTEM: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY
ABSTRACT
The main objective of this study is to evaluate the operations of accounting information system in firms.
The data used for the study are obtained from both primary and secondary sources. The primary source involved the use of a well structured questionnaire. The convenience sampling technique was used, and 12 firms were sampled the three hypotheses of the study were tested using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical techniques. The test revealed that the implementation of AIS has contributed to management decision making.
    In conclusion, the study shows that the usefulness of AIS has been fully harnessed by management to plan and direct their accounting campaigns. However, the study recommends that management should put measures in place to ensure up-to-date development of its manpower so as to meet the challenges of the application of AIS.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
     Background to the Study    
1.2    Statement of the Research Problem        
1.3    Objectives of the Study                
1.4    Research Hypotheses                
1.5    Scope of Study                
1.6    Significance of the Study            
1.7    Limitations of the Study        
1.8    Operational Definitions of Terms        
    Reference                 
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1    Conceptual Framework        
2.2    Prior Empirical Studies            
    References                     
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1    Introduction            
3.2    Research Design                
3.3    Population and Sampling    
3.4    Sources of Data                
3.5    Research Instrument            
3.8    Method of Data Analysis        
    References                    
CHAPTER FOUR
4.1    Introduction                
4.2    Data Presentation            
4.3    Test of Hypotheses            
4.4    Discussion of Findings            
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMEDATIONS
5.1    Introduction                 
5.2     Summary of Findings                 
5.3    Conclusion                 
5.4    Recommendation                  
Bibliography                
Appendix                        
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1     BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
The need for information generation, processing, communication and sharing has inspired great thinking, with developments in the field of information technology. Also, the need for connectivity and consolidation between departments in an organization, and by extension between other business systems has made organization to establish electronic interfaces for the systems to communicate with each other. This is in a bid up stand up to the 21st century volatility and challenges of the business environment.
Accounting as a financial activity involves the collection, storage and processing of financial and accounting data by decision makers. These activities have increased greatly that a computer-based accounting information system has proved indispensable. This is as a result of the important features of accounting information system (AIS) which are; high speed data processing, high accuracy level, high speed access to information, and the possibility of electronic exchange of information at cheap and declining prices – to be up to date. Salehi (2010) opines that by considering these factor, there will be no need to justify the use of information technology system (AIS) according to Salehi and Alipour (2010) is developed between two or more units of a company to achieve a specific goal. It pulls data from the centralized database, processes and transform it, and ultimately generates a summary of that data as information that can now be easily consumed and analysed by business analysts, managers or other decision makers. It contains small sub-systems that support large systems, includes people, methods, information, software and information technology infrastructures.
Moreover, AIS is a completely designed system for the production, collection, organization, processing, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information in an institution, organization or any other defined area of society. It can help businesses to solve short-term problems of managers in the areas of final price, cost and cash flows by providing information for support and supervision of companies in the dynamic and competitive environment, and to help the integration of these companies in the operational considerations and strategic programmes in the long-term (Mitchell, 2000).
According to Mcmahon and Davies (1994), progress in the field of Accounting, information technology and information system during the past two decades suggests conditions to consider the role of accounting information system. For example, the evolution of active database technology, implementation of new models such as accounting and allowing accounting information to attract old financial data.     
1.2    STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
How is the operation of accounting information system in a typical company?
Are there factors limiting the application of accounting information in companies?
How has accounting information system contributed to management decision making?
1.3    OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
To evaluate the operations of accounting information system in an organization.
To identify the factors limiting the application of accounting information system in an organization.
To determine how accounting information system has helped management in decision making.
1.6    RESEARCH HYPOTHESES
The hypotheses of this research is divided into two, known as Null Hypothesis (Ho) and Alternative hypothesis (Hi). The validity of the following hypothesis will be tested in this study. They are:
HYPOTHESIS 1
Ho:     There is no significant difference in the implementation accounting information system in     various firms.
H1:     There is a significant difference in the implementation accounting information system in     various firms.
HYPOTHESIS 2
Ho:    Implementation accounting information system not significantly contributed to the     management decision making in various firms.
H1:    Implementation accounting information system has significantly contributed to the     management decision making in various firms.
HYPOTHESIS 3
HO: Management in Nigeria have not been able to fully harness the ability accounting information system in decision making.
H1:    Management in Nigeria have been able to fully harness the ability accounting     information system in decision making.
1.5    SCOPE OF STUDY
    This study will focus on the implementation of accounting information system (AIS) in the process of decision making by accountants in companies. It will cover a study of the features and relevance of accounting information system, and its application in Nigeria using Guinness Nigeria Plc as a case study.
1.6    SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
    This study will be of great significance to accountants as it will be researching into the operation of accounting information system with respect to its features of high accuracy level, high speed access to information, high speed data processing to mention few. Basically, this is with respect to how they affect the accountant. It will therefore help management to appreciate the relevance of this system.
    It will also help to appraise the ability of management in Nigeria to effectively make use of the accounting information system, as they make crucial accounting decisions.
1.7    LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
The major limitation faced by this research was in the area of collection of useful information for the carrying out of this research. It was quite a daunting task getting across the senior Accounting Officers and getting access to official records of the company under study. This study was also limited in no small measure by time and financial constraints.
1.8    DEFINITIONS OF SOME TERMS
Accounting information system: This is a computerized system that is designed to provide an organized flow of information to enable and support the accounting activities of an organization.
Decision Making: This is the process of recognizing a problem or opportunity and sufficiently reducing uncertainty and doubt about alternatives to allow a reasonable choice to be made from amongst them.
Competitive Advantage: This is an advantage or edge over competitors gained by offering consumers greater value, either by means of lower prices or by providing greater benefits and services that justifies higher prices.
 REFERENCES
Mcmahon, R.G.P., and Davies, L.G. (1994). Accounting information system and practice. New York, McGraw Hill.
Mitchel, F., and Smith J., (2010). Information system development in the small firm: The use of management accounting. CMA Publishing.
Salehi, M., and Alipour, M., (2000). E – Banking in Emerging economy: Empirical evidence of Iran, International Journal of Economics and Finance.