Design and Development of a Prototype ICT Skills Information Resource for Research Projects using TPTF Model

The broad goal of this research was to analyse ICT skills need of final year undergraduate students, design and develop a prototype ICT skills information resource that will help them find the information required for their final year research projects. The analysis was based on the Task Person Technology Fit (TPTF) model which integrates elements of different theories and research models for the information needs analysis part of the study. This included computer self-efficacy (CSE), task fit and technology fit (TTF). The prototype system was created over ten research phases. The results of the analysis stage revealed that students were not well equipped with advanced ICT skills, which is what is needed for research projects. The three hypotheses posed that relate to the fact that there was no relationship between the students’ current skills and the skills they need for their research project were also found to be true. Results from the evaluation revealed that the tool developed will be accepted, adopted and used by students. The study provides a conceptual framework for individuals, organisations, and information system community to be able to study the skills needs, as well as develop appropriate ICT Information resource that will meet the needs of the target group. The ICT skills Information Resource will empower the students to handle more complex tasks and motivate them to use more advanced features of the package.