POSTGRADUATE BUSINESS EDUCATORS’ USAGE AND COMPETENCE LEVELS OF AI TOOLS FOR RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in research activities has gained significant momentum, offering new avenues for data analysis, information retrieval, and knowledge discovery. In the realm of postgraduate business education, the adoption and competent utilization of AI tools by educators can substantially impact the quality and efficiency of research endeavors. This study investigates the extent to which postgraduate business educators in universities in Southwest Nigeria are utilizing AI tools for research purposes and assesses their competence levels in leveraging these tools effectively. A Descriptive methods approach was employed, involving an online survey and structured questionnaire for postgraduate business educators from four universities in the Southwest region of Nigeria. The survey, administered to 28 participants, gathered quantitative data on the perceive usefulness, availability and accessibility of AI tools for research activities. These findings provide insight into the accessibility of various AI tools for research purposes among postgraduate business educators in the region and this data provides valuable insights into the attitudes and experiences of educators regarding AI tool use in academic research. However, a significant gap was identified between the usage of AI tools and the competence levels of educators in effectively utilizing them. Barriers to adoption included limited awareness, inadequate training, technical challenges, and concerns over ethical implications. This study contributes to the understanding of AI tool adoption in postgraduate business education and research within the Nigerian context. The results inform the development of targeted training programs, resource allocation strategies, and policy recommendations to enhance the effective integration of AI tools in postgraduate business education and research activities. By addressing the identified gaps and barriers, universities can better equip postgraduate business educators with the necessary competencies to harness the potential of AI tools, thereby fostering innovation and maintaining a competitive edge in research endeavors.