Smartphone Usage and Academic Performance of Management Science Students in an Emerging Economy

Friday Ogbu Edeh (Department of Research and Innovations, College of Economics and Management, Kampala International University (Main Campus), Uganda)
Blessing Friday Edeh (Academic Staff Matters Unit, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria)
Collins Irem Okechukwu (Department of Banking & Finance, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria)
Mundu Mustafa (Department of Electrical, Telecommunications & Computer Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Kampala International University (Main Campus), Uganda)
Ainebyoona Christine (Campus Administrator, Kampala International University (Main Campus), Uganda)
Dayo Benedict Olanipekun (Department of Economics, College of Economics and Management Kampala International University (Main Campus), Uganda)
Neji Desmond Oben (Department of Management, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria)
Lilian Asinai (Department of Business Management, Kampala International University (Main Campus), Uganda)
Najjuma Aisha (Human Resource Department, Kampala International University (Main Campus), Uganda)

International Journal of Applied Business and International Management
Vol 9, No 3 (2024): December 2024

Smartphone usage among students in tertiary institutions, particularly management sciences students, has generated concerns due to its potential negative effects on their academic performance and overall well-being. While smartphones are known to improve students' academic outcomes, their excessive use can lead to distractions and a decline in academic achievement, especially in developing economies. This study investigates the impact of smartphone usage on the academic performance of students in selected universities in southeast Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300-level management science students at three public universities, with data collected through 221 valid questionnaires. The study found that students' academic performance is positively influenced by the perceived ease of use, usefulness, and enjoyment of smartphones. However, excessive use, particularly for non-academic purposes, negatively affects performance by causing distractions, addiction, and superficial learning. This study concludes that while smartphones can be a valuable academic tool, excessive usage for non-academic activities can hinder students’ academic performance. Effective management of smartphone use is essential for academic success.