A framework for the evaluation of ICT needs of mid-sized companies in Kenya
Date
2014
Authors
Ocharo, Harriet Nyanchama
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
There are a lot of studies on information systems and technology adoption and implementation in
various organizations such as educational institutions. The ICT needs of various organizations
have been studied and number of frameworks proposed to enable the organizations evaluate their
ICT needs and to implement suitable technology for their needs. However, a study specific to the
ICT needs of medium-sized enterprises in Kenya has not been carried out before, and neither has
a suitable needs-evaluation framework been proposed.
This study sought out to investigate the ICT needs of medium-sized enterprises in Kenya. A
review of literature revealed the importance of this topic: SMEs in general are important to a
developing economy such as Kenya's, and ICT is instrumental in the growth of SMEs. Various
ICT needs evaluation frameworks were reviewed.
The study focused on successful medium-sized enterprises and studied how they had
implemented ICT for their business needs. A sample 30, from the population of the top 100
companies listed by Nation Media Group and the professional firm KPMG in 2011, was taken
and queried on their lCT strategies, benefits and challenges experienced while using ICT. The
results were coded and analyzed using quantitative data analysis tools.
The study established that medium-sized enterprises need and do use lCT to meet their business
needs. It also found out that although frameworks for evaluating lCT needs of organizations
exist, there were none suitable for medium-sized enterprises in a developing economy. It was
therefore established that none of the medium-sized enterprises had used a framework when
adopting lCT. The study proposed a framework that can be used for a medium-sized enterprise in
Kenya to evaluate its lCT needs.
The framework proposed consists of three main components: frameworks support (business
strategy, lCT strategy); core activities (project management, review current situation, analyze
needs, and acquisition and implementation) and post implementation review (feedback from
users, review implementation status). Testing was done on 9 of the companies that took part in
the study to ensure its validity. The framework will provide a way to identify the ICT needs of an
organization.
Description
A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Mobile Telecommunication and Innovation (MSc. MTI)
Keywords
Mid-sized companies, ICT, Business, Kenya