MSc. SET Theses and Dissertations (2024)

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Browsing MSc. SET Theses and Dissertations (2024) by Author "Koskei, K. K."

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    A Model for assessing digital technology readiness in mini grids
    (Strathmore University, 2024) Koskei, K. K.
    In Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 0.6 billion people lack access to electricity due to challenges with the centralized grid. Mini grids, seen as a solution for rural electrification, face sustainability issues, including technical limitations with renewable energy, outdated monitoring methods, and scalability matters. To address these challenges and strengthen their value proposition, the integration of current and emerging Digital Technologies, such as AI, IoT, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity, is recommended. This study aimed to address a critical gap in the current understanding of Digital Technology Readiness (DTR) in the context of mini grids in Kenya. Recognizing the necessity of a DTR assessment model tailored to end user preferences and the local environment, this research employed a combination of quantitative methods, inferential analysis, and fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE). The research methodology embraced the design thinking process and descriptive analysis to develop the DTR assessment model. Data collection involved the use of online questionnaires, employing purposive and snowball sampling techniques. These instruments sought insights from relevant stakeholders in the mini grid industry. Subsequently, surveys were conducted to validate and test the DTR assessment model, ensuring its validity and efficacy. The study findings, based on responses from diverse industry professionals, were instrumental in identifying 15 critical indicators that collectively contribute to digital technology readiness in the mini grids. Through factor analysis, these indicators were categorized into five main dimensions: Digital Literacy (DL), Digital Technology Usefulness (DTU), Digital Technology Preparedness (DTP), Digital Transformation (DT), and Digital Infrastructure Availability (DIA). The critical index values of these dimensions, in descending order, were as follows: DL (4.443), DTU (4.362), DTP (3.839), DT (3.642), and DIA (3.5). These critical index values serve as a valuable guide, emphasizing the key areas of focus in digital technology readiness. The output of this research was a DTR assessment model for mini grids. The model was tested by mini grid stakeholders and it was found to be valid and effective. The model will be used by the stakeholders to measure DT readiness in mini grids. This will aid in strategic decision-making and enhancing the industry's adaptability to the challenges and opportunities presented by Industry 4.0.