The Use of ICT Consulting by Entrepreneurs in Addis Ababa
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Date
2002-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Information and Communication Techno logy consu lting has become increasingly popular
in recent years, and is often quoted as a means of coping with rapid changes in technology
and in the business environment around the world. However, in developing co untries like
Ethiopia it is yet a fie ld that is at its early stage and feared by experts to engage into.
This paper investigated the use of rCT consulting services by Addis Ababa business
entrepreneurs, and examined the CUITent state and nature of ICT consultants. For this
purpose, the research methodology of survey questionnaire was used to gather infonn ation
from the business fil111s and a scheduled interview was conducted with the ICT
consu ltants.
The research findings showed that most of the decision-makers of business finns have
limited understanding of the teclmology and the ways it integrates with business. And in
much the same way their use of ICT consultancy is also very limited. As the field of
consultancy is not yet well developed in the country, there is awareness problem among
the public at large. There is limited understanding on "who can do what" in the ICT fi eld
in Addi s Ababa. Those that have actually made use of consultancy service have been
found to prefer the services of foreign consultants. Services rendered by local consultants
were seen as substandard.
On the other hand, the study revealed that Addis Ababa rCT consultants concentrate in
th eir services giving on support/maintenance and neglect other areas such as software
development for both local and foreign use, system analysis and development, networking,
automation of business processes, etc. And it was observed at the same time that they do
not have standards to follow in their service giving.
Based on the findings conclusions are made and recommendations are fOlwarded in the
last chapter. Some these recommendations are:- the need to improve the capacity of
business schools to train not only rCT but also its impact on organizations and business
process; the necessity to estab lish a code of ethics and minimum set of ru les for rCT
consultancy. Policy makers have a considerable role in promoting business and
consultants association, information techno logy associations that develop their own codes
of ethics; the culture of self marketing should be adapted through both job related and
civic organizations, by attending conventions, serving on committees and speaking at
meetings. All these will increase their visibility and make them well known as experts in
their field and attract new clients. Another method is the use of online techniques such as
mailing lists and the world wide web to interact on regular basis. Consulting firms should
use the World Wide Web and print media as a marketing tool. For exampl e a WWW
prototype page is designed to show how infonnat ion on the expel1ise of the local
consultant and information on ongoing activities being undertaken by various firms in the
country can be provided. Finally fUl1her research areas related to this study are suggested
in the conclusions.
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Keywords
Use of LCT Consulting