Project Management Approach to The Establishment of Computer Assembly Plant in Ethiopia
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Date
2002-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The creation of the computer and the advancement in communication systems has led to the
emergence of a new era called the information age. In the new era information is rapidly
becoming the world's most valuable resources. The central part of the information technology
(IT) is nothing but the computer. Due to its paramount importance the personal computer
(PC) has become a part of day-to-day existence of people all over the world. As a result, the
computer industry today is a trillion-dollar market.
In order to narrow down the gap between the developed and developing nations, countries
like Ethiopia should work hard to improve the level of their information and communication
technology (ICT). These days it is realized that ICT is a proven tool that one must be
equipped with in the fight against poverty and in the effort to secure sustainable economic
development. ICT may be composed of four elements: computer hardware, software,
communication equipment and know-how.
The availability of PCs at cheaper prices and preferred designs would obviously enhance the
development of ICT. It is seen that the demand for PCs in Ethiopia is increasing from time to
time. But, the supply so far is from imports, with an expenditure of considerable sum of hard
currency.
In this regard, this thesis research attempts to analyze the feasibility of building a PC
assembly plant in Ethiopia applying modern project management techniques. The research
applies the method of trend analysis as well as market-buildup methods to estimate the
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present and future demand of PCs in Ethiopia. Make or buy decision analysis is carried out
to indicate which components to make in-house and which ones to import form outside
sources. The technology, organization and implementation plans are studied at the required
depth. Finally, the financial viability of the project is analyzed with the help of appropriate
software.
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Mechanical Engineering