A prototype web based marketing information system (mis) for small-scale entrepreneurs

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Date
2008
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
The major problems in today's global economy are the underdeveloped infrastructure limited access to key markets by the poor in developing countries, high cost of distribution services and above all unfair trading practices that favour large companies. These problems affect the conduct of business by small scale entrepreneurs and the poor majority. The category of such entrepreneurs do not have access to marketing information and cannot afford to advertise their goods and services due to the high cost of print and electronic media adverts. Consequently though productive, they do not get good value for their goods and services. They tend to be unaware of key markets; even when they are aware, they tend to be in far flag cities where the cost of distribution becomes a bottleneck. These challenges necessitated the development of a Web Based Marketing Information System for Small scale entrepreneurs. The system was developed based on 3-tier architecture; the analysis and design were based on Structured System Analysis and Design Methodology (SSADM). The design and implementation of the system used MySQL DBMS to implement the database schema, the Macromedia Dream weaver and PHP scripting language for creation of user interface and link to the database and Web Server (Apache). In this research, the use of ICTs was proposed to help ease the conduct of business e entrepreneurs in underdeveloped economies. It is expected that these by small seal entrepreneurs could get good value for their goods and services if they could share their marketing information using cost effective means and help them pay only for services that they can a fiord .
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF TK5105.5A44)
Keywords
Information Systems, Computer networks, Small business, Lushoto district, Tanga Region, Marketing
Citation
Ally, A.F.(2008) A prototype web based marketing information system (mis) for small-scale entrepreneurs, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam.