Reference: Boateng R, (2011),"Mobile phones and micro-trading activities - conceptualizing the link", info.
Vol. 13 Iss: 5 pp. 48 – 62 kiResearch Issue
An investigation into the impact of Mobile Phones on the micro-trading activities in Ghana.
Research Problem/Research Questions
1)What is the effect of mobile phones on the micro trading activities of traders in Ghana?
Research Frameworks Used
1. Target Group(Traders)
2. Mobile phones
3. Stages of trading (Pre-trade, During-trade, Post-trade activities)
4. Benefits( Strategic, Relational, Operational)
5. Effects( Incremental, Transformational, Production)
Research Methods
A mixed methods approach consisting of a descriptive survey of 136 traders and a case study of two traders was adopted.
Unit of Analysis: Micro;Individuals (Traders)
Geographical Location: Markets in Ghana - Makola, Madina, Kaneshie, Agbogbloshie
Findings
• The findings suggest that traders primarily use mobile phones to monitor goods and pricing strategies, scheduling deliveries, and addressing inquiries and complaints in during-trader activities.
• Traders, including those with no formal education, also use mobile phones as calculators in post-trade activities.
• This innovative use of mobile phones is a function of their pre-knowledge, which may have been developed through formal education and/or social networks. Improving information management through mobile phones directly or indirectly contributes to the economic empowerment of the trader.
Key Discussions and Conclusion
• The study shows that regarding, micro-trading, traders use mobile phones for primarily during- trade activities such as monitoring goods and pricing strategies.
• The innovative use of mobile phones in micro-trading is influenced by the pre-knowledge of the trader and the trading partners and customers in the trader’s value chain.
Gaps For