Theoretical Foundation

The purpose of this research paper is to ascertain the feasibility of setting up a telecommunication repair center in Tehran Iran.  Being a developing country little is known about the telecommunication industry in the country. There are high chances that this repair and maintenance center will be a success story.  Nevertheless, it is critically important to have a clear understanding of this sector and make clear conclusions and recommendations on whether or not Comtek should set up a repair center in the Iranian capital (Alizadeh, Hakimian & Karshenas, 2000). It is evident that the country is experiencing a steady growth in technology demand and more so in the telecommunication. Iran’s population growth has been on the rise, and this has been instrumental in the increasing request of the telecommunication gadgets.

From previous researchers, it is evident that cellular systems are the most commonly used gadgets as far as telecommunication in Iran is concerned. Since its inception few years ago, most of the country’s population has resulted in using these gadgets to improve their communication and safety. These cellular systems have used in different ways that have been of great importance to the population.  For instance, the transport sector has been the primary beneficiary of this technology (Yin, 2003). Most transportation companies have been able to track their fleet through the use of GPS-enabled mobile phones. This has been instrumental in enhancing the security of their fleets.

It is also worth noting that there are other equally important aspects through which telecommunication have been integrated with the daily operations by the Iranian population. The business people have adopted this technology in managing their customers’ accounts and inventory control. There is increased efficiency and time saving in many trading aspects. Customer satisfaction has also been realized. The increased use of mobile technology has increased the number of gadgets used in Iran significantly.

There has also been increased use of telecommunication in almost all municipalities in Iran. Telephone systems are being modernized each and every day to ensure that the whole of Iran including the villages will have increased use of the gadgets (Creswell, 2009). Most of the villages in this country are being introduced to the use of telephone which will subsequently lead to greater use of telecommunication technology.

Most of the telecommunication companies in Iran are state owned. This is because the government is determined to ensure that there are high levels of technology in the country to increase productivity and efficiency. Over the years, the government has increased fiber optic cables and modern switching systems that are critical in telecommunication. As a result, the mobile subscription has increased significantly over the years and stood at 43 million in 2008. Network availability has also increased substantially during this period. If this trend continues, there is a high possibility that every citizen in Iran will have a telecommunication gadget.

Itecs will have to get into a joint venture with the Comtek in setting up a repair and maintenance center in Iran. Itecs experience in international trade, especially in Iran, is a major advantage of this venture. This means that the business venture will have a great advantage since they have adequate information regarding the business requirements in Iran  (Gelvanovska, Rogy & Rossotto, n.d.).  Nevertheless, the analysis of the industry is essential to understanding the marketing and entry strategy of a successful organization. Most of the telecommunication companies are state owned and thus makes it possible for Itecs to integrate swiftly in the industry. Intensive advertising and promotion of the organization will also be critical to the overall success of the organization.

Comtek has a broad knowledge of the products and the equipment while Itecs will be the owner of the project of setting up the repair and maintenance center in Iran. This combination will ensure a successful integration in the market. Vertical integration will be evident in this case since Itecs must make sure that customer satisfaction is achieved. This is a form of corporate strategy that ensures that an organization can focus on all aspects relating to the satisfaction of consumers. Itecs will facilitate all the operations and market selection in the repair and maintenance business (Denscombe, 2012). On the other hand, Comtek has the necessary skills, equipment and knowledge of the products which makes the project a success. Market specialization will be the greatest advantage associated with the project. It is worth noting that Comtek has vast experience in telecommunication gadgets that will enable the overall standardization of the market.

Strategic marketing is an essential component of the research process. The ideas and concepts of the strategic management must b well integrated with the entry strategy of Itecs in the Iranian telecommunication sector (Yin, 2003). The relationship between the organization and the environment within which the organization operates is very critical in strategic management. This relationship is also crucial in the marketing process.

Porter’s five forces is a critical analyzes tool used by organizations to analyze the current environment within which the organization operates.critical marketing issues such as market segmentation, product life cycle, and its position in the market are key components of the industry analysis  (Gulati, 2013). The analysis helps in determining the level of competition, bargaining power of the consumers, suppliers and the rivalry within the industry. This is instrumental in designing a marketing mix and ways of deriving a competitive edge.

Methodology

Specific Objectives

• To determine the feasibility of setting up a repair center in Iran
• To identify the most appropriate marketing strategies needed to market the repair center in Iran.
• To investigate whether there is available skilled labor in Iran
• To identify the existing competitors in the industry and analyze their strengths and weaknesses in the industry

Samples

Sample size: 100

Sample frame: Tehran, Iran

Sample unit: central business district

Sampling Method: simple random sampling

Constraints: number of respondents, time, and finances

Sampling error: non-response- 16

Response -84

Survey:            Questionnaire

The research design must ensure that the research objectives are fulfilled. A quantitative research will be critical in gathering of primary data that will result in increased accuracy and efficiency of the results findings. Survey methods utilized in the research process must ensure efficiency in data collection and analysis to make substantial conclusions and recommendations.  It must also ensure that the reliability and validity of the data collected are not compromised (Kuiper, 2009). Through the form of questioning of either individuals or groups, this will make the researcher understand the subjects’ point of view.

The use of in-depth interview will help the research in providing ideas of a small group through gathering their opinions. Use of well-structured interview questions will ensure that all critical information regarding the research objectives is covered adequately. After collection of the critical data, the information will organize and analyzed in a comprehensive fashion. The study will involve self-administered questionnaires where the sampled unit will be expected to give answers to specific interview questions (Ogden & Goldberg, 2002). It is, however, imperative to ensure that the interview process is done through proper scheduling to minimize chances of misunderstandings. High ethical standards must also be observed during the entire research process.

The sample size must also be manageable to increase the reliability of the results. The sample size will be around 100 to 200 which will enhance the convenience of the research process. It is also critical for the analysis to take into consideration the budgetary and time constraints in determining the sample size (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2003). This kind of sampling technique is a non-probability type that is straightforward due to the participants’ broad awareness of the issue in question. This serves a critical role in ensuring the reliability of the research findings.

The use of face to face interviews enables the research determine the reliability of the information gathered. This is because the interviewer can make deductions from the body language and impressions of the participants (Robson, 2002). The reliability of the informants can also be easily determined through the interaction process of the researcher and the informant. Face to face interview is also beneficial since there are chances that extra information apart from the ones in the questionnaires can be obtained. This means that the quality of the research can be improved by seeking additional information (Yin, 2003).

After data collection, it is important that a proper analysis of the data is carried out to fulfill the research objectives. Use of tables and charts will be of great importance in this research process. This is because they give a clear view of the data collected thus making it easy for data analysis. Tables and charts are also easy to prepare thus making the research process time conscious (Shelly & Rosenblatt, 2010).

Project risks

This research process has numerous challenges that must be identified and offer solutions to these challenges. It is critical for the researcher to identify the main challenges that could hinder the effectiveness of the research process. Despite the promising business opportunity for Itecs and Comtek to venture into the Iranian market, it is imperative that we analyze the serious projects risks associated with this venture  (Plunkett, 2008). The research proposal must also make suggestions on how best that the organization can deal with these challenges.

Security concerns have been a major issue in most Middle East countries with Iran included. Over the years, Iran has been at war with most of the world powers. It has been the culture of the past and present Iranian governments to feel cheated and humiliated while dealing with other world powers. On this note, Iranian governments have strived to convince the rest of the world that they are a strong powerhouse whose credentials should not be underrated. Nevertheless, this objective has not been realized, and Iran has suffered more humiliation as a result (Devlin, 2010). This can be evidenced by the defeat of Iran by Russian Napoleon in the 19th century and overthrown government of Prime Minister Mohmmad Mossadeq by Britain and United States in1953.

Iran has over the years been striving to sustain itself in matters of security that has not been an easy task. For instance, United States has been a thorn in the wound for many Middle East countries such as Iran and Iraq where they have ensured a continuous military presence in those states. The presence of American troops in this republic is a major concern to any investor willing to do a mega-project in the country.  Both the republicans and the democrats have all talked tough regarding Iran, and there is a possibility of military attacks if diplomacy fails to solve these differences. Speculations of nuclear weapons manufacturing in Iran is a major contributor to the security concerns of the Iranian republic (Shelly & Rosenblatt, 2012).   The Americans remain an important security concern for potential investors and Iranian population as a whole.

Apart from the United States and Russia, Iran also as to deal with security concerns posed by Israel at the regional level. The enmity between the two countries has been on the rise in the modern times, and there have been constant talks of possible Israel attack on Iran. On this note, it is also worth understanding that Iraq is also facing similar security challenges. The constants attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan are also a primary concern to the Iranians since they are the geographical neighbors. It is also believed that there is mistrust between these two countries which poses a great security concern.

Social and economic status is another major concern for the setting up a repair center in Iran. Issues of labor freedom, control of government spending, business freedom and monetary freedom are greatly influenced by the social and economic status of the country. Iran has been ranked among the poorest performing countries as far as business freedom is concerned.

The economic freedom has been significantly undermined by the faltering economy and the international isolation of the country. There has been a rise in business regulations that has made it difficult to carry out business in Iran. Increased inflation in Iran has also contributed immensely to the lack of motivation to invest in the country. These levels of inflation have resulted in the currency devaluation that is a significant risk for international corporations.

Another social aspect that poses a risk to this project is the weak rule of law and the autarkic trade and investment policies which have hindered the economic freedom to a great extent. There have been considerable political and religious interference in business ventures which have hampered investment substantially. All the businesses in Iran must be registered and approved by the government. The Islamic revolution in Iran has made the investment in this Muslim country a tall order, especially for the non-Muslims. Corruption and economic sanctions pose another risk to investors in Iran.

These risks will have significant impacts on the research process. For instance, the quality of research will be at stake since the researchers’ security is not guaranteed. The researchers may be tempted to carry out a shoddy job as a result of security concerned. It may also be difficult to complete the research on time due to possible interruptions in the research process. Extra costs are also likely to be incurred in pursuit of a safe working environment.

References

Alizadeh, P., Hakimian, H., & Karshenas, M. (2000). The economy of Iran. London: I.B. Tauris.

Creswell, J. (2009). Research design. Los Angeles: Sage.

Denscombe, M. (2012). Research proposals. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Devlin, J. (2010). Challenges of economic development in the Middle East and North Africa region. Singapore: World Scientific.

Gelvanovska, N., Rogy, M., & Rossotto, C. Broadband networks in the Middle East and North Africa.

Gulati, R. (2013). Maintenance and reliability best practices. New York, NY: Industrial Press.

Kuiper, S. (2009). Contemporary business report writing. Australia: South-Western Cengage Learning.

Ogden, T., & Goldberg, I. (2002). Research proposals. San Diego, Calif.: Academic Press.

Plunkett, J. (2008). Plunkett’s almanac of middle market companies. Houston, Tex.: Plunkett Research.

Robson, C. (2002). Real world research. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishers.

Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2003). Research methods for business students. Harlow, England: Prentice Hall.

Shelly, G., & Rosenblatt, H. (2010). Systems analysis and design. Boston, Mass.: Thomson Course Technology.

Shelly, G., & Rosenblatt, H. (2012). Systems analysis and design. Boston: Course Technology Cengage Learning.

Theron, P., & Bologna, S. (2013). Critical information infrastructure protection and resilience in the ICT sector. Hershey PA: Information Science Reference.

Yin, R. (2003). Case study research. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications.

 
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