Technology diffusion and its impact on product development in the informal metal working sector in Kenya.

Abstract

This study dealt with technology diffusion and its impact on product development in the informal metalworking sector in Kenya. Therefore, the research aimed to identify product development methods in use by firms in the informal metalworking sector. This was in order to show how these methods relate to conventional product development methods and routes of training undergone by artisans before self-employment. Further to this the study sought to establish how the metal working processes used in the sector relate to material selection, choice of equipment and levels of training. This research also attempted to show the relationship that exists between the routes of training for the artisans in the sector and the achievement of quality products in desired quantities and on schedule. Moreover, the research also aimed to demonstrate how technology diffusion occurs in the sector. The method of data collection for this study was through cross-sectional survey. Questionnaires for the data were administered to 112 owners of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises ( SMEs ). The statistical method of analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to study the relationship between product development methods used and the quantities produced, quality and the ability to deliver products on schedule. ANOVA was also used to determine the influence of route of training on production quantity, choice of quality control method and number of orders delivered without delay. The Chi-square analysis was further used to show the relationships between routes of training and choice of product development method and number of rejected products. The findings of the study show that the methods of production in the informal sector are determined by the acquired equipment and type of training received by the operators. The results of the study have further shown that the mean of the quantities of products produced varied significantly across the product development methods. Furthermore, product quality is influenced by equipment, materials, production skills and quality control methods. The study also shows that delivery of products on schedule to the customer is affected by the product development method in use. It is evident that ideas for product development are mainly obtained from customers, friends or colleagues, consultations with experts and cooperation with other firms. Moreover, the existence of training programmes for employees is also a source of technology in the sector. It is concluded from this study that the conventional process of product development which involves idea generation, idea screening, concept development and concept testing is not practised by any of the firms in the informal sector. The results of this research have also shown that there exists no technology diffusion model supported by government policy that would help the informal sector achieve the goal of producing products of desired quantity, quality and on schedule. This research project has therefore proposed a technology diffusion model for the sector. This is after having identified product design, material and equipment selection, and production scheduling and quality assurance as the weak areas of product development in the informal metalworking sector. Hence, it is recommended that these areas of production should form the basis of technology diffusion to the sector.