Overview: The Sameer Investment Group Case Study
Summary
The staff and group companies of Sameer Investments Limited (SIL), a leading industrial group located in Nairobi, have heightened their ability to make economically sound and well-informed decisions because of their access to information on the World Wide Web and efficient communications via email. They have also been able to market SIL and interest overseas investors through their web site.
Goal
SIL and its group companies seek to contribute to Kenya's economy by promoting industrial growth and ethical business practices. They seek to maximize value for all their stakeholders and to be model corporate citizens. To further these objectives, SIL decided in January 1997 to acquire Internet access so that the head office and group companies would have easy and efficient access to global
news and financial information. They also sought to reduce their communication costs through the use of
Internet email and fax, and to market SIL on the World Wide Web.
The Process
Once SIL made the decision to gain Internet access, they contacted a recommended local Internet Service Provider (ISP). From the ISP, they acquired a subscription and purchased browser software licenses. They then purchased new generation computers and modems and subscribed for additional telephone lines. Once the equipment was in place, the browsing software was installed and passwords were se
t up. The SIL staff undertook training on how to access and use the World Wide Web and email applications. SIL's ISP has provided them with technical support and has customized Internet tools to fit SIL's needs.
The Next Step
The SIL head office has benefited greatly from email and World Wide Web access as it has helped reduce communication costs. In addition, email news and financial information services have helped to create an empowered and well-informed staff. Email is used by SIL as an effective alternative to telephone communication because the poor quality of phone lines in Kenya makes telephones
unreliable at times. Some of SIL's group companies have also set up Intranets and have used email as an
advertising tool.
After experiencing the benefits of web access and email, SIL decided to develop a web site to market SIL and to interest overseas investors in the group and its activities. Since its launching, the web site has led to inquiries from people overseas interested in promoting business in Kenya. SIL's World Wide Web presence has also contributed to a sense of pride among the group.
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