Study on Export Competitiveness through Application of Information Technology (2001)

Young Consultants (YC) participated as a co-researcher in the Study on Export Competitiveness through Application of Information Technology, undertaken in association with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Trade Organization’s International Trade Centre (WTO-ITC). Conducted from May to July 2001, the assignment aimed to assess export competitiveness through the application of information technology (AIT) and identify opportunities to strengthen the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s export sector.

The study involved reviewing existing research, collecting primary and secondary data, and consulting relevant stakeholders to examine the relationship between information technology and export competitiveness. YC contributed to the research process through questionnaire development, focus group discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), statistical data analysis, and report preparation. The findings were compiled into a report and circulated among key stakeholders for feedback before the final report was submitted.

Scope of Services Provided
1. Desk Research and Literature Review

Conducted desk research and reviewed existing studies and research materials relevant to export competitiveness and the application of information technology.

2. Questionnaire Development

Prepared a standardized questionnaire to facilitate systematic collection of primary data and obtain relevant information for the study.

3. Secondary Data Collection

Collected the required secondary data and supporting information to inform the assessment of export competitiveness through information technology.

4. Primary Data Collection and Stakeholder Consultation

Conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to gather insights from relevant stakeholders and supplement the research findings.

5. Data Processing and Statistical Analysis

Processed and analyzed the collected data using appropriate statistical tools and techniques to support evidence-based findings.

6. Draft Report Preparation and Stakeholder Review

Prepared the draft research report and circulated it among key stakeholders to obtain comments, observations, and feedback.

7. Final Report Preparation and Submission

Incorporated relevant stakeholder feedback, finalized the research report, and submitted the completed report.

Key Deliverables
Review of existing research and studies on export competitiveness and information technology.
Standardized questionnaire for primary data collection.
Collected primary and secondary research data.
Findings from FGDs and KIIs with relevant stakeholders.
Processed and analyzed data supporting the study’s findings.
Draft report circulated to key stakeholders for review and comments.
Final research report on export competitiveness through the application of information technology.
Assignment Details
Assignment Name: Study on Export Competitiveness through Application of Information Technology (2001) Client: UNCTAD / WTO-ITC Country: Bangladesh Project Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh Approximate Contract Value: US$6,500 Duration: 3 months Start Date: May 2001 Completion Date: July 2001 Total Staff-Months: 3 staff-months Professional Staff-Months Provided by Associated Consultants: N/A Associated Consultants: Not specified in the source information YC’s Role: Co-researcher

Senior Professional Staff Involved
Name
Designation / Role
M. Zakir Hossain
Key Researcher
S. M. Firoz Hasan
Coordinator
Md. Alim Haider
Financial Expert