A gap analysis on the adaptation of analytics in corporate real estate. A case study of site acquisition by telecommunication contractors in Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the existing gap in the use of analytics in corporate real estate specifically looking at the cell-tower site acquisition process of telecommunication contractors and use of analytics by these contractors when obtaining their corporate real estate that is cell-tower sites. This was based on the following specific objectives; to establish the basis of decision making for cell-tower site acquisition by Telecommunication Contractors; to identify how analytics are used in the decision making for cell-tower site acquisition by Telecommunication Contractors; to carry out a KAP survey on the extent of the adaptation of Analytics by Telecommunication Contractors. So as to fill the information gap within the area of corporate real estate and the rising use of analytics and technology across the world. The research involved the use of the qualitative approach and case study method which were administered through use of interviews. A case study of ATC was undertaken, and the researcher through different telecommunication vendors was able to obtain insights and information that answered the laid out specific objectives. Some of the findings included the overall process involved in the cell-tower site acquisition processes, the different stakeholders involved both public and private as well as the factors considered when obtaining a cell-tower site and the tools used to make the appropriate decision of when and where. After which the researcher was able to establish a number of aspects such as; the knowledge and attitude of many Ugandan contractors on the current analytics/ technology usage in cell-tower site acquisition which was shown to be quite lacking; there openness and positive attitude/opinion towards its growth in the industry and existing gap on the use of analytics answering the general objective. It should be noted the researcher faced a number of imitations during the research that might have had an overall impact on the final findings and decisions made from the research.