INFLUENCE OF STAKEHOLDERS’ INVOLVEMENT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF ACCESS TO SMARTPHONE PROJECTS IN RWANDA. THE CASE OF ITEL RWANDA

Access to smartphones is a critical enabler of digital inclusion, economic growth, and social development. In the context of Rwanda, where smartphone penetration is on the rise, understanding the role of stakeholders in shaping the implementation of smartphone access projects is of paramount importance. This study explores how the involvement of various stakeholders, including the Rwandan government, private companies like ITEL Rwanda, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and educational institutions, influences the success and impact of smartphone access initiatives. The study was guided by the Stakeholder Theory. The research employed a descriptive approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, to gather comprehensive data from various stakeholders, including policymakers, project implementers, end users, and industry experts. The study identified and categorized factors affecting the success of smartphone access initiatives into several key dimensions, including technological infrastructure, policy and regulatory environment, financial accessibility, digital literacy, and sociocultural considerations. The target population of the study was the 34 respondents dealing with the projects at Itel Rwanda. Census approach was adopted in this study. Data collection for the project consist of questionnaires and included both primary and secondary sources. The dependability of the research instrument was determined using Cronbach's alpha. SPSS version 25 was used to evaluate the gathered data. Calculations like averages, percentages, and statistical analyses like correlation and regression were performed as part of the data analysis process. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation (specifically, Karl Pearson's coefficient of correlation) to determine how the dependent variables are connected to the set of independent variables. Narratives and direct quotations were used to convey qualitative data that has been evaluated using thematic methods. The findings reveal that, the R-squared value is .600, indicating that 60% of the variance in the implementation of access to smartphone projects can be explained by stakeholders' involvement. The adjusted R-squared is .587, which adjusts the R-squared value for the number of predictors in the model, suggesting that stakeholders' involvement remains a significant predictor even after controlling for other factors. The ANOVA results demonstrates a statistically significant relationship between stakeholders' involvement and the implementation of access to smartphone projects (F(1, 31) = 46.464, p &lt; .001). This suggests that the level of stakeholder engagement has a substantial impact on the successful implementation of such projects. The model includes a constant term and the independent variable "Stakeholders' involvement." The unstandardized coefficient for stakeholders' involvement is 1.789, indicating that for each unit increase in stakeholders' involvement, there is a corresponding increase of 1.789 units in the implementation of access to smartphone projects. The standardized coefficient (Beta) of 0.774 suggests a strong positive relationship. The t-statistic of 6.816 and a p-value of 0.000 indicate that stakeholders' involvement has a statistically significant and positive influence on the implementation of smartphone access projects. In conclusion, the study on the influence of stakeholders' involvement in the implementation of access to smartphone projects in Rwanda, with a specific focus on Itel Rwanda, underscores the critical role played by various stakeholders in driving digital inclusion and socio-economic development in the region. The findings of this research emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts between public and private entities, community engagement, and technological advancements in achieving sustainable progress and broader accessibility to mobile technology in Rwanda. This research highlights that the influence of stakeholders' involvement is pivotal in the effective execution of smartphone accessibility initiatives in Rwanda. Analyzing the experiences and strategies employed by Itel Rwanda, it is evident that collaborative efforts and a holistic approach to stakeholder engagement can significantly contribute to the overall success and sustainability of such projects, fostering a more connected and digitally inclusive society Keywords: Stakeholders Involvement, Project Implementation, Access to Smartphone Projects, Rwanda and Itel Rwanda CITATION : Umutoniwabo, D., &amp; Gathiru, M. K. (2023). Influence of stakeholders’ involvement on implementation of access to smartphone projects in Rwanda. The case of Itel Rwanda. The Strategic Journal of Business &amp; Change Management, 10 (4), 1240 – 1258. http://dx.doi.org/10.61426/sjbcm.v10i4.2814