Assessing the Business Value of Using Information Systems: Case of UTi Egypt

UTi Worldwide Incorporation is an international, non-asset based supply chain management company. It provides air and ocean freight forwarding, contract logistics, customs brokerage and other logistics-related services. It serves a large and diverse base of global and local companies, including customers operating in industries such as pharmaceuticals, apparel and chemical. UTi uses its global network, information systems, relationship with transportation providers and expertise in outsourced logistics services to optimize the operation of its customers´ global supply chains. This paper demonstrates how UTi Egypt uses information technology across its different managerial levels in terms of decision making process, overcoming problems, and operating its businesses. The research is both quantitative as well as qualitative in nature. The analysis of the findings were based on three elements; generally accepted information technology theories such as the technology acceptance mode, compiled research regarding IS implementation methods and system evaluation techniques. This research reflects the first phase of a wider-scale research that should cover more companies in an attempt to develop a profile for IT implementations within the context of the environment in Egypt and identify some lessons learnt for similar implementations in other developing nations