An M-Commerce Platform to Help Solve the Challenges Faced by Independent Home Businesses in Qatar

Abstract

The theoretical part of my dissertation briefly looks at entrepreneurship and the process of generating a business model plan. The changes in modern technology mean that business plans must be generated to take advantage of the new channels. The framework followed in this dissertation is the Lean Canvas Business Model for startups. The purpose of this study is to determine the desirability, feasibility and viability of starting an M-commerce platform in Qatar to help solve the challenges faced by independent home businesses in Qatar. This dissertation is not intended to complete a full business plan but validates the assumptions of the enhanced online marketing concept by using and developing a business model. The dissertation was limited to completing only Stage One of the three stages of the startup process, focusing on assessing the attitudes of potential target customers towards the proposed concept. Analysis of the results suggested that the introduction of the M-commerce platform would be a valuable addition. The results also show how one could advance the aims of the proposed M-commerce platform based on the responses of potential users.