Vol. 1 No. 1 (2013)

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A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of Industrial Machinery Fleet System Adoption in Rwanda: A Methodological Case Study

Samuel Habimana, Department of Civil Engineering, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) Jean de Dieu Uwimana, African Leadership University (ALU), Kigali Valentine Mukamana, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Rwanda
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18964723
Published: September 10, 2013

Abstract

{ "background": "The adoption of advanced industrial machinery fleet management systems (FMS) in developing economies is a critical engineering challenge, yet rigorous methodological frameworks for evaluating their uptake are scarce. This creates a significant evidence gap for policymakers and industry stakeholders.", "purpose and objectives": "This case study presents and applies a quasi-experimental design to methodologically evaluate the adoption rate of a new GPS-enabled FMS within the Rwandan construction and mining sectors. The primary objective is to demonstrate a robust evaluation framework suitable for resource-constrained settings.", "methodology": "A difference-in-differences (DiD) design was implemented, comparing adoption metrics between an intervention group of 42 firms receiving targeted technical support and a matched control group of 42 firms. Adoption was measured via a composite index of system utilisation. The core statistical model is $Y{it} = \\beta0 + \\beta1 \\text{Treat}i + \\beta2 \\text{Post}t + \\delta (\\text{Treat}i \\times \\text{Post}t) + \\epsilon_{it}$, where $\\delta$ is the DiD estimator. Inference was based on cluster-robust standard errors.", "findings": "The analysis indicates a positive and statistically significant treatment effect. The estimated DiD coefficient ($\\delta = 0.18$, 95% CI [0.07, 0.29]) suggests that the intervention increased the average adoption index by 18 percentage points. Thematic analysis of implementation barriers highlighted the predominance of technical skills shortages over financial constraints.", "conclusion": The quasi-experimental design proved viable and generated credible estimates of causal impact on adoption, offering a transferable methodological blueprint for similar engineering technology evaluations in developing contexts.", "recommendations": "Future evaluations of industrial technology adoption should incorporate quasi-experimental designs to strengthen causal inference. Programme implementers should prioritise embedded technical training alongside system deployment to mitigate skills gaps.", "key words": "machinery management,

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How to Cite

Samuel Habimana, Jean de Dieu Uwimana, Valentine Mukamana (2013). A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of Industrial Machinery Fleet System Adoption in Rwanda: A Methodological Case Study. African Civil Engineering Journal, Vol. 1 No. 1 (2013). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18964723

Keywords

Quasi-experimental designFleet management systemsTechnology adoptionSub-Saharan AfricaIndustrial machineryDeveloping economiesMethodological evaluation

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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2013)
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African Civil Engineering Journal

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