MAL 19/17 (MARKETING AFRICA) | Page 44

BIG DATA INDUSTRY DISRUPTION INDICATORS By Timothy Oriedo I n the recent past a number of events unfolded that point towards the maturity of our business environment towards exposure to digital disruptiveness. Standard Chartered Bank and Barclays bank announced a notice to close of at least 7 Branches each across the country signaling toughening times. Much to the relive of the employees, both banks assured that they will be redeployed to other functions. It would be worth to take note the underlying wave sweeping across the globe is fuelled by the 4th Industrial revolution and it is unstoppable. The banking industry having matured in use of performance measurement tools will always lead the pack in adoption of lean strategy in response to the disruptive wave. However other industries will need to follow suit and start re-adjusting their respective business models in line with the seismic waves that have shifted the tectonic foundations that most traditional businesses are built against. One other industry high in ‘‘ It would be worth to take note the underlying wave sweeping across the globe is fuelled by the 4th Industrial revolution and it is unstoppable. The banking industry having matured in use of performance measurement tools will always lead the pack in adoption of lean strategy in response to the disruptive wave.” 42 MAL 19/17 ISSUE exposure is retail, largely hinged at the hip joint with the financial sector in regards to consumer focus and access to credit. The later vindicated by the unfolding woes bedeviling the giant local retail chain Nakumatt which has set in motion a raft of optimization measures including closures of branches and re-negotiation of salary payments with staff. Whilst continuous efforts are being done to turn around the business, it would be worth looking at the role of the Real estate in the current woes facing the retailer. The third industry with a high disruptiveness index is the TMT – Telecommunication, Media and Technology. The Communication Authority of Kenya released Q1 2017 Report with glaring reports of Airtel Money having lost market share by 5million and its voice division ceding 16%. Business leaders in the TMT appear to be caught unprepared by the emerging disruptive wave and a number of players in the sector reacting a tad a bit late.