MGT Proposal
MGT Proposal
DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT
ASSESSIMENT OF THE ROLE OF CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP
MANAGEMENAT ON CUSTOMER LOYALTY (IN CASE OF COMMERCIAL
BANK OF ETHIOPIA DEBRE MARKOS, NIGUS TEKLE HAYMANOT
BRANCH)
By
1. Natnael Abebaw BME/081/13
2. Kebebew Abewa BME/043/13
3. Manayesh Abebe BME/045/13
4. Zelalem Amare BME/070/13
5. Haymanot Yohanes BME/02/13
6. Lakech Damtie BME/087/13
7. Belaynesh Ayenew BME/074/13
Advisor:
July, 2024
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE ......................................................................................................................................... 1
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................................ 1
1.2. Objectives of the study ................................................................................................................. 2
1.3. Significance of the study .................................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER TWO ........................................................................................................................................ 4
2. LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Definition of Customer Relationship Management ............................................................................ 4
2.2 Role of Customer relationship management ...................................................................................... 5
2.2.1 Role of customer relationship manager ................................................................................... 5
2.3 Benefits of Customer Relationship Management ............................................................................... 5
2.4 Components of Customer relationship management ........................................................................ 6
2.5 Customers relationship management objective ................................................................................. 6
2.6 Customer Relationship Management in Banking Industry ................................................................. 7
2.6.1 Challenges of CRM in the Bank ............................................................................................... 7
2.7 Definition of Customer loyalty ............................................................................................................ 8
2.8 Benefit of Customer Loyalty ............................................................................................................... 8
2.9 Effect of CRM on customer loyalty ..................................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER THREE .................................................................................................................................. 10
3. RESEARCH METHODS ..................................................................................................................... 10
3.1 Research Design ................................................................................................................................ 10
3.2 Research Approach ........................................................................................................................... 10
3.3 Data Sources ..................................................................................................................................... 10
3.4 Sampling Technique .......................................................................................................................... 11
3.5 Method of Data Collection ................................................................................................................ 11
3.6 Population of Study........................................................................................................................... 11
3.7 Sampling Techniques and Sample Size Determination ..................................................................... 12
3.8 Data collection procedure and data analysis methodology ............................................................. 12
3.9 Data Analysis and Presentation ........................................................................................................ 12
4. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................... 17
CHAPTER ONE
1. INTRODUCTION
In today's competitive banking sector, customer loyalty is a critical determinant of long-term
success and profitability. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) has emerged as a strategic
tool to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. This research proposal aims to assess the role of
CRM in fostering customer loyalty, with a specific focus on the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
Debre Markos Nigus T/Haymanot branch.
The banking industry in Ethiopia is experiencing rapid growth and transformation, driven by
advancements in technology and changing customer expectations. As a result, banks are
increasingly adopting CRM systems to manage interactions with customers, streamline operations,
and provide personalized services. However, the effectiveness of these CRM initiatives in building
and sustaining customer loyalty remains underexplored.
This study seeks to fill this gap by evaluating how CRM practices at the Debre Markos Nigus
T/Haymanot Branch of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia influence customer loyalty. The research
will explore various dimensions of CRM, including customer satisfaction, service quality, and
personalized banking experiences, and their impact on customer retention and loyalty.
Understanding the relationship between CRM and customer loyalty is crucial for the bank to
develop strategies that enhance customer engagement and satisfaction. This research will provide
valuable insights into the effectiveness of current CRM practices and offer recommendations for
improving customer loyalty through targeted CRM initiatives. By doing so, the study aims to
contribute to the broader literature on CRM in the banking sector and support the Commercial
Bank of Ethiopia in achieving its customer-centric objectives.
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institutions. This necessitates the adoption of robust CRM strategies to differentiate and retain
customers.
3. Measurement of Customer Satisfaction: There is a significant struggle in effectively measuring
customer satisfaction within the banking sector. This is critical, as understanding customer
satisfaction is essential for maintaining and enhancing customer relationships through CRM
initiatives.
4. Impact of CRM on Customer Loyalty: There is a
pressing need to evaluate and understand the direct impact of CRM practices on customer loyalty.
Without this understanding, banks cannot make informed decisions to improve customer retention
and profitability.
5. Handling Customer Complaints: Efficiently handling customer complaints remains a challenge
for banks, impacting their ability to retain loyal customers and enhance overall customer
satisfaction through CRM implementations. Inadequate complaint resolution mechanisms can lead
to dissatisfaction and loss of trust among customers.
The core problem to be addressed in this research proposal is:
To what extent do CRM practices at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia’s Debre Markos Nigus
T/Haymanot branch influence customer loyalty, and what specific improvements can be made to
enhance the effectiveness of these practices in the face of global competition and customer
retention challenges?
By investigating these issues, the research aims to provide a detailed analysis of the current state
of CRM at the Debre Markos Nigus T/Haymanot branch, identify gaps and challenges, and offer
practical recommendations for improving customer loyalty. The ultimate goal is to help the branch
better meet customer needs, retain their loyalty, and maintain a competitive edge in the banking
industry.
Therefore, the research problem addressed in this proposal is to investigate the following research
questions:
1, what is the role of customer relationship management on customer loyalty?
2, what are the Main reasons for poor customer relationship management?
3, How the banks use to make customer loyal?
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1. Evaluate the current CRM strategies and practices implemented at the Debre Markos Nigus
T/Haymanot branch.
2. Analyze the relationship between CRM effectiveness and customer loyalty within the context
of the Ethiopian banking sector.
3. Identify key factors that influence customer retention and satisfaction through CRM initiatives.
4. Recommend practical strategies and improvements to enhance CRM effectiveness and
strengthen long-term customer relationships at the branch.
By achieving these objectives, the study seeks to provide valuable insights into enhancing
customer loyalty through effective CRM practices, thereby contributing to the strategic
management and operational efficiency of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia's Debre Markos
Nigus T/Haymanot branch.
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CHAPTER TWO
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) has been extensively studied in marketing over the
past 35 years. Initially derived from "contract management," CRM focuses on maintaining
customer details for future interactions. It is a strategic approach aimed at fostering long-term,
mutually beneficial relationships with customers by collecting and utilizing data on their
preferences (Bergeron, 2002; Sun, 2009).
CRM systems have become pivotal in various sectors, serving as a primary business strategy in
today's competitive landscape. Effective CRM integrates technology, processes, and personnel to
enhance customer satisfaction, thereby increasing market share and profitability (Long et al.,
2013).
Defined as a comprehensive strategy, CRM involves acquiring, retaining, and partnering with
customers to create value for both the company and the customer (Parvatiyar and Sheth, 2001). It
leverages intense customer communication to improve customer loyalty and profitability, utilizing
technology across research, technology, and e-commerce domains (Swift, 2000; Foss and Stone,
2001).
Overall, CRM aims to enhance organizational decision-making related to customers, thereby
improving marketing and organizational performance (Zablah, 2004).
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2.2 Role of Customer relationship management
The trends outlined here help explain why CRM has become a critical business issue. However,
the adoption and implementation of CRM face challenges due to varying interpretations among
organizations. Some perceive CRM as direct mail campaigns, loyalty programs, or database
management, while others view it as call centers, help desks, or e-commerce solutions like
personalization engines or relational databases (Bose, 2002). This fragmented perspective can
hinder the holistic adoption of CRM strategies within organizations.
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2.4 Components of Customer relationship management
1. Trust: Trust is foundational in CRM and refers to the confidence and reliance customers have
in a supplier or service provider. Positive experiences foster trust, while betrayal can lead to
customer defection (Jusˇcˇius and Grigaite, 2011; Ndubisi and Wah, 2005; Vesel and Zabkar,
2010).
2. Commitment: Commitment in CRM denotes the intention and behaviors aimed at creating long-
term value for both parties involved. It reflects a dedication to maintaining and nurturing the
relationship over time (Vesel and Zabkar, 2010).
3. Communication: Effective communication is crucial in CRM, encompassing both warm,
personal interactions with customers and the exchange of meaningful information. Personalized
communication, including the use of customers' names, helps in building familiarity and trust
(Naoui and Zaiem, 2010; Sin et al., 2002).
4. Conflict Handling: CRM involves managing conflicts that may arise between the organization
and its customers. This includes identifying tensions early, resolving issues openly and effectively,
and demonstrating commitment to customer satisfaction through conflict resolution efforts (Naoui
and Zaiem, 2010; Dwyer et al., 1987).
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2.6 Customer Relationship Management in Banking Industry
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) has become crucial in the banking industry, driven
by increasing competition and the need for banks to better understand and serve their customers.
Here are the advantages and outcomes of CRM implementation in banking:
1. Identifying Real Customers: CRM helps banks distinguish genuine, profitable customers in the
long term, facilitating more effective relationship management.
2. Customer-Centric Bank Management: CRM shifts banks towards a customer-centric approach,
where decisions and strategies are based on customer insights and needs.
3. Enhancing Human Relationships with Technology: CRM integrates technology to enhance
personalized customer interactions, leveraging data for tailored sales approaches.
4. Reshaping Marketing and Sales Campaigns: CRM enables banks to refine and personalize
marketing and sales efforts based on customer behavior and preferences.
5. Competitive Advantage: Successful CRM implementation provides a sustainable competitive
advantage by improving customer satisfaction, loyalty, and overall productivity.
6. Creating a Customer-Centric Culture: Banks adopting CRM aim to foster a culture that
prioritizes customer needs and relationships throughout the organization.
7. Securing Customer Relationships: CRM strategies focus on building and maintaining strong,
lasting customer relationships through personalized service and engagement.
8. Maximizing Customer Profitability: By identifying and catering to the most valuable customer
segments, CRM helps banks maximize profitability and lifetime value.
9. Alignment of Efforts: CRM aligns bank resources and efforts behind key customer groups,
optimizing operational efficiency and service delivery.
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4. Retention of Profitable Relationships: Retaining and maximizing the profitability of existing
customer relationships is a key challenge. Banks must ensure that their CRM strategies not only
attract but also retain customers through personalized and high-quality service.
5. Competitive Pressure: Banks face intense competition, prompting them to adopt CRM tools to
enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, the effectiveness of these tools depends on
how well they align with customer expectations and competitive strategies.
6. Building Customer Loyalty: CRM strategies focus on fostering loyalty through positive staff
interactions, honesty, integrity, and consistent service delivery. However, achieving and
maintaining customer loyalty requires continuous effort and commitment from the bank.
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5. Creating Brand Advocates: Satisfied customers participating in loyalty programs are more likely
to become advocates for the brand. They recommend products and services to their social circles,
contributing to organic growth and reduced marketing costs (LoyaltyLion (2014).
6. Ensuring Long-term Profitability: Customer loyalty programs contribute to sustainable
profitability by increasing repeat purchases and fostering a loyal customer base. This stability
reduces the risk of market share erosion to competitors (Palmatier et al. (2007).
7. Enhancing Market Position: A strong base of loyal
customers enhance the company's market position. Loyal customers actively seek the company's
products and services, providing a competitive edge in the marketplace. (Palmatier et al. (2007).
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CHAPTER THREE
3. RESEARCH METHODS
3.1 Research Design
Descriptive Research Design:
- Utilize descriptive research to describe and analyze the nature of the existing situation regarding
customer loyalty influenced by CRM practices in commercial banks.
- Compare and contrast different aspects of CRM strategies and their impact on customer loyalty.
- Classify and analyze data to identify patterns and trends in customer behavior and loyalty.
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3.4 Sampling Technique
- Purposeful Sampling: Select customers who have actively engaged with the CRM initiatives and
represent diverse demographics and banking behaviors.
- Convenience Sampling: Choose bank managers who are directly involved in implementing CRM
strategies at the branch level.
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3.7 Sampling Techniques and Sample Size Determination
Convenience Sampling:
- Rationale: Chosen due to its ease, cost-effectiveness, and time efficiency, particularly suitable
given the unpredictable availability of respondents during working hours.
- Target Population: Customers and managers of the commercial bank at the Debre Markos Nigus
T/Haymanot branch.
- Sample Size Determination: Use a sample size formula appropriate for convenience sampling,
ensuring it adequately represents the target population while being feasible within the study's
constraints.
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- Tabulate quantitative data to facilitate clear presentation and comparison of results.
2. Data Presentation:
- Present quantitative findings in tables and charts to illustrate trends and distributions.
- Interpret qualitative data by transforming narratives into meaningful insights and constructing
interpretive narratives.
- Use illustrative statements and quotes from interviews to support qualitative findings.
3. Ensure Completeness and Accuracy:
- Verify completeness of data collection before proceeding to analysis.
- Cross-check data for accuracy and consistency to ensure reliability of findings.
4.Budget of Time
Timeline over a period of six months:
Month 1: Planning and Preparation
- Week 1-2:
- Finalize research objectives and questions.
- Conduct a comprehensive literature review.
- Week 3:
- Develop and pre-test questionnaires and interview guides.
- Obtain necessary approvals and ethical clearances.
- Week 4:
- Finalize sample size and sampling technique.
- Prepare logistics for data collection (printing questionnaires, scheduling interviews, etc.).\
Month 2: Data Collection
- Week 1-2:
- Distribute questionnaires to selected customers.
- Conduct initial interviews with bank managers.
- Week 3:
- Follow up on questionnaire responses and ensure maximum response rate.
- Continue interviews with bank managers as needed.
- Week 4:
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- Collect and organize all completed questionnaires and interview notes.
Month 3: Data Entry and Preliminary Analysis
- Week 1-2:
- Enter quantitative data into statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Excel).
- Transcribe qualitative data from interviews.
- Week 3-4:
- Conduct preliminary analysis of quantitative data.
- Identify key themes and patterns in qualitative data.
Month 4: Detailed Data Analysis
- Week 1-2:
- Perform detailed statistical analysis (e.g., frequency distributions, averages).
- Conduct in-depth thematic analysis for qualitative data.
- Week 3-4:
- Cross-verify data for consistency and accuracy.
- Begin drafting the results section of the report.
Month 5: Interpretation and Discussion
- Week 1-2:
- Interpret the results in the context of research objectives and literature review.
- Discuss findings and their implications for CRM and customer loyalty.
- Week 3:
- Draft the discussion section of the report.
- Begin drafting conclusions and recommendations.
- Week 4:
- Review and refine the draft report.
Month 6: Finalization and Submission
- Week 1-2:
- Complete the final draft of the report.
- Include executive summary, references, and appendices.
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- Week 3:
- Review the entire document for coherence and clarity.
- Proofread for grammatical and typographical errors.
- Week 4:
- Submit the final research report.
- Prepare for any presentations or defenses if required.
4.1 Budget of cost
1. Personnel Costs
- Research Assistant (Part-time)
- 6 months’ x 27,500 ETB/month = 165,000 ETB
- Data Entry Personnel (Part-time)
- 2 months’ x 22,000 ETB/month = 44,000 ETB
2. Data Collection Costs
- Printing Questionnaires
- 68 questionnaires x 3 ETB each = 204 ETB
- Incentives for Respondents
- 62 respondent’s x 275 ETB each = 17050 ETB
- Interview Costs (Travel and Refreshments)
- Travel (local): 11,000 ETB
- Refreshments: 2,750 ETB
3. Materials and Supplies
- Stationery (Pens, Notebooks, etc.)
- 2,750 ETB
- Recording Devices (for Interviews)
- 5,500 ETB
4. Data Analysis Software
- SPSS/Excel License
- 16,500 ETB
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5. Miscellaneous Expenses
- Internet and Communication
- 6 months’ x 1,650 ETB/month = 9,900 ETB
- Miscellaneous/Contingency
- 11,000 ETB
6. Documentation and Reporting
- Printing and Binding of Final Report
- 5 copies x 1,100 ETB each = 5,500 ETB
Total Estimated Budget
- Personnel Costs: 209,000 ETB
- Data Collection Costs: 42,350 ETB
- Materials and Supplies: 8,250 ETB
- Data Analysis Software: 16,500 ETB
- Miscellaneous Expenses: 20,900 ETB
- Documentation and Reporting: 5,500 ETB
Total Cost: 291154 ETB
Budget Justification
- Personnel Costs: Essential for managing data collection, entry, and preliminary analysis.
- Data Collection Costs: Necessary for ensuring high response rates and compensating respondents
for their time.
- Materials and Supplies: Needed for smooth operation during data collection and interview
sessions.
- Data Analysis Software: Required for accurate and efficient analysis of quantitative data.
- Miscellaneous Expenses: Cover unexpected costs and ensure effective communication and
internet access.
- Documentation and Reporting: Necessary for producing and distributing the final report.
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4. REFERENCES
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İşletme Anabilim Dalı Üretim Yönetimi ve Pazarlama Bilimi Dalı Konya.
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(2013). “Impact of CRM Factors on Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty.” *Asian Social Science*,
9(10), 247-253.
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*Baltic Journal of Management*, 6(1), 71-88.
7. LoyaltyLion. (2014). “Five Benefits of Customer Loyalty Program.” Available at:
https://loyaltylion.com/blog/five-benefits-of-a-loyalty-program. Accessed 1 December 2014.
8. Malik, S. A., & Harper, T. W. (2009). “Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in Banking
Sector of Pakistan; Problems and Challenges.” *Business Information Management Association*,
312-320.
9. Marketing Performance. *International Journal of Business and Social Science*, Vol. 2 No. 10.
10. Management Study Guide. (2008). “Different Types of Customers.” Available at:
www.managementstudyguide.com/types-of-customers.htm. Accessed 2008.
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*International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing*, 4(2), 137-156.
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