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III. RESEARCH METHODS A.
Research period and research location
Thirteen months was required to carry out this research. It started in April 2014 and has been accomplished in May 2015. The research was
conducted in the district of Ambatondrazaka-Madagascar, which included eleven Communes, namely, Ambatondrazaka Urban, Ambatondrazaka Sub-
Urban, Feramanga Avaratra, Ambandrika, Ambohitsilaozana, Ambatosoratra,
Imerimandroso, Manakambahiny Anndrefana, Ampitatsimo, Ilafy, and Didy.
B. Data source
This research included both primary and secondary data. Primary data came from observations, tomato farmers, tomato pastes sellers and importers,
local and regional government workers, and experts. However, secondary data came from offices, libraries and internet materials. The choice of the experts was
based on their knowledge and their experiences and they were involved
particularly in the analysis of the situation.
C. Data collection method
Secondary data were collected through desk research method, however primary data were collected through interview and questionnaires. The
collection of the primary data intended to deepen and actualize the information provided by the secondary data. The data collection locations were chosen
purposely, however the respondents were selected randomly.
D. Situation analysis
According to Demetris and Alkis 2006, Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat matrix, known as SWOT matrix can be used to analyze
the situation. It is built, based on the analysis of the situation’s internal and external key factors. The analysis of the internal key factors aims at identifying
the situation strengths and weaknesses, however the analysis of the external key factors aims at identifying the situation’s opportunities and threats Syed,
et al
. 2013. These key factors are related to the project feasibility study aspects such
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24 as Technical and Technological, Market and Marketing, Managerial, Financial,
and Environmental aspects. After their identification, the key factors are matched in order to get strategies such as Strength-Opportunity SO, Weakness-
Opportunity WO, Strength-Threat ST, and Weakness-Threat WT. SO strategy use
s the situation’s internal strengths to take advantages of external opportunities, WO strategy aims at improving the situation internal weaknesses
by taking advantages of external opportunities, ST strategy uses the situation strengths to avoid or reduce the impact of external threats, and WT strategy aims
at reducing the situation’s internal weakness and avoiding the situation’s
external threats Fred, 2011. The SWOT matrix is illustrated in the following figure:
Internal Factors
External Factors Strengths S
1. 2.
. n.
Weaknesses W
1. 2.
.
n. Opportunities O
1. 2.
.
n. Strengths Opportunities
SO Weaknesses
Opportunities WO
Threats T
1. 2.
.
n. Strengths Threats ST
Weaknesses Threats WT
Figure 4. SWOT matrix analysis
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E. Project Feasibility analysis
