EVALUATION OF DATA MINING METHODS FOR NIGERIAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Background To The Study
The telecommunications industry generates and stores a tremendous amount of data (Han et al, 2002). These data include call detail data, which describes the calls that traverse the telecommunication networks, network data, which describes the state of the hardware and software components in the network, and customer data, which describes the telecommunication customers (Roset et al, 1999). The amount of data is so great that manual analysis of the data is difficult, if not impossible. The need to handle such large volumes of data led to the development of knowledge-based expert systems. These automated systems performed important functions such as identifying fraudulent phone calls and identifying network faults. The problem with this approach is that it is time consuming to obtain the knowledge from human experts (the “knowledge acquisition bottleneck”) and, in many cases, the experts do not have the requisite knowledge. The advent of data mining technology promised solutions to these problems and for this reason the telecommunications industry was an early adopter of data mining technology (Roset et al, 1999).
Telecommunication data pose several interesting issues for data mining. The first concerns scale, since telecommunication databases may contain billions of records and are amongst the largest in the world. A second issue is that the raw data is often not suitable for data mining. For example, both call detail and network data are time-series data that represent individual events. Before this data can be effectively mined, useful “summary” features must be identified and then the data must be summarized using these features. Because many data mining applications in the telecommunications industry involve predicting very rare events, such as the failure of a network element or an instance of telephone fraud, rarity is another issue that must be dealt with. The fourth and final data mining issue concerns real-time performance because many data mining applications, such as fraud detection, require that any learned model/rules be applied in real-time (Ezawa & Norton, 1995). Several techniques has also been applied is tackling all these issues in telecommunication companies.
Telecommunication networks are extremely complex configurations of equipment, comprised of thousands of interconnected components. Each network element is capable of generating error and status messages, which leads to a tremendous amount of network data. This data must be stored and analyzed in order to support network management functions, such as fault isolation. This data will minimally include a timestamp, a string that uniquely identifies the hardware or software component generating the message and a code that explains why the message is being generated. For example, such a message might indicate that “controller 7 experienced a loss of power for 30 seconds starting at 10:03 pm on Monday, May 12.”
Due to the enormous number of network messages generated, technicians cannot possibly handle every message. For this reason expert systems have been developed to automatically analyze these messages and take appropriate action, only involving a technician when a problem cannot be automatically resolved (Weiss, Ros & Singhal, 1998).
This study is focused on MTN Nigeria.
MTN Nigeria is part of the MTN Group, Africa’s leading cellular telecommunications company. On May 16, 2001, MTN became the first GSM network to make a call following the globally lauded Nigerian GSM auction conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission earlier in the year. Thereafter the company launched full commercial operations beginning with Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. MTN paid $285m for one of four GSM licenses in Nigeria in January 2001. To date, in excess of US$1.8 billion has been invested building mobile telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria.
Since launch in August 2001, MTN has steadily deployed its services across Nigeria. It now provides services in 223 cities and towns, more than 10,000 villages and communities and a growing number of highways across the country, spanning the 36 states of the Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Many of these villages and communities are being connected to the world of telecommunications for the first time ever.
1.2 Statement Of The Problem
Fraud is a serious problem for telecommunication companies, leading to billions of dollars in lost revenue each year. Fraud can be divided into two categories: subscription fraud and superimposition fraud. Subscription fraud occurs when a customer opens an account with the intention of never paying for the account charges. Superimposition fraud involves a legitimate account with some legitimate activity, but also includes some “superimposed” illegitimate activity by a person other than the account holder. Superimposition fraud poses a bigger problem for the telecommunications industry and for this reason data mining technique is used for identifying this type of fraud. These applications should ideally operate in real-time using the call detail records and, once fraud is detected or suspected, should trigger some action. This action may be to immediately block the call and/or deactivate the account, or may involve opening an investigation, which will result in a call to the customer to verify the legitimacy of the account activity. However, this study will examine various data mining techniques of telecommunication companies in Nigeria.
1.3 Objectives Of The Study
The following are the objectives of this study:
- To provide an overview on data mining.
- To examine the various data mining techniques of telecommunication companies in Nigeria
- To identify the challenges of data mining faced by telecommunication companies in Nigeria
1.4 Research Questions
- What is data mining?
- What are the various data mining techniques of telecommunication companies in Nigeria?
- What are the challenges of data mining faced by telecommunication companies in Nigeria?
1.6 Significance Of The Study
The following are the significance of this study:
The outcome of this study will educate on data mining techniques of telecommunication companies in Nigeria, the data mining applications and how they can be used in fraud detection.
This research will be a contribution to the body of literature in the area of the effect of personality trait on student’s academic performance, thereby constituting the empirical literature for future research in the subject area.
1.7 Scope/Limitations Of The Study
This study will cover various data mining techniques used by telecommunication companies in Nigeria.
Limitation Of Study
Financial constraint
Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
Time constraint
The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
The review of relevant literature is the main topic of this chapter. A literature review covers theoretical and methodological contributions to a certain issue in addition to the state of knowledge at the time of writing. It provides information about the state of the art in relation to the subject you are writing about. It examines the body of work on the chosen subject. The literature evaluation in this study comprises the …
Procedure for Downloading the PDF (Docx) Material
Evaluation of Data Mining Methods for Nigerian Telecommunications Companies (A Case Study of MTN Nigeria) can be downloaded by requesting the full set of materials at the project or seminar cost. The document will be sent via Microsoft Word (MS-Word) format via WhatsApp (e-mail) following payment confirmation.
| Seminar Material Cost ₦3,000 | Project Material Cost ₦5,000 |
Request Complete Material
 | Click here to request the Complete Material via WhatsApp including;
|
TABLE OF CONTENTSPRELIMINARY PAGES
- Title page
- Approval page
- Dedication
- Acknowledgement
- Table of Contents
- Abstract
INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Background …
- ⋮
LITERATURE REVIEW
- 2.1 Introduction
- 2.2 Conceptual Review
- 2.3 Theoretical Framework
- ⋮
- 2.4 Empirical Studies
- 2.5 Research Gaps
- 2.6 Summary of Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Research Design
- 3.3 Population of Study
- 3.4 Sampling and Sampling Technique
- 3.5 Validation of Research Instrument
- 3.6 Method of Data Collection
- 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
- 3.8 Questionnaire Administration
- 3.9 Ethical Consideration
- 3.10 Statistical Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS, RESULT AND DISCUSSION
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Presentation and Analysis of Data
- 4.3 Re-statement of Research Questions
- 4.4 Test of Hypotheses
- 4.5 Discussion of Findings
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
- 5.1 Introduction
- 5.2 Summary of Findings
- 5.3 Conclusion
- 5.4 Recommendation
- 5.5 Suggestion for Further Study
REFERENCES
APPENDIX A - “QUESTIONNAIRE”
Disclaimer for Complete Material Utilization
The displayed research work titled "Evaluation of Data Mining Methods for Nigerian Telecommunications Companies" is stated as a research guideline towards accomplishing your assigned project / seminar research work. All the research materials on this website are ONLY for research purposes and should be used as a guideline in developing your research work. For no reason should you copy word for word as projectlist.com.ng will not be liable for any who copied the material. By ordering the complete research guideline, it signifies that you've accepted our terms of service.
PRELIMINARY PAGES
- Title page
- Approval page
- Dedication
- Acknowledgement
- Table of Contents
- Abstract
INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Background …
- ⋮
LITERATURE REVIEW
- 2.1 Introduction
- 2.2 Conceptual Review
- 2.3 Theoretical Framework
- ⋮
- 2.4 Empirical Studies
- 2.5 Research Gaps
- 2.6 Summary of Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Research Design
- 3.3 Population of Study
- 3.4 Sampling and Sampling Technique
- 3.5 Validation of Research Instrument
- 3.6 Method of Data Collection
- 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
- 3.8 Questionnaire Administration
- 3.9 Ethical Consideration
- 3.10 Statistical Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS, RESULT AND DISCUSSION
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Presentation and Analysis of Data
- 4.3 Re-statement of Research Questions
- 4.4 Test of Hypotheses
- 4.5 Discussion of Findings
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
- 5.1 Introduction
- 5.2 Summary of Findings
- 5.3 Conclusion
- 5.4 Recommendation
- 5.5 Suggestion for Further Study
REFERENCES
APPENDIX A - “QUESTIONNAIRE”
Disclaimer for Complete Material Utilization
The displayed research work titled "Evaluation of Data Mining Methods for Nigerian Telecommunications Companies" is stated as a research guideline towards accomplishing your assigned project / seminar research work. All the research materials on this website are ONLY for research purposes and should be used as a guideline in developing your research work. For no reason should you copy word for word as projectlist.com.ng will not be liable for any who copied the material. By ordering the complete research guideline, it signifies that you've accepted our terms of service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the topic “The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth in Nigeria” recommended for Economics Project?
Yes it is highly recommended — Foreign Direct Investment has been widely described as an indispensable vehicle of economic growth, Various researchers have tried to advocate foreign direct investment as a tool for employment generation, transfer of technological skills, manpower development and increased foreign dexchange earnings. This study was carried out to determine the impact of FDI on economic growth in Nigeria. The study made use of the ordinary least square (OLS) method of estimation in determining the impact of FDI amid other variables on economic growth from the period of 1980 − 2010. This study further reveals that inflation rate have a negative influence on economic growth. Recommendation based on the findings made are geared towards a restructuring and redirecting of foreign direct investment if …
Can the material for “Corporate Social Responsibility and the Performance of MTN in Nigeria” be used as a guide for Mass Communication (MC) Project?
Yes it can be used — Corporate Social Responsibility is a company’s actions that contribute to sustainable development through the company’s core business activities, social investment and public policy debate. The study was carried out to examine the Corporate Social Responsibility and the Performance of MTN in Nigeria. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out to evaluate the impact of CSR on the firm performance of MTN Nigeria and examine the challenges of CSR in MTN Nigeria. The research design used in this report is descriptive design, utilizing questionnaire method to obtain information from the respondents for this project. A total of 200 (two hundred) respondents were selected for this study to represent the entire population of the study. For null hypotheses …
Can the material for “Problems and Prospects of Teaching Business Studies in Secondary Schools” be used as a guide for Education Project?
Yes it can be used — The need to check the Problems and Prospects of teaching Business Studies as necessitate this research work. This Study was carried out at five selected schools at Shomolu Local Government Area of Lagos State. The total Population comprises of 80 which is categories into two for which the students population as 65 and Teachers population is 15 and a sample is used for the analysis (25 fro each schools). The Instrument used for the collection of the data now questionnaire which made up of 9 question items for the teachers and 11 question items for the students which were analyze using simple percentage. It was found among others that Prospects of Teaching Business Studies, it is recommended that more equipments …
Can this topic “Analysis of Effects of Working Capital Management on Profitability of Manufacturing Companies” be used for Accountancy / Accounting Project?
Yes it can be utilized for research — Working capital management involves the management of the most liquid resources of the firm which includes cash and cash equivalents, Inventories and trade and other receivables. Most firms do not hold the correct amount of working capital and this has been a major obstacle to their overall profitability. The study analyzed the effects of working capital management on the profitability of manufacturing firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study utilized a diagnostic research design and targeted the 9 listed manufacturing firms trading on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. However, the study covered 6 of the targeted manufacturing companies, 3 were either not trading or had in complete records at the time of the study. Data was obtained from document …
Is the topic “Antimicrobial Activity of Honey on Staphylococcus Aureus Escherichia Coli and Streptococcus Pyogen Isolated From Wound” recommended for Microbiology Project?
Yes it is highly recommended — Antimicrobial activity of honey obtained from two different locations in Enugu State (Nsukka & Ugwuaji) Nigeria on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogens isolated from wound was studied. Agar well diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial activity of the honey on the test microorganisms. The result revealed that the two honey samples have heavy antibacterial activities against the test organisms and zones of inhibition were obtained showing high antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity increased with increase in the concentrations and honey from Nsukka produced a high antibacterial activity (clearer zone) on staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at all concentration and moderately for streptococcus pyogens. The use of honey as a therapeutic substance has been rediscovered by the medical …
Can this topic “The Effective Financial Management as a Tool for Assessing Efficiency and Growth in Organization” be used for Business Administration and Management (BAM) Project?
Yes it can be utilized for research — The research was undertaken in an attempt to ascertain the relationship that exist between effective Financial management and organization efficiency and growth. Using first bank Jos market branch as a reference point. The study examined the financial activities of the bank under study relates it to the existing body of knowledge. The researcher mined/review existing literature by scholars in this field in terms of books, journals, lecture notes and other publication in order to find out consistency of first bank’s activities to the existing trend. In order to measure the consistency, hypothesis were drawn for proofing. In considering the hypothesis therefore.. data were collected from respondents using questionnaire from the 120 sample size consisting 20 management staff and 100 customers …
Can the material for “Assessment of Availability and Utilization of E-Learning Technologies in Business Education Programme in Tertiary Institutions” be used as a guide for Business Education Project?
Yes it can be used — The study examines the Availability and Utilization of E-Learning Technologies in Business Education Programme in Tertiary Institutions in Ebonyi State University Abakaliki. The survey design was adopted in the study. A population of 200 respondents was used in the study. A sample of 133 respondents comprising business education students was selected using the simple random sampling technique. The technique of Mean and frequencies were employed in data analysis. The findings of the study indicate interactive ICT facilities are grossly lacking for teaching and e-learning of business education courses. Also, it was revealed in the study that interactive ICT are not utilized for teaching business education courses. Non interactive ICT devices were also revealed to be lacking for teaching of business …
Can the material for “The Role of Code Mixing and Code Switching in Doctor-Patient Communication” be used as a guide for Linguistics and Communication Project?
Yes it can be used — This research examined the concept of code switching and code mixing in Doctor-Patient communication in Federal Medical Centre, Katsina. The data used for the analysis were obtained from tape recording, questionnaire and personal observation. The analysis employed the descriptive statistical method with Bach and Harnish (1979) Mutual Contextual Believe (MCB) as theoretical framework of the study. The findings shows that code-mixing and code-switching are used very often in Doctor-Patient communication especially when performing therapeutic functions. …
Can the material for “Auditor Independence as a Correlate of Financial Scandals” be used as a guide for Accountancy / Accounting Project?
Yes it can be used — The study examines auditor independence as a correlate of financial scandals, three commercial banks are used as the case study which are (first bank, zenith bank and diamond bank plc) in Lagos State. This study makes use of survey research technique, which implies getting information directly or indirectly from group of respondents through interview and questionnaire. The sample size obtained using Taro Yamani formula, the total numeration techniques that was adopted for this research owing to the samples size of one hundred and thirty-three (133) copies of the questionnaire which was personally given to respondents. The sample size was determined by using random sampling techniques. The results showed that; There is a negative relationship between auditors’ independence and financial scandals in Nigeria’s deposit …
Can the material for “Effect of Accounting Information on Decision Making Process” be used as a guide for Accountancy / Accounting Project?
Yes it can be used — The paper examined the effect of accounting information on decision making process, with a particular reference to the Nigerian breweries plc. The research was geared towards understanding the operations in Nigeria breweries plc with an emphasis on decision making process. The problems, prospects and implications of the programme were also examined. The objective of the study is therefore to expose to various department the proper way to embark on effective accounting information. Firstly questionnaires were distribution of which thirty were completed and return using stratified random sampling. Also related literature dealing with the effect of Nigeria breweries plc were interviewed and secondary data were obtained from system. The data collected were later analysis and interpreted. From the study, it was …