https://www.mdu.se/

Title: The Commercial Value of Domain Names – A case study of the Iraqi top-level domain .iq

Course: EFO704: Master Thesis in Business Administration

Authors: Mofid Al Jaafar (Västerås) and Magnus Hurtig (Västerås)

Tutor: Peter Ekman

Keywords: Domain name, Iraq, Internet, Brands, Organization, Knowledge, Competence, Material.

Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the perceived commercial value of the Iraqi domain name and identify possible obstacles in commercializing the domain name. The aim of the study is to develop recommendations for the Iraqi Communication and Media Commission on how to further enhance the use of the Iraqi (.iq) domain name.

Methodology: Both qualitative and quantitative approach was used in gathering information for this thesis. For gathering empirical materials, we conducted interviews with government officials and companies. Furthermore, a survey of Iraqi individuals was also conducted. The survey has been presented with descriptive statistics and the interviews transcribed and presented.

Theoretical Framework: theories about branding are applicable to understand the commercial value of domain names and therefore the theoretical framework consists of branding theories and an organizational part with knowledge and competence. A conceptual framework has then been developed from the theoretical findings.

Secondary Information: There is also a part consisting of secondary information of other domain names and their administration. This contributes as a comparative part of the thesis.

Empirical Data: The qualitative empirical data has been collected through interviews with one of the four responsible officials for the Communication and Media Commission and companies active in the Iraqi market. The quantitative empirical data has been collected by a survey distributed to people at two different locations in Iraq.

End Discussion: The conclusion shows that there is a commercial value for the Iraqi domain name which is also strengthened by the explicit interest from Iraqis showed by the survey. There are however some obstacles that has to be overcome if Iraq want to commercialize their domain name in the future. The authors point out some main obstacles that is important to improve in the future such as: Electricity and Material, Knowledge or Competence and Requirements.