Toward A Freelancing Business Model for Gaza Strip A Case Study

Abstract

E-Commerce in Palestine and particularly in Gaza has been suffering a lot during the last years. As the years pass, the number of unemployed graduates greatly increases. If these unemployed get a chance to play the role of being a productive workforce, then this would enrich the national economy and reduce unemployment rate. E-Commerce and Freelancing provide an ideal systematic solution for graduates’ unemployment, and provide timely income flow with some conditions. This research looks in the main reasons that prevent citizens in Gaza Strip from dealing with E-Commerce and Freelancing work in spite of the promised benefits and solutions offered by freelancing for many of the hardships that Gaza people suffer, likesiege and unemployment. Data collection was done through workshops and by questionnaires. The workshops included experienced freelancers who proposed a model for a successful freelancer, and they mentioned the obstacles that faced beginner freelancers and how to overcome them. One main objective achieved in the workshops especially in university was to explain the idea of freelancing, its principles and how to work through it, as well as the reasons for failure and the roads leading to success as seen by specialists who are successful in freelancing. At the same time, the books that draw a model for successful freelancers were analyzed. Finally we designed a questionnaire that gives an indication about each and every point in the research. After that we collect each data source and connect them with each other. The results point out the reasons for failure and set up steps leading to success. The steps set up as leading to success are listed in a simple model with explanations, supported with questionnaire results and recommendations for those concerned.