Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

The rapid evolution of Containerization (Docker/Kubernetes) has transformed the way organizations design, deploy, and manage inventory management systems. As institutions seek to modernize legacy processes, Containerization (Docker/Kubernetes) offers new opportunities to improve service delivery, reduce manual overhead, and respond more effectively to user needs.

In practice, however, adoption of containerization (docker/kubernetes) within inventory management systems has been uneven, and its actual impact on data security is not yet well understood in a rigorous, evaluable way — a gap this study is positioned to address.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Current inventory management systems in many organizations struggle with inadequate data security, often relying on manual processes or outdated architectures that were not designed for today's operating environment. Without a structured approach to integrating containerization (docker/kubernetes), these limitations are likely to persist, exposing organizations to inefficiency, risk, and a poor user experience. This study is motivated by the need to design and evaluate a containerization (docker/kubernetes)-based approach to addressing this problem.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To design and implement a containerization (docker/kubernetes)-based approach to improving data security in inventory management systems.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of Containerization (Docker/Kubernetes) in enhancing data security within inventory management systems.
3. To identify the key requirements and constraints relevant to deploying containerization (docker/kubernetes) in this context.
4. To assess user and stakeholder perception of the resulting system.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How can containerization (docker/kubernetes) be applied to improve data security in inventory management systems?
2. How effective is Containerization (Docker/Kubernetes) at enhancing data security within inventory management systems?
3. What requirements and constraints are relevant to deploying containerization (docker/kubernetes) in this context?
4. How do users and stakeholders perceive the resulting system?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its immediate technical contribution, this study offers value to organizations evaluating whether to invest in containerization (docker/kubernetes) for their own inventory management systems, and contributes to the broader literature on applied software technology / IT by documenting a concrete implementation and evaluation case.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to the design, implementation, and evaluation of a containerization (docker/kubernetes)-based approach to improving data security within inventory management systems. Reflecting its BSc-level scope, it does not extend to a full commercial rollout or long-term post-implementation review beyond the study period.