Toward strategic use of IT in SMEs: a developing country perspective
Information Management & Computer Security
ISSN: 0968-5227
Article publication date: 1 December 2003
Abstract
This article analyzes the strategic use of microcomputers and software packages in corporate planning and decision making in SMEs. Data were collected from 44 SMEs from three cities in the Republic of Botswana to study their perceptions about the use of computer‐based technology to solve managerial problems, and analysed using simple descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that SMEs conduct both strategic and operational planning activities. However, microcomputers and software packages were used primarily for operational and administrative tasks rather than for strategic planning. SMEs perceive that strategic planning is costly and time‐consuming, and hence appropriate only for large firms. The study also showed that firm size and strategic orientation are related to the use of computer technology for strategic decision making. The major implication of the findings for future research has been identified and presented.
Keywords
Citation
Temtime, Z.T., Chinyoka, S.V. and Shunda, J.P.W. (2003), "Toward strategic use of IT in SMEs: a developing country perspective", Information Management & Computer Security, Vol. 11 No. 5, pp. 230-237. https://doi.org/10.1108/09685220310500144
Publisher
:MCB UP Ltd
Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited