Inhibiting Factors for Adopting Enterprise Systems in Networks of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises - An Exploratory Case Study

Effective use of an enterprise system may result in productivity and quality improvements, cost reductions and a better resource management but also bears non-negligible risks. Since enterprise systems usually exhibit a proliferating complexity, many small and medium-sized enterprises fail to pass this hurdle. Therefore, the imperative of this research is to develop an understanding of what inhibits or drives the adoption of enterprise systems in networks of small and medium-sized enterprises. We use an exploratory case study to propose first explanations of the variables and factors that affect the adoption of an enterprise system for such a network

SMEs, electronically-mediated working and data security: cause for concern?

Security of data is critical to the operations of firms. Without the ability to store, process and transmit data securely, operations may be compromised, with the potential for serious consequences to trading integrity. Thus the role that electronically-mediated working plays in business today and its dependency on data security is of critical interest, especially in light of the fact that much of this communication is based on the use of open networks (i.e. the Internet). This paper discusses findings from a 'WestFocus' survey on electronically-mediated working and telework amongst a sample of SMEs located in West London and adjacent counties in South-Eastern England in order to highlight the problems that such practice raises in terms of data security. Data collection involved a telephone survey undertaken in early 2006 of 378 firms classified into four industrial sectors ('Media', 'Logistics', 'Internet Services' and 'Food Processing'). After establishing how ICTs and the Internet are being exploited as business applications for small firms, data security practice is explored on the basis of sector and size with a focus on telework. The paper goes on to highlight areas of concern in terms of data security policy and training practice. Findings show some sector and size influences.WestFocus* under the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF 2

How do supply chain management and information systems practices influence operational performance?:Evidence from emerging country SMEs

This study first provides a comparative analysis of the impact of supply chain management (SCM) and information systems (IS) practices on operational performance (OPER) of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in two neighbouring emerging country markets of Turkey and Bulgaria. Then, we investigate moderating effects of both SCM–IS-linked enablers and inhibitors on the links between SCM and IS practices and OPER of SMEs. To this end, we first empirically identify the underlying dimensions of SCM and IS practices, and SCM–IS-related enabling and inhibiting factors. Second, a series of regression analyses are undertaken to estimate the impact of the study's constructs on OPER of SMEs. The results are discussed comparatively within the contexts of both Turkish and Bulgarian SMEs and beyond. The study makes a significant contribution to the extant literature through obtaining and analysing cross-national survey data of SCM and IS practices in emerging country markets

SMEs in Developing Countries Need Support to Address the Challenges of Adopting e-commerce Technologies

Although research indicates e-commerce offers viable and practical solutions for organizations to meet challenges of a predominantly changing environment, the few available studies related to SMEs in developing countries reveal a delay or failure of SMEs in adopting ICT and e-commerce technologies. The various factors identified as causes for the reticence can be broadly classified as Internal Barriers and External Barriers. This paper presents a model for barriers to adoption of ICT and e-commerce based on the results of an exploratory pilot study and survey. It identifies support for SMEs in Sri Lanka at different distinct levels of sophistication in SMEs with regard to ICT and e-commerce. It also determines a strong need for necessary support and discusses the availability of the support. Finally it proposes an initial framework to eTransorm SMEs

Análisis exploratorio del uso de las redes sociales como canal de comunicación en las PYMES independientes del comercio minorista de alimentación en Sudáfrica

Social media has facilitated interaction between businesses and consumers, and consequently, has seen rapid growth as a communication channel by a number of smaller retailers in South Africa. Hence, the primary research objective of this study is to explore social media usage as a marketing communication strategy by independent food retailer small to medium enterprises (SMEs). The study used a qualitative data collection strategy and in-depth interviews were conducted among eleven independent food retailer SMEs in South Africa. The study revealed that the level of social media activity by the respondent retailers was influenced by enabling factors such as cost effectiveness, accessibility, reach and relationship building, whereas perceived risk and resources such as time, knowledge and human resources were inhibiting factors. The research contributes to the available literature exploring social media usage as customer contact points for promotional purposes, as well as provides insight for further studies on the use of social media conduits by independent food retailer SMEs or similar businesses in a developing country.Las redes sociales han facilitado la interacción entre las empresas y los consumidores y, en consecuencia, han experimentado un rápido crecimiento como canal de comunicación por parte de algunos negocios minoristas de Sudáfrica. Por ello, el objetivo principal de este estudio es explorar el uso de las redes sociales como estrategia de comunicación de marketing por parte de las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMES) minoristas de alimentación independientes. El estudio utilizó una estrategia cualitativa de recogida de datos y se realizaron entrevistas en profundidad a once PYMES minoristas de alimentación independientes de Sudáfrica. El estudio reveló que el nivel de actividad en los medios sociales por parte de los minoristas encuestados estaba influenciado por factores favorables como la rentabilidad, la accesibilidad, el alcance y la creación de relaciones, mientras que el riesgo percibido y los recursos como el tiempo, los conocimientos y los recursos humanos eran factores inhibidores. Esta investigación contribuye a la literatura disponible que explora el uso de los medios sociales como puntos de contacto con los clientes con fines promocionales, así como proporcionar una visión para futuros estudios sobre el uso de los conductos de los medios sociales por parte de las PYME minoristas de alimentos independientes o negocios similares en un país en desarrollo

An Appraisal of the Motivators for and Inhibitors to Information Communication Technology (ICT) Use and Adoption by SMEs in Nigeria

The use of Information and communication technology (ICT) to gain competitive advantage has become a key strategic issue amongst organisations in the fast globalizing environment. This research aims to identify and recommend strategies that would assist in stimulating and increasing ICT adoption and use by Nigerian SMEs. This study on the appraisal of the motivators for and inhibitors to the use and adoption of ICT by SMEs in Nigeria. Present arguments suggests that for SMEs to survive and remain competitive in the current highly competitive business environment, there is the need to adopt and use ICT to attain some level of competitive advantage. To be able to achieve the above aim, this study adopted the qualitative research approach and a study of seven selected SMEs in Nigeria. Interviews were conducted with owner/managers with a view to get a better and deeper understanding of various level of government influence on ICT adoption. The research identified key factors that act as drivers of ICT adoption amongst SMEs in Nigeria. Summary of the factors that affect ICT adoption include: - Electricity/Power Challenges. - Finance and cost of High cost of hard/software. - Lack of focused policies. - Corruption. Recommendations: - As (SMEs) are among the greatest supplier of labour, there is the need for government to provide the necessary support and infrastructures. - Government needs to create more awareness on ICT benefits and adoption. - ICT should be introduced in all schools, colleges and universities and made compulsory

Business Process Management for SMEs: An Exploratory Study of Implementation Issues in the Western Australian Wine Industry

Business Process Management (BPM) has been identified as the number one business priority and building Business Process Capability is seen as a major challenge for senior executives within the coming years (Gartner, 2005). The focus of BPM in practice and related research has been its application in large organisation. The general value proposition of BPM, however, is also of significance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs within the wine industry have only recently begun to apply BPM principles to their business. The main motivating factor for this business improvement effort is a need to cope with consolidation trends and the global grape glut, which is forcing wine businesses to increase operational efficiency. The wine industry has been selected as a case study for this research not only due to its local significance, its growth driven by globalisation and its contribution to the economy, but also the relative immaturity in terms of establishing concepts of a process-oriented organisation. This study aims to explore and structure the major issues of BPM adoption and implementation as the first research initiative for SMEs in the wine industry

Diffusion of Innovation - the adoption of e-commerce by small to medium enterprises (SME\u27s) - a comparative analysis

This paper explores the issues that influence the diffusion of innovation as it relates to the adoption of e-commerce by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). It seeks to identify factors facilitating and inhibiting such adoption across contexts – regional, small city and large city. This analysis is cross cultural so the impact of differing economic and cultural issues also will be identified in this research. Whilst it is generally accepted that the strategic use of information technology (IT) is vital in the marketplace, the rate of such uptake between small and large businesses varies. This research seeks to identify the reasons for this variation. It is critical to understand such factors so that steps can be taken to redress inequity of uptake that might be identified. The paper endeavours to explore factors that are needed to facilitate and encourage IT adoption and so positively influence user acceptance and use of IT innovations in SMEs. Reasons for such uptake as well as strategic approach to the adoption of e-commerce, and variations regarding same also will be considered. The paper examines existing theory as it pertains to the diffusion of innovation acknowledging the perspective of regional and urban SMEs in various cultural contexts. Empirical investigation exploring this diffusion, the rate of and approach to the uptake by SMEs is planned using a case study methodolog

Business process management for SMEs: an exploratory study of implementation factors for the Australian wine industry

Gartner EXPPremier (2005) identified Business Process Management (BPM) as the number one business priority and building Business Process Capability as a major challenge for senior executives within the comingyears. The focus of BPM in practice and related research has been its application in large organisations. The general value proposition of BPM, however, is also of significance for small and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs). SMEs within the wine industry have only recently begun to apply BPM principles to their business. The main motivating factors for this business improvement effort is a need to cope with consolidation trends and the global grape glut, which are forcing wine businesses to increase operational efficiency. The wine industry has been selected as a case study for this research not only due to its local significance, its growth driven byglobalisation and its contribution to the economy, but also the relative immaturity in terms of establishing concepts of a process-oriented organisation. This study aims to explore and structure the major issues of BPM adoption and implementation as the first such research initiative for SMEs in the wine industry. The research was conducted in Western Australia and involved qualitative data collection including interviews and contentanalysis of existing documentation. The study shows that the lack of financial resources, time, and knowledge of BPM are the major factors inhibiting BPM implementation for SMEs in the Australian wine industry