Information technology interventions for growth and competitiveness in micro-enterprises

Sajda Qureshi, Mehruz Kamal, Peter Wolcott

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) have the potential to enable these businesses to grow through access to new markets and administrative efficiencies. However, the growth of the smallest of these SMEs which are micro-enterprises is hindered by their inability to adopt ICTs effectively to achieve competitive advantage. This chapter investigates how micro-enterprises can adopt ICTs to grow and achieve competitiveness. This investigation of a set of seven micro-enterprises took place through an interpretive field study in which action research was used to diagnose and treat the micro-enterprises with interventions through a process of "Information Technology (IT) Therapy." This process involved providing individualized IT solutions to pressing problems and opportunities and the development of a longer-term IT project plan, customized for each of the businesses. The increase in competitiveness of these micro-enterprises was assessed using the Focus Dominance Model and their growth through a modified model of micro-enterprise growth based on the resource based view of the firm. This research also contributes with a unique set of skills and experiences that ITD innovators can bring in helping micro-enterprises achieve sustained growth and competitive advantage.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationGlobal Perspectives on Small and Medium Enterprises and Strategic Information Systems
Subtitle of host publicationInternational Approaches
PublisherIGI Global
Pages306-329
Number of pages24
ISBN (Print)9781615206278
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Business, Management and Accounting

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