Understanding the adoption and use of information systems/information technology in small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises : a study in Portuguese industry.
This research analysed factors and sets of factors that affect and explain the varying levelsof success in the adoption and use of IS/IT (Information Systems/Information Technology)in Portuguese manufacturing SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises). The study setout to fill a gap in knowledge not covered by previous research into the area of IS/IT inSMEs. Existing work was found to be of limited relevance or was out-of-date, due to therapid evolution of IS/IT, and did not address the Portuguese context.The study followed a realist approach to social enquiry. Seeking to explain IS/IT success, itis necessary to understand the perspectives and social relationships amongst the key actorsinvolved in the process of IS/IT adoption and use. Case study research was undertaken intwelve SMEs operating in the Portuguese manufacturing industry. A total of 56 interviewswere conducted with top managers, IS/IT managers, IS/IT staff, and IS/IT suppliers. Thefactors identified as associated with IS/IT success were clustered into four categoriesaccording to their perceived relevance. Interrelationships amongst factors were establishedand the common patterns across firms with similar levels of IS/IT adoption and successwere analysed.This research demonstrates that a combination of factors were determinant to explain IS/ITadoption and success. These are related to the involvement of the top managers in theprocess of IS/IT adoption and use, and to the development of IS/IT competencies, in-houseor in associated IS/IT suppliers. Of particular importance is the presence of an individual inthe firm with IS/IT knowledge, CEO trust, and a view on how to incorporate IS/IT in thestrategic development of the firm. In the SMEs that were more successful in adopting andusing IS/IT, the establishment of co-operative links with IS/IT suppliers was essentiallybased on personal relationships or ownership of the IS/IT enterprise, rather than oncontractual relationships. The findings were validated by comparison with existing theory,and resource-based theory was found to provide a coherent explanation of the results of theempirical work.
Year of publication: |
1998-09
|
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Authors: | Caldeira, Mario |
Other Persons: | Ward, John (contributor) |
Publisher: |
Cranfield University |
Saved in:
freely available
Saved in favorites
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