U sing the technology-organization-environment model, this study investigates the adoption and impact of information and communications technology by small and medium-sized enterprises in South Africa.

This paper examines the degree to which political connections affect business rankings through a statistical analysis of Turkey's industry rankings between 2003 and 2011. The analysis demonstrates that business performance is associated with connectedness through industry and firm level data. We show that political connectedness varies according to the firm's channel of access to obtain favouritism either through direct personal ties or institutional networks. Ideological motivations emerge to be significant in mobilizing, shaping and tying firm behaviour to broader political agendas. In the conclusion we discuss the impact of deepening connectedness on long-term business fortunes and political institutions.

Abstract. The changing connections between business and political Islam under liberalisation can best be studied through an analysis of moral justifications, political connections in business and institutional modifications. Our evidence on energy utility privatisations through a comprehensive analysis of party connections with firm and industry specific data demonstrates that Turkey's Justice and Development Party (AKP) reshaped industry structures to nurture a new breed of politically linked businesses. In order to build a patronage regime in energy markets, the AKP manipulated regulatory institutions, suppressed the media and advocacy groups, and immobilised the judicial process in response to allegations of misconduct. The highly personalised and opaque allocation of assets increased the power of business groups that enjoyed close ties with the prime minister and key party officials. Leading politically connected firms emerged as not only the major beneficiaries but also key supporters of authoritarian politics. Our findings have important implications for the analysis of political Islam, regulatory institutions and the vulnerabilities of energy privatisations in emerging economies.

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Kayseri, a typical second-rank industrial town. Recent research (Rodr|¨guez-Pose and Gill, 2003) illustrates how the devolution of central powers to lower administrative units and regions in eleven countries, including Mexico, Brazil, and Spain, has intensified the stresses of interregional competition without

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