Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to highlight the challenges faced by West Midlands (UK) information communications technology (ICT)-oriented small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting and coping with the speed of fast-changing technologies. Design/methodology/approach -A total of 73 company managers (most of them are owners) were interviewed in various sub-regions of West Midlands. Among the companies, 81 per cent of SMEs opted for face-to-face interview, while 19 per cent opted for a telephone interview. Findings -Several factors that affect the speed of adopting new technology were identified, ranging from SME owner or manager level of education, lack of strategy and perceived benefits in adopting new technologies, to ICT investment, involvement in research, innovation and research and development.Research limitations/implications -The study focused on the ICT-oriented businesses in general. ICT is a wide area and so there is a need to test each type of ICT and see how other factors like geographical location affect the business. Also, it would have been interesting to have large number of medium-sized businesses involved in the survey. Practical implications -The identified factors need to be addressed if sustainable ICT adoption within the ICT-oriented SMEs in the region is to be achieved. The research provides a basis for the establishment of future projects that will embed these factors. Originality/value -This is the first study that uses a large data sample collected through face-to-face interviews to present the challenges faced by the ICT-oriented businesses in West Midlands in adopting new technologies. The study suggests means to achieve a successful and sustainable technology adoption for ICT-oriented SMEs in the region.
This article focuses on innovation in small businesses. Specifically, the objectives of the paper are twofold: a) to explore the impact of individual features, business resources, organisational culture, structure and market dynamism on firm-level innovation; b) to develop insights into innovation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The research procedure follows Yin's (1994) case method approach. Two Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies, winners of various innovation awards in the West Midlands of the UK, participated in the case studies. Evidence from the studies shows that innovation intensity is dependent on the availability and sufficiency of financial and human resources. Furthermore, an organisational culture supporting new product development and an innovation-conducive structure/mechanism influences the innovation outcomes. Evidence also reveals that firm-level innovation will be influenced internally by senior executives’ experiences and externally by market dynamism.
Whilst owner-managers of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have a major influence on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adoption in other sectors, in the ICT industry adoption and diversification are necessary at an alarming speed. The implications of this influence are not only on the SME itself but are far wider-reaching. Consequently, this research has identified specific educational concerns with regard to owner-managers and technology adoption. The West Midlands (WM) ICT Cluster provides the case study for research examining the adoption of ICT by ICT focused SMEs. This study involved 200 ICT SMEs in the West Midlands (WM) UK. This paper demonstrates that common misconceptions are as endemic in ICT companies as in any other sector. This research is unique in that it targets one sector only which has often been assumed not to need support in ICT adoption. This paper concentrates specifically on the micro-company and the education levels and skills employed for company success.
Abstract. A conceptual model for Information Communication Technology (ICT) adoption by Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is proposed. The research uses several ICT adoption models as its basis with theoretical underpinning provided by the Diffusion of Innovation theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Taking an exploratory research approach the model was investigated amongst 200 SMEs whose core business is ICT. Evidence from this study demonstrates that these SMEs face the same issues as all other industry sectors. This work points out weaknesses in SMEs environments regarding ICT adoption and suggests what they may need to do to increase the success rate of any proposed adoption. The methodology for development of the framework is described and recommendations made for improved Government-led ICT adoption initiatives. Application of the general methodology has resulted in new opportunities to embed the ethos and culture surrounding the issues into the framework of new projects developed as a result of Government intervention. A conceptual model is proposed that may lead to a deeper understanding of the issues under consideration.
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