Examining the Impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on Enterprise Practices: A Preliminary Perspective from Qatar

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are widely used by organizations to enhance enterprise competitiveness. This study provides an overview of the current state of affairs of the ICT adoption in SMEs in private and public organizations in Qatar. It investigates ICT infrastructure, productivity and business application software used, drivers for ICT investment, perceptions about business benefits of ICT, outsourcing trends and availability of help and advice on ICT adoption. The study also has investigated major barriers in ICT adoption with the findings of the study are being consistent with other similar studies. The study identified the need for more training facilities for adopting ICT in SMEs. Additionally, the study identified that there is a need for the Government to provide guidance on suitable ICT products and services at an affordable cost as well as provide incentives to promote ICT investment and usage e.g. soft loans, availability of professional advice and consulting at no/low cost to SMEs. This is the first study on the status of ICT adoption and usage by SMEs in Qatar. The findings of this research will provide a foundation for future research and will help policy makers in designing policies to further enhancing usage and ICT adoption in SMEs in Qatar resulting improved productivity and competiveness.

ICTs and the Computerised Hijab: Women's Experiences of ICT in the UAE

“…The Arab world recognizes the importance of improving ICT infrastructure and educational access for women. The former can be seen in the increasing deployment of ICT infrastructure improvement programs in this region (Aubert et al, 2013;Manochehri et al, 2012) . In addition, there is an increased emphasis on female education and IT literacy programs.…”

“…As Hanna (2010) assert, ICTs have the potential to aid economic growth and the improvement of social conditions in the developing world. However, the transference of this vital knowledge to women in Islamic countries is hindered on two fronts, embedded gender structures within the society as well as inadequate ICT initiatives such as infrastructure, training and support from the government (Manochehri et al, 2012;Shirazi, 2012). Given the centrality and importance of ICTs, men and women need to have equal opportunities to access, use, and master them (Sandys, 2005).…”

Bi̇lgi̇ Ve İleti̇şi̇m Teknoloji̇leri̇ni̇ Kullanma Düzeyi̇ İle Fi̇rma Performansi Arasindaki̇ İli̇şki̇: İmalat Sektöründe Bi̇r Uygulama

“…Yapılan araştırmaların birçoğunda bilgi ve iletişim teknolojilerinin firma performansı, verimliliği, etkinliğine etkisi ve firma büyümesine katkısı incelenmiştir (Atzeni and Carboni: 2006;Koellinger: 2008;Fernández-Menéndez vd.,: 2009;Badescu and Garcés-Ayerbe: 2009;Manochehri, Al-Esmail ve Ashrafi: 2012). Consoli (2012) BİT'in ekonomik etkisini inceleyen bilimsel çalışmaları analiz etmiş; yapılan çalışmaların genellikle performans, büyüme, genişleme ve yeni mal ve hizmet boyutuyla ilgili olduğunu belirtmiştir.…”

A Benefits Assessment Model of Information Systems for Small Organizations in Developing Countries

“…Generally, the focus of existing studies is on pre-implementation considerations surrounding IS in SMEs in developing countries rather than on post-implementation issues (e.g. Apulu & Latham, 2010;Ashrafi & Murtaza, 2008;Berisha-Namani, 2009;Manochehri, Al-Esmail, & Ashrafi, 2012;Modimogale & Kroeze, 2011). Only a limited number of studies have attempted to measure the post-implementation benefits of IS in SMEs in developing countries (Ndiege, Wayi, & Herselman, 2012).…”

“…Furthermore, the focus on software spending has improved with over 75% of manufacturing, services and trading companies in Saudi Arabia considering new deployments or upgrades of ERP solutions (Business Monitor International, 2012). Therefore, given the importance of the SME sector to Saudi Arabia, it will greatly benefit from relevant studies to ensure the success of IS implementation in SMEs in developing countries (Consoli, 2012;Manochehri, Al-Esmail, & Ashrafi, 2012).…”