A roadmap for microenterprise growth through Information Technology

Mehruz Kamal

International Journal of Management Practice, 2013, vol. 6, issue 1, 4-23

Abstract: Information Technology (IT) opens new opportunities for microenterprises to improve their businesses. However, challenges to using IT impede these businesses from growing into drivers for socio-economic development. This paper investigates the adoption of IT in two microenterprises in an underserved community of Omaha, Nebraska. Following a case study approach using action research methodology, this research provides insight into the key challenges and opportunities facing micro-enterprises in their use of IT to create value for their businesses. This study outlines an innovative process with an emphasis on relationship-building, customised training, context sensitivity, and solutions that target strongly-perceived needs of the businesses studied to help facilitate technology adoption. The paper's contribution is in the methodology for facilitating the adoption of IT in micro-enterprises and also discusses effects on socio-economic development resulting from the adoption of technology. The paper concludes with guidelines for practitioners in assisting microenterprises with technology.

Keywords: micro-enterprises; micro-businesses; micro-firms; micro-companies; intervention; economic development; social development; labour productivity; action research; roadmaps; business growth; socio-economic development; underserved communities; Omaha; Nebraska; USA; United States; value creation; relationship-building; customised training; context sensitivity; targeted solutions; perceived needs; technology adoption; management practice; ICT adoption; information technology; communications technology; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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