An Empirical Study about the Impact of Internet in SMES

Abstract

The aim of this research was to find out the current trends of usage of new technologies, with a special focus on the impact of the Internet based on chosen variables. The target group of the current research were small to medium size enterprises-SMEs, which are considered as the most-influential entities within a country. This is due to their influence on economy and employment opportunities they offer in every country. The results of this research show a better image about the current technological trends in Kosovo and no other research with identic approach was found out by the researcher. Assessing the impact of technology within SMEs through quantitative approach was selected as the most appropriate method to estimate and evaluate the current trends. A structured questionnaire was used as the main instrument to gather the primary data. The questionnaire was distributed by the researcher to a random sample of 140 enterprises around Kosovo. A second visit individually to each enterprise was accomplished and a response rate of 67% was secured from the respective respondents, which gave the researcher the opportunity to conduct statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics have shown changes in enterprise management in regards to gender, age and sustainability. Procedures in governmental entities in comparison to neighbour countries were less bureaucratic. Also, the majority of enterprises are influenced by the new technologies in everyday business activities, especially by the use of the Internet to interact with third parties. Furthermore, with a correlation as the main statistical measure it was found out that the good location is not correlated with being online and with necessity of incentives from government. While the good location is correlated with benefits of the Internet in comparison to its cost. Similarly, it was found that necessity of being online is correlated with the necessity of incentives from government as well as with benefits of the Internet in comparison to its cost. Moreover, it was found that necessity of incentives from government is correlated with benefits of the Internet in comparison to its cost. Based on the results of the research, it can be concluded that the role of the new technologies and the Internet is reshaping the business model of the enterprises faster than any oth-II er factors.