Building Internet capabilities in SMEs

Abstract

Internet based information and communication technology provides the opportunity for small firms to improve their competitiveness. This paper presents a methodology that responds to the needs of small firms whilst overcoming the constraints to their use of these technologies. Key features of this methodology are: provision of a turnkey package of hardware, software, installation and training for Internet connection and operation; identification of opportunities for integrating Internet ICT into business processes that will deliver performance improvement; ongoing IT and business support for a year. The effectiveness of this methodology was examined during its application in 21 SME automotive component suppliers in the West Midlands region of England. This exercise found that 90 per cent of firms continued to use their Internet based ICT capability after a year.

Exploring SME Perceptions of Sustainable Product Service Systems

“…In terms of ICTs in SMEs Chapman et al [42] dealt with building Internet capabilities in SMEs through a programme of assistance covering business analysis, IT and funding. The programme was assessed after the business analysis using a telephone survey.…”

Inter- and Intra-Firm Diffusion of Technology: The Example of E-Commerce: An Analysis Based on Swiss Firm-Level Data

“…The variable KNOWHOW covers costs arising from information problems and a lack of qualified ICT-related personnel (see, among many others, Chapman et al, 2000;Lange et al, 2000). SECURITY stands for costs caused by problems concerning data protection or insufficient reliability of online payment that are stressed, for example, in OECD (2000).…”

Old fashioned or enlightened? Small retailers' practices in e-procurement

“…The use of the internet has revolutionised how business processes are undertaken (Chapman et al, 2000;Raymond, 2001;Schlenker and Crocker, 2003;Jeffcoate et al, 2003;Yu et al, 2008), and this development seems set to continue (Gunasekaran and Ngai, 2008). Fiorina (2005) argues that any information that can be digitised is likely to be so, thus providing greater flows of information within companies and with their external partners.…”