Balancing Growth: A Conceptual Framework for Evaluating ICT Readiness in SMEs

View Sample PDF

Author(s): Romano Dyerson (Royal Holloway, University of London, UK)and Riccardo Spinelli (Università degli Studi di Genova, Italy)
Copyright: 2013
Pages: 15
Source title: Transdisciplinary Marketing Concepts and Emergent Methods for Virtual Environments
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Hatem El-Gohary (Birmingham City University, UK & Cairo University Business School, Egypt)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-1861-9.ch008

Keywords: Business & Management / Business Science Reference / Marketing

Purchase

View Balancing Growth: A Conceptual Framework for Evaluating ICT Readiness in SMEs on the publisher's website for pricing and purchasing information.

Abstract

This article analyses the strategic, organisational, and structural conditions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to fully exploit the potential of information and communication technology (ICT). The authors build a conceptual framework relating “ICT readiness” (a new construct) to two more common dimensions: “strategic vision of ICT” and “ICT maturity”. Using the framework, the study identifies four distinct groups of SMEs, associated with differing degrees of readiness, before analysing possible evolutionary and regressive development paths among these groups. In discussing the implications of the framework, the authors argue that the framework represents a valid tool of diagnosis and intervention, especially in those circumstances where SMEs cannot fully exploit the potential of ICT. The framework helps identify the underlying causes of limited ICT readiness and supports owner-managers and consultants in choosing and implementing appropriate interventions.

The IRMA Community

Research IRM

Balancing Growth: A Conceptual Framework for Evaluating ICT Readiness in SMEs

Purchase

Abstract

Related Content

IRMA Sponsors