Small Firms and Information and Communication Technologies: Policy Issues and Some Words of Caution

1999 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
E C Fuller ◽  
A Southern
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Policy Issues ◽  
Information And Communication

scholarly journals Information and Communication Technologies Adoption in Small Firms

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-123
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Fernandes Malaquias ◽  
Fernanda Francielle de Oliveira Malaquias
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
It Adoption ◽  
Ict Adoption ◽  
Information And Communication

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can provide a set of benefits to companies, such as efficiency gains in managerial activities, cost reduction and faster communication with consumers. The ICT literature has studies showing the positive impact that the IT adoption can generate on the company’s performance. ICT benefits are also extensive to small business, but their particular characteristics do not always support their adoption by these enterprises, especially when they are enterprises situated in developing countries. In this context, the aim of this paper was to identify how the ICT adoption and the ICT intention of use are in Brazilian small firms. We have used a case study and we have collected data from four enterprises. In order to collect the data, we used qualitative interviews, direct observation and documental analysis. The main results have shown that the owner’s characteristics, the understanding of the ICT benefits, the ICT complexity and the costs/time related to training people are factors associated with the ICT adoption and intention of use. Based on the literature review and on the empirical evidence, we have found that there is an opportunity cost related to postponing the decision of the ICT investments. We also discuss the role of geographical localization of the enterprises, which can contribute to the ICT literature.

Why the Latin American Footwear Industry Still Lags Behind in E-Commerce Adoption

2020 ◽  
pp. 175-199
Author(s):  
Vasilica-Maria Margalina ◽  
Marcela Karina Benítez Gaibor ◽  
Juan Pablo Martínez Mesías ◽  
Edgar Freddy Robalino Peña
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Computer Literacy ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Footwear Industry ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Business Sectors ◽  
Latin American Countries

Latin American countries have made important investments in digital infrastructure, but there is still an important gap in information and communication technologies (ICT) and e-commerce adoption. The objective of this chapter is to analyze e-commerce adoption by the footwear manufacturing firms of Ecuador. For this purpose, a sample of firms of the province of Tungurahua has been analyzed. Results show that the dominance of micro-businesses in the sector, age, the low level of education and of computer literacy are barriers to e-commerce adoption in this industry. Additionally, it was found that the behavior of micro-businesses and small firms in terms of e-commerce adoption is different. The results are important for governments that want to grow e-commerce adoption among businesses, as they show that additionally to economic and sociopolitical factors, the characteristics of business sectors, and individual characteristics of the business owner are key drivers for ITC adoption.

Internet Adoption by Small Firms

2011 ◽  
pp. 467-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul B. Cragg ◽  
Annette M. Mills
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Firm Size ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Internet Technology ◽  
Economic Environment ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Potential Benefits

Research shows that small firms make significant contributions to their economic environment. With the significant advances being made in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the Internet has become very important to many small firms, enabling them to overcome various inadequacies attributed to factors such as firm size, availability of resources and other technological, operational and managerial shortfalls. Despite the contributions that the adoption of Internet technology can make to the well being of such firms, research shows that many small firms have not yet embraced the technology in ways that will allow them to capitalise on potential benefits. It is therefore important for firms and researchers to understand the factors that enable (or hinder) the adoption of various technologies.

Whatsapp Messenger as a Mobile Media to Learn Writing for EFL Students

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Linda ◽  
Ida Ri'aeni
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
First Grade ◽  
English Department ◽  
Instructional Media ◽  
Mobile Media ◽  
Efl Writing ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Efl Students

Abstract   The objective of this research is to find out the use of Whatsapp Messenger as a mobile media to learn writing in EFL classes.Several researchers have attempted to prove applicability of mobile learning as modern ways of teaching and learning (Naismith, 2004:115). Moreover, applying portable technologies have been demanded by most of the modern learners who oftentimes are forced to study anywhere, and anytime, for example, at work, in the bus or at weekends (Evans, 2008:115).The research was motivated by the students’ difficulties in writing. The sample of this research was three classes of first grade students of English Department of Unswagati. The instrument of this research was questionnaire sheet. Data from questionnaire sheet was analyzed based on the frequency students’ answers and then was calculated and interpreted into percentages. The result shows WhatsApp Messenger attracts the students interest and also the students have positive responses towards the using ofWhatsAppMessenger. In applying WhatsApp group, the writer concluded that, learning using WhatsApp group has effective to develop their creativity in writing skill. On the other hand, the result from the questionnaire sheet indicated that almost of students is active in learning to writing recount text. Students can learn out of the classroom. Beside WhatsApp can be used privately, it can be used for students’ education. The students can use their gadget positively for their ability in learning English. The students can improve their knowledge in learning ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies). Keyword: WhatsApp Messenger,EFL writing, Instructional Media, ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies).

Technologies Disability and Inclusion

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomas Brusell
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Future Development ◽  
Smart Cities ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Disabled ◽  
Information And Communication

When modern technology permeates every corner of life, there are ignited more and more hopes among the disabled to be compensated for the loss of mobility and participation in normal life, and with Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Exoskeleton Technologies and truly hands free technologies (HMI), it's possible for the disabled to be included in the social and pedagogic spheres, especially via computers and smartphones with social media apps and digital instruments for Augmented Reality (AR) .In this paper a nouvel HMI technology is presented with relevance for the inclusion of disabled in every day life with specific focus on the future development of "smart cities" and "smart homes".

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