Predicting SMEs' adoption of enterprise systems

2009 ◽  
Vol 22 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 10-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boumediene Ramdani ◽  
Peter Kawalek ◽  
Oswaldo Lorenzo

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a model that can be used to predict which small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are more likely to become adopters of enterprise systems (ERP, CRM, SCM and e‐procurement).Design/methodology/approachDirect interviews were used to collect data from a random sample of SMEs located in the Northwest of England. Using logistic regression, 102 responses were analysed.FindingsThe results reveal that the factors influencing SMEs' adoption of enterprise systems are different from the factors influencing SMEs' adoption of other previously studied information systems (IS) innovations. SMEs were found to be more influenced by technological and organisational factors than environmental factors. Moreover, the results indicate that firms with a greater perceived relative advantage, a greater ability to experiment with these systems before adoption, greater top management support, greater organisational readiness and a larger size are predicted to become adopters of enterprise systems.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this study focused on the factors that influence SMEs' adoption of a set of enterprise systems (i.e. ERP, CRM, SCM and e‐procurement), it fails to differentiate between factors that influence each of these systems.Practical implicationsThe model can be used to assist software vendors not only to develop marketing strategies that can target potential adopters, but also to develop strategies to increase the adoption of ES among SMEs.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the continuing research in IS innovations adoption/diffusion in the small business context.

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 839-866
Author(s):  
Cristóbal Sánchez-Rodríguez ◽  
Angel Rafael Martínez-Lorente ◽  
David Hemsworth

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze e-procurement in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and its relationship with top management support, IT obstacles and strategic purchasing and the effect of e-procurement on performance (procurement performance and business performance). Design/methodology/approach The hypotheses were tested using a sample of 199 managers from SMEs in manufacturing. Findings The results indicated a significant relationship between e-procurement in SMEs and top management support, IT obstacles and strategic purchasing. Similarly, the authors found a positive relationship between e-procurement and procurement process performance and business performance. Practical implications The findings stress to SME managers, the need to pay attention to top management support, IT obstacles and strategic purchasing when implementing e-procurement. Similarly, it provides evidence of the benefits of e-procurement on procurement process performance and business performance. Originality/value This study fills a gap in the literature regarding e-procurement in SMEs and its impact on performance. SMEs constitute a significant part of today’s economies and e-procurement can significantly impact the performance of these organizations.


2012 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 39-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aminu Mamman ◽  
Rhoda Bakuwa

Given the dearth of research on management innovation in Africa, this paper explores the factors influencing the adoption of workplace policies in African companies. The paper used a random sample of 152 private sector companies in Malawi to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of HIV/AIDS workplace policies. The hierarchical regression results indicate that organisational factors are the better predictors of the adoption of HIV/AIDS workplace policies in Malawi. Specifically, top management support and organisational size have been found to be the main predictors. However, the study also found significant correlations between the adoption of HIV/AIDS workplace policies and institutional factors. One of the main implications of the findings is that organisational factors might provide improved explanatory power in predicting the adoption of HIV/AIDS workplace policies in African companies.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana María Henao Ram-rez ◽  
Esteban López-Zapata

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyse the factors influencing intention to adopt 3D design digital technologies (3DDTs) by Colombian firms.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework was developed using technology-organization-environment (TOE) and technology acceptance model (TAM) theoretical frameworks. From a sample of 138 firms, a structural equation model was analysed with partial least squares (SEM-PLS).FindingsThe study identified that perceived usefulness in the technological dimension; technological competence and top management support in the organizational dimension; and competitive pressures in the environmental dimension, are variables affecting intention to adopt 3DDT. The effects of the mediating variables with respect to intention to adopt the technology are also analysed, such as perceived usefulness on the effect of ease of use; top management support on the effect of technological competence and financial readiness; and competitive pressures on the effect of stakeholder pressure. The model explained 71.1% of the 3DDT intention to adopt.Practical implicationsThe model can be used as a guideline to ensure a positive outcome of the 3DDT adoption in organizations. The results could be useful to understand a technological adoption process for digital transformation.Originality/valueThe proposed model integrates some contributions from the TAM and TOE theories and identifies some novel mediating effects that improve its predictive and explanatory power. Furthermore, this is a pioneering study in empirical research on 3DDT in the context of a developing country, specifically in Colombia. The findings from this study provide a foundation for other studies, as well as constructive insights for digital transformation, due to its infancy in an emerging economy.


2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 505-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prince Kwame Senyo ◽  
John Effah ◽  
Erasmus Addae

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of cloud computing adoption (CCA) in a developing country context through the lens of the technology, organisation and environment (TOE) framework. Design/methodology/approach – The study was carried out using the quantitative research methodology based on a survey of 305 organisations from different industries in Ghana. Based on the TOE framework, a conceptual model consisting of ten hypotheses were proposed and tested through a confirmatory factor analysis and logistic regression analysis. Findings – The findings indicate that relative advantage, security concern, top management support, technology readiness, competitive pressure and trading partners’ pressure were the TOE factors found to be significant in CCA in a developing country context. Conversely, firm size, scope, compatibility and regulatory support were found to be insignificant. Originality/value – This study provides insights into CCA across different industries in a developing country environment. The study is arguably the first kind of empirical research into CCA in a developing country context, specifically in Ghana. The findings from this study provide a foundation for other studies as well as constructive insights for the development of cloud computing, due to its infancy in the developing world.


2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 735-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boumediene Ramdani ◽  
Delroy Chevers ◽  
Densil A. Williams

Purpose – This paper aims to empirically explore the TOE (technology-organisation-environment) factors influencing small to medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs') adoption of enterprise applications (EA). Design/methodology/approach – Direct interviews were used to collect data from a random sample of SMEs located in the northwest of England. Using partial least squares (PLS) technique, 102 responses were analysed. Findings – Results indicate that technology, organisation and environment contexts impact SMEs' adoption of EA. This suggests that the TOE model is indeed a robust tool to predict the adoption of EA by SMEs. Research limitations/implications – Although this study focused on examining factors that influence SMEs' adoption of a set of systems such as CRM and e-procurement, it fails to differentiate between factors influencing each of these applications. The model used in this study can be used by software vendors not only in developing marketing strategies that can target potential SMEs, but also to develop strategies to increase the adoption of EA among SMEs. Practical implications – This model could be used by software vendors to determine which SMEs they should target with their products. It can also be used by policy makers to develop strategies to increase the rate of EA adoption among SMEs. Originality/value – This paper provides a model that can predict SMEs' adoption of EA. SMEs, adoption, enterprise applications, enterprise systems, ICT, PLS, technology-organisation-environment framework, TOE


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 96-110
Author(s):  
Khalid Ali Rababah ◽  
Bilal Ali Al-nassar ◽  
Sana'a Nawaf Al-Nsour

The factors of Cloud computing (CC) adoption among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have not been identified in the Jordanian context. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the factors influencing the adoption of CC in SMEs in Jordan. Through an extensive review of the literature, the research model was constructed based on the TOE framework. In order to validate the research model and test the proposed hypotheses, a quantitative research methodology followed in which a survey questionnaire was utilized to collect the data. Out of the 350 distributed questionnaires, 92 questionnaires were valid for the analysis. The PLS-SEM technique was used for the data analysis. The results approved the influence of six variables on the adoption of CC by manufacturing SMEs in Jordan, namely; compatibility, security, top management support, technological readiness, prior IT experience, and competitive pressure. Only the influence of the perceived benefits has not been supported. The study has theoretical implications and practical implications to SMEs in Jordan.


2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 931-946 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsin-Pin Fu

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare the factors that influenced the adoption of a Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR) model by a retailer that is a lifestyle accessories chain, and a supplier that is a food manufacturer. Design/methodology/approach The study started with the construction of a questionnaire based on the factors of the theoretical framework of a Technology-Organization-Environment that were discovered through a literature review and distribution of the questionnaire to experts. The fuzzy analytical hierarchy process method was used to determine the weights (importance) of these factors. Findings The study found that among the top ten factors, two are the same for both the retailer and the supplier – “partner trust and communication,” and “support of top managers” – while the other factors differ. In addition, it was found that the supplier pays more attention to the environmental issues, while the retailer focuses on organizational issues when introducing a CPFR model. Practical implications This study offers five practical implications for the successful adoption of a CPFR model: first, top management support and trusting relationship building are important factors for both the retailer and the supplier; second, adoption of CPFR is a management issue, rather than a technological issue; third, retailers lead more successfully; fourth, a careful selection of collaborative partners is essential; and finally, an innovative model should be constructed. Originality/value The results can serve as a reference to help enterprises to better allocate their resources, according to the weights of the important adoption factors when they are formulating their strategies for the adoption of CPFR. Decisions based upon this guideline can increase the success rate of CPFR adoptions and can ensure better allocation of resources.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1146-1164
Author(s):  
Choon Hee Ong ◽  
Taufik Bahar

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between top management support, project mission (PM), synergy and project management effectiveness (PME) in the Malaysian local councils. It also attempts to analyze the relative importance and performance of the predictor constructs on the target construct for managerial actions. Design/methodology/approach Primary data based on 169 respondents were collected and analyzed using PLS-SEM to assess validity, reliability, hypothesis testing and importance-performance matrix analysis (IPMA) of the study constructs. Findings PM and synergy were found to be significantly and positively associated with PME. However, top management support was not related to PME. Synergy has the highest relative importance level in influencing PME and it is regarded as the most relevant construct for managerial actions. Research limitations/implications This study examines the significant factors that contribute to the effectiveness of project management in the local councils. It forms a basis for other state local councils to emulate the research model and compare the findings among different project teams in different locations. Practical implications The IPMA identifies synergy as a primary important construct for project management activities. It explains PME is linked with extensive collaboration, inter-departmental relations, interpersonal coordination and close liaisons. Originality/value This study is among the few that examines factors influencing PME in the Malaysian local councils. Inclusion of synergy as one of the predictor constructs will definitely help to improve the well-functioning and coordination of the project.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aadithya B.G. ◽  
Asokan P. ◽  
S. Vinodh

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to depict a study on analysis of barriers to lean adoption in fabrication industry using interpretive structural modelling (ISM). Design/methodology/approach From the literature review, 22 barriers to lean adoption in fabrication industry have been recognized . Self-structure interaction matrix has been developed based on expert opinion. Computational steps of ISM are being done to develop the structural model. cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis is being done to group the barriers into four types. Findings Based on the study, it has been found that “lack of knowledge about lean (philosophy, principles, tools)”, “lack of top management support and commitment” and “poor leadership” are found to be the principal barriers. MICMAC analysis indicated that number of driving, dependent, linkage and autonomous barriers are 9, 8, 4 and 1, respectively. Practical implications The study has been executed based on the inputs from industrial practitioners and hence the inferences are found to have practical relevance. Originality/value The study is an attempt to analyze the barriers for lean concepts adoption in fabrication kind of industry.


Author(s):  
Farhana Ferdousi ◽  
Kevin Baird ◽  
Rahat Munir ◽  
Sophia Su

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an initial empirical insight into the mediating role of quality performance on the association between six specific organisational factors (top management support, employee involvement, employee empowerment, reward and recognition, training and customer focus) and competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 179 garment organisations in a developing country, Bangladesh. Findings The results show that quality performance mediates the association between three specific organisational factors (top management support, employee involvement and reward and recognition) and competitive advantage. In addition, a fourth organisational factor, employee empowerment, exhibited a direct association with competitive advantage. Originality/value The findings provide managers of developing economies with an important insight into the critical role of quality in achieving competitive advantage. In line with the resources-based view, the findings suggest that managers should deploy their limited resources to focus on providing top management support for, encourage employee involvement in and provide adequate rewards and recognition in respect to quality initiatives.


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