scholarly journals Teleworking in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) before the onset of coronavirus crisis in the Czech Republic

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-164
Author(s):  
Jaroslav Vrchota ◽  
Monika Maříková ◽  
Petr Řehoř

Due to the new information and communication technologies, it is now possible to disconnect work from space and time and to take advantage of new ways of organizing work. One of the options is teleworking (TW), currently being implemented throughout Europe due to the condition created by the coronavirus pandemic. The aim of the paper is twofold: (i) to analyse a range of factors (size of the enterprise; foreign owner; written strategy; project-driven enterprise; disabilities; work-life balance; benefits, lack of workers, illness, lower cost, relax at work and comfort; renting space, IT level) influencing the duration of TW implementation in the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and (ii) to better define the differences between the SMEs where TW was introduced in a short time, and those introducing it over a longer period. Out of the total of 31 factors, six factors have been proved to have a different impact on the duration of TW implementation (TW implementation due to higher efficiency; monitoring is performed only according to the results; the managers see the disadvantage of TW in its possible misuse; the enterprises use internal TW regulations; the managers see the main advantage as higher operational flexibility; the introduction of TW, due to the balance of work and family life). All together, 44,000 SMEs in the Czech Republic were invited into the research. The data were collected from 1,018 enterprises, with 60% of the enterprises using TW actively; on average, these enterprises have been using it for seven years.

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Juma James Masele

TitleTwiga Hosting Ltd – providing affordable information and communication technologies services to small and medium enterprises.Subject areaThe case describes the launch of Twiga Hosting Ltd, a company providing information and communication technology (ICT) services to the underserved small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in Tanzania and in a many countries in Africa.Study level/applicabilityThis case targets a range of audience from undergraduate students taking both Bachelor of Commerce and those taking Bachelor of Business Administration; and Postgraduate students taking business‐related courses. Nonetheless, the case may be used by all other learners of advanced studies in entrepreneurship and innovation management.Case overviewThe case addresses a number of issues including: Issues to be considered when starting an ICT enterprise. Strategic management. Business revenue models.Expected learning outcomes To impart/inculcate entrepreneurial insights in ICT and related areas. To make learners aware of the business growth opportunities in ICT ventures. The success factors for fruitful ICT ventures. To enable learners to identify challenges facing entrepreneurs in ICT ventures and the ways to overcome them.Supplementary materialsTeaching notes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-295
Author(s):  
Elisa Mohanty ◽  
Anindya Jayanta Mishra

Purpose The widespread use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has had a significant effect on various groups and communities of people including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and their owners/managers. The current study aims to analyze recent literature regarding adoption of ICTs by MSMEs. Further, it tries to locate gender within this broader context of diffusion of ICTs among MSMEs. Design/methodology/approach Using the thematic analysis approach, the research articles pertaining to six leading journals on ICTs, gender and entrepreneurship published during the time period from 2011 to 2019 are reviewed. Findings The literature selected for the study has been discussed under two primary categories, viz. “adoption of information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) for business purposes” and “insights on gender in ICT4D use by MSMEs.” Research limitations/implications The context-dependent nature of ICT use can enable future entrepreneurs to assess the scope of specific ICTs in given areas of operation. The gendered nature of ICTs helps to evaluate as well as question the empowerment potential of ICTs. The study emphasizes the need to account for historical specificities and transnational linkages in understanding access, adoption and use of ICT4D by women MSME entrepreneurs. Originality/value The study bridges together literature on ICT4D use by MSMEs and the role of gender in ICT-mediated entrepreneurial environments. While unraveling the interplay of power dynamics in such environments, the scope for future research in terms of tapping into the content of information exchanges and exploring the implications of “dark side of internet” for women MSME entrepreneurs is also indicated.


2013 ◽  
pp. 1521-1534
Author(s):  
Hakikur Rahman

With the advent of innovative technologies and multi-dimensional researches along the setting of entrepreneurship development, philosophy, context and business handling has been transformed from being traditional to innovative. Depending on diversity and nature of the transformation, innovation has been shifted from closed to open to crowdsourcing innovation. Ranging from small entrepreneurs to corporate business houses are being immensely benefited by the innovation techniques, especially utilizing information and communication technologies. However, the road to innovation, despite being a paradigm shift is not smooth and ready for many, particularly the small and medium enterprises who mainly deal with the clients at the outer peripheries of the social circle. This chapter synthesizes issues of opportunities and challenges for small and medium enterprises by carrying out a broad literature review and synthesis. Furthermore, the chapter will provide a few research hints to be applicable for researchers and research institutions.


2013 ◽  
pp. 526-562
Author(s):  
Harekrishna Misra

Value chain practices focus on market orientation of products and services. Products and services highly rely on processes included in the supply chain in order to contribute to the value chain. Globalization, competition, and high cost of production influence the value chain imperatives. Thus, organizations involved in the value chain are challenged with creation of innovative designs and establishing lean production scenarios. This challenge is more serious in the cases of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The rugs industry in India is one example of such market behavior, and various SMEs are involved in this sector. Besides, the sector demands market orientation and customer retention for which continuous innovative practices are essential. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have played a crucial role in supporting these SMEs in India in rolling out innovative designs through customer engagements in the entire production life cycle. There are also efforts to use ICT as a tool to innovate processes, products, and services to harness better returns on investment and to sustain business. In this case, Jaipur Rugs Company (JRC) strives to manage innovation cycles to ensure development oriented value chain for the weavers and ICT applications have been intrinsic to realize these efforts.


2012 ◽  
Vol 49 (No. 11) ◽  
pp. 540-542
Author(s):  
J. Vaněk ◽  
J. Jarolímek

The fact that the development of information and communication technologies (ICT) is a key factor of development of individuals, regions, sectors and whole countries is well known at the beginning of the 21st century. The real situation of ICT utilization is very different in particular sections and it fails to reach standards that we would expect. The sphere of the agrarian sector of the Czech Republic is a very good example. The Information and Consulting Centre FEM at the University of Agriculture in Prague (IPC) has been participating on research of the utilization ICT in agriculture for three years. According to the latest data from July 2002, 55% of agrarian enterprises are connected to the Internet, which is much less than in other sectors.


Author(s):  
Yanqing Duan ◽  
Roisin Mullins ◽  
David Hamblin

Rapid developments in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), such as electronic commerce (e-commerce), have revolutionized the way that business is conducted. E-commerce refers to the process of buying and selling goods and services electronically involving transactions using Internet, network, and other digital technology. It offers companies tremendous opportunities to improve their business performance in new and innovative ways. However, its huge potential benefit would only be realized by capable managers who can deal with these emerging technologies and implement them wisely. A skills shortage has been categorized as one of the challenges facing global e-commerce by Bingi and Khamalah (2000). The demand for highly knowledgeable and skilled managers and workloads places enormous pressure upon companies to improve or update their current knowledge and skills. This is particularly important in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as compared with their larger counterparts, as they are often described as “lacking the expertise needed to set up the technologies necessary, despite having a great deal to gain from doing so” (Anonymous, 1998).


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (18) ◽  
pp. 86-95
Author(s):  
Mersad Mujević ◽  
Safet Korać

With the development of computer science, time and computer networks, primarily the Internet, as well as the increasing use of information and communication technologies in the company's business, it establishes a new form of business, and thus the economy. For several years, computing has been ranked high on political agendas in Europe and the world. Today, the European Commission considers computing to be literacy, which is the basis for understanding how digital technologies work and serves the development of 21st century skills, such as, among other things, "electronic business, ie. digital economics and analytical thinking. E-business operates on different principles in relation to the old economy and requires a different economic philosophy. Information, ideas, innovation and knowledge that create values, growth and productivity. The modern way of doing business guarantees a better access to the market and thus increases the position of companies, especially small and medium enterprises, in time and better use of their own resources provided by information and communication technologies. Companies, ie. SMEs in their challenges in the later stages of development will be precisely that, the better position in the global Internet market with its basic premises of creating good material bases and time make their offer accessible to potential consumers.


Author(s):  
Paula Rosalinda Antonio Vidaña ◽  
Daniel Martínez Navarrete ◽  
Luz del Carmen Muñoz Palacios ◽  
Carlos Alberto Ruiz López

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar el nivel de adopción de las TIC´s en los procesos de distribución de las Micro, Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas (MIPyMES). El estudio fue concluyente de tipo descriptivo, que por tomar la muestra en un momento específico es transversal simple, aplicando una muestra de 483 encuestas en un periodo de febrero y mayo 2020, en los municipios de Orizaba e Ixtaczoquitlán.  Se obtuvieron resultados, que en un 23.1% consideran que no necesitan medios como redes sociales, el 34.1% consideran no necesario el usar el servicio de paquetería, lo cual fue un punto discursivo como parte del análisis, entre otros resultados mostrados. Abstract The objective of this research consisted of identifying the level of impact Information and Communication Technologies (Ict) had in distribution processes in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The study consisted of a conclusive descriptive type: which, due to the application of a survey during a specific period, it is a simple cross-sectional study applying a sample of 483 surveys between the months of February and May 2020, in the municipalities of Orizaba and Ixtaczoquitlan, in the State of Veracruz. Results showed that 23.1% considered that they had no need for media such as social networks, 34.1% considered the use of postal or parcel services unnecessary, which was a discursive standpoint as part of the analysis among other given results.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-33
Author(s):  
Eva Ardielli

Rapid expansion of eParticipation as a tool of engagement and strengthened cooperation between governments and citizens is a contemporary trend worldwide. The objective is to improve access to information and public services as well as to promote participation in policy-making by usage of Information and Communication Technologies. eParticipation is also considered as a necessary component or a prerequisite of eDemocracy. The paper is focused on the issue of eParticipation and its application on local level of government in the Czech Republic. The aim of the research is to evaluate the offer and availability of eParticipation services provided on the municipal websites by the municipalities with extended powers in Moravian-Silesian Region. The methodology and structure of the criteria for assessing the level of eParticipation services in the presented research was designed on the basis of the Digital Governance in Municipalities Worldwide methodology. The data were obtained from author`s own investigation on the municipal websites. The data analysis was supplemented by cluster analysis. On the basis of the results of cluster analyses, the municipalities were divided according to their success in the selected criteria. The results of the research point out the insufficient offer of eParticipation services on municipal websites and on the poor options of citizen´s eParticipation at the local level of government in the Moravian-Silesian Region. Similar results may be expected across the Czech Republic. The results of this research are particularly relevant to the municipal authorities of the selected region and local government to indicate the weaknesses of online opportunities for society. At present, the topic of participation at the local level is very important as it contributes to the implementation of the concept of Smart Cities. This research emphasizes that the offer and availability of eParticipation services for citizens needs to be expanded. It is very useful and comfortable to use current technological possibilities and offer participation services online.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document