CHALLENGES AFFECTING USE OF I.C.T BY SMALL & MEDIUM SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMES) IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF TSAVO SECURITIES LTD
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/jepm.133Keywords:
challenges, information communication technologies, small and medium enterprisesAbstract
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to underscore the challenges faced by Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in using Information Communication Technologies (ICT) in the case of Tsavo Securities Ltd.
Methodology: A descriptive case study design was used in this study and the population (32 employees) constituted all the employees appearing on the employment register. A sample of 50% (16) was selected from the population. A self-report questionnaire was the data collection tool used in this study. The data was analyzed by use of inferential statistics and presented using graphs and charts.
Results: Findings in this study indicate that inadequate funds and costs of acquiring hardware and software, inadequate training, lack of an ICT policy and poor ICT security were fundamental challenges facing SMEs in Kenya. Benefits accruing to SMEs from the use of ICT were competitive advantage, local expansion and cost saving.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The researcher concluded that the above challenges affected the use of ICT use by SMEs. Consequently, the researcher suggested several solutions to curb these challenges. The deepening of the local SME financial market was advocated for to curb the challenge of finance. In addition, the introduction of an ICT policy was advocated for. Training needs needed to be addressed by the introduction of government sponsored ICT training initiatives. The study recommended an investigation into the causal relationship between ICT use and financial performance.
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