Problems of information management in small and medium enterprises in Tanzania: Information Systems Success Perspective
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Date
2004
Authors
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
The thesis describes problems of information management in small and medium enterprises. The thesis is based on SMEs' and information technology's vulnerability to failure as well as importance for these two sectors for successful development of many economies. The research collected data through survey from 52 organisations. The data were on technological issues (like .flexibility), organizational characteristics (like position of information and communication technology in organisations), strategic information management, culbn-e aspects, information systems use, user information. satisfaction, demographic and information systems problems. Other variables were change management and organisations size. The data were then subjected to several statistical analyses including structural equation modeling in order to develop an appropriate model for ICT implementation in SMEs. The results show that SMEs face the following problems general ICT problems: change management strategies, management support problems, external support problems, and financial problems. One technical part, the problems are: hardware related problems and software related problems (non-availability of tailor made software systems with high reliability, maintenance of software systems at acceptable levels, lack of software systems in local languages). The research also tested hypotheses, which were divided m three parts: change management, information management and teclu1ology related hypotheses. Result on these hypotheses indicate that change styles like re-engineering favors information systems use but not user information satisfaction. The more the information is managed strategically the less the number of ICT problems. Finally, for SMEs, technology flexibility has no impact on its success in implementation; however, technology flexibility influences the level of problems experienced. Finally, using structural equation modelling, the model which developed form literature reviews was tested and found to meet many fit measures criteria. •This model highlights how information systems should be managed in SMEs.
Description
Available in printed form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF HD30.215.T34M2)
Keywords
Information technology management, Information Systems, Small business management, Tanzania
Citation
Mbamba, U.O,L (2004) Problems of information management in small and medium enterprises in Tanzania: Information Systems Success Perspective.Doctoral dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam.