How Managers Use Information Systems for Strategy Implementation in Agritourism SMEs

Maria Kamariotou,Fotis Kitsios

doi:10.3390/info11060331

Abstract

Agritourism is long established and the interest in diversification of agricultural enterprises into tourism has increased. However, many challenges have emerged regarding the lack of appropriate skills, strategic planning, Information Systems (IS), as well as increased costs in production processes. In Greece, the contribution of agritourism to economic growth has increased in the last decade, but the relationship between the agricultural sector and agritourism is a reason for certain people having largely taken advantage from the development of tourism in a specific area. Greek businesses operating in the agritourism sector are seeking long-term sustainability. However, they lack strategic planning and effective use of IS. As the strategic implementation of Information Technology (IT) in Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the agritourism sector is under-researched, this paper aims to investigate how the process of Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) affects the success of Greek SMEs in the agritourism industry. IS executives completed the survey and ANOVA analysis was used for data analysis. The findings of the paper indicate that IS executives do not focus on the analysis of the external environment and the evaluation of opportunities for IS development. In addition, the lack of formulation of the IT strategy creates inefficient and unsuccessful IT projects.

Highlights

The interest in multifunctionality and diversification emerged through the severe criticisms, during the last three decades, addressing the capitalization, concentration, and specialization of agriculture as well as its integration into agribusiness chains, which in turn, shrink its synergies with other fields of activity and between different levels and actors [1]
This study aims to examine the relationship between Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) phases and success in Greek Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the agritourism industry
The Icap list was used in order to select the sample of the survey consisting of Information Technology (IT) managers in Greek SMEs that are involved in the agritourism sector [31,32]

Summary

Introduction

The interest in multifunctionality and diversification emerged through the severe criticisms, during the last three decades, addressing the capitalization, concentration, and specialization of agriculture as well as its integration into agribusiness chains, which in turn, shrink its synergies with other fields of activity and between different levels and actors [1]. Many changes have been made in production processes, information sources, as well as the usage of information due to the increase of technology and the development of computer networks. That is why innovation is an important factor for businesses operating in the agricultural sector and helps them grow, be sustainable, and be competitive [1,3,4]. The agritourism sector is considered one of the most significant pillars of the EU economy. Tourism in rural areas, when being endogenously-owned and small scale is considered conducive to sustainable rural development. Other factors that prevent entrepreneurs from engagement with tourism related activities are age, the innovative character of the new activity, and the lack of sufficient capital [7]

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