Information systems flexibility and robustness of manufacturing firms in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the nexus between Information systems flexibility and Robustness of manufacturing firms in South-South, Nigeria. Nine objectives and hypotheses were postulated to examine the relationship between the dimensions (IT flexibility, Process flexibility and Data flexibility) and the measures (Persistence, Structural stability and Superposition). A structured questionnaire was prepared, while Google forms was used to gather the data from the 210 respondents. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with the aid of Smart PLS 3.3.3, was used to examine the relationship between the dimensions of Information systems flexibility and the measures of Robustness. A total of 185 responses were collected and used for the analysis. The results show that all three dimensions of Information systems flexibility improved Robustness. The study recommends amongst others, that Management of manufacturing firms should adopt flexible information systems through strengthening of networks, relationships with stakeholders and the emphasis on information technology. This will advance the organisations options and provide the firm with various advantages in terms of information access and knowledge sharing needed for their agility within the business environment.