Abstract
Background: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the bedrock of most economies of the world. Due to global competition, SMEs are making significant investments in information technology (IT) to improve their business processes. However, a study of extant literature on the subject of IT governance in SMEs has highlighted the fact that the implementation of structural controls to enable effective IT governance is often difficult, resulting in project failures and loss of income.Objectives: This paper seeks to examine ways by which SMEs can successfully adapt a suitable IT governance framework to manage its IT investments.Method: A content analysis of extant literature was done in this paper. The Technology–Organisation–Environment theory forms the theoretical basis of the proposed key pillars for an SME to evaluate its capability to embark on an IT governance initiative in order to obtain the desired results.Results: From the content analysis of relevant literature, the paper proposed three key pillars which should be in place before an SME adapts any IT governance framework to manage its IT investments. The key pillars are considered an important link between strategic IT governance plans and measurable successful outcomes.Conclusion: It was concluded that an SME would be better positioned for successful IT governance if it were to conduct a careful analysis of the components of these key pillars before embarking on the implementation of any IT governance framework.
Highlights
As a sector, the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) labour force is the largest sector of employees worldwide and contributes significantly to growth in developing economies (Apulu & Ige 2011)
Based on the content analysis methodology chosen for this study, and the challenges identified in SME structures and management, it is postulated that the TOE framework serves as a useful tool in formulating the key pillars which enable an SME to delve into the critical issues that need to be addressed before the adaptation of an information technology (IT) governance framework
A careful analysis of the state and stage of technology artefacts in SME is vital before any IT governance model is adapted
Summary
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the bedrock of most economies of the world. SMEs are making significant investments in information technology (IT) to improve their business processes. A study of extant literature on the subject of IT governance in SMEs has highlighted the fact that the implementation of structural controls to enable effective IT governance is often difficult, resulting in project failures and loss of income
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.