Dublin Core
Title
Evaluating the Effect of Technology on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) In Ghana: Case Study of SMEs in the Accra Metropolis
Creator
Edwin Nii Mensah Abordo
Description
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in building the economies of developing and developed countries. In Ghana, about 90% of businesses are SMEs and contribute immensely in the generation of employment, income and economic growth. Due to its
tremendous contributions, it becomes necessary to identify the various factors that improve the business operations of such enterprises. One of such identified drivers is technology. Hence, the study is to evaluate the effect of technology on SMEs in the Accra Metropolis. This study is to: assess the present state of technology adoption in SMEs; evaluate the effects of technology in the growth of SMEs and to critically analyze the challenges SMEs encounter in using technology.
The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. Also, the mixed method research approach was used to provide width and depth to the study. In all, fifty-four (73%) questionnaires were successfully received and four interviews were conducted. The qualitative data were analyzed using explanation-building, pattern matching and content analysis while SPSS and Microsoft Excel were used to analyze the quantitative data. The analyzed results were
presented in descriptive and graphical representations like charts, tables and percentages.
The study found out that smart phones, desktop computers, laptops and mobile money platforms were the most patronized forms of technology used by SMEs. It also revealed that technology was very beneficial in reducing the cost of business transactions, improving business
communications and increasing productivity. However, the study identifies that cost of software and equipment as well as unavailability of ICT experts were major challenges that SMEs encountered in adopting technology.
Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that flexible loans be provided to SMEs to encourage them purchase the necessary technologies for their businesses. Also, NBSSI in collaboration with NGOs could organize trainings to help operators acquire basic ICT skills and
also to increase the awareness of the benefits of using technology.
tremendous contributions, it becomes necessary to identify the various factors that improve the business operations of such enterprises. One of such identified drivers is technology. Hence, the study is to evaluate the effect of technology on SMEs in the Accra Metropolis. This study is to: assess the present state of technology adoption in SMEs; evaluate the effects of technology in the growth of SMEs and to critically analyze the challenges SMEs encounter in using technology.
The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. Also, the mixed method research approach was used to provide width and depth to the study. In all, fifty-four (73%) questionnaires were successfully received and four interviews were conducted. The qualitative data were analyzed using explanation-building, pattern matching and content analysis while SPSS and Microsoft Excel were used to analyze the quantitative data. The analyzed results were
presented in descriptive and graphical representations like charts, tables and percentages.
The study found out that smart phones, desktop computers, laptops and mobile money platforms were the most patronized forms of technology used by SMEs. It also revealed that technology was very beneficial in reducing the cost of business transactions, improving business
communications and increasing productivity. However, the study identifies that cost of software and equipment as well as unavailability of ICT experts were major challenges that SMEs encountered in adopting technology.
Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that flexible loans be provided to SMEs to encourage them purchase the necessary technologies for their businesses. Also, NBSSI in collaboration with NGOs could organize trainings to help operators acquire basic ICT skills and
also to increase the awareness of the benefits of using technology.
Subject
MSc. Management Information System
Publisher
Ghana Technology University Library
Date
January 2018
Contributor
Ing. Isaac Hanson