Determinants of BIS adoption by SMME grocery retailers in Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality

Abstract

Background: Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies drive business transformation; yet, small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality grocery retail industry lag, thus calling for further scrutiny and solutions to accelerate business intelligence systems (BIS) adoption.

Aim: This research intends to determine the impact of thoughtfully chosen variables on BIS adoption among SMMEs in the grocery retail industry within three selected regional zones in Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa, and presents an all-embracing framework to assist SMMEs in adopting BIS.

Setting: The information utilised in this research was gathered from 275 SMME owners and managers from three selected regional zones in Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.

Methods: A quantitative research method underpinned this study. Data collection was conducted through self-administered questionnaires utilising multistage sampling techniques. For data analysis, structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to determine the model fit and evaluate the suggested hypotheses.

Results: The findings revealed that task technology fit, perceived ease of use, BIS characteristics, perceived usefulness, task characteristics and trialability positively influence BIS adoption. Observability did not influence BIS adoption. Out of the seven hypotheses, six were accepted.

Conclusion: The results of this research are informative and crucial for policymakers in various government entities, SMME owners and managers and other stakeholders seeking better ways to promote the growth of SMMEs and bolster service provision through integrating BIS technologies.

Contribution: The results helped to close the literature gap by illuminating the relevant methods for speeding up BIS adoption by SMMEs in the grocery retail industry.