The role of strategic information systems planning a typical Small or Medium-sized Enterprise

Abstract

Little is known about how Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are linked in a developing country. SISP has also been a concern for many in the Information Technology (IT) industry and IT based businesses as a whole. This research seeks to address this shortcoming by exploring what constitutes a typical SME, what role Information Systems (ISs) play in SMEs and what role SISP plays in SMEs. Consequently, a Delphi panel comprising a questionnaire in the first phase and an interview in the second phase was employed. Some correlation was found to exist with the literature, with the exception of the role of IS in SMEs, whether SISP is an on-going activity, and the fact that SISP can be outsourced. Some new facts were discovered, especially on the topic of outsourcing.

Keywords: company strategy; strategic information systems planning; small and mediumsized enterprises; SME sustainability; stakeholders and management; Viewpoint Training and Consulting