Author: Judge, Cecelia M
Title: Awareness of strategic information technology among small businesses in the Hong Kong service sector
Degree: M.B.A.
Year: 1999
Subject: Small business -- China -- Hong Kong -- Data processing
Information technology -- China -- Hong Kong
Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations
Department: Department of Management
Pages: vii, 98 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm
Language: English
Abstract: Information technology (IT) can be said to bring strategic or competitive advantages to firms (McFarlan, 1984). Areas where IT can leverage strategy include interorganizational systems, information enabled partnerships, and business process reengineering (BPR). Although research in Strategic Information Systems (SIS) has tended to focus on large firms, small firms can benefit in similar ways (Fuller, 1996). Small firms differ from large ones in that they lag behind in IT implementation, and that owner/managers tend to be the key decision makers in strategy and IT matters. Despite these differences, the use of IT as a competitive tool is important for small firms. This is especially true in light of the global trend in mergers, where more and more industries are dominated by larger and larger firms. Two ways in which small firms can leverage IT is through strategic alliances with other small firms and as links in larger firms supply chains. This has particular relevance to small service firms in Hong Kong, which has transformed from a manufacturing economy to a service one over the past decade. More than 98% of all firms in Hong Kong are small, and they have contributed much to Hong Kong's growth and dynamism. In general, small firms are thought to be an important source of new job creation and innovation to economies. A series of interviews was conducted with owner/managers of small service firms in Hong Kong, to determine whether or not IT was used strategically. Findings indicated that while IT was used and considered important to some extent, it was not used strategically.
Rights: All rights reserved
Access: restricted access

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