Microcomputers and Small Firms in New Zealand

Abstract

Paul Cragg is a senior lecturer in management studies at the University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. His current teaching is in operational research and management information systems. His paper discusses the results of a field study of 100 small firms with computers. The managers interviewed considered their computerisation to have been a success, which is an encouraging result considering their initial lack of computing experience. The firms had developed more effective clerical systems, with time savings being a major benefit. Better information was very much appreciated by many of the managers. However, problems had been experienced, though they had lingered on for only a minority of companies. Overall, the managers recommended computerisation to small firms.