This paper looks at IS decisions within small professional organizations. The study investigates three aspects of IS decision processes drawn from the literature. These focus upon organizational approaches to planning, risk management and product selection, and the factors that impact upon each process. The results of an exploratory survey undertaken in nine firms are presented and compared with the findings of existing research. One expectation is supported; two prove unsupported.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
CapaldoG., RaffaM., and ZolloG. (1995). Factors influencing successful implementation of computer based technologies in knowledge-intensive activities. Information Resources Management Journal, 8(4), 29–36.
2.
CashJ.I., McFarlanF.W., McKenneyJ.L., and VitaleM.R. (1988). Corporate Information Systems Management: Text and Cases (Irwin, Homewood, IL).
3.
ChauP.Y.K. (1995). Factors used in the selection of packaged software in small businesses: views of owners and managers. Information and Management, 29(2), 71–78.
4.
Coopers and Lybrand Survey (1985). The Chartered Accountant in the Information Age (Coopers and Lybrand, London).
5.
CraggP. (1990). Information technology and small firm performance, PhD thesis. Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.
6.
CraggP.B., and KingM. (1993). Small firm computing: motivators and inhibitors. MIS Quarterly, 17(1), 47–60.
7.
DoukidisG.I., LybereasP., and GalliersR.D. (1996). Information systems planning in small business: a stage of growth analysis. Journal of Systems Software, 33(2), 189–201.
8.
DoukidisG.I., SmithsonS., and LybereasT. (1994). Trends in information technology in small business. Journal of End User Computing, 6(4), 15–25.
9.
EarlM.J. (1989). Management strategies for information technology (Prentice Hall, New York).
10.
d'AmboiseG., and MuldowneyM. (1986). Management theory for small business: attempts and requirements. Academy of Management Review, 13(2), 226–40.
11.
FarhoomandF., and HrycykG.P. (1985). The feasibility of computers in the small business environment. American Journal of Small Business, 9(4), 15–22.
12.
FullerT. (1996). Fulfilling IT needs in small business; a recursive learning model. International Small Business Journal, 14(4), 25–44.
13.
FullerT., and JenkinsA. (1994). The learning needs associated with the improved adoption of IT by small businesses. Working paper, Durham University Business School, Internationalising Enterprise Education and Training.
14.
GableG.G. (1991). Consultant engagement for computer system selection: a pro-active client role in small businesses. Information and Management, 20, 83–93.
15.
GableG.G., and RamanK.S. (1992). Government initiatives for IT adoption in small businesses. International Information Systems, 1(1), 68–93.
16.
GalliersR.D., MeraliY., and SpearingL. (1994). Coping with information technology? How British executives perceive the key issues in the mid-1990's. Journal of Information Technology, 9(4), 223–38.
17.
GeislerE. (1992). Managing IT in small business: some practical lessons and guidelines. Journal of General Management, 18(1), 74–81.
18.
HeikkilaJ., SaarinenT., and SaaksjarviM. (1991). Success of software packages in small businesses: an exploratory study. European Journal of Information Systems, 1(3), 159–69.
19.
HuffS.D., and MunroM.C. (1985). Information technology assessment and adoption: a field study. MIS Quarterly, 9(4), 327–39.
20.
LeesJ.D., and LeesD.D. (1987). Realities of small business information system implementation. Journal of Systems Management, 25(1), 6–13.
21.
KaganA., LauK., and NusgartK.R. (1990). Information system usage within small business firms. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 14(3), 25–37.
22.
KappM., and VooraM. (1992). IT skills in the 1990's: over-coming obstacles to growth, (West London Training and Enterprise Council, London).
23.
KelmarJ.H., and NoyS. (1990). Perceptual differences in small business strategic Planning. Paper presented at the Fifth National Small Business Research Conference, June. University College of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba.
24.
MaloneS.C. (1985). Computerizing small business information systems. Journal of Small Business Management, 5, 10–16.
25.
MontazemiA.R. (1988). Information Systems in Small Businesses (Society of management accountants of Canada, Hamilton Ontario).
26.
NaylorJ.B., and WilliamsJ. (1994). The successful use of IT in SMEs on Merseyside. European Journal of Information Systems, 3(1), 48–56.
27.
NiedermanF., BrancheauJ., and WetherbeJ. (1991). Information systems management issues in the 1990s. MIS Quarterly, 15(4), 474–500.
28.
NolanR.L. (1979). Managing the crisis in data processing. Harvard Business Review, 57(2), 115–26.
29.
PalviaP., MeansD.B., and JacksonW.M. (1994). Determinants of computing in very small business. Information and Management, 27(3), 161–74.
30.
PhelpsR. (1996). Risk management and agency theory in IS projects – an exploratory study. Journal of Information Technology, 11, 297–307.
31.
PorterM.E., and MillarV.E. (1985). How information gives you competitive advantage. Harvard Business Review, (July-August) pp. 149–160.
32.
RaymondL. (1985). Organisational characteristics and MIS success in the context of small business. MIS Quarterly, 9(1), 37–52.
33.
SabherwalR., and KingW.R. (1995). An empirical taxonomy of the decision-making processes concerning strategic applications of information systems. Journal of Management Information Systems, 11(4), 177–214.
34.
SchollhammerH., and KuriloffA.H. (1979). Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York).
35.
SennJ.A., and GibsonV.R. (1981). Risk of Investment in microcomputers for small business management. Journal of Small Business Management, 19(3), 24–32.
36.
SchleichL., CorneyW., and WarrenJ. (1990). Pitfalls in microcomputer system implementation in small business. Journal of Systems Management, 41(6), 7–10.
37.
SheppardJ. (1990). The strategic management of IT investment decisions: a research note. British Journal of Management, 1(3), 171–81.
38.
ShererS.A. (1993). Purchasing Software Systems. Information and Management, 24(5), 257–66.
39.
ThongJ.Y.L., YapC.S., and RamanK.S. (1994a). Engagement of external expertise in information systems implementation. Journal of Management Information Systems, 11(2), 209–31.
40.
ThongJ.Y.L., YapC.S., and RamanK.S. (1994b). Top management support in small business information systems implementation: how important is it? Paper presented at the Proceedings of the 1993 ACM SIGCPR. St. Louis (April), 416–25.
41.
WelshJ.A., and WhiteJ.F. (1981). A small business is not a little big business. Harvard Business Review, 59(4), 18–32.
42.
WillcocksL., and MargettsH. (1993). Risk assessment and information systems. European Journal of Information Systems, 3(2), 127–38.
43.
WroeB. (1987). Successful Computing in a Small Business (NCC Publications, Manchester).