An impact evaluation of the small enterprise computerisation programme in Singapore

Abstract

The Small Enterprise Computerisation Programme (SECP) was introduced by the Singapore government in 1986 to encourage and aid computerisation in small businesses. The programme incentives include educational information technology (IT) seminars, provision of technical expertise in the forms of advisors and consultants, and various financial subsidies and loans. This paper describes the results of a formal evaluation of the impact of the SECP based on the views of various participants in the programme. The main finding is that the government programme has helped small businesses to computerise successfully. However, more efforts need to be expended in promoting this programme to small businesses that have not computerised. There is a lack of knowledge of the existence of the computerisation programme and lack of appreciation of the programme.