LOCAL SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE (SME) COMPUTERISATION : ISSUES, PROBLEMS, AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Much research and studies have been conducted on MIS implementation. However, relatively little is known about the key factors critical to successful computerisation in small and medium enterprises. (SMEs). This thesis addresses some of the issues and problems related to local SMEs' computerisation. It highlights several key factors critical to successful implementation of computer systems in SMEs. Some of these critical success factors are top management support, consultant's effectiveness, vendor support, and user's involvement. The thesis also presents a list of government assistance schemes that help local SMEs to computerise their business. It provides an overview of how these government assistance schemes can help to solve some of the major problems faced by local SMEs in their computerisation effort. Two major problems encountered by SMEs are financial constraints and lack of internal expertise. Several real-life successful stories of SMEs' computerisation are presented to give an in-depth insight on the topic.