GUIDELINES FOR THE SUCCESSFUL ADOPTION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

Research was conducted to establish the factors that lead to the succe ssful adoption of Information Technology (IT) by Small and Medium Ente rprises (SMEs) in today's turbulent times. The opinions of owners and managers of Australian SMEs on 10 factors representing modern IT adopt ion practices were obtained. The analysis of their responses identifie d three major IT acquisition phases and their significance. First, SME s should assess IT benefits, the organisational culture and IT suitabl e for the firm. Second, they should determine if sufficient internal r esources are available and appropriate procedures exist for the succes sful selection and implementation of IT. Third, SMEs need to evaluate the external environment, support and resources, particularly if inhou se resources and support are lacking. At the end of each phase, the de cision should be made on whether or not to continue with IT acquisitio n. The recommended phased approach minimises the overall risk of techn ology acquisition, (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd, All rights reserved.