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Information Systems in Small and Medium Enterprises

Unit Code: HIT3425




Duration

Contact Hours

Campus

Prerequisite

Corequisite

1 semester or equivalent

36 hours

Hawthorn

HIT1401 Introduction to Business Information Systems

Nil

Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points

Aims & Objectives:

This unit is designed to facilitate students’ learning of the Business strategies and Information Systems (IS) implementation strategies in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The unit will cover the characteristics of SMEs that would have an impact on the selection and subsequent investment of suitable software to support its business operations. Furthermore, the unit teaches core and common business processes enabled by IS in an SME, including procurement and order-fulfillment cycles. To deliver practical content, the unit further provides experience with Microsoft Dynamics NAV, an Enterprise System.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
  • appreciate the nature of SMEs and their contexts
  • understand and explain the role and nature of information (I), information systems (IS) and information technology (IT) in SMEs, and the use of I/IS/IT to achieve organisational objectives
  • evaluate the applicability of extant IS theories, models and practices to the SME context
  • understand the ways in which I/IS/IT can transform the internal and external operations of an SME
  • demonstrate an ability to understand the decision making, evaluation and benefits realisation processes in relation to IS/IT investments in SMEs
  • deliver hands-on skills and experience of core business processes in leading IS application- e.g. Microsoft Dynamics NAV

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Teaching Methods:

Lecture/seminars (24 hours), Tutorial (labs) (12 hours)

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Assessment:

Group Assignments, Tests, Examination

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Content:

  • Understanding SMEs and their contexts/environments
  • Use of information and information systems in SMEs
  • Core IS capabilities and competencies required in SMEs
  • Developing IS/IT strategies for SMEs
  • Supporting key business processes in SMEs using IS/IT
  • Evaluating IS/IT in SMEs
  • Achieving flexibility through IS/IT transformation of an SME
  • eBusiness and SMEs – the role of IS/IT
  • Appreciating, planning, acquiring and implementing IS/IT package solutions for SMEs
  • Managing IS/IT in SMEs

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References:

Levy, M. and Powell, P. (2005) Strategies for growth in SMEs: the role of information and information systems. Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford.

Ballantine JA, Levy M and Powell P, Evaluating Information Systems in small and medium-sized enterprises: issues and evidence; European Journal of Information Systems, 7 (1999)

Brown, D.H.and Lockett, N. Potential of critical e-applications for engaging SMEs in e-business: a provider perspective, European Journal of Information Systems, v.13 n.1, p.21-34, March 2004

Caldeira, M.M. and Ward, J.M. Using resource-based theory to interpret the successful adoption and use of information systems and technology in manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises, European Journal of Information Systems, v.12 n.2, p.127-141, June 2003

Davidson. E, and Chiasson, M. Contextual influences on technology use mediation: a comparative analysis of electronic medical record systems, European Journal of Information Systems, v.14 n.1, p.6-18, March 2005

Duhan S , Levy M and Powell P, Information Systems Strategies in Knowledge-based SMEs: The Role of Core Competencies; European Journal of Information Systems (2001)

Eikebrokk, T.R. and Olsen, D.H. Understanding E-business competencies in SMES, Seeking success in E-business: a multidisciplinary approach, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Norwell, MA, 2003

Hunter, M.G. and Long, W.A. Adopting the entrepreneurial process in the study of information systems and small business, Managing IT in government business & communities, Idea Group Publishing, Hershey, PA, 2003

C., Magnusson, M., Scupola, A., and Tuunainen, V.P. SME barriers to electronic commerce adoption: nothing changes-everything is new, Managing IT in government business & communities, Idea Group Publishing, Hershey, PA, 2003

Levy M , Powell P and Yetton P , SMEs and the Gains from IS: From Cost Reduction to Value Added in T Larsen, L Levine and J DeGross (ed.)Information Systems:Current Issues and Future Changes, Helsinki, Finland, IFIP, 8.2/8.6 (1998).\

Levy M , Powell P and Yetton P , SMEs: Aligning IS and the Strategic Context; Journal of Information Technology, 16 133-144 (2001)

Levy M and Powell P, Information Strategy for SMEs: an Organisational Perspective; Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 9 (2000)

Levy M , Powell P and Galliers R D, Assessing Information Systems Strategy Development Frameworks in SMEs; Information and Management, 36 247-261 (1999)

Love, P.E.D. Irani, Z., Standing, C., Lin, C. and Burn, J. The enigma of evaluation: benefits, costs and risks of IT in Australian small-medium-sized enterprises, Information and Management, v.42 n.7, p.947-964, October 2005

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