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Information Systems in Small and Medium Enterprises

Unit Code: HIT8425

Duration

Contact Hours

Campus

Prerequisite

Corequisite

1 semester

36 hours

Hawthorn

HIT5401 Introduction to Business Information Systems or equivalent

Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points

Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the Master of Information Systems Management, Master of Information Technology, Master of Information Technology (Professional Computing) and Master of Technology (Information Technology).

Aims & Objectives:

To appreciate the nature of SMEs and their contexts
To 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
To evaluate the applicability of extant IS theories, models and practices to the SME context
To understand the ways in which I/IS/IT can transform the internal and external operations of an SME
To demonstrate an ability to understand the decision making, evaluation and benefits realisation processes in relation to IS/IT investments in SMEs

Teaching Methods:

Lecture/seminars (24 hrs), Tutorials (labs) (12 hrs)

Assessment:

Assignments (individual and group), Tests, Examination

Generic Skills Outcomes:

The graduate attributes which relate to this subject help to produce graduates who:

are capable in their chosen professional areas (e.g. able to employ and deploy I/IS and IT appropriately in the context of SMEs)
are entrepreneurial (e.g. in their ability to appreciate the transformatory power of IS/IT in SMEs and to recommend appropriate IS/IT solutions in SME contexts)
operate effectively in work and community situations (e.g. an ability to work independently and collaboratively in groups)
are aware of environments (e.g. those that typify SMEs, and adapt their professional behaviours accordingly).

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

Reading Materials:

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

Ihlström, 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

Textbooks:

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