Bradshaw, Adrian, Cragg, Paul, and Pulakanam, Venkat (2013) Do IS consultants enhance IS competences in SMEs? Electronic Journal of Information Systems Evaluation, 16 (1). pp. 13-24.

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Abstract

Many small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) turn to consultants for assistance with IS projects, for example, to help the firm select and implement a new system. Prior studies have shown that consultants have a major influence on IS success for SMEs. However, despite its importance to IS success, relatively little research has focused on the relationship between SMEs and IS consultants and whether this relationship has any impact or influence on the development of IS competences in SMEs. T his study investigates whether consultants compensate for or enhance an SMEs IS competences during a major IS project. A multiple case study approach was adopted involving SMEs who implemented an Accounting Information System (AIS). The case firms provide evidence that SMEs lack many IS skills and abilities. The study identified a number of competences that are compensated or enhanced by consultants. The major finding of this study is that IS consultants help SMEs overcome a lack of IS competences, rat her than help develop IS competences within an SME. Managing the relationship between consultant and SME is crucial for SMEs lacking many IS competences.

Item ID:	36905
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1566-6379
Keywords:	IS projects, IS consultants, SMEs, competences, resource-based theory, accounting information system
Date Deposited:	14 Mar 2016 22:37
FoR Codes:	08 INFORMATION AND COMPUTING SCIENCES > 0806 Information Systems > 080609 Information Systems Management @ 100%
SEO Codes:	89 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES > 8999 Other Information and Communication Services > 899999 Information and Communication Services not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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