The role of improvisation in IST planning and provision in UK SMEs

Ammar Hamamra, David H. Brown, Paul Devadoss

Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputConference publication

Abstract

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) exhibit problems in planning and providing information and systems technology (IST) facilities in the context of third party provision. To explore this problem, the research methodology utilizes a case study strategy, with data collected primarily via face-to-face semi-structured interviews with key IT decision makers in four SMEs in the north west of England. Improvisation theory is used as a theoretical lens to both guide the data collection and interpret the research. Based on the analysis of one example case study called Mercury there is precious little in the literature that reflects the reality of this SME; Mercury follows a strategy of improvisation in accessing and using third party IT services. The findings capture the process through which Mercury goes about providing their IST facilities.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 7th IADIS International Conference Information Systems 2014, IS 2014
EditorsMiguel Baptista Nunes, Luis Rodrigues, Philip Powell, Pedro Isaias
PublisherIADIS
Pages119-126
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9789898704047
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2014
Event7th IADIS International Conference on Information Systems, IS 2014 - Madrid, Spain
Duration: 28 Feb 20142 Mar 2014

Conference

Conference7th IADIS International Conference on Information Systems, IS 2014
Country/TerritorySpain
CityMadrid
Period28/02/142/03/14

Keywords

  • Bricolage
  • Improvisation
  • IS strategy
  • SaaS
  • SMEs
  • Third party provision

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