An examination into the impact of e-business adoption on the operational performance of manufacturing SMES in Windhoek, Namibia
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Date
2020
Authors
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
There is an abundance of literature on e-business definitions, ideas, perceptions,
benefits, drivers and challenges in general. However, most of the research has focused
on larger organisations and a few on SMEs with a greater bias still towards first-world
SMEs. In an attempt to redress the balance of research, this paper looks at e-business
with a particular focus on manufacturing SMEs in Namibia. The main objective ofthe
study was to examine the impact of e-business adoption on the operational
performance of manufacturing SMEs in Windhoek. The study used the quantitative
research method with a descriptive-explanatory research design. The population was
restricted to owners or managers of manufacturing SMEs in Windhoek and the sample
was selected using stratified random sampling. 116 semi-structured questionnaires
were successfully researcher administered, and research data captured using Microsoft
Excel then exported to SPSS version 22 for descriptive and inferential data analysis.
It was found that SME and respondents' characteristics with the exception of
educational level does not affect e-business adoption. Management choices, expected
positive results and ICT infrastructure evolution are major drivers of e-business
adoption. Firm size and stakeholder pressure are weaker drivers, while the availability
of ICT skilled personnel within a firm and government support were ruled out as
possible e-business adoption drivers. There is a high adoption of the general use of
computers, emails, Facebook, and financial services platforms. There is low adoption
of management and operations systems, online information storage and recently
launched social media networks such as Twitter and Instagram. Manufacturing SMEs
in Windhoek are still at the infancy stage of e-business adoption. Tested relationships
yielded satisfying outcomes consistent with the way they were hypothesised.
Recommendations of the study were that more work needs to be done by various
stakeholders such as the government, various ministries, academics and SMEs, to
ensure effective e-business adoption and use in the future. Lastly, recommendations
for future studies were also made and suggested that there should be use of mixed
research methods, qualitative research, nationwide research or comparative studies
across different geographical zones
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration Management Strategy
Keywords
Manufacturing SMEs, E-business, Operational performance, Windhoek, Namibia, University of Namibia